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Frustrated, I packed up LSJML-38426, determined to ask a lot more questions."
"I was rolling out LSJML-38427 when the phone behind me rang again. Irritated at the interruption, and expecting Claudel’s arrogant cynicism, I yanked down my mask and snatched up the receiver.
“Brennan.”
“Dr. Temperance Brennan?” A female voice, quavery and uncertain.
“Oui.”
I looked at my watch. Five minutes until the switchboard rolled over to the night service.
“I didn’t expect you to actually answer. I mean, I thought I would get another secretary.
“Is there something I can help you with?” I matched her English.
There was a pause, as if the caller was actually considering the question. In the background I could hear what sounded like birds.
“Well, I don’t know. Actually, I thought perhaps I could be of help to you.”
Great. Another citizen volunteer.
Members of crime scene recovery units are typically not scientists. They are technicians. They collect hairs, fibers, glass fragments, paint chips, blood, semen, saliva, and other physical evidence.
But Tinsel Town has done another tap dance; the public has been conned into believing crime scene techs are scientists and detectives, and every week I am contacted by starry-eyed viewers who think they may have uncovered something.
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but to work at this lab you must submit your credentials and go through a formal hiring process.”
“Oh.” I heard a sharp intake of air.
“If you stop in the personnel office, I’m certain that printed material exists giving job descript—”
“No, no. You misunderstand. I saw your photo in Le Journal yesterday. I phoned your office.”
Worse than a cop show groupie.
Tossing my pen to the blotter, I dropped into the chair. The call was probably a long shot, but so was Deep Throat.
“This may sound crazy.” Nervous throat clearing. “And I know how very busy you must be.”
“Actually, I am in the middle of something, Mrs.—?”
The name was distorted by static. Gallant? Ballant? Talent?
“—bones you dug up.”
Another pause.
