The Body Under Guard (starts K+ shifts to M)!Now Complete!

i love this story !! hope for next chapter soon!

I am in love with this story. I hope you continue soon, and that Brennan and Booth at least get to have some interaction in the future. After all... how long can they obey the rules and stay away from each other? Update soon!

I was hopping I could go to where you left off, but I know how hard that is. I just moved my stories to another board too. The other was just too much to deal with and I got tired of it. I'm glad I found you (simple google search), now I can keep up on one of my favorites.

Don't want to ask any questions here about later chapters lat might spoil the fun. I just can't wait for it all to unfold again.

Magic

OMG i just read the whole thing over at the BY, and I just wanted let you know how amazing it is!! I cant wait until you are all caught up here!!

Can someone give me a link to it for the BY?

Oh...yes can we plz have a link....i love this story!

Here is the link for the BY : http://forums.fox.com/foxbones/messages?msg=16348.1

Sorry for the delay on chapters. I live with my grandfather and he has been complaining about how much time I spend on the computer, so he's been pretty restrictive. But I promise to have all the previous ones posted this week and new ones starting either Sunday or Monday.

******************



Angela shuffled out of the bathroom and stood in the hallway, observing everything before her. It had all happened so fast and now that the only thing they could do was sit and wait, she took the time to process the scene.

Ha! She mused to herself, she was beginning to sound like Brennan.

She shook her head as she watched Hodgins snoring lightly on the couch. Conspiracies and danger abounds....Jack Hodgins sleeps.

On the other side of the room the two male Marshalls, Devlin and Reid sat in front of the TV. watching the Dukes of Hazzard...figures. Angela rolled her eyes.

Her attention then turned to Booth and her eyes flashed seeing Agent Fallon sitting beside him flipping through magazines and making idle conversation.

Booth seemed more interested in the magazine but it didn't go unnoticed that Fallon paid no attention to his disinterest.

It also didn't stop her from brushing his shoulder with her hand, and flipping her hair subtly, splashing quiet giggles in between words. Since Brennan wasn't around to tell the bimbo off, Angela plucked on her bitchy shoes and strode casually over to them.

Both occupants turned to look at her as she "innocently" inserted herself in the middle of them by sitting to Booth's utter surprise...on his lap.

"Um Angela?" Booth froze awkwardly at her use of him as a chair,“What are you doing?"

She rested her arm around his neck, along his shoulders, giving Fallon her best pageant smile as she did so, “Just blame the celibacy thing." she responded flippantly.

Booth nodded wide-eyed, while he tried to figure out where to place his hands.

Angela looked at the obviously suspicious Fallon.

"Are you two..." Fallon's finger flipped between the two setting off a horde of protests.

"No!" Booth blurted shaking his head. “We are just friends and coworkers."

"Psshh," Angela swiped her hand," No Agent Studly here belongs to Brennan." she leaned into Fallon bringing her voice lower, “They are like EPIC in the "meant to be together" department. And who could blame them....Brennan is a genius, 3 doctorates, 3 black belts and 1 hunting license that I am aware of."

Fallon visibly gulped, while Booth remained dead silent. Angela steepled her fingers mentally, her task easier then expected.
Once Fallon got a clue and decided to join her compatriots watching T.V., Angela moved from Booth's lap to the chair which had been so speedily vacated.

Booth eyed her suspiciously, “Angela just because I am a little preoccupied with this whole situation does not mean I can't spot a setup when I see one."

She shrugged, “Just doing my best friend duties. Seeing as Brennan can't be here to be all territorial herself."

"Angela." his tone warned of his constant reluctance to discuss Brennan with her.

She shook her head having none of it, “Listen Booth....you and I have been unspoken partners in crime with Bren since the very start, so whether you want to hear it or not, I've earned this."

His silence was the go ahead, “I know that both of you are holding back for your own specific reasons.."Booth opened his mouth to respond but she halted him with her hand up,"...I get it...believe me. I know why and it is completely legitimate on both sides. But if you just talked to each other and I mean really talked....."

A loud crash outside muted her words, Booth pulled Angela to her feet quickly and rushed her and a groggy from sleep Hodgins behind the couch. The crash had come from the left side of the house, opposite where they hid.

The Marshalls pulled out their weapons and everything seemed still, until another, quieter crash followed. Fallon motioned one of her agents with her out the front door and Devlin out the back.

"Stay here," she ordered to Booth before closing the door behind her. Immediately Booth stood up and hurried out of his suit jacket, then began undoing his tie.

"Booth, what are you doing?" Hodgins looked on along with Angela in confusion as Booth remained silent and continued to undress, yanking off his dress shirt.

The reason for his spontaneous undress became clear as Booth stripped away a white band from his torso catching a 9mm handgun that had been hidden in it.

Flicking the safety off, his gaze met the wide-eyed stares of Angela and Hodgins, one word his only explanation, “Sniper."

Suddenly 5 shots rang out from the exterior of the house causing Angela to shriek.

"Move!" Booth grabbed both of their arms guiding them down the hall and pushing them into a closet. "Do not come out until I tell you." They nodded obviously frightened, “What about you?" Angela grabbed his wrist.

He gripped her hand in assurance, “I’ll be fine," before nodding to Hodgins, closing the door and bathing them in darkness.

Crouching behind the doorway of a bathroom, he could see the closet where Angela and Hodgins hid, as well as both exit and entrance.

Sweat beaded on Booth's forehead as he waited with steel control for signs of life from outside of the safe house

He aimed his suppressor at the front door as muffled voices and a wiggling brass handle signaled someone's presence. None of the voices were female, immediately letting Booth know that the worst had happened. These were not friendlies about to enter.

The door creaked open slowly as the shadows of night cloaked Booth from their sights. A man came in low and stepped to the left, gun at the ready as another man followed high, stepping to the right.

Both men were Hispanic, sporting military style haircuts, with deceivingly casual clothing on despite their obvious intentions.

Keeping his breath as silent as possible, Booth watched them circle the large living room checking nefarious doors.

Angela and Hodgins clutched each other inside the closet as they heard the slamming and rustling consistent with a search. Angela tried to hold back any sound as tears streamed down her cheeks, fear overwhelming her. Out of nowhere a sneeze from Hodgins pierced the silent air.

Booth realized something was wrong as the two men automatically descended on the exact location of his friends. Lining up his shot as he had done so many times before he took a deep breath.

Two shots were all it took as the assassins crumpled to the floor, their head wounds coating the carpet with blood.

Exiting his crouched position, he fought the dark feeling that began to bloom deep down inside as he rushed over to the closet, willfully ignoring the bodies that lay on either side.

"Its okay," he spoke across the wood barrier reassuring the occupants. “I’m going to open the door, but I want you to close your eyes."

He understood that they were in the business of death, but he didn't want to chance any more psychological damage with such fresh bodies.

When he opened the door, it almost snapped his armored facade seeing one of their hands covering their eyes, while the others were locked together.

Booth reached out and gently grasped Angela's arm causing her to flinch before relaxing at his familiar touch.

"Okay, Hodgins keep close to Angela and I will lead you out."

"Why are you making us close our eyes? Where are the Marshalls?" Hodgins tripped slightly on the carpet as he followed blindly.

Booth stopped at the front door and leaned out cautiously keeping his gun at the ready before. "I don't know where the Marshalls are." He avoided the first question noticeably and half lied about the second. He had a rather solid suspicion of what had happened to them and as he led them around the side to the vehicle, they were confirmed.
He stopped abruptly, a mix of horror and anger coursing through him as all three agents were carelessly fallen by the foundation, fatal gun shot wounds visible.

"Oh God!" Booth turned to see Angela's hand fly to cover her own horrified gasp. Her gaze rested on Fallon particularly before she turned into Hodgins chest, burying herself in the comfort of his arms.

He wrapped his arms around her, gazing at the bodies of the people who were hired to protect them in shock.

Their actual protector watched them sympathetically for a moment before leaning down and pulling the car keys from Devlin's pocket. "I'll get our stuff," his stiff gaze grabbed Hodgins' eyes, “Get in the car and stay down."

Angela turned back to Booth before getting into the SUV. "Booth...." he faced her once again,” How did they find us so quickly?"

His jaw clenched, “I’m not sure Ange...but I am sure as hell going to find out."

After throwing the bags in the back of the car, he jumped into the driver seat. A vibration in his back pocket put him on high alert. Opening the pay as you go phone that he purchased right before going into custody, the text message made his blood run cold.

B: 911

"Angela!" He handed the laptop that lay in the center console back to her, “I need you to trace the location of a phone number."

**************

Booth parked the car with a sharp jolt in front of the house that Angela had identified as the second safe house.

Not knowing the severity of the situation inside and refusing to risk anyone else's life, he turned to Hodgins and Angela, “I’m going to keep the car running. Don't get out." His steely expression gave no room for argument as he slipped stealthily out of the car and into the shadows.

************

“Oh God….” Brennan frantically pressed her hands to the gunshot wound that marred Cam’s hip. Blood soaked the white button up shirt that she wore.

“Don’t worry,” Cam replied breathless, hissing at the painful burn the 9mm round brought. “It’s nothing fatal…I just….ah.”
Brennan winced sympathetically. ”Sorry,” the pressure of her hands caused more pain despite its necessary placement.

She looked over the back of the couch, one hand continuing pressure on Cam’s wound and the other clutching her massive gun.

Brennan cursed herself for not buying a more compact one after the fiasco last Halloween. The intruder that shot Cam and another man lay hunched over on the ground, blood pooling around them.

“Where the hell did the Marshals go?”

It was a rhetorical question. All three had left in order to make one last perimeter check and they hadn’t been gone more then 10 minutes before two unknown males entered the
house.

Both women jumped up immediately from the couch, Cam pulling a weapon out of nowhere and getting three rounds off before being shot herself.

“Where did you get that gun from?” Brennan asked, ducking back to her.

“I could ask you the same thing.” She nodded to the behemoth that rested in Brennan’s hand.
“Booth always says that you can never be too prepared.” She answered.

Cam’s mouth hitched in a small smile,”Hmm, well he should be here soon, depending on how far away the other safe house is.” Again her teeth gritted in pain.

Brennan’s brow furrowed in confusion, “What?”

Cam rolled a little causing the cell phone to slide out of her pocket, “Great minds think alike.”

Suddenly the front door swung open, the women went on alert, Brennan raising her gun, before breathing a sigh of relief at the familiar face that appeared.

