Run Harry Run

By JL Schneider

Run Harry Run

A child is kidnapped, the son of a high powered politician. Harry Long and his wife are accused of a horrendous crime, innocent until proven guilty? Not in Harry’s case. Harry is caught in a set of circumstances he could never foresee. His life torn apart, his family taken from him, what does Harry do? What can Harry do?
Harry is forced to rely on one man, one man who can free him or send him to death row. On the run Harry encounters a world he had no idea existed; a world of desperation, poverty, hopes, and dreams.
The FBI and the United States Attorney want Harry’s head, but one man wants the truth. That one man rattles the very core of the FBI and US Attorney’s Office. His investigation sends shockwaves through the very heart of the case. His reputation and Harry’s life are on the line. It all comes down to one thing, who really did it. The truth will surprise you and hopefully, free Harry.
The truth shall set you free, Maybe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JL Schneider
• Release date: Aug 11, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465769305

Book preview

Prologue

Harry Long was an ordinary man. Harry had a family, a wife, two kids, friends, a job, a small home with a mortgage, he was just a small part of the American fabric. But one day Harry woke up and the fabric had torn. You see, Harry became like a lot of us, broke, alone, angry and wanted.

Of course none of this happened while Harry slept the decline began slowly, almost invisibly. Harry and his wife Elaine took a trip one day. Just a small weekend getaway, the kids stayed with Grandma and Harry and Elaine had a romantic weekend together. They stayed in a beautiful hotel on the beach in Biloxi Mississippi.

Sunday evening they checked out and headed home. Their credit card receipt was dropped into a draw with hundreds others. Harry walked away from the Hotel counter and stuffed his copy of the credit card receipt in his pocket. He kissed his wife and they headed for the parking garage elevators. As he was walking he pulled his keys out of his pocket not realizing his receipt had fallen out.

Steven Jones was a very inquisitive six years old. His parents were busy checking into the hotel and never noticed a man talking to Steven. When Marvin and Elise Jones turned around, Steven was gone. They didn't panic Steven had a habit of playing hide and seek. Five minutes later, they did panic. They found Steven's toy car inside one of the elevators leading to the parking garage.

Security arrived three minutes later and the local police within seven minutes. Detective Chester Howell arrived at the hotel thirty four minutes after Steven was reported missing. He immediately had the hotel security pull their tapes. Steven was seen leaving with a man and a woman. They had carefully covered their faces with hoods and never looked toward the cameras. The security camera in the parking garage was inoperable at the time. An immediate APB and Amber alert was issued.

You say to yourself, what does a missing child have to do with Harry Long? Normally nothing, but Steven had picked up a piece of paper off the floor while waiting for his parents. Harry Long's credit card receipt was now in Steven's pocket.

Chapter 1

Monday morning after a wonderful weekend Harry went to work. Harry was an accountant for an oil company in downtown New Orleans. Harry was at his desk by 8:30, Harry was never late. Harry had no idea of the drama taking place less than one hundred miles away.

The search for Steven Jones had grown from the coast of Mississippi to Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida. The Hotel Casino that Steven had disappeared from had offered a fifty thousand dollar reward. Tens of thousands of police and volunteers were searching for Steven.

Wednesday morning in a field less than one hundred miles from Biloxi, Stevens body was found. Detective Howell arrived on the scene just past 10:30 AM. Steven had been bludgeoned to death, his clothes were missing and his body mutilated. Steven's parents were notified and would identify the body that night. The scene was being processed and four hours later Steven's body was taken to the morgue. His clothing was found in a dumpster at a small convenience store two miles away. An autopsy and forensic exam would be conducted.

The field where the body had been found was in rural Pearl River County Mississippi. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner's Office would take responsibility for the autopsy. The Sheriff's Office would work in conjunction with the Biloxi Police Department and the Mississippi State Police to handle the investigation.

By Friday morning the post mortem had been completed. Steven Jones had died from blunt force trauma to the skull. He had been sexually molested pre and post mortem. He had also been tortured and mutilated. Due to the nature of the crime and the fact that Steven's father was a United States Senator the FBI was given primary responsibility. A task force was formed utilizing one hundred officers from six different departments.

Sex offender from three States were rounded up and questioned. Tire tracks at the scene were identified as Goodyear Radial G400s. These were standard equipment on several GM cars. Hairs and fibers were being analyzed, cars on the adjacent highway were being stopped and the occupants questioned, had they seen anything or anyone in the field.

