Percy Davis FBI

Photo credit to Rene Rauschenberger From PIXABAY

Percy Davis FBI

Chapter 1 of 2

Quantico Virginia

1974

Dear Momma,

I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday! My academy training is physically demanding but nothing I can’t handle. I don’t know when I’ll be back home to see you, or where I’ll be placed after training. I heard the telephone company will be running wires on poles in the bayou soon. That will be nice and then we can talk to each other….

These are the words of a now twenty one year old Percy Davis. Growing up in the bayou of Southern Louisiana, he never imagined the fateful twist in life that brought him to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. When he was just a young man, he and his best friend Johnny Lee Dixon derailed a plot to kill President John F. Kennedy only to learn a second attempt in Dallas Texas would succeed several months later. The country went into mourning and it seemed the world was unraveling with the Vietnam war still dragging on then. President Kennedy’s successor, Lyndon Johnson sent signed letters to Percy and Johnny for their courage and the gratitude of the American people. The story doesn’t end here, no not at all.

You see, a friendship was formed between Percy and First Lady, “Lady Bird”Johnson. After her beloved Lyndon died, her and Percy exchanged many letters as she reached out to him to learn of his future plans in life. When Percy explained he had wanted to continue his education at LSU but could not afford that dream. He asked for nothing, yet a letter was received from the University of Texas for a full paid scholarship! Along with a note from Mrs.Johnson stating although she knew he wanted to attend the Louisiana State University, She felt he would benefit greatly in Texas. Now who was Percy to argue with the former First Lady of the United States AND a fully paid education with room and board?

Percy did not disappoint as he graduated with honors to the delight of Lady Bird. In fact, she herself attended his graduation. She even took Percy and his mother out for dinner after the ceremony. Rather than having Percy drive his momma back to Louisiana, Lady Bird insisted she be flown back home in her private jet. Lady Bird asked Percy to spend some time at Stonewall, her ranch. She herself grew up in Alabama on the border of Louisiana. She was impressed with Percy’s polite, caring manner, a true Southern gentleman! Lady Bird was the epitome of a fine businesswoman of her day.

The ranch consisted of a beautiful home surrounded with guest lodgings that had hosted diplomats, heads of state, politicians and important guests. It was a real working ranch with cattle and horses. This had been President Johnson’s favorite entertainment place over Camp David, which he never cared for.

Lady Bird introduced Percy to Miss Kelcie Dalton. She was the personal aid of Mrs. Johnson. She was an outdoorsy woman of almost thirty years of age. She was very proper when needed to be, but also a lot of fun in her off duty free time. If he hadn’t known better, Percy would have thought Lady Bird was providing ample opportunities for him to get to know Kelcie better. The ranch consisted of over fifteen hundred acres of land. Lady Bird asked Kelcie to take Percy riding to what she called her special place. Now, he was no stranger to horses, Percy thought, but the closest thing to a horse he had ridden was a mule hitched to a wagon, owned by Mr. Lewis back home. How much different could it be?

