Chapter 25

If You Can’t Stand The Heat

"Good morning Agent King," Sheriff Pendergrass said. "Come on inside my office and rest your feet a spell."

"Good morning Sheriff," replied Agent King. "Sheriff Pendergrass, this is Special Agent Wickford. He's working this case with me."

"Well Good morning to you, Agent Wickford."

"Good morning Sheriff."

"What brings the FBI. back to town today, gentlemen? I do hope it's good news."

"Well Sheriff, Agent Wickford and I went down to visit Danny Johnson yesterday."

"Yes I know," said the sheriff.

"How did you know that?" Agent Wickford asked.

"I've got somebody watching Danny's house twenty-four/seven, just to make sure nothing happens to Danny."

"Oh," said Agent Wickford. "I should have known you'd be looking out for him."

"What did the three of you talk about?" the sheriff asked.

"We were just concerned as to why Junior Ripley would have such a grudge against Mr. Johnson," Agent King said. "It just doesn't make sense."

"And what did Danny tell you?"

"The same thing he told you," Agent King answered.

"And do you believe him?"

"As a matter of fact, I do believe him," Agent King said, "but you and I both know what we do or do not believe is not going to stand up in a court of law."

"Yes," said the sheriff. "That has been one of my biggest concerns about this whole mess, yet I can't find any reason why Junior Ripley and his buddies have anything against Danny except for that fight at the Cool Spot."

"Well our biggest concern is some of the guys Junior Ripley has been hanging around with," said Agent Wickford. "Did you know we've been investigating John Knight for almost three years now?"

"That's one of Junior's new friends?" the sheriff asked.

"That's right," Agent King continued. "John Knight is suspected of running cocaine trafficking and protection rackets all over the south. He targets small bars and restaurants, then finds legitimate businesses to launder his money for him. We think Junior is helping Knight launder his money."

"Well if these guys are pros, then why get mixed up in this fight between Danny and Junior?" the sheriff asked. "Wouldn't that just cause them more trouble than it's worth?"

"They sometimes do these things to build up confidence with their marks," Agent Wickford answered.

"Their marks?" Sheriff Pendergrass asked. "Is Junior being set up by Knight?"

"That's the way we see it, Sheriff," Agent King answered. "John Knight usually ends up with everything and his marks lose it all."

"Sounds like a pretty smart fellow," the Sheriff said.

"Yeah," Agent King said, "but that's what drew us to him in the first place. A little over three years ago, one of his marks in Greenville didn't take too kindly to being set up so he turned state's evidence and turned himself in to us."

"It happens to the best of 'em." the sheriff said. "And they always wonder why."

*****

When Mr. Melvin dropped Danny off from work, Mrs. Wilson was waiting for him. "What did you do to Miss Regina last night?"

"I sent her home," Danny replied.

"Well she wasn't none too happy about it when she called me today, and you know the sheriff said you are not to be alone. Did you beat up Junior and his friends last night?"

"No, I was there, but I left before the fight started."

"Why was the sheriff at your house early this morning?"

"To ask me if I had anything to do with it," Danny answered.

"Well Miss Regina thinks you had something to do with it and she's worried that she might be wasting her time trying to help you."

"I didn't do it," Danny said. "I went up there but I changed my mind, and came back home."

"Do you know who beat them up?"

"I wasn't there when it happened but I know who was there."

"Did you tell the Sheriff?"

"No, I didn't see no need."

"Good," Mrs. Wilson said. "Them men had it coming. No need to ruin anyone else's life. Now you need to go talk with Miss Regina."

"She's not been home all day," Danny said. "I been trying to call her."

"That's cause she's in my kitchen," Mrs. Wilson said, "and she's been in there crying all day. Now you need to be in my kitchen too."

"Yes Ma'am," Danny answered as he walked into the house.

Carrot On A Stick,