One key piece of evidence existed, Harry Long's Hotel receipt was found in Steven's pocket.

Chapter 2

Friday at noon the FBI arrived at Hanco Oil Company, the receptionist called Harry Long's office. Harry walked to the lobby and two agents introduced themselves. Mr. Long, I'm Special Agent Harris and this is Special Agent Meyers, we would like to ask you a few questions. Harry was dumbfounded, but led them to his office. How may I help you? Agent Harris took the lead; Harris was a thirteen year veteran of the FBI having served ten years with the Phoenix Police Department prior to the FBI. Mr. Long, can you tell me where you were on Sunday the 14th at 4:30 PM? Harry thought that over, Yes, my wife and I were in Biloxi, probably heading for home around that time. Harris made a note, Mr. Long, what time did you arrive home from Biloxi? Harry answered, Well let's see, we stopped for gas and I guess got home around 7 or so. May I ask what this is about? Harris nodded, Yes sir, we are investigating an abduction that occurred in Biloxi around the time you were there. Harry was shocked, Wow, I don't know what to say, I was in Biloxi but don't know anything about that except what I heard on the news. Harris made another note, Mr. Long what type of car do you drive? Harry smiled, I drive a 2007 Chevrolet.

Harris looked at Agent Meyers. She was new to the FBI having graduated Quantico only three months prior. She smiled at Long, she was tall and beautiful, Harris knew any questions coming from her would feel less threatening. Mr. Long, would you give us permission to search you car? Harry nodded, Of course, what is this about? The two agents looked at each other, Meyers continued, Well Mr. Long, something pointing to you was found in the kidnapped boy's pocket, we just need to know how it got there. Harry shrugged, I really don't know what you are talking about, what was found? She shook her head, Your hotel receipt sir. It was in Steven Jones' pocket when his body was recovered, any idea how that could have happened?

Harry sat down, his legs were weak, No, I had nothing to do with that, I'm so sorry the boy is dead, but I really don't know anything. Again they looked at each other; Harris moved next to Harry, Mr. Long, it would be better if you came with us we need to talk to you in private. Harry stood and walked out with the agents, he had no idea he would never walk back in his office again.

Chapter 3

Harry Long was driven to the FBI office in Downtown New Orleans. He was placed in the interrogation room and asked to wait. Thirty minutes later Special Agent Harris entered the room. He sat across from Harry and opened a folder. Mr. Long, this is a voluntary interrogation I just want you to be aware of that. You are free to leave anytime you want. I just want to ask you some questions. Harry nodded, I just want to get this mess straightened up so I can go home. Harris smiled, We both do Mr. Long, we both do.

Harris removed a small recording device from his coat pocket and placed it on the center of the table. With your permission Mr. Long, I'm going to record this. Harry nodded, Sure, no problem. Harris started the recorder and looked at his notes. Ok Mr. Long, for the record I am Special Agent John Harris, with me voluntarily is Mr. Harry Long. Today is Friday June 19nd 2009. Now Mr. Long, can you tell me where you were on Sunday June 14th? Harry answered questions about his whereabouts for the next hour explaining the checkout of the hotel and the drive home.

One hour into the interrogation the questions took a sudden turn. Harris sat back and put down his pen, Harry, I need to tell you something, we know what happened, we just want to know why. Why now, suddenly, or have you been doing this and have never been caught? Harry was shocked, What are you talking about, I didn't do anything. Harris smiled, leaned forward and picked up a sheet of paper. Harry, I want to help you I really do. But this piece of paper makes it hard. You see, Steven's finger prints were found on your car, your finger print was on Steven's toy. Steven had your credit card receipt in his pocket. So now you see how hard it is for me to believe you. I have so much information pointing to you and your wife. How do you answer these questions Harry?

Harry sat with his mouth open, Agent Harris I have no idea, I have kids myself I would never do something like that. Harris nodded, Then Mr. Long, help me explain this, let's start with the toy. Detectives found it in the elevator to the parking garage. It was a plastic dog, your right index and thumbprint were found on it? Harry thought, Oh I remember, a child dropped that toy, it was a dog I remember that. I saw him and picked it up and gave it to him. Oh God, you mean the little kid I saw was Steven, oh Jesus.

Harris shook his head, Yep, that's the boy alright and you say you didn't know that. We don't see that happening in the security camera tapes, but ok, let's say I buy that. What about the boy's finger print on your car? Harry shook his head, "That makes no sense at all I parked my car in the lot Friday night and never