Lone Star Rising

by Kurt Winans

  “Go ahead.”

  “Did you sanction Domonique for the affair, or for a different reason?”

  After the long hours of Friday evening at the Sheriff’s office, Heath had spent the majority of Saturday trying to relax and take his mind off of Domonique. Based on his conversation with her over dinner, and the more complete background check which had been run by a deputy, he knew that she had no family at all. In fact there was no one to notify as to the fate of Domonique except for her employer. Somehow feeling that they shouldn’t learn of her death via an impersonal telephone call or email, Heath reached a decision to cut his Lake Tahoe vacation short by a few days. His thought process had the potential of upsetting President Harwell if it were to be discovered, but that was a chance Heath would have to take. For the most part Heath had enjoyed his return to Lake Tahoe, and at the appropriate moment would once again thank the President for his gift of the trip, however the time had come for him to leave. In accordance with that thought, Heath made some alterations to his eastbound flights scheduled for the upcoming Wednesday.

  When coming west from Washington D.C. to Reno he changed planes in Dallas with a short layover, but Heath intended to split the return flights into separate days. In the hope of using the extended layover to full advantage, Heath planned on renting a car in Dallas for the drive south toward Crockett Texas. Once there, he would attempt to visit the Tillman family and inform them about Domonique in person.

  While the authorities in Douglas County Nevada continued to work the case of the four persons who had been brutally slain, Agent Bishop boarded a plane in Reno on the morning of Monday April twelfth. The combination of having flown for nearly three hours, driving southward for a few more, and the two hour advancement of the clock associated with moving from the Pacific to Central time zones, had made for a late afternoon arrival into Crockett. Nevertheless, Heath was determined to see the task through.

  Upon his arrival at the front gate to the Tillman estate, Heath was surprised to be halted by two armed security men. After showing his credentials and stating a desire to speak with Samuel, one of the men placed a call to the mansion. A moment later the man informed Heath that Mr. Tillman was willing to receive him, and then got into the car so that he could provide an escort. As the security man and Agent Bishop crested the hill more than a mile from the front gate and rolled to a stop near the mansion, Samuel and Victoria were waiting for them on the front porch. Then while extending a welcoming hand, they each greeted their unforeseen guest with a level of curiosity.

  Upon moving with them into the foyer and beyond toward the huge family room, Heath quickly looked around and stated, “You have a lovely home Mr. & Mrs. Tillman.”

  Victoria, in true southern charm and hospitality replied, “Well thank you Agent Bishop, you are too kind. Now may I offer you something cold to drink?”

  “No thank you ma’am. That’s very nice of you to offer, but I shall only take a moment or two of your time.”

  Victoria motioned for her guest to relax in a comfortable seating area where Ashley and Courtney were located, and said, “Very well sir. Now please allow me to introduce the two women who keep our sons in line. This is Ashley and Courtney.”

  Nodding in their direction, Heath smiled and said, “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Ashley had never seen the man and gave a return smile, but while Courtney did the same, she didn’t let on that she knew exactly who Heath was.

  Still standing with his security guard close at bay, Samuel asked, “So you’re Secret Service Agent Bishop?”

  “That’s correct Mr. Tillman.”

  “Well although I can respect your bravado for presenting yourself without a scheduled appointment, I’m not currently in the market for additional protective services. My security team suits the needs of this family quite well.”

  Glancing quickly at the man who had escorted him up the hill, Heath replied, “Yes I’m sure that they are well qualified Mr. Tillman, but I’m afraid that you misunderstand the intent of my visit. I’m not currently looking for a new place of employment.”

  “I see. Then if your visit is of an official capacity, I confess to being confused. Aren’t you just a bit out of your jurisdiction here in Texas?”

  Although aware that if he was visiting in an official capacity as a protectorate his jurisdiction would be global, Heath resisted the urge to inform his host of that fact. Instead he respectfully replied, “That’s true sir. But even if Texas were to fall into my jurisdiction, I can assure you that I’m also not here in any official capacity.”

  With an understanding nod, Samuel then stated, “Well then, now I’m intrigued. Perhaps you could save us all some time by telling us exactly why you are here?”

  “Certainly sir, I’ll get to the point. Do you have a flight attendant in your employ by the name of Domonique?”

  “Yes we do, but she’s currently on vacation.”

  “And have you heard from Domonique at any point during her vacation?”

  “No, but I didn’t expect to. She usually takes a two week vacation about this time in the spring, and isn’t due to return for at least a few more days.”

  “I see. Well I’m afraid that I must relay some bad news to you about Domonique, and I felt that it would be best to deliver that news in person.”

  “So finally we get to the reason why you are here. Alright then Agent Bishop, what has Domonique done?”

  “She hasn’t done anything Mr. Tillman. She has been killed.”

  “Excuse me! Did you say killed?”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  “Well do you know how it happened?”

  “Apparently she was killed at Lake Tahoe on Friday. In the event that you haven’t heard or seen the news of it, Domonique and three other people were randomly shot while skiing.”

  “Yes I did hear about that, but you can’t be serious. Are you sure it was Domonique?”

  “Yes sir. Fingerprints and DNA testing have confirmed it.”

