Chapter 35
It had been a difficult morning for Faraday, it was the first time he had spent any time alone with Nancy and he found that the words of Jack Ruby had been playing on his mind. He had tried to fight the urge to ask Nancy about Derrick but he found that his resistance was waning.
“So how did you and Derrick meet?”
“Oh he’s a sweetheart it was pouring with rain one night when I was heading home from the office. Derrick was driving passed and pulled over to offer me a lift home.”
“Really you just got in his car he could have been anyone?”
“Yes it was probably silly but it worked out pretty well.” She smiled as she spoke of him.
“So did you two just hit it off?”
“Pretty much, when he told me his name was Stinson I just couldn’t believe the coincidence, we got chatting and went out for a few drinks.”
“So when did he tell you about his run in with Jack Ruby?”
“Why do you ask?” Nancy’s face changed, she had her guard up now.
“Just curious I mean it’s not the kind of thing he would have mentioned on the first date.”
“No I suppose not. He only told me a couple of weeks ago, he was struggling to find work. He kept asking me to ask Bobby if there were any jobs going. But I couldn’t bring myself to do that, Bobby has done so much for me I wouldn’t feel right asking him for favours.”
“Really he specifically wanted to work for Bobby?”
“Well yeah he had heard about Bobby in the papers, he’s a very talented lawyer.”
“Yes I suppose he is, Derrick seems like a talented investigator too, he managed to find out quite a lot about Lee Harvey Oswald didn’t he?”
“What is it that you’re getting at Faraday, why are you so interested in Derrick?”
“No reason just making conversation.”
An awkward silence ensued. It was eventually broken by the condo door being opened. Derrick entered the living room. “Nancy we are off to Houston.”
“Why?”
“Bobby wants me to go and visit an ice rink up there speak to some guy called Chuck. We could go skating while we are there?”
“That’s a long way to go for skating.” Nancy replied.
“Take it up with Bobby! I figured we could make the best of it maybe spend the night?”
“Okay I guess it would be fun to have a night away.”
Chapter 36
As they entered the bar it was empty save for the lone barman. “I’ll get the first round” Bobby said. “What’s your poison folks?”
“I’ll have a whisky thanks Bobby.” Jack replied.
“Gin and tonic thanks.” Jane replied.
“Go grab a table and I’ll bring them over.”
As Bobby returned to Jack and Jane he didn’t know where to begin. Jack took a sip of his whisky and lit a cigarette. Bobby lit one as well.
“Okay Jack I’m going to be honest, we need your help.” Bobby stated.
“Of course Bobby you’re a friend.”
“What the hell is going on in Bannister’s office?”
Jane was taken aback by how frank Bobby was.
“I wish I knew Bobby. Something has changed since that fuck Ferrie started hanging about. But it all goes on in Bannister’s private office a lot of strange people coming in and out.”
“Hmm has a guy called Lee Harvey Oswald been in?” Bobby replied.
“Yeah he was an odd sort, I think it was July, August time he started hanging around. He was with these Cuban guys and Bannister suggested he set up some Fair Play For Cuba Committee. He was around for a few weeks then he was in Bannister’s office with that guy Carlos. Bannister was screaming at them for some reason. Have only seen him once since then, he came by with that group of Cubans again and Bannister suggested that they visit some woman in Dallas.”
“Do you remember her name?” Jane interjected.
“Yeah I think it was Odio that was the surname.”
“Any idea why?” Bobby asked.
“It was something to do with an anti-Castro group, that’s what I thought was weird I mean one day Oswald is in the office working for the Fair Play for Cuba Committee the next he’s in with a group of anti-Castro nuts.”
“Wait what is the Fair Play for Cuba Committee?” Jane asked.
“It was set up to help end the US boycott of trading with Cuba. So where does this Carlos guy come into things?” Bobby said.
