A/N: when we left Aubrey and Jessica last, they had just experienced a life and death situation. How did they handle that stress? Read on to find out...
Aubrey paced nervously in the hospital's quiet hallway, anxiously glancing towards Jessica's room. He knew he needed to be patient, but time seemed to be moving at a glacial pace. How much longer? I'm gonna go crazy out here if I don't talk to her soon!
Finally giving into temptation, he walked over and looked in through the window in the room's closed door. He groaned to himself when he saw an agent talking to his girlfriend as she lay in her hospital bed.
"It wasn't supposed to happen this way…", he grumbled to himself. "I'm supposed to protect her…"
His pondering was interrupted by a nurse walking past him. Pausing for a few seconds, she knocked before entering the room. Time seemed to stop as he watched while the RN took his girlfriend's blood pressure and checked her vitals again before leaving the room. He hated not being there for Jessica, but Agent Roden had correctly followed procedure by deciding to take her statement alone.
"Aubrey, what the hell happened?"
Turning around, he saw Aaron, Jack, and Stephan coming down the hall. He didn't want them, or Jessica's elderly father to find out what had happened by hearing it on the news. The names of the agents involved in the situation hadn't been released to the general public yet, but it was only a matter of time before everyone would know what had gone down in that store room.
"Why is our sister in the hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, and why are there reporters outside?", Jack asked angrily.
Stephan pounced next as he towered over Aubrey. "We couldn't come up here until we were cleared by some FBI agent standing next to the elevator downstairs. What the hell is going on? What happened that you couldn't tell us about on the phone?"
Aubrey held up his hand in an attempt to stop the onslaught of questions. "I can't go into it yet...not until I'm debriefed but...we had some trouble with a case we were working undercover on…"
"My sister was working undercover? I don't believe it! Goddammit...why was she even involved in something like that? She's not an agent, Aubrey. That's your job. You're the agent. You're supposed to be looking out for her!", Stephan spit out, frustrated about the vague phone call they had received four hours ago.
Aubrey knew the men were upset but he had to follow protocol. "No, she's not an agent, Stephan, but Jessica has specific skills that were needed for the case. If I had my way-"
"She's supposed to work in a lab, Aubrey, not chase bad guys with you.", Jack interrupted. "Now what the hell is going on and why is our sister in the hospital surrounded by the FBI?"
He knew they were frustrated with the lack of news, but he couldn't tell them anything until he'd talked to the agent assigned to debrief him. "I know you want answers, and I will tell you everything as soon as I can, or maybe Jessica can when she gets done talking with the agent in the room with her-"
"Agent Aubrey?" A tall Hispanic man walked up and pointed down the hall. "Let's talk in the staff lounge."
"I'm sure Jess will be happy to see you when she's done. Excuse me." Aubrey could feel the men's anger that was aimed at his back, but there was nothing he could do about that now.
"What the hell?", Stephan sighed as they watched the lanky man walk away. "Aubrey let her work an undercover case? What the hell was he thinking?"
"You know what happened as well as I do. Jessica was needed by the FBI and she isn't the type to hide in a lab when someone needs help." Aaron shrugged his shoulders. "Don't give him shit, guys. You both know how much he loves our sister and it's obvious that he feels bad enough about whatever happened today, okay? I'm sure Aubrey would've fought her involvement in this case in any way he could, but our little sister is also a tornado when she's on a crusade. She doesn't shy away if she can help someone. If we can't tell her what to do, she sure as well wasn't about to let Aubrey tell her what she could and couldn't do. You know I'm right about this."
Both men nodded in acceptance before Jack spoke up. "She is a stubborn pain in the ass sometimes…"
"...but she's our stubborn pain in the ass.", Stephan finished.
"Mom is going to have a fit when she hears about this.", Jack lamented as he wiped his face. "Dad needs to be told, too."
"Screw what Mom thinks. Her so-called society friends and their opinions aren't as important as her daughter.", Aaron barked before taking a deep breath. "We'll talk to Dad when we get home tomorrow morning. We should have something concrete to tell him by then. Right now, I just want to hug our sister before we kick her ass for scaring us half to death."
"Amen to that.", Stephan said.
"Excuse me, aren't you gentlemen Jessica Warren's brothers?"
Turning around, the three men immediately recognized the person wearing what looked to be a housekeeper's uniform. "You're Hannah Burley with Channel 7 News. How did you know who we are?"
"Research is what makes me a good reporter.", Hannah replied with the smile she employed to get people to open up to her.
Wary, Aaron crossed his arms over chest. "We're neither confirming or denying your question. Now, what can we do for you?"
"I'm here because there's a rumor going around that your sister, Agent Aubrey, Agent Booth, and Temperance Brennan helped bring down a major drug smuggling ring involving several high profile corporations-"
"No comment.", Aaron stated flatly, alarmed at the new knowledge of the case their sister and her boyfriend were working on. "Now...go away."