The look of utter shock on his face struck Brennan oddly. Cam began to pull herself up, so Brennan bent sideways to help, bracing Cam with her own body. “How is it that Silva’s men found us so fast?” Brennan’s question was answered when their concentration returned to Agent Frost, eyes widened at the barrel of a gun.

“For crying out loud, this inside job crap is really getting old.” Cam hung her head in a huff before both women drew their own weapons.

“What…”Frost stepped back visibly confused, “Neither of you had clearance for a weapon.”

“Ex cop.” Cam explained, wincing as she shrugged. Despite the pain from the gunshot wound, and the fact that they were officially in a stand-off with someone who was supposed to be protecting them, Cam’s brain was frantically trying to maneuver a way out of this without getting her or Brennan killed.

“I saw what Silva did to those women…”Brennan’s throat caught at the memory, “I couldn’t take any chances.”

“Well you’ll find out soon enough what he had in store for you.” He began to circle, causing Cam to lean on Brennan as she led them in the opposite direction, gripping her gun tighter.

“I’d say you’re the one with bad odds,” Cam pointed out, eyeing the door as what appeared to be vehicle headlights shut off down the street.

They flinched as he let off a round into the wall right beside them, his amusement apparent. “I’m pretty sure that I am a better shot then you two. That and” he gestured to Cam’s wound, “that makes the odds turn slightly more to my favor.”

“Try me on for size,” when Booth’s figure appeared in the doorway, gun in hand, everything seemed to speed up and slow down at the same time.

Frost’s head turned, immediately caught off guard. Brennan pushed Cam down to the ground, avoiding any stray fire, while Booth placed an expertly aimed bullet between the rogue Marshal’s throat. As he crumpled to the ground, grasping at his neck, Booth rushed to the women.

A split second moment passed between Brennan and Booth before they turned their attention to Cam, the amount of blood soaking her shirt and the area around her alarming them.

******

Angela burst from the vehicle as Booth appeared, carrying Cam in his arms. Brennan followed close behind with their belongings.

“Oh God…Cam.” She reached the trio, her eyes widening as she watched Booth gingerly place the injured pathologist into the backseat of the SUV.

“What happened?” Hodgins turned away from the steering wheel, a slight quiver in his voice at the sight of their fearless leader looking pale and bloodied.

“We’ll explain later, just drive.” Booth ordered him as Angela situated herself in the passenger seat, and Brennan knelt down to examine Cam’s wound.

“Where do you want me to….”

“Just drive Jack,” Hodgins faced the road once again, his expression strained, pulling into the road, as Cam, Angela and Brennan just stared at Booth. His use of Hodgins’ first name raised a red flag in their minds.

After a beat, they focused back on the problem at hand.

“The bullet doesn’t look to have hit any organs,” Brennan observed, pulling up the hem of Cam’s shirt.

“If it had…I wouldn’t be conscious.” Cam said breathlessly.

Angela passed back a first aid kit from the glove compartment to Booth, “Here. This might help.”

“If we don’t remove the bullet and close the wound, an infection is highly likely.” Brennan said this to no one in particular as she took the kit and inspected its contents.

Once the bullet was out and the wound had been thoroughly cleaned, she began to rummage through the kit again. “What else do you need Bones?”

The familiar sound of her nickname from his lips seemed to calm her immediately. When she looked up, their eyes met seemingly for the first time in forever. “I need a bag for the round and something to create an airtight closure of the wound.”

He nodded reaching over both women and into his duffel, pulling out a smaller, olive colored toiletry bag. Opening this bag he took put scissors, fishing line, a plastic baggie and needles.

Brennan and Cam’s eyebrows raised in question, “Survival kit.”

Brennan took the objects without question. First placing the round into the evidence bag and then lined all the other things up to begin the mini operation.

“Wait a second,” Cam shifted anxiously,”Brennan, have you done this before?”

“Once.” She answered, as if that was all the qualification needed.

Cam looked to Booth pleadingly. “Here Bones…let me see those.” He took the tools from her hands, causing her to stutter in confusion.

“Move over to that side,” he scooted around her, allowing her to sit with Cam’s head in her lap. Then he knelt by her side, making his own observation.

“Cam, I’m going to have to open your shirt higher,” His eyes met hers asking cautiously for permission.

She nodded joking, “Nothing you haven’t seen before.”

Booth’s gaze flicked to Brennan momentarily, but her focus had shifted to the top of Cam’s head.

“Okay, we don’t have anything to numb the pain.”

“Just do it Seeley, it’s better then the alternative.”

With that confirmation, he pulled open the buttons of her shirt, exposing her stomach further and now blood red stained white bra. Then carefully, he threaded the needle through the thin wire.

Cam braced for the pain, clutching Brennan’s hand. The entire car seemed to take one simultaneous deep breath as the needle neared her olive skin.

******

Streetlights passed through the tinted windows of the SUV as Hodgins continued to drive not knowing where they would end up. His eyelids were heavy, the fatigue evident on his drawn face. But he dare not turn back and ask Booth to pull into a hotel or something.

A soft pressure to his forearm and a look to his right reminded him that Angela was at his side and fully aware of how tired he was. She gave him a comforting smile that in itself expressed how exhausted and worried she was.

Angela's gaze broke almost regretfully from Hodgin's blue eyes and focused on the sight behind them through the rearview mirror.

Cam the poor thing laid passed out, head resting on Brennan's lap as she sweetly stroked her hair. Angela knew that Cam was a strong women, but she had no idea how strong.

With no pain medication or anesthesia any grown man would have been screaming in pain, but not Cam. She gripped Brennan's hand and gritted her teeth, tears streaking her face, not one sound of distress passed her lips though.

And Brennan had sat with her like they had been best friends for years. Almost in a motherly manner, she had stroked her hair, spoke to her softly reassuring that it would be over soon and gripped her hand despite the cramping that must have persisted from Cam's firm grasp.

Angela hoped that the motivation wasn't guilt. Even though she wouldn't admit it, she knew that Brennan was harboring a great amount of it for all of this and Cam getting hurt in her rational mind had to be all of her fault as well.

This worried Angela immensely. But the person that created the most uneasiness was Booth. None of them, besides Cam knew that he had the skill to sew an open gunshot wound.

It shouldn't have been a surprise with his military background, but seeing that side of him was a rarity. It was impressive of course, but his entire demeanor since all of this had happened had changed all too dramatically.

He sat in the second row of seats, seemingly wide awake, staring out the window. But he wasn't looking at the lights, buildings and flora passing them by. He was completely in his own head and with Booth, that wasn't good.

The sharp shooting, dodging bullets, and securing the safety of his people could only be wreaking mental and emotional havoc. For the sake of keeping them alive this was negligible, but in the personal sense it was dangerous.

"We're almost out of gas," Hodgins whisper broke Angela out of her reverie.

"Booth..." she began carefully, his intense gaze immediately reacting to her call, “We need to stop at a gas station."

"Make sure you stop at one with a payphone."

Hodgins took the first exit off of the interstate and pulled into a Shell gas station. He put the car into park beside the gas pump and turned in his seat waiting for instructions that were sure to come.


On cue Booth stood up opening the SUV door and facing its exhausted occupant’s. "Hodgins, you get the gas and don't use credit. Cash only. I need to make a phone call.”

As he turned to leave Brennan called out, “Booth!"

He turned back abruptly, “Your shirt."

Booth looked down as she motioned and realized that his white dress shirt was stained with Cam's blood, as were his hands. Another look to Brennan and the state of her blue blouse and hands were the same.

He unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it in one of the garbage cans, “Come on Bones, we'll get cleaned up."

Hodgins hopped out of the car and went to fill the car up as Brennan gently extracted herself from the car seat, laying Cam's sleeping head down carefully.

Angela exited the car, stretching her legs wearily before returning but instead jumping into the back seat to check on Cam.

Booth and Brennan walked silently side by side into the station.

Air-conditioning blasted their fatigued frames as they surveyed the rows of various snack food, drinks and the usual convenient store items.
Booth's hand rested underneath her elbow steering her to where he spotted the restroom. Brennan glanced down at his hand, then at his face.

His jaw seemed permanently clenched, while his eyes danced from windows to the door, to the curious cashier that appeared to understand that any staring would not be tolerated.
"Booth....Booth."

His attention snapped back to search her blue eyes,"Yeah."

"Can I have my arm back?" They both looked down at her elbow still in her grasp and he took it back as if shocked by static. "Sorry."

They went into their separate restrooms.

A few minutes later Booth exited the bathroom, clean but no less burdened. The door to the other restroom that Brennan entered was ajar. Panic immediately swept over him. Yanking the door open, his breath was flushed from his body....it was empty.

"Bones!" Booth ran to the door, his eyes scanning the parking lot fearfully.

"I'm right here Booth." Swinging around at the sound of her voice, he let out a deep exhale in relief. She had crouched down to get water from a fridge, the shelves hiding her from view.

He approached her, “Don’t do that again."

"Do what?" She crouched once again, surveying the store's selection of ice cream for Cam. Oblivious to the fear that she had created.
"Don't disappear like that."

"Booth," she picked up Marshmallow ice cream made a face then replaced it, “The teleportation of atoms is based solely in theory at this point."

He rolled his eyes dramatically. All this and she still insists on correcting him with her literal explanations.

Cradling her supply, Brennan stood up wobbling slightly. Booth reached out and grasped her hips to keep her steady.

The sudden movement elicited a sharp intake of breath from Brennan. "Thanks," she managed to croak, looking over her shoulder to his broad frame.

But his hands stayed resting at her sides. And as she tried to figure out what exactly he was doing, Booth stepped closer to her, his grip strengthening. He got so close she could feel his breath on her ear and cheek.For a split second she could have sworn his gaze flicked to her lips.

"Please try not to hurt yourself. You're very valuable." Then he was gone, making his way to the check out counter and the heat that had previously pulsed through her body under his touch left as feverishly as it had come, leaving her speechless.

"Bones! Chop, chop lets go." He watched her sheepishly approach the counter, laying down her armful of food.

He realized that not only were they in a very dangerous situation with Silva and his goons, but he and Brennan were playing their own dangerous cat and mouse game that had the potential of stinging both of them.

But he couldn't help his reactions to her. It took all his strength to not add a "to me" at the end of his tease. Your very valuable to me. He had to stay focused, he couldn't let his head be clouded.

After they made their purchase, they headed outside, Booth turned to Brennan grasping her shoulder,"I need to make a phone call. I'll meet you back at the car."

