dr_temperance | Bones in Neptune: Calling the Jeffersonian

Bones in Neptune: Calling the Jeffersonian

Previously...

In her suite at the Neptune Grand, Brennan is taking full advantage of the wireless internet. One of the many amenities the Grand affords its guests. The hotel really does live up to its reputation (no matter what quasi-snide remarks Booth--quartered at the Camelot--may have made about it).

While she has a bit of a breather, she wants to check in with her fellow squints. Brennan dials the number for the lab, using the speakerphone feature to leave her hands free for sorting through data and files. The call is picked up midway through the second ring.

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Angela was just pulling her notes together to call Brennan when the phone rings. She glances at the caller ID and beams.

"Sweetie! How are things in California?"

"Well, we have some suspects, but so far nothing definitive. And the quality of law enforcement in Neptune decidedly sub par for such an economically prosperous area."

Probably not quite what Angela meant.

"How are things at the lab? Any results yet?"

"Is there any point in telling you to go enjoy the fact that you're in a beautiful place? At all?"

Angela sighs and doesn't wait for the answer because she already knows what it is.

"Actually, yes. I just e-mailed you some files, but I can go over the highlights, if you want."

"We're working, Angela."

In other words, Angela has totally called that one.

"I'm checking my email now, but go ahead and give me the highlights. What have you found?"

"Well, I was trying to enhance that movie you sent -- really, not what you'd call a compelling dramatic narrative, by the way -- and I realized, I'd seen something like that before."

"Well, it was made by high school boys," Brennan replies dryly. "One can hardly expect it to be....." Brennan trails off trying to think of a movie. And decides to shift the focus of the conversation.

"What do you mean you've seen something like it before? And how does it pertain to the case?"

"Some people should not be allowed access to video cameras," says Angela.

"But what I meant was . . . last time I was home sick, I wound up watching this movie from a few years back, Over the Edge, the one with the showgirl who falls for the cop who's undercover with the mob and slowly seduced by the dark side. It's underrated. It could be a cult masterpiece, I think.

"Anyway, the edge in question is a bridge that Lola -- that's the showgirl -- jumps off of. And the way she fell, on the screen, looks a lot like this movie you sent me.

"Over the Edge starred one Lynn Echolls."

It's an interesting coincidence.

Possibly more than a coincidence?

"You're saying that Lynn Echolls's suicide looks as if it could have been staged?"

"I'm saying it's a hell of a coincidence, don't you think?"

"It is. And that may be all it is, but...."

But probably not something that they should dismiss out of hand.

"Did Lynn Echolls do her own stunts?"

"I don't think so, but I'd have check. She just doesn't seem the type.

"And, yeah, it may be a coincidence, but I think you and Booth should look into it.

"Oh, and Hodgins figured out that she was in that sarcophogus when the building blew. The details are all in that report -- and, yes, Cam is making him pay for the damage the experiment did to the lab."

Brennan chuckles. "I'm afraid even to ask."

Doesn't sound like there was any loss of life, limbs, or jobs though. In other words, just another day at the office.

"We'll look into it. Someone local must know how to track down special effects and stunt people."

Just given the local economy.

"It was pretty spectacular, honestly."

"We researched that sarcophogus, by the way. It was part of a lot of props that were originally going to be used in a movie called Princess of the Damned. Production was abruptly halted. And Bren, you will never guess why."

"No. No, I probably won't," Brennan replies frankly.

But, if it makes Angela happy for her to try....

"Poor script?"

Come on. It was called Princess of the Damned. Even a pop culture ignoramus knows that that probably doesn't make for a good movie.

"Citing personal reasons, following the death of her father, the star of the picture pulled out.

"The star, and I'm using the term as loosely as possible, was Trina Echolls.

"The coincidences are just piling up, aren't they?"

"I'd say the statistical probability of coincidence is shrinking significantly."

"It looks like we're going to have to have another talk with Ms. Echolls."

Brennan shakes her head, smiling ruefully.

"Oh, Booth is going to hate that."

"Oh? And why is Booth gonna hate that?"

This sounds like it has the potential to be good.

"She's extremely adept at power plays. Picking up on subtle indications of emotional weaknesses and attempting to exploit them."

"Booth didn't take well to it. Understandably."

"So basically, she's good at what he's good at.

"Why do I have the feeling I would have paid to have seen that interview?"

"Essentially." No wonder Booth couldn't stand the actress.

"It was like watching a verbal sparring match."

"I'm sorry I missed it."

There's a pause.

"Bren, I think something may just blown up in the next room. I probably ought to go make sure Hodgins still has eyebrows."

Brennan winces.

"Tell Hodgins that I expect him to stay alive, at least until this case is closed. We may have more evidence for him to examine before we're done."

She's joking. Most likely.

"I'll give him the message," says Angela, drily.

"If necessary I'll give him something to live for."

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Bones in Neptune: Calling the Jeffersonian

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