A Conspiracy Uncovered

by Lindsay Downs

  “Don’t forget the Illuminismo have a very long reach,” Mom reminded us.

  “Hundreds of years to get people into the right places,” Dad added.

  Alice went to the office and came back smiling.

  “Good news. Someone in the group has been secretly funding Walter. This individual has been sending checks, specifically money orders, in varying amounts every month since 1968 to him. What makes this so interesting, they are all drawn on different accounts around the United States. This person has figured out a way to circumvent the internal audits, so the loss of funds stays hidden. My contact hasn’t been able to learn who this individual is but will continue to carefully dig into the finances sent to Walter.”

  “Alice, do you think this unknown person might be his twin brother? William?”

  “That was my first thought and if true then he must know about Walter. So, why not the reverse?”

  “Who knows? The way these people keep secrets I would think anything is possible. Okay, here’s another question for anyone to attempt to answer. What if there was a seventh person who met with Walter and that individual was William?” I proposed.

  “And they recognized each other. If William is the one sending the money that might be the reason Walter is on the run because he knows if he stays here, he could be in danger. Not from his twin but the group which is why they kept coming after him. What would really help us figure everything out will be when John hears back from the agent in Australia about who adopted William?” Dad told us.

  “Right. Until then we are simply speculating which as a private detective, we should refrain from doing. We have to deal with the facts as we know them,” Mom reminded us. Especially Nancy and me because we are new to the business.

  “All we know is that Walter and four other men were hired to assassinate Kennedy. We have irrefutable evidence to that fact, courtesy of Walter. Also, three of them have died under mysterious circumstances. Again, we’re waiting for autopsy reports on them. Walter, supposedly went to Alaska for two years and John is checking that part of his story out.”

  “There have been several attempts to kill us. First returning here from Montana. When that failed, they tried to blow us up with car bombs. Then twice first with eight then nine men to attack us here,” Nancy said.

  “The second one was orchestrated by Jamison Koker along with the jail break, most likely,” Thomas added.

  “Is private detective work always this dangerous?”.

  “Nancy, not as a rule. I can’t recall the last time I drew my pistol,” Sally replied.

  “Good. So, anyways I guess right now all we can do is wait to hear back from my brother.”

  “Yes, we can continue reviewing the tapes Thomas brought back yesterday.”

  Sally put in the next tape then turned the VCR on. While we watched the video, I noticed William several times talking with other members of the Illuminismo. I could see their lips move but couldn’t hear what was being said even though there was sound.

  “Do we know anyone who knows sign language or can read lips. If we do that would be a great help in understanding what they are saying,” I asked.

  “Yes, I do. Detective Bill Hall’s wife. She minored in sign language in college. If she can’t read lips, then she might know someone. Let me give her a call.”

  Edward went to the office and returned five minutes later. In the meantime, we had continued watching the video.

  “Lisa said she’s a little rusty but is willing to try. Bill’s bringing her out and they should be here in about thirty minutes.”

  “Then let’s take a break until they get here.” Sally rewound the tape to the spot where William was talking to the other man.

  We headed for the office otherwise one of us might have decided to turn the VCR back on. Walking in the phone rang. Edward answered the call.

  “That was John Wentworth. He heard back from the special agent in Australia and has some interesting and useful information. He’s coming out to fill us in.”

  “Let’s hope he gives us the answer as to who adopted William and where they live. From there we should be able to start piecing his life together from then until now,” June said.

  “How easy will that be if he stayed in Australia?” I asked.

  “Difficult but not impossible. That said, I’ve got a feeling his adopted parents are from the US. I say that because of him being in film footage shot in the DC area,” Mom told us.

  “That’s encouraging at least. I think you’re right,” Nancy replied.

  The gate alarm went off and I went to see who’d arrived. John with Bill and Lisa behind him. I flipped the switch opening the gate then waited until both cars were clear then closed the barrier.

  Edward and Dad went to greet our guests. They brought them into the office.

  “John let’s start with what you learned from the agent in Australia,” Dad requested.

  “Thanks. William was adopted by a Mr. and Mrs. James Barron through a respectable agency. They were Australians who emigrated to the United States with their son after the treaty ending World War 2 was signed. Prior to the war Mr. Barron had invested heavily in steel companies here. They became citizens several years later. Once I learned that I was able to do some digging on my own. When the Barron’s died their net worth was somewhere in the vicinity of eighty million dollars which William inherited and has since increased his net worth.”

  “How did he get involved with the Illuminismo?”

  “I’m guessing through his father.”

  “John, from what my contact has learned that is about the only way a person can become a member. Either through their father or male relative. The other way is by referral,” Alice explained.

  “What about background checks? Do they check into a perspective member?”

  “That, Junior, I don’t know but seriously doubt they even bother. Don’t forget the young men are observed by their father. I’ll bet a few members will also keep an eye on the possible member when not at home. Like at college or work,” Alice added.

