by BobA. Troutt
***
Agent Grant and I, Agent Walker, entered the control tower.
“I’ll take it from her,” I said as we set up our command post.
I got an update from the controller of what had happened. I listened to the tape recording and came to the conclusion that the bomber probably had prior access to the airport in order to plant the key.
“Men, he could still be in the airport or even on the plane. I want this airport searched from top to bottom. I want all employees’ files pulled and background checks done on each; go back from a minimum of six months to two years.”
“How much time do we have before the plane lands?” asked Grant.
“About thirty-five minutes,” replied the controller.
“We don’t have enough time,” said Grant.
“Do what you can,” I insisted.
The airport was in total chaos; we turned it upside down and inside out.
“Have you notified the pilot?” I asked.
“No, sir,” replied the traffic controller.
“Has the money been sent?” questioned Grant.
“It’s on its way,” I replied. “We don’t have a minute to lose. I want a complete interrogation of all tower personnel and anyone else that has or had access to this room, especially within the last week. Check all security cameras.”
“How much time do we have left?” asked Grant.
“Twenty minutes,” informed the controller.
“Time is running out,” replied Grant, “the phone call should be coming in any time now.”
“Get me a voice activated technician up here on the double,” I said.
“There isn’t enough time,” warned Grant.
“We have to give it a shot,” I replied.