Valentine's Day is just around the corner for our favorite couple. Will things change now that they're living together? Read on to find out.
A wee bit of spice on this St. Patrick's Day. Use discretion if reading at work.
The rest of the week was pretty mundane for Aubrey and Jessica as they enjoyed their first week of living together. Each night after dinner they went through her boxes along with the ones he'd never gotten around to unpacking and put things in different areas of the house, slowly making it their home. Saturday morning they went grocery shopping before Daisy called suggesting the four have dinner at the Mighty Hut. Not able to think of a good excuse to say no, Jessica gave in.
"So...she called to invite themselves over for dinner tonight? That's kind of rude…", Aubrey grumbled as he put the groceries away. "Who does that? And do you really want to spend the evening with them? I can think of so many other things I'd rather do…"
"But they're our friends, Aubrey. She suggested that we get together this evening, and we have more room at our house now that it's organized, right?" Jessica forced a smile as she tried to reassure her boyfriend. "And it's easier than going somewhere...we can just hang out here and relax..."
"Yeah….right." Knowing he'd been overruled, Aubrey shook his head. "Fine...but we need to shoo them out by nine…"
"I take it we have plans for later this evening, right?" Jessica smiled before giving him a quick kiss. "Don't worry about Daisy and Beau, okay? It'll be fun...you'll see…"
"If you say so, Jess…" Aubrey muttered as he put a box of penne pasta away in the pantry.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Unfortunately, the night went as well as Aubrey had expected it to, starting with the other couple's arrival at 6:00. After noting the tension between Daisy and Beau, he took his girlfriend's subtle hint and gave Beau a tour of the newly reorganized house as the girls made dinner.
After a quick tour of the downstairs as well as most of the upstairs, he turned the light on to the Star Wars room and led Beau inside. "Well, here it is…my pride and joy...the Star Wars room…."
Beau looked around and chuckled. "You sure have a lot of toys for an FBI Agent, Aubrey. How old are you, man?"
Aubrey pressed his lips together to avoid saying something he'd regret. "I'm 33, but I've been collecting some of this stuff since I was 10 years old. Some of these articles are kind of valuable..."
Beau saw the VHS tapes of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi lined up on the bookcase. Grabbing them, he tossed him in the air, attempting to juggle them. "Dude…VHS tapes? These are way old school..."
Grabbing them out of the man's hands, Aubrey put them back on the shelf. "My mother got those for me when I was a kid, Beau, so they have sentimental value. Please be careful. Some of this stuff can't be replaced by shopping on Amazon, okay? Those tapes are out of print..."
"Sorry, Dude." Beau stepped back and chuckled as he looked over some more of the memorabilia. Holding up a boxed Lando Calrissian figure, he smirked at his host. "It looks like you have a lot of these little dolls, too. Don't worry, I have toys that I still hang onto, although Daisy gets mad about it. I still like my GI Joes and my football cards..."
'They're not toys, they're collectables, damn it…' Aubrey took a deep breath and smiled at his guest. "No problem. Hey, I'm getting hungry. Let's check on the ladies."
Walking out into the hallway, they saw Skinner standing in the hallway. Beau walked up to the cat. "Here, kitty…"
Skinner immediately raced into the master bedroom. "Your cat is sure antisocial, Aubrey."
"Skinner is just skittish around people is all." Aubrey said. When Beau went ahead downstairs, Aubrey peeked into the bedroom and saw the orange tabby on the bed. "Good boy…"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
The majority of the dinner conversation consisted of Beau discussing all the wonderful things Regina had to offer. He gushed about how much Daisy was going to love living there as the anthropologist silently stewed over her meal. Jessica and Aubrey tried to keep things light with funny work stories, but there was a uncomfortable sense of déjà vu as the conversation continually drifted back to Canada and the new adventure Beau, Daisy, and Lance were going to have when they moved there in a few weeks.
"Training camp doesn't start until May, but I want us to get settled into our new house. I haven't signed a contract with the Roughriders yet, but if I pass camp, I'll start playing in June at 52K per game, which is a way better deal that the crappy one the Redskins offered me. We'll have a new adventure and Daisy and Lance can come see me play in all the home games. I know Daisy wasn't happy when I came home and told her that I was taking this team's offer instead of the Redskins, but she's just nervous about moving. Once we're settled, she'll relax and I know she'll love living in Canada. I'm so glad the three of us visited the team in Regina before I re-signed with my old team."
"Cool." Aubrey bit into his pasta, unable to say anything else polite, but not missing the storm in Daisy's eyes. 'She's annoyed me more often lately, but I can't blame her for being mad at Beau for changing his mind about Regina.'
"So, what kind of plans do you two have for Valentine's Day?", Beau asked with a smile. "I'm taking my wife out for a night on the town."
"Beau, I may have to work that night...", Daisy said.
"No, you're not working, because that lab place will survive without you being there for one evening. Tuesday is for lovers, Daisy, not bones and that other shit you work with.", Beau said firmly before quickly before biting into his food. "I called in a few favors to get a reservation at Komi, and we're going, you understand? After that, we're having a romantic night, but I can't say where because I don't want to ruin Daisy's surprise."
"Sounds nice…", Jessica said, not happy about Beau's imperious tone.
"Beau, I'm really not a big fan of surprises." Daisy sipped her wine. "I would like to know where we're going in case there's an emergency."
"You don't need to know that, Sugar. Now, none of your feminine wiles are going to make me spill. Mom and Dad are taking care of Lance and they will know where we are going if there's an emergency."
"Komi is also very expensive, Beau…"
"Don't you worry your pretty head about that, Sugar. I have that all covered. Now quit being negative about things. It makes it hard to plan nice things for you."
Sensing the tension through the smiles, Aubrey answered Beau's question. "I'm taking Jessica to 1789 for dinner and then we're going to have a quiet night here at the house since we have to work the next day, plus she's helping Dr. B with her Wednesday class."