He met Kelcie at the stable where she picked him the horse called Blaze. She had her own ride, a beautiful gray mare named Greta. Percy was honest with Kelcie about riding so she took it easy on him, strolling into the picturesque setting. Blaze was not used to the slow pace and several times Percy had to pull back on the reins to keep him from running off. Soon through the trees, that special place came into view. It was a beautiful oasis with a waterfall and creek bed surrounded by magnificent tall Longleaf pines. “This was the favorite place for the Johnsons.” Said Kelcie. “Although I was not employed here until after Lyndon passed away, it was said he would often come down here to skinny dip with Lady Bird or as he called her just “Bird”.” “I can see why,” added Percy. “So much privacy here, a beautiful spot.” Kelcie pulled her riding boots off and dangled her feet in the cool water stream. Percy joined in next to her, the closest the two had been to one another and in private no less. He was anxious to take those gifted cowboy boots left for him at his guesthouse off his feet. Back home it was more common for Percy to be barefoot or wearing rubber shrimpin boots than this type of uncomfortable leather footwear. He let out a sigh of relief as his feet dipped in the cool stream, rolling the bottoms of them on the rounded river pebbles. Kelcie was sympathetic and mentioned it took her awhile to get used to wearing those tall boots but it was a necessity as there were rattlesnakes around the properties. Percy’s ears perked up as he was a lover of snakes and had a way with them like no other. He said, “Back home I was known as the snake whisperer” with a smile. She was pleased to hear that as she was very uncomfortable around snakes. “I hope we see some,” added Percy. “You're weird,” said Kelcie with a laugh. Sitting by the waterfall watching the water cascade over the rocks stirred much conversation between the two.They enjoyed the sandwiches and lemonade Kelcie had prepared. They then headed back to the ranch. Along the trail, Percy learned Kelcie’s duties included answering correspondence for Lady Bird and arranging guest visits and public engagements. Mrs. Johnson was still in demand to attend and would sometimes speak at events in nearby Austin. Kelcie also oversaw the many needs of the ranch, It was full time, but not a stressful job. She was honored to work for Lady Bird and would never embarrass her socially or privately.

Percy helped Kelcie back at the ranch, grooming the horses from their ride. As they were returning them to the stable, Greta suddenly bucked up in fear. Sure enough there was a big rattler coiled next to the fence. Percy handed Blaze off to one of the ranch hands and approached the snake. Almost immediately the rattlesnake settled down watching Percy’s every move. Percy put his hand down flat to the ground. Incredibly Kelcie watched the snake wrap onto Percy’s arm, calm as could be. Percy carried the snake off into the far brush and released him on a large rock formation where he could continue sunning himself without interruption. Kelcies jaw dropped at what she had witnessed. “You certainly DO have a way with snakes,” she said with a sigh of relief, “But it still gives me the creeps!” Percy just nodded and smiled.

It had been a pleasant stay, but it was to come to an end as Percy’s training at the Academy would soon begin.

On Percy’s last night, Lady Bird had arranged a full Texas BBQ send off dinner. She had given Percy so much and asked nothing in return but to become the best agent he could be! Percy would be forever grateful to her and her generosity. That last night, Kelcie and Percy sat by the roaring fire looking up into the star filled sky. It was as if you could reach out and touch them. Pointing out to Percy several of the star constellations, Kelsy admitted her studies in college included a degree in Astronomy.The two sat up late into the night as Percy contemplated his future.

Mrs. Johnson’s private jet would carry him off to Quantico, Virginia the next day. Lady Bird and Percy’s friendship would continue by letter and telephone calls for years to come until her passing at age 93.

Percy’s degree in Criminal Justice would serve him well over his lifetime. In fact it was Lady Bird that inquired if Percy had any interest in becoming an agent, to work with the secret service or the FBI. Certainly, her influence could lead him to the right door but he would still need to prove himself capable and worthy to open it. Percy introduced his best friend Johnny Lee to Mrs. Johnson. Rather than to ask for anything of himself, he asked Lady Bird for that opportunity to go for his best friend Johnny. He had already served his country honorably in the Army and was looking for a career in law enforcement. Lady Bird was happy to meet Johnny, the other half of the two youngsters that broke up that assasination attempt in Louisiana.

She would put in her recommendation for Johnny for the Secret Service. Percy was overjoyed for him.

Percy’s life had turned out far different than his good friend Johnny Lee’s had. Johnny Lee joined the Army to escape the poverty of his home in Louisiana. His Mama wasn’t pleased with his choice but that was his decision. She would now be proud of his appointment to the Secret Service.

In the week following his graduation, Percy received word that his dear friend Madam Laveau had died back home. She had befriended both Percy and Johnny growing up from a small age, helping to keep them both on the straight and narrow to becoming fine young men. He recalled the many good times they had with her in the bayou. Her potions and healings helped many and she would be sorely missed.

