Ch. 1. I know there are a lot of these going around but I had to put my spin on it. I hope you enjoy.

"I hate these cases that involve gangs." Angela commented as the group of squints stood around the body.

"Me too." Tempe replied as she inspected the skull closely.

"Well for your information Bones" came that familiar voice as he ascended the platform. "they don't care for you all that much either."

"Morning Booth." Angela greeted with a radiant smile.

"Morning Ange." He replied with a nod as he approached the forensic anthropologist. "Bones I need to speak with you." Without her agreement Booth grabbed her arm tightly and pulled her towards her office.

"Booth let go." She whined. "I can walk on my own."

Booth sighed as he directed her to the couch before closing the door. "Temperance, I need to speak with you."

She looked up at him curiously, his serious façade and tone causing great trepidation within her mind. "What's going on Booth."

He sat down beside he, placing a hand over hers. "Ortez has contracted with another gang and put a hit out on you."

Tempe swallowed nervously as she took in the information. "So?"

"So… these two gangs have been rivals for years and now your death is bringing them together." She could see in his features that this knowledge had been wearing on Booth. "That body you have in your lab is the leader of this other gang. Now, they've been given a pardon by Ortez if they kill you."

"So what do we do?" She asks, standing and pacing nervously. "You can put me under FBI protection, right?"

Booth ran his hand over his face. "It's not that simple Temperance. You now have two of the deadliest gangs after you and if we don't do anything they could come after Russ, Zach, Jack or even Angela."

"And you." She finished. Booth lowered his head in response. Temperance let out a sigh. "So what now? Can't you catch them?"

"Yeah." Booth stood and approached her. "But it wont be as easy as all that."

XxXxX

"The witness protection program?" The artist questioned.

"It's the only way to ensure the safety of everyone." Booth explained.

"But wont they still come after us when they can't find Dr. Brennan?" Zach asked curiously.

"I don't believe so.' Booth said from where he stood in front of the squints. "Hurting all of you would not help them find her. They'll understand that and they'll keep looking until they do find her. She'll be given a new identity and all of you will have no contact with her. To ensure your safety."

On the opposite side of the room stood Temperance, listening to the details as Booth debriefed the rest of her team.

"Will you have contact with her?" Angela asked, tears stinging her eyes.

Booth looked down as he answered quietly. "No."

Angela released a small sob. "When do you leave?" She asked, turning to Temperance.

"Tonight." She answered with little emotion.

Jack wrapped an arm around Angela as she broke into sobs.

TBC-reviews welcomed.