Chapter 7
Phoenix FBI Field Office, Tuesday at 2:00 pm (Mountain Time)
Brennan had just received a phone call from Simon as Agent Blachura was delving into the search for concrete jobs that Scarpini's company had worked on. Booth wondered how long the research would take. He was worried that Scarpini would destroy any evidence he could get his hands on that wasn't actually buried in concrete; that included witnesses.
"Simon says that Angela discovered the bite marks to be from a German Shepard. Also he believes that Sanderson was dead when the dog bit him," the forensic anthropologist told them.
"How dead?" Booth asked.
"Dead enough that the gouges contained no tissue," she explained.
"So that would explain why we found his whole body in the desert. Somebody's pet dug up the bones and was using them as a chew toy," Cary said.
"That seems the most plausible the only problem is we haven't met anyone with a German Shepard," Booth was unsure how the evidence helped.
"All pets must be registered with the town they live in. I can pull animal registrations and narrow the search to German Shepards," Cary told him.
"Excellent. Add that to the list of things we need," he smiled slightly. It was then that his cell phone went off. He pulled from his suit coat pocket and answered it.
"Booth," Brennan watched his facial expression change. It didn't look as though the call was a good one.
"We'll be right down," her partner hung up and turned to her.
"There has been an incident at county lockup,"
"What kind of incident?" Brennan wanted to know.
"The Sheriff didn't get specific only that we'd better get over there," he explained.
"I'll call you when I get something," Blachura promised as they headed out to the SUV.
County Lockup, Tuesday at 2:45 pm (Mountain Time)
"What happened?" Booth asked Chambliss as they entered the main office of the holding center.
"Billy Bob was shanked in his cell this afternoon. He's been rushed to the hospital. The paramedics weren't sure if he's going to make it," the Deputy shook his head.
"They were only arraigned on a misdemeanor. How did they not make bail?" The G-man wanted to know.
"David's folks could get the money but Billy Bob's was still working on it apparently. We're trying to figure out who did it but it could take awhile. Forensics is looking for fingerprints and the weapon," Chambliss told them.
"Where is the Sheriff?" Brennan asked, curious as to why he had called Booth but wasn't there.
"He rode with the ambulance. He'll never forgive himself if Billy Bob doesn't make it," the Deputy shook his head.
"Do you know if there are any associates of Vinny Scarpini in here?" Booth wondered.
"I can check. Why would a mobster like that want somebody like Billy Bob dead? The kid had nothing to do with the murder of your victim," Chambliss was confused.
"No but he discovered the body. That would be motive enough to want the kid gone. Here they thought the body wouldn't be noticed and now it's made the headlines. We've already talked with Scarpini and its possible he doesn't want one of his secret operations compromised by all the extra publicity. Even if Billy Bob doesn't know anything, a guy like Scarpini won't take chances," Booth pointed out.
"I'd better sent a patrol car to David's place. I don't want another college kid ending up in the hospital," Chambliss grabbed his radio and called the dispatcher. A car was sent out to the residence of David Masiello and the deputy got a list of inmates that were currently being held in lockup.
"I'll have Agent Blachura check into this list. We'd better get over there and help her out. Call me if Billy Bob's condition improves," Booth told the Deputy.
"You got it. I'll have Forensics send the evidence to the FBI Lab," the officer nodded. Quickly the two exited the building and headed back to their car.
Jeffersonian Medico-Legal Lab, Tuesday at 5:00 pm (Eastern Time)
"I think I figured out how old the cactus was," Hodgins said as he approached Simon on the platform.
"Fascinating," Cam said sarcastically.
"Yes, it was actually. But I'm not sure how this helps us because I determined the cactus was in fact already standing when Reggie Sanderson was buried at it's base," the entomologist remarked.
"It could mean that the cactus was used as landmark. Perhaps it would make the body easier to find for whoever buried it," the intern remarked.
"I guess but doesn't that seem weird?" Hodgins wondered.
"Well the sheer size of a full grown giant saguaro cactus is enormous. Being a protected species our killer probably thought that was the safest place to do it. I mean if there hadn't been two drunk college kids shooting at them, we never would have found the body," Cam said.
"Good point. I'm still trying to see if there were any soil samples of use on the bones but so far no luck. The sand and conditions did a number on any samples that were left," Jack explained.
"Well keep looking. We still have to identify the tool markings on the kneecaps," Simon shook his head, obviously frustrated.
"Call Dr. Brennan and alert her to what we have," Cam told the entomologist before he headed off the platform.
To Be Continued…