A Conspiracy Uncovered

by Lindsay Downs

  “You can have that as well. There is no contact information on the sheet, only directions about where to send the letter.”

  When the last piece of paper was discharged from the machine my sister handed them to me.

  “Can I read the letter?”

  “Sure, since this is really your case you should know everything.”

  29 November 1983

  Secretary-General Alberto Falco

  10 Via Venti Settembre

  Rome, Italy

  Signore,

  The Dean & Dean Detective Agency of Los Angeles, CA, USA and London, Great Britain has learned that the gentlemen listed below were directly involved in the November 22, 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

  We are giving you two choices.

  1-Take matters into your hands so that they never harm another person again. How you do that will be at your discretion. Failure to comply by December 6, 1983 will result in the following action…

  2-The names and the cities where they live will be leaked to the press, print and television. Along with a full, in-detail account of their involvement in the action on the above date laying out to the world to read and hear.

  Mr. One- Sebastian Wright- Corpus Christi, TX

  Mr. Two- Jeffrey Timon- Los Angeles, CA-he has already died by suicide

  Mr. Three- Alton Davies- Hartford, CT

  Mr. Four- Jonathan Benson- Dallas, TX

  Mr. Five- Cecil Farmer- San Francisco, CA

  Mr. Six- Kasey Geary- St. Louis, MO

  Sincerely,

  Miss Alice Dean

  “You don’t mess around do you.” I handed the letter to Nancy.

  “No and, Junior, that’s one important point you will be learning about us. We aren’t afraid of anyone.”

  “And ever since I started the agency in 1937, we have never backed down from anyone. If your sister hadn’t given them our name but wrote the information had come from an anonymous source the Illuminismo would not take us seriously,” Senior explained.

  “Dad, that makes a great deal of sense. Guess this private detective business is going to be an interesting new career. Okay, anyone, do we have to worry about them coming after any of us?” I said.

  “In a word, no. They will undoubtedly research us and find out that we have been involved, over the years, in very high-profile cases. Trying to come after us won’t benefit them at all. They’ll learn we have an excellent relationship with not only the Los Angeles Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but Interpol as well,” Alice told us.

  “Granted one of the people with the FBI is a member of the Illuminismo and considering he is about to be arrested that will tell the group we aren’t to be messed with,” Edward explained.

  “No kidding. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when the agents take Koker into custody.”

  “If anything, we will learn the outcome from at least John Wentworth,” Edward replied.

  The phone rang and being closer I answered the call.

  “Dean & Dean Detective Agency.”

  “Junior, turn on the news.” I recognized the voice of Steve Milton.

  I didn’t bother covering the mouthpiece and told Edward to turn the television on to news. The scene was of the Federal Building surrounded by police and civilians.

  A short while ago while eight prisoners were being led to a courtroom for an evidentiary hearing. They were freed by several men wearing masks and carrying automatic weapons. As far as we know, no one was killed but several employees were wounded. The names of the injured aren’t being released at this time. This station will keep you updated as information becomes available to us.

  “Steve, your sister and brother, are they alright?”

  “They are. Jessica hadn’t entered the courtroom when the shooting started, and Sam wasn’t in the building.”

  “How about Special Agents Wentworth and Milton, your father?”

  “They are safe as well. At the time they were going over the arrest warrant for Jamison Koker when the attack occurred. From what Jessica said, the men were in the corridor outside the courtroom which leads to the jail when the armed assailants surprised the guards. How they got away I don’t know. Sorry.”

  “That’s alright. Thanks for calling.” I then hung up.

  “Before you ask, I’m guessing that Koker had a hand in the escape and the men might try coming after us again,” Edward told us.

  “Great, here we go again having to look over our shoulders. Always have an extra person when you leave the compound,” Dad ordered.

  “Yes, sir,” we all said in unison.

  “Not that I don’t mind living in your house Junior and Nancy I guess I’m going to have to put off house hunting for a while. As for the money I have saved up from my furniture business, shall I go ahead and arrange for that to be transferred here?” Walter asked.

  “Yes, Junior, give Mr. Waters a call so he can make the necessary arrangements,” Edward told me.

  “Excuse me, but who is he?”

  “He, and his father before him, handle all the Dean accounts including our business ones as well.”

  “Thank you. Under which name will my account be set up?”

  “Walter Sutton,” I answered.

  “But, won’t he need proof?”

  “No. Our word, or in this case your word, is all he’ll need. Later when you get the paperwork, including a new Social Security number Mr. Waters will need that. If you want, he can also arrange for the transfer of the money you were paid twenty years ago which should have accrued a nice large amount of interest by now.”

  “Will doing that be safe? I have not touched the money for fear they will find me.”

  “If you’re talking about the five men who hired then trained you, they won’t be able to locate you. Mr. Waters will make sure the transfer is discrete with no names. Only account numbers. How exactly he will accomplish that I have no idea.”

  “In that case I’ll have him obtain that money as well. Does Mr. Waters handle income tax forms?”

