To Kill a President

by By Marc james

  “How did it go?” Jane asked as David took his seat.

  “I think he believed me he is phoning the President and then he will call me back.”

  “Oh my God we’ve done it!” Faraday exclaimed.

  “Not yet we haven’t. Not until we hear back.” Bobby interjected. “I’m going to go to bed and get some sleep. If this doesn’t work we need to be on form for tomorrow.”

  “That’s a good idea you should both do the same.” David said.

  “What about you?” Faraday asked.

  “I don’t sleep anyway and I need to wait on Kennedy calling me back.”

  Faraday, Jane and Bobby rose from the table and disappeared into their bedrooms. David took another draw of his cigarette and prayed the President would listen to the warning.

  Chapter 61

  The mountain of cigarette ends was now overflowing in the ashtray. David had been staring at the clock for three hours. It was now 04:00. He had still not heard back. He didn’t know whether to take it as a good sign or a bad one.

  When the phone rang David jumped. The silence had finally been broken. He rushed to the phone and lifted the receiver.

  “Hello.”

  “David its Bobby.”

  “How did it go sir?”

  “Listen we discussed everything you told me and Jack still wants to go ahead. He says he is used to death threats, he won’t be intimidated by the bankers.”

  “Bobby you have to change his mind.”

  “Listen David I can’t. Jack is not afraid he is prepared to die for what he believes in. He said that just like our brother Joe’s death led Jack to the Whitehouse, his death would lead me to the Whitehouse and God forbid my death would lead Teddy to the Whitehouse.”

  “But no one needs to die Bobby. He doesn’t need to do this.”

  “He disagrees, why should he hide? The people of this country chose him to lead them. Nobody chose the Rockefeller’s and their friends. Jack told me that if anyone of them is crazy enough to kill a President, let them do it. But they will be laying down their lives for his.”

  “Well you should at least make sure that the security is tight.”

  “I have David. I have phoned Emory Roberts he is the Assistant Special Agent in charge, he has assured me there will be agents riding on the steps of Jack’s car, there will be police lining the streets blocking anyone getting too close and there will be sniper’s in position to remove any threat. Motorcycles will be driven alongside the Presidential car. No one will be able to get him.”

  “Okay well then I guess that’s all we can do Bobby. Thanks for listening to me. I hope we don’t need to meet again.”

  “We won’t David everything will be fine.”

  Chapter 62

  The 22nd November 1963 was a beautiful day in Dallas. The forecast predicted overcast and cool weather. The morning indeed had seen some light rain but it had cleared up and there was not a cloud in the sky.

  At 07:08 David was the only one in the condo that was awake. He had tuned in to watch the local news on television. He watched as the Police Chief Jesse Curry appeared and announced that Dallas wanted no incidents today. He asked citizens to alert the police of any potential demonstrations that they are aware of. David could not believe his eyes and ears, about twelve hours ago this man had been at Clint Murchison’s party. They were plotting something considerably worse than a demonstration.

  By 11:38 Bobby, Jane and Faraday had joined David in the living room. Jane was wearing a black dress. Bobby was wearing a black suit white shirt and a black tie. Faraday has chosen a grey suit and white shirt. David was wearing a navy shirt and black trousers. He was due to start work at the hospital at 13:00. They had gathered in the living room to watch the footage of Air Force One arriving at Love Field Airport. As Mrs Kennedy stepped from the plane she looked absolutely stunning. She was wearing a strawberry pink and navy trim collared double breasted Channel woollen suit. She was also wearing a matching pillbox hat.

  “She looks amazing.” Jane said. Tears were forming in her eyes.

  They could hear the crowd applauding the arrival of the couple. As Kennedy looked around it was clear that he was amazed by the reception he was receiving. “This doesn’t look like an anti-Kennedy crowd.” He exclaimed.

  “Well I guess we should head out to take up our positions.” Faraday said.

  “Yes we shouldn’t leave it any longer. Okay so everyone do what you can to get a picture of the assassins. Jane you will have the hardest decision to make with regards to when you take the picture. You’ll have to be quick. I would either aim for the grassy knoll or the gunman in the storm drain.” Bobby said.

  “Will do.”

  “David don’t attract any attention to yourself. If either of us are spotted in the buildings we could well get arrested.”

  “Yeah I know.”

  “Faraday try not to stand out too much, you are probably in the most dangerous position. Don’t take any chances if someone tries to shoot you make sure you shoot first.”

  Faraday nodded.

  “Has everyone got their gun and camera?” Bobby asked.

  Everyone nodded.

  “Okay then just be careful everyone, try and find out what you can but just come straight back here if you think you are in any danger.” Bobby said.

  The four of them rose from the couches and headed towards the door. Bobby was hobbling behind them. He looked back at the condo. The thought had just dawned on him that he may never see it again. They walked through the lobby and out into the street. As they walked towards Dealey Plaza they could see that a large crowd was already awaiting the Kennedy motorcade.

  Faraday and Jane shared a long embrace.

  “I love you so much Jane. Don’t do anything stupid. Just take the picture and get out of there. If someone tries to take it from you don’t resist.”

