As they left the hospital, a knot of media types was camped outside the front entrance to the hospital several doing live feeds.
“Holy crap,” whispered Tanner.
“They’re back,” said Books.
Media interest in the case had subsided as the hours had turned into days and still the Rogers hadn’t been found. With the events of the day, media interest had again peaked. Even Books, who normally disdained the media, thought it was a great story made all the better because of its positive outcome.
“We’re going to have to say something to this crowd before long, Virgil. What do you think?”
“I agree.” Bell glanced at his watch. “It’s almost two-thirty. Why don’t you tell them to assemble at the sheriff’s office in an hour, and we’ll have a statement for them. That’ll give us time to contact Chief Spencer and Sheriff Sutter. Preferably both ought to attend, but if that can’t happen we need at least one of them.”
“Let’s make it four o’clock,” said Books. “That might give Sutter a better chance of making it back.”
“Given how nervous Charley gets at the thought of a press conference,” said Bell, “he might prefer to stay out there on a manhunt even if it turns into a shootout.”
They announced the four o’clock press conference and then hurried on to their meeting with the FBI. On the drive to the sheriff’s office, Books speed-dialed Sutter’s cell number. When Sutter didn’t answer, he left a message alerting the sheriff to the four o’clock press conference. He left the same message for Kanab Police Chief George Spencer.
***
Books, Tanner, and Bell sat on one side of the rectangular table, the FBI agents on the other. Books spoke first. “Well, gentlemen, this is your party, so how can we help you?”
Ed Freeman was the older of the two agents and acted as spokesperson.
“I think maybe we can help you,” countered Freeman. “The Bureau has been watching this case with growing interest over the past week.”
“And why is that?” asked Bell.
“As I’m sure you understand, the FBI cares deeply about federal lands and wants to do whatever it can to help preserve and protect its resources.”
Never heard that one before, thought Books. Where are my hip waders?”
“The scope of this particular investigation seems to have grown beyond the limited resources of local agencies,” continued Freeman. “And since the Bureau does hold primary jurisdiction in matters involving the transportation of kidnap victims across state lines, we are considering offering our considerable resources by entering the case.”
Books had heard that one before. How do you spell pompous ass?
“For starters,” said Books, “We have no evidence that the victims have been transported across state lines, although they may have. Our assumption from the get-go was that you have jurisdiction. The kidnapping occurred in Mohave County, Arizona, but it wasn’t on state or county land, it was federal. And had you needed our permission, that decision would have to be made by somebody way above my pay grade.
“We are well aware of that, Ranger Books. Nonetheless, as the primary investigator in the case, your cooperation would be essential,” said Freeman.
“And what might that entail?”
“We would expect to make you an important member of our team. We’d want to sit down with you for an extensive debriefing. And of course, we would require access to all investigatory and lab reports, as well as all physical evidence.”
Condescending bastard.
“Of course,” said Books. “I don’t think I got where you gentlemen are from—I assumed the Salt Lake City field office. Am I right?”
“Sorry,” said Freeman. I should have clarified that. I’m the resident agent-in-charge of the St. George office, and Agent Sanchez works with me.”
“Then who makes this decision—you guys, or the brass in Salt Lake City?” said Bell, testily.
“Um, ultimately the decision will be made by the SAC of the Salt Lake office,” replied Freeman.
SAC, Books knew, was Bureau jargon for special agent-in-charge of the field office.
“Then why don’t you have them contact me directly,” said Bell. “We hold primary jurisdiction in the burglary that occurred at the victim’s home. I anticipate that we will file additional state charges for felony theft and possession of stolen property.”
Freeman now looked decidedly uncomfortable and unsure where he should go next. “So I can report to my superiors that you would welcome the Bureau’s participation,” said Freeman.
“We’d be glad to consider it, yes,” said Bell. “Let’s talk.”
For what Books had always assumed was nothing more than a small-town country bumpkin prosecutor, his opinion of Virgil Bell had just gone up a notch. He had acquitted himself quite nicely in their encounter with the feds.
“And of course, you can count on my full cooperation if directed to do so by my superiors,” added Books.
It wasn’t a ringing endorsement of FBI participation in the case, but it was the best Freeman was going to get, and he knew it. The agents left, undoubtedly to report that the local minions were less than enthusiastic about turning the investigation over to Big Brother.
***
After they closed the door, Books sighed and learned back in his chair.
“So what the hell do you think that was all about?” asked Bell.
“Beats me. Maybe they’d been sent in to do a little reconnaissance—see if they could figure how much local resistance they might encounter if they bully their way in and take over the investigation.”
“Maybe. It’s not like they have to get anybody’s permission. The state doesn’t have jurisdiction on the kidnapping case anyway.”
“True. It’ll have to be prosecuted in federal district court. That said, it doesn’t mean we don’t need a strategy,” said Books. “We should be proactive about deciding what state charges to bring and against whom.”
“Bell nodded. “The feds are the feds, and they’re going to do their own thing no matter what we think. I’d prefer being out in front of them rather than giving chase.”