  “Oh my God, that’s terrible news.”

  “Yes it is, for all those involved. A background check revealed that Domonique had no family, so as you would appear to be the closest thing to it, I wanted to inform you of her death in person.”

  While shaking his lowered head in disbelief, Samuel stated, “Well I suppose that I should thank you for that consideration Agent Bishop, however it’s difficult for me to offer such a courtesy at the present time.”

  “I understand what you mean Mr. Tillman, and I’m sorry that you had to be informed of such tragic news. Please accept my condolences.”

  Victoria spoke for Samuel, “We appreciate your effort Agent Bishop. Thank you.”

  Turning toward her, Heath nodded his head and replied, “Of course ma’am. Now I hate to belabor the point, but there is another matter which needs attention.”

  “And what would that be?”

  “Her body is currently in the morgue, so on behalf of those authorities, do you have any suggestions as to how and where Domonique would have wanted to be put to rest?”

  “Not at the moment I’m afraid, but my husband and I shall put some thought into it.”

  “Thank you Mrs. Tillman. I’m sure that the facility will be glad to hear from you when a decision is reached. Now then I should be on my way, so I thank you for the hospitality and allowing me to speak with you.”

  A few moments later after dropping off the security man at the front gate, Heath drove away for the return to Dallas. As he rolled out of sight, the man called Samuel to inform him that the agent had left the area. While that was happening, Victoria went into the kitchen area and asked Ms. Holloway to join those within the family room.

  When Samuel returned a moment later to join the four ladies, Courtney looked him in the eye. Then he said, “It’s alright Courtney, there’s no need for secrecy at the moment. Everyone in present company is in the loop, so tell us what you know.”

  With a nod she stated, “I have seen that man before
. He was the one who Domonique met for dinner the night before her accident. I couldn’t tell you what they discussed, but I doubt he informed her that he was a member of the Secret Service. It’s just not their way.”

  “That’s probably true enough, so everything about this evenings surprise visit could be completely innocent. However we should be mindful that this Agent Bishop might already know more of Domonique than I would like.”

  Ms. Holloway intervened with, “And what would you like to do about that Samuel?”

  “Well I don’t believe that we should take any action just yet. Let’s first see what, if anything at all, develops from the knowledge of Agent Bishop.”

  Before Agent Bishop returned to duty from his vacation at Lake Tahoe, the quick detour to Crockett Texas, and a single restful day of contemplation back in his Washington D.C. apartment, something of tremendous significance had occurred. President Harwell had received some information which nearly everyone in America would have believed to be impossible, but a perceived reality can sometimes be reshaped by way of surprise. Via a secure line from the American Embassy in Zurich Switzerland on Tuesday evening, the Secretary of State had been the first in Washington D.C. to be notified of the shocking news. After instructing the Ambassador to Switzerland, and thus his staff, to keep the information as top-secret, the Secretary immediately contacted the White House to set up a secure meeting with the President. Slightly over an hour later, the Secretary walked into the oval office and said, “Good evening Mr. President, thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”

  “No problem Mr. Secretary. I assume there is a good reason why we couldn’t discuss this on the phone.”

  “Yes sir. I felt there was an imperative need to discuss this information in person.”

  Although still tending to various files upon his desk, Jordan Harwell replied, “Alright, what’s on your mind?”

  “I have some nearly inconceivable news sir, and it comes via a secure channel. Therefore what I’m about to tell you has not become public knowledge as of yet.”

  “Well that’s good I suppose, depending of course on what it is.”

  “Yes Mr. President. It seems that our two pilots who bailed out over Syria after being shot down during the attacks of January first are alive.”

  Snapping his head up from the distractive files, President Harwell asked, “What did you say Mr. Secretary?”

  “Sir, I said that two of the four pilots which we presumed to be dead are alive.”

  “That’s what I thought you said. Are you serious?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “And this has been confirmed?”

  “Yes sir, by reliable sources which can be trusted.”

  “But we were all led to believe that the pilots had most probably been captured and then either immediately killed or tortured.”

  “Yes sir, but nevertheless, they are alive and well.”

  “Well that’s great news, but where are they?”

  “They are currently at our embassy in Zurich Mr. President.”

  “Zurich? That’s unbelievable! How did they get to Switzerland?”

  “I’m afraid that I don’t have the details as to how they got there Mr. President, but I have been assured by someone whom I trust that they are indeed within our embassy.”

  “Alright, so when can we get them back to the United States?”

  “We are currently working on that sir, but it could be a few more days. Apparently both pilots are suffering from a level of dehydration and fatigue. Additionally, they each have a few minor injuries which need to be addressed.”

  “I see. Well then you need to maintain an open channel with your reliable source Mr. Secretary. This information must be kept under wraps for the time being, and it’s imperative that you make those in Zurich understand such a need. Also instruct them on my behalf to provide you with any and all pertinent updates with regard to the pilots, and I want you to personally keep me posted on their recovery progress. Is that clear?”

  “Yes Mr. President. I have already taken the liberty of informing the Ambassador of the need for secrecy, and by now he has addressed his staff on the matter. As for the updates sir, I will keep you posted as news comes in.”

