Jessica's in the hospital...Karen's in trouble...Aubrey is trying to pick up the pieces. It's time to take a deep breath and deal with the issue...
It was after 6:00 when Aubrey arrived in Towson, Maryland. Arriving at his destination, the agent pulled into the parking lot and found a spot quickly. Turning off his ignition, he sat in the SUV for a few minutes, trying to figure out how to accomplish this dreaded chore.
Clearing his throat, he rehearsed his speech to himself. "Charlie...Gerald Maxwell tried to kill Jessica today. She's banged up pretty bad, but she'll be okay."
He paused, the words ringing hollow in his ears. "No...that won't work...I should ease into to it. don't want to sound unfeeling. Let me see...Charlie, that incident at the lab that was on the news today...well, Jessica was one of the victims, but she's going to be fine…"
Frustrated with how that sounded, he banged his fist against the steering wheel. "No, that's not right, either...it may be a long time until she's fine! Damn it!"
Angry tears welled up in his eyes as he stared out the windshield. There's just no good way to say what I need to say...I need to just be straight with him...
Aubrey took a deep breath to compose himself. He knew that Charlie always ate dinner at 5:00, and so he should be back in his room by now. Knowing how strict the staff of the nursing home was about visitors after 7:00, he got his courage up and exited his vehicle.
Part of him had wanted to let Stephan come tell his father what had happened, but he knew it wasn't right. Aubrey knew he was the one who'd messed up when it came to protecting Jessica, so it should be him that faced her father. Plus, with the elderly man's precarious health, hearing it on the news without further explanation would definitely be detrimental.
Walking into the building, he went up to the front desk. After explaining who he was going to see, he was let through the double doors into the residential wing. Walking the path through the parlor, he made his way to Room 217. He hesitated, cursing himself for his cowardice.
"Come on, Aubrey...get some balls…"
He knocked quickly, feeling his stomach churn when he heard the familiar, 'Come in.'. Opening it, he forced a smile on his face as he entered.
"Hey, Charlie."
The older man found his cane and stood up. Walking slowly over to Aubrey, he shook his hand before hugging him. "Au...Aub...rey. What...brought...brings...you...here...without...Jessie?"
"I have to talk to you, Sir."
Charlie slowly folded his 6'3" frame back into his chair. "Is...Jessie...all...right…?"
"She's fine now, but...something happened today, Sir."
Charlie rapped Aubrey gently with his cane. "No...sir...shit. It's...Charlie."
"Sorry…." Aubrey looked down at the floor, unable to face Jessica's father. "Um...so…"
"Au...Aubrey...spun...spit...it...out. You...are...not...here...to...talk...neuro...pat...pathology…" Charlie was becoming frustrated. "Tell...me…"
Aubrey gulped before finally speaking up. "Jessica...got hurt today at the lab. She's in the hospital. I'm sorry…"
Shocked at what he'd just heard, Charlie slowly shook his head as he registered what the younger man had said. "What...happs...happened?"
Aubrey gulped nervously. He didn't want to lose the respect of the man in front of him and he was scared. However, he needed to be a man and admit he'd messed up. "Did you watch the news today...about what happened at the Jeffersonian?"
"Oh...no...my...Je...Jessie...hurt...bad?"
"Yeah…" Aubrey wiped a tear away. "I'm sorry...she's going to be okay eventually...but she was hurt pretty badly today. Bruised ribs...black eye...concussion...other cuts and bruises, but...she's going to be okay."
"Ger...Gerald...Max...well." The older man's large green eyes narrowed. "Did...you...get...that...SOB...Son?"
"Yes, sir. He's in jail right now and will be arraigned tomorrow. I wanted to tell you in person before I go spend the night with Jess in the hospital." The agent avoided eye contact with Charlie. "I...um...I let her down...you, too, I guess...I wasn't there when she needed me…"
"Sit...down...Aubrey...now. Tell...me...what...hop...happened."
