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

This is my first time posting to the ABY, but I have been reading posts for a year now. I first posted this over at the FOX forum but then decided to permanently transfer here. Hope you like it.

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The Body Under Guard

Genre: Angst
Pairing: B/B A/H and maybe more.
Rating: k+
By: Lindsay
Prologue
It wasn't supposed to happen like this. They had nothing to do with what happened. And now because of what I saw six years ago, we are running for our lives. We can't go out of the country. They have powerful connections all over the world that would just make it easier for them to make us disappear. It shouldn't even be an us, it should only be me. Since they are my family, they aren't safe. So in order to keep them alive we have to put our lives in the hands of others. But can we truly trust them or will we end up calling on the strength of one of our own to pull us through?

Chapter 1:

“Booth, stop it.” Brennan reached out smacking his hand just before it could successfully lift a fry away from her plate.

“I just wanted one.” He rubbed his injured hand.

Brennan eyed him skeptically, “That wouldn’t be so hard to believe if you hadn’t already stolen four. Why don’t you call Jackie over here and order your own plate?”

“Why would I do that when yours are so readily available?” He wiggled his eyebrows causing her to chuckle lightly.

A familiar ringing made its way through the Royal Diner as a new customer entered its doors.

Dr. Lance Sweets made his way in wearing the usual grey suit, his eyes scanned tables as if he were looking for someone but there was no need to search. Booth gestured to the gawky psychologist, with Brennan sitting right in front of him at their usual table.

He acknowledged them both before sitting beside Brennan. “So, what do I owe this visit? I heard you closed your latest case, maybe you have some lingering issue that you would like to discuss?” Sweets looked at the pair expectantly.

Brennan tilted her head to Sweets, using her eyes to urge Booth on.

Booth pursed his lips stubbornly, so she moved her leg sharply.

“Ow! Jeez Bones!” He leaned down and rubbed his shin. “I was gonna do it.”

Sweets glanced at them, his eyes widening at their actions, “Do what? Did something happen that I should know about? Did you kiss? Was their tongue this time?” Suddenly he was very excited.

A few patrons gave them curious looks before returning to their food.

“No!” They protested in unison, immediately bursting Sweets’ bubble.

“So what is it then?” His voice was flat and uninterested now.

“Don’t be like that Sweets; we actually wanted to apologize to you for this morning.” Booth had a suspiciously kind look on his face.

Brennan nodded in agreement, “And for all the times we’ve walked out on you early.”

“Or answered our phones for personal reasons.” Booth added.
“Don’t forget about how you call him twelve all the time,”Brennan pointed out.

“What about how you always say that psychology isn’t a science,” Booth volleyed.

She scowled in frustration, “Well it isn’t.”

“In your opinion Bones, not everyone’s.” he chided, amused at her stirring annoyance.

Sweets decided to stop the bickering before their sexual tension was released right here on the diner floor.

“What is this all about you two?”

Brennan smiled sheepishly, “Deputy Director Cullen caught us exiting our session early this morning.”

“Bones!” Booth was incredulous, “What are you doing?”

“What? You didn’t really think he would believe that we actually intended on voluntarily apologizing to him did you?”

“Well that just makes me feel great.” Sweets commented, now thoroughly annoyed.

Booth huffed, feeling sorry for the kid, “We really are sorry Sweets. Cullen called us on our crap, but we should have apologized sooner.”

“Thank you Booth.” He nodded satisfied.

Booth’s cell phone began to buzz on the table, but before he went to pick it up, he noticed a flick of red light. His senses went on high alert.

Timed seemed to stop when the red light appeared as a dot lying right over Brennan’s heart.

“BONES GET DOWN!” It all happened so fast, he launched himself across the table to protect his partner, and muffled shots rang out simultaneously.

The glass window shattered with a loud crash and screams erupted as everyone ran for cover.

And then…Dead silence.

It was over as soon as it began. Booth’s body lay partly on top of Brennan’s on the ground, his hands protecting their heads.

He uncovered his face, and looked around seeing Sweets, white faced and panic stricken laying flat on the floor, obviously shaken but okay.

“Booth?” She called his name, feeling his weight on her as she was pressed to the ground.

Brennan turned her head to see him, and relief flooded over her as he caught her gaze. “Are you okay, are you hurt?” Booth did what evaluation he could on her, with them still on the floor. He wasn’t taking any chances that the shooter was still watching.

“I’m fine Booth, I’m fine.” Her voice was shaky, “Are you okay?”

“Physically, yes.” She didn’t understand what he meant by that answer.

“Please stay down.” He whispered to her with enough force to tell her that it wasn’t a request.

Booth stood up slowly, and then standing with his back against the wall, he peeked around the wall, out the window making sure everything was clear.

He stepped forward pulling out his badge, “I’m FBI, and everyone please stay calm. It’s all over.”

The people that were still left in the diner asked panicked questions.

“Who did this?”

“Who were they shooting at?”

“Was this a gang?”

“Was this an undercover operation?”

Booth held up his hands, “All of your questions will be answered. Just stay put and let me know if anyone is hurt.”

He reached down and helped Brennan up off the floor, brushing the glass off of her shoulders and out of her hair. He carefully inspected her once again making absolute sure that she wasn’t injured.

Sweets stood up as well, his eyes wide in shock, “Don’t worry, I’m fine.” He flicked pieces of glass and dirt off, “Dude that came out of nowhere.”

“It was deliberate Sweets.” Booth searched for his cell phone, and picked it up off the floor from under the knocked over table.

“Who was the target?” He asked cluelessly.

“Me,” Brennan answered, her voice breathless.