"You're taking her there for Valentine's Day?", Beau said, obviously unimpressed. Seeing the look on Aubrey's face, the NFL player qualified his response. "It's not a bad place, I guess."
"Beau, that's a very nice restaurant. We've been there…", Daisy said, embarrassment showing in her gaze.
'Well, not all of us are loaded with millions like your family.' Jessica thought as she turned to Beau. "I think it's a wonderful restaurant with nice ambience, Beau. I like a quiet place like that better than some hoity toity place that charges you several hundred dollars for a meal. Aubrey knows that."
Beau turned to Aubrey. "No offense, buddy, but I just think a man has to step it up a bit for Valentine's Day, you know? Especially if your girl comes from money like Jessica does. That's what my dad always taught me to do growing up."
Jessica was unable to stop herself. "Beau, the winery does well, but we're not mega millionaires. Aubrey knows that he doesn't have to impress me by showing off with material stuff like that to make up for any shortcomings in his ego, unlike other insecure men I know."
Aubrey bit back the chuckle he felt, and saw Daisy doing the same by chugging more wine. Looking at his girlfriend, he silently thanked her by squeezing her hand and she responded in kind.
Not understanding what was unspoken, Beau chuckled before taking another bite of his pasta. "Well, you've got a humble girl there, Aubrey. I guess if that place works for you, great, but you'll have to do better than that eventually. However, you'll figure all that out when you two decide to quit playing house and finally get married."
Oblivious to the rudeness of his comments and the irritation of his hosts, Beau took another bite. "Oh, did I tell you all about the nice restaurants they have in Regina…"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
An hour later over coffee and a dessert of chocolate cake, Beau was passing his phone around to everyone at the table.
"Look at these houses. This house here is the one I was telling you about last weekend. It has four bedrooms and is right by a park. There's an elementary school is just around the corner and it'll be a great one for our kid to get into. He's smart like his mom."
"No, my son is smart just like his father was before he died.", Daisy said frostily as she poured another glass of wine.
Jessica didn't miss the irritation on the football player's eyes before he switched to another house he was also looking at. She gave a look to Aubrey, who rolled his eyes as well.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
After another painful sixty minutes of looking at pictures of Regina and places to live, Beau and a tipsy Daisy headed home. Shutting the door, Aubrey leaned his head against it and groaned. "Thank God, they're gone."
Jessica was in the kitchen putting the food away. "Superman, it wasn't that bad…"
Aubrey turned his head and walked into the kitchen. "Jessica, a root canal isn't as painful as the conversation we had with them this evening. Plus, Beau was…" The agent cringed as he gestured with his hands. "…he was touching my Star Wars stuff. You know I hate people messing with my stuff."
"I know, but it was for a good cause."
"He called them toys, Jess! They're not toys, they're collectables!", Aubrey spit out.
Jessica knew how sensitive he was about his Star Wars items. "I know, and I agree that Beau was being a thoughtless clod, but thank you for getting him out of our hair while we made dinner. He was annoying the crap out of Daisy."
"She hasn't talked to him, has she?"
"Nope. She says she's tried, but he always changes the subject. However, she's also worked late every night this week. I'm not saying another word about it to her, Superman. It's not my problem anymore." Jessica turned to fill the sink with soapy water to wash the nice china they'd used for dinner.
Aubrey watched as Jessica's right foot tipped back and the toe of her high heeled shoe brushed the floor. Doing that as she reached for the china to put in the sink, her leg and posterior moved just every so slightly but it was enough to get his attention as her dress's terminus was about two inches above the knee. Suddenly, something else came to attention as she swayed softly, making him recall that night after his birthday party.
Realizing she'd said something, Aubrey quickly came back to reality. "What? Did you say something?"
Jessica turned around, rolling her eyes at him. "Yes, I asked if it still bothered you that Beau made those comments about where we're going to dinner Tuesday or about us being married. You know that he really doesn't have a filter, right?"
Walking up to her, Aubrey stood behind her and put his arms around her. "No, Beau is Beau. All is good."
"I'm glad, Aubrey. Thank you for having them over tonight. Daisy has been pushing for it and we couldn't avoid it any longer."
"I know, and it's done…and now we're alone." Aubrey smirked as his hand brushed Jessica's right thigh. "Have I ever told you how much I love this dress on you? You haven't worn it since my birthday."
Jessica smiled as the agent continued to lightly brush her thigh. "Yes, but you can tell me again."
Sliding his hand under the dress, Aubrey traced her inner thigh as Jessica gently moaned. "I love you in this dress, Jessica. I remember how it looked on you when I came home with Booth that night and I loved how it felt when we danced in here after everyone left, but most of all, I love how it felt when I pushed it off your shoulders and onto the floor."
The redhead felt him teasing her as he got to the edge of her underwear. "James Aubrey, what the hell are you waiting for?"
"Just taking my time…", Aubrey whispered in her ear before pushing his fingers through, satisfied to feel dampness.
"Oh, Christ…" Jessica's mouth dropped and her eyes closed as she felt his fingers blaze a trail over her before finding his goal. "Oh…"
Aubrey's lips trailed down her neck as she ground her hips up against him and it wasn't long until he felt her orgasm. Desperately needing his own release, he quickly pulled her panties down to the floor. In rapid time, he opened his pants before pressing her against the counter and entered her wet heat. "Oh yeah…I've been waiting to do this all night…I couldn't wait for them to fucking leave, Jessica…"
Jessica merely moaned as she enjoyed her boyfriend's firm thrusts. Reaching back, she pulled him closer as he pulled her closer to him. "Yes…yes…yes…"
When he felt his lover shudder in his arms, Aubrey let go inside of her. Holding each other close, they slowly returned to normal. "It was also the fact I wore my new black bra and panties from Victoria's Secret tonight that got you all horny, wasn't it?"