Aubrey followed the man's quiet but firm instruction and sat in the chair across from him. Charles Warren had thirty five years on him and was weakened by a stroke, but the agent could see the probing nature of the man's green eyes. He saw the fire in them which hinted at a temper like that of his girlfriend, along with the gray streaked red hair on his head. This was not a time for mincing words. Jessica's father deserved the whole truth.
"Yes, sir."
Aubrey took a breath and detailed all that had happened. When he explained about his arrival at the Jeffersonian, the agent described finding Oliver and the others. When he got to the part about stopping Gerald, he hesitated for a few seconds, but knew better than to lie.
"So yeah...we got the SOB before he could do his worst. Jessica's staying tonight at the hospital and may go home tomorrow afternoon or evening. Gerald's arraignment is tomorrow morning and that's when all the names will be made public...Jess's and the others who were hurt today." Aubrey chewed his lip before he continued. "I didn't want you to find out on the news, so I came to tell you personally. I'm so sorry this happened..."
"I'm...not...angry...at...you. My...little...girl...is...going...to...be...alright. That..is...all...I...care...about." Charlie became sad as he thought things over for a minute or two. "I...can't...go...see...her...in...the...hospital. I...have...a...cold…and...have...to...stay...here..."
Aubrey saw how upset Charlie was that he couldn't go visit his daughter. "We can Skype you when she gets home if you like, or I'm sure she'll call you tomorrow to check on you."
The man nodded. "Ful...fuck...er...won't...get...off...right? Good...case?"
"Yes...Sir. Caroline Julian, the US Attorney on the case will nail his ass to the wall." Aubrey closed his eyes, hoping to control his tears. "I'm so sorry for not protecting her, Charlie. I messed up really bad. I promised you that I would take care of her…ow!" He flinched as he was rapped again with Charlie's cane.
"J...James...you...saved...my...Jessie. You...took...care...of...her. She's...strong...but…" Charlie struggled with his words for a moment. "...needs...you...to...help...her…"
"But, I failed…"
"Did...not...fail...Son. Cut...that...shit...out.", Charlie admonished. "Did...what you...could…"
"But I didn't stop him from hurting her...ow!" Aubrey rubbed his shin again. "Stop it! That fucking hurts!"
"Quit...toto...talking...stupid...then...and...watch...your...mouth." Charlie moved his left hand to Aubrey's knee. "My...Jessie...wouldn't...be...here...if...not...for...you. Now...quit...moping. Take...care...of...my...little...girl. She...will...fight...you...but...you...fight...back. Hear...me?"
"But-"
"James...Jessie...loves...you...with...all...her...heart. Have...patience...and...forgive...yourself.", Charlie said. "Thank...you...for...saving...my...baby."
"But I…" Aubrey stopped when he saw the stern look in Charlie's eyes. "You're welcome. If you're feeling better how about we come by Sunday?"
"I...would...like...that." Charlie smiled. "Give...Jessie...my...load...love."
"I will, Sir…" Aubrey hugged Charlie, but when he let go, he saw the stink eye that was directed at him. "Charlie."
"Bet...better." The older man waved his hand at Aubrey. "Go...be...with...Jessie. I...have...a...new...book...I...want...to...read."
"Good night, Charlie."
Aubrey walked out of the room and headed out to his car. He sat in it for a few minutes before a few more tears fell. He remembered verbatim what Charlie told him, but he couldn't forgive himself...not yet. Jessica needed justice...and he was going to get that for her.
When the agent saw the clock, his eyes got large. "Fuck….Jess is going to be starving. Better call ahead and make sure it's ready to pick up."
Starting the vehicle, he pushed the verbal command function on his steering wheel and waited for the prompt. "Call Royal Diner…"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Karen sat in the conference room for a few minutes gathering herself. Caroline Julian was always a little scary but she had been absolutely terrifying for the last hour. After the attorney made her tell her story all over again, Caroline ripped into her six ways from Sunday, giving her no chance to defend herself. When she was done, the lawyer let her know that she would be calling Agent Tanner and then Deputy Director Stark, who was Acting Director until their current one returned from an INTERPOL seminar in Lyon, France.
