Things have gotten intense in our story, but fortunately, the FBI on the job to bring the criminal to justice. But did Gerald act alone? Read on to find out...

Genny was on her way back to the Hoover when she got a phone call. Surprised as she saw the name was on the Caller ID, she quickly answered it. "Angela, I thought you were resting."

"I thought so, too, but I've got news. Hodgins just got a call from the store manager of the Kmart in Annandale, Virginia."

"Where Ashley Ames' credit card was used to purchase the burner phone that called in the bomb threat to the Jeffersonian a couple weeks ago.", Genny mused. "Please tell me they finally found the security footage..."

"They finally did about an hour ago. The manager told Hodgins that the videos for January 5th were filed under the wrong day by mistake. He said he would have a copy burned onto a disc for you to pick up."

"It only took them over two weeks to find it...but better late than never. What's the address again?" Genny listened as Angela gave the location. "Okay, I'm jumping on 395 now. Have Hodgins call them and let them know I'll be there in about twenty minutes."

"Can do, Genny."

Merging onto the freeway, Genny sped up the SUV. "Angela, now follow the doctor's orders and rest!"

"She will, Genny.", Hodgins chimed in. "I promise."

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

Ata small apartment in Rock Creek, Agent John Thomas was watching news footage of the Jeffersonian when the television was suddenly shut off. Turning around, he saw his girlfriend holding the remote. "Karen, what did you that for?"

Dropping the slim object onto the end table, Karen folded her arms. "Because it's Sunday, and I don't want to spend it watching whatever new crisis has fallen onto DC."

John glared at her. "You may not, but I do. Someone attacked five people at the Jeffersonian today. That's big news. I'm sure the Hoover is crazy right now."

Karen merely shrugged. "Who cares? It's not like that affects me at all. Come on, I want some lunch and then we can have a nice quiet day together...just the two of us. I'll wear those new panties you like so much."

Usually, the thought of Karen in lingerie turned him on, but at the moment, John wasn't in the mood. "But it may involve your friends there. Don't you want to know-"

"John, enough! I don't give a damn anymore, because my supposed friends stabbed me in the back for that redheaded crotch who stole Aubrey from me."

John rolled his eyes at his girlfriend's words. "Karen, that was months ago. Get over it. I mean, we're together now..."

Karen emptied the glass she was drinking from and slammed the it down on the counter. "Get over it? Seriously? She convinced Aubrey that I was harassing them and then he reported it to my boss. Now I'm banned from Major Crimes cases and that doesn't look good on my FBI record. My chances of being promoted to head the DC's BRIU division are almost nil now."

"Karen, it's been rumored that only Special Agents will be running the divisions in the near future, so that is not something to worry about-"

The profiler prattled on. "I'm tired of her shit. That bitch has done so much to me..."

"You've already explained it to me...more than once. If she's such a toxic person, then you need to stop thinking about her and focus on what you have now.", John said wearily before he turned the TV back on.

Frustrated that her lover was blowing her off, Karen turned off the television again and tossed the remote onto the couch where he couldn't reach it.

Irritated, John turned to his girlfriend. "Damn it, quit doing that! I want to see what happened. They may call one of us in later for help if they need a profiler for their suspect."

"If they're going to call someone, it will be me, John, because I have seniority and have more experience than you. However, I doubt the BRIU will be needed. Now, I just want to enjoy a nice lunch with my boyfriend and then come back here so we can fuck. Do you understand? No more work today. I mean it!"

"Fine…" John grabbed his coat and put it on, biting his tongue at his girlfriend's latest poke at his career.

It was true that Karen did have more experience. However, before John had become a special Agent three years ago, he'd also earned his PhD in criminal psychology and was no slouch. It didn't help that he had been the one requested for the Cincinnati case due to his ties there instead of her. Her lack of filter made relations with the local police and his former field office difficult...as did her jealousy every time he talked to one of his former female colleagues.

The sex was great, but her possessiveness was making it harder to enjoy their time together. Every time she saw him with another woman, she would get angry and accuse him of encouraging their attention or of cheating on her. He always tried to reassure her, but it was never enough.

He'd heard the whispers about her, including her supposed stalking of Agent Aubrey with daily lunches, and other stories about her supposedly outrageous behavior. However, he didn't listen, wanting to know her outside of those rumors. Although she was seven years older than him, he didn't care. She was smart, funny, and most of the time he enjoyed being with her.

Hopefully, she would realize soon that Aubrey was in the past, and then they could have a future if she would just trust him. As much as he cared for her, he wasn't sure how much longer he would be able to put up with Karen's moodiness.

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

Ninety minutes later, the ASAC arrived back at the Hoover holding the Kmart security video disc. Coming into the bullpen, she found Haggarty and Thompson. "Are Bell and Bower still in with Ms. Winters?"

"They're taking her down to Holding right now.", Thompson remarked. "Girl sang like a canary once she figured out that Gerald Maxwell tried to set her up."

