Someone's trying to make life rough for Jessica. How will her friends help her out? Spicy bits...not safe for work reading...

Tuesday morning, the lab got an unexpected visit from scientists from the Sorbonne, a few members of Congress, including former Senate Minority Whip Hayley Winters, and members of the Governing Board, including Harold Maxwell. Brennan gave a tour of the facility, maintaining civility as Senator Winters asked pointed and critical questions about their work. Jessica was at the enzyme tank putting remains in the solution when the group climbed up onto the platform.

"This is Jessica Warren, one of my graduate student interns. Ms. Warren, please explain to the group what you are doing right now."

Jessica caught the look of anger from the senior Maxwell as she realized the man recognized her...or at least her name. Using a mixture of scientific jargon and layman speak, she explained what she was working on, ignoring the man who alternated between anger and looking at her like she was his next meal. When the group left, her nerves almost got the better of her. Taking a few deep breaths, she barely held onto her breakfast as she completed her task, Harold Maxwell's stare leaving an impression in her mind.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Two hours later, Jessica was in the Bone Room examining the cleaned remains when Hodgins wheeled in. "How's it going?"

"Getting there, Curly.", Jessica said. "I'm hoping to find cause of death soon."

"Good. Listen, I have to talk to you for a minute.", Hodgins said, embarrassed about what he had to do. "I'm only doing this so I can say I did it, okay, so don't read much into it-"

"Hodgins...what's wrong?"

"I got a phone call from the Secretary from the Governing Board. It seems there have...been complaints…"

"About what?", Jessica asked nervously. "Did I mess up on a case?"

"No, Jessica, nothing like that..", Hodgins said. "According to the Secretary, there have been complaints that you dress inappropriately for working here. I guess a couple members of the tour earlier also felt you were...underdressed."

"How?", the redhead said, looking down at her olive green dress. "I always wear nylons when I'm here and I don't wear anything low cut-"

"Jessica, don't get upset, all right?", Hodgins replied. "Outside of the scientists, those people are a bunch of hoity toity snots. My wife's come in to work wearing stuff that was much shorter, all right? I had to let you know about it though. You are fine, I promise."

"Are you sure?" Jessica bit her lip as she tugged at the hem of her skirt. "I can wear something else to work…maybe slacks would be better..."

The entomologist wheeled up to the young woman. "Jessica, unless you're flashing people when you bend over, we're good. Honestly, you're one of the best interns we have here, and I'm hoping a position can open up for us to keep you when you get your degree in a couple of years."

"Really?", Jessica asked, forgetting about her embarrassment.

"Yeah, really. Now, I'll let you get back to your bones.", Hodgins said before turning his wheelchair around. "Oh, are you going to Booth and Dr. B's Thanksgiving dinner Thursday?"

"Aubrey and I will be there later in the day. We're having dinner with some of my family in our old house on the cooperative property around noon."

"Aubrey is joining you for the family dinner, huh? Intriguing.", Hodgins said with a smirk before leaving the room.

Jessica watched her friend wheel away. Finishing her task, she took off her gloves. Walking towards her mentor's office, she knocked. "Dr. B, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Brennan turned to her intern. "Of course. Is it in regard to the remains that arrived this morning that I've assigned you?"

"No." Jessica hesitated for a moment. "Do you think I dress inappropriately for work?"

Brennan crossed her arms. "I have never felt the need to send you home to change. If your wardrobe was inappropriate for the workplace, I would have been the first one to tell you."

Jessica smiled. "Thank you, Dr. B. I'll get back to those remains."

"See that you do.", Brennan said. Watching her intern walk away, she wore a puzzled look on her face before returning to her task.

Later that night, Aubrey made a dinner of wheat pasta with Brennan's puttanesca sauce for himself and Jessica, only getting the recipe after a stern lecture about not calling it 'whore sauce'. Sitting at his center island, they enjoyed their meal while talking about various things.

After a while, the agent watched his girlfriend as she enjoyed her wine, puzzled at her demeanor since he picked her up at the lab. She'd laughed in all the right places and said all the right things tonight, but she was quieter than usual. Even when he brought up seeing Rogue One, she was subdued.

"So I'm thinking about waiting until Rogue One comes out on Blu Ray instead of us going to the midnight premiere on December 16th..."

Jessica took a bite of her dinner. "Sounds good, Superman."

Finishing off his glass of Pinot Noir, he pushed further. "No, you're right, we should see it that night. Actually, I think I'm going to take Karen and Steve with us…I'm going to pay for all of it…who cares if I can't stand them. We'll still have fun, right?"

