I had a different idea about Caroline Julian but JAG'ed Bones in the Casckett at suggested I do a continuation of sorts of Chapter 2. Of course, it was genius, so I went with it. Hope everyone likes the results.

Reference: Chapter 2 - Agent Thompson and B & B story 'Silence is Golden'

It was a muggy Tuesday morning as Caroline Julian drove her Gremlin towards the US Attorney's office on 4th St. It was her first day back after visiting her daughter in Massachusetts. As much as she missed her, crime and justice called her name back to D.C. just like it had for the last 32 years.

As she waited at the light at H Street and 6th, she noted that it was over 3000 miles since the last oil change. After she did a mental recall of her calendar for the next two weeks, she made a note to call that cutie pie Wendell Bray. He always did her oil changes for $20.00 while checking everything. When the light turned green, she moved forward before thinking about what Booth told her she missed while gone.

Caroline lamented her dear Aubrey stuck on desk duty due to a sprained ankle. Even more, she felt Booth's frustration at Hacker taking advantage of Deputy Director Stark's absence and assigning that good for nothing Ted Thompson temporary duty with Booth. While a good agent, she didn't like his sexist attitude and his pathetic attempts to pick up anything young and female.

She also had a bone to pick with the agent for his behavior with Jessica Warren and the other female intern from the lab during his temporary duty with Booth. However, she was content to let things lie when Booth told her about Aubrey's squintern beating up the agent in the break room when he wouldn't leave her alone. That last part had her cracking up for several minutes.

"What's that other annoying squintern's name again? It was a flower. Rose? No. Lilly? No….Daisy! That's it."

Turning her fans on full blast, she lamented the fact that her air conditioning didn't work half the time. For years, people told her to update her car, but it was her first car and she wouldn't give it up. It got her to classes at LSU in the worst of times, to begin her career in Washington DC in the best of times, and it was paid off. Yes, it wasn't cheap to repair it after the accident she had, but some things were worth the money.

Besides, people who criticized her car were obviously jealous of her leopard print seats.

Less than thirty minutes later, Caroline grabbed a cup of coffee in the break room before heading to her department's weekly meeting. Going inside, she wasn't surprised to see the newest AUSA in their division, Alyssa Newman, fawning over their unit chief Matthew Thomas.

"Ahhh, the little bonne a rienne is active at all hours of the day," Caroline muttered.

She settled in as her usual spot as her colleagues all came in with their coffee and took their seats. When everyone was settled in, the attorneys started going over their cases.

An hour later, the meeting was adjourned. As Caroline gathered her items to go to her office, she was stopped by her Unit Chief.

"Caroline, I would like Alyssa to be your second on the Goddard case. I think she could gain valuable experience from you and offer new insight."

'Like I'm sure she offers you on her knees, Matt,' Caroline thought. Looking at the young woman, she wasn't born yesterday. She knew the ambitious woman was after her job as liaison to the Homicide/Major Crimes Division of the FBI. Deciding to let the air out of the associate's head, she spoke up.

"Sure, why not? After all, the girl has a lot to learn."

"Good, good." Matthew said before walking out.

The young woman turned to Caroline. "Ms. Julian, I'm honored to have the opportunity—"

"Can it, little porro. We both know you want to replace me as the Major Crimes liaison. However, it ain't happening any time soon, so you might as well stop kissing up to Matthew…and any other parts of him you're kissing."

Alyssa's face turned red. "Well, I—"

"Now, your little coquettish flirting and flashing won't get you anywhere with me. However, if you want to work with me and learn something, you better open your eyes and ears, be ready to move on the quick, and start wearing panties under those too tight skirts."

The young lawyer's eyes bulged wide. "That is none of your—"

"It is my business if you come with me to court. Now, I need more coffee. Be in my office in ten minutes ready to go over the Goddard case."

"Matt—Mr. Thomas and I have already reviewed the case."

Caroline smiled. "You haven't reviewed the case to my satisfaction."

The attorney couldn't hide her smile as the young woman turned beet red before she walked out the door. Relaxing her shoulders, she grabbed her files and coffee cup before heading out.

"Today is going to be a good day."

Ninety minutes later, Caroline was enjoying a well-deserved beignet when she got a phone call. Seeing it was Aubrey, she picked up the phone. "You know better than to call me during my beignet break, Skinny Mullet. Now, what's so important you interrupted my special time?"

The US Attorney listened, her face becoming more horrified as Aubrey talked on the phone. "Cher, when did you find out?"

"Doctor B called as soon as she was arrested, but Booth and I were in Baltimore. He's trying to call in favors to get Jessica processed in time for arraignment in a couple of hours, but they're still dragging their feet down there."