"Yeah…and seeing how disconnected Daisy and Beau were, Jess…I wanted to connect with you…I love you…"
Jessica turned around and kissed Aubrey back. "I love you, too. I want to connect with you, too…I love you…"
In quick succession, Jessica's dress and Aubrey's shirt came off before the agent knelt before her, trailing kisses down her abdomen. The redhead closed her eyes in anticipation and her lover didn't disappoint. "Oh…"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Tuesday morning for Aubrey and Jessica started with another long, hot shower that made them both late for work. Racing into his office just shy of 8:20, Aubrey unlocked his computer and began reading his emails for the day. Hearing a knock, he looked up and saw Genny, who was smiling.
"Morning, Genny. You look to be in a very good mood."
"Yeah...just had a nice Valentine's Day breakfast with Hunter and Danny, where we had french toast, pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon. You must have had a good morning by the way you ran in here a few minutes ago. You're usually here around 7:30." Genny saw Aubrey blush and decided to leave him alone. "So, Boss, any great plans today?"
"Taking Jess to a romantic dinner tonight. I've also arranged for a small delivery for her at the lab as a surprise. You and Hunter?"
"We're going out Friday night. Mom's watching Danny and I'm leaving here about 3:00 to pick up Hunter and drive up to St. Michael's for the night."
"Sounds good." Aubrey saw the can of ginger ale in Genny's hand. "You alright? You don't normally drink that stuff this early in the morning."
Genny groaned softly as she rubbed her stomach. "Yeah, Danny and I had chili dogs together for dinner last night, and with breakfast, I went way overkill on all that and now my stomach isn't too happy with me." Seeing Aubrey's concern, she held her hand up. "It'll settle. I'll just stick to paperwork today since I have no cases pending."
"Good. I'm hoping that my day turns out to be the same."
"Oh, Booth needs a favor. I guess he and Dr. B were called to a scene about thirty minutes ago and he's got a new agent starting today around 9:00. Since Chamberlain's off for the week, he's hoping you can pinch hit for him until he get back. I grabbed Agent Saunders' file off the desk where Booth said he had left it."
"Yeah, I can do that. Thanks." Aubrey took the folder and began reading. 'A boring day at the office while Booth gets to probably play with dead bodies on Valentine's Day. Sucks to be him.'
He had only read for a few minutes when there was a knock on the door. "Come in."
"James Aubrey?"
Aubrey looked up and saw a courier holding a large red ribbon heart and a card. "Yes?"
"Happy Valentine's Day.", the man said.
Aubrey pulled money out of his pocket to tip the guy before taking the chocolates and the card. "Thanks."
Aubrey reached for the treats first, unable to resist. Opening it, he saw various pieces of chocolate and giggled like a little kid. "Oh, she knows me so well…wait, there's a message on the top…'Shut your office door before reading the card.' Interesting..."
Doing what was suggested, Aubrey shut the door before he opened the envelope and saw a mushy card that had 'To My Love' on the card. "Awww, Jess got me a romantic card…"
He giggled until he opened it and almost dropped it on his desk in shock. Picking it up again, he gazed at what fell out, at a printed selfie of Jessica wearing what looked like to be nothing but a red bow tied around her breasts. The attached ribbon also looped past her red curls and between her alabaster legs. The only other item she had on was a smile.
"Oh…fuck me…" Groaning, he almost immediately felt his pants tighten. "Shit…not now…okay think of…baseball…Chili Reuben's van…Karen Delfs…"
Aubrey felt himself recover slowly and when he got his faculties back, he covered up the photograph as he read the letter written on the left side of the card.
James,
You're more than just a lover…a magnificent lover…you're also my best friend. I thought that I didn't want someone to spend my life with until I met you. You exasperate me to no end sometimes, and your eating habits sometimes really scare me, but I know that life without you would make me feel very empty and sad. I'll never love anyone else like I love you, ever.
Love, Jessica
PS: If you ever lose this photo, I will so kick your ass then smear myself with cheesecake but not let you lick it off.
Aubrey groaned at the last threat. "Damn…she would do it, too. Not to worry Jess…no one else…will ever see this photo. Only I get the pleasure of seeing you like this...wow..." The agent turned the picture in question. "How the hell did she get that thing on?"
Hearing a knock at the door, Aubrey quickly hid the card in his drawer. "Ahem…come in…"
The door opened to reveal Genny again. "I'm back…listen, I was wondering if you and Jessica had any plans this Saturday night?"
Aubrey thought for a moment. "I don't think so, why?"
"It's Hunter's 40th birthday and I want to throw him a little surprise party. My mother's apartment complex has this huge activity room and that's where we're going to hold it. Can you and Jessica come?", Genny asked hopefully. "It'll really make him happy. I'm going to invite Booth and Dr. Brennan as well as Angela and Hodgins. I've become pretty good friends with Andie through Jessica so I'm going to invite her and Wendell as well as Agents Haggerty with her boyfriend and Thompson and his wife. There's going to be a few people from Hunter's office as well along with his folks and siblings. We're doing Mexican food but everyone is also welcome to bring a dish to pass. What do you say?"
Aubrey smiled. "I'll double check with Jess but it sounds like fun."
Genny stepped up to the desk. "I would've asked you earlier, but my mom just secured the place about five minutes ago."
"Hey, no worries." , Aubrey said. "Barring something I don't know about, we'll be there."
Genny saw the chocolates on the desk. "Ooohhh, The Chocolate House…Jessica got you the good stuff."
"Yes, she did…but I was no slouch in the Valentine's Day department either."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Jessica worked on the remains in front of her, still giggling as she remembered how Aubrey had helped her celebrate today with his very wicked and talented tongue in the shower. Angela was right about one thing.
'I'm telling you, Jessica. Making love or having an orgasm from your man's hands or tongue before going to work is one hell of a way to start your day. Hodgins and I are proof of that…'
"So are Aubrey and me…", Jessica said to herself as she continued her examination. "It was so worth being late today."
