[A/N: Things here are really hectic. I think it's pretty funny that I posted this to pressure myself into "fixing" this story. To date, I've only made slight mental progress working through the kinks in this story. Wonder if I'll find time to write myself out of those issues as we draw nearer to those chapters.

I am absolutely astounded by your generous reviews! Took forever to reach this number of reviews and alerts with my first story! You are wonderful for making the time to read and to comment here!

Disclaimer: I adore Bones, but I don't own it or have any connection to the TV show or its characters other than my complete fascination with and admiration of the genius of both.]

Chapter 3: The Snarl of the Sniper

"Beware the fury of a patient man." ~~ John Dryden

The following morning, Booth had picked up his office phone and called Eleanor as soon as she'd sat down at her desk at 6:15 a.m. Bypassing the typical pleasantries, Booth demanded a meeting with Hacker as early as possible. Eleanor had tried to hold him off under the pretext of Hacker's busy schedule but the barely controlled rage she heard in Booth's voice had encouraged her to bump Hacker's nine o'clock meeting to the afternoon.

The agent's terse "thanks" had convinced her that she'd done the right thing. Agent Booth had always gone out of his way to be polite to her, and he seldom showed up to rant at his boss—in fact, he usually only did so when necessary to bring about justice in a case. Unfortunately, most agents weren't so respectful or level-headed. She'd dealt with many of them showing up and demanding time and attention from their boss for ridiculous reasons or inane personal matters. She supposed that Booth should be allowed his turn to blow off steam as well. That idea was made even more appealing by the thought that she'd get a view of him all riled up and angry. Mmmm... Angry Seeley Booth would be even more delectable than usual. Smiling, she realized that she had something delightful to ponder as she prepared the deputy director's paperwork for the afternoon.

At precisely 8:59 a.m., Seeley Booth stepped off the elevator dressed impeccably, rushed past Eleanor's desk without a greeting, pounded on the deputy director's door, and entered the office without waiting for an invitation. He hadn't noticed the flush of Eleanor's cheeks as he'd strode in and mesmerized her with his angry, impatient behavior.

Once inside, it took all the willpower Booth could muster to stop and stand still and ball his hands into fists to control his fury. His every instinct had been telling him this had been Hacker's fault—or Sweets'—and that he had been justified in storming over and threatening the man into changing his mind.

"Agent Booth, why don't you have a seat?" Hacker said in his most polished agent's tone. Unfortunately, Booth had an even more honed set of skills and wasn't willing to let the man's smarmy smile and warm welcome diffuse his anger at all.

"I'd prefer to stand, sir," Booth barked stiffly. Hacker had spent time as a special agent before moving into administration. His own gut was telling him that he was facing a highly volatile situation. Booth's refusal to sit meant that this wasn't going to blow over quickly. It was blatantly obvious that the man looked even more strong and fit after his recent military training, and Hacker would have bet money that time in the military had done nothing to take the edge off Booth's anger management issues.

Hacker swallowed the nervousness bubbling up from his antacid-coated stomach and spoke. "So that's how you want to play this-no pleasantries. Fine. I was briefed this morning by Agent Patterson. I can only assume that you are here to voice your displeasure about the drill to which you were subjected. Am I correct?"

"Displeasure is too civilized a word for what I'm feeling at the moment," Booth spat through barred teeth.

"Well Booth, you have to consider that the case you've leapt back into is an extremely difficult one, and we need to have every assurance that you are prepared to handle it professionally," Hacker began before Booth's glare choked off his words.

"You certified me field-ready. Sweets certified me field-ready. I passed every single test you gave me, sir. I did more than pass-I blew the top out of every single exam. Distracting me from the case I'm working hard for some stupid test I could have passed my first year with the bureau was disrespectful and a slap in the face after all the years I've served this agency faithfully."

"So you think you're above review and examination? Sorry, son, but you work for the government," Hacker deflected.

Booth had expected that craptastic response and had been ready to jump on it, "What I think... is that I deserve honest and constructive assessment and feedback. My years and my dedication here have earned me that much. I came back on time—just as I had committed to do. I jumped through every hoop you gave me without complaining. I haven't been off on sabbatical or on vacation, Hacker. I've been serving in the army and training people how to keep our country free and how to keep themselves from coming home in flag-draped caskets. I've been working harder than you have doing things I'm uniquely qualified for, and my work there has only improved my ability to do my job here. You have no reason to doubt me."

Hacker knew better than to interrupt Booth's tirade, so he sat and let the man continue. "Why tell me you think I'm field-ready and then subject me to some stupid test? It's not just a waste of time and resources… it's disrespectful and unwarranted. And dragging my partner into it..., well that just crossed the damned line."

"So that's what's eating you, isn't it? You're embarrassed that Temperance was there to witness the test. She does have high standards. What's wrong with that, Booth? Are you afraid she won't work with you if we question your competency?" Hacker had always sensed that Booth did not approve of his dating his partner, and couldn't resist the urge to poke him a bit because of it.

"Temperance Brennan is on record stating that she refuses to work with any other agent from this agency EXCEPT FOR ME. I am more than competent to do my job, and I will not let you or anyone else question my allegiance to my partnership with Bones!" Booth growled, clenching his fists and taking a threatening step forward.