  “And depending on the country how the individual talks or acts politically. What they don’t do I’ll wager, is run for an office, no matter how minor.”

  “That would be highly counterproductive. The Illuminismo much prefer to work outside the political system but make sure events suit their needs, desires and wants.”

  “Alice, we all agree that they have to be brought down. Considering their size and reach this won’t happen in your father’s and my lifetime. I’m not saying we devote all our time and energy in destroying them but when you come across any of them, make the people pay and pay dearly.”

  I have never heard our mother so adamant about something or someone as she is now.

  “The same goes for me,” Detective William Hall added.

  “I can’t and won’t speak for the others, but I will do as you wish.”

  “Thank you, son,” Dad replied.

  “Now, let’s get back on track. If William is secretly sending Walter money considering the current videos, we have watched then the group has no idea what he’s doing.” Sally let our guests know what we’ve seen.

  “I’m guessing that’s why you need me? To try reading the lips of a couple of these people,” Lisa inquired.

  “Yes. Let’s hear what William is saying and to who then we might have a better idea what his end game is.”

  We all went back to the living room with Lisa taking a chair in front of the TV.

  “Sally let me handle the remote. Also, I’m rusty at this so I don’t think I’ll be able to tell you what they are saying verbatim, only a generalized version. I hope that’s alright.”

  “That’s fine,” I replied.

  After a minute of watching the video Lisa pressed paused.

  “Okay, the person on the right asked if there was any luck in finding Walter Johnson. The other one said not yet. The best we know is, he’s someplace in Los Angeles. Then the first man replied, since my prede
cessor brought him in to kill the president then I’m responsible. I will take a flight there and organize the search for him. Do we have members who can help?”

  “When was this footage shot, Sally?” Edward asked.

  “November twenty-seven through twenty-nine. That means he is already here,” Sally replied.

  “That I can help with. I’m guessing he flew out of Richmond, probably commercial and first class. I’ll get ahold of the FAA for all flights from there to here, then get the passenger lists. That way I will be able to find out when he arrived,” John told us.

  “Junior, the other man said yes but he didn’t give the first person any names.”

  “That’s going to make finding him difficult.”

  “Not really. If I can find out when he landed then following him on the ground will be easy. Most likely he would have rented a car and is staying in a hotel. A four or five star one no doubt,” John explained.

  “With his money, do you think he might have hired a chauffeur?” Nancy asked.

  “That’s a tough one to answer. If he’s been here before William might know his way around the city. Considering the people, he will be working with that could be doubtful though. That’s also why he wouldn’t stay with anyone.”

  “Well, we will leave all that up to you, John. Next question, of all the people in the organization why would he come here? Why not let someone here hunt down Walter?”

  “Because William is trying his best to protect his brother and using the forerunner as the excuse. I’m almost beginning to think they might have been in touch with each other, even while here.”

  “Wait, except for the one-time Walter left the compound he’s basically been a prisoner here until today when he left supposedly for his new house. That’s the answer. What if Walter talked to his brother and that’s how he knew of the danger. There are two ways that could happen, over the phone or during the visits to the different houses. Remember he said yesterday he’d be late and mentioned he had bought place. What if the real estate agent’s husband is a member of the group and William used her so he could speak with his brother?” Except that wouldn’t work because the husband would want to kill Walter, I explained.

  “Son, you could be right. The timing fits though when William got here. So now we must find one of the brothers to get the full story. John, Bill whatever happens they shouldn’t be arrested,” our dad requested.

  “Since neither of them has currently committed a crime the FBI isn’t interested them.”

  “The same for the LAPD.”

  Now all we must do is find them. That might be difficult, but I had an idea.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Considering how long the Illuminismo has been around I’m curious at how difficult finding William is going to be. If he’s in an expensive hotel he could be listed under a different name. Even though today is Saturday, John had no trouble getting the lists of flights from Richmond, Virginia to here, primarily Los Angeles International Airport. From the airlines getting the passengers names was a little more difficult until he mentioned a possible terrorist might have been on one of the planes. He had them fax the lists to the house.

  As they came in, we started looking for William Barron. After an hour of examining the lists I found his name.

  “He arrived three days ago in the flight landing at 3:10 pm.”

  “Give him an hour to get his luggage then either to the taxi stand or where he could rent car. He’s going to want to keep a low profile,” John said.

  Since we knew he was using his real name John started calling the different rental agencies. This time we got lucky, with the third one. Again, he had used his real name. That gave us a pattern and we know or suspect he’ll be registered at the hotel as William Barron.

  “He’s staying at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in the penthouse. Bill, want to go with me to question him?”

  “I’d love to, but Junior would be a better choice with his intimate knowledge of the case.”

  John Wentworth glanced over to me. “Sure. Do I bring my pistol?”

