Welcome back to Love and Carbonite. Aubrey and Jessica are still dealing with the fallout after Jessica was assaulted at the lab. What are their next moves? Read on to find out.
The morning was overcast outside the Mighty Hut II. After getting Hank situated in his chair, Brennan poured two cups of coffee and set one next to Booth as he made pancakes on the stove. Taking it, he drank greedily and then sighed in satisfaction.
"Thanks, Bones. I needed that."
"I know, Booth.", Brennan said as she rubbed her husband's arm. "You were tossing and turning throughout the night."
"I'm sorry I kept you up.", Booth replied as he flipped the pancakes. "I was thinking about what's going to happen later today...Harold Maxwell's case...I can't make any mistakes, Bones. I can't fail Jessica…"
"You won't, Booth." Brennan pulled berries and other assorted fruit from the refrigerator and began preparing fruit salads. "Are you still meeting with Amanda later today?"
"Yeah, I have a video conference scheduled at noon with her and Aubrey, so I can't have lunch with you today.", the agent stated. "I told her I couldn't comment on an ongoing investigation and she understood. However, she did want information about Maxwell's arrest yesterday. What about you?."
"After Amanda talks to Ms. Warren, Hodgins and I will be meeting with her as well this morning." Brennan replied.
"I'm here!", Christine said before sliding up to her spot at the table.
While Booth continued to work on breakfast, Brennan put their subject on hold to bring a bowl of fruit to Christine and Hank. "Don't forget to eat your fruit, Christine. You need your Vitamin C."
"Yes, Mommy…"
"Here comes the pancakes, clan!", Booth boomed as he brought a large plate of of his famous pancakes to the table.
"Pan-cakes…", Hank said, clapping his chubby hands.
"That's my boy…", Booth declared, putting one on a plate that he set in front of his wife. "Appreciates good food like his dad..."
"...and also likes to make a mess, like his dad." Brennan cut her son's pancake before putting it in front of him. "Are you coming to the meeting today as well?"
Booth finished putting syrup on his pancakes. "Yeah, I am. Need me to bring you lunch?"
"That would be appreciated. Thank you." Brennan ate some of her fruit.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Angela got Michael Vincent around in his bedroom as Hodgins got dressed. When ready, he pulled his wheelchair over and climbed in before heading to the kitchen. Seeing the cup of coffee his wife had poured for him waiting on the counter, he grabbed it and drank gratefully. He'd tossed and turned throughout the night as worries about today crept into his mind.
Running his fingers over the rim of his mug, he thought of the day ahead of him. When he got to work, he had several phone calls to make before he and Dr. B met with Amanda Marshall. He hoped to have time to eat lunch with Angela before going to the Governing Board meeting, where hopefully Harold Maxwell would get what was coming to him.
Once again, a sick feeling settled in his stomach as he thought about what had happened to Jessica Wednesday. Originally he was going to be there in the lab with her that day, but the genetic counselor had an opening that was close to the time of Angela's OB appointment, so he'd gone with her to both. With the security guard in the lab, he'd felt confident all would be fine.
But it wasn't fine…and it was his fault when once again, he'd let Jessica down as another Maxwell found a way to terrorize his intern…all because she wouldn't have sex with Gerald Maxwell and then had stood up for herself.
"Some King of the Lab I'm turning out to be…I can't get anything right…"
"Shut up, Hodgins. You're an excellent King of the Lab. You're standing up for your intern so those pricks know that they can't get away with that shit."
Startled, he turned around to see his wife scooping up a bowl of oatmeal she had cooking on the stove. "Angie—"
"Hodgins, you didn't fail her, and I don't want to hear you talking that way or I'll kidnap one of the rats out of your home lab and you'll never see it again."
"Angie...don't throw innocent lives into this…"
"Then listen to me when I say you're a great lab director...and it's not just because you're my lover and boss.", Angela admonished with a smile as she set the bowl on the table. "Now get over here and have your breakfast. Michael Vincent is going to eat all of it if you don't get some first, and the baby's hungry, too."
Smiling, Hodgins wheeled over to the table to join his wife as they waited for their son to come downstairs.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
The headline jumped off the page at Harold Maxwell as he ate breakfast that morning.
Maxco Head Charged with Assault and Bribery in Federal Case
Throwing the paper aside, a wave of nausea overtook him. While he was sure his attorney would be able to prevent the case from going to trial due to lack of solid evidence, the public would still be able to connect his company with a scandal involving that horrid young woman.
If only his son would've shown some self restraint...but that wasn't Gerald's style. Anxious to live the millionaire playboy lifestyle, Gerald had been prone to self indulgence most of his life. Their other children maintained respectable lives...but not their eldest child...the one who was supposed to keep the family name intact...the one who was supposed become a legend in the field of Antiquities, which was the great passion of the Maxwell family.
'.I can't have him ruin the Maxwell name…he's cleaning up his own damn messes for once.'
Hearing the front door slam, Harold looked up to see his son strolling nonchalantly toward the breakfast room.
"What's up, Pop?" Snagging a piece of bacon, Gerald glanced at the newspaper. "What time did you get home last night?"
"It was after nine...where have you been, young man? I thought you'd be home...you know, showing support for your father…your mother was quite upset."
"I spent the night with Ashley...she wanted a dose of the ol' Maxwell magic wand, you know? I had to give in, right? She's starting to get annoying and too clingy though...talking about making it permanent and shit like that…but I tell you what...for a quiet little mouse, she can give good head and she'll do anything to keep me happy. Besides, she'll be useful to keep around until this bullshit with Jessica is done, and then I can cut her loose...after at least one more tug." Gerald looked at his father in surprise. "You okay, Dad?"
Harold could practically feel his blood pressure rise with his anger. Red faced with rage, he shook his fist at his son. "No, I'm not, because once again, I had to clean up one of your messes by offering that Warren whore a huge bribe to drop the charges. However, that little bitch made a fuss to her FBI boyfriend and her bosses at the lab, so I was arrested for assault because I bruised her slightly...and I spent time in jail last night...and it's now all over the damn news. Our family is the top subject for gossip hounds and tabloids today...and all you can worry about is making your dick feel good?"
Gerald stuffed a piece of bacon in his mouth. "What the fuck, Dad! You have no room to talk, especially when I caught you last week with your receptionist on her knees in your office."