"Who are you calling?" He hadn't realized she was still behind him until he had the pay phone receiver to his ear.

"Jeez Bones." He began to scold her but the sound of someone picking up the phone on the other end echoed. "Reggie....it's Booth."
Brennan could hear the faint buzzing of a voice on the phone, but the words were indecipherable.

"Yeah, I need a car and a place....umm" he looked around for anything identifiable,"about 20 minutes from your place.....okay, but I want you to realize the danger before you help us Reg.......okay..yes...I'll be there in a bit. Thanks." He hung up the phone, not bothering to take the unused dime from the change slot.

Instead he lead Brennan towards the car, his hand noticeably absent from her lower back, resting on her shoulder instead.

Angela and Hodgins looked up from their seats in the car questioningly.

"What's going on?" Angela asked, grabbing a bag of food from Brennan.

"We have to get rid of this car." Booth answered hopping into the driver's seat. The trio glanced at each other, before wordlessly complying with a nod from Brennan.

Shutting the doors, Brennan passed out the food they had purchased before sitting back with Cam who was beginning to come to, while Hodgins and Angela sat together.

*******

Wow. Can I just say that I cannot wait to read the new installments for this story. I just finished reading it over at the BY, and I have to know what happens next!!

This is an incredibly intense story, and I'm loving it - then again I've always been partial to stories where Booth's skills come to the fore.

RM

Yay, have read it in the BY. Can't wait for you to catch up here!!

Slowly but surely getting these finished chapters up. Thank you for all the comments.

********************************

"God, I forgot how badly that hurts," Cam stated, still groggy from her ordeal.

"Our fearless leader slash fair princess has awoken." Hodgins mused, attempting to inject some laughter into the exhausted group.

Wincing, Cam sat up, bringing her head out of Brennan's lap. "Hodgins just because we aren't in the lab, making me technically not your boss, does not mean I can't be tempted to physically hurt you for calling me princess."

At this, weary smiles rippled through the SUV. Cam pulled up the hem of her ruined white blouse, surveying the status of her injury. "You've still got it Booth." she commended running her fingers lightly over the delicate and precise stitches.

"It was very impressive," Brennan added sincerely.

"Stud's got skills," Angela agreed. Everyone's gazed turned to Booth, waiting for a cocky remark and thousand-watt smile. An awkward silence ticked by as he continued to drive as if he hadn't heard anything.

"Thanks," and that was all as he shrugged in passive acknowledgment.

"Well then," Cam eyed Brennan who suddenly was paying a lot of attention to her fingernails, “What exactly is the plan here? Obviously Silva has some Marshalls in his pocket, probably some FBI Agents as well, so...."

"We'll figure that all out once I get everyone out of sight." Booth answered, his tone laced with frustration.

"So where are we headed anyway?" Hodgins asked carefully.

"Reggie's," Brennan stated matter-of factly, recalling the mysterious person on the other side of the payphone.

Cam's head jerked in her direction, face stone serious, “What did you just say?"

"She said, I am taking you to Reggie's. I've already called, it’s done." His eyes met Cam's through the rearview mirror, dueling in an unspoken battle. She opened her mouth to say something in protest then closed it sighing in defeat.

Angela picked up on the scent immediately despite how tired she was, “So who exactly is this Reggie character anyway?"

Both Cam and Booth shifted uncomfortably, “An old friend," Booth answered before slowing down to turn into a suburban resort complex. He pulled up to a security booth, rolling down his window and politely giving the guard the four digit code needed to enter and which house he would be visiting.

Everyone seemed to breath a sigh of relief at the idea of being in an area that was guarded 24/7 by someone who at least looked more qualified then the usual rent a cops they stuck in similar posts.

Each house was surprisingly unique. Some old brownstones, others colonial in style with big cement columns, all with neatly trimmed green grass and one or more cars in the driveway. It seemed as if they were light years away from the chaos of the past 24 hours.

Booth turned into the driveway of an older two story brick house and shut the car off. Hodgins, Brennan and Booth slipped out of the car to grab their bags while Angela helped Cam out of the car, one arm gingerly around her upper waist, and the other holding her arm across her shoulder for balance.

"Got her Ange?" Hodgins asked as they followed Booth up several stairs.

"We're good." She answered, stepping up behind everyone.

There was no need to knock as the doorknob twisted, and the door swung open cautiously.

"Hey Reggie." Booth opened the screen door, revealing her to his whipped squint squad.

"Seeley," the woman stated somberly in a lilted Irish accent. She stepped back allowing everyone to enter her home.

"I didn't expect Reggie to be a woman." Hodgins whispered to Angela who nodded her head.

"It's actually Emmalin Regina Lavely, but everyone calls me Reggie." Hodgins jumped slightly as she came up from behind him after closing the door.

Brennan watched curiously as the striking woman walked up to Booth and familiarly knocked his shoulder with her elbow. She stood about her own height with long, wavy red hair, fair skin and disturbingly green eyes. They had the same bearing, immediately clueing Brennan into how they knew each other, the Army.

"I'm sure you all would like to get some rest after everything you've been through so I'll make this brief. No going outside without an escort, do not pick up the phone under any circumstances. This entire first floor is yours to make yourself at home; I am on the second floor if you need me for anything. The basement is off limits if you will." her tone was friendly but with an edge, “The bathroom is at the end of the hall to your left and there is plenty of food...vegetarian as well, “she nodded, with a smile to Brennan," in the kitchen."

She stepped over to Cam,” It has been a long time love." Cam nodded and they embraced. They were all surprised that her eyes were moist when they pulled back.

"Lets get you guys settled in, and I'll take a look at that wound Camille." She picked up Cam's duffle bag and bade them to follow her.

As they did Booth called over to Reggie, “Where’s Liam?"

"Downstairs," She snuck a look at Cam before throwing that over her shoulder.

Booth nodded and turned, knowing the route. Brennan watched his back as he pulled open a door and stepped down into the basement.

She couldn't help but feel a twinge of hurt. He hadn't even waited to make sure they got settled in all right, that she was all right. Leaving them in the hands of a stranger instead.

A hand on her shoulder brought her back and she turned to stare into the understanding eyes of her best friend, “Come on Sweetie," Angela tried to lighten the mood, knowing full well what Brennan would never admit. “You, Cam and I are going to share a room. Sleepover!"

A whisper of a smile appeared on Brennan's face as she steered her towards their room, arm around her shoulder.
**************
Booth closed the sturdy wood door behind him, enveloping himself in darkness. He groped around to his left trying to remember how far from the door the light switch was.

"Seeley old boy is that you?" The staircase was illuminated as he finally found the switch and continued down following the familiar voice.

The staircase opened up to an expansive room, stark in comparison to its size, but still stylish. The floor was blanketed with dark wood, accenting rugs, and the walls were an attractive beige. One side was a traditional room, with large four poster bed, dresser and personal effects, while the other side was one half ultra high tech office space and the other half full service gym.

"Yeah, its just me Liam," Booth sauntered over to the stainless steel desk as Liam Callan Lavely turned and stood from his chair.

They embraced like only men do of course, a hand shake followed by quick pats on the back. "When Reggie came down and explained the situation to me I almost didn't believe her. You've got yourself into quite a lot of trouble old friend."

Booth blew out a breath and walked towards the bedroom area, rubbing the back of his neck,"I know, but....its worth it to keep them all safe."

Liam stepped lightly,"To keep her safe."

With a turn on his heel, Booth eyed the Irishman, “Don’t patronize me Liam. I don't even need to mention your real motive for allowing us to stay here. Which I am thankful for of course."

"How is she?" Liam's gaze went down to the floor, guilt and regret etching his face.

"She got shot, but it wasn't critical. I closed the wound tight enough. So I'd say in a hell of a lot of pain, exhausted and pretty pist off that I brought her here of all places."

"That’s the Camille I remember," Liam smiled crookedly.

Booth laughed half-heartedly before picking up a picture frame from on top of the desk.

He, Reggie and Liam were in fatigues at their base in Pennsylvania, arms across each other's shoulders. Reggie had just finished training and was heading out with her older brother and his best friend on their next mission to Kosovo. His last mission as an Army Ranger.

His feet ached just thinking of it. "Things have sure changed haven't they?"

"Aye," Liam took the picture and set it back down gingerly, the picture was significant for more then what it portrayed, Cam had taken it," They have."

***********

"I call top bunk," Angela joked, tossing her bag onto the upper level of the bunk bed that she and Brennan would be sharing. Brennan sat down on her level of the bed wordlessly, laying back and sending a blank stare skyward.

Angela watched her for a moment with sympathy before turning to the activity on the other side of the room.

A single twin bed made its home there. Reggie helped Cam lay across it, with her back against the wall and handed her a glass of water and a pill.

Curiosity and the utter protectiveness she had for any and all of Brennan's interests spurred her on.

"So," she crossed her arms and the space between them," You and Booth are pretty close?"

Reggie crouched taking peroxide and a cotton pad from a first aid kit.

"Yeah...you could say that." She gave Angela a knowing glance before wetting the pad with the peroxide and lifting Cam's shirt.

Cam watched the two warily. She knew the motive behind Angela's sudden curiosity and on anyone else she would sit back and enjoy the show. But with Reggie, she knew Angela had met her match.

"Where did you first meet?" Angela pressed on, knowing that Brennan was listening to every single word despite her inattentive appearance.

"About 14 years ago, I was the combat EMT in his regiment. My brother was the intelligence specialist, so we became fast friends."

Cam flinched slightly as Reggie pressed the cold liquid to the stitches.

"Friends...hm." Angela rocked back on her heels.

"No need to worry though," Reggie stood up, helping Cam lay completely on the bed, reassuring her that the wound was in good enough condition.

Then she faced Angela head on," Booth and I are close....as close as a man and a woman can be without crossing that line. His heart doesn't belong to me." she emphasized this leaving Angela no room to argue.

"You have never heard of me before this, so I understand that this is a bit confusing. Our friendship is one of those that don’t need to be acknowledged every week or every year for that matter. When you have experienced the things we have together, then it bonds you for life. "

"My brother, Liam and I would do anything for Booth as we know he would do anything for us. Cam was in a relationship with Booth when we all first met, so we are good friends. We know that they consider you three family, and any family of theirs is a family of ours. Does that satisfy your curiosity?"

Angela nodded guiltily. Reggie smiled letting her know there were no hard feelings before going back to Cam and whispering something in her ear.

Cam nodded, certain uneasiness to her demeanor, but Angela decided that she'd had enough nosiness for today. Tonight...whatever it was.