  “Yes, and your FBI credentials.”

  “Alright. They are both in the gun cabinet. I’ll be right back.”

  With the holster attached to my belt and identification in my coat pocket I returned to the office slightly nervous. Not because of carrying them but what John and I might have to do. Be involved in a gun battle.

  “Stay safe,” Nancy said. She then gave me a kiss on the cheek.

  “I’ll try to.”

  During the drive to the hotel we discussed how to approach William. My recommendation, we let him know about his brother and he will remain safe even though at this time we weren’t exactly sure where he was. At first, John wasn’t in favor of that tactic but came around when I explained the best way to get William on our side was to be open and honest.

  John found a parking space close to the front door. We walked in and over to the receptionist showing her our identification.

  “We’re looking for William Barron. He’s not in trouble but we have a few questions for him.”

  “Certainly. He is in the penthouse.”

  “Has he had any visitors since his arrival?” I asked.

  “Not that I’m aware of.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You will want the middle elevator. That’s the only one which goes to the top.”

  When the doors opened, we stepped out and into what I can only describe as a living room. Walter’s twin was sitting on a couch, stood and walked over to us. What was interesting he held his hands out showing us they were empty.

  “Sir, you must be Professor Richard Dean, Junior,” he said.

  “Yes, and this is FBI Special Agent John Wentworth.”

  “This is a pleasure to meet you Special Agent Wentworth. I’m William Barron. Come in and have a seat.”

  “How do you know who I am? From Walter?”

  “Yes. I meet with him earlier and considering what he told me I suspected you might be coming over. That you are intelligent enough to figure out where I’m staying. Not only that but how I got here.”

  “Sir, why is he on the run again. Doesn’t he realize he’s in no danger?” John said.

  “That’s where you’re right and wrong. As long as there is one member of the Illuminismo is alive he won’t be safe. However, the local cell head believes he committed suicide.”

  “Does that include you? Or are you helping Walter so he can stay alive?”

  “To answer your first question, you have done that with the second question. To save time, I’m the individual who has been sending money to my brother over the years. Trust me, I can afford to, but I suspect you already know that.”

  “We do but thought he might be a member of the Illuminismo. Let me guess, you came to Los Angeles to make sure another member of the group doesn’t try to kill him. Correct?”.

  “Yes. What I don’t understand, how did Jamison Koker find him?”

  “You do but don’t know you do. I know that’s confusing, you simply have to trust me,” I told him.

  “As for the man I can tell you he is better off in jail.”

  Did he just tell John and myself he’s trying to undermine the organization he belongs to? I want to ask but first I’d like to get more information.

  “Excuse me but what do you mean by that?” John said.

  “We’re divided into small groups. We leaders know each other or how to contact them if we’re in a different area or city. Like me being here. When an event is going to be taking place in our district we then decide if we’re going to do something or not. If you have noticed very little is going on in Virginia which I control.”

  “William, can an individual from a different area or the leaders tell you want to do?”

  “Yes, if they think I’m not doing and promoting what they believe is for the best of the city, state or country. That’s why I am slowly, in my own way, trying to dismantle the group.”

  “You are awa
re that will be damn near impossible. Don’t you?”

  “Yes, but we, there are a few of us, want to end the control the Illuminismo has in the world. We’re also aware that we could be killed in the process but the result, freedom for individuals to think on their own, will be worth the risk.”

  “Are you my sister’s confidential informant in Europe?”

  “You might say so, even though I’m here not there. I do have a person in Italy that she contacts. They then pass along to me what she’s looking for.”

  “William, when did you realize the Illuminismo is nothing but pure evil?” John said.

  “When I learned how my adopted father died. Or more correctly was murdered. I’ve always known that Mr. and Mrs. James Barron weren’t my real parents. They had told me when I was old enough to understand. But I digress. My father was flying back from England in his private jet when the plane went down over the Atlantic. A month later his body washed up on a beach in Virginia.”

  “Couldn’t there have been a mechanical problem with the engine?”

  “No. Eventually they found the plane. On close examination of the flight surfaces the NTSB inspectors confirmed that the ailerons had been tampered with. Even though in this particular instance my dad wasn’t the pilot I know he would have done a visual inspection himself.”

  “Is that why you don’t own a private jet?” John said.

  “Yes. Would you believe that they don’t want to be considered mass murderers, except in war? The leaders in Italy won’t kill innocents therefore I’m safe in a commercial jet. I also don’t have a driver at home.”

  “William, why are you telling us all this?” I asked.

  “Professor Dean, I read the dissertation for your PhD and you left no stone unturned in searching out the truth. Also, the Dean & Dean Detective Agency is known all over the world at being the best in not only answering the unanswerable but finding the unfindable. I’m sure that even as we speak other members of the agency are searching for answers or resolving a problem.”

  “Please call me Junior, since I was named after my father. Thank you for your confidence.”