Getting up, she grabbed her purse and walked out. As she walked the gauntlet through the bullpen, she could see the scorn and derision of Steve and the other agents working on Gerald's case. Nothing had to be said as she knew there would be no sympathy for her part in the things that had happened.
She waited for the elevator to come down from the 6th floor, feeling like her night couldn't get any worse. Then the doors opened to reveal Booth and Brennan, whose conversation ended abruptly when they saw who was waiting for the car.
Keeping his temper even, Booth kissed his wife's cheek. "Thank you for bringing me dinner, Bones. I'm sorry you got called here."
"Well, Deputy Director Stark wanted to speak to me, so stopping at the diner to get dinner for you was no problem, Booth. Frankie loaned us one of his insulated bags so it should still be hot when you get back to your office. I'll wait up for you to get home."
"Don't wait up, Bones. I still have a ton of reading to do before Genny brings me the entire case. I'll be late."
"I'll be waiting up, Booth. Frankie said to just drop the bag off on your way back here tomorrow morning."
"Okay, good night." Booth kissed his wife again and after giving Karen a look of absolute scorn, he left to walk back to Homicide.
Karen turned to take the stairs but saw Agents Haggarty and Wilson talking and flirting with each other. Another fling of hers that was now finished. Her time with John was petering out, too, but with everything that happened, she now wasn't ready to end things as quickly as she had been before.
"Dr. Delfs, I have two children to get home to. Are you coming or not?"
Jolted back to reality, Karen quietly entered the elevator,, nodding slightly at the forensic anthropologist, who was holding the door open for her. As it closed, there was an awkward silence that continued as the 3rd floor was passed.
"Dr. B, I just want to say-"
Brennan quickly hit the emergency stop button and turned to the profiler. "I don't care what you have to say, Dr. Delfs. What you have done is...unspeakable. You've taken a rather childish sentiment and let it manifest into an indignant, petty, and uncalled for anger that eventually led to two security guards, one innocent woman, and two interns I care deeply for being brutally assaulted, as well as my pregnant best friend, who risked injury to herself and her fetus as she assisted one of the victims. One of those interns sustained injuries that could cause permanent disability if he recovers and my other intern was horrifically traumatized for doing nothing more than loving a man you seem to think belongs to you."
Brennan's succinct summation made Karen feel lower than dirt, but she knew she deserved it. "I didn't intend for anyone to be hurt. I feel so terrible for what happened-"
"If you were truly sorry for everything that has happened, you would have told Agent Shaw everything when she questioned you a month ago. If you had been forthright in the beginning, we may have prevented not only Harold Maxwell's assault two weeks ago on Ms. Warren, but also the horrific attack today by his son Gerald. Perhaps the elder Maxwell would still be alive right now to face the consequences of all his actions on behalf of his son."
Karen withered at the other woman's probling stare. "But she only asked about Gerald-"
"Dr. Delfs, that is mere semantics that you're using as a way to deflect blame from yourself, and it's deplorable. You're only sorry that you've been caught and all the apologies in the world will not excuse your role in what happened today at the lab."
"Shut up, Dr. Brennan! I didn't know Gerald was that way or what he would do.", Karen bit back, unable to stop the words from spilling out. "Get off your high horse, because while you may point your finger of derision at me, you should remember that apologies and a charming smile worked with your father, Dr. B. He's celebrated as a hero…."
The profiler trailed off, realizing what she said, and instantly regretting her impulsive response. Seeing Brennan's eyes turn cold and hard made her shiver. "I'm sorry...I…"
"How dare you use my late father and his past as a way of excusing your responsibility for what's happened today?"
Karen knew she went too far and tried to back up. "Dr. B-"
"QUIET!", Brennan roared. "First, you will refer to me as Dr. Brennan. Dr. B is what my students and some people here, with whom I appreciate a good working relationship, call me. While you and I both carry the distinction of possessing PhD's, we are not colleagues or even in the same league with each other."