Caroline could hear the fear and helplessness in the young man's voice and knew she had to do something. "Cher, I'm coming right over."

Hanging up the phone, Caroline grabbed her purse and beignet before heading out of her office.

"Today is going to be a bad day." She said to herself.

While driving, she called in a favor to push the paperwork through so Jessica could be arraigned first during the afternoon session. After that, she made another phone call.

"Of course, Caroline. Booth has the checkbook and he'll pay whatever is necessary. I am tempted to find this Agent Thompson and, well, kick his ass myself."

"Take a number, Doctor Brennan. I'll have your husband call you later."

After hanging up, she thought about the young anthropologist. She admittedly had her doubts about Jessica Warren when she first sensed something brewing between her Aubrey and the squintern. However, ever since the bombing she was happy to be proven wrong. The fact that she beat up that sexist pig Ted Thompson made the redhead even more special in her eyes.

Now, that young woman was in jail charged with assaulting a federal agent. As far as Caroline was concerned, Agent Thompson needed to be squashed like the bug he was. No woman should be punished for defending herself.

As she arrived at the Hoover, she got the phone call she was waiting on to hear who had the case. When she heard the name, she growled to herself before ending the call.

"Why am I not surprised?" She muttered as she got to the elevator.

Almost ninety minutes later, Caroline and Aubrey were with Booth when he posted the squintern's bail. The three then waited a short time in the pickup area when the door opened. A pale Jessica came out holding her items taken in an envelope.

The attorney watched as the anthropologist ran into Aubrey's arms and they held on for dear life. Suddenly, Caroline felt guilt over the background check she had the agent do several months earlier as it was obvious that the two loved each other very much. While the young woman had done some daring things in her past, she never went to jail and couldn't even imagine how terrified she must be right now.

"It's okay, Jess." Aubrey said as he pet her hair and held her as she cried.

"No it's not, Superman. He had me arrested at the lab for assaulting a federal officer. This could ruin my career. I just wanted him to leave me alone!"

"Don't worry, Jessica. We're going to straighten this out." Booth said. "Come on. We're heading back to the Hoover."

"Yes Child, we will straighten Agent Thompson out." Caroline said.

A short time later, the four returned to the 4th floor with Caroline holding a copy of the arrest reports and statements. By now, the Homicide/Major Crimes Division heard what went down with Agent Thompson and Jessica's arrest during the morning. A few colleagues stopped to ask the young woman how she was doing, but Caroline could see the toll the morning took on her.

"Cher, why don't you two go into your office for a while, okay?" The attorney said to Aubrey.

"Good idea. Come on Jess." The agent said before taking his girlfriend's hand and leading her along.

They were two yards away when they stopped. "Booth—"

"Don't worry about the case, Aubrey. You're needed elsewhere." Booth said. When the couple disappeared, the agent started to pace. "That son of a bitch!"

"Did you track down Agent Thompson?" Caroline said. "Over my dead body is that girl going to jail for trying to protect herself."

"He's currently unavailable as he's with HR and then he has to get a recheck with Medical since his injuries are 'work related.'" Booth said with quotations at the last two words.

"His nose can wait. Call Human Resources and tell them I want him up here after his meeting. If they balk, I'll go down there and drag that sorry piece of crap up here. I don't like agents who waste my time, Cher."

"You got it, Caroline." Booth said, a look of relief on his face.

"Now, I need coffee while I go over the arrest report and your scrawny partner better not have eaten all the donuts again. I'll see you in the conference room."

Booth smiled before walking towards his office. Caroline headed to the break room, grabbed some coffee and the last donut, and walked back towards the conference room. As she walked by Aubrey's office, she noted he pulled the blinds down for privacy.

"Good boy."

Thirty minutes later, Caroline finished the file as she was in the conference room and looked up to speak with Aubrey, Jessica, and Booth. "While breaking his nose with your knee could be seen as excessive, the fact he followed you to work and around here screams sexual harassment. The government doesn't have a case. I sure as hell wouldn't push this case."

The attorney turned to Booth. "Cher, when does that other squintern get here?"

"Daisy had to drop Lance off at the Jeffersonian Day Care, so she should be here any minute," Booth said before looking out the window. "Speak of the devil."

Daisy jogged through the bullpen, almost knocking over an agent before entering the conference room. When she entered, she immediately went to her friend. "Jessica are you all right? I can't believe that prickburger Thompson had you arrested. Where is he now?"

"At HR, but should be here anytime."

"Enough with the squintern chit chat." Caroline said. "Now Ms. Wick, what did he do with you?"

