A Charismatic Evil-M, Drama, Casefic - by willgirl

I love her little slip up. Wonder if she even knew she had said it. Great chapter. PPS

haha, loved it!

*dances around* ha ha ha HA HA! She goofed and called him Andy! Way to go Bones.....

Still love this story!!

ohhh they are getting close...to the killer, and to each other yay!!!!

A/N: We are getting down to the wire here! Five chapters left! I hope you enjoy and thanks for all the reviews.

She decided to observe this time, but she couldn’t say why. Usually she was right in there with Booth, questioning suspects and watching him do his thing. But today, today she couldn’t sit there in that interrogation room and watch Patrick Shila remain silent. She only hoped her partner would coax it out of him.

Yet, even as she stood watching Booth talk to an unresponsive Patrick, she felt no desire to be there. For once, her inquisitive nature had died down and instead she felt…sick. This case had been going on for almost two months and only now did she begin to realize the weight it carried.

It must be worse for Booth, her partner who let things affect him so deeply, especially when there were children involved. Plus his friends were killed as well.

She pulled out her cell phone and sent Booth a quick text message saying that she would be back later. She saw him check it quickly in the room and then glance up at her, concern in his eyes.

She could have stayed. Maybe he needed the support. Maybe he needed her in there with him. But this time she couldn’t help. Turning, she opened the door and left the room quickly. There was someplace she needed to be.

Twenty minutes later, she had arrived at the prison and was going through the checkpoints so that she could go see her father. They had reconciled but she still didn’t visit him much. Somehow she felt compelled to see him.

Walking into the room, she saw him there looking a little haggard, but still okay.

“Hey.” He said smiling, standing up to greet her.

She gave him a quick, awkward hug and sat down.

“What brings you here?’ Max asked. “You usually don’t come to visit me in the middle of the day.”

“Nothing. I just thought we could....talk.”

Max nodded and leaned back in his chair. “About what?”

She shrugged her shoulders.

“How about a game of cards?” Max asked, pulling the cards out of his pocket.

She nodded, glad that she had something to distract her. Unfortunately, five rounds later, she realized the cards weren’t distracting her that much.

“What’s wrong?” Max asked.

She just stared at him.

“Hey, I’m still your father.” He reminded her. “You used to come to me all the time. Maybe I can help.”

She sighed and put down the cards that she had been aimlessly shuffling for the last few minutes.

“There’s this case.” She started. “It’s tricky.”

“Tricky?”

“It involves a cult. We’ve been working on it for several months, I can’t really go into details.”

“You’re tired.” He noted, seeing the dark circles under his daughter’s eyes.

“I just don’t....I’ve been doing this for so long...”

“You need a break.”

Brennan nodded.

“You should go on vacation after you’re done. Someplace sunny.”

Brennan smiled. “You sound like Booth.”

“Yeah, well, Booth’s a good guy.” Max replied.

“I was supposed to be in an interrogation but I just couldn’t do it anymore. And that’s what makes me mad. Is that I feel like I’m giving up involuntarily. I’m just so frustrated with this case and we don’t have any evidence which means that my job is pretty much over but I’m still working the case with Booth because we are partners and this man, Dad, this man did horrible things...” she trailed off, sighing.

“You’ll find him.” He said, placing his hand over hers.

“How can you be sure?” she asked plaintively.

Max flashed back to when she was eight years old and had asked him if he was sure that her pet frog that died had really gone to a better place.

“Because it’s what you do.” He replied assuredly. “You and Booth are very good at your jobs. And because every criminal will eventually get caught.” He shrugged and pointed at himself.
Brennan smiled. “Thanks Dad.”

“Anytime. Now what do you say to another round?”

She nodded and started to deal the cards. The beep of her phone interrupted her. She pulled it out and glanced at the text message from Booth. It was simple.

‘We’ve got him.’

“I’ve got to go.” She said, standing up. “Booth has a lead.”

“Told you.” Max said, smiling.

She headed to the door but then doubled back and pulled her father into a hug.

“Thanks Dad.” She whispered.

And then she was out the door and Max was left by himself, waiting for the guard to escort him back to his cell. Prison wasn’t so bad. He could be in here the rest of his life, and not care. As long as he got to help his daughter.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

She made it back to the Hoover building in record time, heading to Booth’s office, where she saw him in discussion with several agents.

“There’s going to be children there, so we need to go in nice and slow, but with lots of back up. We are going to have a meeting in ten minutes in the boardroom. Cullen’s going to run through some stuff.”

The agents, including Agent Wilder, nodded and left, brushing past her.