“Me too.”
Books was prepared to give Bell a grade of “A” for courage. Charging the son of arguably the most powerful politician in Kane County was not to be taken lightly, nor would it come without Bell having to pay a political price. From everything Books had ever heard, Doug Case, while considered a fair man by most, was a ruthless adversary when crossed. Some people believed he was the kind of man to carry a grudge straight to the grave.
“So what do you suggest?” asked Bell.
“I think we ought to move quickly and get arrest warrants for the entire Buck family. Earl and Jimmy, for attempted murder in the assault on Benally, and Jason for one one count of residential burglary and felony theft.”
“And what about Bobby Case?”
“Damn, Virgil, that’s a tough one for me because Bobby’s family, but I don’t see that we have much choice.
“Neither do I,” said Bell. “My inclination is to file a possession of stolen property charge against him. And that’ll be the least of his problems once the feds come down on him for the kidnapping beef.”
Books turned to Tanner. “You with us on this, Beth?”
“Sounds right to me. With Benally and Timmy Buck charged, that will allow us to close the burglary case. I’m real sorry about Bobby, J.D. Maybe you should let us deal with the family.”
“Thanks, but I don’t think so. I’ll need to be the one to break it to Maggie. It’s going to be damn hard on our family. It’s Maggie and the boys I’m really worried about.”
“While I’ve got to do my job, if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know,” Bell said. “And I want you to know how sorry all of us
feel that you had to hear about Bobby’s involvement during an interrogation.”
“Thanks for the kind words,” replied Books, “but it’s sure not your fault.”
“I know that, but still. You should also know that Becky had no idea that Benally was going to name Bobby as one of the principals,” said Bell.
“I was wondering about that.”
“She was as shocked and upset as you were. If she’d known, she would have told you in advance. I’m sure of it.”
“Good to know, I guess.”
“Since we’re talking about Becky, I should tell you that I probably made a mistake by not filing a motion with the court demanding that she recuse herself. Frankly, Charley convinced me that having her represent Benally might be something that could be turned to our advantage.”
“It didn’t though, did it?”
“Not in the slightest. The lady drives a hard bargain.”
“Charley doesn’t know Becky Eddins as well as he thinks he does.”
“Apparently not. Can I offer you a piece of advice?”
“Sure.”
“From now on, you need to step away from this case. You’re too close to it and too personally involved. It’s not your fault, but it’s a problem, and one we don’t want to have to face if the case ever comes to trial.”
It was good advice and Books knew it.
“Once I start a case, it’s damned hard for me to step away.”
“I know, but it’s the right thing to do. You need to turn this over to Charley, Beth, and Maldonado. When Bobby is arrested, you want to be as far away as possible, for your own sake, and for your family’s as well.”
At that moment, Chief Spencer of Kanab P.D. knocked on the door and walked in. “Anybody heard from Charley?”
“Not a word,” replied Books. “We left him a voice message at the same time we left yours.”
Spencer glanced at the wall clock. “We still got forty minutes. He might still show.”
Virgil Bell smiled. “I wouldn’t bet on it.”
“Come to think of it, I wouldn’t either,” said Spencer. “Charley’s never taken much to standing under those hot media lights.”
“Speaking of bets, what’s your take on the Jazz making it into the playoffs this season,” said Books.
“Oh, I think they’ll make by the skin of their teeth—a seven or eight seed and out in the first round,” said Bell. “What do think, George?”
“Couldn’t tell ya. I really don’t pay much attention to them. This time of year I’m getting geared up for the baseball season.”
“I think you may be right, Virgil,” said Books. “I figure the Jazz will get in with a high seed and probably disappear after the first round. The only saving grace for me is I’ve got two teams in the west. My loyalty to the Nuggets is still pretty strong. Hopefully, if the Jazz can’t get it done, the Nuggets will.”
The men continued making small talk until it was fifteen minutes before the scheduled press conference.
“Well, what should we tell them?” asked Spencer, glancing at Books.
“Often, it’s just as important to decide what you’re not going to tell them,” said Books. “But it’s your show, chief. This abduction happened in Kanab, and the media will expect to hear from you.”
“Okay then. What shouldn’t we tell them?”
“I wouldn’t discuss any physical evidence we’ve got, and I would avoid all questions about Joe Benally except his medical condition.”
Books realized that Chief Spencer hadn’t been briefed on Benally’s confession and the damning new evidence broadening the suspect list to include Jason Buck and Bobby Case. So he and Bell explained what they’d learned from the Benally interview as well as the recent visit from the FBI.
“Holy moly,” said Spencer. “Bobby Case involved in the kidnapping. I can hardly believe it. That isn’t the Bobby Case I know.”
“My sentiments, exactly,” replied Bell.
“What about the manhunt for the Bucks?”
“Oh, I think we should supply that information. Let’s get these guy’s names and pictures on the wire. Hopefully, we’ll find them soon, but if it doesn’t happen, we might as well enlist the media’s help. And, based on what we just learned from Benally, we should include Jason Buck on the list.”