Harold slammed his fist on the table. "That's enough out of you, you little shit. My activities are discreet and are the business of only your mother and me. We're not talking about me anyway...we're talking about you and your fucks ups…"
"Hey, you said cunts like Jessica owed us and and she does, especially after that Karen lady told us about all that shit she was saying about me at the lab. You know, stuff like how she's going to sue me for sexual harassment, that I piss my pants at work all the time, and that it was her that left that big box of Depends by my locker on my first day back after that bullshit suspension." Gerald began ripping up a piece of bacon. "Plus that slut is also spreading rumors that I can't get it up and that I'm a fucking fag...or even that thing she said after her asshole boyfriend was shot...you know, that I like women pissing on me! How am I going to get laid when women hear that shit? The bitch wouldn't let me fuck her when I gave her the chance, and now, she makes me sound like some kind of down low perv..."
"Well, aren't you?", Harold asked through clenched teeth. "The last girl I paid off said that you like things that were not...proper…"
"Women should be glad someone like me is interested in them, not acting all high and mighty like they can get anyone better. Isn't that what you've always said...that they needed to know their place?", Gerald said before chewing on more bacon. "That firecrotch cunt is fucking that FBI agent and now thinks she's better than me? Hell, no...the bitch already got me screwed out of my internship at the Jeffersonian and now I'm fucked because I'm going to get kicked out of my program at GWU."
"You should have kept your damn mouth shut at the Halloween Gala and you wouldn't have been suspended." Harold pointed a finger at his son. "After all I did to get you into that program, you almost ruined all that we've worked for because you had to have the last word."
"I was provoked! It's not my fault that Dr. Miller is a stick in the mud asshole who thinks he's better than me. He was using me to flex his authority. Now do something about Jessica Warren, Dad. That fucking redheaded bitch is making me...us...look like shit. Just offer her some more money or get that asshole FBI boyfriend of hers fired or something. He acts like he's better than me, too. Considering his dad ripped people off for millions, he's got some nerve to act all high and mighty."
"Philip Aubrey is a criminal, but at least his son can conduct himself with dignity in public.", Harold said snidely. "As I'm sure you recall, it wasn't Agent Aubrey who made an ass of himself before pissing his pants in front of several guests at the Halloween Gala, embarrassing his family in the process. I actually have more respect for that asshole FBI boyfriend of Ms. Warren's than I do for my oldest son right now."
"What the fuck, Dad?", Gerald bellowed. "You're taking that scrawny asshole's side over mine? He threatened to send me away from the Gala in an ambulance...just because I told that cunt the truth about herself. Isn't there some rule against that?"
Harold kept his temper under control so he wouldn't assault his own son. "No, because everyone that called Dr. Miller that night and the next morning stated that you were the aggressor, you little shit. Now, get some control over yourself, young man or I won't be able to stop you from going to jail. I'm warning you now...if that happens, I won't let you embarrass your mother or this family's good name any longer. I'll let your little entitled, perverted ass rot in there."
Angry at his father, Gerald jumped up from his chair. "Hey, I'm already doing the hard part by playing the loyal boyfriend to that boring ass Ashley so I look good for the trial and I'm stuck with sneaking around to get some good sex. Hell, all I could get last week with that hottie in your legal department was a quick fuck at a hotel while my girlfriend was having dessert in the restaurant downstairs! She's got a body that won't quit-"
"So your solution to man up was to vandalize that intern's locker before breaking into her apartment and doing...those disgusting things you did?"
"I had to teach that bitch a lesson, Dad! She didn't appreciate my interest in her and she doesn't know her place. You would think she would be grateful for my generosity in not pressing charges against her when she tried to steal my car, but instead, she refuses to fuck me even once when she's given it to other guys at the museum, including interns in my department! To be even more insulting, she throws it my face that she's fucking her holier than than thou glorified government cop ex boyfriend who doesn't know his place and then she spreads nasty rumors about me! How am I supposed to get laid when bitches like Jessica Warren get away with making me look bad?"
Harold wiped away the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Okay, that's it. You can't keep your dick in your pants...you can't find a woman in our social circle who will put up with you...you shamed this family by getting fired from your internship in the most prestigious Antiquities program on the Eastern Seaboard because you couldn't control your temper..."
"Jessica is saying shit about me-"
"I don't care! You've wasted enough of my money and time. I'm cutting you off...you'll get no more money from me until you get your life straightened out. The fact that you think with your cock is what got our family into this mess with that Warren girl, so you need to figure out how to get us out of it." Harold groaned in pain as he rubbed his chest. "Just thinking about all this fucked up misery is giving me heartburn…"
Gerald gaped at his father in shock. "Wait just a fucking minute, Dad...you can't cut me off. I don't have a job…I'm probably getting kicked out of my PhD program...I'm going on trial..."
"Well, that's your own goddamn fault, you lazy bastard. My money paid for you to hire a PI to stalk that woman...it gave you enough leisure time to...pursue perverse interests...and I'm done. I'm paying for the best criminal attorney in DC to defend you out of these charges...and she is not cheap...plus you live in our guest house rent free. Outside of that, I guess you'll have to figure things out on your own…"
"I'll just get some money from Mom…", Gerald huffed. "I can always count on her for a couple of thousand…"
"I still control the checking account, Son. I'll make sure she doesn't give you a dime. Now, get out of my sight. You're making me sick."
Watching Gerald storm out of the room, Harold pushed his half-eaten breakfast away, too dizzy and nauseated to eat anything else. Dealing with the young man had literally made him ill, and he suspected things would only get worse as new revelations cropped up about what Gerald had been doing to indulge his sexual desires and kinky fetishes in his spare time. When he thought about what he'd read in the PI report on the last woman he'd had to pay off to hide Gerald's fuck ups, it still made him ill.
Hopefully he doesn't mess things up with that Ashley girl...or else the shit will hit the fan….if he does one more thing...he's cleaning it up himself. The Maxwell name can't be tainted by a young man's pique over not getting laid.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Aubrey got ready for work in the bathroom, trying to forget the headlines of the Washington Post that he'd seen on his phone ten minutes earlier.
Jessica would be going in at 10:00 and was assigned to catalog digital photographs in Angela's office for the day. It was irritating to him that she had to be exiled like that, but he understood why Hodgins and Dr. B had chosen to do what they did.
As Aubrey combed his hair into place, he thought their discussion last night at dinner about her suing Gerald for damages in civil court.
He'd pushed for her to sue Gerald since she'd had to shell out almost $1800 to replace the things the prick damaged in her apartment, to replace her tires, go through all the trouble of moving her trust fund account, and she wanted to repay Hodgins and Angela, who had been kind enough to pay her December rent for her as well buy her new phone. Jessica disagreed, however, stating that while she had been brave in the past, she wasn't sure that she wanted to poke the Maxwell dragon now. She'd had the expenses approved by her father so she wouldn't have to pay the trust fund back, and she was able to pay back Hodgins and Angela for their generosity. Now, she wanted to focus on getting Gerald punished for assaulting and attempting to intimidate her instead.