Undeterred, Hannah stepped around the redheaded man until she was directly in his sight. "There's also talk that one of the major players was killed by someone working undercover for the FBI today. Now, I would love to get Ms. Warren's side of the story-"
"Sprechen sie Deutche?", Jack replied sarcastically, his stomach twisting as he realized how much danger Jessica and Aubrey had been in that day. "No comment."
"But-"
Stephan found a nurse standing nearby with a security guard. "Get this woman out of here, please. She's harassing us."
"You were warned, Ms. Burley. Next time you come here we're calling the FBI." The security guard took her arm and firmly escorted her out of the area.
When the coast was clear Stephan closed his eyes. "Guys, what the fuck was our sister up to?"
"I don't know, but the fact that an FBI agent is in with her and another one took Aubrey away to talk to him tells me what that reporter hinted at wasn't far off.", Jack replied quietly.
At the other end of the floor, Aubrey continued to follow the agent into the staff lounge. Shutting the door, Agent Ramirez motioned for him to sit down before pulling out his digital recorder.
"Okay, Agent Aubrey, start with what happened after Stephenson and his friends left the room."
Aubrey ran his fingers through his hair before getting into work mode. "Well, we were left with the warden and my dad…"
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
Aubrey divided his attention between his bleeding father, his semi-conscious girlfriend, and the desperate man in front of them, who was holding a gun in his shaking hand. "Brinton, you don't want to do this."
Brinton held the pistol closer. "No...no I don't, but I have to."
Aubrey saw the man's distress and knew he had to tread carefully. "Brinton, we can work this out. Now, let me get Jessica and my dad out of here-"
"We can't work this out. You'll tell the Feds and I'll lose everything. No...I have to get rid of all of you...or I'm going to prison…"
"Brinton, this isn't just you ripping off the federal government. Now you are talking about killing three people. My girlfriend is an FBI contractor and my father is a federal prisoner in your prison. They will find out it was you…you won't get away with it."
"Yes, I will. Craig and Andrea know people that can get Nancy and me out of the country like they did for Phil."
Confirming his suspicions about his father's flight from justice, Aubrey pushed his emotions aside as he kept Brinton's focus on him. "You think they're going to help you? They somehow got my dad out of the US because he could be of use to them overseas, but you're a different story. Yeah, you can get rid of the three of us, but then Stephenson and his friends will sell you out in a heartbeat."
Seeing Brinton hesitate, Aubrey kept talking. "Killing Jessica, my dad, and me, a federal agent, will get you the death penalty...either from the feds or from your buddy Josip. You'd be better off to give up and take your chances that way...we'll protect you and Nancy."
Aubrey saw his girlfriend wince in pain as she started to come around. "Jess had nothing to do with this. Let her go, please. You can kill me...alright. I'm an FBI agent and I know the risks. A dead agent can't spill the beans...I'm good with that, but just...let her go. She's only doing this because of me, Brinton. She's innocent."
"Shut the hell up, Aubrey…", Jessica muttered as she became more aware of what was happening.
Aubrey kept his focus on Brinton, knowing he would be getting a lecture about independence from his girlfriend later on if they got out of this mess. "Not now, Jessica."
Brinton walked up closer to them, and his hand was shaking harder. He looked at Jessica as she continued to become more alert and his expression grew sad. "I hate to hurt her, Agent Aubrey. She seems to really care about you and she's such a pretty girl…Phil said she's really smart."
"She is really smart, with an IQ of 168, graduating high school when she was 15, earning 2 Bachelor degrees when she was 19 and her Masters when she was 22. She also has an invalid father she's very close to and if she dies, it will kill him." Aubrey threw whatever he could at the man to save his girlfriend. "She's also a good person…protested Trump during the campaign last year and at the Women's March a couple months back, not even caring about getting arrested or losing her job. She also risked her neck while working for Greenpeace to bust companies breaking environmental and animal cruelty laws."
Brinton seemed to soften but he suddenly hardened again. "Yeah, but she's also some Mensa genius who works with Agent Booth's wife. She probably has a fabulous memory, and she'll tell the authorities everything she knows. I can't let her live. I'm sorry. I'll make it quick for all of you, I promise."
Aubrey saw Brinton point the gun at Jessica and he instinctively jumped, ignoring the pain in his back. Slamming the portly man down, the two wrestled for the gun until it fell out of their hands and slid away. The two rolled around on the floor until Aubrey hit his head on another table leg. Stunned, he was helpless as Brinton picked up a curling stone, ready to bash his head in.
However, before Brinton could follow through, two gunshots were fired, one hitting the warden between the eyes and the other square in his chest. He went still and silent before falling down heavily next to the agent. Aubrey didn't need to check for a pulse as it was obvious the man was deceased.
Scrambling to get up, Aubrey saw his girlfriend holding the gun in her shaking hands, her shocked expression locked on the dead man in front of her. As he moved over to her, Booth burst into the room. He gasped loudly when he saw Brinton lying still on the floor with his eyes still open, Aubrey's father seriously wounded, and Aubrey quietly talking to Jessica as she held a gun.
