So Harold Maxwell is going to meet with the Jeffersonian's governing board about his behavior. How will that turn out? Read on to find out.

The people attending the Governing Board meeting filed into the small banquet room shortly after 1:00 PM. Any reporters who had tried to get into the meeting were stopped by Security and sent back to the press pool on the other side of the hall. By 1:50, people were situated in their seats, waiting impatiently for the proceedings to start.

"Look at that bastard.", Hodgins said in annoyance, pointing across the room at Harold Maxwell, who was making small talk with Martin Pixler and another board member. "He's so goddamn smug."

"Yeah, but that smugness won't last long…", Booth said, turning at the sound of the opening door. "…and here comes Dr. Boyd. Damn, Bug Boy, she's giving you and Bones the stink eye…"

"Eyes do not become malodorous until the body begins its chemical breakdown after death…" Brennan paused when she saw her husband's amused expression. "Too literal? Sorry…oh, I think she's coming this way."

Katherine Boyd stopped in front of the threesome, standing stiffly as she spoke to them. "I just want to say I have no hard feelings towards you, Dr. Hodgins…"

Hodgins merely nodded. "Okay…"

Dr. Boyd continued with a haughty expression. "When I get my job back and I'm promoted to the Lab Director position, we will discuss respect. The way you spoke to Harold, a member of our Governing Board…and to me…is disgraceful. You're a valuable member of the lab's staff, Dr. Hodgins, but there are other bug people out there, and you can be replaced if your attitude doesn't improve dramatically."

The entomologist shrugged a shoulder as he pretended to be concerned. "That may be true. Of course, replacing me might not be as easy as you believe, because all of my possible replacements will also need to have doctorates in Mineralogy and Botany, just like I do. However, I'm sure you'll have applicants coming from all over the world, clamoring for the chance to work with you, Dr. Boyd. I'm sure the FBI will miss your pleasant presence, too…"

"The FBI didn't appreciate me enough, but the Jeffersonian is worthy of my experience in pathology, which will be recognized when the Governing Board gives me back my position."

"Temporary position.", Booth said with an artificial smile. "Cam is coming back on March 1st."

"Well, after today, she will be my subordinate." Dr. Boyd turned to Brennan. "The same conversation regarding respect will also commence with you, Dr. Brennan. Yes, you are supposedly the best in your field, but I'm sure there are others who are almost as good, especially since you have former students who have struck out on their own. I'm sure any one of them would jump at the chance to succeed you here at the Jeffersonian...Martin Pixler's daughter-in-law for one. I met her at one of his recent parties. Daisy is very ambitious and I'm sure she could give you a run for your money."

"Yes, Dr. Wick is ambitious, but it was my recommendation that got her the Head Forensic Anthropologist position at the NFL. She is also quite comfortable there, but you could certainly ask if she's interested in taking my job." Brennan stood up and stared at Dr. Boyd. "Dr. Edison once temporarily occupied my position when I was framed for murder, but it's very well known that he prefers his position as head of Cultural Anthropology. Dr. Fisher is another possibility, but he also didn't enjoy working with you the two days he was here last month, commenting that your time together was 'mental prison'. There's also Dr. Vaziri, but I'm sure you realize that he would never entertain working with the woman who took his wife's job."

"Finn Abernathy earned his doctorate six months ago…oh, but Opie just started that new position with the North Dakota Bureau of Investigation…" Hodgins smirked at Dr. Boyd. "He's a southern boy but he wanted to go where there was snow."

"Bones, didn't you say Wendell should have his PhD by the end of the summer?", Booth asked innocently, joining in on the fun.

"Yes, he will, Booth, but he plans to continue working with Dr. Anderson to earn his PhD in Medical Anthropology. While he could work in Forensic Anthropology, when he came to me with his idea for his dissertation several months ago, he indicated that his chosen career path will be to specialize in the medical side of anthropology."

"Oh, never mind…", Dr. Boyd said before storming off, causing the three to laugh among themselves.

"Was it something we said?", Hodgins asked with a shrug. "Sorry...not sorry…"

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

Jessica had finished filing the last batch of photos that had been photographed. She had a couple of hours left in her scheduled day, and she contemplated what she could do next.

'I could go photograph some more unidentified remains…I could also work on identifying more WWI veterans…since I'm ahead of my assigned tasks for today, Dr. B wouldn't begrudge me working on research for my thesis on Limbo's computer…starting next week my time will be limited to do that, although I am on schedule…'

"Honey, it's okay to be nervous…"

Gasping as she turned around, Jessica saw Angela standing there with two cups and a paper bag. "Sorry…you startled me."

"I had a hunch I did." Angela set the drink carrier on the table. "Now, I took a walk to the coffee booth at the museum's entrance and got you a catnip tea and me a decaf coffee. I also picked us up a couple of treats…"

"Oh, my God!" Jessica groaned when she saw what Angela pulled out of the bag. "Their Bailey's Cheesecake…I love that cheesecake…but you can't eat that…"

"I know…but I can eat a piece of their white chocolate cherry cheesecake.", Angela smirked. "Now, don't make the pregnant lady wait, Jessica. Sit down and let's gorge."

Smiling, the redhead sat down with her friend and they enjoyed their cheesecake and beverages. "This…was just what I needed, Angela. Thank you."

"You're welcome…but it wasn't just for you. I enjoy your company, plus Michael Vincent has been asking if you can babysit for him again soon."

"Sounds like you and Curly have a date night coming up.", Jessica chuckled. "I'll check with Aubrey, but I don't think he'll mind Michael Vincent hanging out with us one night at our house."

'Our house?' Angela took a bite to hide her smile at Jessica's slip. Nosy for gossip, she sipped her coffee. "So…how do you like living with Aubrey?"

Surprised, Jessica swallowed her cheesecake. "We're not living together…"

Angela looked at the young woman incredulously. "Jessica, you've spent every night there since Aubrey came home from the hospital."

Jessica stammered. "Superman needed me to take care of him…"

"…but Aubrey is doing alright now. I know you're scared to stay at the apartment alone, but..."

"Gerald Maxwell stole my lingerie, Angela…he violated my privacy…I think I have every right to be wary of being in my apartment. I'll move back there when I'm ready."