He'd hoped to change her mind, but she was a stubborn lass. Which is another thing I love about her...
Aubrey had also really wanted his girlfriend to stay home today. There were still several lab technicians on vacation until Monday, but some had returned, and they could pick up the slack. He didn't want her to have to deal with the stares from people and the gossip that would be going around the museum, but Jessica had refused. She'd won the argument by simply stating, 'Superman, why should I hide from the Maxwells?'
He smiled to himself in satisfaction. He admired her guts and couldn't be prouder of her for standing up against the Maxwells. I love how strong and independent she is...
It pissed him off that neither he nor his girlfriend could go to the Governing Board meeting. However, Booth had been right when he'd said that they didn't want to cause Harold Maxwell to scream 'entrapment' due to his restraining order. Dr. B was certain that Harold would be kicked off the Governing Board and Caroline had said that if the elder Maxwell was removed it would help at Jessica's trial. Be that as it may, he didn't want to count their chickens before they hatched.
After leaving the lab yesterday, she had to make a trip to Towson to tell her father in person so Charlie wouldn't find out from the news or another resident. He smiled when he recalled what Jessica had told him as they made dinner.
"Dad said, and I quote, 'get that little mother fucker and his dad by the short and curlies, Jessie…'"
"Have I ever told you how much I love your dad?"
Unable to stop himself, Aubrey pushed the home button on his cell phone, and the article lit up the screen.
Maxco Head Charged with Assault and Bribery in Federal Case
The article summarized what had happened Wednesday at the lab and the charges that were filed, including threatening a Federal Agent. Shaking his head, Aubrey remembered how after they each got home last night, their evening was spent fielding calls from TMZ and local news affiliates in between their dinner and attempts to have a quiet night together. Hannah Burley even had the balls to knock on their door asking for an exclusive until he put up the gate at the end of the driveway, something he never felt compelled to use before, even when the reporters camped out last month after he was shot.
"Fucking vultures…", he muttered to himself. "Anything for a story, right?"
But the Maxwells were a powerful family in this country...and they made news. He moved back to his feed but saw a response on Twitter that made him angry from Man4EqualRights.
Hey MSUBoneGirl, u need 2 shut up, get back in kitchen, bake bread, & knit.
He hoped against hope that Jessica hadn't seen this on her Twitter feed as she followed the Washington Post on there. Clicking on the profile, he saw a picture of Paul Walters from the now disbanded Men Now organization.
"Fucking asshole…", Aubrey muttered before whipping out a quick tweet in response.
Man4EqualRights, u need 2 shut up & close your acct b4 another woman socks u in jaw again, u prick.
He knew it wasn't mature to respond to crap like that, but he couldn't help it.
As he finished, he became troubled as he acknowledged the fact that while Jessica hadn't faltered once in the last two days, he wished she would, even a little bit. All of the stresses associated with what had happened and what would be coming in her immediate future were going to hit her hard eventually, and when they did, he hoped that he would be right there beside her. As he knew from personal experience, the reality of what was coming didn't always run on a time clock of convenience for the person.
Hearing his phone buzz, he picked it up and saw the message from Booth.
Change of plans. AM meeting us both by video at 12 in my office.
Nodding, he sent a text back to Booth stating he would be there. Coming out of the bathroom, he got dressed, put on his badge and sidearm, and walked downstairs, where he saw Jessica in the kitchen cooking breakfast. Making his way through the living room, he could hear the television and it pissed him off when he heard Hannah Burley's voice.
'Currently, Harold Maxwell is charged with assaulting a 28 year old intern at the Jeffersonian Medico-Legal Lab. His son, Gerald Maxwell, is charged with burglary and vandalism in connection with the same woman. When asked for a comment when he left FBI headquarters yesterday, Maxwell's attorney, Janis Jergins responded, "Members of the Maxwell family do not assault women nor do they need to do so for any reason. Our accuser is a liar and we will be vindicated in court."
"Jesus…Jess, why are you listening to this shit?", Aubrey said before quickly turning it off.
"I wanted to hear if there was any more news about the Women's March coming up on the 21st.", the redhead replied quietly before taking a breath. "I'm almost done with the pussy hats all of us women are going to wear. Andie and I made some for you guys, too."
"I usually don't wear pussies…I just like to play with a certain redhead's...", Aubrey responded, attempting to make her smile. Instead of her usual sarcastic response, he caught the subtle shaking of her posture. "Jessica…"
"Did I tell you that Dr. B was asked to speak at the March?", Jessica said quickly as she mixed eggs and other ingredients in a bowl. "That's so cool, you know?"
Aubrey walked in a brisk pace across the large living room towards the kitchen. "Yeah, she told us at the FBI Gala and it is cool, Jessica, but-"
"She's my mentor and she gets to speak at such a high profile event like that…one that's a direct fuck you to Trump and all those other assholes who think women are second class citizens…she said if we wanted to we could go on stage with her…you know, Dr. Saroyan, Angela, Daisy, even me…she wants me to stand up there with her, too…"
Aubrey caught how hard she was mixing the items in the bowl and realized how close she was to breaking. "Jessica…"
"I'm just an intern…" Jessica's voice began to crack. "An intern who, depending on what newspaper or online article you read, is either standing up for my rights or just a troublemaking bitch who needs to shut up, stay in the kitchen, bake bread, and knit."
When she finally broke down, Aubrey took her in his arms and held her. "Sshhh, come on…it's okay…it's going to be all right...I promise..."
"What if people think I'm lying…what if they get off…", she cried into his shoulder. "They're going to hurt my family...my dad...you…"
"They won't get off…you hear me, Jessica. We're going to get those fuckers…starting today. No way is Harold Maxwell going to stay on the Governing Board after all this…Gerald and his uptight father are not going to get away with hurting you."
When Jessica had finally calmed down, she pulled out of his arms and saw the wet spot on his shirt after wiping her eyes. "Damn it…I got your shirt wet. I'm sorry, Superman…I washed your dress shirts after we got home Tuesday and they're hanging in the laundry room…your blue one will go with this suit and tie..."
"It'll dry, Jess." , Aubrey replied, trying to put some humor in the situation. "Now, those eggs are looking good. What did you put in them?"
"Spinach, ham, and habanero cheese.", Jessica replied, knowing what he was doing. Appreciating his efforts, she gave a small smile in turn. "I was going to make your five egg omelet but I wasn't paying attention this morning, so it's just going to be scrambled eggs with stuff."
"Hey, it's still good now matter you put it together. Now, I'm going to start some bacon and toast while you work on that."