“Where have you been?” Booth asked.

“I went to see my father. What happened?”

“I showed Patrick pictures of the axe and the bodies that were recovered. I told him we were going to pin the whole thing on him, being the cult leader and everything. It took a while but he cracked and gave us the location. Wayland, KY. Just outside actually. We’re putting together a task force and are going to fly tomorrow to Lexington and then drive down to Wayland.”

“I get to come right?” she asked.

He nodded. “As if I could stop you. We’re going into a meeting with Cullen and the other agents in a few minutes.”

“What, are they going to storm the place? That seems highly illogical.”

“Nope, just the opposite actually.” He replied. “Come on, I’ll explain it all in the meeting.”

They entered the board room, to find several other agents milling around.

“Dr. Brennan.” She turned around to see Agent Wilder.

“Agent Wilder.” She replied.

“So, this became a big case.”

She nodded. “I’ve had other cases if you will, that have been much more detailed, but never with Booth.”

She saw his questioning look and explained.

“I worked in Guatamala identifying bodies from mass killings. I also worked in Rwanda after the genocide.”

“Wow.” He replied. “That must have taken a lot of work.”

“It took over five years and there’s still more bodies that haven’t been identified and probably never will.”

“Okay people!” They turned and saw Cullen entering the room. “We have a situation here. This Ezekiel is holed up in a barn outside Wayland, KY with his followers, many of whom are children. We don’t want another repeat of Waco. Therefore we will be doing this a bit differently. Special Agent Booth is the lead on this and he will explain. Agent Booth?”

“Obviously if we show up with the full SWAT team in tow, Ezekiel will catch on right away and could possibly hurt the children. Instead, my partner, Dr. Brennan, and I will go up to the house on our own, with the SWAT team around the perimeter, hidden out of sight. Once we have located Zeel, we will bring in the SWAT team if necessary. I’m hoping it won’t be necessary at all.”

“Will the other followers try to retaliate?” an agent asked.

Booth nodded. “Possibly. That’s where you come in. After Dr. Brennan and I have entered, approximately two minutes after, a team of five agents will come in to secure any other potential dangers. I want to do this fast and quick, without any bloodshed.”

“What if he thinks we are coming and plans ahead?” another agent asked.

Brennan shook her head. “That’s highly doubtful. He’s quite arrogant and probably won’t think we’ve gotten this far in the investigation.”

“Bones is right.” Booth nodded. “There’s no way this guy thinks we are coming. All he knows is that we’ve had difficulty interrogating the suspects. Miller Wheats was released and no doubt he went straight to Ezekiel and assured him there was nothing to worry about. We will fly out to Lexington tonight and drive down to Wayland. We will hit them early in the morning. Any other questions?”

Nobody spoke.

“You will be briefed on your specific roles in Lexington. Lexington field agents will also be helping us out.” Cullen said.

“What about local police?” Agent Wilders asked.

“There’s exactly one police officer in Wayland and it’s probably best to keep him out of this.” Booth noted.

“Alright then.” Cullen said. “Dismissed.”

Brennan turned to Booth. “We are just going to walk up and knock on the door?”

Booth shrugged and grinned. “Thought we’d give it a shot.”

“Agent Booth.” Cullen said, coming up to them. “Make sure Dr. Brennan is outfitted with a bulletproof vest. I’d rather you not be there at all, Dr. Brennan, but I can tell you would just come anyway. Keep me updated Booth.”

“Yes sir.” Booth replied as Cullen left the room.

“What now?” Brennan asked.

“Food. And then packing.” Booth replied.

“You always think about food.” She said, smiling.

He shrugged. “Hey, what the stomach wants, the stomach wants.”

“Let’s go to Wong Foo’s.”

“Deal.” He said, as they walked out of the room.

He relished these few moments of peace. They would go to Wong Foo’s and laugh and eat and forget for a moment that tomorrow they were coming up against a deadly killer.


_________________________________________________________________

References

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You have done it yet again Willi. Hope there is no blood shed, except maybe the really, really bad guy. Especially don't want to see B&B get hurt because it will make Cullen question rather they should be together or not. Can't wait for the next chapter. PPS

RollOnFriday wrote:‘We’ve got him.’

Willi I have never felt so much relief from fanfic before....

then my relief was quickly replaced by angst....they are going to confront a serial killer phsyco....

the fact that cullen tells booth to make sure bones wears a vest is making me think that something bad is going to happen, and I know you willi...never a happy ending lol...