"Okay, have them come see me when they're done.", Genny replied. "Have we heard from the hospital yet regarding Ashley's lab work?"

"You were right, Genny, about him drugging her.", Jill stated. "Her blood had minute traces of GHB. According to the toxicologist, if her blood had been drawn even one hour later, the last traces of the drug would have been gone. She credited the red wine and the pizza with keeping it in her system longer."

"Awesome. Have those findings faxed…" Thompson smirked as she handed her the folder with the results. "Our division rocks."

Genny went into her office and called her boyfriend to check on Danny, who was hanging out with him for the day. After finding out the boys were doing fine having an Aerial Attack marathon, she unlocked her computer, and put the disc in the DVD player.

After a few moments, the surveillance video came into view. Finding the approximate time frame she needed, she saw what was unmistakably a tall man making the purchase of a phone in the electronics department. The earlier description from the clerk matched Gerald, but this video cemented it.

Then she followed him walking around the store and she couldn't believe her luck when she saw where he went next. "Oh, Gerald. As my grandmother would say...you're up shit creek without a paddle."

Hearing her phone ring, she picked up. "Shaw."

"It's Hodgins...I can't talk my wife into resting quietly, so she's on her laptop if you need her to track anything down. Just don't tell the doctors."

"I understand...I don't rest well, either." Shaw had an idea. "Actually, there is something that could use Angela's mad skills if she's up to it…"

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

While Genny was on the phone, Aubrey arrived at Major Crimes. Looking around, he saw who he was looking for and walked up to her. "Caroline, I came as soon as I could."

"How's your ginger haired squintern?"

Aubrey took a shaky breath. "Physically, Jess going to recover...thank God."

Caroline knew what he wasn't saying. "You saved her life, Cher."

"I didn't do much...Genny and Steve were there, too."

"They helped that annoying Dr. Wells, Ms. Montenegro and the guards, but you…were that redhead's hero." Caroline shook her head. "Agent Shaw gave me her preliminary report after she talked to your squintern. What that Gerald Maxwell did to her was...horrific. Why on earth would he urinate on her? He already was going to rape and kill her. I don't understand that part."

"I don't either, Caroline." Aubrey shook his head. "I don't either."

Caroline's look of sympathy hardened. "We need to talk in your office...now."

Having a sneaking suspicion of what was up, Aubrey followed the older woman into his workspace. When she indicated for him to shut the door, he did so.

Caroline pointed to his right hand, which was visibly damaged on the knuckles. "Did you assault Gerald Maxwell, Aubrey? Don't lie to me."

Aubrey took a breath. "I punched him a few times after he assaulted me."

Caroline walked up to Aubrey. "Cher, his face looks like nasty, rotten meat. You got more than a few punches in, didn't you?"

"I caught him strangling Jessica after he had pawed at her clothes, Caroline, then he came at me twice, including once with a bloody hammer. What the fuck? How do you expect me to respond? 'Hey Gerald, come beat me up so you can rape and kill my girlfriend?'"

"Watch your mouth, Cher!" Caroline sternly shook her finger at him. "I believe you, but I got a call from Janis Jergins an hour ago. She and her client allege that you tried to kill him and they're going to file charges of assault and police brutality against you. Be prepared to go in front of a review panel as well as having to fight this in court, if it goes that far."

"Let him try it!", Aubrey said angrily. "He's the one who tried to murder multiple people today. I'm curious as to what kind of spin he'll use. I bet he'll say the grief over his father's death drove him over the edge. He's lucky I didn't kill him when I had the chance."

Caroline worried about Aubrey's quiet fury. "Which is why I don't want you here when Agent Shaw interrogates that creep."

"I know. Genny said the same thing. Jess is with Dr. B and Daisy right now, and I was going to go home and get a few things for her tonight." Aubrey sighed softly. "I figure it may make her feel a little better. She blames herself for everything, Caroline."

"Then you tell her as many times as you have to that she didn't do anything wrong by standing up for herself, and you keep saying it until she believes it. I saw Shaw's notes on when she questioned Jessica. It seems that she got a few licks in herself. Good girl."

"Thank you.", Aubrey said. "If there's nothing else-"

"There is one more thing." Caroline pulled something out of her briefcase and handed it to him. "I got what I need but I think you can give that to your squintern."

Aubrey nodded quietly. "Thank you. Caroline. Jessica will appreciate it."

"Good." Caroline pointed out the door. "Now scoot. Your cute squintern needs you at the hospital. I don't want you here again until tomorrow, hear me?"

"Yes, ma'am." Aubrey palmed the object and put it in his pocket before leaving.

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

"I'm so sorry this happened to you, Ms. Warren.", Brennan said softly. "Hodgins felt especially bad. He and the head of security wanted to ensure something like this wouldn't happen to you...or anyone else...he feels like he failed you."

"Curly didn't fail me, Dr. B. This wasn't his fault." Jessica paused as she played with her bedsheet. "There were a lot of security improvements when the lab was rebuilt. Badged entry...two security guards in the lab seven days a week. He was also going to experiment with two interns on every weekend next month so no one would be working alone. I know all that probably messed up the lab's budget, especially with that new staggered intern schedule we started last semester..."