Her eyes locked onto Booth’s as he dialed Deputy Director Cullen, “The target was me.”

“Why would somebody want to kill you?” Sweets asked, too shaken to realize that Brennan wasn’t looking at him.

“I don’t know,” she shook her head, still staring into Booth’s gaze, a silent communication playing between the two.

“I’m sure as hell going to find out.” Booth promised, his voice as hard as steel.

OH! I have been following this story and have absolutely loved every single line, I've been awaiting the next chapter. I too have been pondering to post here only but I have been posting both sites as of late. Still though I love love love this fic seriously, its just so exciting and then so touching. . . . .I better stop before I ramble on about how awsome of a job you are doing with this and how everyone here is so nice, and give awsome reviews and how hilarious they are but GREAT I'll be the first to say welcome if someone else hasn't already said it.

~Ann

I LOVE this story!!! Please PLEASE please post the next chapter soon!!!

I've been following this story in the BY too... very excited to see you bring it here to finish!

Here is the next chapter. Thank you to my BY readers for continuing to check my story out here. New material will be up in a few days once I am finished posting the rest of the old material.
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"I need agents to check the rooftops and windows of every building facing the northwest side of the diner. The shooter had to be in one of them to make that shot," Booth almost barked the orders into his cell phone as Brennan sat in stoic silence at her desk working.

"Yes I'm positive Charlie, I am quite qualified to make an accurate observation...just get them to work and call me if you find anything." He flipped the phone closed, slipping it into his pocket before turning to Brennan.

He watched as her elegant but strong hands flew over the keyboard as she sat seemingly unaffected by the recent events.

Booth usually knew better then to assume that this was anything other then a carefully executed facade. But there she was, someone had not even an two hours ago attempted to take her life and she was typing away, returning emails and reading the latest forensic anthropology web articles like normal.

It completely baffled him. Didn't she feel the fear, the uncertainty, the anxiety, because he certainly did, those emotions and more.

Her life had been in jeopardy multiple times and everytime the regret pierced him. It seeped into his whole body, and yet he still never garnered to courage. The courage to tell the truth about his feeling for her. A truth that he'd realized a long time ago but had refused to say aloud to anyone, especially not her.

What if she had been the one to get him a drink that night at her apartment, what if he hadn't gotten to Kenton in time, what if he hadn't found her and Hodgins in time, what if Pam Noonan hadn't called out his name before aiming her gun....what if he hadn't seen the bead of red light trained over her beating heart?

The thought of losing her was physically torturous. She would have died, never knowing how he truly felt about her, and he would never know if she carried the same feelings for him. Booth told himself that each time would be different, that he would just do it, no matter the risk. But someting kept holding him back.

Was the thought of losing her without letting her know how much he loved her the worst thing, or was it taking the risk, telling her and finding out that they would never be anything more, that she didn't feel the same.

Brennan looked up and caught him staring, his eyes almost black with an intensity that made a shiver roll down her spine. "Is there a reason you are just standing there watching me Booth?" her voice held an edge he hadn't expected.

His gaze eased back, released from the dark cloud of thought,"Just glad that your okay Bones." He answered sincerely dismissing her tone.

She faced the monitor once again,"Yeah, all thanks to you right? My hero." she mocked curtly, causing Booth to tilt his chin, his brow creasing in response to what he could only describe as a foul attitude.

He stepped over to her desk, bracing his body with his knuckles resting on the side of it. "Is there something I'm missing here Bones? I get the impression that your not exactly thankful, even appreciative." His aggravation now apparent.

The posturing, the intimidation act that he was trying to pull caused her already simmering anger to boil. The room seemed to be getting smaller by the second. She tightened her jaw, lifting her chin rebelliously matching him as he waited for her response.

After a few seconds of hardened tension her resolve began to crack. She blamed it on the events of the day. She could still see his face, even as he looked at her now. When he realized that she was a target of an unknown killer. The look had confused her and scared her at the same time, and then it all happened so fast.

She had to get out, had to get away from him before she said something that she would regret later. She stood up quickly, causing Booth to straighten."I didn't mean anything by it."

When he realized that Brennan intended to leave, he stepped around the desk, pushing the chair away with his foot, locking her in place with his hands on either side of her.

"Booth." she tried to sound light, as if it had been a misunderstanding, like she had just been trying to rile him up a but, but the unexpected movement flustered her. She pushed his hand to let her out bit they were clamped in place. His eyes boring into her, she tried to look away but kept being pulled back by some unknown force.

"Booth let me out, this is inappropriate."

He only got closer, making her back into the desk."Your not going anywhere until you tell me why you said it. You wouldn't have said it if you were just joking." Inexplicably her heart began thumping in her chest.

"Fine, if you want the truth. What you did while very much appreciated was stupid."

His expression was incredulous,"Stupid! What was I supposed to do Bones, just let some nutso kill you?"

"I would have seen it, I can take care of myself. You don't always have to jump in front of bullets for me." Her eyes widened as she realized the slip.

It hit him square in the chest. How could he have been so stupid. It explained this entire confrontation. His posture softened as he wrapped her in a hug. She stood stiff for a few moments before sinking into his arms, allowing her own arms to come up under his,resting her hands on his shoulders.

She felt his breath on her ear ,"Bones,"I'm sorry that you had to go through that again, I'm sorry we both had to. But,"he pulled back resting his hands on her lower arms,"I'm not sorry for doing what I did. You might call that being my usual alpha male self, but I call it being a good partner, being a good friend."

They were inches from each other, the heat that neither wanted to acknowledge but was always there lingered. Their breaths mingled, both blue and brown eyes flicking from one another to their lips.