I am hoping you will send them both on vacation after this fic and tell us all about it in the sequal *hint hint* x x

A/N: Whew, here we go. After this, there’s four chapters left! Thank you so much for all your reviews, I really appreciate it!

They were in the car, heading to Wayland. They were by themselves which was surprising, considering the number of agents that were coming with them, but it was something Brennan was glad to have.

Neither of them said a word, both mulling over what was going to happen.

Brennan was running through the plan in her head and devising all the things that could go wrong and then coming up with scenarios for them.

Booth was thinking about all the people who would be there and various ways to protect them all. His hands gripped the steering wheel and his eyes flicked to his partner. They had several close calls lately and despite the fact that she was an asset in the field, sometimes he hated bringing her.

They were half an hour away and Booth began to ready himself. He was thrilled and relieved to catch this guy after so long but something told him it wasn’t going to be easy. He didn’t think they would receive a friendly welcome.

“Hello. I am glad to see everyone here this fine morning to talk about God. I hope everyone prayed in their sleep and felt the presence of God with them throughout the night.

There are those of us who are missing but I know that in their hearts they are with us. Today, today I need to talk to you about something. Something that will shatter your hearts. But you must hear it. The apocalypse is coming.”

There were gasps from the people in the crowd.

“Yes.” Zeel said, shaking his head. “The signs are here, right in front of us. There are eight signs of the apocalypse and we are facing down each and every one. We must be brave and strong.”

“What...what are the signs?” a man asked.

“The first comes from the Book of Daniel. ‘Many shall run to and fro...’ Run to and fro!” Zeel shouted. “No one chooses to stay in their place and respect God, they flee. And the wicked, the wicked are coming towards us right now and we must stop them.”

Brennan sighed.

“What?” Booth asked.

“Nothing.” She replied. “I’m just feeling a little anxious.”

“Me too.” Booth replied. “But it’s almost over.”

“I just hope there isn’t a lot of bloodshed.”

“That’s what the plan’s for.” Booth replied. “We’re really solid on that.”

“Yes.” Brennan nodded in agreement.

“Remember what you told me about Howard Epps?” Booth asked.

She shook her head.

“You said that he wasn’t as smart as us. And that’s why we were able to catch him. It’s the same with Ezekiel. He thinks he’s smart, but he’s not.”

“The second sign is knowledge. That verse goes on to say that the increase of knowledge is wicked and evil. Those who crave knowledge are not satisfied with what God has given them. However, the Bible does say this— ‘Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.’ We will be safe from what is to come. From the evil that inhabits people and sickens them like a poison.”

“I think we can avoid another Waco.” Booth said. “In fact, we have to. We have no choice. Things cannot go down like that.”

“The good thing is that Ezekiel doesn’t believe he’s God or Christ.”

“That’s good?” Booth asked.

“Yes. Just like Walter said, he’s your average killer. So while he spouts this religious nonsense, he doesn’t really believe it. He’s just using it to get what he wants. This gives us a chance. It’s unlikely that he will make his followers kill themselves by drinking poisoned Kool-Aid like Jim Jones.”

“Yes, but he may make his followers attack us.” Booth said grimly.

“Now that scenario is more likely.” Brennan noted. “But it does work to our advantage, knowing what kind of killer he is. He likes dramatics.”

Booth nodded. “He always sets up his crime scene, even when he’s not participating.”

“Exactly.” Brennan said. “The grappling hooks, the skipping rope...it’s most likely he wouldn’t be able to deal with a surprise attack.”

“The third sign is false idols. I am not Jesus nor would I ever claim to be. I am not foolish like David Koresh. I just know that I am a lowly servant of God, here to guide you on your way to God’s kingdom. There is too much emphasis placed on revering these false idols; celebrities, rich people, even law enforcement is considered god-like. They are not. These false Christs like David Koresh are a sign of what is to come: the appearance of the true anti-Christ.”

They pulled up to the meeting area, several miles away from the farm. The SWAT team was getting ready. They got out of the car and headed over to Cullen.

“You two ready?” he asked.

They nodded.

Brennan looked around at the SWAT team as they loaded their weapons. They looked like they were preparing for a war. She hoped it wouldn’t come to that. She was handed a bullet proof vest and she slipped it on, putting her jacket over top in order to hide it. She felt a little bulky, but she hoped she would become accustomed to it..

She saw Booth putting on his vest and saw the look of determination in his eyes. When he got into work mode, he was calm, efficient and almost certainly deadly. She could understand why he was a sniper. His focus was incredible. Despite their differences, that was one thing they had in common. He walked over to her and held out a weapon.