"Yeah." The redhead sprinkled shredded parmesan cheese onto the last bit of her pasta. "Make sure they pay you back."

Shaking his head, he took the cheese from his girlfriend's hand. "Give me that."

"Superman, I was using that. Give it back!"

The agent put the cheese out of her reach. "No, because something is on your mind. Did you hear a word I just said?"

"Yeah, you want to see Rogue One. So do I, Superman.", Jessica said before taking a bite.

"Wow...you so weren't paying attention to me.", Aubrey replied. "Jess, what's wrong?"

The redhead mixed the cheese around with her pasta. "Nothing, Aubrey."

"Bullshit. Now what's the matter, Jessica? You're not very enthusiastic about Star Wars and that is a no no in our relationship.", the lanky man said, concerned.

Jessica looked at her boyfriend's serious expression and knew she couldn't lie to him. Turning to him, she asked, "Do I dress inappropriately for work?"

"What kind of stupid question is that?", Aubrey asked, dumbfounded.

"Great, you can't answer me. That means you think I don't and you don't want to hurt my feelings.", Jessica said before grabbing her plate and walking it over towards the sink.

"What the fuck? Jessica…", Aubrey said as he got up to follow his girlfriend. "Jessica! What is this all about?"

The redhead turned around and saw his concern. She sighed softly as she rinsed their plates. "Yesterday, a couple of interns from the Governing Board came to see me while I was working with Clark, saying there were complaints about how I was blasting music for everyone to hear and about how I was dressed."

Aubrey decided to bring some levity to the situation. "Was your skirt tucked into your panties or something?"

Jessica smacked Aubrey on the arm. "Be serious, Superman. It was embarrassing. They were snotty assholes until Clark came in and told them off. Then today, we got a tour of important people, including Senator Hayley Winters…"

"I bet that was a lot of fun for Dr. B. The senator publicly blamed her after being forced to step down as Minority Whip after the O'Malley case."

"It was a bit tense...but there were some other movers and shakers in attendance.", Jessica said, looking at Aubrey before continuing. "Including Harold Maxwell."

Aubrey began to grind his teeth. "What did he say to you, Jess?"

"Nothing...just stared at me like he couldn't decide if he preferred to have me with my panties down or dead on a slab.", Jessica said quietly, shuddering as she remembered how the man's eyes shifted between anger and lust. "A while later, Curly came to me and said there were complaints that I was dressed inappropriately. He said he had to tell me, but not to take it seriously. When I asked Dr. B, she said she never found me inappropriately dressed, and would have sent me home if she thought so."

"Well, then…"

"Superman, I know my skirts and dresses are short, but I've always worn tights, thigh highs or nylons under them. I've always made sure they are long enough to cover me even when I bend over unlike a couple of the hoochie mama interns in Caribbean Studies. I'm careful about what I wear to the lab and when I teach with Dr. B. What do you think?"

Aubrey saw she was serious about this. "Jessica, I may be a bit prejudiced, but I think you always dress respectably for work. Your style is your own and has never crossed the line of good taste. Trust me when I say you are fine."

"Really?", Jessica said as she faced her boyfriend.

"Yes, really.", Aubrey replied as he reached out to caress her. "I like you in everything you wear...even when it's nothing."

"Aubrey!"

He shrugged as he ran his hand down her torso. "I'm sorry...I like my girlfriend naked. She looks good…", the agent replied before he began unbuttoning her dress.

"Aubrey...what are you doing?", Jessica said with a smile. "We haven't had dessert yet."

"I made a chocolate pie last night and we will have that part of dessert...later.", Aubrey said as he finished his task, revealing a matching emerald green set of bra and panties underneath with dark green thigh high stockings. "Now, I want to have my favorite dessert."

Bending down, he picked her up to her giggles. Wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around Aubrey's waist, she held on as the agent walked her to the dining room table and sat her down.

"James Aubrey, what are you up to?"

"Um, I thought I had already established we were having my favorite dessert…", Aubrey said as he took off his Syracuse t-shirt and tossed it on the floor. "...right here on the dining room table…"

"Your clean towels and other laundry are on it, sir.", Jessica giggled as she pushed off her dress, leaving her in only her lingerie and hose."

"Not for long.", Aubrey said before pushing everything off the table.