“Like I said I don’t know much about him. His name is Carlos Bringuier, I know he is anti-Castro. He’s been in the office quite a bit. There’s this other weird guy Eladio Del Valle, he seems pretty friendly with Ferrie. He’s another Cuban anti-Castro guy the two of them are always talking about some Operation Mongoose.”
“Operation Mongoose?” Bobby asked.
“Wait I’ve heard of that! That was the name the CIA gave to their plots to kill Castro.” Jane said.
“How do you know that?” Jack asked.
Bobby had no idea how they were going to explain this away. “Um Derrick told me.” Jane replied.
“Yeah that guy, how long have you known him Bobby?” Jack asked.
“Not long, a few days really.” Bobby replied.
“I’d watch him Bobby, I’m sure I met him at the office his name was Billy something he was talking with Ferrie about the Bay of Pigs disaster.”
“Wait I forget what happened at the Bay of Pigs?” Jane asked.
Jack looked shell shocked and Bobby began to explain. “She was living in Scotland at the time Jack. It was a botched invasion of Cuba. The CIA had trained Cuban exiles who tried to invade and overthrow Castro they expected Kennedy to provide further support. He didn’t it was a complete disaster, Kennedy blamed the CIA and as a result the CIA director Allen Dulles, the Assistant Director Charles Cabell and the Deputy Director for Plans Richard Bissell all had to resign. But I think you are mistaken Jack, Derrick was in prison during the Bay of Pigs.”
“Not a chance. I never forget a face it was him alright they were talking about some exploding cigar they had worked on and something that would make Castro’s beard fall out so people would lose respect for him. I promise you Bobby it was him. My round, same again?”
Bobby and Jane both nodded as Jack set off to the bar. “What do you think?” Jane asked.
“I don’t know, I guess we’ll have to talk to Derrick when we get back.”
As Jack returned from the bar Bobby had his next question lined up. “So where does Ferrie come into this?”
“Pah I hate the guy. He’s a pilot, it was him who got Marcello back in to the country the first time Bobby Kennedy had him deported. I’ve heard he’s linked to that mob boss in Chicago.”
“Sam Giancana.” Bobby stated.
“That’s the one. I’m telling you this whole thing stinks.”
“You wouldn’t happen to know a guy called Gerry Hemming?” Jane asked.
“Yeah he’s another one that’s been in, another friend of Bannister’s. What is all this about? What is Bannister up to?”
Jane looked to Bobby who nodded. “They’re trying to kill Kennedy.” She stated.
Jack choked on his whisky. “How the hell are they going to gun down the Attorney General?”
“Not that Kennedy.” Bobby clarified.
Jack’s eyes widened. “You can’t kill a president!”
Bobby thought once more of Lincoln. “I’m afraid you can Jack.”
“So what do we do?”
“I don’t know.” Bobby conceded.
Jane interjected. “What do you know about Jim Garrison?”
“He’s a good man, he would listen. Only problem is he knows Guy, if we go to him and he doesn’t buy it he could tell Guy.”
“Is it worth a shot?” Jane asked.
“I suppose anything is, if it will stop the assassination.” Jack replied.
“Well I can go to him, put him on the right track. He doesn’t know me so it won’t get back to
anyone.” Jane suggested.
“Okay we can give it a try.” Bobby said.
“Right the building is just opposite the office so it’s like thirty seconds walk from here. We can wait here for you?” Jack said.
“Okay, I’ll be back in a bit.”
Chapter 37
As David sat in his office finishing off an autopsy report the telephone rang.
“Good afternoon.”
“Hello is that David Lewis?”
“Yes.”
“It’s Bobby Kennedy what are you after?”
“Hello Mr Kennedy thanks for giving me a call, I was hoping we could meet?”
“What do you want?” Bobby yelled.
“Just half an hour of your time Mr Kennedy, I am not trying to cause you any trouble. You have my word on that.”
“Well what is all this shit about Marilyn’s diary?”
“I can explain when I see you Mr Kennedy, I promise you will not regret it.”