"Ms. Warren, Hodgins has actually become quite adept at what Angela calls, 'juggling the budget'. He's actually held back on purchasing new equipment that he wants desperately for his lab because he felt the new intern schedule was better for the students, and he's coordinated the co-op student schedule so that we have one every day to assist with tasks instead of days with either multiple students with nothing to do or no students and our mail piles up. That saves money without sacrificing our work."

"If he doesn't get new equipment…"

"He's fine. Hodgins said what he has is still the best. Angela said he's learning that he doesn't always need the newest toy right away. He's going to talk to Cam tomorrow about testing out the weekends with two interns and what happened to you just pressed that point further. I don't see her opposing this." Brennan grinned slightly as she continued.. "We have been hard on her in the past for some of her decisions. Until Hodgins starting running the lab while she was on her leave of absence, none of us, including myself, really appreciated all that Cam did to keep the lab running as successfully as it has."

"No...I never really did, either.", Jessica conceded.

Seeing Jessica's embarrassment, Brennan cleared her throat. "Ms. Warren, I didn't mean to go off topic. We did go above and beyond safety wise after the bombing, but logically, we couldn't have planned for what Gerald Maxwell did. No one can read anyone's mind. While some, like Angela's friend Avalon, are convinced that she can read people's minds…"

Jessica smirked, knowing her mentor's firm belief in science and empirical evidence. She focused back on her mentor.

"...no one could know that he would go so far as to attempt to murder his girlfriend to use her access card. I'm saddened that others were hurt, including Dr. Wells, but I'm grateful that Aubrey, Genny, and Agent Bower responded so quickly before it was too late."

"How is Oliver?", Jessica asked.

"He's in a medically induced coma due to the swelling of the brain. They are hopeful that it will subside in about 72 hours so that they can discontinue the regimen and he can regain consciousness. Of course, there could be complications, including memory loss and physical disability, but they'll deal with that as necessary.. His account is crucial to convicting Mr. Maxwell for all that he has done."

"Is Angela doing all right?", Jessica asked. "I heard she fell and hit her head after finding Tom in the far end bathroom."

"She is. She's actually helping Agent Shaw with the Angelatron program on a laptop Hodgins brought in for her. We're trying to keep it as quiet as possible because the doctors were against it…"

"But Angela can't just rest...Gerald's actions could have hurt their baby…and I'm sure she's really pissed."

"She is...along with Hodgins. With Hodgins' paralysis, their chances of conceiving are very low. This child will probably be their last one unless they adopt, so they are grateful to have this chance for a second child."

"I heard that someone made the guards sick, too. Are they all right?"

"They will be, Ms. Warren. Both of them should make a full recovery."

Jessica nodded. "I'm sorry you didn't get to bring Hank and Christine to the museum today. I know you like to visit after Booth takes them to church every Sunday."

Brennan shook her head. "Ms. Warren...the children will be fine. They're spending the day with Ms. Applegate. Now, with your injuries, you'll be off a couple of weeks..."

"No, I want to go back to work as soon as I can, Dr. B-"

"Ms. Warren, you have two bruised ribs. While I will consider light duty if your doctor clears it next week, with the exception of coming to class Wednesday if you sit, you are to stay home and rest."

"But, Dr. B-"

"No buts, Ms. Warren. Your ribs need to heal, as does your body since you also have a mild concussion. In addition, you are lucky that nothing was broken or sprained when you fell down the steps into Modular Bone Storage."

"But my semester hours, Dr. B-"

"You worked the first week of January when most took the time off. With Cam's approval, you can work a few weekends to make up your time and there are sixteen weeks in the semester, Ms. Warren. I'm confident that you will work your required 250 hours this semester."

"But-"

Brennan gave her intern a stern look. "My decision is final, Ms. Warren. I mean it."

Jessica nodded. "Okay...I just hate sitting at home doing nothing."

"Well, you can do your research for your dissertation...and you can make up the first test for the class. As you know, that's in two weeks. I have some other things you can do from home as well that I will consider using towards your required practical hours. I can also come over Friday afternoon to have our meeting if you like."

Jessica felt helpless and frustrated that people were going to have to change things to cover for her. "Okay, if it doesn't put you out-"

"It won't, Ms. Warren. If you're up for it, the children would also like to see you in a couple of days. Thursday is a half day and they have Friday off for Inauguration Day. I don't believe it is a day to celebrate, and I think seeing you would be a better activity for them. I'm sure I will also need a break from my speech for the Women's March."

"I'm not missing that, Dr. B. It's more important than ever that I be there. I have all the hats done and I promise to be careful."

Brennan considered Jessica's suggestion. Her intern needed to rest, but she also understood the young woman's need to be active, especially after what had happened. "If you follow doctor's orders...and stay home Wednesday-"

"You need help with the Power Point and we have the first SI scheduled that night-"

"I can handle a laptop, Ms. Warren. As for the first Supplemental Instruction session, I've been teaching for several years. I think I can manage that as well."