Jessica laughed as she backed up, with Aubrey following and crawling over her. Coming together, the two embraced. On the floor, Skinner sat down by his owner's discarded shirt but quickly moved out of the way as the agent's jeans almost landed on him, followed by his Deadpool boxer shorts.

"Now you're wearing my favorite outfit of yours, Superman."

"Thanks. I like how you matched your lingerie, Jess. Green is a great color on you…but they have to go."

Skinner dodged Jessica's bra and panties as her laughter could be heard throughout the house.

The next morning, Jessica and Hodgins were going over evidence in the Ookey Room for a new case she was assisting Dr. B on for Booth. "So you think your vacuum chamber thing here will be able to pick up the fingerprints, even though it was in filthy porta potty water, Curly?"

"Hey, remember the Hodsell case? I got prints off a champagne bottle in the Potomac with my Vacuum Metal Deposition Chamber. If I can do that, then I can get a print off a bottle dunked in turd infested water. Now, turn the button."

She turned the dial and they watched as slowly, a couple prints developed in gold. "Curly, that is amazing."

"It is, isn't it? King of the Lab!", Hodgins said with a smile before his phone rang. Picking up, he answered. "Dr. Hodgins...wait...what do you mean a difficult approval?"

Jessica watched as her boss and friend became more irritated as he listened.

"That is an essential requirement recommended to us by Agents Booth and Aubrey to help protect the security of this lab and to prevent what happened back in August. No, I don't understand. We got approval for that and other enhancements at the final meeting three weeks ago. So how does hiring extra security guards and setting up a sign in desk all of a sudden go over budget now, when it was okay then?"

Somewhat embarrassed, Jessica was going to step out of the room, but Hodgins' hand stopped her. "No...no...unacceptable. I will be taking this up with the Governing Board. This lab has worked with dozen of federal and international police agencies for decades with top security and now all of a sudden we're getting nickel and dimed. Tell me, who had the sudden fit about the security increase?"

Hodgins gave a mirthless chuckle. "Why am I not surprised...the Governing Board is meeting at what time today?...3:00? Good. I'll be there because this is not standing...same to you...goodbye."

The entomologist hung up the phone. "Smarmy ass little tool."

"Curly...what's wrong?"

Hodgins took a deep breath. "That was the secretary to the Governing Board. Apparently there is sudden hesitance to some of the enhancements that were planned for the security upgrades in the lab reconstruction. At the preliminary meeting and finalization, they approved Booth and Aubrey's recommendations to get badge readers for the intern locker room entrance to the lab. The dual badge scans and individual codes for the evidence vaults were also approved, as well as the new lockers with the digital code locks. However, all of a sudden the expense involved in setting up the security desk and hiring the guards that everyone agreed to is too now much."

"Where people have to sign in before coming in the lab, right?"

"Yeah.", Hodgins said before drinking from his bottle of water. "Your boyfriend and Booth suggested the desk with two people 24 hours a day. That way the desk isn't left alone while one makes rounds every thirty minutes. It was all set until Harold Maxwell pitched a fit about cost today and suggested that it be stricken, saying that new badge readers can do the same thing more cheaply and that Antiquities should get the increased security instead."

Jessica shook her head. "But if we had that desk and the two guards before the bombing, whoever stole Dr. Saroyan's badge wouldn't have been able to break in here and plant the bombs, because they would have been stopped."

"I know. However, that pompous ass always thinks Antiquities is more important than anything else.", Hodgins said.

Jessica suddenly felt nauseated.. "Curly, you don't think he's doing this because I got Gerald in trouble, do you?"

"Jessica, Harold Maxwell is a skirt chasing pig who worships art and thinks anything else is a waste of time around here. I'm sure he's also pissed about what happened with his evil spawn. However, I doubt he's going to ruin the reputation of this place just because his son has his nose out of joint over you and Aubrey. Now, relax and don't worry about it. I'll take Dr B,. Booth, and Aubrey with me. Trust me, all will be good, all right?"

Jessica pushed the sinking feeling aside. "If you say so."

"Yeah, I say so.", Hodgins said before wheeling to the chamber and opened it. "Now, take this to Angela so she can send the prints to Booth."

The scientist watched as the squintern put gloves on and gingerly picked up the 375 mL bottle and placed it on the tray before carrying it out. When she was out of sight, Hodgins wheeled back to his cell phone and sent a text.

U & Aubrey call me ASAP.

At the FBI, Booth knew his friend long enough to know when he was serious. Sending a text message, he got an almost immediate reply. Two minutes later, Aubrey arrived at Booth's office. Turning on the Skype, the two agents contacted the entomologist.