Suddenly a crashing sound came from Brennan's doorway, they immediately stepped back as Angela leaned over to pick up a vase she had knocked over. "I'm sorry, continue with what you were doing....Caroline is here...."she backed out trying not to squeal at the top of her lungs at what she had almost witnessed,"She says she knows who tried to shoot you Bren. But we can wait."

She made a 180 degree turn, walking straight back to the platform pist at herself for her lack of grace.

"Well we should probably see..." Booth gestured to the door.

"Yeah," Brennan agreed, the awkwardness palpable.

He followed her out, both not knowing exactly what had transpired.

"Caroline," Booth followed Brennan up the platform," Angela says you've got something for us?"

She eyed the two partners who were standing unusually far apart,"Yes I do Cherie," her gaze turned to Brennan specifically,"Dr.Brennan, I assume you remember Benito Silva?"

Caroline got her confirmation when Brennan's face went ghostly pale. Booth immediately bridged the gap between them and stood by her side,"But he's.....he's in a Colombian prison....and he doesn't even know who I am."

"Benito Silva as in, the son of Colombian drug lord Carlos Silva?" Cam asked, the name ringing a bell.

She nodded,"The one and only Dr.Saroyan. Thank goodness."

"I thought he was sentenced to life in prison for raping and murdering women who worked at a steel manufacturing factory?" Booth mentioned having been familiar with the case from the news.

"He was, but where you have money, and corruption, technicalities are easy to come by. He was released 3 days ago and hasn't been seen since."

"What does this all have to do with Dr.Brennan?" Hodgins asked.

Caroline looked at Brennan once again,"Do you want to tell them or should I?"

Everyone watched her, waiting for her response,"I was the secret witness responsible for launching the whole investigation and ultimately putting him away. The U.S. Embassy thought it better since the Silva family is so powerful down there that I not be named, but my testimony was admitted."

"I don't understand Bren, were you in Colombia six years ago?" Angela wondered.

"I was in Venezuela on a dig, during the summer." her eyes focused on the floor, taking herself back."A team including an archeologist from Brazil, about 15 graduate students and I were working at a location where an ancient burial site was uncovered from when the Spanish colonized the area systematically killing Mariches natives."

"About three weeks into the recovery the wind shifted, our cadaver dog Swifty led me all over the place. About a mile away from the initial site there was a land fill. We were in the middle of nowhere so I figured it was just the food mixed in with the trash that distracted him."
Her voice was hollow, but she had to stop her chin from quivering before continuing,"He sat down right by a whole that was covered up by a blue tarp. I lifted the tarp and..."she closed her eyes momentarily as it all flooded back, the smell, the taste of death, the sand stinging her legs," the bodies were mutilated, some were months old, some weeks, one or two days. I took pictures, and found an factory ID near the pit, as well as a gold ring. It read B.Silva: The Chosen Son."

"Long story short Dr.Brennan's evidence launched an entire investigation which ended in putting that sorry excuse for a human in maximum security for life." Caroline finished, watching the good doctor sympathetically.

"How do we know for sure that Silva is the one who tried to kill Brennan?" Angela asked.

"Silva wouldn't risk the hit himself, he probably used one of his goons. But its too much of a coincidence." Booth commented.

"That and,"Caroline hesitated,"the Colombian prosecutor that got Silva convicted, and was one of two people who knew Dr.Brennan's identity, was attacked last night at her home, she gave them your identity under duress."

Brennan took a step back as if taking a blow,"Casara, is she okay, is Martin okay?"

Booth reached out and rested his hand on her shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze.

"Yes, they have been put in protective custody. Which is what is happening to you, the U.S. Marshalls will be here in an hour. Agent Booth will escort you to you apartment to grab your things."

"No!" Brennan protested adamantly,"I'm not going to let him push me out of my lab. What about my work, what about our cases, what if we get any new ones. None of my graduate students are ready to work solo."

"I'm sorry Cherie, but you have no choice in this matter. The directors of the Jeffersonian have already contacted your Canadian counterparts to handle any incoming cases. Your safety is of the utmost importance to this lab and the FBI."

Brennan looked to Booth, her eyes pleading for him to do something, he turned to Caroline,"This is the only way to keep her safe?"

"Yes."

He returned his gaze to Brennan, she pursed her lips. It hurt to see that she looked so betrayed by his lack of argument, but he could get over that. She had to be out of harm's way.

"Wait, so what will the rest of us do?" Hodgins asked.

"You do your jobs as normal. You didn't always work in conjunction with the FBI. And Booth, you will work solely with your unit."
********
Booth entered Brennan's apartment first, gun drawn to make sure everything was clear.

Brennan stepped in behind him, scowling with irritation. The entire situation was ridiculous.

First she gets shot at, then she is ordered by her superiors to cease her work and now because she is a federal witness, U.S. Marshals are taking her into custody. What irked her the most was that Booth had gone right along with the whole mess.

Wasn't he supposed to be on her side?

"Booth this is ridiculous, I didn't need you to accompany me." She called as he searched each room.

He came back from the hallway holstering his gun,"You can't be too careful Bones. Silva has all kinds of resources at his disposal. "

She went to pass him, his knuckles grazing her jeans,"Too bad for him he missed the first time huh?"

Booth turned abruptly and looped his fingers around her wrist,"Don't....don't even joke about something like that." Brennan pursed her lips, prepared to rebuff his command, but his somber gaze stopped her,"Okay," she replied softly instead.

He let go of her wrist gently and walked into the living room, shoving his hands in his pockets. Brennan watched him pace for a moment before heading to her bedroom.

