Read Under Suspicion - The Legend of D.B. Cooper Page 82

Jim finished looking at the papers then folded them up. “Your interrogation is over, Bradley. I’m taking Schaffer into custody. He’s not saying another word to anyone until he’s seen his lawyer.”

  “You can’t do this Sheriff!” Alan said angrily. “All I need is ten minutes and this case will be wrapped up.”

  “I can do it!” Jim barked. “This warrant was issued to one of my deputies. That makes Schaffer my prisoner.” Jim grabbed the handle and opened the door.

  All three men looked with surprise at the empty room. Jim stepped quickly to the bathroom and opened the door. Alan ran to the window and looked out.

  “He’s heading for the tarmac!” Alan yelled. Jim ran out the door and down the hall with Milhouse and Bradley close behind. It only took a few strides and the younger, in shape Bradley outran the others.

  Rick made it to his plane as the fuel truck was pulling away. He quickly pulled the wheel chocks from the tires and threw them aside, then jumped into the plane. As he reached his seat, he instantly punched the four buttons to start each engine. The engines were still warm and roared to life without so much as a sputter. Rick took one last look back and saw Agent Bradley closing fast. He pushed the throttle down and the plane rolled onto the runway.

  Alan could see that he wasn’t going to reach the plane in time, so he stopped and pulled the Desert Eagle from its holster. Before he could take aim he was struck from behind.

  “No! You, idiot!” Jim yelled as he tackled Alan. Both men tumbled to the ground. The gun was jarred from Alan’s hand and it slid several yards down the tarmac. Milhouse quickly helped Jim get to his feet, and all three men watched as the plane sped down the runway then climbed into the sky.

  Jim ran back towards the hanger with Milhouse beside him. Alan got up, looked around for his gun, then ran to it. As he holstered it, he looked towards the sky. The clouds had broken up, and Alan could see the sun glistening off the plane’s metallic body as it distanced itself from the field. He quickly started to run back towards the hanger.

  Rick was high in the air, but the laughter continued. What are you doing? You’re not supposed to follow me up here! I’ve got to get higher, he thought then pushed the throttle to full and pulled back on the stick, straining the engines.