"What's up Hodgins?", Aubrey asked.

"I have an update on this morning's case for you, Booth, which I've just emailed you. But I have something else to talk to you two about."

They listened as Hodgins explained the phone call. Booth's jaw tightened and Aubrey's knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists. When he was done, the younger man spoke up.

"What do you think, Hodgins?"

They watched their friend on the computer screen. "I think Gerald Maxwell whined to his father about Jessica, plus good ol' Harold isn't looking so good either after his son made an ass of himself at the Gala. His son losing his internship here will tarnish that perfect Maxwell image so he probably wants to put Jessica in her place and thinks if he throws money Dr. Miller's way he can sway him to keep his asshole son on staff. The Governing Board is meeting at 3:00 today and I need you guys there. We need this security enhancement. I don't want another bomb planted in here, because next time, someone is going to get killed."

"We'll make it work, Hodgins. What happened in August can't happen again.", Booth said.

"Does Jessica know?", Aubrey asked.

"She was here when I got the call..."

"Shit…", Aubrey muttered.

"I think I convinced her it wasn't about her…"

Aubrey's head went down. "Hodgins, her IQ is almost 170 and her instincts are sharp. She knows. I'll be there at 2:30."

"Me, too. We'll meet you at the lab."

"See you guys later.", Hodgins said. "Thanks."

"No problem.", Booth said before disconnecting the screen. He turned to his former partner, whose eyes were blazing as he breathed heavily. "Aubrey, don't do anything stupid. He's just being petty. Bones has always told me that the Governing Board loves the lab because it makes the Jeffersonian look good and that they signed off on our recommendations. He's just blowing smoke."

Aubrey closed his eyes. "You're right...you're right. I know…"

"But you worry that this is about Jessica."

"Yeah."

Booth thought for a minute. "I agree. However, going there half cocked isn't going to do Jessica, or the lab, any good."

"I don't get why Gerald Maxwell is so fixated on the fact she rejected him, Booth.", Aubrey said before shoving his hands into his pockets. "Jessica didn't plan on stealing his car, but he's set on the idea she did. He got suspended because he couldn't keep his mouth shut at the Gala, embarrassing himself and his date in the process. From what I've heard, the butthole can get any date he wants. Why does he give a shit about a fellow intern that turned him down?"

"Because he's probably is used to getting what he wants and Jessica isn't playing his game. Bones thinks thinks the little shit won't be able to make up his required hours for his program by the December deadline. If that happens, he'll lose his spot at the Jeffersonian and he'll have no one to blame but himself. However, he and his father are taking it out on the lab...and her. He probably assumes that Bones, Hodgins, and the lab will get rid of Jessica first to play nice, but the Maxwells don't know them very well because it won't happen."

"I know.", Aubrey replied. "You're right."

Booth knew he had Aubrey calmed down. "Now come on, get out of my office. You have a division of your own to run. I'll grab you at your office around 2:00. Sound good?"

"Sounds good.", Aubrey said before going back to his office. 'Maxwell, you don't know who you're messing with.'

At 3:00, the Governing Board met in a conference room. Doctors Hodgins, Miller, and Brennan sat in the chairs provided as did Aubrey and Booth. As chairman, Harold Maxwell brought the meeting to order.

"Now, we have a lot to cover before we leave for the Thanksgiving holiday. Let's get to work."

Forty five minutes passed as the Board went over plans for another fundraising Gala for January or February as well as upcoming exhibits. Everyone was anxious until finally the last topic of the meeting was reached.

"Our final order of business is to discuss this ridiculous expense that the Medico-Legal lab is asking for. Why are we dishing out additional resources that could be put to other departments when there is equipment that can do the same thing more cost effectively?"

A woman named Amanda Marshall spoke up. "Mr. Maxwell, I'm not ready to dismiss this item. A person using the stolen badge of the head of the lab was able to get in unchecked during the early hours of August 27th and plant two bombs. Not only was several millions of dollars worth of lab equipment destroyed, but four people almost died in the explosion. The lab is world renowned and for us to go cheap on security merely to save money is just wrong. What I don't understand is your sudden opposition to this item, Harold? As I recall, you were the first to sign off on all these recommendations when we approved them October 28th."