She stopped in the doorway and surveyed the area taking a deep breath. Her bed was neatly made, all things in place, familiar, comfortable.

Brennan walked inside, pulled a duffel bag from her closet, and began to pack clothes and other necessities. Her thoughts churned in the process, replaying the days events.

This morning had been like any other morning. Booth had shown up with coffee and a smile. They headed to a session with Sweets that was promptly shortened due to a call from Cam.

They drove to the lab where Hodgins gave them the evidence needed to charge the suspect in their latest case. Which led them to the diner and suddenly she was shoved back into something that was supposed to have been over 6 years prior.

She was only 26 years old, but still very similar to the woman she was today. So when she discovered the bodies of those young women, the overwhelming sense of respect Brennan held for the dead lead her to speak up, to be their witness.

Their remains still haunted her, ghosts that followed her as did all of the people she spoke for. Her anger bubbled under the surface as she thought of Benito Silva, the handsome monster who preyed on the working women and used his privileges to get away with brutally murdering them.

Now she was his target, the object of his desire. She had stood up to him in a way no one else could.

Brennan finished with her clothes and transfered to the bathroom, tossing the necessary toiletries in a smaller bag.

Silva had attacked an old friend. Casara Delgado was very much like herself. A woman at the top of her field despite her age and the stigmas still held against intelligent and outspoken women.

They had spent many nights together, going over evidence, Brennan explaining the forensics, Casara explaining the ins and outs of the Colombian justice system. It weighed heavy that she had not visited, only emails, holiday cards, and rare phone calls.

"Tempe." she could almost hear her terrified voice, "Tempe its Cassie."

"Bones!" Booth called out and she realized she actually was hearing her voice.

Brennan bolted out of her room, down the hallway. Booth was standing by her answering machine, a message playing. Casara's voice, the creamy, calm accent that she knew so well was quivering,"I'm so sorry," she was crying,"You probably know what happened by now and they are taking you into protective custody. They came to my home Tempe, they tied Martin and I up, pointed a gun at out heads. I had to tell them.." she paused, trying to control her emotions,"I'm pregnant Tempe..I couldn't let them hurt my husband, my baby."

Brennan knelt down, listening closer. Booth stepped forward, and once again did the only thing he could, laid his hand on her shoulder, her pain his own.

"Benito will come after you, and he won't stop until he's killed you." her voice strengthened with resolve,"but if I know you Tempe, and if what you told me about that American cop is true, its Silva that needs protection. Esté seguro hermana. Dios los bendiga."

The message clicked off. Brennan wiped a stray tear away with the back of her hand before standing up, the fear, and swirl of emotions being pushed back inside,"Thankfully she's okay."

"Bones."Booth reached out grasping her arm and turned her to him, she glanced back to the answering machine and saw that one message still remained,"Booth there's another voicemail."

She reached out and pressed play, her blood turning to ice at the sound of Benito Silva's voice slithering through her apartment.

"Dr.Temperance Brennan.." his voice was eerily smooth,"What a lovely thing it is to know the name of the woman who condemned me to jail for eternity. Quite the celebrity over here in the states, made finding you much easier then I expected. Although that cop of yours...." Brennan's gaze locked on Booth,"I didn't expect that. But I learn form my mistakes,I will get you Dr.Brennan," the fluid tone Silva used to lure was gone, the sinister hiss in its place," even if I have to deal with him and your entire beloved Jeffersonian team. Adios darling."

Before she realized the fury that took over her, Brennan lunged forward and ripped the machine out of the wall, throwing it across the carpet.

Booth stood there stunned as she rushed into her bedroom, stuffing her gun into the duffel bag before zipping it up and storming back to where Booth stood.

She couldn't look at him, “Call Caroline....If I'm being forced into witness protection, then you, Cam, Angela and Hodgins are coming with me."

This should be good. Poor Bones. Too bad Angela had to interrupt their moment. I hope you update soon!! I can't wait to find out what happens next!

I like where this is heading, I see a lot of Dark Booth coming and if that's the case, then Silva's the one who needs protection.

RM

Caroline approached Booth and the brain trust as they stood visibly agitated in front of the platform. She was flanked by two U.S. Marshals who looked like they stepped out of a Men in Black movie.

"Now don't look so dour everyone." The attempt to lighten the mood flew over like a lead balloon as the group continued to stare at the agents and each other warily.

"This is Agent Frost," Caroline motioned to her right,” and Agent Devlin,"she tossed her thumb to the left. "They will be escorting you to your safe house."

"Plural ma'am," Agent Devlin stepped forward, “Safe houses."

"Huh," Caroline scoffed, “Good luck with that.” As she went to leave, she turned back to the pouting group, “I don't need to tell you all to be careful do I?"

As harsh as she could be with the bunch, they were damn good at their jobs, and she held a special interest in Booth and Brennan's relationship. She hoped they came out of this ordeal relatively unscathed.

They all shook their heads causing Caroline to nod satisfied and make her way out of the Jeffersonian.

"Okay," Agent Frost walked forward taking the lead,"Dr.Brennan and Dr.Saroyan will come with me, Agent Booth, Ms.Montenegro and Dr.Hodgins you will go with Agent Devlin."

Booth shook his head immediately in protest,"That's not how its going to work Agent Frost. I'm sorry, but I am staying with my partner. The more protection she is under the better. Cam can take my place with Angela and Hodgins."

"Agent Booth, I understand your hesitance to turn over your authority in this matter but....." his words were interrupted.

"This has nothing to do with who has authority or which government agency can piss the furthest. This is about the safety of my partner and our people."