  “Yes. He can take care of that for you as well especially since the million dollars will now be reportable income. The fun part will be explaining how you came into the money,” Edward said.

  “Listing the funds as paid in full for assassinating the president won’t work,” I told Walter.

  “Well, let’s not worry about that right now and leave the decision up to Mr. Waters. After all, that’s what he gets paid for,” Thomas suggested.

  “Alright. So, what do we do first?”

  The gate alarm went off and Edward went to see who had shown up. Uninvited.

  “They won’t give up. That’s the same eight from before plus another one. I’ll bet that’s Jamison Koker. Dad, what do we do, besides calling the police that is?” Edward calmly inquired.

  “Start with that but this time make the first call to Wentworth.”

  “I’ll handle that. Sally unlock the guns then have Nancy, Alice, and June help bring them up. I’ve got a little surprise for those idiots if they touch the gate.”

  I watched my older brother flip a switch to the right of the monitor then turned my attention to the screen as he stepped away. What I saw next made me laugh, along with the others. Two of the men had grabbed the metal fence then were immediately thrown back several feet and fell to the ground. Barely moving.

  “Just enough to give them a good jolt and perfectly legal. That’s the same amount of electricity used by farmers on their fences.”

  “The feds should be here in about ten minutes. To make sure those men don’t escape the police are blocking the highway on both sides of the estate. In short, they are boxed in,” I told the others.

  The ladies returned with the weapons and passed them out. Not sure what to do I watched Thomas. He made sure a round was chambered. I did the same but being a little more careful than he had done since I’m new to all this. I then holstered my pistol and waited to find out what happens next. From the corner
of my eye I caught activity on the monitor. Police and FBI agents once again arresting the eight men and the new one who we all suspect is Koker.

  Edward turned off the current to the fence then watched as John Wentworth waved to the camera. My brother keyed the intercom.

  “Come on up. I guess that’s what you want?”

  “Yes. Just to fill you in on the charges.”

  “If you’re talking about the gate, I checked with our corporate attorney and he said that was legal.”

  “I know. I’m talking about what we’re charging the men with, on the off chance you want to add anything,” John replied.

  “Okay.”

  Except Edward, who went to meet John, we all stayed in the office.

  “Before you ask, the other man was none other than Jamison Koker. He’s being charges with domestic terrorism while the others still have the original charges including flight to avoid prosecution. Escaping federal custody and generally pissing everyone off at the Federal Building.”

  “Love the last one. What will they get of that?” Mom said.

  “Separate cells. No communication between them. They will meet with their attorneys one at a time and be arraigned separately. In short, this time we’re keeping them apart from each other. That should reduce the chance of another escape.”

  “Good. What about the alarm system in the building? I mean doors leading in and out. Cameras with taping capability and guards monitoring them. Metal detectors,” Edward inquired.

  “Funny you should mention those points. Turns out I’m on the committee to upgrade our security. The problem is insufficient funds.”

  “Excuse me, but how short are you?” Walter said.

  “I’m guessing about three million.”

  “Then you will have the funds released to you. Sitting in a numbered account in Switzerland is pretty much all the money you will need.”

  “From where?”

  “Did you forget that I was paid a million for assassinating the president. I have no idea how to calculate the current amount but with the interest I should have all you need. I will have to pay taxes on the money before any can be dispensed. Personally, I cannot think of a better use for the money than to help upgrade your security.”

  “Thank you for the offer but I don’t think we can take your money. Even if donated, as you are suggesting,” John replied.

  “That is too bad but there must be some way to give you the funds.”

  “Actually, I believe there is a way. John, who is going to be doing the work? MLD Security Alarm?” Richard, Sr. inquired.

  “They are. May I ask why?”

  “Simple. If Walter can’t give you the money directly I can’t see why he couldn’t send the money secretly to them with a note instructing their accounting department to apply the donation to the improvement of the system being installed.”

  “I didn’t hear your suggestion, Senior, but we will be meeting tomorrow, and I’ll recommend we go for all the upgrades. If I’m asked how we are going to pay to the extra work I’ll simply tell them we’ll figure that out later.”

  “Also, do us a favor, have agents keep an eye out for five unexplained deaths. Specifically, those men who were part of the conspiracy to assassinate President Kennedy.” John left to return to the Federal Building.

  I called Jason Waters then explained that a private account needed to be set up in the name of Walter Sutton. I also told him about the funds that needed to be transferred from a bank in Switzerland to a separate second one but with no name only a number to identify the account. Then at the appropriate time to MLD Security Alarm.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  December 2, 1983

  We hadn’t heard from Special Agent Wentworth since Tuesday which, in my opinion, was good news. The nine men were still in jail, most likely having been arraigned this past Wednesday. Also, we hadn’t heard or read about any suspicious deaths. If any of the five had died unexpectedly we would have. Of course, all the men were not only filthy rich but famous as well.