Jessica smiled. "Okay, but because you let me blubber, you're now running late. Are you doing to have time to sit and eat breakfast? I can just put it in a container for you to take to the Hoover..."
"I can be a little late, Jess."
"But-"
Aubrey held his hand up to interrupt her. "I'm the Special Agent in Charge of my own division. I think Genny and my agents will survive if I take an extra hour and enjoy some amazing food and time with my girlfriend this morning."
Smiling, Jessica handing Aubrey the loaf of rye bread they picked up from Mr. Leonelli's deli. "Okay...if you insist, Aubrey. Bacon is by the coffee machine. I set your coffee cup and the cinnamon out next to it as well."
"You know me so well." Aubrey kissed her on the cheek before moving to do his tasks.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Hodgins was at his desk studying all the papers in front of him when his office phone rang. Picking it up, he immediately answered. "Dr. Hodgins…you did, Carl…great…no, that's impossible because Dr. Saroyan has been on leave since the end of August…No way, I'm the only one authorized to request access. Not even Dr. B can…yeah, send it to me in an email and I check it. Thanks for calling me back, Carl."
Hodgins threw his phone aside in annoyance before an email popped up on his computer. Going into his Microsoft Office application, he found the message from the head of Security. Clicking on the attachment, he realized what happened.
"Son of a bitch.", Hodgins muttered before he wheeled out from behind his desk and onto the floor, passing Angela and Brennan.
"Hodgins, where's the fire?", Angela yelled after her husband.
When they didn't get an answer, the two followed him into Cam's autopsy room, where they found him opening the bottom left drawer of her desk.
"Dr. Hodgins, what are you looking for?"
The entomologist continued to look for a few minutes. "There it is…" Pulling out a hanging folder from the back, he opened it and sighed. "That bitch…"
Angela saw her husband's seething anger and got scared. "Hodgins…what's the matter?"
The man looked up to his wife and her colleague. "When Cam needed to make a request for badge access to the lab, or any other security upgrade for an employee, she did most of the forms on the computer. Her name is printed at the bottom, but she always signed them herself before sending it with the person to the Security Office. With me covering for Cam, the forms have been printed with my name since they're from my computer in the Ookey Room and I sign them with my name…"
Angela tapped her foot impatiently. "Hodgins…I don't understand…"
"Cam also keeps hard copies of forms in case the computers are down. They just have to have the person's information handwritten onto the form instead of typed onto the .pdf document…" Hodgins tapped the bottom of the form to the point where the paper crinkled, "…then signed by the requester who used this form."
Brennan realized what her colleague was saying. "Dr. Hodgins, are you suggesting that Dr. Boyd completed a security request without consulting you?"
"I was just on the phone with Carl Andersen, the head of Security, and we had an interesting conversation. It seems on November 2nd, she called to request lab access for Harold Maxwell, but Carl told her it had to come from either myself or Cam when she returned."
"Is he sure of the date?", Angela asked.
"Yes, he is, because he documented the entire conversation after it happened. He was suspicious of the timing since it was right after Gerald Maxwell was suspended.", Hodgins replied. "Dr. Boyd asked him to make an exception as a personal request from one FBI employee to a former FBI employee, but he said no. Then she tried to get him to circumvent procedure by reminding him that at that time Harold Maxwell was the President of the Governing Board. He flat out told her that if she continued to push the issue, he would call me personally. Her response was to hang up."
"How did Harold Maxwell get a badge then?", Angela prodded.
"As a favor, Carl checked all the security request forms in November and found Harold Maxwell's, which was processed on November 30th."
Brennan made a realization. "Booth and Aubrey were shot…"
"And most of us were there at the hospital. He sent the scanned form to me, and it was one that was handwritten on one of these with Cam's name scribbled onto the bottom. There was a new clerk training that week, and she didn't know that I was working as interim director. Of course, seeing the official request form had been allegedly signed by Dr. Saroyan, she processed the request and made the badge for Harold."
"Dr. Boyd forged Cam's signature...that is egregious…"
"Very well put, Dr. B.", Hodgins replied before looking at the paper again. "I don't know when Dr. Boyd found these forms, but she either did this on the spur of the moment or the bitch bided her time until I wasn't around to catch her."
"Wow…she had some brass balls…", Angela muttered.
"That's not all, ladies. When I talked to HR, I found out that she'd actually applied for Cam's position...twice...the second time was when they were talking about firing Cam after we all took our sabbaticals. Remember how you and I had to help intervene, Dr. B?"
"Yes...we stated that we would tender our resignations immediately and go public with why. That explains Dr. Boyd's hostility towards us." Brennan nodded. "Harold Maxwell probably told her about what we did and therefore she views the two of us as the reasons why she didn't get the job the second time…"
"While what you two did gave them a push, the Governing Board also knew that it would look bad if they fired Cam, because she was speaking the truth about the brain stuff with soldiers and we also solved two cases.", Angela said. "What a bitch...did she really think she could just come in and play kiss ass with people on the Governing Board so she could steal Cam's job like that?"
"Well, Angie, I've also got an email from her stating that she's going to be at the Governing Board hearing today to request her job back and if she doesn't achieve that goal, she says she'll pursue legal action, stating that she was unjustly fired by me."
"You're shitting me.", Angela said. "Why doesn't she just go back to the FBI?"
Folding the paper, Hodgin shrugged. "Don't know. I have a video conference meeting with Deputy Director Stark at 10:30 today. He requested to personally speak to me, so it should be an interesting conversation as I've also got some questions for him."
Hodgins wheeled out of the autopsy suite, determined to get answers.
Jessica spent the morning filing away digital photographs on the Angelatron. Using the cataloging system Dr. Mayer had started, she examined them and used a built-in set of parameters created by one of Angela's algorithms to file the bone away. Part of it was tedious, but it did also help her towards her research, and she'd made screenshots for later use, saving them on her flash drive.
It also helped to keep her mind off her meeting with Amanda Marshall that she'd had an hour earlier in this room.
She had been nervous when the older woman had met with her, and it was hard to share what had happened all over again. However, to her surprise, the new President of the Governing Board listened to her story without interruption and even asked about her interactions with Gerald before and after what occurred with her vehicle and apartment. When she showed the woman her arm, Ms. Marshall had gasped before offering a sincere apology for all that had happened, with a promise that it would be immediately rectified. After requesting that Jessica call her personally if she needed anything, the chairwoman walked out with Brennan and they chatted briefly before she left the lab.
She knew that Dr. B, Curly, and everyone else at the lab had believed her, but now she felt hopeful after the woman's visit. Her mentor had assured her that Amanda Marshall was a fair woman and that she would ensure that the board would take what had happened seriously.