Hacker knew that Booth would rein in his emotions and treat him with respect since he was his superior, but he felt a new trail of sweat trickle down his back, "I can question your partnership anytime I want, Agent Booth. But your partner's a big part of the reason for the test, Seeley. She's a high-profile consultant with visibility and connections. We have to be confident that she'll be protected when she works on our cases. We have to be cautious and not take any chances with her working the case."

"I have never given ANYONE reason to doubt my willingness to lay down my life to protect my partner!" Booth actually yelled at his superior.

"Agent Booth, you will lower your voice, or you will leave my office," Hacker leapt to his feet and spoke while trying to conceal his own frustration and intimidation.

Reluctantly, Booth swallowed hard and tried to reign in his anger with the man standing before him. He had been barely able to do so. Years of being subjected to rigid rules and bureaucracy had trained him for this but his emotions were threatening to wipe away his ability to deal with the cruelty of this situation.

"Look," Hacker began again once Booth had calmed down. "I know you're angry. I know this seems unfair. This wasn't my call, Booth. I'm following orders here, too. I know you won't believe me, but I believe that you're ready. I know that you'll keep Temperance safe. But you know how this place works. You have to leap over hurdles, and I can't pull them out of your way. If you want to work this case with your partner, then you have to do it the bureau's way or not at all."

"Well, was that it? Did I pass the test? And why the hell was Patterson there—who called her in from Philly?"

"I am not at liberty to discuss personnel matters with you, Booth. Look, I'll go to bat for you and see if I can have them stop the drills. You aced last night's test. I'll make the case that you're field-ready."

Appeased slightly, Booth thanked him, "I would appreciate that."

Shaking his head, Hacker continued, knowing that Booth was not going to like what he said next. "The Director has insisted that Patterson shadow you for a trial period as you get reacclimated."

"No. No way. Find someone else."

"It's Patterson, Booth. That's non-negotiable."

"What? Is she sleeping with the Director or something?" Booth lashed out angrily.

"I'd keep your speculation about her personal life and the Director's out of my office, Booth. What's your beef with Patterson? She's a rock solid agent."

Just when he had calmed down, Booth's temper flared again wildly. He honestly didn't know how he managed to stop himself from leaping over the desk and grinding Hacker into tiny pieces, "Stop pretending you don't already know the answer to that question. It's in my file, and I damn well know it's in hers. This is blatant harassment. I should file a grievance."

"Complaining's not your style, Booth, and it won't convince management that you're back at 100 percent."

"I don't need a babysitter. I have never needed a babysitter. Not even when I was a grunt first-year. Patterson still holds a grudge from way back. She'll just make trouble. She was too damned happy watching me figure out that you were testing me and questioning my abilities. I don't have to prove myself to anyone—especially to her. I don't need that kind of distraction, sir. Bones and I have a serial killer to catch."

"I'll have a talk with Patterson and ask her to stay out of your way, but I'm afraid you'll be stuck with her."

"For how long?"

"I have no idea."

"Great, that's just great," Booth grumbled realizing that he had no choice in the matter.

"Find some strong leads, and I'll have more leverage to ask them to take her off your watch," Hacker offered.

When Booth looked up at him to assess whether his boss had begun doubting him because of the slow progress on this case, Hacker looked him straight in the eye and responded.

"I'm in your corner, Seeley. I lost the battle to throw you back in the field without a shadow. Just go do your job as well as you always have, and I'll shut this down as soon as I can."

"Okay," Booth said, turning to leave the office and opening the door.

"Booth?" Hacker asked as he waited for the man to turn around to face him.

When Booth looked up at him, Hacker almost felt guilty for putting the agent back in his place. He knew all too well that Booth had shown remarkable restraint given the circumstances. He'd rather have bought the man a beer. But he knew other agents were out listening in the hallway and was determined to assert his position while he had the chance. Too many of them followed Booth around like he was in charge anyway. He couldn't allow the man to act as if he actually was in control of the office. So he spoke loudly enough for the listening ears to hear, "Don't come in here and yell at me like that again. Your work advancing my career hasn't been so good that I won't write you up for insubordination or pull you off of cases at the Jeffersonian."

"Yes, sir," Booth said quietly before closing the door and mumbling far too loudly—clearly loudly enough for Hacker to hear-about "pompous asses and their need to throw their weight around."

Eleanor watched as the still angry man left the office. As he glared at his peers who had circled like vultures outside to eavesdrop, the normally brave men scattered like marbles dropped on a tile floor when they felt the heat of Booth's stare.

Eleanor had to try to hide her smile as she watched Hacker slowly reopen the blinds to his office while trying to camouflage the fact that he had been wiping sweat from his brow in obvious relief. She couldn't help realizing that she was perspiring for entirely different reasons.

[A/N: Yes, I know we're moving slowly here and that you STILL don't know who that woman was. You'll find out in the next chapter. I thought an image of "angry" Booth might be a nice way to start the week of the Season 6 premiere! I cannot wait until Thursday night!]