Booth stood toe to toe with the young agent who hadn't had enough experience to have the arrogance knocked out of him.

"That is our top priority Agent Booth. I am sorry, but you have no choice in this matter." The room grew tense as the two stared each other down. The squint squad stood there watching. Each assessing the situation in a different way.

Cam stood with her arms across her chest, trying to decide what the odds were that Boot would deck a U.S Marshal. She mused for a moment deciding on 1 in 5.

Angela bit her lip, eyes wide as she made a considerable effort not to swoon and squeal over Booth's fierce defense and his insistence in being able to protect Brennan himself. If Brennan didn't get the picture soon, she might contemplate jumping the man herself.

Hodgins tried to hide the smile that usually appeared on his face when he thought something was bad@ss. He admired Booth immensely and seeing him claim the team and the good doctor while intimidating the hell out of a Marshall was in fact awesome. He decided it was very possible that he had a man crush.

Brennan just stared at Booth in a state of confusion. Her rational mind told her that his alpha male tendencies were unfounded. The agents were trained specifically to protect people, there was no reason that he needed to be with her. But another, seemingly more prominent part of her was bothered by the fact that he wouldn't be around through all this. She didn't know why it should make a difference, but it did.

Booth exhaled through his nose, relaxing his clenched jaw. He didn't have to like the decision, but ultimately he had no choice. Agent Devlin gestured to Frost to back down as well. "We'll give you a few minutes to say your goodbyes." They walked away giving them space.

Hugs, goodbyes and words of encouragement passed between the close-knit group. No one wanting to acknowledge the seriousness and possible finality of the situation. They wouldn't allow those thoughts to enter their minds.

Angela hugged Brennan tightly,"Be safe sweetie. I love you."

Brennan squeezed back,"I love you too Ange."

Angela went to step back hesitantly before being pulled back in by her best friend.,"Take care of Booth okay Ange." she whispered,"He'll have a hard time with this...You know because of his irrational need to protect me all the time.

Angela rolled her eyes,"Of course..irrational." Weren't they going into protective custody because a crazy Colombian murderer wanted revenge on her for sending him to prison?

Cam gave Booth a comforting hug,"I'll watch after her big man." he nodded against her shoulder, fully believing her promise. Suddenly came felt a weight in her pocket, Booth stopped her from looking by pulling her closer,"Its an untraceable cell phone. If anything goes wrong, you'll let me know. Cop mode Camille, you know what to do."

They pulled back from each other,"And I thought it was my angelic looks that made suspects bow at my feet."

Finally cracked a half smile,"Only half the reason."

"Booth?" Booth turned slowly towards the familiar husky voice, brown eyes locking onto blue. They stepped closer awkwardly, not really knowing what to say or do. Everyone watched the pair, a marked sadness in the bittersweet moment.

Brennan held out her hand timidly, unsure of the appropriate way to say goodbye. A sudden ache gripped her whole body. Booth's gaze went to the outstretched hand knowingly. She had to be kidding herself if she thought that a handshake between them would be enough.

He reached out to grab her hand before pulling her against his chest in a hug, burying his face in her hair with an uncharacteristic display of affection.

Brennan stumbled a little as Booth gathered her into his arms. She tensed at first, not expecting him to be so bold, especially in front of everyone.

But what did she expect exactly? There was a distinct possibility that she could be killed, that any one of the people that meant the most to her could be killed. In response to this train of thought she sunk into his warm body, the cocoon familiar and ever comforting.

She was the first to pull back, the warmth lingering as she left the safety of his arms. The tension rose immediately as both partners tried to hide the feelings that became obvious during these shared moments.

"I'm really sorry Booth,"Brennan looked to her friends,"I'm sorry to everyone. I know it doesn't help anything for me to blame myself for the danger your all in, but it still doesn't stop me from feeling at fault."

"No." Booth stated promptly shaking his head. She looked at him quizzically,"No Bones, don't even feel that way. Its not your fault. You did the right thing by those women. I know it and everybody here knows it."

Still looking unsettled,Angela stepped forward and took Brennan's hand in hers,"Sweetie we put murderers away for a living. We are always in danger of someone or another. Flash frozen turkey's even fly at our heads."

Everyone chuckled at the memory, glances made towards and embarrassed Hodgins."Its a risk we take willingly to help people."

Booth nodded continuing,"We're family Bones, and families take care of each other no matter what."

He said it with such conviction. Their eyes locked together like blue and brown ends of magnets, a thousand thoughts and feelings that didn't take words passing between them. Their connection so intimate that the squints only felt it necessary to turn away and let them share it in private.

"Its time to go people." Agent Devlin came back into view, bursting their personally crafted bubble.

Everyone gathered their mandatory singular duffel bag. Booth grabbing Brennan's as well before she could protest. Each of them became lost in their own thoughts as they made their way to the parking garage lead by the marshals.

Questions swirled as they wondered what would become of their
beloved lab without their presence. What would become of them all? It was an almost ominous feeling. Like the calm before the storm.

"Before we load all of your belongings I have to ask everyone to turn over cellphones, pagers, PDAs and any weapons you may have on you."

Two more agents appeared from inside each unmarked Suburban. They stood on opposite sides of the parking garage looking like secret service.

As aggravated glances passed between the friends, hands dived into bags and pockets pulling forth all forms of electronics. Agent Frost eyed Booth suspiciously when it appeared that everything had been repossessed.

"Agent Booth," their eyes met and Frost gestured to his waist,"Your weapon."

