OOM: The Verdict in the Story

[bugsandslime]

Angela is missing out on some serious courtroom drama.

Granted, Angela has also been the cause of some serious courtroom drama, so maybe it all balances out.

Still, even Angela's refusal to testify may be trumped by the fact that it looks like the prosecution has the wrong murder weapon. What looked like an open and shut case has now been opened up for reinvestigation.

Hodgins is practically radiating I have news! when the officer shows him into the jail.

Comments

[bugsandslime]

Hodgins looks a bit taken aback.

"Angie, didn't you hear me? It won't make a difference."

[bringonthewonder]

"Jack, that's not the point. It making a difference or not doesn't make any difference. I'm not going to testify against Brennan's father."

She thought she'd made that pretty clear, what with the being in jail and all.

[bugsandslime]

He really can't believe he's hearing this.

"Angela, they will keep you in here. This isn't a game--this is pissing off a federal court. I mean, I'm sure Brennan appreciates the gesture, but she's not going to want you in jail indefinitely either."

Who knows how long this trial is going to spin out, especially with a reopened investigation?

"Please. Just testify."

[bringonthewonder]

Angela recoils like she's been slapped.

"No, Jack, this isn't a game. It isn't a gesture, either. I'm doing what I believe is right--no, I'm doing what I know is right, and while I understand that you're not happy about the consequences, I can't believe you'd actually ask me not to."

[bugsandslime]

Hodgins visibly wrestles down his temper. Shoulders are hunched, one hand braced, clenched on the crossbar of the cell door.

He draws a very deep breath. Nothing will be won or accomplished by letting this spin into a fight.

But his voice is clipped. And he chooses his words a little more hastily than he might.

"You're not helping anything by being in here, you know. When we could use your help out there."

[bringonthewonder]

"That was a low blow, sweetie."

She sighs.

"I can't help the defense, I won't help the prosecution."

And she thinks she might be helping Brennan, maybe, by being here, and that's important.

[bugsandslime]

She's right, of course. Hodgins deflates.

"I'm sorry," he says in the direction of his feet.

He looks up.

"That's not the only way you have of helping, you know," he can't help but add.

"I mean, don't get me wrong. Zach is great and everything. But he sucks at the whole keeping up morale, keep everything in perspective thing."

And that's sorely missing in the lab right now.

[bringonthewonder]

Angela laughs. "Zach as cheerleader. The mind boggles."

But she can't exactly set her principles aside to be a cheerleader, either.

"I really am sorry that there's not a way to do this without upsetting you, Jack, but there isn't.

"And I have to do this."

[bugsandslime]

That gets a bit of a grin out of Hodgins. "I'm sure he'd find pompoms highly illogical."

The smile tapers off quickly, though.

"How long do you think you can stay in here?"

Trials can go on for a while, and Hodgins is deathly afraid of His Honor the self-proclaimed hard-ass holding a grudge and deciding to pull strings to level punishment against Angela for her continued contempt of court.

He keeps reminding himself that they have some clout on their side if it comes down to that.

[bringonthewonder]

"As long as I need to, Jack."

Not comfortably, or happily, maybe, but she can do it.

[bugsandslime]

Hodgins shakes his head slightly.

He definitely doesn't look happy. Or comfortable.

"I'll keep bringing you cupcakes."

[bringonthewonder]

"Thanks."

She smiles slightly.

"I'll keep sharing them with you."

[bugsandslime]

"Hey, maybe I can stand up and disrupt court the next time it convenes. Get tossed in here with you."

Hodgins can be very disruptive when he puts his mind to it.

"We'll get Zach to bring us cupcakes."

[bringonthewonder]

Angela gets up and crosses to the cell door, reaches out and lays her hand against his cheek.

"I think it's a plan.

"A terrible plan. But a plan, nonetheless."

[bugsandslime]

Hodgins turns his head enough to plant a kiss in the palm of her hand.

"Hey. As long as we have a plan. Right?"

[bringonthewonder]

"As long as we have a plan," she agrees.

And then remembers who she's dealing with.

"Well, as long as we have a plan, and nothing blows up."

[bugsandslime]

Hodgins laughs.

"No explosions," he promises.

"I love you. And you'll be out of here soon."