Page 29 of Fire and Bones

“Thanks for your help today.”

It took them two trips to haul everything out to the van. When we were finally alone, Doyle’s lips reshaped into a smile bright as a Kmart Christmas flier.

“Dr. Brennan. You must be wrecked.” Almost breathy. “How long were you down there?”

“Hours.”

“A fifth victim. How terribly sad.”

I was spared the need to respond when my mobile picked up signal and sang in my pocket.

I dug it out and glanced at the screen.

The phone icon indicated four voice mails.

I opened the app.

Ryan had called at three.

Thacker had called at two, four-thirty, and six.

“Excuse me a moment,” I said to Doyle.

She nodded and turned her back to give me privacy.

To listen and take notes?

You’re paranoid, Brennan.

I played the last of Thacker’s messages, hoping for info on accommodations.

“Jada Thacker here.” The woman sounded desperate, so I suspected her news wouldn’t be good. “I’ve tried and tried, but I’m still unable to find a single district hotel with any availability before Tuesday. At least not in an area I consider safe. An alternative would be to drive out into Virginia or Maryland?”

A pause. Then,

“I feel horribly guilty, but who knew? I’ve never encountered this situation before.”

Who knew? WTF? This was Thacker’s turf.

Sounding uber apologetic, and decidedly unenthused, Thacker continued.

“You’re more than welcome to stay in the guest bedroom in my condo in Arlington. Just let me know what you’d like to do.”

“Sonofabitch!” I thumb-smashed the screen.

Startled by my outburst, Doyle swiveled back to face me, brows tucked into their on-air “sincerely concerned” pose.

“Is something wrong?” she asked.

“Not at all! I’m just the hired help! I can sleep in a friggin’ park!” Doyle didn’t deserve the temper. But she was in range, so she was taking the blast.

“I don’t understand.” The ginger brows dipped lower.

I drew a deep, calming breath.

“I’m sorry. It’s not your fault. Or your problem.”

“What is the problem?”