Brennan tensed expecting Booth to protest, but was surprised when he promptly took his gun from its holster and passed it to Frost. The man smiled like a Chesire cat,"Your back up too...please."

This time Booth's hand clenched into a fist, and he huffed in frustration as he knelt down to his ankle holster and handed over that weapon as well. "Well then, is that everything?" Agent Devlin asked. A sigh of relief seemed to ripple throughout.

Everyone nodded, Cam glanced very briefly to Booth letting him know that their secret was safe.

The Marshalls loaded everything into its respective vehicle,"Its time to head out. Dr.Saroyan and Dr.Brennan with Agent Silver and Agent Frost. You'll leave first, then we will in 5 minutes."

Shuffling feet echoed against the parking garage's concrete walls. Hodgins helped Angela into the car. Then they both watched as Booth guided Brennan with his hand on her lower back into her seat.

Neither said a word as Brennan stepped into the vehicle. Booth pulled the seatbelt down across her torso and clicked it into the buckle. Her usual protest about the outdated acts of chivalry died in her throat as he smoothed the belt against her shoulder, an unusual look of forced concentration on his rugged face.

When he finally looked her in the eye she could swear she saw his warm brown eyes glaze over with moisture. But it vanished quickly when he blinked.

Looking over her gorgeously constructed face and into her heart-stopping blue eyes, he couldn't help but think if he should tell her.

Would this be the last time they saw each other? Would Silva find her, find them? It was too painful to bear. She tilted her head and he knew she was trying to decipher the war going on in his mind.

As much as he wanted to take her in his arms, kiss her and tell her it would be all right, he knew that it would be selfish of him to drop a bomb like that on her and then have to walk away. So all he could do was lean in and place a chaste kiss on her porcelain cheek,"Be safe Bones, trust your instincts. I'll see you soon."

She nodded in a surprised daze as Booth stepped back and shut the door. He stepped away further, his back hitting his own door, as the car began to pull away.

Brennan sat with her hands in her lap, telling herself that there was no legitimate reason to feel as sad as she did. They would all see each other again. She would see Booth again. But what confused her the most, is that she didn't understand why Booth's absence bothered her the most.

Suddenly anxiety hit and she turned around in her seat to look out the back window. She caught his eyes a split second before they turned the corner.

Cam watched on sympathetically as Brennan turned back around in her seat and slumped down slightly. As tumultuous as she and Dr.Brennan's relationship was in the beginning, she had grown to admire and respect her as a coworker and as a person.

And knowing Booth as long as she had, Cam knew that their relationship went beyond anything that she, the squints, hell even nature could comprehend.

So even if Booth hadn't admitted his feelings, and Brennan didn't completely understand her own, the heartache was still there. She truly hoped that this whole ordeal allowed them to finally erase that damn line.

Booth turned around, the last glimmer of Brennan still lingering in his mind. He got into the Suburban glancing briefly at the pity filled faces of Angela and Hodgins before sending all of his attention to his fingernails.

Gah! I can't believe Booth didn't insist on going with her, hell I can't believe he didn't take the baby marshal and teach him some manners. So now I'm wondering just where this is going, and suddenly - like Brennan - I find myself hating surprises! Good story but the suspense is killing me, more please.

RM

oooo I love this story, can't wait for the next update!!

Moooooore!!! This is awesome! Poor Booth and Brennan. They wanted to be together SO bad. I hope they do end up at the same house anyway. I have a good feeling about this story!

Next chapter...

As the child of a rock star, Angela "Pearly Gates" Montenegro knew how to occupy herself when on the road.

Her dad would play shows at night and sleep on the tour bus during the day, so she had a lot of time to herself.

A sketchpad and charcoal pencils entertained her keen eye and wild imagination. So on their way to the safe house that would hopefully keep her and her family alive, Angela drew a portrait that she intended to give to the wounded puppy sitting to the right of her.

She glanced quickly over her pad and watched as Booth sat rigidly, staring out the window, a blank look on his face. It absolutely baffled Angela that Brennan and Booth stubbornly refused to admit their feelings to one another.

Obviously Booth had fallen first. He worshipped the ground she walked on, but not in the pathetic, overly emotional momma's boy kind of way. In the silent, ever-vigilant, protector sort of way.

He was there for her in ways that no one else could be. She understood his hesitance, knowing Brennan as she did, to admit his feelings. But my God it was turning into a joke.

She rolled her eyes thinking about Brennan. Angela could slap the woman sometimes. That or tattoo In Denial across her forehead. They went out to lunch and/or dinner almost everyday, they hung out at the bowling alley and went ice skating.

He was there for her with her family; she was there for him with his belligerent brother and the trauma from his time in the Army. For crying out loud he took a bullet for her and she broke the law to save him from the Gravedigger.

If that wasn't love then what the hell was everyone else doing.

Hodgins observed Angela as she worked in taut concentration on her drawing. Eyeing Booth warily her scooted up in his seat and leaned into Angela. "Hey Ange?"

Her eyes sliced to him for a moment, “What Jack?" She still wasn't sure how she felt about being holed up for an unknown amount of time with Hodgins. Everything had been such a roller coaster since their breakup.

Then the Roxie situation, followed by an impromptu romp in the Egyptian artifacts room made it even more confusing.

