Wednesday, September 18, 1901
Walter and Harry did not die in Wilkie’s office after all. Instead, they were to return to Chicago and close out what had the potential to be the worst scandal in American history. For this, they had been assigned personally by the president, with the understanding that no one else was to be aware of their assignment. Wilkie would remain in Washington, trying to determine who, if anyone, in the government was involved.
“We’re spending a lot of time on trains these days, Walter. At least this one is first class.”
“Just be happy we’re sitting up and not riding in boxes in the baggage car.”
“I am. You think TR was serious? And if he was, will he back us up?”
“He was serious all right. He wants this closed out without it leaking to the newspapers or anyone else. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t have said it in front of Wilkie. And yeah, I think he’ll back us up. To a point, anyway.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“He’s not going to risk his position. He’ll support us as long as we’re invisible.”
“Yeah. I suppose. Has it occurred to you that we probably saved Wilkie’s job?” Harry snorted at the irony.
“I think it even occurred to him. He couldn’t wait to tell TR that we were shining examples of the high quality of his operatives. He stopped just short of saying we were his sons.”
“If he thought that much of us, what was the point of taking our guns and locking us in a room?”
Walter laughed. “He only adopted us after TR did. If TR thought the story was horseshit, we’d still be in there.”
“You told TR you didn’t think Hanna was in on it. Sounds to me like you just didn’t want to say what you really thought.”
“No way to know. He definitely prefers Panama and probably has some money in it, but he and McKinley were pretty close.”
“But Hawkesworth said he was speaking for Hanna. You think he was lying?”
“Dunno, Harry. He certainly wasn’t telling the truth about why he was interested.”
Harry grunted. “Think we’re gonna be able to bag him on our own?”
“We’d better. There won’t be any reinforcements. At least Wilkie made sure the Chicago coppers won’t be after us.”
“What about O’Neill?” Harry felt no need to mention Hannigan.
“The wild card,” Walter agreed. “If he’s in on it, we’re probably screwed. Even if he’s not . . .”
“He’s gonna know something was up with Hawkesworth. Of course, he might realize that the best thing is a sudden lapse of memory. He’s not stupid. Wilkie was right. No one is going to want to be within ten miles of this when it’s all over.”
“Including us.”
“Gonna be kind of hard to outrun it.”
“Well, Harry, we’re just gonna have to be inconspicuous.”
“Yeah, Walter. We’re so good at that.”
When they arrived at La Salle Street, Walter had a strange request.
“Are you sure?” Harry was stunned.
“Yeah, Harry. We can’t do much until tomorrow anyway.”
“Okay, Walter. I guess.”