As the tension in the room grew palpable, John couldn't help but interject from the audience, "Sorry to interrupt, sir, but what were the terms agreed upon with the prisoner?"
David Rossi turned his gaze to Assistant District Attorney Sean Delmont, signaling for him to answer.
"The terms are: her death sentence will be commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole."
Tim immediately voiced his discontent from the back, "We're really going to bargain with a criminal like her?"
Sean Delmont stepped forward, ready to showcase his well-honed skills in rhetoric and persuasion.
"This isn't about leniency for the criminal. It's about providing closure to the victims' families, who have long awaited the return of their loved ones' remains."
David Rossi, visibly displeased with the DA's office striking a deal with a serial killer, directly challenged the rationale.
"And what about the families who supported her execution? They felt reassured when we apprehended Dyer in California precisely because the state enforces the death penalty. How do we explain this to them?"
Sean Delmont glanced at Rossi with a hint of frustration. "I'm sorry, but this matter is beyond the FBI's jurisdiction."
"Why does she need to leave prison? Can't she just tell us the burial sites from there?" Jack interjected, pretending to be confused, to diffuse the brewing conflict. Rossi was likely to be his future superior, and clashing with the DA's office wouldn't be wise, especially since it was clear the DA held the upper hand in this situation, with the FBI and the police playing supporting roles.
Sean Delmont explained, "She claims she can't recall the exact locations. Griffith Park spans 4,000 acres. Dyer says only by being on-site can she retrace her memories to find the burial sites."
Angela exchanged a knowing look with Neila and commented, "Sounds like she's just using this as an excuse to get out of prison."
"Planning an escape, and to start her killing spree again," Neila added in sync.
"Maybe, but Dyer knows if she fails to lead us to the bodies, the deal is off."
Despite Sean Delmont's continued defense, the room filled with murmurs and eye rolls. It was clear that many saw the DA's maneuvering as a publicity stunt, especially with the Channel 8 reporter poised outside the conference room.
Zoe, aware of her team's frustration, cleared her throat, bringing immediate silence to the room.
"Alright, let's proceed with task assignments as outlined by Superintendent Grey."
Superintendent Grey returned to the podium, acknowledging the constraints under which they were operating.
"First, we'll secure the precinct before the prisoner arrives. Suspend all detainee intake and transfer current detainees to the Twin Towers Jail."
"Next, that troublesome beauty outside needs someone to keep an eye on her. It's time for Wilshire's youngest and most handsome officer to step up. Keep her in check, Jack, and make sure she doesn't stir up any trouble."
Angela playfully mimicked a finger gun at Jack, softly saying "pew" to indicate he was in for it.
Having been coerced into buying Angela a meal as hush money for Hannah's secret, Jack reluctantly headed to the armory for his gear. Of course, this was all in jest among friends. Given Hannah's popularity in the Wilshire precinct, Angela wasn't her only confidante.
"Does seeing me make you that unhappy?" Tyler Kelly, looking particularly polished today, smiled radiantly at Jack, exuding a charming girl-next-door vibe.
"How did you get permission to film this? Or did you strike a deal with the DA?" Jack's curiosity was piqued. It was almost unheard of for the police to allow media involvement in such matters.
Tyler Kelly studied Jack seriously for a moment, a rare sincerity in her eyes.
"It seems Hannah is with you not just because of your good looks. You don't think I got this opportunity through my father's connections, do you?"
Jack held her gaze for a moment before responding.
"To become a lead anchor at Channel 8, it takes more than a pretty face and nepotism. While I don't know much about the news industry, I've met several capable professional women, and you certainly seem like one of them."
"Humph!" Tyler Kelly snorted, slightly offended yet proud. "Like Zoe, Hannah's sister? I suppose I'll take that as a compliment."
Jack was a bit taken aback. Could Zoe be this young woman's idol? Then it hit him—given Zoe's current array of public personas, it was quite possible. Her open declaration of her sexuality alone was enough to earn the admiration of someone who might be LGBT.
"So, did Sean Delmont invite you guys? Is he trying to advance his career by dropping the 'assistant' from his title?"
Tyler Kelly giggled without directly answering, "Does Hannah often praise you for being smart?"
"You can ask her yourself. She'll be back from Quantico soon."
At that moment, the garage doors of the precinct slowly lifted, and a white prison van backed into the bay. As the side door opened, Superintendent Grey, John, David Rossi, and Sean Delmont stepped out together.
"Superintendent Grey? I'm Superintendent Conandes." A balding middle-aged prison warden handed a stack of documents to the black-faced superintendent.
"The prisoner last ate at six o'clock and used the restroom 47 minutes ago. This means you won't need to worry about her biological needs for the next two hours, but you will..."
"Hold on, what are these documents?" Superintendent Grey asked, puzzled as he took the papers.
"The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment. The prisoner is now under your jurisdiction, so please conduct yourself accordingly."
"The prisoner is protected under the Bill of Rights and the Higher Education Equalization Act. Don't let yourself be sued."
Superintendent Conandes smirked as if he had successfully handed off a ticking time bomb.
"So, what exactly am I signing?" Superintendent Grey, clearly unfamiliar with the situation, remained baffled.
"It's a sworn statement transferring custody of prisoner 081316 from me, Antonio Conandes, Superintendent of the California Department of Corrections, to you, Wade Grey, Superintendent of the Los Angeles Police Department."
"Thanks." Superintendent Grey, looking resigned, signed the document and returned it to Conandes.
"Okay, bring her out!" Superintendent Conandes ordered.
The prison van door opened, and a middle-aged white woman with red hair, in her forties, was escorted out.
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