"But-"
"My father is...was tried for murder and he was a confessed bank robber. He and my mother abandoned me and my brother to save our lives when people from their past came after them. He let himself be arrested just so he could be in my life again."
Brennan felt tears well up in her eyes. "I didn't always give him an easy time. I have trust issues that made our reconciliation difficult at times. Not once did he become vindictive or make me feel guilty for my feelings, but instead he worked as hard as he could to overcome my fears. No matter how strained things were between us, he made an effort to be in my life, even when I didn't want him to be. If I ever needed him, he would come immediately, even if he was with a female companion."
"He didn't remarry?"
"No, Dr. Delfs. My mother, by his own admission, was the only woman he ever loved. He told Booth and me a long time ago that after she died, he vowed to never remarry, and he meant it...not that it's any of your business." Brennan clenched her fists to control her fury. "The day he died, when I called him to be with my children in the safehouse, he didn't hesitate. He didn't question what was in it for him. He just did it...and he paid for his selflessness with his life."
"I'm very sorry about that, Dr. Brennan. It must have been hard for you."
"It was...and still is.", Brennan replied quietly. "As for your pathetic attempt to draw a comparison between yourself and my father, yes, he committed crimes, but he also loved me, my brother, Booth, Amy, our children, including Parker and Russ's stepdaughters…he loved them as his own grandchildren..."
Karen felt even more guilty and just wanted the discussion to end. "Dr. Brennan, I…."
"He lost his life after taking three bullets in the chest only a few weeks after getting a pacemaker put in his heart...all to protect my Christine and Hank from being murdered. Max Keenan was a man with a questionable past, but he was also a man who loved his grandchildren and he should be here right now enjoying them. Instead, Max is dead and buried next to my mother, because of two people's thirst for hate and revenge. My only consolation is that according to Booth, they are now reunited in what his Catholic religion calls 'Heaven'."
"Dr. Brennan, please let me-"
"He had a moral code that...bothered some, but he never vindictively hurt anyone if things didn't go as he planned. I do not condone his moral ethos, but he never put on airs or tried to sugar coat his thoughts or what he was. Never again will you try to compare yourself to a man who can not defend himself against you. The next time you do, I will assault you. I know three types of martial arts. Don't push me, Dr. Delfs."
Karen felt sick at the woman's words. "I didn't mean anything...I just...I was there for Aubrey when his father came back to town…"
"Only because Ms. Warren was at a three week seminar in Scotland, which I had recommended she take for her dissertation.", Brennan countered. "However, she and Aubrey were in daily contact and she offered to return, only staying there at his insistence. You may have talked to him, but Booth was there for him, as I was, as Hodgins and Angela were...and the rest of his friends. When Jessica returned, she was the person he turned to. Your kindness to him was appreciated but it didn't change your status with him."
Karen shook her head. "When they broke up, I know he still had feelings for her. Aubrey and I...we grew so close…I became his friend and tolerated all his talk about Jessica. It was understandable, but he had to move on eventually because we were supposed to be together..."
Brennan couldn't believe the obtuseness of the woman standing next to her. "People...are not possessions that you earn with the completion of a good deed, Dr. Delfs. They have emotions...feelings. Even if you had somehow managed to convince Aubrey to date you after Ms. Warren ended their relationship, it would not have lasted because he was, and is now, in love with her, and she feels the same for him."
"She's a flighty college student who regularly engaged in casual relationships with several men in college...while traveling...and at the lab. How does she push all that aside to give Aubrey all that he needs? I don't think she will ever be able to give him the commitment he truly needs because she enjoys her freedom.", Karen said plainly.
Brennan nodded. "While your point of view shows Ms. Warren as a poor choice for Aubrey, I disagree. Not only do they share a physical attraction to each other, they also share a comparable intellectual acumen as well as many common interests, including a love of science fiction and many old movies. They are less than five years apart in age, so they can relate to each other-"
"I'm less than six years older than Aubrey. We are in a similar situation."