The women were interrupted by a knock before Daisy came in. "Knock knock...oh Jessica...I'm so glad you're alright."

The petite woman went to hug her friend but stopped. "Oh, I forgot about your ribs...I'm sorry. I was just so worried."

"It's okay." Jessica indicated toward the couch at the window. "Dr. B has the chair, but you can sit there if you want to."

"Great." Daisy shook her head as she sat down. "I'm so glad you're okay. That prick needs to have the book thrown at him. I saw what he did to Oliver, too, and it's awful."

Surprised, Brennan turned to her former intern. "They let you visit him? It was supposed to only be the agents on the case and Hodgins, since he's Dr. Wells' emergency contact?"

"No...I got a peek through the window before I was asked to leave. Anyway, that's crap...Oliver is my friend. He looks so awful and his girlfriend isn't here, so why shouldn't I sit with him?"

"Daisy, it's not Rani's fault. The FBI tried to call her but she had already boarded her flight to Mumbai from Heathrow. She can't take calls on a flight. You know that."

Daisy pouted. "Well, Oliver is all by himself and it's not fair that I can't be with him. He's so fragile…"

'You have got to be shitting me…after what he did...' Jessica thought, remembering Oliver's attitude this morning. Turning to her mentor, it seemed that Brennan agreed with her.

"Daisy...the hospital has those restrictions in place for very good reasons. He was the victim of a crime and as a potential witness, he's vulnerable to threats. Also, they can't let everyone up on ICU as it also disturbs the other patients. Be assured, Booth used his contacts with the State Department and they will be meeting Dr. Mittipalli as soon as she disembarks from her plane. They will ensure she gets back to the United States safely. However, Hodgins will be there for him until she arrives home. Dr. Wells will be fine."

"But Oliver needs me…"

"No, Dr. Wick...he doesn't.", Brennan said bluntly. "He needs the care of the medical team here in the hospital. Right now, that is in the ICU."

Chastised, Daisy took a breath. "Of course, Dr. B."

"Good." Brennan turned back to her intern. "As for Wednesday's luncheon, Ms. Warren-"

"Oh Jessica, you can't go to that, can you?", Daisy said before grabbing her phone. "Dr. B, I can go with you. I just need to rearrange my schedule at the NFL. Just let me know when and where I should meet you-"

"Actually, Daisy, Dr. Goodman called his morning. There was a small fire in the university center. No one was harmed, but there was damage to the culinary section and the banquet hall, so the luncheon was rescheduled for February 8th." Brennan turned to Jessica. "You should be recovered enough by then to attend with me, but if you are unable to go, that's fine, too."

"Dr. B, I'm available if you need someone to come with you."

Brennan turned to Daisy, puzzled. "Thank you, but I don't think this is something that would be appropriate for you, Dr. Wick. This is a meeting of the faculty of the different programs in the College of the Arts and Sciences. Since you are settled at the NFL, it would be more appropriate for me to bring someone who has an interest in teaching so he or she can meet professors who can assist them in that endeavor."

Embarrassed, Daisy nodded. "Of course, but if you change your mind and need me-"

"Thank you for the offer, I won't, Daisy. I will ask Dr. Vaziri, Mr. Bray, or Ms. Finney, one of my newer interns, as each as expressed an interest in teaching at a university in the future."

When Brennan turned around, she didn't see Daisy's disappointed face, but Jessica did. She felt bad for her friend's hurt feelings, but she brought it on herself. Their mentor's attempt at tact was fairly decent, but Daisy didn't know when to quit.

"Well, I'm going to leave you so you can get some rest, Ms. Warren. Booth will be observing Mr. Maxwell's interrogation, so I'm going to take the children home. Let us know of a day that works for you to bring Christine and Hank by. We do have time Thursday and Friday but we can bring them Wednesday night if you prefer. That way you have a couple of days to recover. I'm sure you will appreciate the quiet time."

"If Aubrey is not hovering me, sure.", Jessica said with a smile.

Brennan nodded in understanding. "If I had to hazard a guess, he may take some time off to take care of you, Ms. Warren."

Jessica exhaled. "I don't need someone 24/7…"

"Ms. Warren, for the first few days, I would recommend it. Let him help you." Brennan grabbed her coat. "I'll talk to you soon."

"Thanks for coming, Dr B…" Jessica held up the magazine her mentor brought with her. "...and thanks for the Medicinal Physics Quarterly to read later. I can't wait to read that article you recommended to me."

"You're welcome." Brennan put her coat on. "I'll see you on Saturday, Daisy."

"But what about lunch this week?", Daisy asked. "Or getting together for drinks? Lance and Beau won't be home until Sunday."

"Well," Brennan pulled her messenger bag over her head. "That will depend on Booth's workload this week. He is overseeing all of Gerald Maxwell's cases in Major Crimes due to Aubrey's conflict of interest along with his duties in his own division. Since he'll be working late probably every day this week, I need to be home with Christine and Hank. I will let you know."

