Read Under Suspicion - The Legend of D.B. Cooper Page 79

Jim maneuvered his Blazer around the vehicles on the two-lane highway. He’d finally cleared the accident outside the station an hour ago, and was now in route to Mineral Lake. He shook his head in disgust. Traffic was thick, and moved at a snails pace. Using the flashing lights on the roof, Jim passed the cars as they pulled over to get out of his way. He passed through Morton, and made the turn onto Highway 7 towards Buck’s place.

  Harper slumped over the wheel as he drove. He was exhausted. His tired eyelids hung heavy as he watched traffic. Cars past, people smiled. Some waved, but he felt nothing. He was a numb blob of emotionless flesh as he maneuvered the wheel unconsciously. He was on auto-pilot. One purpose compelled him forward. Find that bullet.

  When the radio call first came in, it didn’t phase him—he didn’t react. It came in again, nagging at his detached consciousness. Jim finally reached for the microphone slowly.

  “Milhouse to Sheriff Harper. Come in, Sheriff.” The radio squawked.

  Jim picked up the mike, “Go ahead.”

  “Sheriff, I think you’d better get over to Morton field right away. Over.” Milhouse said nervously.

  “What seems to be the problem? Over.”

  “Its Rick Schaffer. He doesn’t look well, and Agent Bradley insists on questioning him alone. Over.”

  “What’s he questioning him for?! Over.” Jim said loudly into the mike.

  “We found opium, Sheriff. Just like the stuff at Buck’s. Over.” Came the nervous reply.

  “Damn!” Jim said then lifted up the mike. “Don’t do anything else until I get there! I’m just a couple of minutes away!” he ordered. Turning on his siren, Jim spun a quick U-turn and headed south towards the field. “Get out of my way!” he said under his breath as he swerved in and out of traffic.