As it got closer to lunch time, she began to feel better. Daisy was bringing lunch to the lab today to hang out with her. It would be nice to see her friend, although she knew Daisy would be mostly bitching about Beau, but it would distract her from her own problems. Deciding to put her focus back on her work, Jessica continued her task, unaware of the person who stood in the doorway.
"You need to tell the truth to the Governing Board and stop lying about Mr. Maxwell trying to bribe you before it's too late."
Startled, Jessica turned around and saw Ashley, who was holding a package. She was wearing a black skirt and pale pink turtleneck sweater whose neckline spilled onto her chin. "Ashley…"
"You still have time to fix this…", the other woman said in a croaking voice. "If you tell the truth now, Jessica...maybe if you just say it was a misunderstanding, you won't get into any trouble. I'm sure the board will understand that you didn't intend to lie."
The redhead took a deep breath, remaining calm as she continued to work. "I'm not lying about what happened with Harold Maxwell, and I won't lie now to protect him. He assaulted me and what he did was not only against the museum's policy on personal conduct but also against the law."
The petite woman stepped into the room. "I know that you're mad that Gerald wouldn't go along with your plan to get back at Agent Aubrey, and that he rejected you after you two had sex, but enough is enough. Accusing Mr. Maxwell of assaulting you is going too far."
Jessica sighed softly as she glanced at her visitor. "Is that what Gerald told you? Ashley, he's lying to you. I had never made any plan with your boyfriend to get back at Aubrey…I didn't even talk to him the day my tires were slashed, and the only man I was intimate with that night was my boyfriend."
"Gerald would never lie to me, Jessica. He's always respected you. I admit he is a little bit frustrated still about the damages to his car from that tow truck back in October when you tried to take off with his car-"
"Gerald is frustrated? That's rich." Jessica pushed back the other woman's protest. "I'm the one who's frustrated. He was the dick who groped me on the dance floor at Daisy's wedding. He was so pissed because I wouldn't let him play grab ass with me in public that he got shitfaced to the point that I had to find another ride home. A few days later, he came into the lab and begged for my forgiveness, and I was stupid enough to give him another chance. I was rewarded by him showing up two hours late on our date to the Star Wars convention. Then, he acted like he was doing me this big favor...like I owed it to him to just shut up about his disrespectful attitude towards me. When he became a disgusting pig, Aubrey told him off and then the little baby left his keys behind. I didn't try to steal his car. I can't even drive a damn manual! Why the hell would I try to steal it?"
"He loves his Alfa Romeo and is very protective of it, because it was a gift from his father. You must have misunderstood—"
"I don't think so…" Jessica pulled up her sleeve and showed her wrist to Ashley. "As for Harold Maxwell, this is what he did to me after I turned out a bribe for $500,000 to drop the charges against his son two days ago. Dr. Hodgins found out today that he asked Dr. Boyd to get him access to the lab. You and I both know that anyone without the proper clearance has to be with an escort. He had no business being in this lab. The only reason for him coming here was to threaten me, Ashley."
Ashley winced at the large pattern of bruising, but continued to press forward. "You just misunderstood what Mr. Maxwell was trying to do. He just wanted to help you, don't you get that? He feels you have so much potential, and that it's going to waste with Dr. B. He wanted to prevent you from making a mistake that could cost you dearly."
Jessica stared at the young woman in surprise. "What mistake was that, Ashley? Testifying against a man who's sexually harassed me? Who terrorized me? I haven't slept in my apartment since Gerald broke in because I get nauseated just going in there, even if Aubrey or my friends go with me. I wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone…"
"Why are you doing this, Jessica? When Gerald gave in after you begged him to make love to you the night your tires were cut, it was a mistake, don't you understand? He's apologized enough to you for leading you on, but you have a boyfriend you need to focus on instead of mine. Now just admit you may be mistaken, apologize to the Maxwells, and we can all go on with our lives like nothing happened. They're very forgiving people…"
Jessica rolled her eyes in frustration. "I'm not going to say this again. I've never been intimate with Gerald, Ashley, and I never will be. The only man I made love to that night was my boyfriend, James Aubrey.", the redhead said calmly, remembering what they did was not actually making love, but the woman in front of her didn't need to know that. "Ashley, contrary to what lies Gerald has put into your head, I don't care who he sleeps with...and I would love to concentrate on Aubrey, but when your fuckstick boyfriend and his father keep pushing me, it's really hard to do so."
"But Gerald said—"
"Your boyfriend is a liar, Ashley. Has he told you about what happened his first day back from suspension?", Jessica asked, fired up. "First, he cornered me when I was alone while I was in Cultural Anthropology, threatening me until he was interrupted by Dr. Wilson. Next, the Governing Board interns were sent down due to 'complaints' about my music, which no one could hear unless they entered the room. Finally, Gerald cornered me in the locker room as I was getting ready to leave. He sweet talked me by saying he was mistaken in threatening to sue me for damages to his car. I thanked him, but when I tried to leave, he stopped me and proposed that I thank him by saying, and I quote, 'You give me what I want, which is a good time like you used to give to the other guys here, and I'll let bygones be bygones with my car.'"
"Gerald would never—"
"I refused and then it was like a switch flipped, because he did a 180, first by calling me a 'cunt' and then after I threatened to report him to Dr. Miller for sexual harassment, he said he wouldn't let some 'redheaded bitch with a big mouth' ruin his internship here and that he wouldn't let a 'firecrotch' like me ruin his future plans. I should have called the police and filed charges then for assault, but I was stupid and blamed myself for what he did...which was totally wrong. Then, of course, there was the lecture I got on my wardrobe after Harold Marshall was part of a tour of the lab. He gave me a look that could kill when the perv wasn't undressing me with his eyes."
"Jessica, your skirts are short and could be misinterpreted as trying to provoke male interest. Besides, Mr. Maxwell or Gerald didn't intend to hurt you—"
"Bullshit, Ashley. I could be wearing just a pair of panties here, but that doesn't mean I'm automatically open for business. Your boyfriend was pissed that I wouldn't sleep with him and that I had the courage to call him out for the pig he is. He was also humiliated when my boyfriend stood up for me...twice...with the second time making him pee his pants at the Halloween Gala. Shit, his date ditched him after he humiliated her, too."
"Stop it!"
"Then, he was pissed that instead of getting a free pass like in the past, his new boss in Antiquities held him accountable for his behavior and suspended him, although he could have canned his ass right then and there. Of course, Gerald blamed me because I didn't lay down and spread my legs for him like he thought I should have."
"You're wrong."