  Nancy and I had taught our classes yesterday then came home only to turn around and, with Walter, drove to the Federal Building. He needed to sign a few documents to become Walter Sutton and get his picture taken for a passport along with a new social security card. Then, over to the motor vehicle department for a new driver’s license.

  Our final stop was The First Bank of the Pacific so Walter could not only meet Jason Waters but give him the information for his new account.

  “Not that we are in a rush, but have you thought about in what part of the city you’d like to live?” I pulled into the bank parking lot.

  “No, I haven’t. I’ve studied the maps you let me borrow but they haven’t helped very much.”

  “We can ask Jason Waters if he can recommend a good real estate agent. You’ll be amazed at the connections the man has.”

  “Okay.”

  We entered the building and crossed the marble floor of the lobby to the elevators then took one to the first floor. Walking down the corridor to the oak doors at the end we were greeted by Mrs. Brown.

  “Afternoon. Is Mr. Waters available?”

  “Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Dean, go on in.”

  “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sutton.”

  “And you, sir. I have the social security number for you.” Walter handed over the card.

  “Good. Here are some checks to start with. We will need an address so a box of them can be sent to you.”

  “Right now, I’m staying with Junior and Nancy but want to buy my own place.”

  “Excellent. I’m guessing you don’t have an agent. Correct?”

  “No, I do not. What I do know besides the house I would like a separate building for a workshop. I make historically accurate furniture.”

  Jason handed over a business card to Walter.

  “Give her a call when you get back to the house. Tell her what you are looking for and I’ll wager that in two hours she’ll have several listings for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  When we got back to the compound I drove to our place, left my wife and Walter off then decided to walk over to the main house. I wanted to find out if there was any news about the five men.

  “Welcome back. Everything go as planned?” Edward said.

  “Yes, he is official Walter Sutton and Jason gave him a real estate agent’s business card. He’s calling her now. Have you heard anything?”

  “Yes. Kasey Geary died from complications following a routine surgical procedure. Cecil Farmer was killed in a hit and run.”

  “So, including Timon that makes three down, three to go. Do you think the others will be taken care of in the next few days?”

  “Let’s hope so.”

  “I’m going to head back and let Nancy and Walter know of this development.”

  “Okay. Don’t forget the family lunch tomorrow. Make sure Walter knows he’s also welcome,” Edward told me.

  “I’ll let him know but considering the encouragement from Jason Waters I have a feeling Walter will be out looking at houses.”

  “No kidding. The son is made from the same mold as his father. That’s why we have continued to use them even though over the years several trust attorneys have tried to steal us away.”

  I had always suspected that other lawyers had tried to wrangle their way into handling our financial affairs, now that was confirmed. If I hadn’t been so wrapped up in teaching and working toward my PhD, I might have paid more attention to the family business thus I would have known about the attempts.

  During my leisurely stroll home I started going over the facts in this case. What I liked, everything had fallen into place nicely. The only remaining problems were the three men still living. Walking into our house I headed for the kitchen since I suspected dinner would be ready soon.

  “Hi, babe. How long until we eat?”

  “Twenty minutes or so.”

  “Okay. I’ve got good news. Where’s Walter?”

&
nbsp; “Right behind you, Junior.”

  “When I went to speak with Edward, he told me that two of the men who hired you met with accidents and died.”

  “That is wonderful. So, there is what, three left?”

  “Yes. Dallas, Hartford, and Corpus Christi. Time is running out, but I suspect by the 6th they will all be taken care of. Now for you, did you talk to the real estate agent?”

  “She’s picking me up at nine tomorrow to show me a couple of houses. Each one has either a barn or large outbuilding.”

  “Great, not that we want to get rid of you but we think the time has come for you to put everything behind you and move forward.”

  “You couldn’t be more right about that. New name. New life. Heck, who knows, I might even try dating.”

  “Just go slowly. Get your house then business established before venturing out into that world,” Nancy suggested.

  “Good point.”

  The evening was spent relaxing and catching some television.

  ****

  December 3, 1983

  After breakfast the three of us headed over, in my car, to the main house where Walter would be picked up by his real estate agent. Nancy and I wanted to find out if there was any more news from John about the three remaining men.

  I decided to wait until after Walter left before asking. The woman arrived on time and ten minutes later they drove off. From what I overheard they would be gone for most of the day.

  “Yesterday I totally forgot to ask how the arraignment went? Where there any problems?”

  “John told me everything went smoothly but took about five hours since they didn’t want any two of the men in the corridor at the same time. They had the same attorney and he tried to get them released on bail, but Judge Milton wasn’t having any of that. They’re all remanded over for trial. Whenever that is since she hasn’t set a date for any of them,” Edward said.

  “You’re more familiar with the court system so is that normal?” I asked.

  “Definitely not. She knows sort of who sent them, the Secretary-General of the Illuminismo. By keeping them locked up Jessica might be hoping that another attempt is made to free them. Either that or one of the men starts talking.”