“Here.” He said. “You might need it.”

She nodded and they got back into the rental car, which looked quite un-FBI-ish, which was the point. And soon they were heading off down the road.

“Here we go.” She thought.

“The fourth sign is about war. Matthew 24, verses six and seven say ‘You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for these things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom...’.

These wars are among us.” Zeel shouted. “They think that they can come for us, take us and turn us into warmongers. But we are not that way. That is why we do what is necessary to rid the world of evil. We can stop the apocalypse but we must kill the wicked first. They must be smited down and brought before the will of God.”

They got out of the car and headed toward the front door of the average looking house in front of them. To the right was a barn and there were several children playing in the yard.

“I wonder how many of these children have been kidnapped?” Brennan murmured as they made their way to the front door.

They knocked and an older woman opened the door. “Yes?” she asked.

“We’re looking for Ezekiel.” Booth said.

“I don’t know who you’re talking about.” The woman replied.

Booth glanced over at the barn. “We will just head over here.”

“This is private property.” The woman protested.

“And I’m FBI.” Booth replied as they turned away.

“I thought we were being subtle.” Brennan asked, as they made their way to the barn.

“Yeah, well, I’m done with subtle. Let’s go.” He said briskly.

“The final sign is an increase in evil. Matthew 12 says ‘Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.’” Zeel said, raising his hands above his head.

“There is in an increase in wickedness, in those who choose the devil rather than God and it is up to us to bring them down. There is a wicked evil in the world and we are the only thing that’s good and pure. And when the apocalypse comes, we will be ready and we will face it with a grin because we are pure and perfect and...”

“Freeze. FBI.”

Booth inched along towards Ezekiel, whose hands were still high in the air. Brennan on the other hand, circled towards the followers; trying to make sure no one escaped or did anything rash.

“Agent Booth?” Ezekiel asked. “You have made a deadly mistake.”

But despite the bravado in his voice, Booth noticed the slight shake in his shoulders.

“Oh yeah?” Booth replied. “The only mistake I’ve made is not finding you earlier.” He pointed the gun against Ezekiel’s head.

“Now listen up.” He said loudly.”Everyone here is under arrest.”

A murmur went through the crowd and there was fear on everyone’s faces. And yet no one moved, as if they were unsure of what to do. They turned, looking to their leader for guidance. leader.

“If you come with us quietly, then everything will be fine.” Booth stated.

“Yes, everything will be fine.” Zeel said loudly. “They have nothing. We will be back here in no time. Stay strong people. Remember what the Bible says ‘See to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.’

At that moment, FBI agents burst into the barn, led by Cullen.

Brennan lowered her gun and watched as everyone, including the children were rounded up. As Booth led Zeel to the car, she walked over to one of the older girls, who looked so familiar.

“Are you Sarah? Sarah Walkerton?” she asked.

The girl slowly nodded.

“It’s okay.” Brennan said. “Everything’s going to be alright now.”

_________________________________________

References

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great update, willi!

fantastic willi...they got the bastard though from you i was expecting some angsty bloodshed...and hoping, im all for the bloodshed! lol...its not like you to write a happy ending...you are holding something back evil willi...love it x x

A/N: I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Here is the next chapter, I hope you enjoy. It’s a little short but I wanted to end it here. I have to issue a heebie-jeebie alert. And thanks to everyone for their reviews, I really appreciate it! I’ve also posted in my story Moments today, and I may have a chap for my story Remembrances as well. So check those out!

It’s quiet. There is barely a sound, just the slight tapping of fingers against a table top. The slight inhale and exhale of his breath permeates the dark room.

From first glance you wouldn’t be able to understand why he was here. He had boyish good looks and it wasn’t until you looked closely at how his lip curled into a sneer, his eyes seemingly clod and distant, that you realized that he was different.

But he was different. And he knew that. He was special.

The room was gray and depressing, a reminder, he supposed, of what life in jail would be like. It was supposed to be intimidating. But he rather liked it. He had always liked dark, gloomy places, once wedging himself in the cupboard in the pantry. It was two days before they realized he was missing.

His mind flitted to thoughts of the agent who arrested him. Booth. As he was walking by, his hands in cuffs, he caught sight of a woman. She was gorgeous, ethereal, and he wanted to fuck her. Fuck her and then turn her inside out with his knife.

He felt his cock grow hard at the thought of it. She seemed strong too. He loved making strong women cry.

Seeing the doorknob turn, he sat up and braced himself.

It was time to make them pay.

The door opened and Booth and Brennan walked into the room. Ezekiel’s eyes widened. It was her. He licked his lips in delight.

