Part 26 (1/2)

Ann sat down to the most relaxed breakfast she had experienced since the investigation began. Phase one was complete; Phase two would follow tomorrow at Bankstowne.

Sam's house in Bankstowne ”What the h.e.l.l is going on over in Winston?” Tank shouted at his father, waving the newspaper from across the breakfast table.

”We had a troublemaker, and I told Joey to take care of the problem. d.a.m.n it, I didn't tell him to kill her. Now the cops will be all over the warehouse. But don't worry, there's nothing to link you and me to that operation. I've been very careful about that.”

”How about S & T Distributing Company, the name of the company? That won't be too hard to figure out. And how did the SBI get involved in the raid? The article says they rounded up a dozen illegals that had been working there. Is that your idea of running a low-profile business? Illegal immigrants, for G.o.d's sake.” Tank continued railing at his father while Pearl quietly cleaned up the breakfast dishes.

”Don't get high and mighty on me, son. I need to get back to Was.h.i.+ngton to start damage control. Henry is loading the car right now. Pearl, are you going to be ready to leave in half an hour?”

”Yes. I didn't bring many clothes.” She walked over to Tank and gave him a hug. Her short arms couldn't reach around his middle anymore, but she held him for a minute without saying a word. Tank took her arms from around him and clasped her hands in his against his chest.

”Don't worry, Mom, it's going to be okay. I promise.”

”Don't make promises you can't keep,” she said then switched to a whisper. ”Your father has gotten himself into a mess that he can't fix. Don't let him drag you down with him.” Pearl reached up and pulled her son's face down and kissed him softly on the cheek. Tears welled in her eyes. ”You take care of yourself.”

It was the first time Tank had ever seen his mother cry. He choked up at the sight of her tears and pulled her back into a warm embrace. They swayed back and forth without saying anything to each other.

”It's time to go.” Sam tapped her on the shoulder as he walked by. ”You give them a good speech, son. I'm sorry I won't be there to hear it. I'll square it with young Thadus when I get to DC. It's a good thing the state is doing in saving those buildings. The museum will probably save this town from dying.”

The three walked to the waiting limousine in the circle drive. ”Seems like it was only last week when we did this, sending you off to college,” Sam said.

He shook Tank's hand and covered it with both of his smaller hands. ”We'll get through this. I'll call you when I get to DC. The arrests are a setback, but I'll get our lawyers on it right away.”

Sam and Pearl entered the spotless black limo. The engine came to life, and they were out of sight in seconds.

Tank didn't feel like that c.o.c.ky boy heading off to college anymore. He was tired, scared, and just wanted to get away. He returned to the house to practice his speech, which he honestly hoped would lift the spirits of the town folks. It would probably be his last major act as state senator, and that made him feel better about himself. The town held fond memories of better days that had prepared him for the sports life he really wanted.

Back in his old room, he picked up a copy of his speech, looked in the mirror, and began. The words flowed smoothly as he recounted the history of the town. He made bold predictions of a bright future he could only hope would come true to lift the depressed mindset that had shrouded Bankstowne since the closing of its only industry.

Chapter 59.

”You can rest a.s.sured it will be the best of its kind and give back to the community by attracting tourists by the thousands that will need places to eat and stay while they are here.”

The arrest Sam's limousine turned from Fifth Street onto old Highway 29 past the abandoned Shops buildings. Crews were busy setting up chairs and decorating the speaker's platform with red, white, and blue bunting. Right next to the platform sat the restored No.1401 steam engine with its bright green, silver, and gold paint gleaming in the morning sun.

”Pull over a moment, Henry,” Sam said. ”I want to get a good look at that grand old engine.”

Henry pulled up to the curb and rolled down a window so Sam could get a good look.

”They were the backbone of the railroad during the war,” Sam said in a wistful tone. ”We wouldn't have won it without them. It's going to the Smithsonian after the ceremony, Henry. Did you know that?”

”No sir, I didn't.”

”She'll take her place in history so children for generations to come will know what we did here.” Sam closed his eyes and laid his head back. The car pulled away and headed toward the Yadkin River to pick up Interstate 85 bound for Was.h.i.+ngton, D.C.

Pearl shook her husband's arm. ”Sam, wake up. There's a police blockade up ahead.”

Henry eased off on the accelerator. The big limousine coasted toward a narrow highway bridge over the river next to the Yadkin Finis.h.i.+ng Company. Two Highway Patrol cars with flas.h.i.+ng lights blocked the highway on the Rowan County side of the bridge.

Henry slowed to a stop, and two state troopers stepped from their cruisers and approached the limousine.

”See what they want, Henry,” Sam ordered from the back seat.

When the officers reached the driver's side of the car, Henry lowered his window. ”What seems to be the problem officers?”

”Sir, would you step out of the vehicle, please, and show proof of your ident.i.ty and registration of the vehicle?”

Henry exited the car and produced his driver's license and registration.

Sam leaned forward to hear the officers.

”Is your pa.s.senger Mr. Samuel Johnson?”

”Yes he is. What is this about, officer?” Henry stood straight and held a tone of both respect and irritation.

”We need your pa.s.senger to step out of the vehicle.”

”May I ask why Mr. Johnson needs to get out of the car? My driver's license and registration are in order, aren't they?”

Sam wasn't going to stand by and let the troopers work Henry over. He got out of the car and asked the highway patrolman, ”What's the problem Officer? Why are we being detained?”

”Are you Samuel M. Johnson?” one of the officers asked.

”I am. Why do you ask?”

The other officer approached Sam and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. ”Mr. Johnson, you are under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you. Do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?”

”My son is a state senator and he will hear about this.”

”I am sure he will. Sir, do you understand your rights?”

”Yes, yes, I have a lawyer in Was.h.i.+ngton.” Sweat beaded across his furrowed brow. From the corner of his eye, he saw that Pearl had gotten out of the car.

”What in the world is going on here? Officer, will you please move your car so we can get to Was.h.i.+ngton before dark.”

”Get back in the car,” Sam said. ”I'll straighten this out.”

”Ma'am, it would be best if you do as he says and get back into your vehicle.” Turning back to Sam, the officer said firmly, ”Mr. Johnson, place your hands behind your back.” He spun Sam around and clamped handcuffs on him in one smooth motion.

Sam protested, dragging his feet as the officer marched him toward the idling patrol cars.