Keeping Aubrey's suspicions about Karen to herself, Jessica pressed forward. "All that stuff pissed Gerald off so much that on the night of that ice storm after Thanksgiving, he slashed my tires and vandalized my locker. He destroyed my phone, tossed out my birth control pills and cut up my driver's license and my credit cards before ditching my purse. Of course, he wasn't done yet, so he stole my keys and then broke into my apartment where he stole my trust fund bank book and my panties before sealing up my door lock and dresser drawers. He couldn't even stop there because as a final 'fuck you', he masturbated in my bedroom and jizzed all over my nightshirt, which was in my hamper. All of that was before the fucking coward left for Florida."
"Gerald would never do something that awful, Jessica. Just shut up!"
"No, Ashley, he would, because his DNA matched the semen on my nightshirt...and I didn't save up his semen either, which I'm sure is what he told you."
Jessica saw the other woman's eyes widen and she realized she was right. "Now, when Agent Shaw served him with a search warrant, he tried to stop the agents. When they arrested him, he called her a bitch and threatened her job as well. What did he tell you about the 41 pairs of panties and other lingerie the FBI found...including five of my pairs of underwear? That he was framed by my boyfriend? By me? By the entire FBI? What about the PI report they found hidden in a secret compartment of one of his bedroom dresser drawers? You know, the report that was mentioned in the 'Washington Times' article that came out after his arrest? They nicknamed it 'The Stalker Journal', remember? He had me followed from my apartment…from here…my father's nursing home…my boyfriend's home…Gerald had me followed, Ashley! He stalked me! He's a sadistic monster who hates women!
"Gerald is not a monster! You've misunderstood..."
Jessica was on a roll. "And his father Harold? He threatened not only my future, but also my boyfriend's career with the FBI and he also threatened to ruin my family's business. On top of all that, he also called me a cunt, which is the most degrading thing to call a woman, and a redheaded bitch when I said no to his $500,000 bribe. That's not a misunderstanding…that's intimidation, and I won't stand for it anymore."
Ashley shook her head in denial. "You liar. Not only did you set him up that night you two made love, but you're spreading awful rumors about him here, too."
"Gerald and I didn't make love! I've only made love to one man, and it's the man I'm currently sharing a bed with, and although he was threatened as well by the Maxwell family, Agent Aubrey is also standing by me. As for starting any rumors about your boyfriend, I really don't care what he does, because I have my own life to lead. Rumors are just that, and if he's getting his tighty whities in a bunch over whatever gossip is going on about him, it must be true or else he wouldn't care."
The brunette pushed up her glasses and clenched her fists. "Gerald's friends have abandoned him, did you know what? He called me this morning and told me that his father is cutting him off because you've gone public with your lies. I'm practically all he has left!"
Jessica shrugged her shoulders, ready for the conversation to end. "I guess when you're caught assaulting and bribing a witness and it goes on the front page, I could see it pissing someone off. It would me. As for his friends, I guess realizing he's a pervert is making them reconsider a friendship with the guy."
Ashley shoved Jessica, who was surprised by her ferocity. "You fucking bitch…I won't let you destroy the man I love because you're bitter and jealous. You can't have him. You hear me! You can't have him!"
'Oh my God, is she taking psycho lessons from Karen?' Jessica thought, but remained calm. "Ashley, I don't want that asshole. You can have Gerald because I'm in love with Aubrey and he's more of a man that your prick significant other can ever aspire to. You deserve much better than him, though, and I just pray that he doesn't give you an STI the way he carries on with other women."
"You lying bitch…"
Taking a deep breath, Jessica straightened her lab coat, ignoring the daggers boring into her after her last comment. "No, I'm telling the truth about Gerald and Harold Maxwell, and I'm sorry you don't believe me, but I can't let that dictate my actions. I'm hopeful other women will come forward eventually, because I'm sure I'm not the only one he's hurt with all this crap. Now, I'm done talking to you about this. Anything else you have to say about Gerald or Mr. Maxwell needs to go through Caroline Julian at the US Attorney's office."
As Jessica turned her back, Brennan walked into Angela's office. "Ms. Anders, why are you here? Dr. Hodgins has assigned you to work in his laboratory today."
Turning around, they saw a furious Brennan standing with her arms crossed, making the young entomologist turned red with embarrassment. "I-I'm going there now, Dr. Brennan. I just had a package that arrived at Dr. Hodgins' office by mistake that I wanted to bring to Ms. Montenegro."
"Well then, put it down on her desk and return to your assigned area. There is no current project that should bring you into Anthropology or in contact with my interns. Ms. Warren has work that I've assigned her to do and she doesn't have time for your petty issues…now."
Setting down the package, Ashley moved quickly to leave but was stopped by the anthropologist. "Oh, Ms. Anders…if your misguided attempts to help your boyfriend interfere with Ms. Warren's work again, I will report you to Dr. Hodgins with the recommendation that your internship under him be terminated. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Dr. Brennan.", the young woman said quietly before leaving quickly.
When Ashley was gone, Brennan turned to her intern. "Ms. Warren, are you all right?"
"Yeah, Dr. B. Please don't get Ashley in trouble. She's has enough to worry about with Gerald."
Brennan nodded. "As long as she heeds my warning, things will be fine. However, this is a forensics laboratory and work needs to continue. Her issues with you belong outside of the lab. I must commend you on how calm you were."
"I don't want to fight her, Dr. B. My internship…and my case is too important to me." Jessica shuddered before her phone buzzed. "Dr. B, Daisy is leaving the NFL to come here for lunch. Would you like to join us?"
"No, Ms. Warren. Booth is bringing me lunch before the Governing Board meeting today but thank you for the invitation." Brennan nodded. "Feel free to take your break when Daisy gets here."
"Okay."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
"That's the most I can comment on in regards to Harold Maxwell's case, Ms. Marshall.", Booth said to the computer. "He did resist arrest and with the evidence we presented, the judge held him over for trial. Judge Matthews also signed off on a personal protective order to keep him, his family members, and anyone who works for his company 100 yards away from her and Agent Aubrey here. He's as dangerous as his son."
From the computer, Amanda Marshall nodded. "Two former Antiquities interns called me yesterday and what they had to say was very upsetting. I've asked them to contact you, Agent Booth, and if they don't by the end of the day I'll give you their names. I feel they should be given the chance to come forward themselves due to being...well...traumatized."
Booth nodded. "Fair enough."
"I also did speak to Ms. Warren this morning and her story was disturbing, to say the least. The Jeffersonian has a strict policy on sexual harassment that I helped draft myself. No woman should have to go through what this young woman, or the others I've already spoken with did...and I'm determined that they won't again."
