Chapter 36
“The individual is handicapped by coming face to face with a conspiracy so monstrous he cannot believe it exists.”
The next morning at 6:15 a.m., Steve Milford’s cell phone began vibrating. He turned off the volume every night before bed but left the phone on his nightstand. He was already awake, because he had trouble sleeping since Tim’s accident.
“Hello?”
“Is this Steve Milford?”
“Yes, who’s this?”
“Mr. Milford, we were given your phone number by Tim Spilner.”
Steve immediately got out of bed and started walking toward the kitchen.
“So who is this?”
“My name is Jeff Weaver. I am the Texas attorney general.”
“How do I know this is you for sure?”
“I can give you my phone number here in Austin and you can call back and go through the capitol switchboard to verify the number.”
“You said Tim gave you my number?”
“Yes, Steve. Can I call you Steve?” Weaver asked.
“Sure.”
“Steve, I received a package directly from Tim Spilner that contained a thumb drive with certain information. Are you familiar with this particular information?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Are you aware that only you and I received this information?”
“No, not for sure,” Steve responded.
“Are you aware if anyone else has this particular information?”
“No, I’m not,” Steve replied.
“Steve, what do you know about Tim’s accident?”
“Not much, but I can tell you he was worried about his safety. Did you know it happened on the same day he emailed me this information?”
“No, but I’m not surprised,” Weaver told Steve. “He sent us the information on the same day as his accident as well. Steve, I’m not trying to frighten you, but I really believe you could be in serious danger. This information is extremely explosive. I would like to send the governor’s jet to pick up you and your family immediately. Can you do that?”
“Uh, sure, I guess.”
“Steve, I need to ask you. Who else knows? Who have you told?”
Steve didn’t have to give that question much thought. “Absolutely not a soul. Not even my wife.”
“Well, I’ll let you figure out how to tell your wife you need to leave D.C. immediately. We fueled the jet last night and it left Austin at 5:30 a.m. Can you be at the private terminal at Reagan airport by 8:30?”
“Sure, I think so. Wow. I can’t believe this is happening.” Steve was stunned at the turn of events.
“Steve, Tim must have trusted you. You and I both think his car accident was suspicious. We haven’t gotten a copy of the accident report but, from what we have read, it doesn’t add up.”
“No, it doesn’t.”
“Then you know how serious this could be?” Weaver asked.
“Of course. I’ve been worried sick about it for days. The FBI has already interviewed me. I’m sure they’ll be back.”
“Okay,” Weaver said. “I’ll have one of my staff call you back with details for the terminal and your flight. Do not tell a soul outside your immediate family. The rest of your family and friends can find out once you’re in Austin safely.”
* * *
The DOJ announced a press conference scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Eastern time for U.S. Atty. Gen. Jamail Tibbs to make a special announcement. The talking heads with the media speculated on Tibbs’ next actions since the Texas Rangers had thoroughly embarrassed the ATF and FBI. Polling data showed the country was shifting its opinions on the Rangers’ role in freeing Chuck Dixon.
At 9:00 a.m., Tibbs walked up to the podium flanked by FBI Dir. Wodehouse and ATF Dir. Adamson, along with three congressional Democrats from Texas.
“I will read a statement, but will not take any questions at this time. Today, the Department of Justice is issuing arrest warrants for various officials in the State of Texas associated with the shooting of a federal agent, aiding and abetting a federal fugitive, obstruction of justice, attempted capital murder, trespassing and other charges in relation to the incident at Ellington Air Force Base outside of Houston, Texas. Both the Department of Justice and the administration are highly disturbed that Gov. Cooper of Texas would take it upon himself to order the Texas Rangers to conduct illegal operations on federal property and against federal agents that ultimately led to the shooting of an ATF officer.
“These actions are unprecedented and all those involved will be held accountable, including Gov. Cooper.”
The news organizations were now wildly anticipating the sight of federal agents arresting a sitting governor. Even more dramatic was the thought that the highly professional Texas Rangers could face charges. The news cycles, which had shortened dramatically with the advent of the Internet, 24-hour news channels and new media, were in overdrive about this developing story.
Pops was back at his office at the Texas DPS by 6:30 a.m., despite the late night before. Out of the elite corps of one hundred fifty-five Texas Rangers, Pops had assembled his top twenty-five Rangers for a 9:30 a.m. briefing. This elite crew was going to receive assignments for continued special protection of Chuck Dixon’s family as well as the expected arrival of Steve Milford’s family.