“You have seven in the clip and one in the chamber.”
“Thank you. I hope I don’t have to use any of them.”
Turning back to the monitor I watched as the gate was swung open then the cars started in just as several black and whites rolled up. In less than a minute the men from the two vehicles were in custody. After they were secured I saw Bill drive up to the house and we went to meet him at the door.
“That was a little too close for comfort. Do you know who they are?” Detective Hall said.
“No, but they know Walter is here which isn’t good at all,” Edward replied.
“Yeah, that’s not great. The good news, they are all getting federal charges. The weapons were fully automatics and they didn’t have federal permits for them. Plus, they shot up the control box.”
“We saw. The security company is on their way out to replace the unit. Are we going to get to talk to the men?”
“You won’t be able to. They are all foreign nationals, who probably were smuggled in by the same group that hired Walter and the others twenty years ago. Special Agent Wentworth has already spoken with Federal Judge Jessica Milton and according to her we have to follow their rules.”
I kind of didn’t blame John, the judge and Bill from keeping us away from the prisoners. I’m sure if Edward got his hand on them, he’d go old school and I wouldn’t blame him one bit. Hell, I might even get a few licks in on at least one of them. They came here with one purpose; kill Walter and they wouldn’t care who got in their way. Those men came after our family and no one does that and gets away with hurting any of us. That goes for our friends as well.
“Will you or John give us copies to the interrogations so we know what questions were asked and the answers because we might have some of our own?”
“That’s up to him but considering the fact all of you have federal clearance he should.”
Bill left and all of us went back inside to the office and a smiling mother and father.
“This has convinced your mother and me that having Walter Johnson surrender and make sure the world knows is the best way to go. Except that’s not exactly what we’ll do. While you were outside talking to Bill, I was on the phone with Agent Wentworth. He agrees with my plan.”
“Which is?” Edward said.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, Junior, but twenty years ago Lee Harvey Oswald was captured. The Dallas Police hadn’t yet charged Oswald with the assassination of President Kennedy but the murder of Officer Tibbitt. Jack Ruby, as we know, made sure Oswald was never tried for the killing of Kennedy. Am I correct so far?”
“Yes.”
“Good, then that’s how history will remain. Walter, you will be found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. All the press will learn is that you have been a fugitive for twenty years because of a murder committed in Dallas, Texas. You will be able to live your life in peace with a new name and location.”
“But, what about the people who hired me and the others. Not to mention most likely murdering at least the five men who started training with me along with the three who were part of the mission. As for the trainers I don’t have any idea what happened to them.”
While I listened to Walter, I realized why our father had suggested this. To bring those who are guilty out and into the open. At least, that’s what he, we, hope for.
“Their day will come. With the agency taking the lead and with the full force of the Federal Bureau of Investigation behind us we will continue to hunt them down,” Richard Sr. explained.
“Dad, other than John Wentworth and John Milton along with his son can we trust the other agents?” Edward inquired.
“I’d hate to say this, but I think my older brother is right. If we go with what you suggested the number of agents should be kept small and only those, we know we can trust.”
“I have to agree with my twin.”
“Then, that’s what we’ll do. Limit who knows Walter is still alive and helping us. Let me call John Wentworth back to inform him of the change,” Dad told us.
While he made the call, and to give him and mom some privacy, we all waited in the hall. After five minutes he opened the door.
“Come back in.”
We retook our seats.
“What did he say?” I asked.
“John is in agreement with the change even though, as he said, that will put more work on us.”
“Good. Will they come out here so Walter can tell them everything?”
“Tomorrow morning so you had better get to transcribing the tapes because they’ll want to read everything before asking questions. Also, the men have arrived safely at the Federal Building and are being formally arrested and charged with a whole bunch of crimes. John said we will get copies of the interrogations but doesn’t expect the prisoners to be all that talkative.”
“These people, the ones pulling the strings, know how to hire the right kind of person. That was the same way with us. If I had not received the bad news that I had cancer and had only a short time to live I would have stayed hidden.”
“We all are sorry about your diagnosis but are happy you came forward and approached my son. Even though, as I said earlier, history won’t be changed,” Dad said in encouragement.
“Excuse me, Walter, and I apologize beforehand, what specifically is the cancer? Over the years I’ve seen quite a few but you don’t have any of the typical characteristics. Pallor. Weakness. Loss of appetite,” Alice inquired.
“That is quite alright. Pancreatic cancer and by now only a few weeks left to live. According to the doctor.”
“Then almost immediately afterward you sent my brother the package and me the letter?”
“Yes, now you have me curious as to why?”
“Was the doctor’s appointment scheduled?”