She was now 5 and 1/2 months into her Sweets imposed celibacy and it had yet to pay off in the whole finding a deeper connection with someone bit. But as difficult as it had been in the beginning, she was finding a personal satisfaction in the control she was showing.
It was almost a spiritual experience. Nobody thought that she could do it and Brennan was clueless as to why she would even try. She would deny it when confronted, but she truly did want to see if Sweets was right. Could she connect with someone on a solely emotional basis? Or was she just incapable of a true connection?
"Angela...you in there?"
"Yeah." she shook her head a little, refocusing, “What did you say?" she whispered.
"I was just wondering how we are going to keep G-man occupied so he doesn't go stir crazy worrying about Brennan."
She began to fill in some lines on her pad, “That will be impossible Jack. No matter what we do he'll worry. We all will."
Hodgins nodded, sitting back in his seat. He looked at Booth and at that moment had never had more admiration for the guy.
He had never told anyone what he and Brennan shared when they were buried alive. Not that it was some mind-blowing epiphany, but Brennan's faith in Booth, whether she wanted to define it that way or not, showed him just how much she cared for her partner.
Angela insisted on playing their matchmaker, but he learned back then that it was an inevitability, so coaxing was unneeded. It was an honor watching something so epic unfold.
He could laugh thinking back on when Booth first joined the team. He like Brennan had assumed that Booth would be like every other agent that had passed through their lab. But now he was as much of a member of their team as Brennan or Angela.
Now, he could only imagine the turmoil that was being forced upon the duo by this situation. He hoped that everyone turned out well, for their sake.
Hodgins turned to study Angela as she engrossed herself in her work. He always found her fascinating when she drew. Her brow furrowed, and her lip curled in concentration.
Honestly the idea of Angela Montenegro being celibate for 6 months had him extremely skeptical. It had gone from funny, to insane when she began hitting on every man and woman in sight. But she had committed to it after a while and he had admired her for it, loved her for it. Maybe it would open her eyes to them.
This is why he felt such respect for Booth. Most would find it pathetic that a man would hang on to a woman when it seemed hopeless, but he understood. For the right woman....you wait. He didn't know how long, but if Booth could wait as long as he had, then a little longer for his own epic love story wouldn't hurt.

*********

Cam knew the second she and Dr.Brennan were paired together for protection that the next few days, or however long they were hidden, would be filled with awkward silences and uncomfortable small talk.

Under normal circumstances the awkward silence would be ideal but for some unknown reason the lack of noise as they rode in the SUV to a location of unknown origin was driving Cam stir crazy.

She attempted to start a conversation with Brennan, but she couldn't think of a single thing to say that wouldn't garner a blank stare. The woman was a zombie without Booth to push her buttons and heat her up a little.

So she looked to the front where Agent Frost and a female Marshall sat. "Would either of you mind turning the radio on?"

The female agent peered at her through the rear view mirror. "We'll be at the safe house soon enough." Cam's eyes narrowed immediately at the testy blond, who obviously only thought of their protection as a glorified babysitting gig.

Before she had time to make an appropriately snarky remark in return, Brennan had unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned forward across the middle console.

Believing that she was about to be physically assaulted, the agent pulled back pressing her self against the side window.

Brennan paid no attention, flicking the radio on. The first station blared country music, which drew a grimace from Cam and her coworker....now hero. "I don't find country music very appealing, how about you Dr.Saroyan?"

Cam pulled the hand away that attempted to keep the laughter bubbling in her throat at bay. The absolute look of pure hatred that the agent was giving Brennan was priceless. "No, Dr.Brennan I'm not much of a fan."

In response she turned the station to a popular music one before sitting back in her seat. Brennan gave Cam a weak smile in response to her mouthed thank you.

Cam looked back to the Marshall, raising her eyebrow in cocky response to the prissiness. Maybe this wouldn't be as bad as she thought.

Haha! Go Brennan!! I feel bad for Booth and Bones though because they can't be together!! Fix it!!! Please! Update soon, this is getting very interesting

I feel sorry for both of them but my money is on Booth breaking the rules first - probably getting Cam to let him talk to her through their phone. Ahh, if such enforced exile doesn't stir the man to action me thinks nothing will. Great story so far, and I can't help wanting more!

RM

Next chapter.....

It seemed like they had been driving for hours when the automobile pulled up in front of a one story ranch style house smack in the middle of Suburbia. Booth observed the neighborhood from behind the car's tinted window.

It was an older neighborhood, with different colors on the homes, neatly cut grass and personalized mailboxes spread throughout.

From his observations he garnered important details. One, there was no toys or bikes in the yards, immediately equaling no children.

None of the cars that he could see had handicapped parking placards, and all the cars were mid-level sedans, SUVs and low end sports cars which clued into younger residents.

No one would pay attention to grown adults in business attire moving in. These people were worried about their own lives, and their own careers. He nodded in approval.

A gentle pressure rested on Booth's forearm, grabbing his attention. He turned and found a hand resting their, then looked to the hand's owner. Angela smiled sheepishly, “We’re here Booth. Let's go."

He nodded, unbuckling his seatbelt and following her and Hodgins out of the vehicle. Grabbing his duffel bag, Booth slowly walked up the concrete pathway noticing Agent Devlin attempting to inconspicuously watch him.

This whole situation was not sitting well with him. They should be together, all in one area, he should be with his Bones to protect her, to keep her safe.

Seeley Booth was not an unintelligent man. Maybe he didn't know every bone in the body, or the stages of maturation in many varieties of insects, or how to input specific data into a computer so it could determine the height and weight of a suspect.

But he did have many years of experience as a sniper and investigator. Although not one to boast, his skills were unparalleled and in this instance they were paramount.

In transitioning from Army Ranger to FBI Agent he had to learn to control these above average abilities, using them only at a less aggressive fashion. A person with as much leverage as Silva doesn't just give up on a hit when there is a little heat from authorities.

So as of now, he would cease to hold back, knowing that complacency in the hands of the Marshals could be fatal.