"Mother of God…"
Gathering himself, Aubrey pulled his phone out of his pocket, which, miraculously, was still working after his struggle, and dialed 911. "This is Agent James Aubrey of the FBI. I need a bus here at 1276 Mountain View Lane...yeah, the arena. I've got one man dead and another…" The agent glanced at his father, who had a large blood stain on his chest. "...in critical condition."
As Aubrey made his phone call, Booth made one of his own. "Bones, get a couple of those agents in the store room by the restrooms...I found Aubrey and Jessica...what? Okay I'll be there as soon as I can. Aubrey's dad is seriously hurt."
Both men ended their calls and jumped into action. As Booth put his hands on Philip's chest in an attempt to stop the flow of blood from his wounds, the younger agent put his focus on his girlfriend, who merely stared at the dead warden with the gun still in her hand. "Jess, Honey, give me the gun…"
Jessica continued to stare at Brinton's body. "He was going to kill you…he was going to crush your skull and beat you to death..."
"But he didn't...you saved me, Jessica." Aubrey felt sick but knew he had to get her to focus on him or else she would go into shock. Rubbing her hands, he gently took the weapon from her and laid it where no one could get to it. "Honey, you saved my ass...Jessica, look at me."
Turning her head, she was almost white. "He was going to kill you, Aubrey. Grandpa always said if it's down to you or them, take them down immediately…"
"Your grandfather was a smart man.", Aubrey replied as two paramedics raced into the room, followed by two men wearing FBI windbreakers.
When the paramedics took over, Booth stood up, wiping the blood on his hands onto his shirt. "Aubrey, Bones said she saw Stephenson by the stage so I'm heading out to get that asshole. Have you got this?" Booth nodded towards Jessica.
"Yeah, we're good." Another paramedic came in and indicated for the two to come with her. Gently, he prodded Jessica to stand up and held onto her as they followed her out. "Just get that fucker and I'll take care of Jessica."
/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/
"That's it. That's what happened.", Jessica said quietly.
Agent Roden nodded as she finished her notes. "Well, my partner is talking to Agent Aubrey right now, and Mr. Aubrey makes it through surgery, he hopefully will also be able to give testimony. However, from what I can tell, it was self defense, Ms. Warren. Sounds like you saved your boyfriend's life and his father's life as well."
"Thank you.", Jessica gulped softly. "Can I see Aubrey now?"
"We'll send him in when we're done talking to him." The agent got up and opened the door, only to see Aubrey standing there waiting with her brothers.
As the woman walked away, Aubrey indicated for the three brothers to go in first, but he was refused. "Guys…"
"G-Man, go see her first. It's okay.", Aaron said.
"Thank you." Aubrey rushed over and gently hugged his girlfriend. "Jess, are you alright?"
"Yeah, Superman. My knee is banged up and I got 12 stitches right here…" Jessica pointed to her scalp laceration. "I've also got another concussion, so I have to stay here overnight, but I'm fine…just probably shouldn't play football anytime soon."
As Aubrey continued to rub her shoulder, Jessica's brave front ebbed away and she finally broke down. "I was so scared…I thought we were going to die..."
Aubrey held her tighter, mindful of her head as she cried. "I know. So was I…but we didn't, Jessica. Brinton or any of those people can't hurt us anymore."
After purging herself, Jessica wiped her eyes and pulled back so she could look at her boyfriend. "How's your dad?"
Aubrey glanced away, studying his nails as he exhaled deeply. "He's still in surgery. Touch and go from the sound of it."
Jessica combed the silvery hairs at Aubrey's temple tenderly. "I'm sorry, Aubrey."
"I'm not." Aubrey's voice grew cold. "I don't want him dead, but he's…"
"He's still your father, Aubrey. He saved your life."
The agent held back his anger. "He said...he didn't care what happened to you. He didn't care if they killed you. The woman I love...he didn't give a shit if you died. No matter what happens, he's dead to me now."
Jessica merely nodded in understanding. The two sat quietly for several minutes until there was a knock on the door, followed by Booth and Brennan's greeting. "Hey guys...how are you doing?"
"Okay now." Aubrey cleared his throat. "Find anything out, Booth?"
"All of them are being taken to Clarksburg and they'll be waiting for us when Bones and I get there. We'll talk to Craigie's buddies first to see what they have to say before we talk to him. We can hold him up to 72 hours, so we might wait until we get back to DC so he can stir a bit."
"You need to go, Aubrey.", Jessica said quietly.
"No, my place is here with you, Jessica.", Aubrey protested but he was cut off by a gesture from her small hand.
"Aubrey, we need answers. We'll get them quicker if you help them at the FBI." Caressing his cheek, she continued. "I'll be fine."
"Jess…"
"Hey, I saw a little red in my hair earlier, so I'll be a redhead again soon. I know how much you love my red hair." Jessica looked down at her nails. "Aubrey, we need answers...please help get them."
