Baltimore Metropolitan Police Department, Maryland.
Larry parked his vehicle in the lot and got out. As soon as he did, he noticed the strange atmosphere among the surrounding officers.
Everyone seemed serious. Larry assumed it probably had something to do with his performance from the night before, so he walked toward the building.
But before he could enter, a figure stopped him.
"You must be the most famous criminal profiler in the department. Forgive me, I'm Jane Banner. I've been assigned to the team, so we'll be working together."
"You're the new one who's going to help out on the cases I handle to ease my workload?" Larry noticed this woman's attitude was much livelier than that of the other agents, which told him she was pretty new to the job.
"Well, yes, you could say that... Of all the divisions I was offered to join, this one caught my attention the most because of the brutal serial killer cases I might encounter."
Jane knew she could gain a lot of experience working alongside a criminal profiler like Larry, who always had something valuable to teach.
As a new FBI agent, Jane hoped to stop being just another number in the department's ranks and begin climbing the ladder.
As for Larry, he disliked the assistant that had been assigned to him. Jane was everything he didn't want on his team—mainly because he felt she was the kind of woman who got deeply involved in everything.
That dislike was also partly because she reminded him a lot of Debra, Dexter's sister, who was his number one enemy back in the Miami department.
"Excuse me, are you still here?" Jane flashed a beautiful smile while looking at the silent Larry, who was evaluating her.
"You're too beautiful for this job." Larry shook his head as he put on his jacket and walked forward.
"Uh... thanks?" Jane smiled even more, not really understanding what Larry meant by calling her beautiful.
"I'm serious. You should consider alternatives to fieldwork."
Larry pulled out some pills and took one. Jane noticed, but didn't say anything.
This woman presented a classic beauty with a contemporary touch. Of average height, around 1.68 meters, her figure was slender but with soft curves that gave her a natural elegance. Her face was harmonious and symmetrical—defined cheekbones, a straight, proportionate nose, and a fine jawline that softened her overall expression.
Her eyes, a light green with hints of gray, were expressive and usually the first thing people noticed. Almond-shaped and framed by thick but well-groomed eyebrows, they gave her an intense yet warm look. Her mouth was slightly full, with well-defined lips that stood out whether in neutral tones or bolder colors.
Together with her hair, Jane projected a blend of sweetness and sophistication, with a calm yet confident presence. Her beauty wasn't exaggerated or artificial—rather, it was understated, approachable, and very expressive.
If Larry analyzed her personality, she was unfit for this job.
She wouldn't last long in Larry's division, because here, they investigated the city's most brutal cases.
"Larry, you're here."
Larry's forensic assistant, Max, greeted him hastily upon seeing him arrive with a charming woman.
Max had been speaking with some police officers who were asking him questions.
"He's my mentor, the forensic doctor…"
"We know him."
One of the officers didn't let Max finish the introduction and walked toward Larry, who had already evaluated them long before.
"As a forensic expert and criminal profiler, are you aware of the death of businessman Malcolm?"
"I saw what was broadcast on every channel last night, like everyone else. Honestly, it was fascinating. Whoever's behind the scene is a damn genius."
Larry replied without hiding his fascination.
"You admire what a coward does while being part of the police force? No wonder they say criminal profilers are the closest thing to killers. I'm out of here—keep digging, Cho."
"All right, Daniel, I'll handle it."
Larry looked at the agent named Kimball Cho and said,
"Hold on a second. Before you waste any more of my time, you should know I'm here at the request of Captain Jack from the FBI's special division. So you can consult him about my involvement."
Jane stepped a little closer and was about to follow Larry until Agent Cho stopped him.
"Is it that hard to answer a few quick questions?"
"I'm a criminal profiler. I work on isolated cases, so I don't analyze killers unless I dedicate my whole day to it. That's why you'll get what you want from my report—I'll send you a copy."
Larry had no time for these uninteresting conversations that only delayed him.
Jane caught up to Larry and asked, "Do you really work like that?"
"No, I just didn't want to waste time. It's cold out here."
Larry chatted casually with Jane and learned a few things about her.
Max, meanwhile, stayed behind talking to Agent Cho before returning to the building, where Larry was currently conducting a diagnosis.