The Squinterns

A Boy in a Tree

"Look this is a work mode, this is a work zone. We do not talk sex at work." says Booth firmly.

"First you tell me I'm too task -oriented. Then, when I say good morning, you tell me I should focus on the job." complains Brennan.

"All right look. We've got about a forty five minute drive, hmm? What do you say we pass it in quiet meditation?" offers Booth stiffly. I lean my seat back and decide to take a nap.

"Finally. Can we talk yet?" I hear Zack ask.

"Ugh. Booth you need better seats here in the back." I complain.

"No." says Booth.

"Why not?" asks Dr. Brennan. "We're here now."

"And better seats would be better." I comment.

"Becasue I talk at a crime scene, and we're at a crime scene. My car, my rules." says Booth.

"What's with all the security?" asks Brennan as we enter the third gate.

"I told you. This is not a regular school." he replies. A man comes around to check us in.

"FBI Special Agent Seely Booth, and a forensic anthropologist." Booth says, showing his badge.

"Dr. Temperance Brennan from the Jeffersonian Institution." says Brennan.

I push my way to the front. "And Special Agent Caroline Richie" I say, struggling to show the man my badge. Booth pushes me back to the back.

"Plus one crack assistant" says Zack, pushing his head between Booth and Brennan.

"And the terrorist in the trunk." I say. Everyone glares at me as the man checks the trunk for a terrorist.

He comes back to Booth's window.

"I'll need to see some I.D. please." he says.

We all pass up our badges and cards. "This reminds me of where I went to school." says Zack.

"You don't get much farther from the real world, that's for sure." says Booth.

"Whose kids go to school here is actually classified information." I say.

"Agent Booth, Dr. Brennan, I'll lead you to Mr. Sanders, our head of security." says the man. He hands them two ID cards.

"Just aim us in the right direction. We'll find it." says Booth.

"All outsiders are to be escorted, sir." he replies.

"All outsiders will now be escorted to the probing station." I mock quietly, making Zack snicker.

Booth chuckles. "Omnia mea mecum porto." he says. "What's that mean, huh? Regular people stay out?"

"I carry with me all my things." say Zack and Brennan simultaneously.

I scoff. Booth drives forward, and Zack slams back into the seat.

We pull up into the crime scene and are immediately greeted by the sheriff.

"Hey Seely, how's it going?" she asks.

"Karen" he greets. "Congratulations on being elected full sheriff. Very impressive."

We all stop behind Booth, awaiting a crime scene. "Agent Booth, I'm Leo Sanders, head of security here at Hanover Prep." says a man shaking Booth's hand. "This is headmaster Peter Ronson." he gestures to the older man next to him.

"Where are the human remains?" asks Brennan. Zack and I stand there awkwardly.

"Dr. Temperance Brennan, and her assistant, uh, Jack something." introduces Booth. "And Special Agent Caroline Richie." he points back at me.