Chapter 46: Jane - Does 777 Have to Be Monica?
After a period of separate investigation, the team regrouped.
"The crime scene analysis suggests a single perpetrator with exceptional marksmanship and combat skills. The security footage has been wiped, and Garcia is already working on recovery,"
Unit Chief Hotchner reported.
Penelope Garcia was their technical analyst back at Quantico, a former black-hat hacker. After being caught by the Bureau, she was—predictably—recruited due to her exceptional abilities.
"The display cases in the basement have been there for years; this isn't a setup,"
Supervisory Agent Gideon sighed. "Edward Olson is a serial killer."
"He's shattered the current record for serial killers,"
Reid added.
"A billionaire as the most prolific serial killer in history. That headline will send those reporters into a feeding frenzy."
JJ, who handled media relations, smiled grimly. "Unfortunately, it's going to be a public relations nightmare. The pressure on us to solve this case will be enormous."
"Dr. Wolfe, what's your assessment?"
Unit Chief Hotchner looked to Chuck.
"There are three categories of suspects,"
Chuck said calmly. "First is Matt Olson's missing security chief, Sean Rayburn.
Second are the families of Matt Olson's five previous victims. They all have motive for revenge, which is why Matt Olson needed to hire an expensive security team and lay low here after the trial ended.
Third are the families of the murdered girls who discovered Edward Olson's true nature and are seeking vengeance."
"They've made a lot of enemies,"
Agent Elle remarked.
As a specialist in crimes against women and children, she had previously focused on cases involving vulnerable populations.
Edward Olson's monstrous behavior left her feeling completely vindicated.
"Agent Greenaway, remember who we are!"
Unit Chief Hotchner frowned and reminded her. "We investigate crimes, we don't pass judgment."
"Yes, sir,"
Agent Elle lowered her head and fell silent, but her expression showed clear disagreement.
Everyone understood her point. If justice had truly been served, then Matt Olson, who deliberately murdered five people, should have been sentenced to death long ago, not acquitted and free to vacation here and commit another atrocity.
Unit Chief Hotchner shook his head.
He was well aware of the situation, but if he didn't anchor himself in professional ethics and legal procedure, he wouldn't be able to face the endless human tragedies they encountered.
"Matt Olson wasn't among the bodies at the estate,"
Agent Morgan pointed out. "We should locate him first and get more intel from him."
"I'll take Reid and Dr. Wolfe to investigate the original Natalie Hansen case,"
Gideon suggested. "Hotchner, take Elle with you, and have Agent Banner accompany you to track down Matt Olson. JJ will work with Morgan to continue processing the crime scene."
"Agreed,"
Unit Chief Hotchner approved the plan.
Although he was the unit chief, Gideon was the true backbone of the BAU. This unit had been built from scratch thanks to veterans like Gideon, and Gideon was the secret weapon that had made the BAU legendary.
"I can only assist with the investigation until tonight,"
Chuck stated.
"Why?"
Agent Morgan scoffed. "What could possibly be more important?"
"I have a red-eye flight tonight and classes tomorrow,"
Chuck said matter-of-factly. "The case is essentially solved. What remains is just the 99% grunt work that requires time and manpower. The crucial 1% isn't needed anymore."
"..."
Agent Morgan's eye twitched. He wondered why Reid was so likeable while Chuck was so irritating, both being geniuses.
"Are you a professor?"
Reid was surprised and pleased. "I thought you weren't interested in teaching."
"No, I'm pursuing a PhD in physics,"
Chuck shook his head.
"I see."
Reid nodded and said nothing more.
"Then let's make the most of our time,"
Gideon clapped his hands.
Everyone dispersed, and Jane walked over to Chuck and whispered, "Let me know before you leave, and I'll drive you to the airport!"
"Alright."
Chuck glanced at her and nodded. "Learn as much as you can from them. They're nearly all truly elite agents."
"Don't worry, we'll share everything we know with her."
Agent Elle was delighted to hear this.
Agent Morgan's expression darkened even further.
If JJ hadn't pulled him away, he would have been tempted to ask: what does "nearly all" mean? Who was being excluded from this elite group by that one qualifier?
Gideon drove, Chuck rode shotgun, and Reid sat in the back. Looking at Chuck, Reid couldn't help but ask, "You and Agent Banner... how did you manage that?"
In his memory, Chuck was quiet and even more introverted than he was. He recognized it as signs of Asperger's syndrome, but after not seeing him for several years, Chuck was obviously much improved, even to an enviable degree.
Well, at least he didn't have any female friends who were that close to him.
"My assistant, Helen, is Jane's aunt,"
Chuck said straightforwardly. "She wanted to set us up, but I declined. However, since Jane's a trainee agent and quite attractive, I knew she'd be facing many dangerous situations in her career. So I gave her my business card and told her to call if she encountered any difficulties."
"She is indeed very attractive,"
Reid agreed.
"Why the interest?"
Gideon, who was driving, glanced at Chuck in the rearview mirror.
"Right,"
Reid paused, then realized. "I remember you were an accountant, so why the sudden interest in detective work?"
"My new business cards,"
Chuck handed one to Reid. "Mathematics is my passion, accounting pays the bills, and detective work is my new, relaxing hobby."
"Solving puzzles is genuinely satisfying."
Reid took the card, looked at the "Forensic Accountant" designation, and smiled knowingly. "We should collaborate sometime."
"I'd welcome that,"
Chuck nodded.
The BAU specialized in major cases, including serial killers. If he could be hired as a consultant, his success rate would increase significantly.
"Why not start with this case?"
Gideon smiled. "I assume missing one class isn't a big deal for someone with your abilities, is it?"
"I never miss Professor Harper classes,"
Chuck shook his head. "Especially not Professor Alicia Harper's advanced physics seminars."
Gideon nodded and fell silent.
Night had fallen.
Jane drove Chuck to the airport.
"About that,"
Jane hesitated.
Chuck looked at her, waiting for her to continue.
"That 777... does it have to be Monica?"
Jane hesitated for a long time, staring intently at the road ahead, not daring to look at Chuck.
"It's practice!"
Chuck said bluntly. "For someone like me, this is the only way to learn. If the other person is willing, and I'm comfortable with them, then we can proceed. It doesn't have to be anyone specific!"
"Could you please stop calling it 'practice'?"
Jane complained. "And why don't you find a serious, committed relationship? Don't you understand what's holding you back?"
"Because it's impossible to find one."
Chuck shook his head. "No one can tolerate me long-term."
"How do you know if you never try?"
Jane blurted out.
Chuck shook his head: "I know."
Jane looked at Chuck's expression—as if he existed on a different plane and she could only glimpse the surface—and gritted her teeth in frustrated silence.
(End of chapter)
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