Read Under Suspicion - The Legend of D.B. Cooper Page 110
Jim leaned back against the wall. The adrenaline and caffeine had fully worn off now and he was exhausted. That was it, it was finally over. He wasn’t sure whether he felt happy or sad. In fact, he felt nothing. He was just too tired. Two of his friends were dead because of an accident. He couldn’t listen anymore and there was nothing left for him to do. The Feds could do the cleaning up.
Jim glanced over at Rissley behind the camera and cocked a knowing eyebrow. When he’d seen the two bullets, he knew exactly what she’d done and was stunned by it. That was the last thing he’d ever expected from her! He looked at her closely and no longer saw the young naive schoolgirl that had become his deputy some years ago.
For the first time, Jim saw how mature she’d become and he felt proud of her. Perhaps he’d always seen it, but didn’t consciously accept it. After today, he knew, he would never think of her in the same way. Perhaps it was time to give up more of the responsibility of running the county to her. She definitely has proven herself, not just now, but everyday.
For decades he had held the reins of the county tightly, afraid that it might get out of control in someone else’s hands. As Jim looked over at Joe he smiled, realizing that when the time came to retire, he’d be leaving this county in good hands. Suddenly fatigue set in and he felt his age.
Perhaps retirement was closer than he’d thought. Jim turned and slowly worked his way to the door, quietly slipping through it. Walking to the drinking fountain, he bent over and took a long drink.
Cranston opened the conference room door, stepped out, and looked around. Seeing Jim, he closed the door and walked quickly over to him. “Listen, Sheriff,” he said in a serious voice as he looked around to make sure no one could over hear them. “I realize I don’t have the right to ask you this, but how do you think it’s going to make me look if a county sheriff arrests one of my men?”
Jim looked at him through tired eyes. “To tell you the truth, I haven’t given much thought to what I was going to do next.” He rubbed his chin as he thought about it. All of his efforts he’d focused on proving Bradley’s guilt. He hadn’t planned on doing anything afterwards. In fact, he had assumed that Cranston was going to take over anyway. “I’ve got what I want and I’m not looking for publicity. So go ahead, you’ve got the ball. Make your arrest and take the credit.”
Cranston smiled from ear to ear. Grabbing Jim’s hand, he shook it enthusiastically. “I can’t thank you enough, Sheriff.”
“Just one thing,” Jim said, seriously.
“Sure, anything you want. Just name it.”
“Bradley said a lot of unflattering things about me and my department. I expect you to straighten things out.”
“Considerate it done,” Cranston said, sincerely.
“Well I guess there’s nothing left for me to do now except go home and get some sleep,” Jim said with a smile.
At that moment, the conference room door opened and Agents O’Leary and Anderson stepped out and walked over to Cranston. “Did you get it all?” Cranston asked.
“Right here.” O’Leary held up both audio and videocassettes.
“Good,” Cranston said as he straightened his tie. “Let’s nail that dirty rotten jerk.” He turned and the three agents walked towards the front door.
Jim watched them leave, and his tired mind wondered what to do next. Sleep and a good meal, his body decided for him. Jim turned and walked down the hall the other way. When he came to the back door, he looked outside. There was no one around. They had all gone to the front of the station to do the evening report. He lazily pushed open the door and walked to his Blazer.