Free Fire - C. J. Box [30]
On top, he got a cell signal again and his phone burred. Chuck Ward was calling from Cheyenne. Joe eased off the highway onto the shoulder and parked.
“We’ve notified the National Park Service that you want to meet with the investigating rangers,” Ward said. “They’ve assembledthe principals for a meeting at four this afternoon at their offices. The chief ranger, James Langston, will be there as well. They didn’t seem real excited about the prospect of meetingwith you, but they agreed.”
“I thought I was going incognito,” Joe said, puzzled at the change in strategy.
“The governor had a slight change of mind,” Ward said flatly. “He didn’t want to risk them finding out about you after the fact and raising hell with us. Our relationship with the Feds is bad enough without that. We told them you were up there to write a report about the crime and the investigation for the state attorney general’s office. A summary of what’s happened.”
“You mean there isn’t already a report?”
“If there is such an animal,” Ward explained, “the Feds have kept it all to themselves, which isn’t unprecedented. All we’ve got is what was in the file the governor gave you. Lots of pieces, but no definitive white paper. The Park Service has agreed to cooperate with you as long as you don’t interfere with them.”
Joe held the phone away for a moment and looked at it as if it would provide more information. Then: “Won’t the Park Servicewonder why the governor isn’t sending the AG or one of his lawyers? Why send a game warden?”
“Because,” Ward said, changing his voice and cadence to imitate Rulon’s rapid-fire speaking style, “ ‘You’re well versed in many facets of outdoor issues including law enforcement and resource management.’ ”
“I am?”
“I’m quoting, so don’t ask.”
Joe didn’t.
“Also, don’t wear your uniform. It might spook ’em. They don’t like state interlopers up there in their park. They consider the place their own little private fiefdom.”
Joe nodded, although he knew Ward wouldn’t know he had.
“And, Joe, nothing about that letter from Rick Hoening should be brought up, understand?”
“Not really,” Joe said, feeling as if Ward was already tugging at the rug he was standing on.
“And if they want to make you a ‘special policeman,’ don’t do it,” Ward said. “You can’t divide your loyalty.”
“What’s a special policeman?” Joe asked, the image of a helmeted Keystone Kop appearing in his mind.
“Who the hell knows? Something the Park Service does for local law enforcement. Like deputizing you, I guess. The guy who set up the meeting, Del Ashby, suggested it. He’s your contact.His title is supervisory special agent, Branch of Law EnforcementServices, Office of Investigations. How’s that for a mouthful?”
“Sounds official,” Joe said.
“Just wait,” Ward laughed. “They’ll need to order bigger business cards up there if their titles keep getting longer. Anyway,ask for Del Ashby.”
“They won’t like me second-guessing their investigation,” Joe said.
“Nope, they won’t.”
“Four o’clock,” Joe repeated.
“Yes. And remember, nothing about the letter.”
Joe found himself frowning. “So, what is it I’m supposed to report?”
“You’ll have to figure that out on your own. The governor said to do what you do and try not to create any problems. You’ll be there as our representative, but it’s federal and they have the right to throw you out anytime.”
“I’m confused,” Joe said.
He could hear Ward sigh. “So am I,” he confessed.
“It seems like you’re really hanging me out there.”
“We are. Why did you ever think different?”
As Joe started to close the phone, he heard Ward say, “Don’t contact me unless it’s an emergency. And whatever you do, don’t call the governor.”
At burgess junction there was a gas station, a restaurant,a gift shop, a sporting goods store,