Finally convinced, he gently kissed her cheek. "Okay, your brothers are outside so they can sit with you for a while. However, I'm coming right back here...and I'm using the siren."
"You do that." Jessica giggled softly before whispering in his ear. "When we get home, after I get the okay to wash my hair again, we'll have a celebratory washing the brown dye out of my hair."
"I'm looking forward to it." Aubrey kissed the top of her head. "I'll be back as soon as I can. I'll let your brothers in."
Jessica rolled her eyes. "Okay...but if they hover, I'm blaming you."
As the three left, Jack, Aaron, and Stephan walked in. "Hey, troublemaker. You know there are better ways to get our attention, right?", Jack cracked.
Jessica shrugged her shoulders. "What can I say? I miss my brothers."
Aaron sat in the chair next to her. "Kiddo, Aubrey told us what happened."
Jessica exhaled. "Yeah...I didn't want to, but that Brinton was going to bash Aubrey's head in if I didn't...and his father was dying…then he would have killed me..."
Stephan patted her shoulder. "Honey, we know you did nothing wrong. You saved Aubrey and his dad, and that's all that matters."
"Yeah, if it wasn't for what you did, all three of you, and possibly Booth and Dr. B would be dead, too.", Jack said quietly. "You stepped up like you always do and saved everyone."
Jessica shook her head, unable to get the image of the warden lying dead on the floor out of her head. "I am no hero…"
"Yes, you are." Stephan pet her shoulder. "We're just glad you're alright, Jessie. When Aubrey called us earlier and told us to get here because you were in the hospital, we were so scared."
"You guys didn't yell at him, did you?", Jessica whispered. "He couldn't tell you what happened until he talked to the FBI."
"We might have been a little pissed when we found out you were working undercover…", Stephan replied.
"Aubrey and I fought about it for several days and he did try to stop me…"
"But Tornado Jessica persevered over the G-Man. We understand.", Jack cracked. "We like Aubrey and want to keep him around because who else will put up with you?"
The guys chuckled as Jessica gave her brother a dirty look until Aaron cleared his throat. "When you get home, after Nadia gives you a lecture, we're having a celebration for you. Dad will want to see you in one piece, too…"
"Please don't throw me a party…", Jessica groaned. "I'm really tired guys…Aubrey hates that shit, too. We just want to go home to our quiet house and Skinner. He's probably really pissed we've been gone."
"So she wants her kitty cat but not her brothers...", Stephan butted in with a smirk. "You're getting a party, Jessie. We'll keep it low key, I promise...and have plenty of food to keep G-Man occupied and happy."
"Fine." Jessica exhaled. "Has anyone called Mom or Dad yet?"
"No.", Jack responded. "Dad can't visit here anyway and we didn't want him to worry."
"As for Mom, that's your call. We can do it or you can when you're ready."
The intern sighed. "You can call both of them. Tell Dad I'll visit him Saturday like always and I'll call him as soon as we get back to DC. Mom...wait until I leave here, please. I can't...not right now."
"Got it.", Aaron replied. "Now, about your nieces and nephews..."
"Always a good thing to talk about." Jessica smiled, happy for the change in subject until she made a realization. "Nephews...are you saying…"
Aaron smirked. "Yeah, we didn't want to wait any longer to find out, so we had the ultrasound done Friday afternoon. You have a nephew due May 16th."
"Right after my birthday...so cool…"
"Niki thought it was, too. He's stoked because now it's three guys with three girls.", Jack quipped to everyone's laughter.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
The drive to Clarksburg was a quiet one except for work conversation. Sensing that he needed to talk, Booth finally asked the sixty dollar question. "Any news on your dad?"
Aubrey continued to look out the window. "Still in surgery when we left. The bullet missed his spine by 6 millimeters and pierced his lung and superior vena cava."
"That's a very serious injury, Aubrey.", Brennan said. "The superior vena cava returns deoxidized blood to his heart. He could have died of exsanguination before reaching the hospital."
"I know…the doctor said Booth pushing down on his chest slowed down the blood loss."
Booth could see his friend was struggling. "If you need anything Aubrey, let us know."
"I'm good, but thanks." Aubrey cleared his throat. "So, how much longer to Clarksburg?"
Booth knew to end the line of conversation. "Twenty miles."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
After her brothers left so she could get some rest, Jessica sat in her bed for the next few minutes, contemplating the events of the last 12 hours. When Aubrey took her to the gun range last week, neither anticipated what would happen. Aubrey was the law enforcement agent, not her. He was the one trained to take down bad guys…
But she was the one who'd killed Warden Brinton.
It was only a few seconds but at the time it had felt like an eternity. Aubrey jumping at the man's gun when it was pointed at her, the two men struggling, seeing the older man holding a curling stone with the obvious intent to bash her lover's head in...finding the gun lying near her and aiming it at his head before firing two shots with deadly accuracy.