  “You too. Don’t try to stop them killing Tippit.”

  Bobby and David hugged one another. “Look after yourself David.”

  “You too Bobby.”

  “Good luck everyone.” Bobby said.

  The four of them headed their separate ways in the hope that they had already done enough to save the President.

  Chapter 63

  As Bobby Kennedy sat in his study watching his brother arrive at Love Field Airport he could not escape David’s warning repeating in his mind. He watched as Jack and Jackie descended the stairs and made their way to the Presidential Lincoln. As they took their seats in the car he could hardly believe what he was seeing. Why was the car an open top? This is Texas they are visiting, even without the death threats this would be a terrible idea.

  He watched them in the car, he could tell from the gestures Jackie was making that she wanted the bubble top up but Jack was having none of it. He lifted the receiver on his phone and was put through to the Secret Service at Lovefield.

  “This is Bobby Kennedy, why is the bubble top not on the Presidential car?”

  “Hello sir the bubbletop was removed this morning at the request of the Vice President.”

  “Who is this?”

  “It’s Roy Kellerman.”

  “Roy go and tell Jack that the top has to be put up on the car.”

  “One moment.” Bobby watched on television as Kellerman approached the President. He watched Kellerman speaking and saw Jack shake his head.

  “Jesus Christ don’t be stupid Jack.” Bobby muttered.

  Kellerman returned to the phone. “Mr Kennedy, the President says he is happy with it down. He said since this is Jackie’s first trip to Dallas he wants the people to see her.”

  “Tell him I want it up.”

  “I did sir but he disagrees.

  “Fine!” Bobby slammed the phone down muttering under his breath.

  He watched as the motorcade began to move. He was happy as he saw Secret Service agent Rybka run alongside the motorcade. Suddenly Rybka turned and started flapping his hands in the air staring at the next car in the motorcad
e. He was getting shouted at by Emory Roberts to stay away from the Presidential limousine.

  “What the hell are they doing?”

  Chapter 64

  It was 12:00 when Jane found herself alone in Dealey Plaza. The crowds that had gathered were huge. The sun was beating down on Dealey Plaza and the people lining both sides of the street looked so happy and excited that the President would soon pass by. Jane could feel herself getting emotional once more. Poor Jackie Kennedy she thought.

  She decided that the best vantage point would be to stand on the grass between Elm Street and Main Street. That way the President and the grassy knoll as well as the storm drain would all be in front of her. If she timed taking the picture right she may manage to catch the shooter in the act.

  As she looked around she felt as though she was a part of history, she had seen the pictures from Dealey Plaza on this day and now she was part of it. Standing further along the street she saw the famous lady in red talking with her friend. This is the most surreal experience of my entire life she thought. She looked up the slope towards the Northern Pergola and saw a man standing on a wall with a video camera. That’s Abraham Zapruder she thought, that film he is taking is about to make him rich and famous.

  She looked back towards the School Book Depository and saw a man pointing up towards the sixth floor window. He was pointing something out to his wife. That could be the gunman she thought. Or it could even be Bobby.

  She carried on walking and noticed another famous witness. The Babushka lady, she was named so because of the headscarf she wore on her head. She was never identified. As Jane studied her she began to wonder what evidence the Babushka lady managed to catch on her camera, the FBI never confiscated it. Perhaps she could be the key to capturing the shooter.

  Jane gazed up towards the picket fence and could see someone walking behind it. She looked towards the Hertz Rental Sign, it was 12:20. That could well be the assassin. She ran across the street and began making her way up the steps as a young man emerged from behind the picket fence.

  “What were you doing back there?” Jane asked.

  “I wanted to get up onto the bridge to watch the motorcade passing but this Secret Service guy said I couldn’t be there. Bloody fascist.”

  “Yeah I was hoping to get back there too.”

  “I wouldn’t bother he’ll just send you back here. We could watch it from here. I’m Gordon Arnold.” Gordon stretched out a hand and Jane accepted the gesture.

  “I’m Jane. I’m going to try and get back there.”

  “It won’t work Jane.”

  Jane went on anyway, as she got behind the picket fence she looked into the car park, she saw a very dirty white car driving around the parking lot very slowly. That must be them she thought. As she began to walk towards it her arm was grabbed, it was the man she recognized as Frank Sturgis the CIA agent.

  “I’m sorry mam nobody is allowed back here.”

  “Who are you?” she asked. Frank flashed a Secret Service badge at her. “Can I get a picture taken with you? I’ve never met someone from the Secret Service before.”

  Frank looked annoyed. “No now get out of here.” He barked.

  “Sorry.” She mumbled. She headed back down the knoll where she saw Gordon Arnold.

  “Did he catch you?”

  Jane nodded.

  “Told you so.”

  Jane carried on walking and decided to take up her previous position near the Babushka Lady. She gazed up at the Hertz Rental sign it was 12:28.

  Chapter 65

  As David left the others he ignored the crowds and headed into the Dal-Tex building. The Dal-Tex building is a seven story building directly across from the Texas School Book Depository. David scanned the names of the companies that held offices in the building and was stunned to see that Abraham Zapruder the man who captured the assassination on film had an office in the building.