"Time to get some rest everyone....Goodnight." Cam stated, turning to the wall. Angela turned out the light, “Goodnight," and stopped short before climbing up the ladder, “Bren..." she whispered,"Atleast we know the kind of relationship she and Booth have."

"It’s none of our business Ange. As long as Silva can't get to any of you, I don't care what she had with Booth." She turned on her side signaling the end of the conversation. Angela continued up on the bed situating herself.

********************************************
It was almost 2 o' clock in the morning and despite the barrage of events that had hit her today, Brennan found herself staring into darkness. She shut her eyes tightly willing the tears that threatened to fall away, but one streaked down her cheek.

It had been a long time since she had gone to bed without Booth saying goodnight. She didn't realize how much that simple habit meant to her until it wasn't there.

She could will herself to sleep, toss and turn as frequently as she wanted but it was fast becoming only a figment of Brennan's imagination.

Laying still in the bed she listened to the shallow, even breathing of Cam across the room, and the characteristic light snoring of Angela above her, confirming that neither was in the same predicament.

Frustrated she quietly removed herself from the bed, and slipped out of the room. She took a moment to adjust her vision to the darkness, especially in such unfamiliar surroundings.

If she were in her own home all Brennan would need to do was pick up the phone and call Booth. Usually the same reasons she couldn't sleep plagued him as well, so they would talk until one or the other fell asleep.

But that wasn't the case here, so she decided a drink would do her some good. Reggie had said that they were welcome to anything, so she walked down the hallway to find the kitchen.

Just as she went to round the corner a light flicked on, and his voice, low and direct echoed through the room. Instinctively she shrank back, not allowing Booth to see her. The second he did, he would know something was bothering her, and her stubbornness didn't want to admit it to him.

"There has to be somebody in the bureau that you trust enough to find out what is going on." Brennan identified Reggie's Gaelic purr.

"Wait," a voice that Brennan didn't recognize, a fluid Irish timber that could only be Reggie's brother Liam, “First...how many people do you know of knew where the safe houses were?"

A few moments passed by as Booth listed mentally, “Caroline Julian, she's the federal prosecutor I told you about, Cullen of course so maybe a few of his staff members...and I don't know how many Marshall's knew. We had 6 attached to us and their all dead.
One...Frost, he was Silva's pawn no doubt. But other then that I don't know who would be under his thumb."

"So who would you rule out positively?" Reggie asked.

"Caroline and Cullen definitely. Everyone else is a possibility."

"You need to contact your people in the morning. Explain what is going on or they'll think the worst." Liam advised.

"Yeah."

"Well for everything they have been through, your friends seem to be holding up remarkably well. Dr.Brennan is quieter then the rest though." Reggie observed.

Brennan leaned closer to the corner at the sound of her name.

"She's not one to deal with things like this outwardly. It’s just not her style." Booth explained, a flash of anger erupting in Brennan immediately. He had no right to discuss her with these people, especially when he would barely talk to her.

Suddenly an irritation caused Brennan to throw her head back and sneeze. Silence echoed for a millisecond before she hastily headed back down the hall.

As her bare feet were about to cross the threshold into her room, the distinct sound of a throat clearing directly behind her warned that the jig was up.

"You really should be quieter if you intend on spying Bones?" She could here the grin in his voice despite the fact that she hadn't turned around to face him yet.

But she wasn't going to make this easy for him. Taking a crisp 180 degree turn, she set her chin and placed her hand on her hip, “I wouldn't have to spy if you would just talk to me. But that appears to be too much trouble for you. Instead you talk to everyone else about me."

"Bones I..." she put her hands up as he stepped towards her, attempting to charm it all away.

"I understand, you need to do your job." She couldn't stop her gaze from dropping to the floor and as it did Booth's heart ached.

She looked so vulnerable although that was obviously not how she was trying to portray herself. Her bare feet crossed one ankle over the other, and her eyes refused to meet his.

"Bones..." he stepped forward once again, taking one of her hands in his. “I’m sorry...everything has happened so fast, I just want to keep everyone safe." she finally looked up at these words and their gazes locked, “I want to keep you safe."

Brennan understood that what Booth was saying to her was important. She should be paying attention to his sincere apology despite her earlier anger, and she was...she just couldn't stop feeling.

It was the warmth, had to be the warmth. It seemed to spread from where her hand lay enveloped in his, up her arm and across her chest. Their hands had connected before and it had never felt like this. She had grabbed Booth's hand to keep him from touching remains, he had used her hand to pull her away from physically assaulting suspects, but they had never held hands...not like this.

"Bones?" his voice, questioning brought her back.

"Yeah?" His brow furrowed...had she even been listening. He watched her gaze flick to their hands. Interpreting it as discomfort at the gesture, he promptly pulled away.

"Sorry,” and he was. It took him a long time to find a balance when it came to how much physical contact was appropriate for two "partners".

Booth had to curb his own desires to comfort and love her, and the necessity of making sure she was comfortable with the progression...if that was even how she felt. It was a harder balance to maintain in situations like this.

"Its fine," he looked nervous so she changed the subject, “So are you rooming with Hodgins?"

He risked a half smile, "Yeah, but not like, in the same bed."

She nodded a crooked smile of her own appearing, “Good, cause I was beginning to wonder."

"Goodnight Bones." he turned towards his room, shaking his head at her humor.

"Goodnight Booth." after sneaking separate glances back at one another they disappeared into the darkness of their rooms.

Booth stood just inside the doorway acclimating himself to the dark and his new surroundings. He hadn't been in their house in about a year, so he was unsure if they had changed around the furniture.

As he walked to the bed that was separated from Hodgins' by a night stand, he was glad he had waited because he might not have noticed the extra person that occupied the bed with Hodgins.

Booth smiled and shook his head, the inevitability amusing. Angela lay on the top of the covers cradled by Hodgins' bare arms as he lay underneath. He observed the two for a moment and couldn't help but feel happy for them. They had their ups and downs but ultimately when it counted, they knew who they were meant for.

"Booth! Angela's not..." Brennan's panicked figure halted beside him as she spotted them,"Oh."

Booth leaned into her ear whispering so as to not wake the contented couple, “Is it okay if I slept in your room tonight? You know, give them a little privacy."

"I don't think they'll engage in sexual intercourse tonight Booth," she whispered back skeptically, her breath tickling his ear.

If she hadn't of been so technical with her wording, he would have found what she said more arousing, “Bones...you’re talking about Angela and Hodgins here."

She exhaled loudly in defeat, “Follow me."
************
"Top bunk...nice!" Booth climbed up and turned to lie on his back. The bed squeaked as Brennan situated herself.

Booth sighed as they settled in.....finally, “Good morning Bones."
A low throaty chuckle escaped as Brennan closed her eyes, "Good morning Booth."

A few moments passed and just as Brennan was about to slip off to sleep a loud creak propelled her eyes open again. Booth was moving around and his shifting weight challenged the bed. Suddenly his arm flopped over the side and then silence.

By the placement of his arm, it was clear that he had turned onto his stomach. Seeing it, she once again was intrigued by the feelings that were conjured when he had held her hand.

She waited until his breathing evened out, signaling his unconsciousness. Then slowly Brennan reached out and starting on the inside of his wrist, traced Booth's hand. A whisper of a touch first, she outlined the Chinese symbols before running along each calloused pad, over rough palm and shockingly even nail.

Emboldened by his lack of reaction and the memory of warmth still lingering, Brennan curled her hand in his. The contrast of her fair, slender fingers and his tan, broad hand was weirdly comforting. As if by some miracle it was still there...the knot in her stomach that was so foreign yet still felt so right. The one that she had refused to acknowledge when it had first began to gnaw at her long ago.

A mix of foolishness and confusion had her pulling back only to have her pointer finger held firmly in place by Booth's looped around it.

Instinct told her to yank her finger back, but she didn't want to wake Booth in case it was just a reflex as he didn't say anything to let her know he was awake. His grip loosened after a long moment and letting out a relieved breath Brennan gently pulled her entwined finger away.

Although her thoughts still swirled, her heart beating rapidly at the sudden fear of being caught, she was able to lie back down and slip peacefully to sleep.
************

Cam was the first to wake as the sun streamed through curtains sending spears of light across the floor. Once the memories of the past 24 hours flooded back, she pulled the pillow from behind her head and feigned smothering herself with it.

Uncovering her face, she took one last huff of rebellion before examining her injury once again. Despite some bruising and minimal bleeding, the stitches were well done...thank God for Booth's field training....and it seemed she was on her way to a full recovery.

Now all she had to do was get another pain pill.

She almost leapt off the bad as one of her roommates suddenly decided to make a sound comparable to a monster truck engine starting.

Secretly hoping that it was Brennan, just for the sake of having incriminating evidence, Cam looked to her first, cursing at the site of the good doctor looking gorgeous even in sleep, breathing in barely audible whispers.

Switching to the top bunk, she was more then surprised to see that the slender, feminine form of Angela had overnight morphed into the hulky, bronzed, most definitely all male figure of Seeley Booth.

Rolling her eyes she slowly shifted to a sitting position, her feet bracing on the floor. Standing warily so as not to wake sleeping beauty and the beast, Cam came to two conclusions. One...Hodgins and Angela were absolutely shacking up again. That being the only reason or rather excuse that Booth would have to be in here with her and Brennan. Conclusion number two, if they all got out of this alive, she was going to end up in a straight jacket alongside Zacharoni.

Quietly she padded along the hallway following the nauseatingly familiar route through the house ending up in the kitchen. Sweeping her hand along the grey granite countertop she remembered the reasons she would loathe Booth forever for bringing her back to this place. Despite the fact that in the stand point of safety it was a brilliant idea.

The last time she was in this house, she had gotten her heart broken, and being here again forced her to admit, at least to herself that a piece of it still lingered.

Instinct guided her to the cabinet to the right of the fridge pulling out a filter and scooping the always the same Kona blend.

She inhaled the nostalgic scent as she poured the finished pot, taking a sip before resting the hot cup on the counter.

"Same Camille,” his Irish purr would always give her goose bumps, this time with an added startled jump, “Always the first to wake. Taking the first cup of coffee before the onslaught of the day ensues."

Taking a deep, calming breath she straightened her spine and spun around to face the ghost from her past. The sight of him after all the years caused a catch in her throat.