The line was silent for a moment. “What is your address?”
“1505 Elm Street, Dallas.”
“Okay I’ll be there tomorrow at noon. No one else is to be there understand?”
“Of course Mr Kennedy thank you.”
Chapter 38
As Jane arrived at the District Attorney’s office, Jim Garrison was talking to a woman she presumed was his secretary.
“Excuse me. I’m looking for Mr Garrison.”
“Well young lady you are in luck. Come into my office.” She followed Jim into his office he sat down in his big black leather chair and said “Please take a seat.” Jane did as she was told.
“What can I do for you dear?”
“Well Mr Garrison” she began.
“Please just call me Jim, Mr Garrison is my father.” Jane laughed politely.
“Well Jim as I’m sure you are aware the President is planning a trip to Dallas at the end of the month.”
“The 22nd I believe.” Jim confirmed.
“Well Jim, it is um kind of difficult to say this but I have come across some information that well I have to tell you. I don’t know who else to go to.”
Jim looked concerned now. “What is it dear? You can tell me.”
“Well there are people planning to kill the President.”
Jim’s jaw dropped as he heard the words. “Did I hear that right?”
Jane nodded.
“How do you know this?”
“I eh can’t really tell you but I can give you the names of some people I know are involved.”
“Okay then well that’s a start.”
“Okay well there’s Carlos Marcello, Mayer Lansky, Chauncey Holt, David Ferrie and Guy Bannister.”
“So what the mob are carrying out the hit?”
“Yes.” Jane replied.
“I’m sorry but I don’t believe that young lady, the mob are capable of a lot of things but there is no way they would kill the President.”
“It is true!” Jane yelled.
“You said Guy Bannister, are you meaning the Private Eye, the former FBI agent you think he would kill the President?”
“He’s involved in the plot! I’ve been speaking with Jack Martin, he will corroborate this.”
“Any chance Jack was drunk dear? He sure does talk a lot when he’s drunk.” Jim laughed.
“No he wasn’t drunk! J Edgar Hoover knows about it and is going to stand by and let it happen. You are the only person that can help us please!”
“J Edgar Hoover knows, why would he let it happen?”
“The mob is blackmailing him!”
“So how is it that you have come by this information?”
“I am in contact with a member of the CIA.” Jane lied.
“Who?”
“Bobby Stinson.”
“The mob lawyer you’re telling me he is a CIA agent.” Jim laughed. “Is this a wind up?”
“No it’s not a wind up!”
“I think you should leave.” Jim stated.
“No wait I’ll level with you.” Jane took a deep breath she knew she would regret doing this but she had to try. “I’m from the future.”
Jim was even more shocked now. “Who sent you here huh? You expect me to believe this shit!”
Jane pulled out the purse from her wallet and tossed it onto the desk. “Look at the cards in there.”
Jim opened the purse and looked at the driver’s license. “This says you were born in 1991? What is this?” He asked as he pulled out her bank card.
“That is my bank card. I’m from the year 2014. I can explain why I’ve come to you if you give me a chance.”
Jim had no idea what to say. “Okay explain.”
“Okay like I say I’m from the year 2014, I live in Stirling in Scotland. I was transported back here last Friday. In the early 1990’s there was a film made by a man named Oliver Stone entitled JFK. You are the hero of the film Jim!”
Jim laughed again. “I’m the hero of the film?”
“Yes. The film is about you trying to uncover who killed JFK.”
“So who did kill JFK?”
“Nobody knows Jim, well somebody knows but the murder was blamed on Lee Harvey Oswald, he never went to trial. He was murdered by Jack Ruby two days after the assassination.”
“Sorry did you say Lee Harvey Oswald?”
“I did.”
“I know him he was arrested here a couple of months back, he defected to the Soviet Union I’ve always wondered why he was allowed back in the country.”
“Exactly surely that isn’t normal, surely he would not be allowed back into the country. Someone high up must have got him back in.”
“But why?”