"Because Antiquities could use the extra security-"

"Antiquities doesn't need added security, Mr. Maxwell. My understanding was after the discovery of Dr. Batuhan's forgeries and his arrest for the attempted murder of my colleague here...", Dr. Miller said while indicating Brennan, "...back in 2013, the security was overhauled to ensure what went on would never happen again. Not that I don't appreciate the funding, but I do believe the Medico-Legal Lab needs the best security money can buy. I was blessed to take a tour of the facility with Dr. Hodgins after lunch today and I won't accept any funds diverted from their budget to mine."

"With all due respect, David-"

"Please call me Dr. Miller, Harold. I worked thirteen years for my PhD and I will be addressed as such.", the antiquities director stated with a sarcastic smile. "As one who has waxed poetic with esteem for our department, I assume that you would agree."

Maxwell controlled his embarrassment. "Fine, Dr. Miller. However your opinion does not negate the fact that there is better uses for our funds than unnecessary manpower."

A man with a name plate of Martin Pixler spoke up. "I happen to agree with Mr. Maxwell-"

"You always agree with Harold, Martin. I'm sure the fact that your barbecue business caters all of Mr. Maxwell's company cafeterias is no coincidence.", another woman named Cheri Hitchcock chimed in.

"I want to hear from the scientists at the Medico-Legal Lab", Ms. Marshall said. "You have the floor, Dr. Hodgins."

Hodgins cleared his throat. "The Jeffersonian prides itself on the being not only the house of treasures from all over the world, but also containing one of the most, if not the most cutting edge forensic laboratory anywhere. We got our reputation by not only hiring the best, but practicing the highest standards of science and yes, because of our security."

Hodgins took a breath. "Three months ago, two bombs were planted in the middle of the night by someone who'd stolen Dr. Saroyan's badge at her own wedding reception in an attempt to destroy evidence and kill people. There was no one available to stop the person from running it through the detector and going in to do what needed to be done because at night, there is one security guard that makes one hour rounds. Through good detective work, Special Agent Seeley Booth figured out what was happening and helped us evacuate people so there were no casualties."

"I don't see how-", Maxwell chimed in but was interrupted by Hodgins, who was fired up.

"We have a higher burden to hold to the highest standards. It took a tragedy like this to make us see that what we had, although excellent, was not enough. If the FBI, CIA, and other international agencies are resistant to give us their evidence because we hesitate on spending money, why should they hire us to help them? That evidence is sometimes the only thing that prevents a criminal from getting away scot free from murder, genocide, financial crimes, and other serious matters. It is not acceptable to me or my employees that a security recommendation from two well respected federal agents, both of whom have multiple commendations for valor, is being challenged by someone just because his son has a bug up his ass because one of our interns rejected his sexual advances and called him out on his less than acceptable behavior towards her."

"Order!", Maxwell said. "That is preposterous."

"That is a serious accusation, Dr. Hodgins.", Ms. Marshall said.

"Yes it is, but it's also true.", Hodgins replied.

"That's enough.", Maxwell retorted. "I will not allow the Board to entertain flights of fancy by a scientist who believes in wild conspiracy theories. I move to discuss-"

"Actually, I want to hear what Dr. Hodgins has to say.", Ms. Marshall said.

"As do I.", Ms. Hitchcock said.

When the rest of the Board members save for Maxwell and Pixler spoke up affirmatively, Ms. Marshall turned to the opponents. "It seems you've been outvoted, Harold."

"I must once again voice objections to his supposition. You have no right or no evidence to support that claim."

"Duly noted." Ms. Marshall smiled before turning to the lab group. "Please continue, Dr. Hodgins."

"Thank you, Ms. Marshall, and I do have evidence Mr. Maxwell, if everyone remembers what happened to your son at the Halloween Gala last month.", Hodgins said. "For those who did not attend, your son Gerald publically confronted Ms. Jessica Warren in the buffet room and proceeded to harass her. When she tried to leave the situation to avoid the confrontation, he continued harassing her before her escort, Special Agent James Aubrey, stepped in. At this time, Mr. Maxwell proceeded to use foul language as well as referring to Ms. Warren in sexual and demeaning terms in front of several witnesses."

"He'd had a few drinks and was upset…", Maxwell said before being interrupted.

"So your son, an employee, put himself in a position to embarrass himself and the Jeffersonian in public?", Cheri Hitchcock said before turning to Harold. "For a man who extols public decorum, your son's behavior that night was grounds for termination from his program. He was lucky that he was only suspended."