She knew her boyfriend well enough to know that there was something up his sleeve, although he denied it even as he'd dropped her off today. They had agreed to not go crazy on gifts since they were having a very expensive dinner tonight, but she knew Aubrey would love his presents. Recalling Beau's comment about their choice of restaurant, she shook his head at the man's lack of tact.
"I love 1789 and Aubrey is taking me where I want to go for our special evening, not to some fancy pants place where the food is overhyped and overpriced. Beau is trying too hard to impress people and that's just stupid."
Checking her phone, she saw the time and smiled. Aubrey should have received her surprise by now. It had taken her an hour to figure out how to put that damn thing on for the picture. For tonight, though she planned to surprise Aubrey after dinner with a set that she'd seen on the internet a month ago. She'd ordered it and had it delivered to Andie to ensure Aubrey didn't find out before she planned to surprise him with it.
However, that bow tie teddy would be saved for another time. 'Another weekend away…or a honeymoon…'
Jessica's eyes grew large as she realized where her mind had gone. 'Wow…I'm not ready for marriage yet…and neither is Aubrey. We just moved in together 10 days ago…okay, Jessica, time to go back to work…Dr. B doesn't like lollygaggers.'
"Jessica?"
Snapping around at the call of her name, she saw Angela standing in the doorway. "Yeah?"
"Special Delivery for you out on the platform."
"Oh, I need to go get my wallet for a tip…"
"I've got it…" Angela saw Jessica about to speak. "Buy me lunch at the diner and we're good. Now get your butt out here and see what Aubrey sent you."
The redhead whipped off her gloves and followed her friend out. Swiping her ID, her mouth dropped when she saw the bouquet of tiger lilies along with the box nearby. Coming closer, she smelled the fragrance of the bright orange blooms. Looking at the box beside the vase, she groaned when she saw Blûprint Chocolatiers on the label.
"Oh, he didn't…" Giggling, she revealed a 24 pack of different flavors, all looking delicious. "Oh, Superman…"
"Tiger lilies out of season…fancy chocolates...Aubrey shelled out some cash...that boy loves you." Angela saw her staring at the treats. "He got you a card, too, Jessica. Might want to read it before devouring the chocolate."
Grabbing the card, she opened the envelope which had Superman on the front with the slogan, 'Kryptonite may hurt me…'. Opening the card, she saw the saying finish with, '…but you and your love with always save me.'
The card finished with Aubrey's handwritten note:
You're not only the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, but you're my best friend, and I'm grateful every day that I fell in love with you. We've been through hell and back and no matter what we fight next, we'll always come out of it stronger, because we fight together.
I'll love you forever, Jessica Warren.
James
Jessica had tears in her eyes at the simple and beautiful sentiment. "Oh, Aubrey…I love you, too."
Angela smiled before she grabbed the flowers. "We should move these. Hodgins, Dr. B, Dr. Thompson, and Wendell are still at the scene. They haven't called yet, which really surprises me, but we should have the platform free for when they do come back."
"Good idea." Jessica grabbed her chocolates and followed Angela.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Two hours later, Jessica braved the cold snap that had hit Washington, DC and walked to the diner. Opening the door, she saw her boyfriend sitting at their table. Standing up when she arrived, they greeted each other with a kiss.
Aubrey sat down as Jessica did the same. "Thank you for the chocolates today, Jess. I didn't want you to spend that much money on me, but I appreciated them just the same."
"You're welcome, Aubrey. I spent as much money on the chocolates as you probably spent on my flowers at least, so we're even." Jessica gave her boyfriend the eye and smirked. "Now, how many did you eat?"
"Only one or two…" Seeing his girlfriend's knowing face, he caved. "Okay, I hate half. I needed something to munch on while I was looking at your picture. You know that you're wearing that very sexy outfit for me very soon, right? Like tonight?"
"Not tonight, but soon. I have something else to surprise you with after dinner. Thank you, Hilda.", Jessica replied when the waitress brought her a cup of tea. "Thank you for the chocolate and the flowers. You got me my favorite flowers…and your card was very beautiful."
"I thought about roses because it's traditional for Valentine's Day, but you're not traditional and I wanted something more special for you, Jessica." Aubrey sipped his chocolate shake. "Did you really mean what you wrote?"
"Of course, I did. Who else would I write that mushy stuff for?" Jessica gave her boyfriend a sultry look before taking his hand. "I can't wait until tonight. What time is dinner?"
"7:00, so I'll pick you up from the lab at 5:30—" Aubrey heard his phone buzz and saw it was Booth calling. "Just a sec…hey Booth, what's up?"
"So, I'm still down here at the scene I was called to this morning…and I need you to come down here, Aubrey."
"Why am I getting pulled into a Homicide case?"
"Because when we finally got this body excavated, we found another one. The second victim had a green card on her, although it was distorted like someone had tried to burn it and failed, but we got a last name and an address. Alex from the State Department ran it and it belonged to a Changying Wang. Her visa expired in 2015."
"Okay, so the victim is Asian. What does that have to do with me, Booth?"
"Her sponsor was Sandra Zinn of Sunny Helpers and the remains are about six miles from the house where we arrested Victor Lee and found those women hidden."
Aubrey felt sick to his stomach as he remembered the human trafficking case from over two years earlier. "Damn…"
"We haven't ID'd the first vic yet but Bones says it's a female of Asian descent, probably mid-twenties. Hang on, Aubrey…shit, they may have found another victim. Bones said she needs Jessica to come down here to help Wendell, herself, and Dr. Thompson excavate more remains. With Oliver out, there's no more senior interns available, so she's put a call into the NFL for one of their anthropologists to come help out. Hodgins has one of his interns coming down here as well to help with particulates and bugs so it's all hands on deck."
"Crap…tell Dr. B that I'll bring Jess down there with me."
"Sorry to shit on your Valentine's Day, Aubrey. At least there will be food here."
