Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Five: Dallas

Dallas FBI Field Office

The following morning Jay, Al and Collins were sitting in the office they had been allocated going over everything that had been ascertained about the Dallas site so far. Much to their chagrin a trip to the site had been put off yesterday at the behest of the Senior Agent in Charge, Frank Willis. The man had insisted on being fully briefed after introductions had been made and darkness had fallen by the time his questions had been answered. Although Jay had quietly pointed out the excavation area was under floodlights so Forensics could continue their work overnight Willis had maintained it would be more practical to visit in the daytime. Unsure of the mans' character the Visitors had reluctantly agreed. Back at the hotel later Collins had made some phone calls. It transpired Willis was known for micro managing and sought to control investigations he was involved in, irrespective of whether he was actually being helpful or not. He had a reputation for taking credit for results he was not entitled to. Jay and Al had been unhappy with the relevations but unfortunately it was not the first time they had encountered someone more career focused than Victim and justice focused. Now as the three read over preliminary findings Jay was more eager than ever to get to the site.

"Willis is still in a meeting with the brass," Collins reminded seeing the impatience building in the Chicago pair and in fact sharing it.
"We don't need an Escort," Al opined standing up, "and we're up to date on the Reports ....,"
"Don't have time to be twiddling our thumbs," Jay rose purposefully.
"You guys really want to do this?" Collins asked even as he also got to his feet.
"We're here to investigate," Al shrugged heading for the door, "let's do our job."
"Hell I just knew you two would lead me astray," Collins groused in mock despair.

Burial Site

Forty-five minutes later the trio stood in grim silence surveilling the site. So far no more Victims had been uncovered. The fifteen empty makeshift graves were still being combed over, literally, by Forensics' personnel determined to find every possible piece of evidence however miniscule.

"So what are you thinking?" Al probed looking at the green eyed man speculatively.
"The site looks the same size as the others. It could definitely hold more bodies ....,"
"... but they haven't found any more," Collins interrupted.
"I meant it has the capacity to hold more," Jay elaborated as he considered what was before them, "I reckon sonething went wrong and they left. All the graves are close together on the left side. That meant they intended to fill this place and ....,"
".... and what?" Al prompted when the silence lingered.
"It also means this wasn't their learning ground ..... it wasn't their first site," the young Detective sighed and walked away from his companions.

"You reckon he's right?" Collins asked quietly once the pair were alone.
"Yeah I do. It makes sense."
"So that means LA was the first site ...,"
"Can't be certain of that," Al countered, "remember Halstead believes there are more locations."
"No offence but I wish he was wrong."
"None taken. And for the record Halstead would be genuinely happy to be proved wrong. Just don't think that's likely to happen."
"About Gambini .... you figure he's working with someone or are we totally wrong about his involvement?"
"He's involved," the moustached man stated without doubt, "there's too much tying him to Victims even if it's circumstantial."
"That's my take too," the stout man nodded, "which means his Partner is staying hidden in the shadows."

Jay had ambled over to look closer at the newly uncovered plots. What struck him initially was they were all the same depth, six feet. In Chicago the various plots had been differing in depth. It backed up his theory that the Chicago site had been put to use more recently and was prone to carelessness borne of arrogance. of course the date of approximate death of Victims also supported his conclusion. All the Victims discovered here in Dallas had been buried for approximately ten years. Jay considered the newest information through a calloused lens. Getting upset about the horrific demise of so many Victims would not gain justice for them. He shoved his emotions aside accordingly knowing there would be a time and place for them down the line. Hearing footsteps approach he found Al and Collins eyeing him with concern.