A/N: Thanks for the reviews. I'm glad everyone is enjoying the story. Right now there will be eight chapters total.

Was it the change in the air the woke him? A breath, a whisper of movement that changed the silence in the apartment? Booth wasn't sure. But in an instant, he was awake, gun in hand. Someone was here.

It felt like minutes since he'd finally fallen asleep, but a quick glance at the clock told him several hours had passed. Middle of the night was starting the transition toward early morning.

Some time during the night, Brennan had turned in her sleep. She was now facing him, her face peaceful. Booth regretted the fact that he would have to wake her.

Making the move he'd avoided all night, Booth reached across the mattress and woke Brennan with a touch to her shoulder. She blinked at him in confusion, as Booth placed a finger over her lips to silence any questions. Her lips were warm against his fingertip. The moon through the window provided enough light for her to see Booth shake his head slowly.

A glance told her all she needed to know. The gun in Booth's hand, the intensity in his eyes had her nodding in understanding. Reaching up, she took his hand from her lips, squeezing it hard before letting go. She would let Booth take the lead, for now. But she'd have his back if he needed her.

Booth knew he'd analyze that move later. She so rarely touched him that he wondered if something had changed between them during the night. What dreams or thoughts had flown behind her closed eyes?

Instead of asking, he watched Bones slide slowly off the bed, to sit on the floor next to Ellie. She petted the dog gently, encouraging her to remain quiet. Booth was reassured by what he saw. Ellie was another line of defense. Not that Booth had any intention of letting anyone get to either of them.

Safety off, Booth moved to the closed bedroom door, opening it slowly. Behind him, Ellie shifted to her feet. A whispered command from Brennan, and the dog sat slowly. But Brennan could feel the animal vibrating from the sudden tension that filled the room.

Down the hall, a light in the kitchen glowed softly. Brennan had insisted it remain that way, in case Booth needed to find his way during the night. Now, it threw the shadow of a figure across the floor. Booth could see the door to the apartment from his position; it was wide open. He spent a brief second wondering how anyone had managed to open the door and disable the alarm.

"Dr. Brennan," a voice chanted. "I know you're here." Footsteps sounded on the tile in the kitchen. From his vantage point in the doorway, Booth had no clear shot. But the light allowed him to follow the shadow of whoever was wandering around the room.

Booth watched, waited, grip tight on his weapon. He had no idea who this was, but he did know one thing for sure. This was ending. Tonight.

"I've read all those books you've written. Love stories to me. Andy Lister is obviously based on me. I've been waiting for this night. The one where we would be alone together." The tone was taunting, threatening.

But she wasn't alone. On the floor next to the dog, Brennan waited, watching Booth. The light from the kitchen outlined the intruder for Booth, but for Brennan it provided a different view. She saw Booth. The man who stepped up to the line every time she needed him.

Brennan realized just how foolish she'd been not asking for his help. They were partners. This was what they did for each other, what they'd always do for each other. Brennan simply had to let him do it.

Breathing slowly, Booth waited for the man, because based on the voice that's who it was, to round the corner. He'd accepted from the moment he'd seen the shadow that there was only one acceptable outcome in this situation. Killing was not something he looked forward to doing. He avoided it when possible. This moment, he knew it was necessary.

"Dr. Brennnnnan," the intruder chanted. "Are you hiding from me?"

If Brennan had dared to laugh, she might have at that moment. Was this guy serious? Of course, she was hiding. Behind her partner. Who was holding a gun. Who never missed.

Finally, Booth got a look at him as he rounded the corner to the hall. Their eyes met and Booth sized him up in an instant. Young, skinny, his own weapon in his hand. Surprise had his eyes widening as he began to raise the gun. But he reacted too late. Booth fired while it still pointed at the floor.

Blood blossomed from the intruder's chest as he slumped backwards. He landed face up, were Booth could watch as life drained from his eyes. Waiting until it was clear he was no longer a threat, Booth walked slowly up the hallway.

"Andy Lister is based on me," he said coldly. A sharp kick had the intruder's gun sliding across the floor.

Brennan waited several moments before getting to her feet and walking to the door of the bedroom. In the light, she could see Booth standing over the body.

"Is he dead?" Brennan asked, Ellie at her side. Her voice was cool, clinical. No fear or emotion colored it. There had been a threat and Booth eliminated it. Her logical mind required no further explanation.

Booth knelt and placed firm pressure against the rapidly cooling skin. Blood was beginning to pool beneath the body. "No pulse," he said. "You better go call this in."

"Are you okay, Booth?" she asked quietly. She knew how he felt about taking a life, even when it was justified.

He didn't turn toward her. "I'm fine, Bones. Go make the call."

At first she didn't move. Booth was ready to ask her again when her footsteps walked away from him, back into the bedroom. Moments later he could hear the gentle rhythm of her voice as she spoke. People would arrive quickly. Her friends, and the FBI would be here in force. They wouldn't get any peace for hours.

But, Bones was safe. He'd done what was required. The weight he'd been carrying since she'd handed him that envelope was finally gone. Until the next time. But for the moment, he wouldn't worry about what dangers the future held for them.

Sighing, Booth stood and finally looked back toward the bedroom. Ellie remained there, watching Booth. He wasn't sure it was possible, but for a moment he could swear he saw approval in the dog's eyes.