Angela could see this was a sensitive subject for her friend, so she decided to drop it for now. "Well, that's understandable. Of course, I'm sure that you and Aubrey have made your mark in the Mighty Hut these last couple of weeks now that he's…back in action. A month is a long time to go without sex..."

'I went without for seven months while waiting for Aubrey...and it did suck...but it was worth the wait…' Jessica blushed as she scooped up another bite of cheesecake. "Christmas Eve was a lot of fun with just the two of us…and the sex was really good, Angela. Superman is very talented...in many ways..."

Angela chuckled. "When I moved into that big family mansion Hodgins had many moons ago, we made it a challenge to fuck in every room. Unfortunately, we only got about half way done before we bought our house on Warrington Way…but it was still really fun. Of course, it would be ideal if he could walk, but one thing about him being paralyzed is that we've discovered some new and creative things we can do in his wheelchair."

The two women laughed hysterically before Jessica calmed down. "Thanks, Angela…"

"For what, Jessica? I'm just bragging about my sexy husband.", the older woman replied before rubbing her belly. "It was one of the fun wheelchair times that produced this little guy."

"For taking my mind off what's going on in the other side of the museum.", Jessica said with another chuckle, pausing as a security guard came into the office.

"Ladies, we just got a call from the Security Office. There's been a bomb threat called in. We have to evacuate the museum."

"Are you shitting me?", Angela shot back before regretting her words. "No, of course you're not. Sorry. Okay, I'll just get my coat, and Ms. Warren needs to get hers from the locker room."

"Quickly…"

Grabbing their things, the two followed the security guard out the back exit through the employee entrance. When they were outside, Angela called Hodgins, who told them where he was waiting with Booth and Brennan. Seconds later, Jessica and Angela met up with the trio.

"Who the hell would be stupid enough to call in a bomb threat here?", Hodgins grumbled.

"Someone who doesn't want the Governing Board meeting to happen.", Booth said. "Whoever it was probably thought it would get canceled."

They stood around for ten minutes, idly chatting before a panting Aubrey ran up to them. "Jess…Jess…are you all right?"

Jessica felt guilty about his sudden appearance. "Oh shit, Superman…I should have called you. I'm sorry…I'm okay if you want to go back to work."

"It's fine…I wasn't getting anything done anyway, so Shaw kicked me out and told me to plan on having a long day on Monday." Aubrey turned to Booth. "Don't worry…I'll stay away from Maxwell, and when they have the meeting, I'll wait with you."

"Whomever called this in, if it's fake, this is a serious crime.", Brennan stated. "The consequences will be severe."

"Federal institution…federal case…it's a felony…", Booth replied.

"Up to 10 years in prison. If it wasn't Gerald Maxwell, I hope it was worth it to the person who called it in.", Aubrey remarked, reaching out to take his girlfriend's hand.

"Is Gerald really that stupid, Superman?", Jessica asked, but Aubrey only responded with a knowing look. "Okay, you have a point."

"You don't think it was Ashley, do you? She worked until 1:00 and then she was off for the rest of the day.", Angela said quietly. "She's so devoted to that chode…"

Aubrey shook his head. "Nah. The caller was male…that's what the Head of Security told me when I asked him where you all were. I've got Bower talking to the person who took the call over there. Even though it may be a burner cell, maybe Angela can track down the tower…"

"I hope this isn't an actual bomb, Booth.", Brennan muttered to her husband.

"Me too, Bones. Me, too."

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

It wasn't until three hours later when the Bomb Squad cleared the building. By now, only a small handful of people remained due to it being the end of the day. Seeing Harold Maxwell talking to a few board members, Aubrey and Jessica made sure to stay over 100 yards away, as did Angela, Hodgins, Booth, and Brennan, who were now joined by Cam and Arastoo.

"Look at that prick…all smiling…he really thinks he's going to beat this…", Arastoo said.

"Oh, I think he's getting ready to leave…now Ms. Marshall is now talking to him…oh, he does not look very happy…", Cam interjected.

"Prick probably thought the meeting would be delayed…nope…", Booth chimed in, smiling with the group when they watched the elder Maxwell's agitated face.

"Jess, do you want to walk down to the diner?", Aubrey asked. "Maybe we could have a piece of pie…a chocolate shake might be nice..."

The redhead shook her head. "I'm too nervous to eat…can we just wait at the lab, Superman?"

Aubrey nodded. "Yeah, if no one cares."

"It's fine. I'll wait with you.", Angela said. "My dad's in town and he picked up Michael Vincent from school today. He's giving him guitar lessons at the house right now."

"Ms. Applegate is with Christine and Hank right now. Hopefully, we'll be out of here in a couple of hours.", Brennan lamented.

"Well, folks, let's get this thing started." Booth said as he saw people filtering back into the building. "Time to bring the bastard down."

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

"So you admit, Mr. Maxwell, that you did grab Ms. Warren's wrist?", Amanda Marshall asked, annoyed with the man in front of her.

"Yes, I grabbed Ms. Warren to stop her from leaving…merely because I didn't want her to misunderstand my reason for visiting her."

"You really must have wanted her to understand your intentions, because I saw her wrist, Mr. Maxwell. You left quite a bruise when you restrained her."

Harold Maxwell nodded contritely. "Yes, that was a miscalculation on my part. I truly didn't mean to hurt Ms. Warren. I would welcome the chance to apologize to her. I am even prepared to pay any medical bills she may have incurred from the injury."

"That seems reasonable, Mr. Maxwell.", Martin Pixler stated before turning to the other members. "My son Beau sometimes doesn't know his own strength, either."

"While your son is a professional football player, he also has no record of violence against women.", Cheri Hitchcock responded before holding up a picture of Jessica's wrist. "This picture disturbs me, Mr. Maxwell. Your meeting with Ms. Warren disturbs me as well. Surely you knew how it would appear not just to us, but to her as well…instead of calling a public meeting where she could bring her attorney, you instead chose to surprise the young woman at her place of employment...a young woman who so happens to also be a witness against your son in an upcoming trial… it was a meeting where you two just happened to be alone...a meeting where you offered her a $500,000 'gift'…"

"To continue her education…", Harold gave the board members a million-dollar smile. "Yes, Ms. Hitchcock, I do understand how indiscreet it appears now. At the time, however, I saw a woman whose talents and intellect were being wasted as she did menial work with bones. This is a young woman, who joined Mensa when she was 17 years old and I know she could do so much more than taking measurements on old skeletons. I also didn't want her to think that our family were monsters, and I hoped I could convince her otherwise."