"Yeah...okay, I'll let Genny now and we'll be down as soon as we can." Aubrey hung up the phone. "Fuck..."
Jessica had been watching Aubrey's expressions during the phone call. "Aubrey, what's wrong?"
"Um, sorry, Jess, but we're not going out to dinner tonight…you and I are getting called into Booth and Brennan's scene from this morning outside of Baltimore. Multiple bodies have been found and it could be tied to that human trafficking case that Booth and I worked shortly after I came here."
"Oh shit…" Jessica put on her coat. "Hopefully there will be food there. I didn't get much for breakfast since we were running late this morning and I ate only a few chocolates."
"Booth said there will be food so we'll at least have lunch." Aubrey signaled Hilda, who came to the table. "Can you put Jessica's tea in a to go cup and can I have my usual cappuccino for the road? Unfortunately, duty calls."
"Sure, Agent Aubrey."
Hilda returned shortly with the requested items and after Aubrey left money on the table to cover their drinks plus a tip, the two walked out into the cold weather, which had turned windy.
"Thank God I wore pants today.", Jessica said as the two headed to his SUV. "There's one bright side to all this, Aubrey."
"What's that, Jess?", Aubrey grumbled. "Our romantic day has been hijacked by dead bodies. There is no bright side to this."
"Yes, there is. At least we'll still be together for Valentine's Day.", Jessica laughed, which made Aubrey laugh as well as they got into his SUV and left for Maryland.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
The couple arrived at the site about an hour later. Getting out of the SUV, Aubrey walked Jessica to the Jeffersonian Van, where her equipment was waiting for her.
"That house we passed a few miles back is the one where Booth and I found Victor with all those girls jammed into the crawlspace back in 2014."
"That is so sad...so you think these women found were part of that human trafficking ring as well?", Jessica asked. "Like maybe they tried to escape or pissed that guy off so he killed them and buried them?"
"Yep...I still think about this case sometimes. It was the first one that really...got to me. Seeing all those women down there, scared to death...it made me an ass for bragging to Booth about how it would make us heroes in the media."
"It did, but you know better now.", Jessica chided before kissing her boyfriend. "Okay, it looks like there are sandwiches so I'm snagging one before I go to Dr. B. See you later."
"See you." Aubrey was halfway to Booth before deciding his blood sugar issues would impede him at work. 'Can't be passing out at a crime scene...need food…'
Looking over the selection of sandwiches left over, he picked up a roast beef one and a can of Coke when he heard another vehicle pull up. Seeing the NFL logo on the side, he saw Daisy climb out of the vehicle and grab her gear. 'Daisy found a way to avoid going out tonight. Not surprised.'
"Hello, Aubrey...oh good, they have coffee. It's flipping freezing out here."
"Daisy, I figured you would send one of your anthropologists on staff since Beau set up some nice dinner reservations and a romantic evening for the two of you tonight."
"Well, as head of the NFL, I go where I'm needed. I've also worked with Dr. Brennan, so I know what she'll require more than one of the anthropologists on my staff. As for dinner, I warned Beau this could happen. If Booth and Dr. B can celebrate later in the week, so can we." Daisy moved to leave but stopped in her tracks. "What the hell is she doing here?"
Startled by the tone, Aubrey turned in that direction and saw Ashley assisting Hodgins with removing bugs and other particulates from items retrieved from the remains as Dr. Thompson stood nearby and noted her observations. "Well, Daisy, it looks like she's helping Hodgins here at the scene."
"I still can't believe Hodgins is letting her stay on after what happened with Oliver, even after I had encouraged him to get rid of her last week. It's her fault he got hurt. Besides, what the hell can she contribute here? We are exhuming graves, not playing with bugs and crap."
'No wonder Hodgins has been a bit testy about Daisy lately.' Aubrey bit his tongue but said what needed to be said. "Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, but right now, we need everyone's expertise. My advice would be to get over what's bugging you and go see Dr. B for what they need. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to check with Booth and find out what we know so far."
Aubrey walked away leaving Daisy standing there with her mouth open in shock.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
At 4:00, Daisy was working with Jessica in excavating another set of remains when she heard her name called. Turning back she saw an FBI technician standing there. "I'm Dr. Wick. What's going on?"
"Your husband is here to speak to you for a few minutes. He's by the food table. We told him that you were busy working but he wouldn't take no for an answer. He tried to step past the perimeter to find you before Booth and Aubrey pushed him back to behind the table."
Shaking her head, Daisy remained silent as she climbed out of the grave and followed the tech out to where her husband was waiting for her, holding a dozen roses.
"Beau, what are you doing here? This is a crime scene and only authorized personnel are supposed to be here to avoid compromising any evidence."
"Yeah, I know. Booth and Aubrey got pissed when I tried to find you and they threatened to make me leave unless I stayed here, but I'm here to pick you up for dinner. If you leave now, you can change at the restaurant and we'll still make our reservations."
"Beau, I told you that I was going to be stuck here tonight and we would have to reschedule." Daisy remained calm, not wanting to start a fight in front of everyone else. "I'm sorry, but that's the way it is."
"No, it's not. You're the head of the department. Now it's time to leave."
"Yes, I am, but this case requires my expertise, Beau, and I can't leave. I'm sorry.", Daisy replied. "How did you know where I was working anyway?"
"I called your boss and told him that you needed to leave early.", Beau chuckled. "He had a bit of a burr in his bonnet. but I told him that you would be gone in a few weeks anyway so he might has well send someone else down to get used to working your stuff."
Daisy took a deep breath. "You called my boss and told him that? Why did you do that, Beau?"
"Why else do you think, Sugar? Today is Valentine's Day and I've made special plans with my wife that are more important that what you're doing here. Besides, with you moving, it's time to start finding other people to take over your job responsibilities. He seemed really surprised when I told him that, but he said that he'll send one of your other scientists over here when you're ready to go. So, call him so we can go. I've picked out a dress for you and it's in my truck. Now I've dropped off Lance with my folks-"
"You had no right to do that, Beau. I told you that I was needed here. They need the best as there are multiple victims here and the Jeffersonian is short handed with Oliver on medical leave. Our dinner could wait a day or two, but this won't as there have been crimes committed."