“Hello, Aiden.” Booth said.

Ezekiel said nothing. There wasn’t even a glimmer of recognition on his face.

“Let’s talk.” Booth said as they both sat down opposite him.

Ezekiel looked between the two of them curiously. He assessed them like he would anything.

First, the agent.

A cocky, arrogant ass who somehow thought he was going to win. This agent wins a lot.

‘Not this time.’ Ezekiel thought.

If this agent was as smart as he was then he would recognize someone smarter. After all, he was with her.

She was smart. He could just tell. Her face was expressionless like his. Agent Booth wore his emotions all over himself. It was disgusting. But she, she was different.

“What can I do for you?” he asked.

“Why don’t we start with you killing Tawny Michaels.” Booth said.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He replied calmly.

“How about Charlie MacNaw?”

“Perhaps Agent Booth.” He said smoothly. “You could explain why I’m here.”

“You are here on charges of murder.” Brennan said.

That voice was heavenly and he briefly fantasised about her begging for her life as he stripped the skin from her body.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He stated, his fantasy replaying over and over in his head.

“Tell me Dr. Brennan.” He said, leaning back in his chair. “Are you fucking Agent Booth?”

The reaction was instantaneous. Booth stood up, his hand shielding her as he leaned in close.

“Shut up.” He said menacingly.

Ezekiel just smiled. Now he had the control. What a stupid, sad, little man.

“What’s wrong Agent Booth? Can’t perform?” he sneered.

“Did you kill Charlie MacNaw?” Booth stated.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He grinned. He turned to her. “I bet you have a pretty cunt. Drive the boys wild.” In his mind’s eye, he pictured taking that cunt and slicing it to ribbons with scissors.

“That’s enough.” Booth thundered.

“Clearly you’re not enough.” Ezekiel smirked.

“You are playing games with us.” Brennan said calmly. “It won’t work. There’s evidence that ties you to the body.”

Ezekiel knew she was lying. He had made sure of that. “Well, it must be wrong.” He stated. “I’m just a simple man trying to do God’s work.”

“You are a killer who will be put away for a long time.” Booth growled.

Ezekiel just folded his hands and put them in his lap, his fingers rubbing slightly against his hardened cock, sending sparks through his body and making the smile on his face grow bigger.

“It must be hard, Agent Booth, to resist the charms of a whore like that every day….”

In an instant, Booth was across the table, pressing his head against the cold metal.

“One more word and I will pull out my gun.” Booth said fiercely.

Ezekiel licked his lips, his tongue darting out and tasting the cool metal. He grinned.

This was too easy.

willi...you can't possibly end it just like that..it would be like watching three quaters of a bones episode but missing the ending...holy crap that was a freaky chapter, he is a complete nutcase..and booth is smarter than he thinks, as we all know!..we need B and B to wrap this up and go on a long awaited vacation together lol x x

WILLI, GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE AND FINISH THIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You absolutely can't leave us like this. I want to see this guy really get what is coming to him, and have B&B out smart him.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.... I figured a little begging couldn't hurt.

another great update!

A/N: Here we go! This is the second to last chapter! I hope you like it! Thanks to everyone for the reviews! Next chapter up in the next few days.

It had been too long. Too long since he had tasted someone’s blood and he found himself craving it. Odd, that he would crave it now. That’s not how it used to be. Before he was only curious, that was all, wanted to see what it was like to kill someone.

Everyone gets curious about things, his was about killing. At first it was about letting blood spill. Hestarted with his own body; cutting himself and feeling the blood ooze out onto the linoleum of the kitchen floor.

Then once, as he watched the blood pool on the floor, he had a desire to taste it. Just a little lick. He was just curious. And then he did and he was so aroused that he pulled out his cock and jacked off over the kitchen floor, laughing as he came.

It was then he decided what he wanted. To spill someone else’s blood. Once he did that, then he could go about his way. It was just scientific curiosity.

So he found a young woman walking home at one in the morning and he attacked her, stabbing her repeatedly. He came all over her before walking away. It was then, then he realized the complete thrill of what he could do. It felt powerful, as if he was consuming that person’s essence. Soon he had to have more.

Sometimes his conscience flared up, but soon his cravings overtook him and he killed over and over again, loving every second.

It wasn’t until Lisa that everything changed. She was maybe 12 years old, and he saw her at the park. He knew her name because he heard her mother call to her and it was then that he decided he wanted her. He wanted to violate her in every way possible. The thought excited him desperately and he went about carrying out his plan.