"So your visit wasn't just to offer her a financial gift, Harold?"

Harold exhaled. "Yes, it was mainly to offer her the gift, but I felt she need to know that all Gerald wants to do is complete his internship here at the Jeffersonian, so he can finish his Antiquities doctorate from George Washington University. He's a very smart young man who also has a lot to offer this institution and the field of Antiquities as well. He feels terrible about their misunderstanding and he hopes they can find a way to resolve things."

Hodgins crossed his arms as he spoke quietly to his friends. "Don't tell me that people buying this bullshit?"

"I think he has a couple of the board members on his side, but some others are giving him the stink eye, so we have that.", Booth said. "He hasn't won yet."

"I do not give my interns 'menial work'. Those are the tasks that prepare them for their future careers…Harold Maxwell may be well dressed, but he's most certainly a troglodyte."

"I know, Bones.", Booth replied before kissing his wife's cheek. "He doesn't know what he's talking about."

"You're trying to butter me up, Booth."

"No, I'm trying to love you, Bones…", Booth replied, indicating they should listen to the hearing at hand.

Amanda Marshall interjected a comment. "So Gerald wants to complete his internship here? Well, there is a significant issue with that, Mr. Maxwell."

Harold looked at his fellow board member with impatience. "I've explained that everything that occurred between Gerald and Ms. Warren is a misunderstanding, Amanda."

"Yes, you did, to some extent, but the issue I'm referring to his Gerald's background check…you know…the one the FBI conducts for us on all our potential interns? Even in Antiquities, they must pass certain security requirements because of the valuable artifacts they work with…"

Maxwell's eyes darted around the room as he thought quickly. "He hasn't been charged with any criminal offenses. You can see that for yourself."

"Well, an interesting thing happened this morning, Mr. Maxwell. I went to do just that, but when I asked Mr. Andersen to pull up your son's background check…there wasn't one. All of our interns and employees who began working here before and after Gerald started his internship have one, Mr. Maxwell. The question is…where is your son's?"

Harold Maxwell had a drop of sweat on his brow. "Well, that's something that should be taken up with the Security Office. However, my son has never been in trouble with the law. He did excellent work under Dr. Batuhan and Vanderbrook."

"I highly doubt that, Mr. Maxwell.", Dr. Miller shouted out.

Angry at the slight towards his son, Harold turned behind him and found the other man. "This man has had it out for my son since Day One. I don't know what his issue is with my family, but Gerald is being unfairly persecuted."

Rolling his eyes, the middle-aged curator came up to the microphone. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Governing Board, I'm here to confess…I do have an issue with Gerald Maxwell."

Hodgins' mouth dropped. "Really? David, what are you doing?"

At the microphone, Dr. Miller didn't hesitate as he continued. "My issue pertains to the fact that Gerald Maxwell was and still is a lazy son of a bitch. I was hired here to oversee Antiquities last April after Dr. Vanderbrook was fired when he was caught naked with his barely 18 year old co-op intern in a closet. Right from the start, all the staff curators I met with stated the same thing…Gerald Maxwell was not an ideal employee and an average intern on a good day."

"I beg your pardon, Dr. Miller!", Harold exclaimed. "My son is an excellent—"

"I did some research and what my subordinates described was correct." David looked over at Harold Maxwell, who glared daggers at him. "For those uninformed, he was always late for his shifts, and he regularly disappeared from Antiquities to flirt with other interns in various parts of the museum. More than once, he would sneak out early when he wanted to avoid work. Most of all, he copped an attitude when he was corrected in an action by the member of my staff...the very experts he was supposed to learn from."

Trying to ignore the headache that was forming between his eyes, Harold jumped to his son's defense. "Gerald is just overeager-"

Miller turned to the board members as he continued. "There were also excellent curators and other experts who tendered their resignations, who, when given an exit interview, stated as their reason for leaving the preferential treatment that Gerald was given by my last two predecessors."

"So you're stating that Drs. Batuhan and Vanderbrook turned a blind eye to all this...all the supposedly inappropriate things that Mr. Maxwell did as an intern here?", Martin Pixler asked with sarcasm. "That seems a bit ridiculous."

"Yes, it is ridiculous, especially considering that it went on for four years. I'm not sure why...money...prestige from being connected to the Maxwell family. I just know that Gerald Maxwell was a blight on the Antiquities Department and he didn't like that I chose to hold him accountable."

"You had it out for my son since Day One!", Harold yelled but was interrupted by Dr. Miller continuing to speak."

"However, in the last eight months, our department has once again become one of the best in North America. The reason for that is twofold: being associated with the Jeffersonian is in itself very prestigious, but it's also because I run my department fairly, and I've worked hard to weed out the inferior people to bring on board top caliber people. Currently, we have ten experts, six with their PhDs and four with Masters degrees. Our people have an average experience of 12 years post graduate work and are eager to help the interns learn their craft, so that their extensive knowledge can be passed on. However, Gerald always thought he knew better than them…which, of course, was not the case. I'm loathe to think of how many other qualified students were shut out of the opportunity to learn here because of that entitled young man taking their place."

Harold was livid. "You didn't give my son a chance!"

"Actually, sir, I did, but I have seven other interns to consider, and I would be doing Gerald no favors by looking the other way when he made his mistakes. I know Batuhan and Vanderbrook did so, and unfortunately for your son, that is not what a true mentor does. I've heard rumors about your son sexually harassing other interns at this institution, but no one came forward. In the end, the reason he is no longer an intern here is because I fired him for theft of Antiquities supplies and vandalism of another intern's locker and their property here at the museum."

Ray Stover moved into the microphone. "Are you referring to his alleged vandalism of Jessica's Warren's locker, which is one of the charges that led to his arrest last month?"

