"You can use this tablet for GPS tracking. These devices emit a low-frequency signal every 30 seconds. Even if buried 20 meters underground, they can be detected within a one-mile radius."
Jack gratefully thanked Rossi. It was advantageous to have such high-tech support. The LAPD didn't have such advanced tools. He picked up one of the trackers from the box and handed it to Rossi.
Rossi looked slightly surprised. Jack shrugged, explaining that it was better to be safe than sorry. "You were the one who originally captured her, after all."
In the briefing room, the officers who had accompanied Rosalind up the mountain were gathered, discussing the situation. Inspector Grey stood aside, arms crossed.
"Is it possible that it's just a coincidence, that another killer happened to bury a body in the same spot?" John speculated.
Tim, who had the second most experience after Inspector Grey, dismissed the idea. "Rosalind must have an accomplice on the outside. She disclosed the burial location to them."
Neira shook her head. "That's unlikely. She's on death row and held in solitary confinement. All her external communications are strictly monitored. It's possible to convey subtle messages, but conspiring would require frequent and detailed information exchanges, which are hard to hide."
Del Monte nodded in agreement. "Since she's been incarcerated, she's had no visitors other than her lawyer."
Angela, clearly disdainful of the assistant prosecutor, asked, "Who's her lawyer? Is there a chance they're acting as a go-between?"
"Absolutely not. I know her lawyer. He's a man of integrity and would never get involved in something like this. Even their meetings are closely monitored."
Del Monte's response was firm, though his expression showed some irritation.
"Besides, the FBI thoroughly searched Rosalind's cell before we headed to Griffith Park and found nothing."
"Who told you we found nothing?" David Rossi and Jack walked into the meeting room.
"Jack, why don't you share what we know and your thoughts?"
Jack didn't hesitate. Rossi's evaluative approach was clear, and it was crucial for Jack's potential future with the FBI. In such situations, showing modesty wouldn't be wise in the American context.
"During the FBI's search of Rosalind's cell, they found a chocolate wrapper. This indicates that even a death row inmate in solitary confinement can access the prison's black market. Considering she's been in there for four years, it's likely she had enough time to plan and coordinate her accomplice's actions."
"The two bodies we found were probably reburial sites. They weren't buried deep and hadn't been there long, perhaps only since last night. Inspector Grey likely noticed this as well."
The dark-skinned inspector nodded. "Yes, the new body was too intact. It must have been stored in a relatively sealed container before. Normally, if a body is buried directly in the ground, it would suffer significant damage from soil insects and small animals even if not found by scavengers."
"So, Rosalind must have somehow communicated the original burial sites to her accomplice. The accomplice then exhumed the remains, reburied them, and added a new victim."
"Why would they do that? Just to toy with the police?" Lucy wondered.
"It's more than just toying with the police."
Del Monte looked grim. "With the media involved, this news will spread quickly. If we can't solve the case soon, Rosalind gains leverage for negotiation. Her next goal might be to push for parole."
The looks directed at Del Monte by the others became less friendly.
Inspector Grey snorted. "Let me guess, inviting the media to follow and report, that was Rosalind's idea or her hint, wasn't it?"
Del Monte's face darkened to match Grey's as he fell silent.
What an idiot, Jack thought to himself, this guy's career is over.
Rossi gave Del Monte a similarly displeased look and continued.
"Due to the LAPD's forensic team being stretched thin and the urgency of the situation, I've contacted the Jeffersonian Institute's anthropology department. Dr. Temperance Brennan and her team will handle the autopsies of the two bodies."
Rossi noticed John looking like he wanted to say something and gestured for him to speak.
"Uh, the Dr. Temperance Brennan you mentioned is my ex-wife's sister. We haven't seen each other in a long time."
Everyone turned to John in surprise. Jack could hardly believe it. In American TV shows, crossovers are common, but this twist on their relationship was unexpected.
Jack wanted to ask John if he also had a brother in New York writing bestselling novels, given the actor who played John was the same one who played the lead in "Castle."
Rossi nodded. "Their plane will land in two hours. Officer Nolan, you'll handle the pick-up. But before that, we need you to persuade Rosalind to reveal the other two burial sites. I'm worried there might be additional bodies there as well."
"Why me?" John looked confused.
Everyone stared at him, thinking he was being deliberately obtuse.
Lucy nudged John with a smile. "Don't you think she's quite taken with you? Didn't you notice?"
Everyone, including the still-downcast Del Monte, nodded in agreement.
As the mood in the room lightened, Jack shook his head, focusing back on the case.
"So, our immediate goal is to catch Rosalind's accomplice as soon as possible. Until we get the autopsy results, we only have one lead to follow—finding the head of the prison black market and getting a name from them."
"Additionally..."
Jack handed out the tracking devices to everyone in the room.
"Given Rosalind's long-standing plans, I believe she has likely researched everyone she has come into contact with. To prevent any surprises, all of you should carry one of these."
Angela frowned, examining the small black disc. "You mean that crazy woman might be targeting us? What about our families? Are they in danger?"
"My advice is to alert any relatives nearby in Los Angeles to be extra cautious. Also, keep these trackers close at all times."
Neira and Angela nonchalantly unbuttoned their uniforms, placing the small discs inside their bras. Lucy, blushing, didn't follow suit. She glanced at the men in the room and mumbled, "I'll put mine on in the locker room later."
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