Chapter 6

Lee entered the security headquarters backstage as the agents were arriving. Calvin greeted the operatives while everyone introduced themselves and shook hands. The FBI agent in charge was older than Lee but much shorter. Lee thought he was close to sixty years old. He appeared out of shape and overweight.

He greeted Lee, stating, "I'm Jack Crawford, FBI Senior Agent. You're Stetson, right?"

"Yeah, that's me. Are you the lead investigator for the child trafficking ring?"

"No, my boss is out at Magic Mountain today. I'm part of the crew who stayed behind to do paperwork and follow-up leads. Stetson… yeah, I've heard about you." Crawford grumbled.

"Oh, how so?" Lee didn't like Crawford's tone.

Crawford pointed out, "The name Lee Stetson, code name Scarecrow, is well known throughout the intelligence community. It's common knowledge you and your partner went rogue after some Agency games with the Russians. You got close to defecting."

Lee crossed his arms and replied, "Yeah…wellll, it's not the whole story. I—we were set up."

"That's your version, but I always say where there's smoke—"

With a raised voice, Lee interrupted Crawford to defend himself, "Who in the hell do you think you are…"

Suddenly, there was an uncomfortable silence as all the other agents became quiet while Crawford and Lee's voices got louder.

Crawford, undeterred, continued, "Then we'd heard you were involved in some gold doubloon investigation in San Diego. What was it?… Three or four years ago? I heard your partner got shot. Plus, you impersonated an IRS officer, not to mention, you didn't even involve the local authorities and again went off the rails."

Growling, Lee corrected him, "Don't believe everything you hear. And for the record, you've got some of your facts straight, but not all of them, pal. It was five years ago, and it was my wife who got shot. So, what's your point?"

"I'm just saying I'm not sure everything about you is kosher. And let's just say, I think this thing with your daughter is being blown out of proportion. You seem to always look for trouble where there isn't any. You have a reputation—"

Lee immediately got up in Crawford's face, as his jaw began to twitch and his face got red. "If you think I am gonna stand here and listen to your half-witted crap—"

Calvin stepped in and focused on Crawford. "Gentlemen, let's stop this pissing contest right now. No matter what you think of Agent Stetson, sir, the fact is, there's been someone who's been impersonating our character Goofy. Something strange is going on, and I need your help. Remember, your office contacted me initially to ask if I'd report anything unusual going on in the park."

Both men stepped back from one another. Crawford wiped his hands over his face and glared at Lee. "Yes. You're right, Calvin."

"As the FBI lead agent, how would you like to proceed?" Calvin asked.

"I would like to start by questioning the employees."

"Cast members." corrected Calvin.

"Excuse me?" Agent Crawford questioned.

"They refer to their employees as cast members. It's their lingo. Just go with it," Lee commented impatiently.

"Okay, so my agents will interview all the cast members. While you and Agent Stetson can take your people and do surveillance. Calvin, where is a good place to start interviewing your people?"

"First, Agent Crawford, let me address the agents and give you all some ground rules here at Disneyland®."

"Got it. Everyone, let's listen to Calvin," Agent Crawford announced.

The operatives turned their attention to Calvin.

"First, let me thank you for being here. This whole situation is very unusual, and Disneyland® thanks you for your help. We have a few rules regarding cast members and VIP guests, such as yourselves. You may only interview cast members while off-duty backstage. All areas not part of the guest experience are considered backstage. So, you'll have to conduct all your interviews in those particular areas. We do not allow our cast members to walk freely about the park in their costumes. For example, if you perform in Critter County, you're not allowed to walk over to Tomorrowland. You have to take one of the backstage paths to go where you want to go. All of our security personnel are NOT allowed to carry guns with live ammunition. The only protection they use is stun and rubber bullet guns for the safety of our guests."

All the agents looked at one another in surprise.

"While I was waiting for all of you to arrive, I went through our security tapes for earlier in the day. I found video, which shows Goofy going into the men's room in one of our less frequented bathrooms. I also noticed a man standing outside who seemed to fit the description of Steve, the person Agent Stetson's daughter identified. I'll show you."

Calvin motioned for the agents to gather around the computer screen. He started the tape where Goofy goes into the bathroom. A short time later, an unknown man walked out of the building, talked with 'Steve' and then they left together.

"As you can see, Goofy never comes out. It's against our policy for our cast members to use the park restrooms. They are required to go backstage and use the facilities there. I sent one of my officers to that bathroom, and he found the costume. If you need to examine it, it's over there." Calvin pointed to an empty desk with the costume lying on it."So, we now have video identification of both suspects. I understand, Agent Crawford, what you want your agents to do. Agent Stetson, what would you like your team to do?"

Lee stepped forward, looking intent. "First, I requested the Agency to send a top-notch female agent to guard my family. The best shot and woman fighter in the Los Angeles office. I see they sent two women agents, so would you identify yourself, please?"

A petite blonde, not quite 5'3", raised her hand. She appeared to be at least 15 years younger than Amanda. Smiling, she replied, "That would be me, Agent Stetson. Melanie Stevens. Let me say it's an honor to meet you, sir. You are a legend at the Agency, and I'm pleased to be able to work with you." The operative glared at Agent Crawford.

Lee glanced up and down, scrutinizing her, and scowled. He thought for sure the Agency must've made a mistake. "You're it? You think you can protect my family?"

"Yes, sir! I can, sir." In an instant, Melanie had Lee on the floor, holding him like a roped calf.

"You'll do!" Lee hoarsely sputtered, plainly humbled.

Melanie helped him up and proudly smiled as Lee dusted himself off.

The other agents tried to refrain from laughing, except for Crawford.

"I learned my moves from Dr. Stanley Chow," Melanie bragged.

Lee shook his head. "Dr Pain! I should've known. Remind me later to show you the cobra death grip."

"No need, sir. He already taught it to me. I did some training with him when he came to Los Angeles. He said he learned it from you. I heard an agent from MI6 created it."

"Um, yeah. Not exactly… That agent was only an accountant," Lee mumbled under his breath.

Lee continued, "Since you are much younger than my wife is, you will be the daughter of old family friends whom Amanda used to babysit for when she was growing up. You'll accidentally bump into each other. You can tell Amanda you came here with your husband, who's on a business trip, and you decided to visit Disney for the day. That'll be your cover, Melanie. Okay?"

Melanie acknowledged him with a nod.

Turning to the other team members, Lee instructed, "I want two agents stationed at each exit of the park. Then I want another one, undercover as a janitor wandering around picking up trash. I'll be in disguise as a character. I hope to watch some of the other people dressed up in costumes to observe anyone suspicious. Each of you are going to be fitted with a wire and earpiece. Ladies and Gentlemen, let's get prepared to move into place."

TBC