“No. I had gone to Billings to pick up some wood. On the way home I stopped at a roadside diner I had eaten at in the past. The next morning I got sick and began throwing up along with having stomach cramping. Being a Saturday, I went to the nearest hospital emergency room. I knew there was a risk at being found out, but I was so sick I could not work and had a chair to finish. The doctor who examined me ordered x-rays and some blood work. When the results came in he told me about the cancer. As for being sick he said that it was because of the disease and gave me a prescription for an antiemetic medication.”
“Can you recall if the doctor was young, middle aged, or older?”
“Young. He was from the university doing an ER rotation which is not uncommon in that area.”
“So, this was the first and last time you two ever met?”
“That is correct.”
“I think I know where my sister is going with her line of questioning. This is a shot in the dark but while driving home, did a truck or very large vehicle try to run you off the road?” I said.
“Junior, how did you know that?”
“That was not random. I’ll bet the doctor knows one or more of the people in the organization. You being treated by him was pure chance. When he realized who you are, he called an individual who then had the truck sent to kill you but by some miracle failed. I also suspect from that point on they kept a watch over you and your house. When you sent the package to me, they got scared they would finally be uncovered after all these years. Were there any other attempts on your life between then and when we flew you here?”
“Only one, the brakes on my truck failed. You saw the vehicle and how old the Chevy is. At the time I wasn’t surprised they didn’t work, but now I’m not so sure.”
“That was them trying to kill you and making everyone, especially your repeat clients think you died in an accident,” Nancy said.
“Walter, we have a very good friend whose son is an oncologist. I’ll set up an appointment with him for you in the morning. Don’t worry about the expense. The agency will cover the cost of the doctor and any tests he orders. You can pay us back when you get a chance. Trust me, we can afford the disbur
sement ,” our dad told him.
“Sir, I don’t know what to say, except thank you” Walter said.
“Do you recall the name of the doctor who treated you?” Mom asked.
“Sorry, no. I was kind of in shock when he told me the diagnosis.”
“That’s okay. I’m sure we can find out who he is then trace his connections back to the person he contacted,” Thomas said.
“Where was the hospital?”
“Roundup Memorial Hospital.”
“Good. We’ll have Dr. Aaron Hardy, or his nurse contact them to get copies of your records. We can do a lot but not that.”
Now, at least to me, everything was beginning to make sense. With Walter out in the open these people had a better chance of silencing him once and for all.
“Dad, when is the story going to run, either on the news or in the paper?”.
“In the morning edition and on the TV news. He will be giving everyone your name Walter. That’s one of the reasons you’ll be given a new one and backstopped all the way back to your birth,” our dad explained.
“Again, thank you. I cannot wait for all of this to be over.”
I didn’t want to say anything, but I’ll be happy as well. All we have to do is survive the next twenty-four hours then with luck the people responsible for all this will be brought to justice. The only questions I have, how will we find them, and will they see the inside of a courtroom? That I seriously doubt.
The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent, with the family’s help, making sure we had all the information and recordings transcribed for the meeting with the agents.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
November 28, 1983
While Edward took Walter to meet with Dr. Hardy, my wife and I went to the Federal Building to bring Agents Wentworth and Milton up to date with our investigation. At the same time, we hoped to find out, what if anything they had learned from the men who had been arrested.
Considering the news broadcast this morning, which had been picked up by all the networks, we decided having one of us along to stay with the cars wasn’t necessary. My older brother and I hope we are correct.
Pulling into the visitor lot I found a parking space. With the papers and tapes in a bag we started for the front door when I saw John Wentworth standing on the top step. He was smiling.
“To what do we owe this welcome?” I asked, as we climbed the stairs.
“Since this is your first time visiting, I decided to meet you and help you navigate your way past the receptionists. They can sometimes be difficult. I thought Walter was coming with you?”
“Edward is taking him to see a doctor. Don’t worry, nothing is wrong with him, we don’t think. We’re all hoping for a clean bill of health.”
“I’m glad he didn’t come with you because he would have to hide. The eight men arrested yesterday are being arraigned shortly. Every one of them lawyered up when we got them in the interrogation rooms.”
“So, you weren’t able to learn who sent them to kill Walter?”
“No and we may never if the bluff doesn’t work.”
“Do we want to know?”
“No. Let’s lock up what you brought. You will want to hear the proceedings.”
With the bag of evidence in his safe Nancy and I followed him downstairs and into the courtroom. I didn’t recognize any of the people, but the name plate on the bench was familiar. Judge Jessica Milton. The clerk told us to rise and the judge walked in and took her seat. We were instructed to sit then eight men, handcuffed, chained together, and wearing orange jumpsuits were led in.
“Docket Number 84987563 the Federal government against,” the court clerk started.
“Your Honor, we wave the reading of the names,” an attorney, I’m guessing because he had been sitting but now standing behind a table strewn with several piles of folders.”
“Request granted,” the judge replied.
Another man stood. An attorney I suppose even though he was in the gallery.