Beau grew frustrated but continued to smile. "You have others that can help, Daisy. Now come on. I came all this way to get you-"
"No, you once again bulldozed your way through so that you would get your own way. Well, not this time, Beau. I'm working tonight, so call Komi and reschedule the dinner. Now, I'll be home late, but I'll see you when I get home."
Daisy took two steps away when Beau yelled back at her. "You're being pretty rude to me, Daisy. I've gone through a lot of trouble to plan our evening and the least you can do is put me ahead of work for a change."
The petite woman stopped in her tracks before turning around. She felt satisfaction as she saw the linebacker flinch as she came closer. Stopping in front of the table that separated them, Daisy remained quiet for a moment before speaking.
"'Put you ahead of work for a change?' Is that what you just said, Beau?"
Beau knew he wasn't the smartest person around, but even he realized that he said the wrong thing as his wife gave him a withering a gaze that made him cringe. "Yeah...you're always at work, pushing Lance and me aside. I'm...I'm your husband. This dinner tonight n-needs to be your top priority, not some dead people that will still be dead later."
"Like how you always put me ahead of your job?", Daisy snarled with through gritted teeth.
"Of course. You know that you and Lance are always my top priority, Sugar-"
"Don't fucking call me that! I'm not some crap you put in your coffee!" Daisy couldn't hold back anymore. "You bitch about my job, but let's talk about you, Beau. Let's see, on our honeymoon you practically ditched me one night to hang out with Dan Marino, when we returned home I had to plan our meals around your damn football practice, during your bye week you couldn't lift a damn finger to help me out with Lance because you had to study plays when you weren't demanding that I take time off to follow you around all week, you badgered me to take my sick son almost 1500 miles to Texas to watch you play on Thanksgiving because you had to show off how much of a family man you are…"
"Daisy, now come on…" Beau saw the people nearby start to gather around to watch the show. "Let's talk about this later, huh?"
"No, you started this and we're going to talk about this right now. I've been trying to talk to you for weeks but you never want to listen to me. I've put up with your disrespect about my career because you're a wonderful father to Lance and you were good to me. However, after you told me that you were going to re-sign with the Redskins, I foolishly let you talk me into going to Canada with you where you let the Roughriders talk you into breaking your promise to stay here in DC by showering you with meals and kissing your ass! Now, you interfere with my career because a body dump interfered with your overblown plans for Valentine's Day? This is the last straw, Beau!"
"Your job is just a damn job, Daisy. You can work elsewhere but you won't. I don't have that luxury because the Redskins don't respecting me or my skills unlike the Roughriders."
"Beau, you're not a starting player. Your parents act like you're God's gift to football, but you're not. You always let them talk you into making my dreams and career insignificant. Well, my career and my dreams are just as important as yours! I have a job I love and I can't just jump into something new while you let yourself get beat up each week for some manly gratification! If you would have given me and my career more respect, I may have considered Regina early on, or even considered a compromise in commuting during the CFL season, but not anymore."
Beau didn't like Daisy's last words. "What are you saying?"
"I'm not moving to Canada, Beau. Lance and I are staying here in DC. If you want to go play a game in the sticks, go ahead, but we're not going with you. I'm not leaving my job!"
"You can't do that! You can't stay here and keep Lance from me. He's my son!"
"No, Lance is MY son and the son of Dr. Lance Sweets. You have no rights to him, Beau, and if you push for custody, I'll push back twice as hard. I'm sick of your attitude about my job and my friends and that ends now, you hear me?"
"Daisy, they're rude sticks in the mud-"
"NO, THEY'RE NOT! They're good people who have always been there for me for almost eight years. They helped get me through the rough times when Lance died and I was raising our baby alone." The anthropologist pointed her finger at Beau. "I know you think they're snobs because they're smarter than you. Here's a newsflash for you, Mr. NFL Linebacker! You're the snob!"
"What are you talking about-"
"You've been an asshole towards my friends and coworkers more than once since we got married and it's been embarrassing. You ordering stuff at a restaurant and expecting everyone else to pick up the tab, you copping an attitude when someone dares to not want to talk about football anymore, shaming my friends about their plans for Valentine's Day and their hobbies, among several other things. People don't want to socialize with us anymore, Beau, because you're rude to them."
"You're the one who's rude because you won't hang out with the wives of my teammates-"
"Because the ones you wanted me to hang out with were Stepford wives who made me feel like something was wrong with me since I had a career and interests other than following my husband from game to game. That's who you want to be married to, but I'm not some mindless groupie who will worship you. I'm tired of feeling guilty for wanting more than to be your wife. I'm tired of sitting silent while you act like a jerk, but most of all, I'm tired of feeling guilty for how I feel. I'm done with this."
Aubrey was standing by Booth and the rest of the Jeffersonian team as they and the rest of crew watched what was happening. "Holy shit...I didn't think she'd do it...she really told him off.", Aubrey muttered.
"Well, I'm not happy with what Daisy has been up to of late, but...he went too far by going to her boss and showing up here. That idiot almost walked onto a potential burial site and compromised the scene. He's lucky I don't arrest his ass."
"If I ever did that to Andie, she would kick my ass.", Wendell said. "I feel bad for Beau, but he had this coming."
Aubrey looked over at Jessica who nodded in silent agreement with the same thought. 'Daisy is not innocent in all this, but Beau deserves to be yelled at.'
Beau looked defeated as he took in what his wife said. "Daisy, can we talk about this at home?"
"I've said what I have to say to you, Beau. You will not interfere in my career ever again. You've crossed a line with me and I don't even want to look at you right now." Daisy pointed east. "Now, get the hell out of here. This is a crime scene and I need to work. If you don't leave voluntarily, I'll ask one of the FBI agents to escort you out."