That was the beginning of his true craving. The one that wouldn’t stop.

And now he was here, in a cold jail cell waiting for the agent and that slutty doctor to come back and question him.

He laughed as he thought about their feeble attempts. He would not give anything away because he couldn’t stop feeding his cravings. He needed to be outside in the world fulfilling his destiny, not inside this disgusting cell.

Yes, once he got outside he would find someone. Maybe a little boy this time.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx


“How long?”

“Fifteen minutes.”

Booth nodded and continued to flip the poker chip in his hand. “I don’t want you in there.”

As expected, his partner resisted.

“You’re kidding me right, Booth?” Brennan asked, hands on her hips. “That’s what he wants. It will give him the upper hand.”

“Yeah, I suppose.” He conceded. “But listen...”

“I’ll be fine.” She stated. “Will you?”

He nodded again and they fell into silence.

They were both steeling themselves against what was going to happen next. Yesterday’s disastrous interrogation session paved the way for fevered pacing and a sleepless night. They both had dark circles under their eyes and they were slightly hunched, as if standing up straight would require too much effort.

This case had tested them. More than tested, it sucked them dry and asked for more. They were so close to the end but faced with an insurmountable task. Getting Ezekiel to confess.

This was usually the easiest part. Brennan brought in her forensic evidence and Booth did his intuitive cop thing and the suspect crumbled. But Ezekiel not only didn’t confess, he riled them up and took control.

Brennan looked over at her partner and now realized why he kept that poker chip in his pocket. It was for moments like these when you were too jittery to keep still but too tired to move.

Booth, meanwhile, was running through the victims in his head, keeping focus of why they were doing this.

Tawny.
A girl with so much potential strangled to death and violated.

Howard.
Trying to turn his life around only to be tortured and set on fire.

Ryan.
An innocent college student who was feasted on.

Charlie MacNaw and his family.
Paid the price for trying to make a better life for his family.

His gaze hardened. He would get this motherfucker. There was no way that he was going to get away with this, despite the slightly sceptical look on his partner’s face. This was one of those times when faith came in handy.

Faith in his own abilities, faith in his partner’s and faith that God would never let a man like this get away with his crimes. He had to pay for what he did and Booth was the one who was going to make him.

The door opened and they both turned and saw Cullen followed by Walter Rankman.

“Walter”. Brennan said, smiling tightly.

“Tempe. And Agent Booth, good to see you.” Walter replied. “I was looking over the file and I think I can help.”

“Okay.” Booth said.

“He is over confident, cocky to say the least.”

“That’s for sure.” Booth muttered.

“He thinks there is nothing that can stop him and there is nothing that you can say that will make him reveal himself. But there is one thing you can talk about that will probably shock him out of his cockiness. His father.”

“His father will shock him into confessing?” Brennan asked sceptically.

“Yeah.” Booth interrupted. “He probably hasn’t thought about his father in a long time.”

“Agent Booth is correct.” Walter said. “The death of his father no doubt impacted him deeply. It’s most likely he then put it out of his mind, focusing on other things.”

“Like killing people?” Booth asked. “Yeah, I gotcha. C’mon Bones.”

“That’s it?” she asked.

“Don’t worry.” He replied. “I’ve got a plan.” He glanced in the room where they were bringing Ezekiel in. Time to get the bastard.

They headed out of the observation room and into the interrogation room. Ezekiel was sitting there calmly, his hands folded.

“So...” Booth started.

“You’re back.” Ezekiel said. “Good to see you. Especially you.” He said, directing his last comment to Brennan.

“I thought we could continue our chat.” Booth replied.

“What about?” Ezekiel scoffed.

“Tell me about your father.”

A myriad of emotions displayed themselves of Ezekiel’s face before he turned stoic again. But Booth saw it.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Your dad? Reginald Powell?” Booth said. “He’s dead, isn’t he?”

Ezekiel didn’t reply.

“Yeah, that’s what the file says. Poor old Reggie died several years ago. Freak attack.”

“Don’t call him that.” Ezekiel muttered.

“What?” Booth taunted. “Reggie? He looks like a Reggie to me”. He said, holding up the picture.

“His name is Reginald.”

“So Reggie here got killed by some crazy.”

“Stop that!” Ezekiel said, his voice rising.

“Stop what?” Booth replied calmly. “Just talking about your dad here. Did you like him? I didn’t like my dad either. He died several years ago. Heart attack. You watched your dad die right? What was that like?”

“I know what you’re doing.” Ezekiel said, shifting in his chair. He seemed quite agitated now. “And it won’t work.”