“Your Honor, before the charges are read the government has an additional one to add. Attorney Steve Milton, as a friend of the court, requests permission to address the court.”
“That’s our friendly defense attorney. He’s representing the estate of Walter Johnson.”
“Attorney Milton, please step into the well,” the judge directed.
The gentleman wearing a dark business suit came up beside the prosecutor. Outside of having the same last name, he and the judge had a few of the same features. Then I remembered Edward told me of the three children John and Aiko Milton had. One was a judge, another an attorney and the third an FBI special agent.
“Continue, Attorney Milton,” Judge Milton said.
“Thank you, Your Honor. I would like to have the eight men also charged with accessory to murder with aggravating circumstances. Specifically, my late client Walter Johnson. Their continued harassment over the last twenty years drove Mr. Johnson to commit suicide yesterday.”
“That is a very interesting and a unique approach. I don’t believe that has ever been tried before. Since there’s always a first time for everything I am granting your request, Attorney Milton.”
“I object, Your Honor.” The defense attorney jumped to his feet.
“On what grounds? The attorney made a valid and reasonable request which I’m granting.”
“How do we know he’s really dead? Where’s the evidence?”
“FBI Special Agent John Wentworth, I see you’re in the court room, please come forward and be sworn in,” the judge ordered.
John walked over to the witness stand and raised his right hand.
“Do you swear the testimony you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” the court clerk said.
“I do.”
“Agent Wentworth, how did you learn that Walter Johnson had killed himself?”
“From Mr. Richard Dean, Sr. Walter Johnson was residing there while Attorney Milton was starting to arrange for him to surrender to federal authorities for a crime he committed twenty years ago.”
“Why not the local police?” the prosecutor inquired.
“Facts needed to be checked then double checked to make sure what he was possibly going to be charged with fell within the scope of the federal government. Mr. Johnson had hired the private detective firm of Dean & Dean Detective Agency to assist in confirming the information.”
“Who was he going to be charged with killing? That is, if he actually pulled the trigger.”
“I’m not at liberty to say because the investigation hadn’t been completed when those eight men,” John pointed to the defendants, “attempted to assault the Dean compound with automatic weapons. That act caused Mr. Johnson to take his own life.”
“Thank you, Special Agent Wentworth. You’re excused.” John rejoined us.
The judge continued, “The additional charge stands. Now, Attorney Winston, how do your client’s plea?”
“Not guilty on all charges.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I am, Your Honor.”
“Since they are a flight risk they will be remanded over for trial. Next case,” Judge Milton directed. She tapped her gavel on a block of polished wood.
I listened as the prisoners started yelling in as many different languages as there were of them. Several bailiffs came in and, using force, removed the men from the courtroom. We walked out and started for the elevator when Attorney Milton came over and introduced himself.
“My father owes yours a debt of thanks which we can never repay fully. I hope today I was able to help a little.”
“More than you can ever know. Come by the house later,” I offered.
“Thank you. I will,” he replied. We shook hands and he left, and we went up to John’s office.
For the next hour Nancy and I went over the details of the training, and execution of the plan to assassinate Kennedy. We included where Walter went after leaving Dallas.
We also told John about the possibility the cancer diagnosis was done to get him out of hiding.
“Do you think this group has that much of a reach?”
“We do.”
Nancy proceeded to remind John about the two attempts on our, and Walter’s life.
“You’re right. These people need to be brought down, but I have a feeling that won’t be an easy task. Do you have a clue who any of them are?”
“Right now, only one individual. Jeffrey Timon.”
“Yes. Your brother called and I found those files. If what you say is true, then these people must have dropped the ball and weren’t able to get their hands on them.”
“We also have two more but right now only pictures of them. Nancy and I are going to get microfilm of The New York Times starting in 1960. Hopefully, we will be able to put names to the faces.”
“Now I understand why you want to limit the number of agents helping to only the most trusted. Not by us but your family.”
“We are glad you agree. By the way, the invitation we extended to Steve Milton also includes you. Who knows, maybe you will recognize either of the two mystery men.”
“I can only hope. Just for the sake of argument, what do you know about them? Not specifically but in general?”
“They’re rich. Powerful. What would have been called in another time and place, king makers and breakers.”
“That’s a lot of people not just here in the USA but in the world. Any idea how we can whittle that number down a little?”
I wasn’t sure if John was teasing us or not, considering Walter’s occupation.
“Not really.”
“There might be. Hear me out before either of you say anything. Let’s start with the pilot who tried to shoot us down. He was Russian, as were two of the trainers. Another was Israeli and three Americans with one from the south. So, we can look there. Derek Granger, what are his connections? The name is English or French. The prisoners, what countries are they from? Whomever hired them must be from the same place because you would only trust the men you personally know,” Nancy explained.
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