"Yes, I am, Mr. Stover." Dr. Miller answered before turning to the Maxwell patriarch. "When I suspended your son for his actions at the Halloween Gala last October, your son threatened me, telling me he would use your influence to terminate me from my position in retaliation and that he'd make sure that you would no longer donate to the Jeffersonian. When I confronted him with the evidence we had proving he vandalized Ms. Warren's property in the locker room before firing him, he tried to intimidate me with the same threat, but I wasn't going to let your influence dictate how I discipline one of my employees. To put it mildly, Gerald Maxwell is an entitled prick who used his size and power to terrorize interns and employees. It appears, Mr. Maxwell, that the apple didn't fall far from the tree."

"You're out of line, Dr. Miller!", Harold yelled. "I move that his entire testimony be stricken."

Martin Pixler was quiet until he got a stern look from the Senior Maxwell. "I second that, Mr. Maxwell. There's no reason to be insulting..."

"I disagree.", Amanda Marshall replied. "All opposed?"

Seven people raised their hands, much to the chagrin of Harold Maxwell and Martin Pixler. "The motion is denied, Mr. Maxwell. Now, I have something to say…actually more like something to show…"

Nodding to the security guard, he opened a door in the back of the room and three women walked through. As they sat down in a specific row of chairs near the Board, Harold Maxwell fought to remain calm.

'What are those little bitches doing here?'

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

In Angela's office, Aubrey and Jessica watched 'To Catch A Thief' on the Angelatron while sitting on Angela's couch.

"This cheesecake is amazing, Jess…why didn't I ever try it before?", Aubrey exclaimed before eating another bite of it.

"Because you always go straight for the donuts at the coffee booth." Jessica stole the fork but ate the last of her dessert halfheartedly. "What do you think is going on in there right now?"

"I don't know..." Aubrey opened his Almond Joy candy bar he'd bought from the vending machine. He offered half to Jessica, who shook her head no. "...but we haven't heard anything yet…so that's not a bad thing."

Before Jessica could comment, Angela returned with a Sprite. Sitting down in the chair, she propped her feet up, opened the can, and chugged. "Yum…been wanting one of these all day…had to steal it from Hodgins' stash in the Ookey Room."

"Angela, do you want the couch? Aubrey and I can share the chair…"

"No. I'm fine. If I lay on that couch, I may fall asleep.", Angela said, grabbing her cheesecake. "I'm still pissed some douchebag called in a bomb threat that kept me from this."

The couple watched Angela enjoy her dessert with a flourish. After a few seconds, the artist noticed the two watching her. "What? This is likely my last pregnancy…I want to enjoy it, damn it."

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

Amanda Marshall saw Harold Maxwell's look of shock and had to fight to keep the smile from her face.

"These ladies are former Antiquities interns here at the Jeffersonian. Ms. Joanna Stevens graduated in 2013, Ms. Andrea Davidson in 2014, and Ms. Heather Thomas is in her final year here. Ms. Davidson and Ms. Thomas are still in contact with other interns who work here, and when the news traveled around that we were having this meeting, the two decided to come talk to me. They mentioned that Ms. Stevens might have something to say as well, but before I could track her down, she called her former mentor, one of the curators in the Antiquities Department, who referred her to me."

"So?", Harold said, trying not to sound desperate. "How is this even relevant?"

"It's relevant, Harold, because each woman had a story to tell…and each story was disturbing to say the least.", Amanda said sternly as she turned to the three women. "Ms. Stevens, I'll have you speak first. I'd like the others wait outside, and each will come in one at a time with a security guard escort…because Harold will want to keep things honest."

Five minutes later, the petite auburn-haired girl spoke clearly as she continued her story. "For that entire semester, he was always asking me out and flirting with me. I turned him down but it was like a challenge to him. Finally, during the next semester, I flat out I told him I wasn't interested in going out with him because I already had a boyfriend. Instead of getting the message, Gerald got up in my face and threatened me by calling me a cunt and a tease."

"I'm sure you were upset by all that, Ms. Stevens.", Martin Pixler commented. "I know that I wouldn't take something like that lying down. Maybe you decided to wait before getting retribution like today's meeting-"

"That's enough, Mr. Pixler." Amanda stated firmly, recognizing what the man was doing. "Go ahead Ms. Stevens."

"Well, Mr. Pixler is right." Joanna took a breath. "I gave it right back by telling him if he didn't leave me alone, I would report him to Dr. Batuhan. The next day, I went to report the harassment to Dr. Batuhan, and he said he would look into it. However, I saw him with Gerald Maxwell an hour later laughing together like old friends. Two days after that, I found my locker had been broken into. When I looked to see the damage...my purse was gone. I had a box of condoms in the back of the locker I had bought on my lunch break and most of them were missing, although the empty box was left behind. The only other things missing were my keys…and the underwear that I kept with my spare set of clothes…"

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

"After I told him off in the parking garage, he was a major jerk who threatened my internship unless I…" Ms. Davidson hesitated. "I'm sorry for the vulgar language...fucked him like the tease I was. I told him the next time he pulled his crap I would make a sexual harassment complaint. He response was to shove me into the ground, where I landed on a concrete marker and fractured my wrist. I was scared, but I pressed charges that night. Two days later, it was a Saturday, his father came by while I was working alone in an exam room."

The brunette wiped a tear from her eye and continued. "He offered me $125,000 dollars to 'help with my education expenses' if I signed a form stating that everything that happened with Gerald was merely a misunderstanding. I said no, but then he raised it to $179,000, saying he knew it would pay off my father's mortgage."

"Ms. Davidson, what does your father's mortgage have to do with what happened?", Martin Pixler asked half heartedly, greeted with Harold Maxwell's nod. "This is a meeting where an important man could lose his seat on the board that his family has held for four generations. We don't have time for your family's saga."

Andrea looked straight at Mr. PIxler. "My father had lost his job six months earlier and he was about to be foreclosed on. I was told to take the money, sign the affidavit, and drop the charges, or he would buy my dad's house from Bank of America and evict him…"

Booth connected one more of the dots. "That's the Bank of America payment."