Tears began to fall as the enormity of what she had done sank in. Unashamed as she wiped away tears, she didn't hear her door open until a woman reached her bed. Looking up, her mixed emotions turned to anger when she recognized the person dressed in hospital scrubs and a skull cap.
"What are you doing here, Hannah? You're not supposed to be here. There's supposed to be an FBI agent outside my door and she wouldn't have let you in."
"I apologize for the ruse, but I've come to get an interview with you and I keep getting turned away, including by those brothers of yours." Hannah pulled out her digital recorder. "I want to do a whole series on this case, including all that happened this weekend."
"I'm sure the FBI will be doing a press conference, soon and you'll get the full story. Now, I would like to get some sleep."
"No way, not without talking to the star of the show. I can't get any information about Philip Aubrey but rumor has it he was shot by the warden of his prison who was then shot dead himself."
Jessica merely crossed her arms and glared at the blonde. "I don't know. Now if you don't mind, it's been a long day and I'm tired-"
Hannah advanced closer. "Rumor also has it it was you that shot him, not an FBI agent. You must have been so scared-"
The intern felt sick as the images replayed in her mind again. "I'm not giving you the inside scoop, Ms. Burley. Now, leave my room."
"Hopefully, Agent Aubrey will be back here soon. I want his perspective on his criminal father almost dying and his feelings about having had to not only investigate him, but also be involved in his arrest. That has to be difficult for him."
"LEAVE AUBREY ALONE!", Jessica yelled. "Don't you have any feelings or compassion for people? What kind of monster are you?"
Hannah stiffened. "I'm no monster, Ms. Warren. I simply believe in informing the public of what's going on in their world-"
"No you don't. You're just a cold hearted bitch wanting a scoop for the fame and to be as respected as Cronkite or the other famous reporters, but you're nothing like them." Jessica carefully pushed her call button. "No wonder Agent Booth wants nothing to do with you. Dr. B has not only scruples, but the respect you'll never have."
Jessica's words struck a nerve, but the blonde tightened her smile. "I'm going to get this story, Ms. Warren, with or without your cooperation."
"Feel free to get the story, but you're getting nothing from me and if you report one wrong thing, I'll sue your ass. I have enough money to make life very difficult for you for years." The nurse came into the room, followed by Agent Roden, obviously surprised at the identity of Jessica's visitor. "This woman is harassing me. I don't want her visiting me anymore."
The female agent walked up and took Hannah by the arm and pulled her out of the room. "You've been warned, Burley. Come with me so we can have a chat about breaching FBI security. Then I'll be making a phone call not only to your boss but also to Agent Booth and the FBI Press Office."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
It was only 45 minutes south to Clarksburg, but to Aubrey it felt like the trip took an eternity. He didn't want to leave his girlfriend, but he also had a job to do. She was safe in the hospital a short distance away from West Virginia University. He and Booth would tear these folks apart and then he would go back to stay with her that evening.
According to the phone call he'd made a few minutes ago, Philip Aubrey was still in surgery. While he was grateful for his father's selfless act, which had saved his life, he couldn't ignore everything else the man had done. He was feeling so many things right now, but as they pulled up to a nondescript building on Pike Street, he put his game face on.
As the three entered the Clarksburg FBI Resident Agency, the agent turned to his friend and his wife. "So how are we doing this?"
"Bones and I will take one, you and another agent will take another, and we have other agents who will question whomever is left over."
"I wish we had our people, Booth. They know the case inside and out." Aubrey pushed the button to the second floor.
Booth nodded in agreement. "I do too, Aubrey. Genny could tear apart any of those assholes with ease."
Aubrey shrugged. "Hell, I would even settle for Bower."
"Can we ask for them to come, Booth?", Brennan asked.
"It's a three hour drive, Bones. I can't ask them to do that. There's good agents here at the Clarksburg office." Booth replied.
When the care stopped on the second floor, there was a ding before the doors opened and the three followed the signs to the bullpen. When they arrived, they were surprised to see Genny chatting with the other agents.
"Genny...what…", Aubrey stammered.
The pregnant woman sat on the corner of the desk. "Agent Dingell asked me to come here to help with interrogations since I know the case so well."
"Genny, you can't go into an interrogation room-" Booth chimed in but was cut short.
"I can if the suspect is handcuffed and leg chained." Genny crossed her arms and glared at the men, daring them to argue with her. "Boss, I always follow policy. You know that, but I know this case, and you need me."
"Aubrey, I assisted Booth in questioning suspects while pregnant with Christine-"
Booth turned to his wife. "Yeah, I remember Bones and I'm still not happy about that. It was dangerous and if anyone hurt you or the baby..."
"Booth-"
Genny interrupted, holding her hand up to get their attention. "I got Stark's permission...reluctantly, by using Dr. Brennan's name, and with the caveat that the suspect was secured and I wouldn't be alone."
"How does Hunter feel about this?" Booth crossed his arms and glared at her.