The long, rangy body, not bulky with muscle, but runner fit, his slightly shaggy black hair that he constantly tossed to the side with a shake of his head. And of course those piercing green eyes that went straight to her core. He wore loose fitting jeans and Notre Dame T-shirt.

Recovering quickly she shot back, “Same Liam, always giving his opinion without being asked."

"Touché," Liam began to close the space between them, following the shape of the island.

Cam pretended to be disinterested in his impending nearness, bringing the steaming coffee to her lips once again.

"Why do I get the feeling," he chanced certain death by lifting the mug from her hand, their fingers brushing lightly as he set it on the counter," that you are angry with me?"

"That's ridiculous, “out of habit she stuck her hands in her pockets ignoring the feeling of her dried blood on the fabric," I haven't seen you in 7 years."

"Then why won't you look me in the eyes?" His tone took her by surprise, nervous....hurt.

"Something smells amazing...oh" Angela came around the corner, stopping as she spotted Cam standing suspiciously close to Mr. Tall, dark and handsome.

"Well hello," she smiled entering the kitchen.

Although thankful for the interruption, Cam couldn't help but curse the woman for looking like a supermodel, having just woken up. She suddenly became self-conscious, her clothes bloody from last night, and she didn't even want to think about what mess her hair was in.

"Good morning, I'm Liam, Reggie's older brother and an old friend of Booth's," Liam stretched out his hand.

"I would say you can call me Angela, but Ms.Montenegro would sound so much better with that accent," she shook his hand letting it linger as she sized him up.

Cam rolled her eyes, “I’m gonna go take a shower." she tried to walk past them so quickly her stitched pulled slightly causing her to visibly wince.

Liam immediately went to her side," I'm ok," she held him back with her hand against his chest, and then hurried back down the hall.

"Interesting," Angela mused as she watched Liam's eyes follow Cam until she was out of sight, sadness and longing flitting over his solid features.

"Excuse me, “Liam nodded politely to Angela before turning to leave, picking up Cam's cup of coffee.
*********
"Come on Booth, how long does it take for you to take a shower? I have to brush my teeth." Brennan rapped on the bathroom door impatiently. As she waited, she mused on the early morning's events.

Booth had woken her up and didn't appear to have any inclination about her hand holding session. Now she just had to make sure her actions didn't key him into anything odd between them.

"Booth," she went to knock again but the door flew open before her fist hit made it.

Her hand held mid air as Booth stood before her shirtless in loose fitting jeans, drying his hair with a towel, “I’m done Bones, jeez."

He brushed passed her as she entered the bathroom flustered,

“Thanks."
************
Brennan swished water around in her mouth before spitting it down the sink. A sharp knock on the bathroom door had her rolling her eyes and yanking the door open, “And you call me imp..." she stopped her protests seeing Cam standing on the other side instead of her partner.

"Sorry Cam, I thought you were Booth," she gathered her toothbrush and toothpaste.

"It’s okay. I just need to take a shower." Cam gestured down to her blood stained clothing.

"No problem, I'm done anyway." As they went to scoot around each other, Cam placed her hand on Brennan's arm stopping her.

"I wanted to let you know....I'm very," she struggled with the right words,"...Thank you for last night, for taking care of me after I got shot."

Brennan was taken by surprise, truly touched by Cam's sincerity, so much so that she suddenly hugged her. Cam froze at first then embraced Brennan as well, “Thank you for protecting me, for risking your safety."

The women pulled away and their gazes lingered on one another, an unspoken bond forged as all tension and past differences were forgotten.

Cam nodded before entering the bathroom further and closing the door.
Brennan put her toiletries back in her bag and ventured out to the kitchen. Angela, Hodgins, Booth and Reggie were sitting in various places, looking closer to their old selves. The fear seemed to have dissipated dramatically but the worry still lingered like a bitter aftertaste.

"We need to get rid of the car," Booth told Reggie as Brennan slid on top of the counter beside him. Without even thinking about it he reached to his side and passed her the cup of coffee that he poured for her.

"That would be advisable." Reggie agreed, “You need to call your people first, let them know what is going on."

"Wait; if someone on the inside of the FBI is on Silva's payroll then how do we know they won't find out where we are?"

"Its simple, I'm not going to tell them where we are Hodgins."

"Who says they can't track your call?" He countered.

Booth's jaw clenched, “You don't think I haven't thought about that? This is what I do."

"I have an electronic device that will make it impossible for them to track us." Reggie interjected, defusing the situation.

"Anyways," Booth continued, ignoring Hodgins,"I highly doubt the person I chose to brief of our situation is corrupt. He's only 12 of course."
*********
Psychologist and forensic profiler Dr. Lance Sweets was not usually one to forge emotional bonds with his patients. Many an agent had sat across from him in his office. Despite the torrent of personal information being discussed with him everyday, he always kept a comfortable, yet professional relationship with almost all of his patients...key word almost.

Now, as whispers rippled through the Hoover of a certain agent and famous forensic team having been in the custody of U.S. Marshalls, Sweets couldn't help but wonder if he had become much too attached to the mock family. He knew in his gut that something was wrong and it worried him to now ends.

It was not supposed to be common knowledge that Booth, Brennan and the squints had to go into protective custody. So for the information to be passing through the Hoover rumor mill, something had to be seriously wrong.

He yelped slightly at the sudden ringing of his phone. Quickly he went around picking it up.

"Sweets, don't say anything," Booth's voice, calm yet steely filtered through the earphone,” If your door isn't closed...close it."

Without protest, Sweets crossed to the other side and shut the door, locking it just in case.

"What's going on Booth? It’s totally crazy around here. Rumors are flying like Princess Leia dolls at a Star Wars convention."

Silence buzzed and Sweets thought for a second that Booth had hung up, then realized what he just said, “Sorry, no more Star Wars, I promise."

"Everyone is okay," he began again, “But our safe houses were compromised, I need you to do me a favor."

"Anything." Sweets said, a little too much excitement lacing his tone.

"I need you to get Deputy Director Cullen and Caroline Julian in your office. Go straight to them...don't talk to anyone else. This is important. I'll call back in 10 minutes."

"But...," before Sweets could ask how he was supposed to convince two higher ups to come into his lowly office a dial tone blared.

He had to do this, Booth specifically called HIM. He stood up straightening his tie and with purpose and renewed confidence, he marched out of his office.
******
"You do realize that he's probably buying crazy socks, a cocky belt buckle and flashy tie as we speak," Hodgins laughed teasing Booth.

Angela leaned into his ear, “All he needs is a brainy female partner. Oh wait, Daisy is a forensic anthropology graduate student."

Booth eyed her warily, warning her not to push it.

"If he knows what's good for him he'll just do what I said." Despite his constant cracks and jokes, Booth did have a soft spot for the kid. But he would never outright say it. Hopefully Sweets got it, but if he ever caught him wearing a cocky belt buckle he would stuff him in a trash can.

Cam entered the kitchen in the midst of the waiting game.

She went to stand by Reggie, her eyes scanning the kitchen for nothing in particular, at least that’s what she told herself.

After the correct time had passed, Booth dialed again leaving the phone on speaker in the middle of the counter.
Sweets answered immediately, his voice distinctively deeper, “They’re here."

"This better be good Dr. Sweets. You pulled Ms. Julian and I out of a very..."

"Sir those were my specific orders.” Booth interrupted Cullen's scolding.

"Booth?" He sounded surprised and relieved, “Where the hell are you? What happened at the safe houses last night? Neighbors heard gunshots and called the police and now we have 4 unidentified bodies and 6 slain Marshalls. The Director of Witsec is gunning for someone's head!"

"Just in case you wanted to know, we're all safe. Dr.Saroyan was shot, but not fatally." Brennan interjected obviously appalled at his insensitivity.

"What the Deputy Director is trying to say Cherie, is that this is getting messier then originally intended,” Caroline eyed Cullen, “Your safety is our main priority but it's hard when we don’t have all the information."

"Well what I have to tell you is certainly not going to help the situation." Booth added.

"Then spit it out," Caroline urged.

"Both safe houses were ambushed as you may have been able to ascertain by the extra bodies. One of the Marshalls, Frost, he was in Silva's pocket. I shot him as he was holding a gun to Dr.Saroyan and Dr.Brennan."

"Christ," Cullen commented, rubbing his temples.

"Just so that nothing gets misconstrued, Dr.Saroyan shot the two intruders in their respective safe house and I shot and killed the two men that broke into mine."

Attempting a calming breath, Cullen leaned on Sweets' desk closer to the phone, “And how exactly did you and Dr.Saroyan have weapons? Weren't they confiscated by the Marshalls?"

"I concealed my sidearm sir, and don't worry I have a permit....ex-cop." Cam explained nonchalantly. Cullen wasn't her boss, so his attempt at scolding was a moot point.

"They confiscated my primary and back-up, but I concealed my personal weapon." Booth also explained his tone unapologetic.

"I had a gun as well. I only think its necessary seeing as you specifically requested that I not be allowed to carry an FBI issued weapon." Brennan added, not to be left out, “But I didn't shoot anyone."

"Booth," the edge was clearly heard in his voice now, “Where are you now?"

"I can't tell you sir."

"Can't or won't?" his temper fully stoked, Sweets watched the director as his jaw clenched, his knuckles shown white, and a vein in his neck bulged. The volcano was going to blow.

"Won't sir, “Brennan and the squints watched with pride as Booth fearlessly challenged his boss.

"Listen Cherie,” Caroline burst the testosterone bubble, “You can't just up and disappear with an entire group of people, especially when we have dead federal agents and criminals all over the place. We need you all to come in and figure this out."

"I can't do that Caroline. Silva has someone or multiple someone under his thumb inside the agencies and until you figure out whom and arrest them, the safest place to be is where we are. I don't trust anyone else to take care of my people."

"Booth, if you do this I can't stop the Director of Witsec from gunning for you. Unless we find solid proof that Agent Frost was dirty then you will have a warrant for murder over your head."

“My word isn’t enough?” Booth nearly growled.

“For me it is Booth, but you know how it works when cops have been killed, corrupt or not.”

Angela, Brennan, Hodgins and Cam's startled gazes bounced between each other while Booth stood never flinching, “I understand sir.....Sweets?"

"Yes Booth?"

"Thanks."

With that, a dial tone blared.
********

Here is the rest. On Sunday I will post a new chapter.

*****************

"What the hell is he thinking?" Cullen asked no one in particular.

"We'll never know what that man has got in that hard noggin of his," Caroline answered, “But you can be sure that you should be trying to help him. Try something knew and play kiss-ass with the Witsec director. Keep him from filing for those warrants. If they happen to land on my desk I might be too busy to get to them."

