Thanks for the reviews. They have been very nice and they let me know I am on the right track with my story.

I don't own Bones.

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The next day, Booth made an appointment to see Hacker. Thinking he knew what was coming, Hacker went to see Booth instead of calling Booth to his office. Entering Booth's office, Hacker saw Booth sitting with his back towards the door. Booth appeared to be staring at the picture of his son.

Sitting down in the chair across from Booth's desk, Hacker smiled and said, "Well, Agent Booth, I hope you're doing ok. I want you to know that I understand what you're going through and I would like you take some time off. You don't have to be here. If you need to be with family members at this time then that is what you should do."

Surprised, Booth turned his chair around and said, "Thanks. That was why I wanted to see you. I'd like to take a week or two off. I have some things I need to take care of."

Looking at Booth, very closely, Hacker said, "You do remember that Agent Harris is looking in to the murder of your brother? You're too close to the victim. I can't have you undermining Agent Harris's investigation."

Nodding, Booth said, "No, I understand. I won't interfere with Agent Harris. I just have some things I need to take care of, that's all."

Frowning, Hacker said, "If you happen to need to go to Louisiana, please don't contact the authorities down there. If you do, then they will probably tell Harris about it and he will then have to tell me. I don't want to have to reprimand you for aggravating Harris. You know what it's like to have other officials step on your investigation. "

Smiling, Booth said, "Yeah, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."

Smiling back, Hacker said, "You know Booth, I use to be a field agent myself. I do know what you're going through and I do understand that a man like you has to do certain things his way. I just want you to know that certain things are OK, just don't piss off Harris, the St. Martin Parish Sherriff or me."

Standing, Hacker continued, "You might want to keep me posted about any trips you make. You know, a friendly text message or two, now and then, just to let me know where you're at and what you're doing."

Nodding, Booth said, "Sure. I can do that. Thanks."

Walking across the room, Hacker said, "Great, make sure I hear from you soon and keep out of Harris' way."

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Booth spent the rest of the day trying to track down the movements his brother had made in the last week or so. Jared had used his credit card for gas purchases during his trip, so Booth was able to track him from the D.C. area to New Iberia, Louisiana. Jared used his card for gas the day before he died and that gave him the general area of town that Jared had been in when he bought the gas.

Booth also set about trying to track down his father, Joseph Booth. This was the first time he had ever tried to do this. Up until now, Booth had felt the bastard could rot in hell and good riddance to a sack of shit; but, since his father was the reason Jared had gone to Louisiana; then, Booth had to find his father to find out if he knew what had happened to Jared. He hated the idea of seeing his father or talking to him; but, if that's what it took to find out what had happened to Jared, then, so be it.

Booth wasn't surprised to find that Joseph Booth had been living in New Iberia, Louisiana for about six years now. He worked as a general maintenance man at the Acadiana Regional Airport. His father may have been a barber, when Booth was living with him; but, Joseph Booth was a hell of a handy man, too. His father had given Booth a lot of lessons on plumbing and carpentry work. Booth knew his father was very good at fixing things and Booth did appreciate the lessons his father had given him on how to repair things. At least the bastard had done something right.

Booth was able to find out where his father was living and now had a place to start his investigation when he got to Louisiana. He just needed to make Brennan see that this was something he needed to do. He knew she didn't approve of him wanting to go off by himself; but, she couldn't come and there wasn't anyone else that he could take with him. She hadn't said anything to him this morning when they ate breakfast together; so, he assumed he was being given the silent treatment, by Brennan, so that he would understand that she was not happy with his plans. Brennan wasn't usually that indirect, so that kind of surprised him. Normally, she would just tell him what she thought. He wasn't sure he liked Brennan being so indirect. She didn't seem normal when she did things like that.

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After wrapping up some time sensitive paper work , Booth went home. He knew he needed to make sure that Brennan was ok with him leaving her for a few days. He hated to do it; but, he needed to find out what had happened to Jared and he wanted to make sure that whoever killed Jared was caught. He just couldn't stand by and do nothing.

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Arriving home, Booth found Max sitting on the couch next to Brennan. When he walked through the doorway, they both turned their heads and looked at him. Stopping, he stared back. "What?"

Smiling, Brennan said, "Booth, Dad has offered to go with you to Louisiana."

Giving Booth his charm smile, Max said, "Yeah, Booth. Tempe told me what happened to Jared and I told her that you can't go by yourself. You need backup. Since she can't go with you, then I'll be your partner, at least until you find out what happened."

Frowning, Booth said, "I don't think so Max. I'm going by myself. You stay here with Bones. Besides, don't you have a job?"

"Of course I have a job," Max said, "I have two jobs and you know it. Fred and Steve told me to take off as much time as I need. Cam said I could take time off too. You see, there isn't anything to keep me from going with you."

"Except, I don't want you to come with me." Booth said. "I'll be fine by myself."

Walking into the living room from the kitchen, Hank looked at Booth, shook his head and said, "I don't think so, Shrimp. I'm staying here with Temperance and Max is going with you. End of discussion."

Walking across the room, Booth stood in front of Brennan. "Fine, Max will go with me. Are you ok with me going? I won't be gone for more than a few days. If I can't find out what happened to Jared in a few days, then I'll leave it to Agent Harris."

Brennan put up her hands so that Booth could help her stand up. Booth took her hands in his and pulled her up from the couch. Once she was standing, Brennan said, "Booth, I know you need to go. I'm fine with that. I just didn't want you to go by yourself. Hank will be here with me and Dad will be with you. Everyone will have someone to rely upon if they need help. I did want to go with you; but, I don't think that would be a good idea. I do want you to call me every day to let me know what's going on and if you need my help. I can still use my resources at the Jeffersonian and I talked to Hodgins and he told me to let you know that he's available if you need his help also."

Hugging Brennan, Booth said, "Thanks, Bones." Happy that Brennan was ok with him leaving for a few days, Booth kissed Brennan. Feeling lonely already, Brennan kissed him back.

Looking at Hank, Max rolled his eyes. Hank laughed.

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Ok, Booth has a new partner. This should be interesting. Reviews would be wonderful. Thanks.