"Not happy, of course, but he understands why I have to do this." Genny looked back at both men. "Any other objections I can shoot down?"
Realizing he wouldn't win, Aubrey nodded. "Okay, Booth, who do you and Dr. B want?"
"We'll take Higgins and Stephans." Booth put his hands on his hips. "You two take Andrea Clark and Mr. Attorney General. After that we'll decide on who talks to Stephanson."
"Sounds good."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
"Tax fraud is a nasty thing, Andrea, especially for a woman like yourself. I mean, founder of a prominent business, pillar of the community." Genny looked at the file and shook her head. "I have to ask...why?"
"I didn't know they were actual prisoners. Craig said they were part of a 'transition to work' program Lawrence created for soon to be released convicts."
"Tell us about Josip, Andrea." Aubrey sat back in his chair, expressionless as he continued. "How did you all get acquainted with Josip and the Drakulic family?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, Agent. I've never met him before." Andrea's hands were clenched tightly until her knuckles were white. "I'm not a stupid woman. Any involvement with those...people was something I had nothing to do with."
"Witnesses saw you, your husband, Higgins, and Stephans talking to Josip at the arena right before Agent Aubrey and his girlfriend were almost murdered." Genny read from the file. "Thirteen people to be exact. You're either lying or all those people are blind. Which is it?"
Andrea leaned forward, her eyes blazing. "My husband is the fucking Attorney General of this state. You think I would risk his stature and his career by associating with those hoodlums?"
Genny flipped through the pages. "Your company Histavark did business with CEP, and the Drakulics own a large percentage of that company..."
"So we did business with a company in Croatia. Big deal. It was a profitable partnership. How were we supposed to know they were criminals?"
Aubrey pulled out another file and whistled. "You live in Cheat Lake...says here that's a very expensive neighborhood to live in. Seems you have expensive tastes as well."
"Todd and I are very successful, as was my family, Agent Aubrey. We enjoy our lives."
Genny read another file. "...and you enjoy alcohol, Ms. Clark. According to your credit card receipts, you're particularly fond of red wine."
Aubrey smiled as the woman stewed in irritation. "How did Philip Aubrey get out of the country in 1997? Brinton told me right before he died you all helped him run to Croatia."
"Lawrence lied to you. He was always trying to be more than he actually was. The last time I saw your father was in like, 1985. I didn't know he headed CEP. We knew the CEO as Phil Silvers. We never met him." Andrea sat back in her chair. "With that, I'm not saying another word without my attorney. Phone, please?"
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
"Smuggling...tax fraud...drug trafficking..." Booth closed the file. "This is some nasty stuff, John."
"This is absolutely ridiculous.", Higgins hissed. "We owned a share in the arena because we wanted to bring curling to Morgantown. We trusted that our investment was following all laws, Agent Booth."
"You didn't know anything about the drug and smuggling ring in your arena?", Brennan asked. "That's quite surprising, considering how much time you spend there."
"Of course not.", the older man scoffed. "We are a stock investment firm with several diverse interests, not...drug dealers. Those people are scum."
"It interests me that computer parts from Maxco were in those curling stones. Know anything about that?"
"No. I told you we were not involved in the day to day operations."
"You didn't know about Brinton's prisoners working in your arena?" Brennan chimed in.
"Brinton said they were recently released prisoners in rehabilitation. We at Histavark felt that investing in their futures served the city of Morgantown more than turning our backs on these men."
"And also in cheap labor." Booth shut a file. "It seems you're known as a penny pincher, John. Not liking to spend money on anything...unless it's for yourself, that is."
"I don't believe in throwing money away."
"You knew nothing about a drug and smuggling ring involving the Croatian Mafia operating in your arena but you knew about the workers there?", Brennan asked.
Higgins sat back and smiled as he played his trump card. "You're a bestselling novelist, Dr. Brennan. Are you aware of every investment you have? Of all that your publicist does for you?"
Booth saw his wife look at the man with disdain and held back his laugh. 'Bones is going to rip him up.'
"Of course I'm aware of every investment I have, Mr. Higgins. I bring in a lucrative income from my position at the Jeffersonian, my contract with the FBI as well as my novels and believe in protecting my investments. I'm also married with three children and want to make sure my family is taken care of should something happen to me. I find it hard to believe that a successful businessman such as yourself are not as informed."
Glaring at her, the man turned to Booth. "I want my lawyer."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
"My wife and I are NOT criminals!", Todd Winters sputtered. "I'm the Attorney General for this state, for crying out loud!"
"John Mitchell was an Attorney General, too, Mr. Winters, and look what he did.", Aubrey replied with sarcasm.
"I'm not even going to dignify that comment with a response, Agent." Todd focused on his nails. "I uphold the laws of West Virginia, not break them."
Genny grabbed another file and read through it. "Tell us about Trooper Reedson."
The man had a bored expression on his face. "Who?"
