Hey everyone! Sorry this is taking so long. I've really hit a wall on this one. I'm going away this weekend and I hope to work on both my fics! R&R!

Chapter 5 Explanations

Booth watched Cullen back away and pulled out his phone. Dialing Brennan's office he was surprised when a male voice answered, "Dr. Brennan's office, Hodgins speaking"

"Hey Hodgins, it's Booth. Why are you answering Bones' phone?"

"Oh, yeh I saw you on caller ID, Dr. Brennan is in the break room watching your interview. Thanks a lot for the credit by the way."

Crap, she's watching it. Oh well, it can't be helped.

"Yeh, uh no problem. Hodgins, can you come get me at the park on the Boulevard? I need a ride."

"You need a ride? Don't you have the SUV?"

He sighed, "No, I don't, it's a long story. Can you just come pick me up and I'll explain?"

"Uh sure Booth, I'll be right there."

"Thanks man, I'll see you in a few."

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Booth quickly strode to Hodgins' mini when it pulled up. Getting in he mumbled a hello and ran his hand through his hair. How did I get into this whole mess? First the interview, then the suspension, now a toy car. Ok focus Seeley, get back to Bones and doing what Cullen asked. He sighed. "Thanks Hodgins. Give me a minute and I'll update you on my morning."

"No problem man. Dr. Brennan's been weird all morning. I take it somehow it's all linked?"

"Yeh...linked, it all started this morning at the interview..." Booth went on to explain the mornings happenings, finishing with his meeting with Cullen and why he needed a ride.

"Wow, man that is crazy. Dr. Brennan must've been pissed! She definitely takes her case work with you very seriously. If you don't mind my saying this Dick guy sounds like a real...well dick."

"Ya know Hodgins I could actually use your help I think."

"I'm listening..."

"Well we can only do so much from inside the Bureau. Cullen's men can only get so far in their search before they hit red tape..."

Hodgins nodded his head enthusiastically, "I got ya, you want me have some people dig around. What's his name again?"

"Richard 'Dick' Lowell. I have no idea what to tell you to look for, anything that looks funny. It might even be case related. Who knows. In the meantime I've got to talk to Bones' and get her to stay with me so we can work remotely on this case and report to Cullen. This is a mess." They pulled into the Jeffersonian parking lot and Booth leapt out before the car had even fully parked, running inside in search of Brennan. He didn't get far.

"I'm sorry Agent Booth, but your supervisor called to alert us that you are no longer active. I can't let you through without proper permissions." The Security guard looked truly apologetic as he turned Booth away.

Hodgins came up behind them, calling to the guard. "What's the problem Tom?"

"Agent Booth's supervisor called and told us that he isn't working with the Jeffersonian anymore because he's suspended and I can't let him in without clearance."

"Did he say he wasn't allowed to visit as a friend with an employee?" Tom smiled.

"Why no Dr. Hodgins, he didn't say anything about that."

"Tom, I'd like you to meet my friend Seeley Booth. He's just coming in for a quick visit. I promise he won't touch anything and I take full responsibility for any problems."

Tom reached out to shake Booth's hand, winking. "Well Seeley, it's nice to meet you, any friend of Dr. Hodgins..."

"Thanks Tom, we'll see you around! The agent and doctor quickly made there way to the lab in search of the rest of the team.

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Having just finished watching the interview in the break room, Brennan and Ang were making their way down the hall when Hodgins and Booth came running up.

"Bones! Bones! I'm sorry, I tried to run after you ---"

Booth's words were halted when Brennan turned swiftly around at the sound of his voice, her face unreadable. Hodgins quickly turned to his office and pretended to hear his phone.

He stopped and put his hands up defensively, "Whoa Bones. Are we ok?"

"On what level?" She queried, putting her hands on her hips and cocking her head to one side. Ang smirked at her attitude. That's it girl play a little.

"Ummmm uhhhh all levels?" He responded hopefully, unsure of what she was thinking.

She let out a sigh and smiled at him. "Yeh Booth we're ok on all levels. I know it wasn't your fault. Where have you been? Why did Hodgins have to come pick you up?"

"Long story Bones, can we go to your office and I'll tell you about it. I need all of you to hear this, what I have to say can go no further than just us." Brennan turned and motioned to Zach who was on the platform, he came down to join their group as Hodgins reappeared from inside his office. The team made their way to Brennan's office to hear Booth's news.