“What am I doing?” Booth asked.

“You want me to talk about him, like that will solve anything. I know what you want.”

“You don’t know what I want, but I know what you wanted.” Booth replied. “Maybe to be the one to kill him first?”

A spark of recognition flashed in Ezekiel’s eyes.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” He said, sitting back in the chair.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Damn him. That cocky FBI agent and that slut were just staring at him, not saying a word and it frustrated him. He wanted them to leave or lean a bit closer so he could rip their limbs off.

Those motherfuckers. Didn’t they know? He needed his drug of choice, he needed it to happen, needed to kill someone and taste their blood. He felt a bead of sweat on his forehead and willed it away. He couldn’t break, wouldn’t break. They couldn’t make him.

There was that niggling thought worming in the back of his head telling him to give in. Just say the word and he could get what he wanted. It didn’t matter if they put him in jail, he could kill some inmates. That wouldn’t be a problem, would it?

He shook the thought away. He wouldn’t give them a chance to be smug. He wanted Booth to feel pain and if he can’t stab him in the gut with a knife, at least he could do this.

He opened his mouth and shut it again. What did they want him to say? That he liked seeing his father die. He did. His father was never nice to him, never cared about him and to see him stabbed like that made him feel vindicated. His father was an evil man, couldn’t they see that?

“Let’s talk about Susie.” Booth said, cutting into his thoughts. “She confessed you know. And she’s making a deal in order to testify against you.”

No she’s not. She wouldn’t do that, he’s bluffing stay cool.

There we go. C’mon now. Take the bait.

Who does he think he is? Who do they think they are? Don’t they know what I need? What I’m capable of?

C’mon, just fucking do it. Confess so I can lock you up and go get pie and never have to think of you again.

But what if she did? Susie was always the weak link, he knew that. He should have spent some more time with her, should have punished her more.

Don’t break eye contact. He’s going to crumble. You can do this, Seel. We’re close now.

Stop staring at me! Stop it!

There it is. His eyes shifted a bit. C’mon now, c’mon.

She’s staring at me too. They’re both staring at me, why won’t they say anything. Can’t they see what I had to do? Can’t they understand? That bitch Susie should have died.

“That bitch Susie should have died.”

His words echoed in the small room, making him realize that he spoke them aloud.

Booth just quirked an eyebrow at him.

He shut his eyes and felt the ground fall from beneath him. His life, his precious life, was seeping through his fingers like sand. His heart was pounding hard and he squeezed his eyes, trying to block what was coming next, trying to stop the stares from penetrating his mind.

He liked dark places.

Anything was better than this.

“I like killing people.”

oh yeah..........oh yeah.............'i like killing people'....yes zeek......we know you do.......and now you told booth and bones........you are sooooooo in for it now.......

and now willi......a mix of WOW......and.....EWWWWWWWWW for his flashbacks of blood and other nasty things he did........yes thats right i said ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww........but you know i loved it.......murder is not nice........oh and cutting yourself.....ahhhhhhh not that i have ever done it.......but i am sure it would hurt.......oh the descrïptions.......watching it pool on the floor........or ooze......i like that word.........oh my..........loving the b and b interaction of course........you are always spot on with that........oh i cant wait to see what happens next...........i believe you may have him try to do something to brennan............not sure yet.........but you are evil yourself........so do you have the next chap ready yet......lol....oh willi.........am printing this off as i speak.........whoooooooo hoooooooooooooooo........loved it.......and cant wait for more............my god woman you have so rocked this...............

Willi, I swear this is one of the best fanfics I have read. I can't wait for the last chapter. Maybe some fluff?! Anyway, PPS.

A/N: Oh my god, it’s the end. How is that possible? Sorry for the delay, I was moving over my web board to a different location and it’s been occupying my time. You can find it here at www dot theaby dot org. Without all the spaces and such. Just google The Aby, you should be able to find it! So I have to give a few shout outs. The first are for a2b and Bella who have reviewed every chapter and given me great feedback!

The second is for my beta, AnaG. She has been nothing short of spectacular and I’m convinced all of the good bits in this story are really from her. You should check out her writing, it’s great.
And of course, to all of you who reviewed. This is my first case fic, so I was quite anxious about posting it and you all alleviated my fears. I hope you enjoy this last chapter!

Tired wasn’t a strong enough word. Somehow exhaustion didn’t fit the bill either. Whatever Seeley Booth was feeling, he wished it would go away. Apparently, hiding in the stairwell wasn’t going to help.
It had only been eleven minutes since the confession. After admitting he liked killing people, Ezekiel had a ton to say, almost cockily, about how he arranged the whole thing. Those he didn’t kill, he got others to do. He smiled then, a sick and twisted smile that would be forever burned into Booth’s memory.