Aubrey stared down the arrogant man. "The State Trooper who was working undercover to bust the drug ring operating out of the arena your wife's company owns. She was last seen at the arena March 18th, 2016, and then she was found dead a few weeks later about three miles away from where the body of Louis Vacchio, the SEC agent who was investigating Histavark, was found in Virginia."
"You work with the State Police and would know about undercover operations...", Genny commented.
"...and are friends with the corporal who oversees those operations." Aubrey smiled. "See, we think you found out about the drug ring investigation and let your wife know, who let her business partners know, and someone ordered that cop's murder. Conspiracy to commit murder against a police officer is a serious offense. Crossing the state line into Virginia to get rid of her remains makes it a federal crime, which could get you the death penalty. You, of all people, should know that, Todd."
Todd shook his head sullenly. "I'm exercising my right to ask for an attorney."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
"So, it seems that you enjoy working with family. Business relationship with his company...own an arena together...involved with a drug and computer parts smuggling operation with the Croatian Mafia…", Booth said.
Alex Stephens sat back in his chair. "I don't know what Craig does when I'm not around. He sometimes can be a nasty little shit."
Booth smirked. "Well, your little shit cousin was friends with the Croatian mafia and you were seen talking to Josip Drakulic at the bonspiel."
"The man walked up to us and asked where the restrooms where. He probably heard we own the facility."
Brennan leaned forward. "Mr. Stephens, you're saying that instead of asking one of the attendants selling junk food to patrons or even someone at the concession stand, a Croatian National unfamiliar with the Morgantown area asked you of all people where the facilities were?"
"Yes."
Booth looked at the suspect for a moment. "How did Philip Aubrey get out of the country twenty years ago?"
"I have no idea."
"Brinton told Aubrey, Jessica Warren, and Philip Aubrey that you all could get he and his wife out of the country after he murdered the three to save his skin. Why would he say that to people who were going to be killed if it wasn't true?" Booth asked.
"Larry tried to be important, but he was just a hanger on who only associated with us because Andrea's cousin is his wife. He probably said that to save his own ass." Stephens picked lint from his sleeve. "I don't deny I knew Phil Aubrey, but I haven't been in contact with him for several years. If he would have come to me for help in running away from his trial, I would've called the police immediately."
"Sure, sure…", Booth said. "So do you have an explanation for how prisoners from Hazelton came to work in your arena?"
"Larry referred them from what he said was a program for recently released criminals to turn their lives around. He was our friend and we trusted him."
"So he was a hanger on but also your friend?" Booth nodded. "Interesting."
"Explain the fact that instead of the twelve employees listed on your payroll roster, you had 24 people, all prisoners from Hazelton." Brennan clasped her hands and waited.
"I'm done with this farce. I want my attorney."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Coming out of the interrogation room, a frustrated Booth and Brennan were met by an equally frustrated Aubrey and Genny. "Yours want attorneys, too?"
"Yep." Genny crossed her arms over her chest and sighed audibly. "What I don't get is why these people got involved with the Croatians in the first place. They had to know how stupid that would be if they got caught."
"Extortion?", Brennan asked.
"Possibly...or the money was too good to give up. However, extortion might explain Harold Maxwell's involvement. I don't see him being stupid enough to get involved with these guys voluntarily."
"We should call and get a warrant for Stephenson's house, Booth...his office...any other property he has. The others, too.", Aubrey said. "I think he's up to his neck in this shit."
"I'll call Caroline." Booth got his phone and dialed the US Attorney as he walked away. "Hey Caroline…"
Genny considered her words for a moment. "Boss, would you like me to call the hospital and get an update on your father?"
Aubrey choked on his words, unable to answer. Brennan could see his difficulty and jumped in. "I'll call and see if he can be questioned. I think he may have some answers we need."
"We should talk to my dad before talking to Stephenson.", Aubrey replied as Booth came back. "So, what does Caroline think?"
"She's tracking down a judge right now." Booth watched his wife finish her call and frowned at her unhappy expression. "Something wrong, Bones?"
"No...not really." Brennan put her phone in her pocket. "Your father is out of surgery but the doctor said he could not be questioned until tomorrow."
"Great...we need answers now, damn it." Aubrey kicked the carpet in frustration.
"We'll get them, Aubrey, after we get everyone back to DC. I'm tired of West Virginia." Booth looked at the time. "Damn, it's late. Why don't you get back to be with Jessica? When she's released you two can come back with us in the morning or go separately."
"What about you three?"
"Brian offered to put us up at his house tonight. Since we got our bags from the hotel, we have clothes. Genny is staying with us, too. I think we'll take everyone back to DC and we can talk to Craigie there. Let the asshole stew for a while."
"Are you sure?", Aubrey asked.
Booth waved his hand. "Yeah, I'm sure. Get out of here. You and Jessica had the worst day ever and I'm sure she'll be happy to see you."