When Brennan left, Jessica saw her friend's hurt face. "So...any special plans this week with Beau and Lance gone still? You can probably get some stuff done around the house."

"No, I need to work and I'm going to try seeing Oliver again. I don't like him alone like that. Hodgins can't spend time with him because he's with Angela right now."

"Honey, they have those rules there in the first place. Besides, why do you want to see him? He was a complete asshole to you on Friday...and he has been on and off since last year."

"Jessica...he's still a human being.", Daisy cried. "How can you be so heartless?"

The redhead was bewildered at her friend's change of heart. "I'm not being heartless. I'm worried about him because he doesn't deserve to die. However, I'm even more worried about you...especially after what happened at the NFL. You were so upset…"

"I was...but it's trivial now. Oliver was almost murdered and he shouldn't be alone. His 'girlfriend'", Daisy indicated with quotation marks. "I hear she ran off to Mumbai in a fit. He needs me,Jessica...and I'm not going to let him down."

Daisy's phone rang with Beau's ring. Looking at the display, the anthropologist let it go to voicemail to Jessica's surprise. "Dais...why didn't you answer Beau's call?"

"I shouldn't answer the phone while in the hospital, so I'll call my husband back later. Now, I'm going to see Hodgins about being able to visit Oliver again for a while. Get some rest and I'll drop by tomorrow."

Jessica watched her friend grab her stuff and walk out. Shaking her head, she sat for a moment and took in the few minutes of quiet before the nurses would come and check her vitals once again.

Andie was going to stop by during her meal break in about 30 minutes and then Aubrey would be back later tonight. Deciding she needed a distraction, she turned on the television, only to be greeted with Hannah Burley standing in front of her hospital.

'...What we know at this time is Gerald Maxwell has been charged by the US Attorney's office on multiple charges, including six counts of attempted murder, one count of resisting arrest, one count of abusive sexual contact, one count of assault with an illegal substance, and trespassing on federal property."

"Do you have the names of the victims yet?"

Jessica felt a tear fall as she felt like her life was going to be ripped apart on the news once again. However, she couldn't stop watching.

"The FBI has declined to release the names at this time pending notification to family, Jane. FBI Deputy Director Stark will have a press conference at 7:30 that will further address the events of today. Oh wait...here's Dr. Temperance Brennan now coming out of the doors. Perhaps we can get a statement from her?"

Hannah ran over to Brennan, who was walking briskly to her Prius, trying to avoid the reporter. However, after hearing her name a third time, the forensic anthropologist finally stopped and turned to face the other woman.

Hannah stuck the microphone in Brennan's face. "Dr. Brennan, can you tell us anything about what happened today? Who were the victims? Was Jessica Warren one of them?"

"I have no comment on what happened today. As for the victims' names, you can find that out after the FBI has notified the families, which should be tomorrow. Excuse me." Brennan moved to leave, but Hannah stepped in front of her.

"Temperance, your presence here indicates that you have a personal relationship to some of the victims. How is Ms. Warren doing after her vicious assault? Does she have any plans for civil action against the Maxwell family?"

"I'm not here to visit Ms. Warren, Hannah. I'm here to visit six people, five who were assaulted at my institution today...because I want to ensure they are all right. That is what you do when you're in a leadership role. As for any civil action, that is up to the individuals affected, whoever they are. The fact you're trying to circumvent the FBI because you prefer speculation as opposed to hearing all the facts after being gathered, along with showing no concern for the people injured today speaks volumes of why you're not reporting in Afghanistan or doing international news any longer."

Embarrassed by her former friend's bluntness, Hannah tried to shake it off. "Excuse me, Temperance, but-"

"It's Dr. Brennan, Ms. Burley. We are not friends." Brennan saw the cameraman hold back laughter before continuing to speak. "Channel 7 should perhaps be more diligent on who they send out on stories. I know I will no longer be watching your station as long as you're on staff. Now, excuse me, I have a husband and children to be home with while you stalk people outside this hospital."

Hannah was speechless for a moment before regaining her composure. "Um...that was Dr. Temperance Brennan, novelist and Head Anthropologist of the Jeffersonian Institution. Back to you, Jane."

In Jessica's room, her tears of anger turned into laughter. She held her ribs as it hurt to laugh, but it was worth it. "Thank you, Dr. B...I really needed that."

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

A short time later, Booth and Genny left her office and walked through the bullpen, discussing strategy.

"I'm just here to observe for Aubrey." Booth sipped his coffee. "While technically, I'm overseeing all the agent working this case, this is your show. I won't tell him anything unless you say it's all right."

"I know." The young woman considered the situation for a moment. "Booth, if you want to be in there…"

"No, Genny...this is your rodeo. You nailed him before, and I'm sure you'll do it again.", Booth replied reassuringly as they stood outside the interrogation room. "Aubrey has confidence in you, and so do I. You've got this."