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

"Gerald wanted a second date, but after the…very mediocre sex…and the fact that three pairs of my panties were missing afterwards…plus the fact that he was an egotistical jerk all evening…I wasn't interested. I told him no, but he continued to ask me out. Finally, I said I didn't want to date him and if he didn't leave me alone, I would file harassment charges against him. He looked at me...coldly and he threatened my internship, saying his father would get me fired from the museum unless I…'gave him a good time.", Ms. Thomas said quietly. "I told him to…fuck off...not taking him seriously."

"What happened after that, Ms. Thomas?", Cheryl Hitchcock asked quietly, now very disgusted with her colleague on the board.

"Two weeks later, I accepted a date from my present boyfriend, who's an intern in Caribbean Studies. Gerald was really pissed about that, and he confronted me one night in the locker room...telling me that I owed it to him since I apparently…'am open for business.'.

"Do you think he was just upset about being rejected?", Ray Stover asked. "I just think that kind of reaction sounds a bit extreme."

"I agree sir, but he was pissed, Mr. Stover. When I said no for the final time, he pushed me into the locker and said his father would make sure that I would never finish my program here. I pressed assault charges…but three days later, his father tracked me down while I was working on the weekend alone. He offered a check to help with my 'educational expenses'…'"

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

Thirty minutes later, all testimony was heard and Amanda Marshall called a vote on the issue on the table.

"All in favor?", Amanda asked before seven people raised their hands. "All opposed?"

Harold Maxwell and Martin Pixler were the only two to raise their hands.

"Then it's official." Amanda turned to Harold. "Mr. Maxwell, you are no longer part of this Governing Board."

There was thunderous applause and whistling from Hodgins as people celebrated...or cried at Harold's dismissal. After about a minute, Amanda used the gavel to quiet the crowd. When there was order again, she turned first to Martin Pixler, whose head hung down, before moving directly to the CEO, barely keeping her disgust to a minimum.

"I think I speak for at least the six others on the board who aren't your lackeys when I say you are a repugnant individual. Not only did your son threaten these women, but you abused your power and prestige to terrorize them as well, pressuring them into being silent…allowing them to suffer at your son's hands…I'm even more disgusted that this institution allowed it to happen."

She turned to the three women, who were now seated in the front row. "On behalf of the Governing Board, I apologize for any suffering that has occurred here. We failed you ladies…and I hope today has not only helped you heal, but please realize it has also given us valuable lessons about how to handle this sort of issue in the future. We are indebted to you."

"Ms. Marshall…may I also propose that Mr. Maxwell and his son be banned from the entire Jeffersonian and underlying subsidiaries? We don't want the women here under our employ, either as interns or employees, to feel threatened by these men. I fear that they may use their presence as attendees at future museum functions to intimidate these women.", Cheri Hitchcock asked before turning to the three woman who testified. "On a personal note, I sincerely hope all of you will press criminal charges against this man…and against his son if you're able."

"You can't be serious! That is preposterous!", Harold roared as he stood up, ignoring the headache that was pounding in his head. "I'll sue…"

Ray Stover spoke into his microphone. "I second that motion."

"All in favor?", Amanda asked before raising her hand.

Seven raised their hands right away. Martin Pixler hesitated before holding his hand up as he avoided looking at Harold Maxwell, who was shooting daggers at the man.

"The motion carries.", Amanda Marshall replied before turning to the security guard by the door. "Would you please escort Mr. Maxwell out of the museum, please?"

"I still have things in the VIP lounge!"

"Of course, Harold.", the president replied, turning back to the guard. "Take him to the lounge, give him two minutes, then immediately escort him out. He is to be in his car in fifteen minutes or we will call the police and have him arrested for trespassing."

His pounding headache getting more intense, Harold became angrier. "You won't get away with this, Amanda. I have some very influential friends...friends who can determine how much funding this institution receives..."

Not acknowledging the threat, Amanda turned to the secretary. "We will also need a copy of the meeting transcript sent to Agent Seeley Booth of the FBI as soon as possible." She slammed the gavel down. "This meeting of the Governing Board is dismissed."

"Excuse me, Ms. Marshall." Dr. Boyd quickly stood up. "I had a motion I wanted to discuss with the board. I tried to talk to you in a private meeting, but you refused."

"Oh yes, you want to reinstated as Interim Pathologist here at the lab."

"No, I was to be the director of the lab...a job that was promised to me by Harold. Now, from the start, Dr. Hodgins and Dr. Brennan have done whatever they could to undermine me-"

Amanda turned to the pathologist with a bored expression. "Dr. Boyd, you're a two-faced politician who overplayed her hand instead of welcoming the opportunity to work with our lab. There's a good reason you were turned down for the pathologist job here when you applied both times and it's because you have the most inflated sense of self I've ever encountered.

Dr. Boyd turned white before recovering quickly. "But I was fired unjustly by Dr. Hodgins. He has let his friendship with Ms. Warren influence him, including being disrespectful—"

"I've talked to several people in the last couple days about you, and they paint you as a woman who refused to learn how things were done at the lab, expected everyone to work on your timetable, were quite disrespectful to the interns, as well as Drs. Brennan and Hodgins, and who threw around names of influential people she knew, including Mr. Maxwell, in an attempt to get her own way."

"So people are jealous of who I know-"

Amanda openly rolled her eyes in disgust, making the people sitting close to her snicker. "On top of that, Carl Anderson discussed a phone call you two had back in November when he informed you that the only way Harold Marshall could get an access pass in the lab was a request from Drs. Saroyan or Hodgins. You chose to forge a security pass for Harold Maxwell and broke security protocol by giving Jessica Warren's schedule out without clearing it with either Dr. Hodgins or Dr. Brennan first."

"Dr. Hodgins was quite rude when he dismissed me without reason-"

"He recorded the conversation you two had and it was completely professional. He showed considerable restraint considering that you forged a security pass request for a man who should have never unescorted access to the lab and then you gave Jessica Warren's schedule to Harold Maxwell, which led to an assault. Both of your actions are against the Medico-Lab policy. Now, you break the rules…you get fired. End of story."

"But Harold promised me that I was taking over at lab director…", Dr. Boyd pleaded.