Brennan smirked at the woman's comment. "No, you're not, Dr. Delfs. Yes, Ms. Warren has a history of a fear of commitment, but Aubrey also brought cargo to their relationship."
"Cargo?"
"Any two people who come together bring cargo to a relationship. When it comes to my intern and Aubrey, you should note that on top of all the things I've listed, they are also best friends. They built a good friendship before becoming lovers, so their relationship has a strong foundation to weather any difficulties, such their initial break up and the pain you've helped cause them today. You can not compete with that."
Karen shook her head. "I love him...and in time...he could have loved me…"
"I believe that you have strong feelings for him, but you have confused what you think is love for Aubrey with what is actually a sense of possession and entitlement. I'm sorry for whatever has happened in your life that led you to conclude that Aubrey somehow owed you his heart, but that...is not how love works. Not only have your actions possibly damaged your reputation and career, but you've alienated a man and woman whose offers of genuine friendship you disregarded."
"I-"
"That was unfortunate because real friendships are something I think you lack and truly need, Dr. Delfs."
Karen couldn't deny the truth in the woman's sharp words. "Perhaps you're right…"
"I know I am. Take heed to always remember that." Brennan pushed the button to start the elevator again.
"I'll never do anything like this again. I-"
The elevator dinged and the door opened to the parking garage. "This subject is now closed, Dr. Delfs. Should you somehow remain at the FBI after the review hearing my husband is certain you will face for your actions, outside of cases, I would highly recommend you do your best to keep your distance not only from Aubrey, but also everyone who works at the lab. This would include outside of our work environments because to say you've become persona non grata is an extreme understatement."
Brennan walked away without saying another word, leaving the physically and emotionally drained profiler shaken to her core. If she had any hope of walking away from all this with the ability to start fresh with everyone, it was now gone. Not only was her her career was in jeopardy, but she honestly had no true friends at the moment.
She walked to her car and got in. Going over Brennan's words again, she knew things had to change.
"Oh my God...what kind of person am I? I need to make this right...somehow. But for tonight, at least I have John to forget for a while. He has been wonderful to me, but I have been a little hard on him...he can't help it if he's a chick magnet. Maybe I need to quit assuming the worst out of him."
She unlocked the door with the key he gave her and let herself in. Dropping her keys on the counter, she almost missed the box on the kitchen table. Turning on the light, she glanced in it and saw it was a collection of her things. Feeling sick to her stomach, she glanced down the dark hallway and noted there was light under the closed bedroom door at the end. Walking up, she opened the door to find her boyfriend reading his laptop.
"John...what's going on? Why is my stuff in a box on the table?", Karen asked quietly.
The man didn't look up from his laptop. "That's your shit, Karen. Leave the key on the table and take the box when you leave."
'Please no...not him, too.' Karen begged internally. "John...what…"
The agent looked up. "I've been bending over backwards to show you that I'm an upstanding guy and that I care about you. I've tolerated you constantly being on my ass every time a woman even looks at me because you've been screwed over by men in the past. I thought you just needed time to let your guard down. However, I've realized that I don't know you...and I don't want to anymore."
Karen's lip trembled. "John...I've had a bad day…"
"I'm sure you have, Karen. Being busted for setting up Jessica Warren and her friends I'm sure put a damper on your day."
"How did-"
"I have friends, Karen. I didn't two and two together until a buddy of mine in Homicide called me to see how I was doing. When I asked why...he told me...everything. What kind of person does what you did, Karen? You practically put a target on Jessica Warren's back with that monstrous animal!"
"I didn't mean to...I just wanted her fired so she would be out of Aubrey's life…"
"Well, that didn't happen, did it Karen?" John tossed his laptop on the bed. "Aubrey wasn't interested in you and he never was. Of course, that didn't matter because you were so damn determined to make him your boyfriend that when you didn't get him, you blamed that intern. Why couldn't you just accept the fact Agent Aubrey loved her...not you and move on?"