"Okay, thanks."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
An hour later, Aubrey pulled into the parking lot of JW Ruby Hospital located on the campus of West Virginia University. He was grateful for the outstanding care Jessica had been receiving as well as the swift removal of Hannah Burley from the hospital after she had sneaked into Jessica's room in spite of being warned to stay away. He was pissed to get the phone call from Agent Roden but after talking to Booth, the course of action they had decided upon eased his mind.
Hannah Burley wouldn't be bothering Jessica for a scoop ever again.
Heading up to the 3rd floor, he greeted the nurses on duty, all new ones than before he left. Of course, it was now after midnight and they'd probably had shift change. However, when he got to Jessica's room, what he didn't see alarmed him. Rushing inside, he hit the light only to see an empty bed. Panicked, he ran back to the nurses station.
"Jessica Warren, where is she? She's not in her room! Where's the agent who's supposed to be outside her door?"
One of the nurses stepped up. "She's gone, Agent Aubrey. The agent on duty is upstairs with the agent guarding your father."
"What do you mean gone?"
"She checked herself out AMA ninety minutes ago."
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Jessica navigated the Ford Focus she got from the rental agence down I-68, still wiping away tears. She'd turned her phone off because she needed the peace and quiet. She couldn't stand everyone's sympathy and attempts to justify what she had done several hours earlier.
She needed to go home...she needed to think…she needed to go somewhere quiet...by herself. She knew Aubrey wouldn't understand...but she had to do this for her own peace of mind. She had to find some solitude so she could deal with the day's events, even if it meant he was angry with her. She'd explain it to him later...if he was still talking to her, that is...
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
"What do you mean, she checked herself out AMA? Why the hell would she do that? What the hell does AMA even mean?"
"Against Medical Advice, Agent Aubrey. She left against the recommendation of her doctor who wanted her admitted for observation."
"What the fuck was she thinking?" An enraged Aubrey slammed his hand against the desk at the nurse's station. "How could you just let her walk out of here? She has a concussion, okay? Don't you all give a damn about your patients?"
The charge nurse waited until the angry tirade had paused before clearing her throat softly. "I understand your concern, sir. My staff and I tried everything we could to convince Ms. Warren to stay here overnight, but she refused. As an adult in control of her own mental faculties, we couldn't keep her against her will, since her injuries are not considered life threatening. We were informed by Agent Roden that she was no longer required to stand outside her room and was free to leave when ready."
Pulling up a form on her tablet, the nurse handed it to Aubrey. "She signed herself out at 10:30. Her signature here means that she acknowledges that it is against her doctor's orders."
Aubrey was stunned. "But she knew I was coming back to stay with her tonight...wait...this is why she pushed me to leave with Booth…" Glancing at the nurse, he bit his lip as the devastating reality of the situation dawned on him. Had she set him up? Did she really want him gone so she could run away from the hospital...and from him? Unfortunately, he wouldn't know for sure until he found her, but the clues were definitely pointing in that direction.
"I'm sorry for my tantrum, ma'am. I know this mess isn't your fault." He handed her the tablet and shrugged. "Thank you."
He turned and walked down the long corridor towards the elevator, unsure of what to do next. As the elevator reached the ground floor, he got off and stood in the lobby for a few seconds, trying to get his bearings. People were going about their business, bustling to and fro, but he felt completely alone...even more alone than when Jessica had broken up with him all those months ago. At least then he knew she was alright, but now...now who knew where she was or what she was doing? With her concussion, she might be dizzy...incoherent...collapsed in a ditch somewhere...
He tried calling her one more time, but he got her voicemail again. She didn't even want to talk to him…
As he headed towards the lobby's door, he glanced down the hallway off to the side and saw a sign pointing towards the chapel. After pausing slightly, he made his way into the large room and took a seat on one of the back pews. It was so silent...the noise of the busy hospital seemed to disappear behind the stained glass walls. It was so still that it felt like he could hear his own heartbeat. The silence seemed to magnify his loneliness, but he knew he needed a quiet spot to think.
He tried to clear his mind and focus on his next steps...he'd call Booth...maybe get him to put an APB out on Jessica. Yeah, that would show her...and then she'd kick his ass for hovering too much.
But he had every right to hover, didn't he? He loved her...she was injured...they'd both been in a life or death situation just this afternoon...his father...his father was gravely injured and needed surgery...Jessica had killed someone in self defense...justifiable…but still...life changing...
Aubrey's thoughts raced through his mind as he considered the day's events, and suddenly he was completely exhausted. As he slumped against the pew, a sob escaped his lips, and soon he was crying...crying unashamedly as the stress of the day finally got the better of him.
As the tears ran down his face, he swallowed another sob when his phone buzzed to let him know he'd received a text.
HOPE JESSICA IS OKAY...AND YOU TOO. IT WAS A ROUGH DAY. GET SOME REST.
TALK TO YOU TOMORROW AM. BOOTH
Wiping his face with his hand, Aubrey drew a shivering sigh, wondering if he'd ever be okay again.