Amanda stood ramrod straight as she stared down Dr. Boyd. "So you were bribed into breaking the rules? You're a federal contractor and that sort of solicitation is against the law."

Dr. Boyd tried to backtrack when she realized what she said. "No, I...Harold had a right to know what was going on at the lab, Ms. Marshall."

"Unless there is a crime being committed or flagrant violation of museum policy, those of us on the board don't need to be involved in the minutiae of their operation if they are following federal guidelines. As for offering you the job of lab director, Harold Maxwell has no authority to make that determination alone."

"But-"

"You played the game, Dr. Boyd, but you got taken by a better player. Now, you're not getting your position back here...or another one here...ever. You had a chance to make things work and perhaps learn from them, but your ego wouldn't allow it. Enjoy your return to the FBI, Dr. Boyd."

"But...I'm not working there anymore either."

Amanda gave her a bland look. "So what are we supposed to do? Fire Camille Saroyan because you thought sucking up to a Governing Board member would get you inside here?"

"Well-"

"We're done, Dr. Boyd. Good luck with whatever lab will have you."

"You're leaving me no choice but to consider legal action against the lab, Ms. Marshall."

The chairwoman merely stared Dr. Boyd down. "Please do so, Katherine. When you do sue us, the transcripts from today's hearing will be brought into evidence. Your words suggest you broke the law for a non-existent job promotion. I for one can't wait for charges to be brought against you. I'll let the museum lawyers know to expect the summons. Good luck in your future endeavors."

The blonde grew pale as the Board left the room. Turning around, she saw Booth, Brennan, and Hodgins, along with Cam and Arastoo, all who were smiling broadly. Storming towards the exit, she gave them all the finger before leaving.

"Ah…there's the Dr. Boyd we know and love.", Hodgins replied as he merely waved in response.

The group then watched as Harold Maxwell wrenched his arm away from the security guard and marched out of the room. Arastoo felt his phone vibrate and looking down, he turned to Cam.

"Isaiah is calling us. I'll wait for you outside, Cam."

"No, I'm coming with you." Cam turned to her friend. "We'll see you all in the hall."

When Cam and Arastoo left, a sobered Brennan turned to her colleague.

"Hodgins, as much as I have enjoyed Dr. Boyd's termination, there's still the question of an interim pathologist. Is Cam coming back early…"

"Dr. Thompson from the FBI will be reporting Monday morning. We're going to share her, as she's only part time there. Cam talked to her colleagues at the gala last Friday and then got together with her last night at FBI Headquarters. She's young, but very bright, thinks quickly on her feet and comes highly recommended from her colleagues…and she hates drama, I'm told. If she's as good as I hear, we may be able to use her as a permanent substitute pathologist...or if that part time pathologist position ever opens, we can snag her."

"Excellent.", Brennan replied. "Some sense of…normalcy in the lab would be nice for a change. I'm sure Cam is relieved to not have to return early from her sabbatical. I know how important it was for her to take this time off with the boys."

"Their home visit with the social worker is coming up in a couple of weeks, so she and Arastoo are stressing about that.", Booth added.

"Well, if all goes well, the adoption hearing is scheduled during the last week of February. That would be cool…Cam returning to work as a mom.", Hodgins added.

The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the three interns who had testified at the meeting. "Agent Booth?"

"Yes?", Booth replied, hoping their arrival was a good sign.

"The three of us were talking…", Heather began. "…and we think we want to press charges against Harold and Gerald Maxwell if we can…"

"Well…all of the alleged interactions occurred less than five years ago…I can make no guarantees if the charges will stick, but I think that old buzzard's case will be fun…and you all deserve the chance to try. Let's go down to my office at the Hoover and I'll take your statements, and afterwards I'll call the US Attorney's office and DCPD. If the statute of limitations has passed, then, at the very least, you could get him in civil court."

"Thank you…", Heather said, offering a small smile.

Booth scratched the back of his head, not looking forward to his next request. "However, there are some...articles that were found at Gerald Maxwell's house last month. Most are unidentified, but do you think you all could come to the Hoover and try to identify some of them?"

"He stole other women's underwear?", Joanna shook her head. "What a perv...yes, I can look."

When Booth got affirmatives from the other two women, he turned to his wife. "Bones, I'll see you later tonight. Don't wait up."

"I'll wait up.", Brennan stated with a no-nonsense look.

The agent nodded. Turning to the women he gestured for them to walk ahead. "You can follow me in my vehicle or I can drive you all over there."

When Booth left, Hodgins turned to Brennan. "Dr. B, let's go give Angie, Aubrey, and Jessica the good news."

[*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*][*]

Hodgins held up his bottle of beer. "To a piece of shit getting what's coming to him."

"To a piece of shit!", Aubrey, Jessica, Cam, Arastoo, and Angela declared, holding up their beers, wine, and club soda.

"To a piece of fecal matter!", Brennan joined in while clanking her bottle with the others.

"Jessica, I'm sure having him kicked off the Governing Board is big relief to you.", Cam said. "I'm just so sorry this happened to you."

The redhead tucked her hair behind her ear. "It's okay, Dr. Saroyan, and yes, I'm relieved. I'll be even more relieved when Gerald and his father get what's coming to them in court."

"Gerald Maxwell is an asshole.", Arastoo stated bluntly. "He can't take rejection, so he sexually harasses women, assaults them when they stand up for themselves, then he steals their underwear. What a perv…"

"Yes he is…", Booth said as he joined the table. Seeing his wife point to a beer, he sat down gratefully. "Thanks, Bones. I'm glad you decided not to go home just yet."

"Mrs. Applegate said Hank and Christine could spend the night with her and we can go get them in the morning."

"So Booth...can we get Maxwell?", Aubrey asked.

"All of the complaints fit into the federal statute of limitations. Caroline says it's a long shot, but just pressing the charges will not only give these ladies some closure, but it will send a message. I'm hoping more women come forward in the coming weeks." Booth turned to Jessica. "She said that since there's a pattern with Gerald and how he treated the other victims, she's going to try to get it introduced in court as a previous act of sexual abuse, which might make it aggravated assault. It's a long shot, but with those women pressing charges against him, it may work."