"You don't understand, John. Things are more complicated than that. Aubrey and I-"
"Were colleagues...maybe even friends at one point...but then you were so pissed off that he chose to get back together with Jessica that you got a man to practically stalk her-"
"I didn't know about the history with those other women, John. I didn't know that he had done stuff like hire a PI to follow Jessica and that he threatened her at work. I didn't know about what he did to her apartment until after the last time I spoke to Harold Maxwell. I never would have said that stuff to either of them if I had. I swear. I just wanted her fired from the lab-"
"But it was okay to ruin that woman's career and future because she has the toy you wanted?", John yelled. "What the hell is wrong with you? You can't play with people's lives because you didn't get your own way. One guy may actually die because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time...I hope you're happy!"
"No...no I'm not. I went too far." Karen wiped away a tear. "I was so upset about Jessica winning Aubrey away from me..."
"You're upset? Well, I'm sure Aubrey is apoplectic about you. He probably thinks you're a loon who's going to try coming after his girlfriend next. I wouldn't be surprised if he tries to get you booted from the Bureau."
Karen wiped away a tear. "What I did was so wrong and if I could change things I would. Aubrey will understand that in time. I never wanted anyone hurt…"
"It's hard to take you seriously right now, Karen." John pointed to the bedroom door. "Take your shit and get out. We're done."
Karen continued to plead her case. "But John, all this happened before I met you…"
"The confrontation you had with Jessica at the FBI Gala wasn't before you met me. All those snarky comments you've made about her weren't before you met me, either." The agent shook his head. "I should have known when you shot your mouth off about her giving gonorrhea to everyone that you had a few screws loose. I really should have listened to everyone who said to stay away from you…"
"John wait…listen, I'll go apologize to Jessica tomorrow. I owe her that, all right. Then we can fix things…"
"Leave her alone, Karen. She doesn't deserve you easing your conscience after what you did. If you truly feel guilty, you'll leave her and Aubrey alone so they can get past what happened and move on. Now, for the last time, get out and never come back here. I don't want to associated with someone as vindictive as you."
"But John…"
"Sprechen ze deutsch? Parlez-vous francais? Hablas español? I also know some Russian, too if that's what you need to understand that I don't want you in my life anymore, because English isn't cutting it. Now for the last time, get the fuck out!"
Defeated, Karen slowly walked out of the bedroom. "Goodbye, John."
The profiler walked down the hallway through the dark. Taking the key off her key ring, she put it on the table and grabbed her things. Walking out the door, she took the elevator down and left the small apartment building. Getting in the car, John's words raced through her mind before the enormity of what she did finally hit her and she broke down sobbing.
After shedding several tears, she drove past the Jeffersonian before circling around and parking across the street. Reporters still camped out in front of the building and onlookers behind the barricade continued to gawk even though there was nothing to see.
"I just wanted Aubrey to be with me instead of her. I didn't want anyone hurt...not even Jessica. She didn't deserve what happened today. What the hell is wrong with me?"
Deciding she wouldn't get any answers by staring at the museum, Karen continued to drive until she got to her neighborhood. Deciding she wasn't ready to go back to her empty and cold apartment, she went to Franklin's Tavern. Right as she was about to enter the bar, her phone buzzed. Checking it, she got sick to her stomach when she saw it was a text from Jake Tanner.
Report to my office at 7:00 tomorrow morning for 1 on 1.
Shaking her head, she walked into the bar and saddled up to the counter. After ordering a drink, she looked up and saw Deputy Director Stark and Genny on the TV. A chyron at the bottom of the screen read FBI UPDATE ON ATTACK AT JEFFERSONIAN INSTITUTION.
Karen hung her head and drank her whiskey, having nothing to say.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Jessica finished watching the short news conference on television with tears in her eyes. They held back on releasing the names of the victims tonight. However, Gerald would be arraigned in the morning and then her name would be out there...again.
