Joe said nothing during the thirty-minute car ride to Tyler. At first, Frederick was worried about the silence and tried to make small talk to keep Joe"s mind occupied. Though by the time the motorcade reached the airport, Frederick"s mind had settled enough to remind him Joe was simply being Joe and the silence no longer was a concern.
He steered the hearse past the two TSA guards flanking the open gate and onto the tarmac, bringing the great car to a stop behind the sheriff"s escort and the limousine carrying Harlan and the Mayor. They were in front of a large hangar. The giant rolling doors were open and waiting. Somewhere inside was Casey Morton. A young Air Force officer rushed forward to open the passenger door for Joe.
“Mr. Morton, sir,” he said. Joe nodded as he exited the car an