Daisy sat down in a chair. "A couple weeks ago we were both at the scene of the Snyder case. He kept following me around, asking how my life was with a son, my social life, how I was too pretty to be working for the FBI, and flirted with me, but it was so gross. Then he asked for my phone number. I couldn't believe he thought I was interested. All I did was look at him and walk away."

Daisy giggled. "However, I heard Oliver, I mean Doctor Wells, tell him, 'Back off troglodyte. She's not for you.'"

"I still can't believe Oliver said that. He likes you, Daisy…a lot." Jessica said, her first laugh in several hours.

"I told you, Jessica there's no way in hell I will date that man. He's insufferable, arrogant, and snotty. At least Aubrey was cute when he would come by the lab after the Hayes Robertson case. Everyone could tell he had a crush on you-"

"Enough!" Caroline said, ignoring the agent whose ears and cheeks turned red. "You two gossip about boys and whatever else you two talk about later. Hear me?"

"Yes, Ms. Julian." Jessica and Daisy said together.

"Good," Caroline said before she saw Booth biting his lip. "Now what do you think is so funny, Seeley Booth? I've got stories about you and your doctor that would put these two to shame."

"Nothing." Booth said.

"I thought so." Caroline said.

The US Attorney had finished speaking when she turned and saw the man in question enter the bullpen with the AUSA assigned to the case. She smiled brightly when she noted the injured agent's face and limp.

"Ginger squintern, I am impressed. You kicked that crapeau's ass. Getting this bon rien will almost make up for cutting into my beignet time."

A few seconds later, Agent Thompson entered with AUSA Alyssa Newman, who had a look of surprise.

"Ms. Julian, I wasn't expecting to see you here. I was under the impression I would be speaking to Agent Aubrey and Booth before interviewing Ms. Warren in holding as she awaited bail."

"My wife and I posted Jessica's bail at arraignment." Booth said in a hostile tone.

"You didn't expect me? You should have," Caroline said before indicating to Jessica and Daisy. "I was just having the most enlightening chat with these two intelligent ladies. They had some interesting things to say about your Agent Thompson here."

"Asking for a phone number and being persistent does not justify Ms. Warren assaulting a federal agent. That's not something I take lightly," Alyssa said.

"No, you shouldn't. Nor should you blow off the two eyewitnesses to the incident, Agents Booth and Aubrey," Caroline replied saucily.

Alyssa's back straightened. "I won't, but the word of the defendant's boyfriend and his boss, who happens to be the husband of Ms. Warren's immediate boss, doesn't hold as much weight as say, an independent witness. Criminal Law 101, Ms. Julian."

"Maybe talking to this young woman may help." Caroline said as she indicated Daisy. "Ms. Wick is also an intern at the Jeffersonian and his attentions were unwanted as well. Proper questioning when determining whether to press charges against a defendant is also Criminal Law 101, Ms. Newman."

"Well, I will talk to her—"

"Also, the head of the lab, Doctor Camille Saroyan is willing to stipulate that the plaintiff hounded the defendant at her place of work asking for a date multiple times, even after she stated she had a boyfriend and was not interested. I'm sure we can get ahold of Doctor Oliver Wells and ask what he saw when you were trying to charm Ms. Wick here."

"Jessica Warren assaulted me here in this building. Let's not forget that," Agent Thompson said. "I don't have time to be PC all the time, particularly to oversensitive, prissy bitches like those two over there."

"You son of a—"Aubrey said while standing up on his still sore ankle.

"Sit down, Agent Aubrey!" Caroline said forcefully. She needed her Skinny Mullet to keep his cool, even with the bag of shit in front of her and heard Booth whisper, 'Settle down, Aubrey. You're not helping Jessica right now.'

However, it was Jessica's hand Caroline saw rubbing up and down Aubrey's right arm that that seemed to get through. When the young man sat down, Caroline stared down the agent and AUSA.

"Ms. Wick, please describe your interactions with Agent Thompson for the last couple of weeks."

When Daisy repeated her experiences, Caroline turned to Jessica. "Ms. Warren, tell the nice US Attorney what happened the night you hit Agent Thompson and what happened this morning."

Jessica took a breath. "I came here to pick up my boyfriend—Agent Aubrey around 7:00 PM because he injured his ankle several days ago. When I got here, I knew he was in a meeting with Agent Booth, so I stopped in the break room to snag a bottle of water and a bag of chips on my way to wait in his office. I was bending down in the refrigerator when he said, and I quote, 'I knew you couldn't stay away.'"

Caroline listened as the intern recalled the events five days earlier. She was positive she saw a quick smirk on the agent's face before he contorted in pain to her delight. Her inner giddiness changed when she heard about Jessica's arrest.