"Daisy-"
"Now!"
Beau saw everyone, including Booth, Brennan, and the others watching him, all with various degrees of irritation. He would have no allies here. "Okay, I'll go, but we should talk later, Sugar…." Beau saw the steam coming out of her ears. "...Daisy. You need to cool off a little bit…"
"No, Beau. I'm actually feeling much better than I was earlier...like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders."
"I'll leave Lance with my parents-"
"No, you will bring him home immediately. Your parents will no longer be caregivers to MY son and only I will make the determination about who watches him. If he's not home when I get there, I will be calling the police and charge you all with kidnapping, do you understand?"
Beau knew he was defeated. "Yes."
"Goodbye, Beau." Daisy turned around and saw everyone watching. "What? Haven't you ever seen a wife tell her husband off before? Come on, we have victims to find. Let's go."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
The next two hours were grim as while Booth and Aubrey did their canvas of the area, working to appease the Sheriff's department, which was not happy to have their case taken away by the FBI. The Jeffersonian team and Daisy worked carefully to excavate the victims' remains. By 7:00, there were three victims removed but three more were discovered in the area.
In a hole, Jessica and Daisy worked quietly on one victim while Wendell helped Dr. Brennan with another buried in the dirt. On the surface above, Hodgins, Dr. Thompson, and Ashley worked on collecting bugs and other particulates from the victims' burned items already excavated.
Unable to take the silence any longer, Jessica spoke. "So everyone, who all had big plans for tonight that didn't include digging out remains?"
Understanding the need to focus on something other than dead bodies, Brennan nodded. "Well, Booth and I planned to go out Friday, but we had a family Valentine's Day dinner planned tonight. I took out some homemade wheat macaroni pasta I'd made last month so we could have macaroni and cheese tonight with a salad with a heart shaped cheesecake Booth made on Sunday."
"Booth made cheesecake?", Wendell said, surprised.
"Yes, he made a smaller vegan one for me and the main one would be for him and the kids.", Brennan replied. "What about you, Mr. Bray?"
"Well, Andie picked up an ER shift for the overtime, but I was going to take her over some dinner about now so we could have some time together. We're going to Zaytinya tomorrow night if I'm not needed here."
"Aubrey was taking me to 1789 for dinner tonight. I love that place. We had plans to go home afterwards, but you know...it's okay. We can always reschedule."
"I was just getting some over hyped dinner at Komi and knowing Beau was taking me somewhere he thought was romantic." Daisy angrily dug in the soil by the remains. "After that, who knows? I probably won't know now, but honestly, I don't give a damn."
Hodgins peeked into the hole. "Okay everyone, soup, salads, and subs just arrived for dinner. Anyone else here is welcome to join me."
"Actually, I would like to see how much progress Booth and Aubrey have made on their end." Brennan stood up. "Although this is a greeting card holiday, I do appreciate the sentiment of the day and I am finding that missing our Valentine's Day family dinner is making me quite...annoyed."
"I'm sure Booth would like to see you, too, Dr. B.", Jessica said with a knowing smile.
"I'm starving. Maybe I can reach Andie if she's on break.", Wendell chimed in.
Jessica got up and saw Daisy still working. "Dais, you want to come?"
"I'll go in a few minutes. I just want to finish what I'm doing here."
Everyone except Daisy climbed the ladder out and separated. Jessica joined Brennan as they looked for their significant others, finding them talking to the other agents there and planning strategy.
When the ladies saw the agent separate, they approached Booth and Aubrey. "Booth, have you made any progress?"
"Not much. Aubrey and I are going to visit Victor Lee and Sandra Zinn in prison tomorrow. He's currently housed at Allenwood for the human trafficking but right now he's over in Philadelphia being tried for a little murder for hire scheme against the women he imprisoned, but Zinn is at Hazelton. I figure you can come with me tomorrow morning to West Virginia and Aubrey can go to Pennsylvania."
"Why can't I interview Sandra Zinn, Booth?", Aubrey asked impatiently.
"Do you really want to take a chance on running into your father there or that gossipy warden?", Booth retorted. "Especially after Geren came to us with that stuff about Vacchio, I'm taking no chances, all right? Zinn is at the penitentiary instead of the medium security division and it has a different warden, but I don't want you there."
Brennan shook her head thoughtfully. "I would have no problem going with you, Booth, but my class is tomorrow afternoon. It's their first test, so I'll have to be back in DC by 1:00."
"That's pushing it. Aubrey, can I take Genny tomorrow morning?"
"If she doesn't care, but Booth-"
"Aubrey...trust me...it's better this way." Booth put his hand on Aubrey's shoulder. "Come on...you know I'm right."
Aubrey exhaled, knowing that Booth only spoke the truth. "Okay...I'll head up early tomorrow to see Victor Lee. It's almost a three hour drive but we should let the wardens know ASAP we're coming so Zinn or Lee can't see the news before we talk to them."
"Good idea. I'll call them after I eat one of the roast beef subs with my name on it…." Booth was interrupted by shouting in the distance. "What is that?"
Aubrey recognized the voice. "It's coming from the food and coffee table...that's Daisy yelling...but…"
All four heard what was being shouted and headed over there. "Oh shit…", Jessica said.
Their suspicions were correct when they saw Daisy screaming at Ashley, who looked to be barely keeping herself composed against the barrage.
"...you have no right to be here. You being with Gerald led to this. Why didn't you leave him?"
"I was scared to…"
"No, you were just stupid. What kind of woman is so stupid that she lets a man beat her up and take her badge. Didn't you get a clue that Gerald wouldn't be interested in someone like you? How dumb can you be? Oliver almost died thanks to you. I know I wouldn't put up with shit like that!"