"No, they shouldn't, Ms. Marshall.", Aubrey said. "What I want to know is how the hell did Harold Maxwell get that badge so easily? Cam and Hodgins are very careful about that sort of thing, especially after what happened before...with the bombing."
Amanda nodded on the screen. "I understand your frustration, Agent Aubrey. I'm quite upset as well, especially after our Director of Security explained how it was apparently forged by Dr. Boyd. I'm even more distressed that Harold dismissed the security guard, leaving him alone with that girl. That never should have happened and Carl Andersen agrees, which is why there will now always be two security guards in the lab, so if one goes to lunch or a break no employee will be left alone again."
"I can't believe she thought she would get away with that.", Booth commented.
"I've discussed changes in how security requests are processed with Dr. Hodgins earlier today with Dr. Saroyan calling in. To prevent something like this happening again, starting immediately, all completed request forms will either be scanned and sent in a secure email by himself or Dr. Saroyan or the form will be delivered personally by the person who approves it. I think that will work as an added security measure."
Aubrey nodded. Booth, seeing that his fellow agent was satisfied, continued. "Cam said that when she talked to some pathologists from the FBI at the Gala on the 30th, everyone was surprised that Dr. Boyd was hired ahead of other applicants. What was that all about?"
"When the lab posted the temporary pathologist position, Harold Maxwell volunteered to be charge of the search, and being that there was no reason to deny the request, the board voted to let him. When they brought the resumes to the next meeting, the only choices were Dr. Boyd and two others."
"According to the FBI pathologists, there were six individuals from their lab that had applied for the position, and they all had the necessary qualification and security clearances.", Aubrey said.
"Yes, Dr. Saroyan contacted me after Dr. Hodgins informed her of Dr. Boyd's dismissal. Dr. Strohmeier let me know the same thing when I emailed him. I can only assume that Harold Maxwell was determined to get Dr. Boyd hired and so he got rid of resumes from promising candidates.", Amanda replied, linking her hands together. "I called the HR department this morning and found out that when the position was created in 2006, she had applied. When I contacted Dr. Goodman over at American University, he remembered her interview from all those years ago."
"It doesn't surprise me. Dr. Goodman has the memory of an elephant.", Booth replied.
Amanda smiled. "It seems he does because he noted Dr. Boyd's sense of entitlement and her non-specific answers to some of his questions about her relationships with employees. She had also applied for the position when the board contemplated making a change in leadership in 2011. As you know, the intervention of Dr. Brennan and Dr. Hodgins, along with the resolution of the Logan Bartlett case led to the retention of Dr. Saroyan. I didn't join the board until three years ago, but since I've been here, we've had no concerns with Camille Saroyan's leadership."
'That was all bullshit.' Booth thought, remembering the events of year before when he returned from Afghanistan. "So if you didn't like Dr. Boyd, how did she get chosen?"
"When she interviewed for the board this summer, her attitude was off putting and I didn't get specific answers to my questions, and her mention of friendships with the Maxwell and other people didn't sit well with me. Three others on the board agreed, but Harold and Martin Pixler swayed the other members with the argument that her years of experience would be a valuable asset to the lab. Unfortunately, the dissenting members were outnumbered in a 5-4 vote and she was hired."
Booth pulled out a sheet of paper. "Her husband is a vice-president at Maxco Enterprises and according to people at the FBI lab, she went to college with Harold Maxwell's sister. I guess she calls herself a 'friend of the family.' but others think it's more of 'hanger on.'. She was the one who let Mr. Maxwell know when Ms. Warren was working, which a violation of lab policy regarding employee schedules, a policy she was very familiar with. Mr. Maxwell also apparently told her that she would be taking over as director of the lab. I'm not sure if he told her that to get Jessica's schedule out of her or just to butter her up for intel, but either way, she shouldn't be working at the lab."
"I agree. She called me to requesting a one on one meeting, but I turned her down. Under the circumstances, I think Dr. Hodgins' actions were fair and just. Of course, she disagreed and stated she planned to pursue legal action, which she is free to do, but she won't win." Amanda shuffled papers on the table in front of her. "Gentlemen, thank you for speaking to me. I think I have what I need for the meeting at 2PM."
"Is Maxwell going to be there?", Aubrey asked.
"Yes. However, he won't be anywhere near the lab, so reassure Ms. Warren, please, that we do take her safety, and everyone else's, very seriously."
"Will this be meeting be recorded like the others?", Booth asked, not noticing that Aubrey was reading his phone.
"Yes. Record keeping is important for our meeting minutes and we can forward you a copy if anything is pertinent to your case against Harold Maxwell. Agent Booth, I will see you at the meeting this afternoon."
"See you then Ms. Marshall", Booth said as he ended the call. Turning to his friend, he saw that Aubrey finished reading his phone and was wound up tight. "What's wrong?"
"Jess just sent me a message. Ashley confronted her in Angela's office. She said it was minor but I don't buy it."
"Is she all right?", Booth asked.
"She says she is." Aubrey replied in a quiet manner. "But she always says that…"
'Time to defuse.' Booth thought. "We need a break from all this. Come on, Aubrey. Let's go to the diner."
"I'm not hungry...I'm going to the Jeffersonian."
"Aubrey, don't make me kick your ass in front of all my agents.", Booth said, jabbing his finger at his friend. "If you go there and he's there, Maxwell could call entrapment, especially if his asshole son is with him. I'm not going to let you fuck up my case or Genny's. Understand?"
"But Jess-"
Booth stood up. "Aubrey...she's no physical threat to Jessica. I'll talk to your girlfriend later today because Caroline needs to know about this."
"Booth, she's misguided, but Ashley Anders is no criminal. Gerald is using her."
"I know. It's obvious that the prick is taking that girl for a ride and he'll dump her when she's no longer useful...or when he finds another gullible girl to use as a prop. Caroline isn't going to jail her...probably just scare the crap out of her. Now...Jessica is fine..all is good."
"But-"
"You'll see Jessica tonight, Aubrey. She's probably going to want to celebrate or just have a quiet night at home away from the newspapers, reporters and shit. You have to trust your girlfriend to take care of herself."
Aubrey scowled at his friend. "Big words from the guy who went nuts when you thought a dead Pelant was stalking you guys again, Booth."
"Yeah, and Bones was also seven months pregnant at the time...but I had to trust her to take care of herself. Now, let's get some lunch."
Aubrey watched Booth get his coat and walk out of his office before following him. "You think you're so bad, don't you?"
"I know I am, Aubrey. Now go get your coat from your office...you're getting cranky and Frankie has a triple bacon cheeseburger with your name on it...plus I have to feed Bones.", Booth shot back as the two made their way through the Homicide bullpen.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
"Jessica, it's not happening. No way…no how."
