Zack stood in shock at the thought that someone besides their friends knew about Howie's rank and their relationship. He had been very discreet, so either one of his friends had done this, or someone was stalking them.

Neither thought sat well with Zack. He was so caught up in trying to process this new threat, that when he felt Howie's arm's go around his waist, he nearly jumped out of his skin.

"We will need to tell Agent Booth" Howie said as he watched Zack put the envelope and the letter in to a clear evidence packet. He put them on the hallway table and made his way to the bedroom to get dressed, hoping Howie would follow, which he did.

"Zack…baby, I'll be ok… don't worry. All my men on my unit will keep me safe, and all your friends will keep you safe." Howie said as he watched

Zack dress in silence; he was being so quiet that it was beginning to scare Howie.



Soon they were on their way to see Booth in the FBI building, where the agent was looking into the backgrounds of the male victims from the previous day.

In the car they had the radio set to a soft rock program, to help them both concentrate on their own thoughts, but they still held hands for comfort.

When they got to the Hoover building, Zack flashed his I.D so they could get in to see Booth.

"Hi Zack and Howie, how are you both?" Booth asked when he looked up from the papers in front of him; he was shocked to see both men, especially after Zack said it was his day off.

"Hi" Howie said, as Zack still hadn't said a word since the envelope had arrived.

"How can I help you this morning?" Booth leaned back in his chair and studied the two men in front of him. The previous day he had seen Zack so happy and alive for the first time ever, but this Zack that was sat in front


of him just seemed void of all energy.

"Someone is following us" Zack said quietly, he was unsure who would want to hurt him and Howie, but then one name came to his mind; Tommy Barry.

"How do you know?" Booth took out his notebook and started to write down details. Zack handed the letter over. As Booth read it, the shock wore off for Zack and the horror started to sink in. He started to cry quietly. When Howie saw that Zack was crying, he crouched in front of Zack, wiping away tears and asking what was wrong.

"I can't lose you…I just found you…I can't" Zack dissolved in to sobs as Howie's arms went around him letting Zack cry on his shoulder.

Booth took the note and exited his office, leaving the two men in peace.