It would be just as bad as when Gerald was arrested the first time. The reporters had camped out at Aubrey's house and called her boyfriend at his office for comments when she ignored them at work. He told her it was nothing, but he had an important job as Special Agent in Charge at Major Crimes. He didn't have time to hang up on nosy reporters.
Then there were the few that tracked down her brothers. One tried to see her father at his nursing home, but their strict protocols sent the female reporter packing. Greg told her that a couple came to the main winery, but they were immediately kicked out. Hopefully no one talked to her mother because she had no filter, especially if she was drunk, off her medication, or both.
Thinking of how her life would scrutinized by everyone, the tears fell until she heard a knock at the door. Wiping her eyes, she gave the okay for the person to come in.
When the door opened, she was relieved to see Aubrey. "Hey…"
"Hey…" Carrying an overnight bag on his shoulder and a paper bag from the Royal Diner, Aubrey walked in. He set down the items on the bed tray and floor. Kissing her on the head, he combed her hair back and smiled.
"How are you feeling, Jess?"
Jessica saw the bulge in her boyfriend's pocket but didn't have the energy for a flirtatious response. She tried to smile but it hurt. "Besides looking and feeling like a punching bag...great."
"My beautiful fiery redhead doesn't look like a punching bag." Aubrey looked around. "Where's Daisy? She said she was coming back to visit with you tonight after Andie left."
"She did." Jessica fixed the blanket on the bed. "She left fifteen minutes ago to try seeing Oliver again before visiting hours were over."
"Great. That's all she needs." Aubrey pulled a chair over and sat down.
"I know, but Oliver almost died today, Superman. He's in a medically induced coma until the swelling in his brain goes down. The latest news is after 72 hours they are going to wean him off the meds and respirator to see if he can breathe on his own."
"Oliver didn't deserve what happened to him, but Daisy...never mind." Aubrey pulled the bag open and fished through it. "Chicken noodle soup for you, ma'am."
"Thank you.", Jessica croaked, still having difficulty talking. "Did you get extra crackers?"
"But of course." Aubrey pulled out several packets of saltines and gave them to her. "Doctor said I could give you saltines tonight as long as you keep hydrated. Break them up though because they will be easier to swallow with your throat."
"Thank you." Jessica saw her boyfriend take out several cartons and chuckled through the pain. "Can I get a napkin?"
"Help yourself." Aubrey held the bag out to her so she wouldn't have to stretch while pulling the bulge out of his pocket at the same time.
Finding what she needed, Jessica noted her boyfriend's hand was now behind his back. Sitting back, she smiled. "Aubrey...what are you hiding?"
Aubrey knew how observant his girlfriend was and knew better than to beat around the bush. "Oh, a little something I saw while I was out and about earlier."
The redhead chuckled. "Is it for me?"
Aubrey nodded his head. "It might be…but I'm also really hungry for this triple bacon cheeseburger, onion rings, and tuna melt I got..."
"Let me see...please…", Jessica begged.
"Okay I will hold off on sustenance, but only since you're so cute…" Aubrey revealed what was behind his back and Jessica squealed with delight.
"An Itty Bitty Princess Leia doll…" Jessica admired the small stuffed figure before feeling her eyes water up. "I love it, Aubrey...it's just what I needed."
Aubrey was glad to see her smile, albeit painfully. "I know most boyfriends bring their girlfriends flowers...and I may still do that, but...I thought Princess Leia would be good company for you tonight...besides me."
"Thank you...you're right." Jessica then realized what else he was saying. "Aubrey, you can't stay here. What about Skinner? He needs to be fed and he gets lonely if we're not home..."
"I fed him when I ran home to get stuff for you as well as gave him some extra food and attention. He missed you, but I told Skinner where I was going to be tonight." Aubrey saw the worry. "Don't worry, he'll be fine. I'll go home in the morning to feed and check on him. However, I'm staying here with you tonight and every other night until you get to come home."