Hodgins held back his smile as he continued. "At the following counseling session attended by myself, Agent Aubrey, Dr. Miller, and Gerald Maxwell on October 31st, Mr. Maxwell threatened to have his father, Chairman of the Governing Board Harold Maxwell, arrange to have Dr. Miller fired when my colleague punished him with a three week suspension for his actions at said gathering two days earlier. Next, he told us that his father and family would pull all their donations from the museum and then move to close the lab as payback for his punishment. All of this information is included in the transcript of the meeting notes, if you'd care to read it…"

"My son can be a bit of a hothead, but he usually cools down.", Maxwell replied gruffly. "He was merely upset at the fact his internship could be in jeopardy. Getting his doctorate is something he had worked very hard for, and to see it gone for what amounts to a simple pique of emotion is distressing."

"Distressing?", Aubrey said as he stood up. "Distressing? I find it distressing that your son has on more than one occasion threatened to press charges against Ms. Warren for grand theft auto, even though she made an effort to give him his keys, which he'd accidentally left on a table. Instead of calling someone to bring him an extra set of keys, he'd decided to called a tow truck, and then, after she gave him his keys, he called her several disgusting names, even though she was trying to help him out. Furthermore, after she tried to ignore him and leave the situation at the Gala, your son referred to my girlfriend as a bitch and then a cheap whore who needed to be tested for sexual transmitted diseases, doing so in front of several guests."

"Is she?", Maxwell retorted. "Ms. Warren's reputation precedes her, from what I hear."

Aubrey was about to stampede over the man when Brennan held him back. "Let me take care of this, Aubrey."

Brennan stood up and faced the Board. "For those who don't know, I'm Dr. Temperance Brennan. I found the behavior exhibited against my intern by the Chairman's son to be distasteful and disgusting. I find it disturbing that I may work for a facility that does not want to hire extra security guards to protect us from another bombing...or a shooter...or any other sort of attack. Even more disturbing is that there is strong evidence that Mr. Maxwell will hold our safety hostage because one of my interns turned down multiple sexual advances from his son, a misogynistic, catered to, spoiled, short of average intelligence child who has only his surname to allow him to succeed in life."

Everyone, including members on the board bit their lips to keep from laughing at the anthropologist's rebuke.

"Now, if this item is not approved, I will immediately resign. Angela Montenegro, our forensic artist and computer expert will do the same. Dr. Hodgins also pledges to tender his resignation, as does Dr. Camille Saroyan. We've all fielded lucrative offers over the last several years from other universities and facilities in the area that, I'm sure, will take our safety seriously."

"Empty threat, Dr. Brennan.", Maxwell retorted before smirking. "You all have a contract with the FBI for services at our Medico-Legal lab."

Brennan gave him an icy stare. "You are mistaken, Mr. Maxwell. While the Jeffersonian has a contract with the FBI, it is for the services for the lab only. If you actually had taken the time to read it, it does not specify personnel for exclusive services."

Everyone attending the meeting, including members of the board, held back their smiles as the Chairman's bluff was called while Brennan continued to speak.

"However, I have a separate agreement with them and Homeland Security that follows me wherever I choose to work. As a tenured professor at American University, I'm able to have my interns learn from wherever my colleagues and I go, whether it's the FBI or to some other agency within the jurisdiction of Homeland Security. I know that the contract renewal with the Bureau is coming up this spring, and my husband and Agent Aubrey, as the FBI liaisons, have considerable influence over whether the FBI will renew the contract with the Jeffersonian. I would imagine that without the services of our team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation may instead contract with say...the NFL, Marshall University, the CFL, George Mason University..."

Booth sensed his wife would prolong her statement and moved in. "I would imagine donations wouldn't be as robust, especially if it gets out that the lab lost their star scientists simply due to a father protecting his son from charges of sexual harassment."

"I take recommendations from law enforcement seriously, particularly the FBI, with whom we've always had a lucrative partnership with since the days of J. Edgar Hoover. I believed when it was first raised, when we approved it, and now more than ever, that the recommendation of a sign in desk and security guards at the entrance 24 hours a day was a sound one. I'm making a motion to keep this in the final stage remodel plans for the lab.", Ms. Marshall said.

"Seconded.", a gentleman named Ray Stover spoke.

When the vote commenced, it showed a vote of 7 - 2, with Harold Maxwell and Martin Pixler against. Maxwell's face was red from anger and the lab group watched with a mix of fascination and amusement as the older man attempted to control himself.

"That concluded the monthly meeting of the Governing Board. We will be meeting again December 21st.", the man said before slamming the gavel down and storming out, quickly followed by Martin Pixler.