He was led away and after Booth spoke with Cullen, he left Brennan in his office and said he would be back. That was four and a half minutes ago. She was probably looking for him. But he couldn’t move from his spot.

He was originally making his way to the break room to get them both a coffee. But his legs took him here instead. It was too stuffy in there and he just wanted to breathe.

So here he was, sitting on the concrete step, methodically picking at the greyish paint that was starting to peel on the banisters.

His mind flitted to several years earlier, when he was thrown in a pit and pulled out daily to survive vicious beatings. The time in the pit was supposed to be for sleep, but he barely got any, unable to shut his eyes for fear that he would never open them again. He remembered being so tired that his body shook and he sent up a prayer to God asking that it never happen again.

It hadn’t, but he could feel the cusp of it now. That total exhaustion that makes your eyes blur and your body tremble. He had barely slept in the last five days, so intent on catching Ezekiel.. And yet, he didn’t want to sleep now, the nagging thought in his head repeating itself. What if he fell asleep and woke up and this part was still a dream? The part where they caught the bad guy?

He ran his hand through his hair and rested it on his leg, his fingers drumming his thigh lightly. He closed his eyes and flashes of the last few months went through his head.

Finding Tawny. Questioning the kids. The discovery of Howard Walkerton. Imelda. The goat eye. The axe. Patrick’s attack. Susie’s breakdown. The interrogation of Ezekiel.

The images played in his head like a movie. One that he never wanted to see again.

He felt a hand on his and lifted his head. Brennan was sitting beside him, her hand resting lightly on his.

He was so lost in his thoughts, he never heard her coming.

“Hey.” She said softly.

“Hey.” He replied.

They sat in silence, a slight quirk of a smile on Booth’s lips appearing as he realized that she wasn’t asking him how he was. She probably already knew. She knew him better than anyone, a thought that mostly comforted him but sometimes frightened him.

He wondered how long they could sit here before they were found and called back to work. Ezekiel’s confession was only the beginning. They had to determine who to arrest and charge at the farmhouse. The children needed to be questioned and their families located. There were multiple interrogations, arrests and more to deal with. Booth was sure he would have to speak at a press conference in the morning. The thought of it all was too exhausting. It was just too much.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

She had been waiting in his office for a few minutes before she had decided to look for him. She knew he took the case hard, they all did, but because of his personal involvement with the MacNaws, it was worse for him.

She was glad the interrogation was over. She couldn’t imagine being in that room another minute. Ezekiel’s smile would be imprinted in her memory, a smile of evil. She had seen it before. When she was in Guatemala, that smile was right in front of her as she was thrown in a pit and told that she was going to be killed very soon.

The kidnapping and beatings were nothing compared to that smile. Brennan had seen horrors in her lifetime, but none shook her like staring into the face of evil, seeing the human race at its absolute worst.

She reached the break room and peeked inside. He wasn’t there. She knew he wouldn’t stray far; they still had work to do. But she understood his need to flee for a while. It was hot and stuffy and she wanted to escape and find a place where she could breathe again.

She prided herself on her compartmentalizing, but this case had left her exhausted and unable to push aside the victims in her mind the way she usually did. She just kept seeing their faces in her mind over and over and she feared that if she fell asleep, she would dream of them as well.

She reached the stairwell and opened the door. There he was, his head in his hands, and her heart gave a twinge of ache. There was no way to make this better for him, she knew that.

Making her way down the stairs, she wasn’t surprised when he didn’t lift his head. He was so deep in thought. It wasn’t until she placed her hand on his, that he had looked over at her.

A simple touch, Angela had once said. She had come to realize that she needed that simple touch too. Booth’s arm slung around her shoulders as he flashed her a silly grin always made her feel better, no matter what the situation.

They were silent as she mulled over what to say to him, what she could do to make it better for both of them. A thought came to her and she blurted it out before she could stop herself.

“Pie?”

He smiled, a smile that soon became a grin and he nodded his head as he hoisted himself off the stairs. She got up and turned to leave when he reached for her arm and pulled her into a hug. She squeezed him back, both taking comfort in each other.

Time would pass, days would fly by and they put this behind them and go back to what they did best.

Be partners.

And solve cases.

WILLI..WHERE THE FUCK IS THE SMUT WOMAN!!!!!!!

actually i loved it..and the ending was so sweet!..could have at least had a smooch though..lol x x x