The Whisper Box Read Free Page B

stumbled into something big, Jason feared for his life again. The dead reporter had obviously stumbled into something big; maybe the same thing.
    Speaking softly knowing co-workers and bosses would still be angered; he used the famous “research” excuse. Whenever a reason to call in sick was needed, reporters cited the need to research, interview leads, or take the day to brainstorm for the next story. Everyone had to have heard what happened the day before. Most co-workers were presumably let down and laughing behind his back. The excuse always went over well, but today must have left some curious. A shower, to clear his head and prepare for a long day at the library, came next.
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    Libraries amazed Jason. Being a reporter, he relished the overabundance of information. They smelled of old books, but to him, a pleasant odor. The quietness soothed him -- he could fall asleep the moment he walked in, but he never did. Today he went for the microfiche machine.
    The fat, disheveled man approached him silently, almost tiptoeing, then whispered, “May I help you, sir?”
    “Yeah, I'm doing a little research on the fella' they found dead in the car last night by the fairgrounds where Farnsworth spoke yesterday. He worked for a small paper I think. Maybe it was called The Alabama Telegram . Do you have anything on that paper?” Jason squinted as he spoke. His thick brown eyebrows meant business while his muscular build intimidated.
    Already walking toward the back of the library while staring at his brown loafers, the librarian said, “Yes sir. Over here. Sure is a shame what happened to that man. Are you investigating his death?”
    “No, just researching.”
    The Alabama Telegram was such a small newspaper; he was surprised to find anything in the library. Fingering through the small blue films, he found one titled “Alabama Telegram” written in black magic marker across the bottom. Sliding it into the machine, he scanned quickly, doing his best speed-reading job. The first political article spotted was about the senator. Just below the article's title, “Farnsworth Wiggles Loose Again,” was the name Jay Broadfoot.
    An opinion piece, Broadfoot shared thoughts about Farnsworth. Accusing the senator of several crimes, he did so in a subtle manner. A crooked car dealer was incriminated for being on Farnsworth's payroll, as well as other questionable “friends” of the senator. After reading the article Jason could not understand how Broadfoot had kept his job. Accusing a well-respected political figure of criminal activity in a multitude of ways was journalistic suicide. Throughout the article Broadfoot inferred and pointed fingers in an unprofessional manner. The writing was addicting and unpredictable - the type of article that sold newspapers.
    Jason found the answer to his question and also knew why the young man was killed. More than that, he knew who was behind it. Unfortunately now, like Broadfoot, he knew too much.

3
     
    July 18, 2000 -- Aaron Gallo, like most guys, was a hard-core sports fan, he loved women, although he was faithfully married, and an occasional Budweiser and Marlboro put a grin on his face. Manhood was his top priority. As a matter of fact, it was sacred to him. Flatulence, burps, and any other manly call of the wild amused him. Looking the part too, he was only about five foot eight yet exceeded two hundred pounds. Brown curly hair fit his round body well. On the weekends he wore unwashed Tshirts and baseball hats that were perfectly molded to his head. He had his few friends, hated his job, loved his kids, and most importantly, adored his wife.
    What set him apart from most was a strong political conviction. Unlike most friends, he was very interested in the government. He hated taxes, yet understood them. He hated welfare, yet understood it. He feared for the security of his Social Security, but understood and believed the need for these basic functions He