"Did you get anything from the phone number I was able to trace?", Angela asked.

"It was a burner phone, but it pinged off a cell tower three miles away from Maxco Enterprises in Vienna, Virginia."

"You think it was Dumbass?", Hodgins asked.

"Him or one of his girlfriends with a masculine voice.", Booth said as the appetizers were brought to the table. When all the platters were unloaded from the servers' trays, Booth looked around in mock surprise. "Where's the Army, Aubrey?"

"It's half price appetizers, Booth.", Aubrey chided before stealing a slider. "Besides I couldn't decide what I wanted, so I ordered one of everything."

"This is where we go most Friday nights...then we usually go home and watch a movie together.", Jessica stated before taking a bite of the slider Aubrey offered. 'Or we start watching a movie…and then we get distracted...'

"So domesticated. That is very cute.", Booth said mockingly.

Aubrey's eyes narrowed. "Something you want to say, Booth?"

Brennan stole a potato skin and picked off the bacon before eating it. "He's merely noting how you and Ms. Warren have a domestic routine. With her living with you during the last month, it's to be expected. Booth and I moved in together when I was five months pregnant with Christine and it wasn't long before we had...special routines of our own."

"Bones!", Booth admonished before turning pink. "Ix Nay on that stuff."

"We're not living together….", Aubrey stuttered.

"I was just taking care of Aubrey and with the trial coming up, Aubrey's house is more secure...plus I've become attached to Skinner."

"You love my cat…", Aubrey agreed.

Jessica sipped her beer. "I do. He kept me company while I did your laundry Tuesday night...after I fed him, of course."

"I had to shoo him away from your clean laundry before I folded it last week and put it away in our bedroom…", Aubrey sipped his beer. "Oh, we should pick up that drying rack you need for the laundry room tomorrow while we run errands."

Jessica's face brightened as she thought of something else they needed. "Oh, Cap'n Crunch is on sale at Kroger's, so we need to pick that up while we're grocery shopping. They have some good deals this week. We also need to hit Pet Smart because Skinner needs more food and litter for his boxes."

The other couples watched as Aubrey and Jessica bantered back and forth about various domestic things. "They don't realize yet that they're living together?", Cam asked quietly.

"Nope...not a clue.", Booth smirked.

"Should someone bring their attention to that fact, Booth?", Brennan asked.

Not realizing they were topic of discussion, Jessica finished chewing her mozzarella cheese stick. "You need to strip the sheets on the beds this weekend, Aubrey, so I can do the laundry on Sunday."

"Can do, Jess. Maybe after I change out Skinner's litter boxes tomorrow, if the weather is decent, maybe I can fire up the grill?"

"Sounds amazing…", Jessica said before giving her boyfriend a peck on the lips. "How about some steaks? Or do want shrimp this time?"

"Why not both?", Aubrey responded before stealing a potato skin.

The other couples continued to watch the youngest pair banter and Booth smiled. "No, Bones...they'll figure it out eventually."

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

Gerald and Ashley had arrived at the entrance of Founding Fathers when the woman stopped, turning to face him.

"Ashley...what the fuck? I'm hungry and I'm still pissed about my father giving me the riot act for what happened at the Governing Board meeting.", the former intern growled. "I mean, he was the one who fucked up, not me. He barricaded himself in the study when he got home and will only speak to my mother about what happened. Damn, I need a few shots."

Ashley thought if anyone deserved a drink it was Harold Maxwell, but kept her thoughts to herself. "Maybe when he calms down, he can tell you what happened. Since those meetings aren't made public, it's not going to be on the news, so there's that."

"But this shit spreads like wildfire all over DC. When it comes out that he got bumped from the Board, it's going to make me look bad, Ashley."

"I'm sorry, Gerald." Ashley tried to rub his arm but he turned around.

"Enough of the pity, Ashley. I'm hungry and need a drink. Let's go inside." When she stopped him a second time. "Damn it! What's your problem?"

"Gerald, Jessica is inside."

"What?", he barked, looking through the window. "Son of a bitch...what is that firecrotch cunt doing here?"

Ashley gulped as she hesitated before speaking. "Gerald...those are really ugly words…"

"Yeah, well, it's the truth. Jessica Warren a fucking cunt, Ashley. She's acts like she's better than me and she's going to ruin my life because doesn't know her place. It's bullshit that I can't go out and get a fucking drink without running into that firecrotch!"

"You'll prove your innocence in court, Gerald. I have faith in that.", Ashley said quietly before rubbing his arm. "Come on, let's get a drink at Franklin's…"

"Why the hell should I go to that shitty place? I want to go here. Jessica may think she's winning but that fucking slut is going to get what's coming to her…"

Gerald looked back in the window and his anger was mixed with lust as Jessica got up and he got a view of her posterior. Getting tunnel vision, he stared as she ordered up at the bar, an erection forming as he pictured himself lying on top of her and pumping her hard as he taught her a lesson.

'She's going to learn one of many very soon...' Gerald thought, thinking of what he did this afternoon. "That bitch should have just shown me a good time like she did with the other guys at the museum instead of spreading her legs for that asshole FBI agent…and rubbing it in my face and spewing that bullshit about me."

Ashley didn't hear what her boyfriend muttered but noted her his physical reaction and felt shamed as he never looked at her that way. "Gerald...let's go home…we can order a pizza and then I want to show you the dress that I bought for your cousin's wedding tomorrow night."

Snapping out of his trance, he turned to the mousy woman in front of him. Yes, she was his girlfriend in public, but the clinginess and devotion she exhibited were becoming annoying. However, he couldn't get laid as much since his arrest. Sheila hadn't returned his calls since after the Halloween Gala. Madison was now dating that prick from that fancy ass law firm in Great Falls. Naomi was just being a damn snob...saying being around him was making her look bad. Michelle from Maxco's legal department said she wasn't interested in another romp until he got rid of Ashley...which sucked because she was awesome in the sack.

But he needed Ashley until his trial ended. She made him look good as the devoted girlfriend who was standing by him throughout his troubles. She could also give decent head, and she always wanted to make him happy. That was definitely a plus in her favor.