"What about work?", Jessica said. "It's tough to get ready for work at the hospital. I know...I did it when you were here last month. Plus, that's the same type of couch that I slept on in your room last month. I barely fit onto it, but you have six inches on me, Superman. You're going to be uncomfortable."
"You have a shower in the bathroom, so I can bathe properly. As for the couch, it isn't the first time I had to dangle my legs over furniture.", Aubrey said quietly. "Plus I want to be here when you wake up."
"But you don't have to…", Jessica cried, albeit secretly relieved he was staying.
"I know, but I want to." Aubrey knew the next part would be a struggle, but he wouldn't back down. "I also plan to be here when you're released so I can take you home and take care of you."
"Superman, you don't have time to take care of me with your job at the FBI. I can stay with Stephan…"
"No. I talked to Stephan and Gail after they left here and I've also spoken to Aaron and Jack on the phone. Your brothers have given me the Warren brothers' seal of approval to take care of you for them. Aaron said Nadia was planning to bring the girls down for the Women's March and they will check on you. I got to talk to your brother, Jason and while he's busy with work, he's going to call frequently to check in on you once you're settled at home. I've also talked to your brother Michael and let him know that you were all right.", Aubrey said patiently.
"My dad…"
"I made a quick trip out to Towson while I was out and about. Charlie was upset, but...we talked and he said I was to take care of you and you weren't to argue."
"But your job...you're a Special Agent in Charge of an important division. You not only run it but you also have active cases you're working right now."
"I've only got a few open cases but I can reassign them. As for the admin stuff, Genny has things under control. I've also got comp time that I'm long overdue to use...and I'm going to take good care of you like you did for me last month when I came home from the hospital. Hopefully we can avoid these places until at least Spring."
"But…"
"Jessica...stop.", Aubrey said quietly but firmly. "This is not up for negotiation and I don't want to argue with you. Right now, I just want to eat dinner with you and then...I just...want to look at you for a while, okay? You scared the hell out of me today."
"I'm sorry…"
"No!", he said sharply, startling her. "Don't you dare apologize, Jess. You did nothing wrong today...none at all. Nobody deserved what happened at the lab today."
Jessica knew she was being emotional, but couldn't help it. "But I scared you-"
"Yes, you did, but I'm grateful that I got there when I did. I'm grateful that Genny was there...even Steve. I'm grateful that Rani and Oliver got in a fight and he was there. I'm sorry he and Angela...and the guards were hurt, but at the same time, I'm glad they were there. You see, Jess...if one thing was different, you probably wouldn't be here now...and I don't want to consider the alternative." Aubrey inhaled. "I can't. It hurts too much to even...think about it."
Jessica nodded as she reached for her necklace but only found soreness and an empty space. Looking down, she fought back more tears.
Aubrey knew what she was upset about. Opening his other pocket, he pulled out the baggie that Caroline gave him earlier. "Looking for this?"
Glancing up, she saw her lock and key charm and had tears. "Superman...how did you all find that? Limbo is huge. Wait, isn't that evidence?"
"One of the CSI's found it today. Caroline said since she had the necklace chain that you could have the charm back. I'll stop at the jewelry store tomorrow and get you another chain."
The redhead wiped away a tear. "Thank you for being here, Superman."
Aubrey wiped another tear that fell and then kissed her cheek. "Jessica, I wouldn't be anywhere else."
Jessica merely took his hand and they smiled before eating their food. "I want a bite of that burger Superman."
"No, Jess. Doctor said no solid food beside what I gave you." Aubrey saw her flash the smile that usually knocked him on his knees, but he fought it. "While that smile usually gets me to rip your panties off and let you win, it won't work this time…"
"There's always Plan B, Superman…"
The agent watched his girlfriend move painfully slow to her side. "Also, because of your bruised ribs, you can't open the back of your gown and flash your sexy butt at me either."
Defeated, Jessica stuck out her tongue but cringed at the pain from her cheek. "Spoilsport.", she croaked out.