“They’re going to ask questions about the attempt on Benally’s life. I see no reason not to point the finger at the Buck clan for that as well,” said Spencer. “I’ll tell them the Bucks are wanted for questioning in the attempted murder of Joe Benally as well as the kidnapping of Rolly and Abby Rogers.”
“I don’t have a problem with any of that,” said Books. “Do you, Virgil?”
Bell shook his head. “What if they ask questions about who posted Benally’s bail?”
“Why not tell them?” countered Spencer. All eyes were fixed on Books.
“Hmm. Hadn’t thought about that one. That discussion goes directly to our evidence, namely, the eyewitness identification of Earl Buck. On the other hand, it won’t take some nosey reporter long to sniff that out, so I guess I’d tell them, although I wouldn’t volunteer it. Wait and see if they ask.”
Chapter Thirty-five
Saturday Afternoon—Day 9
At precisely four o’clock, Chief Spencer walked to the podium to address the media while Books and Virgil Bell stood off to one side to help answer questions if it became necessary. As expected, Charley Sutter was a no-show. Tanner was seated in the back of the room near FBI Agents Sanchez and Freeman, who had apparently decided to take in the spectacle.
The press conference came off with only one awkward moment. A reporter from KSL Radio in Salt Lake City asked Spencer if there were others, besides Benally and the father/son duo of Earl and James Buck, involved in the Rogers’ kidnapping. Spencer, caught off guard, hemmed and hawed before finally sputtering a vague answer. When pressed for more detail, he refused additional comment.
The press asked Spencer more questions about the current manhunt than they had anticipated. Even if Spencer wanted to answer those questions, details remained sketchy.
From radio chatter, they had learned that the Johnson Canyon Road had been closed at the turnoff to Highway 89 in the south. From the north, a similar road closure occurred near Sheep Creek on the Skutumpah Road. Units were canvassing trails and back roads inside the Monument with orders to evacuate everyone they came into contact with. The possibility that the Bucks might seize civilian hostages was on everybody’s mind.
At the conclusion of the press conference, Books grabbed Tanner and left the building hurriedly, wanting to avoid an encounter with probing members of the media and particularly Lamont Christensen, editor of the Kane County Citizen.
Books’ new ride was a GMC Sierra pickup with its best days behind it. The old rig shuddered with every undulation and pothole he drove through in the road, leaving him to wonder whether the aging wreck would stand up to daily use until the Tahoe made it back into service.
Before returning to BLM headquarters, they stopped at Tanner’s apartment so that she could change into her uniform. The sheriff had ordered all sworn deputies back to work, cancelling all leave days until the present crisis was resolved.
Once settled in his office, Books did two things. First, he put Tanner to work preparing her first arrest warrant, this one for Jason Buck. Then he called the Four Corners task force, hoping he might reach Sergeant Dan Walker. It was Saturday and nobody answered. Books didn’t bother leaving a message. He rummaged through the top drawer of his desk until he found Walker’s business card with his office and cell number. Walker answered on the first ring.
“Thank God for caller ID. If it hadn’t been you, I wouldn’t have answered,” said Walker.
“I’m glad to know I’m held in such high regard.”
“Don’t flatter yourself. I also answer if the caller is my mother-in-law.”
“Well, go screw yourself then.”
Walker chuckled. “What’s up, J.D.?”
“Trouble by the boatload, I’m afraid.” Books filled him in on the day’s events.
“Wow, you have been busy. What can we do to help?”
“We need to get somebody out to the Buck residence in Blanding immediately, in case any of them show up at the house.”
“I thought you said you had Earl and Jimmy cornered somewhere in the Monument.”
“We think we do, but they’re still at large. No guarantees, you know how it is. Besides, we have no idea whether Jason is somewhere out here or sitting at home. We want him as well.”
“Are you getting warrants?”
“We should have arrest warrants entered into the system for all three members of the family, plus Bobby Case, within a couple of hours. That’s assuming I can find a judge to sign them.”
“Okay. It doesn’t seem likely they’ll show at the house. They’d have to know it’s the first place we’d look.”
“True, but these guys may not be the brightest bulbs in the box. I think it’s possible that Jason might not be aware of what’s going on. If anyone does show, I think it would be him.”
Walker said, “Even if we were to capture them at the house, you’re still going to need a search warrant.”
“I know. As soon as we finish the arrest warrants, I’ll go to work on the affidavit for a search warrant. That house might contain a treasure trove of stolen property. I’m anxious to have a look.”
“Me, too,” said Walker. “I assume most of your evidence is coming from the Benally kid.”
“That’s right. Benally participated in the kidnapping of the Rogers couple on Friday night, and then Saturday night, he burglarized their home in the company of Jason Buck.”
“Busy young fellow,” observed Walker.
“It’s the truth, but the good news for us is that Benally can identify everybody involved.”
Skeleton Picnic Page 19