Jessica sipped her soup. "Daisy, before making up your mind, why don't you look at the job opportunities in the area?"
Daisy sipped her beverage. "It's Regina, Saskatchewan, Jessica. Outside the city is all boring prairie. He couldn't get an offer from Toronto or even Vancouver. No, I'm not leaving my dream job just to follow my husband to the sticks so he can throw a ball for peanuts for some team."
"It's more money than with the Redskins, though, even with the exchange rate, and Regina is a large city with a lot to do. Besides, it could be educational for Lance.", Jessica said diplomatically. "How does Beau feel about the offer?"
"He stoked, Jessica. He's all excited to try out…calling it our new beginning. He says it will be good for Lance and a place for our friends to visit. Beau is a grown man, not a teenager and he needs a normal job like a normal person. Football is a game where men get paid to beat up each other over some ball. Lancelot grew up to be an FBI psychologist. Beau can do the same."
"Daisy…don't you think you two should talk about this…maybe compromise? Maybe he can commute back here in between games and come back to the States in the off season?"
"I suggested that to him, but Beau disagrees, saying we need to be together as a family unit. I said fine, then his place was here and he would find another job while I continued at the NFL. Of course, he stormed out last night…and again this morning when we argued." Daisy stabbed her salad. "He's being such a baby."
"Daisy…Football is Beau's dream.", Jessica replied gently. "The CFL is offering him a chance at second string and more money. A player's career is maybe 10 years on average. Surely you can two work out a plan where he can have a few years playing football, then you guys can return to the States. I'm sure he'll be fine wherever you want to go to pursue a career after that."
"No, because forensic anthropology positions don't grow on trees, Jessica. I'm not interested in teaching like you and Arastoo are. I'm not going to work some CSI job because Beau wants to drag me to a foreign country. No, my husband's place is here in DC, whether that means taking the Redskins' offer or doing something else. All I have to do is put my foot down, just like you did with Aubrey."
Jessica was confused. "Dais, what are you talking about?"
"Come on, when Aubrey was offered the chance to go to LA, he almost went but he stayed to be with you."
"Daisy…that was a little different. First, Aubrey didn't even talk to me about the offer...I found out from Dr. B. He didn't ask me to go with him until less than two weeks before his transfer date. We weren't in a good place at the time...and we also broke up the next day, remember? It wasn't until after Booth and Dr. B busted that woman who helped kill Mr. Keenan that the FBI offered him a promotion to stay here. I wasn't the reason he stayed…."
"Jessica, wake up. You said you weren't leaving and that you two had no future…he stayed because he loves you…it's obvious. If you can get Aubrey to stay, and you two aren't even married, then I can get Beau to stay."
The redhead felt that Daisy's black and white view was a little harsh. "Well, what will Beau do if he doesn't play for the Redskins? Can he work for his dad?"
Daisy slammed her fork down. "That's another thing. One would think my father-in-law would want his son to work with him, but on New Year's Eve, his father did a 180 and said Beau needed to 'follow his dreams'."
"That's strange…"
"I know…" Daisy stabbed her salad again. "He told Beau to not take the Redskins offer and instead find another team. When I told Martin to quit pushing Beau towards chasing useless rainbows, he told me I needed to maybe be more supportive by either putting my career aside for a couple of years or working another type of job so Beau could play football elsewhere."
Jessica sipped her Coke. "I'm just surprised that Mr. Pixler would encourage his son to leave Washington DC."
Daisy gave the redhead a face. "Yeah, I tried to talk to you about that but Aubrey wouldn't let you talk to me last weekend…"
"Daisy, I talked to you like five times on our vacation. You called us before 7:00 in the morning and we were both sleeping since we had a late night. It wasn't an emergency. Plus, he was just frustrated because he wanted me to himself for the weekend…and I wanted him to myself…"
"But you invited Andie and Wendell…"
Jessica exhaled softly, hoping her irritation wasn't apparent. "They were housesitting, and Aubrey thought it would be a nice gesture to thank them for doing that and for taking care of Skinner since they refused to get paid. We weren't shutting you out. You had plans that Monday anyway, so stop blaming Aubrey. I'm sorry that you didn't agree with what he did. However, as I'm respectful to Beau, you will be respectful to Aubrey."
"Fine….", Daisy trailed off when Oliver walked up to the break area. "Hello, Oliver…I didn't expect to see you today."
The tall man turned and smirked. "I'm here for another hour then I'm going to finish a project with Dr. Beesley at the NFL."
"Jessica, sorry I have to eat and run…" Daisy picked up her empty trays. "I'm due back at the NFL. I'll see you later, Oliver."
"I'll see you later, Dr. Wick.", Oliver said before leaving the area.
"I hope you all appreciate the genius that Dr. Oliver Wells brings to science.", Daisy said wistfully before smiling at Jessica. "I'll call you this weekend and check on you."
"Thanks, Dais…", Jessica said as her friend walked away. Grabbing a french fry, she chewed thoughtfully before looking at the time. '12:51...T minus 1 hour and eight minutes...why the hell does time pass by so slow…'
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Five hundred miles away, Karen was coming out of a briefing with the joint FBI-Cincinnati police task force she was working with. Agent John Thomas had come along because he had connections with the Cincinnati police department before joining the FBI. Impatiently, she waited as he was talking to an old friend.
'Hurry the fuck up, John. I'm hungry and I wouldn't mind taking part of our lunch break in my hotel room.' Karen thought. The younger man was pretty good in bed and they had some things in common. The fling would probably die out soon, but she didn't want to be alone just yet.
Deciding she didn't want to look stupid by waiting in the hall any longer, she walked over and got a cup of coffee from the nearby machine. Sipping, she made a face. "Damn, Aubrey's cappuccinos taste better than this…"
Sitting down in a nearby lounge, she reviewed her notes as the television had Headline News on. Suddenly, she heard something that got her attention.
"There have been no new developments in the Harold Maxwell assault case. To recap, he was arrested yesterday for assaulting the alleged victim in his son Gerald's upcoming trial for burglary, stalking, and vandalism."
Karen's jaw dropped as the news showed footage of Harold Maxwell being released from FBI Headquarters and jumping into a limousine with a woman who was identified as his lawyer. After hearing the quote from his attorney, the jaw drop turned into a scowl.
"Is there anything that bitch won't do for attention? Although it couldn't have happened to a nicer man...he was a dick when I spoke with him." Karen sipped her coffee before going back to her notes. "You should have just arranged to fire her ass like I wanted, boys…now you're fucked because she's going to lie through her teeth so Aubrey will feel sorry for her."