The meeting adjourned, the group broke up and went their separate ways. Ms. Marshall walked up to the group. "Thank you for speaking today, everyone. I'm glad that our lab will continue its fine work."

"Thank you, Ms. Marshall for your support", Brennan said. "I'll see you next week at the monthly meeting?"

"That you will, Temperance."

When the Board left, Booth turned to Brennan. "Bones, you know her?"

"She belongs to the woman's right group I'm a member of. She's mentioned her distaste for Mr. Maxwell and his Neanderthal tendencies on more than one occasion."

Everyone laughed as they left the conference room.

Four hours later, Aubrey and Jessica were finishing their meal of steak, potatoes, broccolini, and salad at her apartment. Taking the last bite from her steak, the redhead groaned. "Superman, this steak is amazing. When are you going to tell me what you put in your super secret spice rub?"

"When the time is right. You know, I only serve that to the ones I love."

Jessica smirked. "The ones you love? How many other girls did you cook for like this, Superman?"

"Just one.", Aubrey said before taking a bite of out of his dinner.

"Just one, huh?", Jessica said finishing her plate. "She must have been pretty special."

Aubrey took a drink of his red wine. "Except for you, the most special woman there ever was."

"It was nice you cooked for your mom like this.", Jessica said with a smile. "I wish I could have met her."

"Me too, Jess.", Aubrey said in a melancholy tone before finishing his plate. "Me, too."

Jessica felt guilty for the turn in their conversation. Taking his hand across the table, she squeezed it gently. "I'm sorry Superman. I didn't mean to make you sad."

"You didn't, Jess. I like talking about my mom sometimes. I still have days when I grab the phone to call her, but then I remember that she's gone.", Aubrey said before deciding to change the subject. Picking up his empty plate and silverware, he walked to the sink. "Let's talk about something else. How about the board meeting today?"

"A great subject to talk about. So we're still getting the security guards and the desk?", Jessica said as she followed him.

"We sure are, Jess.", Aubrey said as he dipped silverware into the bubbly water in the sink they'd filled before eating. "Maxwell was on his pedestal, but Hodgins got pissed and talked about what Gerald did at the Gala and at the meeting we had with him a couple of days later. That asshole tried to make it sound like his son was just really scared to lose his internship. He even got cocky with Dr. B, but she shut that asshat down when she told him that the entire lab would walk. Him and his flunkie, Martin Pixler...they tried to get the board to agree not to spend the money, but Dr. B shot them down, and they ended up just looking stupid."

"Yeah, Daisy said Beau's dad and and Mr. Maxwell do a lot of business together, and he's a major investor in Pixler's BBQ.", Jessica replied before putting some rinsed silverware in the drain rack. "I'm just glad all this stuff is over so we can concentrate on Thanksgiving and other things."

"Yes, we can.", Aubrey said before giving his girlfriend a kiss. Going back to work, after a few minutes, he noticed that the intern was silent. "Jess, what's wrong?", Aubrey said as he washed a glass.

Jessica smiled to herself, knowing she couldn't fool her boyfriend. "I don't like the fact that I could have indirectly caused the lab to lose funding."

"Jess, it wasn't just you.", Aubrey said. "Harold Maxwell was trying to bluff and he lost...big time. His son has a big mouth and he couldn't get out from under it. The prick knows what's coming, but he wants to blame anyone but himself."

The redhead remembered her earlier conversation with Gerald in the locker room. "I don't want to lose my internship, but I don't want anything to happen to you or to anyone else because of me either-"

"Jessica Warren,", Aubrey said with a straight face before picking up the sprayer from the sink. "Quit making things about you or else I'm going to give you a shower."

"You wouldn't dare, James Aubrey.", Jessica said as she held her almost damp towel tight and twisted it. "If you do, I'm snapping that cute ass of yours."

"Well, it appears we have a stalemate. Let's get these dishes done so we can watch a movie, shall we?"

"Fine.", Jessica said and they continued in silence for a moment before she spoke up again. "I'm not making things about me, Aubrey. I just don't want anything to happen-AHHHH!"

Aubrey laughed as Jessica pushed the wet hair out of her face. "I'm a federal agent, Jess with deadly aim."

"Oh you are, are you?", Jessica replied before quickly wringing the damp towel together and snapping at Aubrey's rear end.

"Ow….hey, my ass is a priceless commodity. Revenge will be mine.", Aubrey said before squirting her again.

"Going down Aubrey.", Jessica said before snapping the towel again but missing him.