Percy made it back home and took his momma to New Orleans for the funeral. They joined the procession down Bourbon street with the Dixieland funeral band leading the procession. The songs went from mournful to joyous as they entered the cemetery to the tune of “Saints go marching in.” Madam Lavaeau was laid to rest in the family crypt with her mother and father. She would have loved the beautiful service and the respectfully large crowd that attended. Many of the townsfolk joined in to celebrate her life. She would be very happy to know but somehow I think she already knew. Percy was approached by Madam Laveau’s nephew JC who was taking care of her affairs. He asked Percy to stop by his aunt's place as there was a box waiting for him there. It seems his aunt left specific bequests to certain people.

JC was a decent young man but truly had no interest in her property as he lived in Georgia. The following day Percy met JC at Madam Laveau’s river front home. There he walked around freely admiring the beautiful artwork Marie Laveau had painted. Although she had never professed anything to do with Voodoo or Magic, the back room was hauntingly different. It was a laboratory like area filled with the many ingredients for her potions, salves and fertility amulets.

Sitting now on her front porch overlooking the water way, Percy glanced up at the branch of her pet snake Viper, a green anaconda once occupied. He fondly recalled Viper and wondered what became of him. Percy held the box JC had given him, gently rubbing his fingers against the crisp brown paper and jute twine, thinking of his dear late friend. The sounds of the bayou filled the steamy night air.

The box was hat size. Carefully, Percy opened it and removed the tissue paper covering the contents. Inside was that old men’s top hat with the purple band. Percy smiled and laughed aloud, remembering Madam Laveau wearing it for the touring boat shows. As he lifted it from the box, items underneath were now revealed. A handful of photos, an alligator tooth on a leather lanyard, a small brown bottle labeled “love potion”, a large sealed manila envelope and a handwritten letter with Percy’s name on it. Since Percy grew up without owning a camera, the pictures were certainly a treasure to have. Included, a picture of him at nine years of age holding Viper!

A picture of his Mom and Dad together on their power boat was the first picture he had known taken of them together. Strange, he wasn’t aware these pictures even existed. There was also pictures of a very young light skinned negro girl at age around ten, his guess.

I wondered why this was included with the photos of my family Percy thought?

He opened the letter now, hoping to learn more about this young girl.

“My beloved Cher” it began. If you are reading this then you already know I have passed to the great beyond. Don’t be sad, Cher, I have been ill for a very long time. Even the breadth of my healing knowledge could only prolong my life for so long! There are things in my life I have revealed to no one before, so I hope your sittin. At an early age I received the psychic ability called the “shine” or what others called the “touch”. My Mother and her momma also had this gift from God. Although I never used these premonitions for profit as my momma had, still I’ve seen many glimpses of your future as well, and they is bright. I want you to know of your daddy’s accident because it was out front of my place where it happened. Your daddy was a proud man. He had no use for Doctors. He came to me an told me he had the lung cancer so I was treating him as best I could but the cancer was all through his body and he wasn’t long for this world. He knew you an your momma would be alone soon. He never had life insurance, just an accidental death policy worth $10,000. He loved you and your Momma very much. I was the last person he would talk to on this earth.

Jes so know your Daddy did what he thought was right to help provide after he was gone. He swore me to secrecy as to what he was about to do. He waited outside in that small outlet out front and when the Armstrong Lumber Mill barge was going by, he raced in front of it letting his boat be crushed and sunk. I could see a big gator slide into the water and headed for your daddy’s floatin body. The men on the barge stopped as quick as they could but it was too late. Your Daddy never suffered Cher, he was gone up to heaven before that gator even got near. So dontcha believe that story about the gator! There was not a tooth mark on your Daddy. I so wanted to tell you this in person but I swore to your Daddy I wouldn’t. His death was ruled accidental. You should always think good of him.”

“The gator tooth necklace is to always remind you of from where’s you came. It will lead you home to our Louisiana bayou when you touch that good luck and protection charm.” Percy smiled and put it around his neck as he continued to read.