Hitting her limit, Ashley stepped into Daisy's personal space, stunning Daisy into stepping back. "I've had it with you and people like you. 'I would never tolerate that...I would never let a man hurt me.' Well, bully for you, Daisy! I said that too, until it happened to me. As for not putting up with bullies, what do you call that crap earlier with Beau? Sure, he didn't hit you but from the sounds of it, he wasn't accepting of your career and pushed the whole 'his way into the only way' with you."
Not liking the truth behind Ashley's words, Daisy retorted. "No, Beau never hit me-"
"But he was bossy with you, correct? Didn't like the fact you had a career, correct?" Angry, Ashley pushed further. "You have no room to talk, Dr. Wick. I saw how you smacked that other lady at Founding Fathers on Inauguration Night. You didn't like that you couldn't see Oliver, and you were acting like a jealous lover, forgetting that your husband was in Canada. For all your talk, it's you that is the bully!"
Seeing Daisy stumbling for a response, Ashley continued. "What's the matter, Dr. Wick, no comeback? It's easier to bully someone who takes your shit, but it's hard when someone smacks you back with the truth, isn't it? You talked a good game earlier when you shamed your husband in front of everybody, but you're no better than he is, because even though you're married, it obvious by the way you always followed Oliver around at the lab that you obviously want to have an affair with him, if you haven't slept with him already!"
Emotionally wrecked, Daisy freaked out and smacked Ashley in the face. "You little bitch!"
Running over, Booth and Aubrey grabbed Daisy who was straining to go after the entomologist while Brennan held her back. "Daisy, what is wrong with you?", Jessica exclaimed.
"I'm not going to tolerate that crap from someone who almost got Oliver killed. Dr. Brennan, do something about her! She's being mean and provoking me."
Brennan looked at Hodgins, who nodded his head before addressing Daisy. "I think that something should definitely be done, starting with you leaving this scene, Dr. Wick, immediately."
Stunned, Daisy stopped fighting. "W-what?"
"You heard me, Daisy. You're causing a disruption at a place where utter professionalism is required at this time, and I'm asking you to leave immediately."
"But Ashley started it-"
"No, she didn't, Daisy." Hodgins wheeled up through the path created for his wheelchair. "I saw you confront her with your crazy theories about Oliver as she came here for a cup of coffee. Ashley was trying to avoid a fight with you, but you kept at it."
Desperate and embarrassed as she saw everyone standing there watching her, Daisy turned to Hodgins. "Dr. Hodgins, surely you're not going to make me leave. You called me for assistance."
"No, Dr. Brennan called the NFL for assistance from the anthropology department. You chose to come yourself instead of sending one of your staff, even though you and I had a discussion regarding your conduct recently. She is the one who makes the final call in this." Hodgins turned to Brennan. "Dr. B, this is your decision. Is Dr. Wick to leave?"
"Yes, she is. I will expect another forensic anthropologist from the NFL here at 7:00 tomorrow morning. If you don't leave here right now, I will call your supervisor with a report of what happened here. Do I make myself clear?"
Defeated, Daisy nodded. "Yes, Dr. Brennan. I will send my best forensic anthropologist to assist you in the excavations."
"I expect nothing less. Good night, Dr. Wick.", Brennan replied before getting a cup of coffee and walking away without a word.
Daisy turned to her friend. "Jessica…"
The redhead held up her hand to interrupt. "Please go home, Daisy, before you get into more trouble. Excuse me." Jessica walked away with Aubrey following her.
Booth got himself a cup of coffee before staring down the woman. "Daisy, I know you've had a rough night, but what you said to Ashley was totally uncalled for. She didn't cause Oliver's injuries. None of what happened is her fault. Frankly, your...obsession with Oliver is getting out of control. I suppose you did what you had to do with Beau tonight, but your conduct here is...unprofessional to say the least. Now, Bones said for you to leave. I'm ordering you to or else I'll escort you out and write up a report to the NFL. Go...home. Don't come to any of us until you can act like an adult."
Booth walked away, leaving Daisy by herself. Seeing that no one was taking her side, she quietly headed over to the excavation site, grabbed her equipment, and walked to the NFL van, ignoring all the whispers that accompanied her.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
At 11:30, a weary Jeffersonian crew walked into the Royal Diner. Frankie saw them all come in and pointed to the back. "Back area is all yours folks. I've got coffee brewing and whatever you want is on the house tonight."
"Frankie, you don't have to-", Booth said but was interrupted by the large man.
"My wife said for me to come down here when she saw what happened on the news. You've all had a crappy night and you're my best customers. Now sit and have some food. Call it my Valentine's Day gift to you all."
Booth smiled. "Thanks, Frankie."
Andie walked into the diner and found Wendell. "Hey, babe."
"Andie, you worked a double shift today-"
"Yeah, and now I want to salvage my Valentine's Day with my boyfriend. I had a bitch of a day at the ER, too, and I'm hungry."
Wendell smiled as the two sat down. Eventually everyone sat down and Hodgins wheeled himself in place at a table as Jessica and Aubrey sat with Booth and Brennan. Thirty minutes later, everyone dove into their meals.
"Superman, I should go talk to Daisy."
Aubrey held her back. "No, you shouldn't, Jess. She's caused her own mess tonight."
"She's still upset because of earlier with Beau…"
"I'm sure she is, Ms. Warren, but her conduct tonight was uncalled for. I'm sure that was the reason Ms. Anders elected to go home instead of joining us tonight."
"Are the Mini-Booth's with Angela?"
"Yes, she's going to take them to school and daycare in the morning for us.", Booth said before diving into his cheeseburger.
"Hell of a Valentine's Day, isn't it?", Hodgins spoke from the other table. "Today sucked."
"It sure has, but as my girlfriend astutely said earlier, at least we're together.", Aubrey said as he took Jessica's hand. "In the long run, that's all that matters."
"I'll be with Angela as soon as I finish this food." Hodgins finished his bite, wearily shaking his head. "And that's the only good thing today has going for it."