"You have shitty aim, Warren.", Aubrey retorted before squirting her right on her blouse. "Oh, what a lovely black bra you have on right now."

"You're a dick, Aubrey.", Jessica said with a laugh as she snapped him successfully, but he grabbed the towel's other end and pulled her closer.

"I'm not a dick, but you've enjoyed sitting on mine more than once.", Aubrey said, his face inches from his girlfriend. "I think you might enjoy it again."

"I think it's more that you would, isn't it?", Jessica said before moaning as her boyfriend's hand crept into her wet blouse.

Aubrey began lowering his girlfriend to the kitchen floor. "Why don't we find out for sure, Jessica?"

"What about...the movie, Aubrey?"

"Forget the movie. What you're doing is much better...oh yeah..."

An hour later, giggling could be heard from behind Jessica's counter facing the living room.

Behind it, Aubrey was sitting up against one of her cupboards, wearing only his boxers as Jessica leaned up against him, wearing only his Green Day t-shirt from earlier in the evening. Nearby the rest of their clothes were in a pile on the floor in front of the stove.

"So you're going home in the morning to feed Skinner and to get dressed?", Jessica asked before sipping their communal beer and handing it to Aubrey.

"Yep, I'll be back here about 11:00 to pick you up." Aubrey took a drink of beer. "What's the dress code?"

"Casual is fine, Aubrey. We don't put on airs in my family.", Jessica said before grabbing a nearby tub of ice cream and feeding a spoonful to her boyfriend.

"Cool.", the agent replied, his mouth full.

Taking a bite from the carton, she handed it back to her boyfriend, who took another bite. When the redhead reached for the pint, the agent held it up away from her.

"Aubrey, that's my mint chocolate chip I'm sharing with you. Be nice…"

"Jessica, I deserve extra dessert for that last high note you hit before you screamed my name…"

"I gave you extra dessert when I let you rip my panties off me. That's seven pairs you owe me, James Aubrey."

"More like eight, but who's counting?" He took another bite of ice cream. "Hey, remember that old rhyme? I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream? Well, since I made you scream, I get more ice cream…"

"Hmm...that may be true, but I don't want you to eat all of it right now. I have something else in mind." She gave him a flirty wink. "You know, the contrast between warm and cold can be quite sensual."

"Oh really…"

She turned and quickly crawled onto his lap, and while he was distracted by having her so close, she took the carton from him. "Yes. For example…" , she purred, "...if I dribble a little bit here…" She dribbled some melted ice cream onto his navel. "...and then I lick it off…"

He groaned softly as her warm tongue spread the cold treat over his skin. "God, Jessica...who knew ice cream could be so good…"

"You know...there's another rhyme that is apropos right now, Superman." Jessica said as she wiggled herself slowly against his erection.

"Yeah...oh yeah...what's that?", Aubrey moaned breathlessly.

The redhead smiled. "I see London, I see France, I see James Aubrey's underpants…"

"Maybe we can also add that thing magicians say: 'now you see' em…" He gently pushed Jessica off him before he slid his boxers down his hips and kicked them away before pulling her closer. "...and now you don't."

"Very nice." She grinned coyly as she pulled off the t-shirt she was wearing. "Would you like some more ice cream now?"

"Yeah, now that you mention it, I would." He dipped his fingers into the cold mixture and coated her rosy nipples with it. "Oops...looks like I got some on you. Here, let me help you get rid of that…" His tongue laved her breasts as she bucked hard against him. "Yep...good to the last drop."

"It was definitely good…", she moaned. "I think I need a second helping…"

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow at her as he applied some ice cream to her bikini line. "Well, I aim to please...c'mere…" He rolled her onto her back and slowly dragged his tongue from her navel downward. "Oh good...now we get to the cherry on top…"

"James!", Jessica cried as his tongue worked its wonders on her again. "I swear, if you don't hurry up, I'm gonna…" Her back arched as waves of pleasure rolled through her body. "...oh, God…that was...wow…"

"You're gonna what?" Aubrey chuckled as he sat beside her, running his fingers down her abdomen. "You'd better tell me quick before the ice cream melts."

Jessica wore a dreamy smile as she sat up and pushed her boyfriend onto his back. Noting the twitching of his member, the redhead smirked. "I think you need another helping, too, James. I shouldn't be the only one who cums on the kitchen floor."

Scraping some ice cream with the spoon, she put it in her mouth before bending forward and taking him in her mouth. Aubrey closed and eyes and moaned at the sensation.

"Holy shit…"