The Simple Truth

I dont have much time, Mr. Jansen, so I might as well get to the point. In the past has the Army been involved in PCP testing programs?

Jansens voice tensed. Why exactly are you asking that, Ms. Evans?

John thinks that Rufus Harms was involuntarily given PCP when he was in an Army stockade at Fort Plessy twenty-five years ago. He thinks the exposure to PCP caused Harms to go berserk and kill a little girl. Hes been in prison for the crime ever since.

Sara recounted all that she and Fiske had deduced, along with what they had learned from Rufus at Riders office. Sara continued, Rufus Harms recently received a letter from the Army asking him to participate in a follow-up test to determine the long-term effects of PCP. Thats what happened to Sergeant James Stanley, right? The Army sent him a letter. That was the only reason he knew the Army had given him LSD. Well, we think a group of Army perso

Jansen said, Wait a minute. Why did the Army send him a letter saying Harms was in the program, if he wasnt?

We think whoever gave Harms the PCP enrolled him in the program.

And why would they do that?

If they killed him with the PCP and there was an autopsy, presumably the substance would have been found in his bloodstream.

Yes, it would, Jansen said slowly. So they enrolled him in the program to cover that up. The coroner would chalk it up to an unfortunate reaction to the drug. I cant believe this.

Right. So such a program existed?

Yes, Jansen conceded. Its public information now. All declassified. It was run jointly by the Army and CIA in the seventies. They wanted to determine if PCP could be used to build super soldiers. If Harms was listed in the programs records, he would have recently received a follow-up letter. Jansen paused for a moment. What are you and John going to do now?

I wish we knew. Sara thanked Jansen and hung up. She waited awhile longer and then left the plane and walked across the tarmac to the terminal. She was immediately stopped by the two FBI agents.

Wheres Fiske? one of them demanded.

John Fiske? she asked i

Come on, Ms. Evans.

He left a while back.

The agents looked startled. Left. How?

I assume he drove. Now, if youll excuse me.

She smiled as the stu

Harold Ramsey leaned back in his chair, a grave look on his face. I never imagined that anything like this could have happened here.

McKe

Well, we dont have any solid proof one way or another about whether Michael Fiske actually stole an appeal, or if there even was an appeal, Chandler said. Ramsey shook his head in disagreement. After the discussion with Sara Evans, can there be any doubt?

Discussion? Inquisition was more like it, Chandler thought. Its still speculation. And I would advise against going public with this information.

I agree, McKe

I thought you were convinced that John Fiske was behind it all, Ramsey said. If youre changing your position now, I dont see how were any farther ahead than we were two days ago.

Murders dont just solve themselves. And this one is a little more complex than usual. And I never said I had changed my position, McKe

Ramsey looked unconvinced.

I really dont see why waiting a bit will hurt, Chandler said. And if things turn out the way we hope, maybe the public never has to know.

I dont see how that is possible, Ramsey said angrily. But I suppose it wont make this disaster any more horrible by taking your advice. For now. What about Fiske and Evans? Where are they?

We have them under surveillance, McKe

So you know where they are right now? Ramsey asked. McKe

Yes, McKe

Where are they? Ramsey asked.

Im afraid I cant give out that information, Mr. Chief Justice. He added quickly, As much as Id like to accommodate you. We really need to keep that confidential.

Ramsey looked sternly at him. Agent McKe

I did. Thats why Im here right now.

The Court has its own police force. Chief Dellasandro and Ron Klaus are out right this very minute trying to solve this thing. We have our own investigation ongoing and its in the best interests of everybody that we have full disclosure. Now please answer my question. Where are they?

What you say makes a lot of sense, but Im afraid I still cant divulge that information, he said. FBI policy, you understand.

Ramsey arched his eyebrows. I think I should speak to someone else at the Bureau, then, he said. I dont like going over peoples heads, Agent McKe

Id be glad to give you some names to call at the Bureau, starting with the director himself, McKe

Do you have anything of actual importance to report, Ramsey said dryly, or is that it?

McKe

Ramsey stood up too, towering over them. A word of advice, Agent McKe