Not waiting for a reply Caroline sashayed out of Sweets' office throwing Sweets a conspiratorial wink. Sweets grinned until Cullen's glare wiped it away.

As Cullen grunted and stormed out of his office, Sweets' wide smile reappeared. Despite the precarious situation they group was now in, he had unofficially officially become apart of their makeshift family.
******
"What do we do now?" Angela asked as everyone stood lost in their own thoughts.

"WE don't do anything at the moment,” Booth stepped out of the kitchen, the amount of people...he could almost hear them thinking. He rubbed the back of his neck, gathering his thoughts together.

"First thing first, we need to get rid of the Marshal's SUV, "Reggie strode over to the basement door. Opening it she leaned in and called,

"Liam we need you up here."

Immediately it seemed he appeared, coming at the top to stand beside his sister. Only Brennan could pick out the slight similarities that are indicative of kinship. The physical attributes were strikingly at a contrast, beside their eyes.

Liam did a two finger wave, “Hello everyone."

Realizing that not all of their new residents had met Liam, Reggie introduced him. After the niceties were over Liam's gaze met Booth's, but not before getting a warm once over of Cam. Now showered and wearing simple jeans with a bright blue v-neck, he had to keep himself from staring at her.

"You and Booth should take the suburban to James. He can get you another vehicle too. I'll hold everything down here and do some data searching on Silva so we can figure out our plan of action." Reggie volunteered.

The men nodded and Booth signaled to Liam that it was time to go. Just as Booth was about the close the front door behind him, a familiar voice called out his name.

Booth turned and his gaze immediately met hers. A thought struck him as he stared into the seemingly bottomless pools of that were Brennan's eyes. Ever since he could remember red had been his favorite color. Whether it was the red remote control car he just had to have, red Mustang that he wished to restore, red ties, red belt buckles and so on. But ever so subtly the blue of Brennan's eyes had become his favorite color.

Shaking the thought he concentrated on his partner. “What do you need Bones?"

Uncertainty plagued her porcelain features as she stood in front of him,

“Maybe...maybe we should listen to Cullen and Caroline."

"What?" Booth's brow furrowed at her question before he looked back to Liam, signaling that he would meet him at the vehicle in a moment.

Stepping back inside in the entranceway, he shifted his full focus to Brennan.

"Maybe we should return to the Hoover, explain everything that happened and then they can find us a new protection detail to keep us safe." She watched him recoil slightly, hurt clouding his eyes.

"You don't think I can protect you?" He knew that she was unsure of
Liam and Reggie they were virtually strangers, but how could she not trust him?

"No...Booth that's not it at all," she reached out and grasped his forearm, she didn't mean her suggestion like that, “I trust you."

Unconvinced he sloughed her hand away but it returned swiftly, her grasp stronger. "Booth...look at me." When his eyes met hers once again she willed her conviction to show itself to him as she spoke, “I know you can protect me...all of us. You are the ONLY one I trust with our lives. I just don't want you to be in trouble because of me. If we go in then we can prove that you killed that Marshal to protect us...to protect me."

Booth's boiling anger subsided immediately as Brennan's conviction was replaced by vulnerability that rarely saw past the heavily mortared walls of her heart.

Instinctively his hand went to rest over hers, their eyes locked as Booth's thumb ran circles over the top of Brennan's wrist. "This is the safest place right now. If we go into the Hoover, the Director of
Witsec will have me tossed in a cell until they find definitive proof that Frost was corrupt. I can't be sure of what will happen to you and the squints while I'm locked up in some cage......so I'll take the risk."

Brennan nodded, conceding his point. Once again she found her attention straying to the warm sensation traveling though her hand as Booth caressed it.

Realizing that Liam was still waiting for him in the car, Booth gave her hand one last squeeze and a reassuring smile before opening the front door and slipping out.
* * *
"Did you at least get a goodbye kiss?" Liam deadpanned as Booth climbed into the passenger seat.

He looked straight ahead after putting his seatbelt on, ignoring Liam's comment.

"Dr.Brennan is much lovelier in person then in the picture from your wallet." He eyed Booth knowing that any comment towards his partner's looks would bait him.

As expected, “So have you actually talked to Cam yet or are you just going to keep hiding in your bat cave?"

Liam's amused face slacked,"...I tried to talk to her this morning. It was awkward to say the least. She seemed angry with me."

"Well you two haven't seen each other in 7 years and seeing how you left it...." Booth trailed off.

"I apologized profusely to her and she seemed receptive at the time, like she understood. What was I supposed to do Booth; I couldn't give her what she needed."

"Maybe you should have figured that out before the relationship started." Guilt washed over Liam's face. “Look, Cam does understand.

But it doesn't mean it still didn't hurt her. Probably more then she would admit, that is why she is a little stand-offish."

He turned a corner sharply, “I should never have started something so soon after Anna's death. But now that I've grieved, I find myself thinking about Camille more and more."

"You shouldn't feel guilty about that. But you should talk to her." Booth exchanged a reassuring glance with Liam before they exited the vehicle at a seemingly abandoned warehouse building.
********

Brennan returned to the group to find that they had taken seats in the living room. All eyes lingered on her as she sat beside Cam. "So, did I miss any important conversation?"

"Better question,” Angela held her pointer finger up, “Did WE miss any important conversation?"

Understanding that Angela was referring to her last words to Booth before he left, she shrugged, “I just told him to be careful is all."

Seeing her shift her gaze uncomfortably, Reggie stepped in, “Well, I was just letting your colleagues know that I am working on putting together a list of Silva's known associates in the U.S. as well as digging into some personnel files from the FBI and Witsec."

"How exactly does a combat medic have access to those kinds of files?" Brennan asked. Hodgins scooted further up in his chair, curiosity piqued.

Reggie tried not to look smug as she shared a look with Cam, “Reggie became a medic because it was challenging. You don't need to be trained in something you are already more then proficient in."

"I have yet to see a computer," Angela scanned the room again.

"The setup is upstairs. My means of retrieval aren't exactly..." she searched for the correct word,"....authorized therefore I have to be cautious."

"Aha, a hacker!" Hodgins exclaimed with such enthusiasm Angela, Brennan and Cam rolled their eyes.

"My brother and I work for a private securities firm. I act as their "sneaker" developing and testing security programs for pass codes, customer information etcetera, all legal. When situations as this call for it, I have the capabilities to acquire relevant information not so legally.
But if it can help, I don't mind."

An appreciative silence enveloped the group.

Reggie stood abruptly, “Well I should probably check on my work."

Everyone acknowledged her departure. As she walked to the stairs, Angela noticed her stop suddenly a shudder running through her body, then as quickly as it happened; Reggie straightened and carefully ascended to the second floor.

Concerned, Angela pulled herself from the couch. "Where are you going babe?"

She kissed Hodgins lightly, “I’m just going to check out Reggie's computer programs. Maybe she'll show me something I can force the Jeffersonian into buying for me."

"Shopping even in a crisis?" Brennan chuckled.

"You know me," she went along with the jest and with that climbed the stairs.

Just as she stepped to the top, an involuntary gasp escaped her lips at what she saw. Her hand covered her mouth, but it was too late.
Reggie stood in the middle of the second story which had been converted to one large room. Her shirt was pulled halfway up, or rather in the process of being pulled back down her torso, exposing a dozen jagged, dark scars spread sporadically across her tan skin.

Having been facing away from Angela, her head turned on her shoulders at the sharp intake of breath.

"I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to...I'll just..." Embarrassed at the intrusion Angela began to turn and descend the stairs.

"Wait...it's okay," Reggie rushed to the head of the stairs and urged her to come back up.

Once Angela had returned, Reggie clasped her hands together, knowing that she was going to have to explain the scars for them to interact without any awkwardness.

"So, you saw my back."

Angela shook her head and held up her hands, “You don't have to explain anything to me. I just saw you downstairs...kind of shudder. I wanted to make sure you were okay."

She looked at the artist curiosity and surprise lacing her features, “You noticed that...wow." Reggie motioned to the two rolling desk chairs in front of two massive computer monitors and they sat.

"I'm not usually so sensitive, but every now and again my bra rubs against my back sharply and it’s painful."

Angela nodded, just letting her do the talking.

"I told you last night that I was a combat medic with Booth in the Army.” Again a nod, “Well Booth, my brother and I were a part of a small team that got ambushed during an operation in Kosovo. Somehow
Booth and I got separated from the group and were captured. My memory is still a little shoddy, but they told me we had been held for almost 2 months. The scars are actually burns...brands of whatever they had handy."

Reggie's voice quivered slightly at the end causing Angela to reach out and grasp her hand. An experience like that was horrifying to say the least, but the fact that she had gone through it by Booth's side allowed Angela to understand why he would trust Reggie and Liam to protect their lives.

It also gave her insight into Booth's past that he rarely opened up about. She knew that Brennan had been able to glean more then anyone about his days as a Ranger, but rightly in order to protect his trust, she had never revealed any of that information to Angela.

"I'm so sorry that you and Booth had to go through that."

"I;ts the risk you take when you choose to serve your country. Unfortunate yes, but we understood the danger."
* * *

"Thanks for the quick trade James,” Liam shook hands with the chop shop owner. A man of 60 with grey hair in patches by his ears and a full mustache, James’ thin frame allowed for severe underestimation of his native New Jersey toughness.

Booth gave the man a polite smile. Despite the obviously illegal measures taken in order to "get rid" of the federal vehicle, it was necessary and the man had been nice enough to give them another, clean vehicle.

The two men hopped into the dark green Ford Explorer and headed back to the house.

"I'm going to move everyone tomorrow Liam. “Booth knew that sooner or later since the Marshals were looking for him they would come knocking on Liam and Reggie's door. In order to keep them out of it, he had to move Brennan and the squints.

"Aye, I figured you would say that. That's why I had Reggie call one of her big whig real-estate friends. He specializes in....very private clients. The house is two blocks away. Unfurnished, but we have blow up beds, sheets, pillows, etcetera."

He looked to Booth whose gratefulness radiated through the car.

"Thanks Liam."

"Don't mention it."

While Liam drove, Booth pulled out a disposable phone that James had also been kind enough to lend him. He took a breath before dialing.

After the second ring, the person on the other end of the phone picked up. “It’s Booth." He decided that skipping pleasantries was the best thing.

He explained the situation and braced for a reaction.