"Thanks...just don't want to let the boss...or Jessica down."

"You won't. If I see something I'll say it through the earpiece while I'm watching with Caroline, but I'm sure you'll be fine." Booth smiled. "See you when you come out."

Genny watched as her mentor greeted the federal prosecutor and the two went into the observation room. Taking a deep breath, Genny opened the door and felt a sense of deja vu when she saw Gerald and Janis Jergens.

"Janis...you're earning your retainer today."

"Agent Shaw, I'm advising my client to remain silent until we got a psych exam ordered. He was under a great deal of stress with his father's death last week-"

"I want to talk.", Gerald said gruffly, glaring at his lawyer. "Just shut up and let me talk.".

'Oh good…' Genny thought. "All right, Gerald. Start with why you went after all those people at the Jeffersonian today."

"They weren't supposed to be there.", Gerald growled. "It was only supposed to be Jessica. She is the one who killed my father and ruined my life."

"So Angela Montenegro...the two security guards…"

"What about them? It's not my fault that pregnant woman fell and I didn't do anything to the coffee, either, so don't try pinning that on me."

'He knew about the coffee...interesting.' Genny thought quietly. "Oliver Wells…"

"That cocksucker thinks he fucking knows everything!", Gerald bellowed. "He taunted me when he came out of the storeroom and saw me. He said how stupid I was to be there...that Jessica's fuckstick Aubrey was much smarter than me...and that stupid troglodytes like me were the comedos on the ass of America. What the fuck is that?"

"It's a fancy term for zit. Bones taught me that.", Booth told Genny through the earpiece.

Genny chuckled before putting her game face back on. "He called you a pimple, Gerald...he really wasn't that far off."

"Fuck you!" The accused man slammed his hand on the table and pointed his finger at Genny. "I'm not going to take that shit from you and I wasn't going to take it from that know-it-all asshole. I'm a Maxwell, damn it! You better remember that."

The ASAC looked at the suspect dead in the eye. "Ms. Jergins, please remove your client's finger out of my face or he will be handcuffed as well as charged with threatening a federal agent."

The lawyer sat up and pushed him down. "Gerald...Gerald...sit down right now!"

When the younger man sat in his seat and brooded quietly, Genny continued her interrogation as she made a note. "So...you bashed in someone's head seven times with a hammer for calling you a zit?"

"No...he came at me with some saw thing...what was I supposed to do, let him kill me?"

Recalling no weapon near Oliver when the found him, Genny kept the smile to herself. "A saw? Can you describe it to me?"

"I don't know...it had a fucking blade on it.", Gerald spit back. "I didn't know what to do so I grabbed a hammer nearby and I hit him. I kept hitting him until he finally stopped moving. I panicked when I saw what I did, so I ran out of the store room to get help...but I heard that screeching bitch's voice."

"Which screeching bitch's voice would that be, Gerald?" Genny asked drolly. "You seem to know a lot of them."

Gerald moved to get up, but his lawyer held him back. "Jessica's...yelling at Oliver to put some bones away. I remembered everything that bitch did to me...teasing me...accusing me of false charges...filing assault charges against my father because she's pissed that I wouldn't help her fuck with her boyfriend."

"Gerald...shut up!"

Genny arched an eyebrow at the man sitting across from her. "Indeed. You had a lot going on recently, Gerald. I could see how that would push someone over the edge. I mean, you were going there to see Jessica anyway, right?"

"Yeah...just to knock some sense into her and show her that I wasn't going to let her win…"

Janis put her head in her hands as Gerald continued to speak.

"...but when I heard her voice...she killed my father and all that Ashley's going through. I just snapped and knew that I had to do more than just put her in her place. I had to show her that Maxwells don't let cunts ruin their lives...so I leaned against the wall as I walked quietly towards that basement room."

"Agent Shaw, don't forget that my client has been under severe emotional distress-"

"Emotional distress, my ass!" Genny tossed her pen on the table. "You wanted revenge against Jessica Warren, so you used Ashley to make you look good and to get access to the Jeffersonian. You weren't going to try clearing the air or even to tell her off before your trial...no, you had other plans."

"I wanted to clear myself at my trial, but when she killed my father…"

"Your father had a stroke, Gerald. From what witnesses state, you were in a heated argument with the man about all the crap you're in when he keeled over. If anyone killed Harold Maxwell, it's you."

"Shut up!", Gerald yelled. "She killed him! I had no choice…I had to stop Jessica Warren from ruining my life."

"How did you not have a choice, Mr. Maxwell?"

"She said that shit about me! I couldn't get laid! She made me look like a fool! No woman does that to me!"

"If you have a girlfriend, why did you need to get laid?" When there was only silence, Genny continued. "What shit did Ms. Warren allegedly spread around the museum, Gerald? What was so traumatizing that it pushed you into almost committing murder today?"