  “That’s good Mr. Secretary, I appreciate that. Now let’s do what we can to get the pilots home and into this office as soon as possible.”

  “Yes Mr. President.”

  Per Jordan Harwell’s desire, the news of the downed pilots and their whereabouts had miraculously been kept under wraps for the previous thirty-six hours. None of the typical ever watchful eyes, attentive ears, and loose lips, within Washington D.C. or the global media machine had a clue as to their status or current location in Zurich. Each of those factors made the President smile inwardly, as he realized that it was actually possible to keep something a secret if the net placed over it was tight enough. However as Agent Bishop resumed his duty in the oval office on the morning of Thursday April fifteenth, President Harwell was about to let the unbelievable secret be known.

  Heath stood by faithfully as the President welcomed the Secretary of State into the oval office, and was then amazed as he listened to the content of their subsequent conversation. A moment later President Harwell had Mrs. Dawson place a call for him without divulging the reason why, but the intent of the mystery was understandable. Now that he had been informed of when the two navy pilots would be returned to Washington D.C. from Zurich, it was time to take action. Speaking with his Press Secretary on the telephone, the President ordered that there be a press conference within the confines of the White House at ten o’clock sharp. That would be in slightly less than two hours, and the Press Secretary would be responsible for spreading the word to the media outlets that the story was worthy of their time.

  For an event away from the White House, Agent Bishop stood as usual, roughly thirty feet from President Harwell. Throughout the previous few days he had been back at his post within the oval office, and had heard every discussion associated with the two navy pilots who escaped from Syria. According to reports which were based solely upon the testimony of the men, their adventure had been arduous. They claimed to have experienced multiple occasions during the nearly one hundred day ordeal when it appeared as though they wouldn’t be delivered alive, but once they had managed to make their way to the eastern shores of Italy, the threat level diminished significantly.

  As recounted by them, the two pilots landed in a remote area after parachuting from their plane as it began to break apart. That unforeseen circumstance turned out to be fortunate, for if they had come down in a city or village, their fate would have probably been sealed by means of which most civilians didn’t care to discuss or even think about. As two members of the American military forces who at the time were relentlessly attacking Syria, torture would have become a primary daily factor throughout the duration of their captivity. However the remote positioning of their landing enabled the pilots to avoid such a harsh reality, although they had been stripped down to nothing more than t-shirts, boxer shorts, and socks while at gunpoint on the sandy soil.

  Their lack of clothing for the upcoming few hours became the lone element of their plight beyond bailing out which could be confirmed by the three rescue helicopters sent from the H.W. Bush. However any trace of evidence which may have been left as to the direction they were then taken was blown away by the rotor blast from the helicopters. The men had been whisked away from the site to a remote village where they were kept in hiding for several days from those that would cause them harm, while also being provided with rations of food and water along with more suitable clothing for the region. Many of the village elders were among those who sought peace on a grand scale, and were both knowledgeable of and sympathetic towards those who had suffered from the attacks within the United States a few months prior. Therefore they didn’t want to see the American pilots hurt or killed in spite of what was currently transpiring within portions of Syria.

  With the passing of
the next ten days and nights, the elders and those in the village became painfully aware that the United States military would inflict her wrath upon those who they deemed to have attacked her personnel or civilians. Although no damage had occurred at their village, distant rumblings of explosions could often be heard while towering plumes of smoke could be seen during the daylight hours. Conversely, the glow upon the distant horizon told of ragging fires throughout the night. As a result the manhunt for the American pilots intensified with each passing day by those who sought justice of their own, so the quest of the elders to keep the two men safe became more challenging. There was a hope that by treating the airmen with care and returning them to the Americans unharmed, it would be viewed by the United States as a humanitarian gesture. That might provide an opportunity for some much needed leverage, which could then hopefully be used to halt any future bombings. Accordingly, the elders decided to try and make a run for Turkey.

  The first step in that run toward freedom would be to smuggle the captives northward via an underground railroad of sorts to a position near the Turkish border. That process, although now proved to be successful, had taken until nearly the end of February. A crossing into the neighboring country was eventually made, but not until after the American pilots had been taken to a secret meeting place only a few miles from the border. At that point they met with a peace envoy which consisted of several men who were members of the Syrian government. At first the airmen felt as if they had been betrayed and believed that they would be taken away for punishment, but that was when a surprise factor entered the equation. Each member of the envoy offered their hand in friendship, while emphasizing that Syria was not the country responsible for the attacks upon the United States.

  As a show of good faith the envoy offered to escort the pilots to the border, where they would have safe passage into Turkey. Beyond that point the Syrian officials would have minimal control, but they would contact a network of additional smugglers who could help the pilots move westward toward Greece if so desired. The only price required of the pilots for such an offer was that of conveying to their superiors back in America the hope of peace, as Syria had taken a beating which would require considerable time and resources to recover from. Although this particular group of government officials didn’t harbor any ill will toward the United States for what had transpired, there were others that now did. In closing they once again stressed that Syria had not been the responsible party. Perhaps they could help in the future to discover who was, but they would need to know that the United States would be willing to work together on such an endeavor.