  David had no idea where to put himself in the building, no one had even been sure there was a shooter in this building until Garrett had told Bobby yesterday. David decided to take the stairwell up to the first floor. As he reached the first floor he was about to enter the corridor when he noticed a man loitering in the stairwell. The man had black hair and was wearing a leather jacket. David was certain this man was not one of the gunmen. He had studied the ring binder cover to cover. The man was half way up the flight of stairs almost crouched looking towards the upper floor.

  “What are you doing?” David asked.

  The man jumped obviously startled by David’s presence. “Do you work here?” The man responded.

  “No, do you?”

  “No.”

  “Why are you here?” David asked.

  “I saw a couple of guys go up there.” The man pointed up the stairs. “It was weird I think they had a rifle case and one of them had a radio. Could be Secret Service.” The man reasoned.

  “Could be.” David agreed.

  “I don’t think so though, don’t they normally wear suits? These guys weren’t wearing suits and one of them looked Cuban. You don’t get Cuban Secret Service agents. What if they’re assassins?”

  David began walking up the stairs to the man, he eyed him suspiciously was this some kind of trap? David looked at the man. He reckoned he could probably take him if it came to it. “Where did they go?” David asked.

  “They went out into the second floor corridor.”

  David went up towards the door leading to the corridor. He opened the door slightly and peaked into the corridor. He looked to the left first and saw nothing, when he looked to the right he saw a man poking his head out of a doorway just as he was doing. David pulled back out to avoid being seen.

  “I think I’ve found them.”

  “Where are they?” The man asked.

  “There in an office down the end of the corridor. It’s one facing the triple underpass”

  “What should we do?”

  “Do you have a gun?”

  The man nodded. “It’s Texas everyone has a gun.”

  “Who are you?”

  “Bill Sawyer.”

  “I’m David Lewis. Bill they are assassins, how well can you shoot?”

  “Pretty good.”

  David couldn’t believe the way this was panning out. “I think we can take them.”

  “Let’s do it.”

  David glanced down at his watch. It was 12:25. Kennedy would arrive in Dealey Plaza in five minutes.

  “Should we maybe try and get someone who works here?” David asked starting to worry about murdering a man.

  “Do we have time?” Bill replied.

  “No. We either do it or they’ll kill him.”

  “I’m not letting a President die in my town, even if it is Kennedy.”

  David still wasn’t sure he could trust this man but what choice was there? With Bill’s help one of the teams could be taken out, even if the others killed Kennedy this would blow away the lone gunman theory.

  He looked at his watch again, they had three minutes.

  “Christ lets go.” David went back up towards the door with Bill following closely behind. He poked his head into the corridor once again, this time the office door was closed. “Come on.” He whispered. They made their way along the corridor as quickly and quietly as they could. As they got to the office door they stood on either side of it.

  “Right lets be nice and quiet we might not have to shoot.” David said.

  “Come on don’t be scared lets nail them.” Bill replied.

  Fucking Texans he thought. As he went to open the door he heard a gunshot.

  “Fuck it.” He threw the door open and they both ran into the room. There was only one man and he was holding a pistol not a rifle. “Freeze!” David yelled taking aim at the man. The man was too quick he turned and managed to fire one shot which hit the wall. David and Bill fired simultaneously and both hit the man in the chest. Blood squirted out of his chest in every direction. As they watched him fall David hea
rd another gunshot. It was then that he realised there was a rifle poking out of the cupboard at the left hand side of the room, it was balanced on a box pointed out of the window.

  “Come out of there!” Bill yelled. David glanced to the man on the ground it was Jim Braden, he was dead. Blood was now pouring onto the floor. The cupboard door began to open. As it did so a man yelled into the room. David turned instinctively and pulled the trigger, the shot hit the man in the head.

  “Holy shit David, I think he works...” Bill was cut off by the sound of another gunshot this one hit him in the head. David turned back as Eladio Del Valle ran at him and knocked him to the ground. Before David could get back to his feet Eladio had gone. When David did get to his feet he knew he had to leave quickly. He glanced at the bodies on the floor, they were all dead. The man he had shot looked like an office worker. He could hear a commotion coming from outside, people were screaming. Had they killed the President or had they failed he wondered? How the hell could he get out of here without being arrested? He put his gun away and headed for the door. He turned left at the door and saw there was a fire escape door that was open. Eladio must have gone that way. David decided to follow suit. As he got outside he could still hear screaming. People were running in every direction. He bounded down the stairs praying no one would see him.

  As he reached the bottom he was grabbed by a police officer.

  Chapter 66

  As Bobby entered the School Book Depository he was immediately stopped in his tracks by a man he didn’t recognise. “Surely you’re not working on the floors dressed in a suit?”

  “Excuse me?” Bobby said.

  “You aren’t putting plywood on the floor dressed like that?”

  “Oh no of course not, I’m a manager in the company, I’ve just dropped in to see how the work is coming along.”