"You should have called me sooner." His voice was an attempt at
intimidation. It almost worked....almost.

"That wasn't an option at the time. I'm moving everyone tomorrow morning so I'll call you with the new address and you can meet us there.” Booth had to make him see who the boss would be through all of this if he wanted to be involved.

"She's my daughter Booth."

"I know Max." The conversation ended there.
*****************

"We're back,” Booth’s voice echoed through the house announcing he and Liam's return. Shutting the door behind them, the pair shuffled into the living room where Hodgins and Cam watched TV. while Brennan's nose was buried in a magazine.

Brennan looked up as they entered, her eyes peaking out from just over the top pages. Booth plopped down on the end of the couch at her feet, his hand brushing her toes before resting on the back cushion.

Liam perched on the arm of the chair Cam sat in. When Liam's elbow grazed her shoulder they both flinched awkwardly, and Cam shifted away.

"So where is Angela and Reggie?" Booth asked no one in particular.

"Reggie went to check on some searches she was running, and ever nosy Angela followed not long after." Hodgins explained jerking a thumb towards the stairs.

Promptly the women in question began to descend, laughing and chatting.

"I'm not sure if I like you two hanging out together, “Booth’s finger waggled between the two as they joined the group.

"Don't worry G-Man, I won't tell," she winked purposely making him squirm with her tease.

His gaze flicked to Reggie who shrugged innocently. “Don’t look at me."

"Anyways, the suburban has been taken care of. And I've decided that tomorrow morning we're going to move to a different house."

"Why?" Hodgins and Angela exchanged confused looks.

Brennan met his eyes as he explained, “If the Marshals start to look for us, it won't take them long to identify Reggie and Liam as people to question about my whereabouts. I don't want us here when that happens."

"So where are we going to go?" Cam asked the close proximity to Liam still a little unnerving.

"I've got a place already set up that is still in this neighborhood. It's two blocks behind us. There is no reason that anyone from the FBI or Marshals would look for you there." Reggie handed Booth a key. “We’ll keep in contact through disposable phones."

Unexpectedly, Liam leaned down to Cam and whispered to her, “We need to talk Camille."

Wordlessly and with the whole group looking on, he stood up and took her hand. She didn't look particularly thrilled but followed behind him anyway making sure to avoid anyone's eye line.
* * *

"Liam I really don't think this is a good idea right now," he had brought her out to the back porch. She watched as he took a seat on the creaky wooden swing that hung by the stairs. Patting the spot beside him, she mused for a second before joining.

Memories flooded back. Hot apple cider, cuddling underneath a shared blanket, starting out relaxing outside before moving inside and spending the entire night making love. It had been white hot, intense and shorter then ever wished.

One night she had come over and found him in their spot, crying with his head in his hands, and a picture of a woman in his lap.

His wife Anna had been a beautiful, vibrant, healthy, pediatrics nurse, until a brain aneurysm took her life. It had only been 6 months previous, it was a mistake, he wasn't ready for what they could have.

Cam hadn't shed a tear as he apologized over and over, completely disgusted with himself for taking advantage of her. She left and never looked back.

"Camille," his hand on hers brought her from the flashback and into his green orbs. “The timing was...horrible to say the least. I never meant to hurt you...you know that."

"Yes I do, but that doesn't mean now is any better."

"Why not? Besides the being hunted by murderous thugs, how is now not any better?"

She slipped her hand away, taking a deep breath, “I have a new life now Liam. A very set routine that doesn't really have room for...."

"A relationship," he finished, “Love....me."

"It’s been seven years," she had to stand. Her resolve began to crack. It just seemed too simple, nothing is ever this simple.

"Exactly, seven years is a long time." he stood and reached out gripping her upper arms from behind," I will always remember Anna, but I'm ready this time, for us."

"And what guarantees that you won't change your mind again?"

Gently he turned her to face him and guided her eyes to his with his hand to her cheek, “Hopefully this does," her heart skipped a beat as his lips neared and gently caressed hers. Tipping her head up to him the kiss deepened and her hands cradled his neck, curling into his hair.

When they parted, breathless Liam held Cam to his chest. Listening to his rapidly beating heart she tried to even out her own pulse. His breath tickled her ear, “I missed you love."
****************

Deciding that they would talk more later about their status together,
Cam and Liam made their way back into the living room. An awkward silence and curious eyes let the pair know that they had been the topic of conversation.

They resumed their seats, but this time Liam was sitting and Cam perched on the armrest, not bothering to make sure their arms didn't touch.

Ignoring the obvious, Angela looked to Reggie who was attempting to conceal a smile. "Should Booth send that list of Silva's known US cronies and possible corrupt agents to Cullen before we leave tomorrow?"

Her smirk turned to one of brow knitting confusion, “Cullen?....it's for..."

"Yes!," Booth leaned over quickly and took the folder from Reggie's hand, an almost imperceptible shake of his head directed towards his old friend, signaling her silence.

"You can route the fax number for me before I send it, that way they can't trace it back here."

"So all we can do is wait?" Brennan caught Booth's gaze with the question. Her impatience was becoming palpable.

"We wait," he nodded in answer, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze.

Liam tipped his wrist to check his watch, “Well it's almost time for dinner. I'll whip something up for everyone."

As he made his way to the kitchen, he glanced back at Cam sending her a quick invitation to join him.

Jerking a thumb in his direction Cam stood attempting to look innocent, “I’ll give Liam a hand with the food."

"I bet," Hodgins teased, wiggling his eyebrows causing her eyes to roll.
Brennan exhaled loudly before standing up herself, stretching her back,

“I think I'm going to get some fresh air outside."

"Wait for me Bones. You shouldn't go out by yourself." He called after her as she was already heading towards the back door. Stopping to wait for him, they exited together.

"Hmmm," Reggie surveyed her brother and Cam cooking in a semi-flirty manner in the kitchen, then Angela and Hodgins snuggling on the couch content to watch a movie.

"Nobody ever knew there was such thing as a 7th wheel." she mumbled to herself with a satisfied grin before prancing back up to her room with the manila file folder Booth was going to "fax" to the FBI Director.
******

Stepping outside onto the back patio Brennan was reminded that fall had D.C. in its' sights. The air was crisp and mixed with a light scent of grass. A cool breeze rippled her t-shirt and lifted the ends of her hair.

Not content to just stand on the deck, she made her way down to the plush green lawn. It stretched on all sides until disappearing underneath a tall wooden fence that bordered the house's perimeter.

Her bare feet sunk into the moist ground with each step she took. Standing in the middle of the yard Brennan suddenly realized something was missing. That something came into view when she looked back over her shoulder.

Seeley Booth stood with his hands in his jeans' pockets and his shoulder resting on one of the patio's support beams. He had followed her outside, and now he was just looking at her, watching her with this thing in his eyes that she couldn't identify. His smile held that same mysterious quality, making her stomach clench and quiver simultaneously.

Brushing that aside she faced him fully, hands on hips and sent him a suspicious smirk, “What are you smiling like that for Booth?"

More like WHO was he smiling like that for, he thought to himself as he descended the steps. He couldn't help it, knowing her as he did, Booth could tell that her patience was beginning to wear thin and her frustration was building. She had to do something besides sit in the house and wait for everything to be taken care of.

Just the simple act of stepping outside and breathing fresh air had the tension slipping from her body. It took his breath away how someone who can explain the most complicated of scientific processes or deal with the most gruesome situations that death could offer, could be so affected by something as simple as the approaching night breeze.

"No reason," he finally answered closing in on her relaxed frame. They stood in front of each other just smiling for a moment, neither sure of why but both enjoying the ease. It was as if by breaking the boundaries of the house walls the past 48 hours had disappeared.

But the longer they stood with each other the heavier the electrical charge that raced between them became. Brennan was the first one to break the current, her gaze jumping to the large oak tree that guarded the right side of the lawn.

"Look, a swing," she made her way over to it, cursing herself for the ridiculously obvious diversion.

Booth sluggishly followed her over as she took a seat in the swing made with two lengths of chain and a short 2 by 8 plank. Brennan rocked back and forth hesitantly, her hands gripping the chain for balance.

Silence lingered for a moment as both tried to ride out the wave of awkwardness.

"I'm not used to this," Brennan's voice finally broke through. Immediately Booth tensed unsure of where this statement would lead.

"To a swing?" he guessed sheepishly.

She chuckled slightly before her face became the picture of seriousness. "No, I mean this situation." Her hand gestured to the house causing Booth to relax. This was something he could deal with.

Crouching down, he rested his elbows on his knees and looked directly into Brennan's eyes. A nod signaled her to continue.

"We're crime fighters Booth, we don't wait for others to catch the bad guys for us...And who knows how long it will take. Weeks, months,”
Her expression and tone became increasingly agitated, “I’m not prepared to let everyone give their lives up just to keep my own. It's too much to ask."

Abruptly Booth's hands were resting firmly on the outside of her thighs.

Flustered, Brennan chalked it up to his need to steady himself.

"You won't have to ask that of them Bones. It won't take much longer, I promise." The conviction he radiated with his gaze had her protest dying in her throat.

She tilted her head, wondering how he could be so sure, “You can't possibly promise me that," she managed to almost whisper after a beat.

"I can and I will." He gently pressed his hands to her legs in chaste reassurance.

Brennan squinted at him as something passed through his face that she couldn't quite identify.

Before she could question it, a voice called out across the lawn to them, “Dinner is ready lovebirds."

Angela grinned as she just heard them simultaneously groan her name before stepping back inside. She did note however that they didn't contradict her statement.

******

A cacophony of sounds erupted in the dining room as everyone convened at the dinner table. Chairs scraped the wood floor, utensils clinked, and other items made their arrival known.

Brennan, Angela and Hodgins found their seats on one side of the long oval table, Booth and Cam on the other, while Liam and Reggie took each end.

Liam and Cam brought out the dinner of pizza and breadsticks from scratch. The group inhaled collectively at the first true meal they would have in what seemed like forever.

"Wow, this smells amazing" Brennan complemented, eyeing the cheese pizza that Cam had thoughtfully set in front of her.

"Yeah Cam, who knew you could cook,"Hodgins teased garnering a laugh from everyone except Cam who promptly smacked his shoulder.
With that she took her seat in between Liam and Booth.

"I'm surprised you two got anything cooked up at all,” Angela gestured to Liam, wiggling her eyebrows, “All that heat in the kitchen could have burnt the food."

"Okay, another reference to my personal life and a pay deduction will follow, “Liam chuckled earning a glare, “And you can stop smiling Mr."