“So they could frame him for killing the President!” Jane replied.
“Okay let’s say that is true, what’s to stop you just showing the police where he is going to shoot from and then they could apprehend him?”
“Jim I know it is hard to understand but the murder of Kennedy is probably the most widely debated murder in history. No one knows what happened and there is a good chance no one will unless we do something about it. With regards to the Dallas police they are in the pocket of Jack Ruby he has ties to the mob. They gave him access so that he could kill Oswald. As I’ve told you the Director of the FBI knows about this. We can’t go to anyone in law enforcement. You are the only person we know has not been compromised.”
“You keep saying we, who do you mean?”
“I can’t tell you that, I’ve already mentioned Bobby Stinson. He and Jack know what is going on. Jack has seen people involved in the plot coming and going from Bannister’s office and Bobby was told by Meyer Lansky. He has been told that he has to represent Oswald to keep him quiet until the mob can kill him.”
“So they’re not from the future too?”
“No, it’s just me.”
“Where are they just now?”
“They are in a bar around the corner.”
Jim laughed again. “I probably could have guessed that. Take me to them.”
“Okay. But first I need to tell you that Jack doesn’t know about what I’ve just told you. I mean he knows about the plot but not about me.”
“Okay it will be our little secret.”
Chapter 39
As Bobby and Jack sat in the bar Bobby could not help but check his watch.
“This is taking too long Jack!”
“Don’t worry Bobby he’s a good man he’ll listen to her.”
“What will he do about it though, is he a man of action?”
Jack chuckled. “Believe me he’s a man of action, he’s crazy as hell!”
“What do you mean he’s crazy as hell?”
Jack was no longer smiling. “Well nothing just that you know he’s a little eccentric and well unpredictable.”
“You didn’t think to mention that?”
Jack did not have time to respond, as Jane walked into the bar relief swept through Bobby. The relief was short lived as Ji
m Garrison walked in just behind her. They came over to the table and took a seat.
“Hello Jack, little early for whisky isn’t it?”
“Never Jim, never.”
“You want to get a round in then Jack, I’ll have a lager.”
As Jack headed towards the bar Jim spoke quickly. “Jane here has told me that she is from the future and that Kennedy will be assassinated on the 22nd. She tells me Meyer Lansky has informed you about this and that Guy Bannister is involved. I need that confirmed before I act on this.”
Bobby was stunned what the hell was Jane thinking? “It is all true. We know Bannister and David Ferrie are involved in the plot.”
Jack returned to the table with a fresh round of drinks.
“Thanks Jack, tell me what has been going on at the office?”
“A lot of strange people hanging around, mainly Cubans. I knew something was going on but I would never have thought he would be crazy enough to get involved in something like this.”
“Okay I have an idea for moving forward with this. I can bust this wide open. Jane do you have a number I can reach you on?”
“Here’s my card call my home number if you need to. When do you think you will have more information?” Bobby said.
“I’d say I’ll be in touch within twenty four hours, I think I need to have a chat with Guy.”
“But you can’t tell him where you got this information.” Bobby said forcefully.
“Of course I won’t, once I’ve broken him I’ll be in touch. Jack I suggest you try to find out anything you can at the office.” Jim rose to his feet. “I’ll be in touch.” He then left the bar.
“Okay Jack we had better be going too. Just call me if you need anything.”
Chapter 40
Once David, Bobby and Jane had finished sharing the stories of their day Faraday knew it was time to tell Bobby what he had heard at the Carousel Club.
“Listen Bobby, what do you think about Derrick?”
Bobby took a pull on his cigarette. “To be honest I don’t know what to make of it. He’s my grandfather so I guess I should trust him but to be honest I’m not sure that I do.”
“Well the reason I ask Bobby is that well his name came up last night at the Carousel Club, oh actually before I tell you, I should warn you that Ruby knows that we live in the same building. I told him you gave me a lift back and who was shooting at us.”
To Kill a President Page 13