"I was rearticulating a skeleton when two agents came in and told me I was under arrest. I was read my rights as I was handcuffed and practically dragged me out of there. Doctor B and Doctor Saroyan said they would get Aubrey and Agent Booth down there as soon as possible. Of course, they didn't know the two in Baltimore questioning a witness."

"No, they didn't, Child, but I think Agent Thompson here did," Caroline said as she opened the file. "I know when these two left the building because I was talking to Agent Booth when they got on the road. According to this report, Agent Thompson reported the assault less than ten minutes later."

The seasoned lawyer looked up to see two very angry FBI agents staring down Agent Thompson and a young US Attorney turning a sickly pale before turning back to the agents. "Agent Booth, tell us what you saw the night of the incident."

"Agent Aubrey and I were walking to the break room when we saw Agent Thompson talking to Ms. Warren. A second later, we heard her tell him to leave her alone or she would hit him to get away if needed. He instead walked closer and grabbed her hand. Quickly, Ms. Warren kneed him in the groin before using her knee on his nose. It was all self-defense, Ms. Newman and I will testify to that in court. My wife may be her mentor, but I'm not going to perjure myself so Bones can keep her intern."

"Bones?"

"Doctor Temperance Brennan, his wife." Caroline said before turning towards the two squinterns and spoke.

"Ladies, you have the right to file sexual harassment charges against this agent since you were working as contractors for the FBI. I would recommend it for both of you so Agent Thompson can't railroad Ms. Warren."

The US Attorney held back her smirk as she saw she had the young lawyer internally debating. "The defense will also love it when the assault goes to trial, wouldn't you say, Alyssa?"

"No, because there won't be a trial. I'm moving to have the charges dropped immediately."

"What! You can't do that?" Agent Thompson bellowed. "She broke my fucking nose and it hurts when I piss. She assaulted me."

Alyssa turned to the agent. "After you cornered Ms. Warren after several threats to leave her alone. You touching her hand could be construed as battery which gives her the right to defend herself."

Pointing to Aubrey and Booth, she continued, "These two agents witnessed the incident…"

Finally indicating Daisy, she finished with, "…and you clearly exhibited the same behavior with this intern a short time before. Technically, Ms. Warren could file charges against you."

"But—"

"Drop it, Teddy. You aren't going to win," Booth said before turning to the squinterns. "Ladies, do you want to report instances of sexual harassment?"

"Hell, yes." Jessica and Daisy said at the same time.

Booth turned back to Agent Thompson. "Now, I was originally going to send you to the mandatory sexual harassment training and put a note in your jacket. Since this incident I felt more action was necessary. So when we returned from bailing out Jessica, I called and scheduled a hearing tomorrow where I'm going to recommend a minimum suspension of 90 days without pay along with the seminars. Also, you will be transferred out of this unit immediately. Aubrey?"

Aubrey slid a slim folder down the table. "Here is your new assignment. Start date is to be determined based on what is decided at the hearing tomorrow."

Agent Thompson slowly opened the folder and his eyes bulged. "Are you fucking kidding me? The Marquette, Michigan satellite office?"

"The U.P. is a lovely place…but the winters are a bitch." Jessica said. "Did you know there's only roughly 330,000 people up there while roughly 10 million live in the Lower Peninsula?"

"This is bull."

"No, this is called handing you your ass on a platter, Agent." Caroline said. "Keep your hands and your mouth to yourself next time."

A few seconds later, the attorney watched with glee as the agent stormed out, followed by her colleague. Turning to the group, she spoke up.

"You all owe me a beignet."

The last few hours of her day was spent at her office going over cases. At 6:00 PM, Marcellus and Keith Hunter showed up for their study session. As it was winding down, there was a knock at the door. Looking up, Caroline was surprised to see Alyssa Newman.

"Boys, I think we can stop tonight. You both did really well."

"Thanks, Ms. Julian." Marcellus said.

"We'll wait out in the lobby for you." Keith said.

"Boys, I will be fine." Caroline said, but she knew their weekly battle was lost.

"Ms. Julian, we go through this every week," Keith said. "You tutor us here in your office, we walk you to your car at night.

Caroline secretly loved how these boys were protective of her. "Oh fine. I'll see you there in a few minutes."

When the boys walked out, Caroline put her game face on. "Shut the door, young lady."

Alyssa did and then turned around. "Ms. Julian, I'm sorry…"

"Sorry doesn't feed the bulldog." Caroline replied before looking at her watch. "Now, I'm supposed to meet the lab people, Aubrey, and Booth at Founding Fathers in fifteen minutes. Say what you have to say."