Janis jumped in. "Gerald...you need to remain silent...I'm begging you…"

"She said I was a fag!" Gerald slammed his fist on the table. "She said I couldn't get it up...and that I liked women pissing on me during sex….that I always pissed my pants. That cunt was the one who had a big box of Depends sitting on the bench by my locker on my first day back. That is bullshit! She says that I sexually harassed her? Uh huh...she fucking teased me...opening her hoo ha to all the other guys but me before deciding to only open her legs for that skinny ass fuckstick Aubrey. That is not fair! I'm Gerald Fucking Maxwell!"

"Gerald, shut up!", Janis said but Genny didn't stop her questioning.

"Who told you all this, Gerald?", Genny asked. "This is some pretty far fetched stuff."

"You'd like to know, wouldn't you?", Gerald said with a smirk. "Well, give me a reason to tell you, you nosy bitch."

'He still hasn't asked about how Ashley is doing or asked to see her at the hospital. He was told that she was found in the kitchen unconscious when he was brought here earlier today.' Genny turned to the suspect's attorney. "Janis, maybe you should explain to your client about holding back valuable information. With all the charges he's facing, cooperation would save his ass...and life."

"Jessica made me snap...her shit killed my father and humiliated my family. I couldn't let her get away with that.", Gerald bellowed. "Hell, she probably was the one who convinced Ashley to kill herself. I deserve consideration for that."

'We never told him what happened...just that she was found unconscious. Interesting.' Genny thought. "What makes you say that she killed herself?"

"You found my girlfriend dead this morning because she gassed herself. Jessica humiliated her, damn it. Ashley deserves justice."

"Tell me about how you got into the Jeffersonian.", Genny said, suddenly switching gears.

"Huh?", Gerald asked in obvious surprise. "I thought we were talking about how Jessica killed the woman I love. That's can't go unpunished."

"Oh...we'll get to that. Now tell me how you got passed the security guards into the lab. You are no longer an employee of the museum, Gerald. Even if you were, badge access is restricted. So tell me...how did you get in?"

The first beads of sweat formed on his forehead. "Ashley drove me over and let me in with her badge."

'You've got to be shitting me.' Genny thought. "So your suicidal girlfriend drove you over there, badged you in, drove home, and then killed herself? Why?"

"She was devastated by Jessica's accusations against me...plus those trumped up bomb threat charges…she's very sensitive you know. Last night, she cried herself to sleep as we talked about our future after our trials." Gerald worked to look appropriately choked up. "She said I deserved answers for what happened."

"What time did she drive you over there?"

"About 7:00."

"How did you know that the security guards' coffee was drugged?. That's not public knowledge, Gerald."

The suspect stammered. "I heard it around here. Everyone is talking about me today."

"So you had nothing to do with the guards' coffee being drugged?", Genny asked. "Think carefully before you answer."

"No…"

Genny pulled another sheet of paper out. "This is a statement from Amanda Winters...the barista who was spotted with you Thursday and Friday. She confessed to dosing up the coffee with what she thought was vodka. I would see how she would think that...since the bottle you gave her was a vodka bottle and the substance was a clear liquid."

"I gave her some vodka after we fucked Friday night. I need someone to talk to after my father's funeral...and she was nice enough to listen to me. What she did with the vodka afterwards was her own thing."

"According to toxicology results, the liquid remaining in the bottle was tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, the main ingredient in Visine. She says you pushed her to pour all the bottle's contents into the Thermos but she didn't. She only put a portion of it in the coffee. Lucky for her that's what she did, or else two security guards would be dead."

"I had nothing to do with that-"

"Yes, you did Gerald." Genny stood up and shook her head at him. "You've been planning this for at least for weeks now. Seduced a couple of vulnerable women...borrowed your girlfriend's credit card to cover your tracks..or to frame her as a back up...all to rape and murder Jessica Warren as revenge and to get the charges against you dropped. You were even sick enough to urinate on her-"

"I said she has been telling people that I like to be pissed on. When I saw her there, I snapped as I remember all the stuff she had been saying about me. I just wanted her dead."

"Like your girlfriend?"

"I didn't kill Ashley. I didn't drug her wine and drag her face down in front of the stove. She obviously killed herself, thanks to that cunt."

He didn't see his lawyer shake her head, but Genny did. "How did you know she was found face down, Gerald? You were at the lab and then here, remember?"

Beads of sweat poured down his face. "I….I...figured she did."

"I searched your stuff and found Ashley's badge. If she dropped you off and then badged you in, why did she give you her badge? Seems silly to me."

"She does stupid shit sometimes."

"Did you abuse your girlfriend, Gerald?"

"Where the fuck is this coming from?" The man was almost foaming at the mouth. "If Ashley told anyone that I'd abused her, that was a lie."

Genny leaned in. "I say you did...the bruises found on her neck look like strangulation marks. They also found bruises on her arms..."

"She's clumsy. I can't help that...plus she likes rough sex. I try to keep my girlfriends happy, no matter how ugly the request."

"At least you let her keep her panties…", Genny retorted.

"You bitch!"