Weighing his options, he decided he had earned more than a few shots today. Ashley had proved herself willing to do anything he wanted in the bedroom...so why not take advantage?

Smirking at the petite woman, he caressed her face before moving down and pulling down the turtleneck, revealing a bruise on her neck. "Yes, Ashley...let's go home...I should make sure you got the right dress so I don't look like shit tomorrow night, plus you can make it up to me for stupidly trying to appeal to Jessica Warren to drop the charges today. You made me look bad."

"I'm sorry, Gerald."

The tall man couldn't hold back his fury. "You better hope I don't go to jail, Ashley...or you, either, for that matter."

Trying to make him happy again, she became apologetic. "I just wanted her to stop lying about you, Gerald."

"Well, now everyone is going to think I put you up to nagging Jessica and if she goes to the prosecutor, I'm fucked. They'll also blame me for that bomb threat."

"But you said you didn't call in the bomb threat. To do that is a federal offense. It would pretty stupid for anyone to do that."

Irritated at the insinuation, Gerald grabbed her wrist and squeezed hard, making her cry out. "Quit acting like your smarter than anyone else because you're making me look stupid!"

"Gerald…"

Getting a perverse thrill at Ashley's pain, he squeezed even harder. "Now, use your damn brain next time and keep your mouth shut or I'll find another woman who will appreciate what it means to be my girlfriend."

"Gerald, you're hurting me...I'm sorry...I love you…"

Deciding the lesson was learned, the scion let go of her wrist. "Come on, I'm stressed out and I need to relieve it."

Ashley took a deep breath and pulled the turtleneck up to her chin. Taking the hand Gerald offered, they walked down the street to his Alfa Romeo

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

"Aubrey, I'm going to take a shower before going to bed.", Jessica said as she pulled her dress off and tossing it in the hamper. "Do you need to pee before I do so?"

"No, I'm good.", Aubrey said, smiling as he admired her lithe body as she stripped her lingerie.

"I'll be out in a bit." Jessica kissed him, grabbed her pajamas, and went into the bathroom.

When she disappeared from view, Aubrey took off his jacket, tie, and then his pants before hanging them up. He had his shirt unbuttoned when tonight's topic of conversation came back to him.

'We aren't living together...she's here with me until she's ready to go back to her apartment...living together is a big step...but are we there yet?'

Yes, he wanted a permanent commitment from Jessica...but right now? Except for the prick duo of Gerald and Harold Maxwell, things were going great. However, it was nice having her here with him when he went to sleep and it was nice that they wake up together every morning.

Shaking off his thoughts, he wandered over to his bay window and grabbed his guitar. After strumming a few measures, he started to sing as he thought of his relationship with Jessica.

Summer rain taps at my window

West wind soft as a sweet dream

My love warm as the sunshine

Sittin' here by me, she's here by me

In the bathroom, Jessica finished her shower as she also contemplated her conversation with Angela. 'Are we living together? I'm staying here because I'm not ready to go back to my apartment, right? I mean...Aubrey's house has the latest security, so I'm safe here.'

She thought about what had been said earlier at Founding Fathers. Aubrey had jumped in really quickly to deny they were living together after they were teased by their friends. 'I just have to be patient with him…but honestly...am I ready for that step?'

Turning off the water, she thought she heard music. When Jessica got out to dry off, she realized it was her boyfriend's guitar and voice.

We sailed into the sunset

Drifted home, caught by a gulf stream

Never gave a thought for tomorrow

Just let tomorrow be, now, let tomorrow be

'And he plays a mean Johnny Rivers, too.' Jessica thought before grabbing her tank top and pajama pants hanging on the back of the door and tossing them on before she stepped out of the bathroom. Seeing Aubrey at the bay window, she came and sat in front of him as he continued to sing.

The snow drifts by my window

North wind blowin' like thunder

Our love's burnin' like fire

And she's here by me, yeah, she's here with me

Let tomorrow be...

When Aubrey finished, Jessica sighed. "So, Aubrey...what brought that on? I do love that song, but...not your traditional fare."

Aubrey shrugged. "Thinking about tonight...I don't know...it popped in my head...it reminds me of us…"

Jessica smiled. "Well, you did finally kiss me in May…"

Sensing the playful mood, he flirted right back. "Uh, you kissed me on the cold, wet sidewalk after I saved your life, Jessica."

"Well, you were my hero, James Aubrey...and still are." Jessica took a breath. "Do you want to talk about us living together?"

"If you want to, but...I liked our original idea of getting through the trial first, Jess." Aubrey exhaled and shook his head. "We're starting to listen to other people again…"

"People thought we were doing things wrong.", Jessica replied. "But we're not…"

"Because it works for us.", the agent said before putting the guitar down. "How about we go back to ignoring everyone unless we ask for advice?"

"Sounds good.", Jessica said, moving to sit in front of Aubrey with her back against his chest.

They sat silently and looked out the window for a few minutes before Aubrey smelled the cherry essence from Jessica's shampoo. "Now, Jessica...tell me how you're feeling about today."

"Relieved...scared...happy...angry…", she said quietly. "I'm feeling a lot of things right now."

Aubrey kissed her head again. "Have you reconsidered my idea of suing Gerald?"

"Superman…"

"Jess, he caused $1800 dollars worth of damage to your property, including your cell phone. In addition, you had to pay cash to replace your birth control pills, you had a major headache when you went through all the shit of your trust fund frozen and having to open a new account because of it. That led to you having to borrow from Hodgins and Angela to cover your rent and a new phone." Aubrey felt guilty that it wasn't him who had stepped in to help her with those expenses. "The bastard needs to pay for all that."

"I'll think about it, all right?", Jessica said. "The trial is in two and half weeks from now and I just want to get through all that first."

Aubrey thought about something. "Has your mother called you since all this crap started going down?"

"Nope...not a word. She's probably pissed because it's making her look bad." The anthropologist shook her head. "Let's not talk about her, okay? I would much rather enjoy sitting here with you tonight, Superman."

"I think we can do that, Jessica.", Aubrey replied before holding her closer. "We can sit here as long as we want, and let tomorrow be…"