Read Under Suspicion - The Legend of D.B. Cooper Page 100
Chet parked the Chief in front of the room and got out carrying his camera. Walking to the door, he opened it and saw Alan standing in the middle of the room talking on the phone.
“Yes sir, Governor Wilson, and thank you. I appreciate your swift response to this matter.” Chet heard Bradley say as he walked to the computer, turned it on, then sat down in front of it. Chet waited until Bradley hung up the phone.
“What was that all about?” he asked as he removed a disk from the camera and inserted it into the computer.
“That was Governor Wilson. After I explained the situation down here, he said he’d call an immediate press conference. He’s going to denounce the actions of Cranston and Harper and blame them for the whole affair. At this moment, his aids are drawing up the papers to force both of them into retirement,” Bradley said with a smile as he lifted the phone and dialed.
“So then it’s over.” There was noticeable relief in Chet’s voice as he said it.
“Not quite,” Bradley said and, as he listened to the phone ring in the earpiece, he looked over Chet’s shoulder to the computer. “What are you doing?”
“I got some great shots of the plane wreckage and incinerated body for tomorrow’s paper,” Chet answered, then changed the subject. “What did you mean by not quite?”
Bradley didn’t get a chance to answer as the connection was completed.
“Drug Enforcement Agency. This is Agent Angela Rodriguez. How can I help you?” The voice on the other end said.
“Angela, this is Alan.”
“What do you want, Bradley?” she said in an irritated voice.
“I need everything you can get for me on Jim Harper. He’s the Sheriff of Lewis County and has been for years, so it shouldn’t take you long to get it.” Bradley said.
“I’ll get on it right away.” Came the reply.
“Thank you. I need it pronto!” Bradley said, then hung up the phone and set it down on the nightstand.
“What was that all about?” Chet asked, curiously.
“Just that jerk Sheriff,” Bradley replied as he turned and walked over to Chet. “I’m going to dig up as much dirt on him as I can. Maybe then he won’t think he’s so almighty powerful.”
“But it’s over.” Chet stood up to face his friend and tried to reason with him. “You got everything you wanted. Someone else is going to take the heat and you step away with all the publicity.”
“Wrong!” Bradley said angrily as he stepped past Chet and started to pace. “I wanted to nail this drug smuggling operation and that Sheriff ruined it for me.”
“Oh get off it, Alan!” Chet argued. “You don’t still believe that there are smugglers here do you?”
“Of course I do! That’s what this is all about!”
“No, it’s not! At least not anymore. You’re just angry because someone stepped on your toes. It stops now! You promised it would!” Chet yelled.
“Well I’ve changed my mind! I have to teach that jerk not to screw with me anymore!” Bradley said angrily, almost losing control.
Chet had never seen Alan so mad before and he continued to try and reason with him. “But he’ll be forced to retire! What more do you want?”
“I want his butt!” Alan barked.
“Haven’t you caused enough damage? There are two men who are dead that shouldn’t be, and the only evidence against them you planted!” Chet argued. “Now let it lie!”
“Don’t start giving me orders, Chet!” Alan warned as he shook a finger at his friend. “You don’t run things around here!”
“Oh, yeah! Well what are you going to do if you can’t find any dirt? What then? Are you going to plant drugs on him too?” Chet asked.
“If I have to,” Alan said calmly.
Chet’s jaw dropped in surprise. “Then you can count me out! I’m not going to stand by and watch you ruin someone else’s life. I’m going to pack up my stuff and—” Chet’s words were cut short by the impact of Alan’s body against his own.
Alan slammed Chet up against the wall with such force that Chet almost collapsed. Holding Chet by the lapels of his jacket, Alan yelled furiously into his face. “You’re not going anywhere! You destroyed evidence, remember! You’re in this up to your eyeballs!” Alan stared into Chet’s frightened wide eyes and shook him. “You wouldn’t be anything without me, don’t forget that! You’re lucky I haven’t cut you loose and replaced you with someone with more national exposure. There are plenty of reporters out there that would love to be in your position, so don’t force me to make changes. Now, you’ll do as you’re told and keep your mouth shut! Do you understand?”
Chet couldn’t answer. The wind was knocked out of him. For the first time in his life, Chet was afraid of Alan. Alan released his grip and watched as Chet fell to the floor.
Chet lay gasping for air. A few moments later, he reached up to the desk and slowly pulled himself to his feet. Chet watched as Alan walked calmly to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, Alan checked his hair then straightened his tie.
Trying to compose himself, Chet caught his breath. He could feel his head pounding from the impact with the wall. Chet put his hand on the wall to steady himself as he moved slowly across the room to the door.
“Where are you going?” Alan asked calmly from the bathroom without taking his eyes off his reflection.
Chet looked at the ground and replied timidly. “I’m going for a drive.”
“Good idea. Take your time and pull yourself together. Everything’s going to be just fine,” Alan said with a confident air. “I promise.”
Chet opened the door and slowly stepped outside, closing it quietly behind him.