Cam's stern look dropped when he leaned over and quickly pecked her lips.

A comfortable silence fell over then as food was passed around and dug into.

After a few moments Angela leaned over and whispered into Brennan's ear. Her eyes jumped to Booth momentarily before she returned a whisper to Angela.

A smile twitched at the sides of Brennan's mouth before both women continued to eat.

Booth oblivious to their actions turned to Reggie, “We’ll leave early tomorrow morning, okay Reg."

She nodded swallowing,"Yeah that sounds good. Liam will ride over with you to make sure all the security precautions are in order."

Suddenly Booth felt something brush his ankle just underneath the hem of his pant leg. He glanced below the table, but seeing nothing there he shrugged and took a breadstick from the basket.

A few moments later and the phantom graze was back. This time Booth identified what it was. Someone's toes were massaging his ankle.

Surprised he looked to the culprit whose face was the picture of innocence and nonchalance.

"Angela..." he called her name slowly. She looked at him expectantly,”Yeah Booth.” Her foot moved higher causing him to jump slightly.

"That. Is. Not. Hodgins' leg." He stated.

"Oh," her foot receded quickly, embarrassed she apologized, “Sorry Booth."

Everyone laughed at the mishap, “How did you know that was my foot Booth? It could have been Brennan's," Angela asked with a mysterious glint in her eyes.

""Bones' toes are longer then yours,” he answered matter of factly keeping his gaze to his plate completely missing Angela's pleased smile and Brennan's taken aback expression. The rest of the group tried to hide their own laugh.

Conversation between everyone picked up again as meals were on the verge of being finished.

Booth recognized the feel of soft skin on his ankle once again. He opened his mouth to scold Angela, but the words died on his lips. That was NOT Angela's foot.

He looked nervously to Brennan who was casually talking to Liam about her own travels to Ireland years ago.

In trying to decide whether he was imagining things or Brennan really was massaging him with her toes, her touch moved upwards to the side of his calf. Instinct screamed at him to pull away but he just couldn't bring himself to do it.

What did this mean? Brennan had never done anything like this before, an outright physical flirtation, whether they were the only ones that knew or not.

It was too confusing and distracting; he had to stop her before something more pressing came up. “Bones?"

"Yeah?" she answered him immediately.

"Your foot.” He pointed his finger down; the table hushed curious what this was about.

"Oh!" she pulled her foot away, surveying underneath the table before grinning, “I thought that was Hodgins'."

A howl of laughter erupted from Angela at Booth’s stunned expression, followed by everyone else.

Booth's face reddened while Brennan tilted her head giving Booth a sympathetic look despite the fact that she herself had found amusement in her and Angela's plan.

After dinner winded down, everyone migrated to the living room to watch television except Booth and Brennan who volunteered for dishwashing duties.

Brennan finished clearing the table, occasionally glancing across to the others and the sound from the TV, creating a barrier between them. From the looks of her, Reggie and Booth were the only ones that weren't sending googly eyes to each other. Uncomfortable with her own train of thought she walked to the kitchen balancing dishes, gently setting them down beside the sink where Booth was standing.

They shared a soft smile before Booth shut the faucet off and dropped all of the utensils into the hot, soapy water.

Just as he sank his hands into the water, Brennan had a thought, “Booth, did you put ALL the utensils in there?" She gestured to where his hands were rooting around.

"Yeah, why?" Before she could answer he yelped, yanking his hand from the sink.

"That's why," she pointed to his finger that held a centimeter cut, blood sliding down.

"Damnit."

"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to put knives in soapy water?"

He eyed her, “I don't need an etiquette lesson right now Bones, I need a band aid."

She rolled her eyes, amused at his uncharacteristic whining, “It’s not that bad, just stick your finger in your mouth for a second."

"You've got to be kidding me,” his eyes widened, “I’m not going to suck
my own blood. Do I look like a vampire to you?"

"Oh for crying out loud," He didn't have time to react, she stepped forward and yanked his hand towards her. In less then seconds her lips closed around his finger, her warm tongue lathing the blood away.

Booth stood there in absolute frozen shock. The air around them seemed to gain weight by the tonnage causing his breathing to slow and deepen. Brennan refused to meet his eyes as her actions, made out of annoyance created yet another unforeseen spark between them.

It took Booth mentally reciting the pledge of allegiance, picturing dead bodies, and 87 year old Sister Shirley to keep him under control. After what seemed like an excruciating amount of time Brennan's lips slid from his finger.

"Um...thanks," he half croaked before both took their positions back at the sink and silently went to work.

"No problem," Brennan countered, her voice almost a whisper.

Booth and Brennan knew that something was different between them.
Maybe it was the threat level, maybe it was the close quarter living but it was getting harder and harder to just keep avoiding the conversation. Neither knew or rather both avoided the knowledge that it would come to a head...soon.

*******

The next day...

*******

Everyone settled into their new quarters nicely, feeling sufficiently safe due to major precautions taken by Reggie and Liam. With alarms strategically placed and video surveillance throughout the outside perimeter, the lack of actual beds and their furniture consisting of a lone couch was less of a bother.

Liam left with some prodding from Cam half an hour previous. Angela had to personally witness and break up their drawn out, heated goodbye.

The group convened in what would be used as the living room just as a heavy wrapping echoed through the house. All eyes shot to the front door, hesitant silence freezing everyone in their tracks. Signaling that the quiet continue with a glance to Brennan, Booth bypassed the security monitors in the kitchen and swiftly made his way to the door.

Cautiously he leaned sideways to peer out the hidden peephole. His shoulders immediately relaxed when he viewed their visitor.

"Its okay," he assured everyone, gripping the doorknob.

Cam cocked a half-smile as Booth opened the door, “Did Liam forget somethi....OH!"

"Max?"

"Mr. Brennan?"

"Dad?" Brennan's eyes widened at his presence.

"Hey baby," Max Brennan crossed the threshold inside, patting Booth's shoulder before gripping his daughter in a hug.

After a momentary embrace, father and daughter released each other.

"What are you doing here dad?" Brennan stuttered still confused at his presence.

Max's gaze flicked to Booth momentarily, realizing that the boy had failed to explain to her why he was needed.

Brennan exhaled deeply through her nose, “Of course, “she gestured to Booth, “I forgot you two have that whole bromance thing going on."
Angela couldn't help but laugh at Brennan's use of the phrase she had taught her best friend a while back. Cam and Hodgins also had to hold back their amusement.

"Now Tempe, don't be like that," Max could see the annoyance in her expression.

"So Booth called you, I get it. But what exactly is the purpose of you being here dad? It only puts you in danger being around me during this." His hesitance to answer was evident. Out of habit Brennan's eyes shifted to Booth for answers. But he avoided her eyes, looking straight down, shifting his feet.

"Booth look at me." her voice was laced with an edge that only built at the feeling that a secret was being kept from her.

Cam, Hodgins and Angela stood in silence, waiting for the pin to drop.

Booth finally picked up his head and met Brennan's gaze. The look in his eyes was familiar; she searched her memory trying to place it. Then it clicked and their exchange of words from the other night flashed through her mind.

"You won't have to ask that of them Bones. It won't take much longer, I promise."

"You can't possibly promise me that."

"I can and I will."

"No," she protested as everything began to fall together.

"Bones, just here me out," he knew that she figured it out. It was up to him to keep her safe. This was the only way to ensure it. He stepped forward to grasp her arm. Just as his fingertips brushed her skin she jerked back, her face twisting at the rush of emotions that burned her throat and clouded her thinking.

"We wait!" she repeated his words from earlier with force, “That is what you said Booth, we wait and let the Marshals and your colleagues do their jobs."

"I know what I said Bones. I also know how interagency operations like this go. They are too busy fighting over which agency does what and that isn't doing anything to catch Silva or the men working for him to find you." It was logical, she had to see that.

"And you are going to do what? Take out all of them single-handedly with your sniper super powers and then somehow come out of it unscathed?" She didn’t even try to cover up the patronizing tone.

"Tempe," Max tried to step in, but a glare from his daughter stopped him.

"This doesn't involve you Dad......Well it does but stay out of it." She turned back to Booth, her fears radiating as anger.

"You could give me more credit you know," Booth didn't want to do this. He didn't want to fight with her about this.

Instead she stared at him incredulously, “Credit? I did give you credit Booth. Credit for getting us away from that Marshall and Silva's men who tried to kill us, for using fishing line to sew Cam's gunshot wound, for finding a safe place for me and my family to hide. But not for needlessly risking your life,” her face sobered, “Not for this."

His own anger simmered, “You think I don't know the risks Bones? This isn't the first time I've gone after murderers."

"It doesn't matter if you solved a thousand murders, or shot a thousand criminals, I've seen what these men can do with my own eyes." Brennan was almost yelling, pleading. Why wasn't he listening to her?

Booth couldn't do this, not with everyone watching, not with Max watching. "I've got to go; I'll be back later tonight." He turned to leave.

Panic gripped Brennan and before she had time to think she blurted, “What about Parker?"

His hand froze on the doorknob. Slowly he faced her once again, the group and Max flanking their sides. "Don't do that Bones." His voice was low and threatening as he tried to control his emotions.

She knew she'd hit a sore spot with him, but desperation pushed her forward, “What happens to him if you get killed Booth? What am I supposed to tell him? That it’ my fault his daddy won't be coming home?"

"What do you want me to tell you Bones?" he surged towards her, his voice now louder and agitated.

"Tell me you'll stay," she yelled back as they stood toe to toe, face to face,"You don't have to do this."

"Yes I do!"

"Why!"

"Because I can't lose you. I wouldn't survive!" Brennan's eyes widened, absolutely stunned at Booth's confession. Everyone held their breath waiting for Brennan to say something but she just stood there.

Booth took this time to return to his exit.

He had the door opened when Brennan finally found her voice,"Seeley Joseph Booth, if you leave our partnership is through."

Pausing for just a moment, his voice only a pained whisper, “Don’t make me choose Bones," the door cracked against the doorframe as he slipped from sight.

All eyes turned to Brennan. Hot tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.

Angry, hurt, shocked and stubborn she avoided their gazes and marched to the room that had been reserved for her. Once the door shut behind her, she leaned her back against it and shrank down to the floor with entire body heaving sobs.

Gah!! Update soon! Looking forward to Sunday!

w00-fucking-h00! That was one hell of an ending to the chapter and let me tell ya' I'm LOVING this story.

RM