"My name is Agent Shaw, not 'You Bitch'", she said calmly. "I told you that the first time I interrogated you and I'm telling you now. There won't be a third time. Now sit your entitled ass down, Gerald."

When her suspect sat down, she continued. "I say...that you stole Ashley's badge because that would tip your hand...and you couldn't have her realize what you were planning. I also say that you drugged your girlfriend last night so she would go to sleep before you put her in front of the stove and turned it on to get rid of her."

"I didn't slip anything into Ashley's wine!", Gerald bellowed.

Genny pulled out a report. "According to the hospital, Ashley had trace amounts of GHB in her blood. Thanks to the red wine and pizza you two had around 10 PM, the drug stayed in her system another few hours than it usually does. According to the toxicologist and two other doctors, the carbon monoxide levels alone in her system would have rendered her incapable of walking and talking, much less do something as complicated as drive you to the lab and back at the time you specified. You wanted that young woman dead, Gerald. Your plan was to eliminate one loose end...then another by killing Jessica, but things got complicated by everyone else being there today."

"Jessica got what she deserved! I snapped!"

"No...this was premeditated. You broke the light bulb by the employee entrance, planning on jumping Jessica there. However, Angela showed up, so you used your back up plan. Of course, you needed to get rid of the guards, so you talked Amanda into drugging the coffee by saying it was vodka, playing on her issues with her brother not being hired at the museum. While hiding by the store room, or getting your courage up...Oliver Wells discovered you. After arguing, you attacked him with a hammer, and then went for Jessica. You knocked her down and then urinated on her. You attempted to rape her while strangling her since that's your kink, isn't it?"

"You don't know shit."

"I could ask Ashley…"

"She's dead, damn it. Don't you have any respect for the dead?"

"I do." Genny smiled. "But Ashley isn't dead, Gerald. She's going to make a full recovery. Newer gas stoves are a lot harder to commit suicide with since they use natural gas now...but most people don't know that."

The man paled. "She...didn't die?"

Genny shook her head. "Nope...and she had some good stories to tell about you. You're an abusive clod who thinks he's always right. You also like strangling women as a power trip during sex."

"Ashley didn't sell me out. She wouldn't do that...she loves me..."

"Oh, but she did...plus she didn't make that bomb threat.", Genny said before pulling another paper out. "See this? This is the voice recognition results that Angela Montenegro ran this morning. Your speech pattern is an exact match for the one that called in the bomb threat on January 6th."

Gerald pushed the sheet away. "Bull shit...all lies."

The ASAC pulled a still photograph out of her folder. "This is you purchasing the phone at the Kmart in Annandale the day before the January 6th bomb threat. I bet that was a scary place for you, Gerald. Normal people go there."

"Fuck you...you can't prove that was me."

Genny pulled out another photograph. "This is you in the pharmacy department right after buying that phone. I needed to know what it was you bought. Of course, you didn't keep your receipt. However, because you're cheap, you used Ashley's Shop Your Way Rewards to get $1.59 from your total bill."

"What the hell are you getting at?", Gerald asked quietly.

Genny pulled a sheet out of the folder. "This is a digital copy of the receipt from your purchases. With Ashley's permission, Angela was able to get into her Gmail account. You deleted the digital copy of the receipt Kmart sent to her email, but it was still in her trash file, which saves for 30 days. Now can you tell me what is highlighted on there, please?"

Janis and Gerald looked at it. "Visine.", the lawyer responded in a whisper.

"Yeah, you bought like 10 of the big bottles.", Genny chuckled. "Ashley said you were polishing off a bottle of vodka last night...the same expensive brand as the bottle Amanda used this morning. I bet if we checked for DNA we may find it…"

"Lies!"

"No...not lies.", Genny said quietly. "If you're thinking you're going to go for temporary insanity, the fact you bought the Visine before the bomb threat...before your father's death... blows that out of the water."

"No one is going to believe this shit. My family knows people in the Justice Department-"

"It's not January 20th yet, Gerald. Even if it was, your daddy's little friends doesn't stop us from doing our jobs...which we're really good at." Genny smirked. "You're going to prison for a long, long time, Gerald."

"No!" Gerald fought off his lawyer's hand and stood up. "That cunt ruined my life! She said nasty rumors about me! I couldn't date anyone! She was going to sue me! Jessica Warren deserved to die!"

"I'm not going to ask you again." Genny stood and looked right into Gerald's cold eyes. "Who told you all that ridiculous stuff? Who pushed you into doing all this stuff to Jessica?"

"You want to know?", Gerald yelled. "It was the profiler bitch...Karen. Yeah…"

Genny sat in shock as his words reverberated throughout the interrogation room. 'What kind of shit storm have we got ourselves into?'

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

In the observation room, Booth was stunned. "You have got to be shitting me, right? I know Karen was pissed, but…"

Caroline made a growling sound. "I can see it. That peeshwank is a bigger bonne a rienne than I thought."

Sighing in frustration, the agent scratched the back of his neck. "You can say that again, Cher'."