Chapter 92: First Encounter with "Bones"

Inspector Grey clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, here's the plan: Nolan, your job is to get Rosalind to reveal the remaining two burial sites. After that, you'll pick up Dr. Brennan and her team."

"Officers Bradford, Lopez, and Harper, use your contacts to find out who's running the black market in the California Women's Center."

Then he turned to Jack. "Officer Tavler, come to my office."

As they entered, Grey closed the door and asked gravely, "Agent David Rossi from the FBI has been asking a lot about you. Do you know why?"

Jack nodded. With the potential transfer now on the table, it wasn't necessary to keep it a secret. Rossi's interest was too evident, and others had likely noticed as well.

"I'm set to complete my bachelor's degree early this year. Dr. Cahill, uh, from the EAP Counseling Center, wants me to pursue a master's in psychology under her guidance and recommended me to David Rossi."

"Rossi is a veteran from the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, or BAU. He's rebuilding a team and has invited me to join."

"Dr. Cahill… You mean Maureen Cahill?" Grey's expression turned peculiar. Clearly, he knew of his boss's same-sex partner.

Jack nodded, feeling slightly uneasy.

"I told Rossi that you're the most outstanding young officer I've seen. Quick-thinking, competent, and you've saved my life. I assured him that he made the right choice."

Grey's voice rose slightly. This was the first time Jack had heard his superior praise him in private.

It had to be admitted that his direct superior was a rare and excellent leader, supportive of his subordinates. Grey backed Tim in his attempt to become a sergeant, advocated for Neira's visitation rights for her daughter, and even publicly admitted his past prejudice against John, apologizing earnestly.

Jack's gratitude was genuine.

"Thank you, Commander. Truly, thank you."

Grey waved off his thanks. "When Captain Anderson picked you three for the precinct, I didn't understand. One was too young and inexperienced, one was old and in a midlife crisis, and then there's Chen (Lucy), a seemingly delicate Asian woman."

"But now, I must admit, the Captain has a discerning eye for talent that I lack. It's unfortunate she's leaving the precinct too."

Seeing Grey's mixed emotions, Jack shared the sentiment. "Commander, I want you to know it's been an honor to be under your command."

Grey quickly composed himself. "Alright, back to work. Rosalind is cunning and ruthless. We must give this our all. Close the door on your way out."

Leaving the office, Jack saw Tyler peeking around the hallway, and his head ached at the sight.

"Why are you still here?" It was already 3 PM. Jack didn't watch Channel 8's news, but the 5 PM to 6:30 PM slot was when most stations aired their news.

"I'm heading back to the station soon. I just wanted to thank you for saving me earlier." Tyler blinked, looking somewhat endearing.

"Take this." Jack handed her the last tracking device. He wouldn't need it himself; if Rosalind's accomplice came after him, it would be welcome.

Tyler was involved with them all day, and Rosalind's insistence on having the media along might have had ulterior motives beyond publicity. It was better to be safe.

"What's this?" Tyler examined the small black disc curiously.

"A tracking device from the FBI. Rosalind is plotting something, and I'm worried it might involve you."

"You seem to care a lot about me," Tyler said with a teasing smile. Fortunately, she didn't go into a dramatic self-righteous spiel and tried to stuff the device into her purse.

"Keep it close to you. And return it when you're done." Jack ignored her playful remarks but reminded her anyway.

Tyler's blue eyes sparkled as she undid her top and slipped the small disc into her cleavage. She patted herself, "Is this good enough?"

Are you and Angela taught by the same instructor?—

———

Separation Line

———

John's plan to coax Rosalind—let's call it a charm offensive—succeeded beyond expectations. In the observation room behind the one-way glass, Jack shuddered.

The LAPD's forensic team spent three hours retrieving two more sets of bones from the second burial site Rosalind revealed.

Jack drove Rossi to the coroner's office.

"John, how's it going?" Jack asked as he arrived, seeing John talking to a white woman.

"We just got here. This is Temperance, my ex-wife Sarah's sister."

Rossi naturally knew Temperance Brennan, greeting her warmly.

"Thanks for helping out, Bones."

"Don't call me Bones. And who's this?" Brennan's eyes lit up as she looked at Jack.

"I'm Jack Tavler from the LAPD. You can call me Jack. Dr. Brennan, I've read your book, 'Bred in the Bone.' It's excellent."

"Do you have Asian ancestry? I see Mongoloid features in your facial structure." Brennan pondered, her hands touching Jack's cheeks.

"Uh, yes. I'm a quarter Cerisean." Jack took a half-step back, casting a pleading look at John.

"Temperance, let's talk about the bodies."

John awkwardly steered Brennan into the autopsy room, where four stainless steel tables held bodies in varying states of decay.

A slender white man was carefully picking insects off one body, placing them into test tubes. A woman, dressed as if she had just returned from a Hawaiian vacation, was at a computer, working on a 3D reconstruction of a skull.

"This is Dr. Jack Hodgins, an entomologist who also specializes in microbiology and mineralogy. Angela Montenegro, our artist and computer expert, excels in 3D modeling."

Brennan introduced her team.

Jack Hodgins was deeply focused on his task, not even looking up, while Angela Montenegro, spotting the three men, appeared delighted, clearly a veteran member of the "looks matter" club.

"Let's discuss the bodies. We're pressed for time." Rossi cut straight to the point.

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