He needed to stay alert, because their lives depended on it. And no one would be there for Brennan if anything happened to him, and Parker would no longer have a father.

Some might say he expected to much of himself, that he couldn't carry the responsibility, but that is what you do for the people you love.

Booth could have snapped Frost's neck when he separated them. But if he could feel safe it one thing, it was that Brennan was paired with Cam.

They might have had their differences in the beginning, separately they were formidable, but together they could be...he actually smiled at the thought.

Cam had been a cop for 10 years, in the Bronx no less. She was severely underestimated by the squints, Brennan especially. Like Booth, she had her own control switch, and God help whoever caused her to flip it.

They entered the house, and Booth nudged the door closed. As they placed their belongings, Devlin and the second Marshall from the car were joined by a third, a female who had been watching after the house.

Devlin, the one they had been introduced to at the Jeffersonian took off his shades and gestured to them, “This is Agent Grace Fallon and Agent Landon Tyler. They will be assisting in your protection."

Fallon stepped forward, a leggy brunette with her hair pulled in a tight bun at the nape of her neck, not particularly gorgeous but pretty none the less.

“Some ground rules. Agent Booth I'm sure these are of no surprise to you," she smiled slightly causing Angela to eye her suspiciously," There are 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. During the day, we want everyone in the common areas. No one goes outside, stay away from the windows as best as you can."

The Agents split up for a little surveillance outside the home, telling Hodgins, Angela and Booth to stay inside. So while Angela and Hodgins went to sit down on a couch, Hodgins pulling out a pack of cards from his pocket, Booth decided to do his own surveillance.

Angela turned her eyes from the hallway that Booth had disappeared down. Instead she looked at Hodgins who was dealing out playing cards, alternating each card between them. "Something is off with Booth."

"Huh," Hodgins snorted,"No offense Ange, but what isn't off with the G-man right now."

"Your right," she slapped down an Ace of hearts effectively conquering Hodgins' 10 of clubs. "Ha....." she giggled as he groaned and their eyes caught for a moment before returning to the game.

********

Booth walked down the hallway slowly and entered the first room to his right. Surveying the 12 by 12 box he saw a blow up mattress with a sheet for a cover and a pillow. "Hmm, some five star hotel."

He kicked the mattress lightly before stepping towards the sole window. Tacky floral drapes provided minimal coverage. He was surprised and disgusted to see that there weren't any locks or duct tape to ward off intruders. Intruders that were most certainly after more then any money or jewelry they had.

"Scouting for the best room Agent Booth."

Booth swung around immediately,"What kind of precautions are these," he pointed to the window, his voice more of a growl surprising Agent Fallon.

She walked across the room, all joking aside and observed his concern, after a moment a knowing smile appeared on her face.

"What's so funny," he scowled at her.

Fallon pointed up to a little white box one the bottom of the window,"This is a motion sensitive alarm. If someone pulls the window higher then the sensor, a high pitched alarm will sound. All of the windows have them. They are actually very effective precautions."

Booth's gaze immediately shifted away, trying not to let onto his embarrassment.

"Its okay Agent Booth, being protective of your people isn't a bad thing. I'll try not be too insulted by your doubts in my teams capabilities." His lips twitched at her good humor. But it was no match for the spark that his partner could ignite within him.

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

Cam raised one eyebrow up from her novel as Brennan let out her umpteenth discontented sigh. Two hours into this ordeal and her patience was already wearing thin with the good doctor.

Not only due to her respiratory actions, but she also decided that constant movement like drumming her fingers, getting up and down from the couch and pacing would somehow allow for Silva's speedy capture.

How the hell did Booth deal with her during stakeouts?

"Dr.Brennan?" She put down her book, “How are you holding up?" Not that she didn't already have an idea.

Brennan hesitated for a moment before leaning back on the couch, a loud breath escaping her lips. "I'm fine it's just.....I'm a little concerned for Hodgins, Angela...."her gaze flicked away from Cam's before continuing,"...and Booth."

Cam nodded, “You shouldn't worry. I'm sure they are all perfectly safe Brennan. Angela and Hodgins can entertain themselves...."

"You mean sex," she interrupted, the suggestion not at all facetious.

"Not exactly what I was going for," Cam mused, “But I can see where you would come to that conclusion."

They laughed half-heartedly before Brennan's eyes stared directly into Cam’s, “What about Booth? I find he is very impatient in situations like this."

"Huh....that is a major understatement." she scoffed, earning a peculiar look from Brennan. "Look....," Cam moved to sit beside her on the couch.

"This isn't just another case; this is our lives...your life in critical danger. In these kinds of situations, Booth, he kind of...."she tried to find the right word,"....changes."

"Changes?" Brennan asked her curiosity peaked.

"He becomes very introspective and intense, reverting back to his sniper training. Once you do something like that for so long, it never really goes away. So I doubt he will be of any good company. As a matter of fact he is probably bugging the hell out of the Marshalls, looking over their shoulders and double checking every move they make."

Brennan was quiet for a moment as she pondered what Cam said.

"What are you thinking?" Cam wasn't sure if she liked the look on Brennan's face. She looked as if she was about to cry and she was not sure how to handle that.

She clasped her hands in front of her, “Every time I here you talk about Booth, or whenever you and him are together, I feel like..."she hesitated causing Cam to spur her on.

"Feel like what?"

"It’s irrational I know...but I feel like I don't really know him at all." The sadness in her voice was apparent.

Cam smiled none-the less causing Brennan's brow to crease in confusion, “Do you find that amusing?"

"Yes...because that is exactly the same way I feel when I am around Booth and you."