The young woman gulped. "I should have delved further before arranging a warrant for Ms. Warren's arrest. You were awesome today."

"I know that. I'm always awesome. Tell me something I don't know."

Alyssa sat down. "I…I have a lot to learn apparently about this job. No way am I ready to be the liaison to Homicide."

"Yes and yes. Your point, young lady?"

Caroline stared down the young lady as she waited for her to speak. She was shocked at what she heard when she did talk.

"I have a lot to learn and I want to learn from you."

The veteran attorney took a drink from her water before setting it down. She debated for a moment as she remembered what it was like to be looked down upon for her gender as she started out in her career. Since her bullshit detector picked up sincerity, she decided to give an inch.

"If you are serious, I will help you, but you're going to have to work for it. You're not going to sleep your way to the top on my watch, pischouette. However, if I even suspect you're trying to undermine me, I will squash you like a bug without hesitation. Understand?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Sure she made her point, Caroline turned off her computer and grabbed her purse. "Come on Ms. Newman. I've got two fine men to walk us to our cars so I can get to the Founding Fathers."

Three hours later, Aubrey, Jessica, Daisy, and Caroline were at a table at Founding Fathers. Booth and Brennan left early along with Cam, Arastoo, Hodgins, and Angela.

"Well, I have to head home so I can say good night to my son," Daisy slurred slightly while finishing off her beer. "Agent Aubrey, would you do me the honor of cabbing a flag for me?"

"Sure, Daisy. Come on." The agent replied before kissing his girlfriend. "I'll be right back. Probably should make sure she can get into the cab. Apparently she forgot Lance is staying with her folks tonight."

Caroline and Jessica laughed as they watched Aubrey and Daisy walk out the door. Turning away, the lawyer took a sip from her beer.

"I must say, Child. I was impressed with the pretty colors on Agent Thompson's face today. His limping made it all better."

"I appreciate the compliment, but I don't make it a goal to beat people up, Ms. Julian." Jessica said before drinking her beer. "Thank you for helping me today. I know I'm not your favorite person."

Shocked, Caroline just looked at the redhead for a moment. "Young lady, when did you get that impression?"

"When you had Aubrey run a background check on me back in November when you just wanted him to know about my past," Jessica said before taking another drink. "I was going to tell him about that stuff, you know. I just wanted to wait until I knew where we were going together is all."

Caroline felt guilty as she realized how closely Jessica took her actions to heart. "Honey, I didn't do that because I don't like you. I did that because back then Aubrey was set on running for Congress. I wanted him to have all the facts."

"Why?" Jessica asked. "We were just friends."

"No you weren't. After that Robertson case, I know that boy made it a point to get updates in person at the lab, but it was no coincidence that it was always when you were there. Nor was it a coincidence that when the lab had something to report when you were working, you always made it a point to call Agent Aubrey."

"We barely knew each other at the time and I wanted Doctor B and Doctor Saroyan to see how serious I was about my work…" Jessica said, unable to avoid blushing.

"Then after the Hodsell case, you two were always together. Yes, you were watching science fiction television instead of what normal couples do when they date, but it was obvious there was more to you two than TV buddies."

The attorney finished her drink. "I'm just glad you two got your you know whats together."

When Aubrey came back in and arrived back at their table, Caroline grabbed her purse and stood up. "It's been fun kids, but I need to go home."

"I'm ready whenever you are, Aubrey." Jessica said before turning to the attorney. "We're just walking back to his place tonight."

"I'm about done here." The agent said as he finished off his draft. "Where are you parked?"

"Two blocks away, but let me give you children a lift."

Both smiled before Aubrey spoke up. "Thanks. I've always been curious about the inside of the Gremlin."

"Well come on you two. I haven't got all night." Caroline said before the young couple followed her out.

Ten minutes later, the Gremlin pulled up in front of Aubrey's brownstone. Caroline watched as Aubrey extricated his tall body from the front seat before helping Jessica out of the back seat.

"Cher, I thought you were moving into Booth and Doctor Brennan's house?"

"I am next month. I think Skinner will appreciate the yard more than my apartment."

"You and your cat." Caroline said with derision. "Good night, children."

"Good night, Caroline." Aubrey and Jessica said.

The attorney watched the young couple hold hands as they went up the steps before Aubrey let them into the building. When they were inside, she smiled before putting the car into gear and driving away.

'Today was a good day.'

bonne a rienne = a good for nothing or promiscuous woman

bon rien = good for nothing or lazy man

porro = wart

beignet = sweet square-shaped doughnut sprinkled with powdered sugar

crapeau = a booger

pischouette = runt/little person

Skinny Mullet = a skinny person