“In the pictures I left for you is a picture of my daughter. I knows you thought I had never married but that wasn’t true. Madeline was my baby girl until her father kidnapped her and kept her from me. He was a wicked man and took away from me the only thing I ever loved out of that marriage. I spent years looking for her. Enclosed is all the information I have of her from the detective I hired. In a vision Percy, I saw you are to become a Law Man. You may not believe this but trust me it will happen. There is a letter addressed to my Madeline in the big envelope. I pray you will find her and get my letter to her. I will be eternally grateful.” Signed, Madam Marie Laveau

Percy sat back in that old wicker rockin chair of hers. How did she know he was accepted into the FBI training program?

It was spooky to say the least. Right then and there on her porch, Percy vowed to one day find her beloved daughter Madeline.

Percy became an FBI analyst agent, not the glamour or thrill of being a field agent. His computer skills and investigative abilities served him well solving cases back at the office. All the time, silently craving the excitement of being out there. His ability to “follow the money trail” brought words of praise by his superiors.

Finally, a case involving, a mysterious missing person in Percy’s home Parish, Saint Mary’s, caught his attention.

Crystal Hennings, a 36 yrs old postal worker was the victim. Her delivery truck was found still running alongside a road without a trace of her. Since Percy was familiar with the area, he was sent to handle the investigation. He was certainly a local boy and would fit in quite well. He was excited to have his first assignment, back home no less.

He met with the local sheriff. That good for nothing sheriff that he remembered as a kid was now long gone and the bayou was better for it. Sheriff Nelson greeted Percy in a professional manner. He was relieved to get the FBI involved in the investigation. The truth was they were ill equipped to perform such an investigation with few resources. Sheriff Nelson gave Percy an office to run the investigation from. His partner, Max, was due in town in the next couple of days. The victim’s background was clean with nothing in her past to arouse suspicion. She had been a postal employee for the past eight years, where she was welcomed by everyone on her delivery route. Since there wasn’t any sign of foul play there was little to go on. Percy took the opportunity to look for Madeline as they awaited more information.

A visit to Mother Maybelle:

To begin, Percy sought out Mother Maybelle, a prominent elder neighbor woman down on the bayou to ask her about Madam Laveau’s daughter. Mother Maybelle welcomed Percy into her home. It was a small place handed down through her sharecropping family. “Percy Davis!” She proclaimed, “You certainly have grown! Come sit down!” After a few minutes of catching up with her, Percy asked if she knew of Madam Laveau’s missing negro daughter. “Let me stop you right there,” she said, raising an eye and her hand in gesture. “First off, we don’t use the term “negro” down here anymores, it’s African American. Now I’ve known yous and your Momma for a good long time and she raised a respectful young man.” Percy shook his head and nodded sheepishly to her and apologized. A lesson now learned.

“About a year or so ago this detective fellow came to my door askin about Madeleine and her Mama,” Mother Maybelle said. “He was brutish and disrespectful so I sent him away and told him nothin. I knew Marie Laveau and her husband Pete, who was a worthless piece of trash of a man. More than once she came knocking at my door with baby in her arms sportin a shiner on her eye from that monster. I begged her to leave him before something terrible happened but she kept goin back for more hoping Pete would change and stop drinking. When Madeline was eleven years old Pete took her away and left Marie heart broken, oh how I miss her and her daughter.” Percy asked if she had any idea where Madeleine was taken too or where he might start lookin.

Mother Maybelle thought on it then said “Pete had family up New Orleans way. Some folks said he had a wife or mistress there but she had no knowledge of this personally. Pete was a scoundrel and I fear for that child’s life.” Counting on her hand she estimated Madeline was now 17 or 18 years of age. “If he hurts that child, I’ll whoop him to death with my cane if I ever gets me the chance.” “Now, now Mother Maybelle, we will let the law handle this. If she was hurt in any way, he will pay, that I promise you” said Percy. “Madam Laveau left this matter to me to find her and I will.”

Percy put his arms around Mother Maybelle and gave her a good squeeze and said, “I promise you I will find that beautiful African American woman and tells her she has friends here in the Bayou, that never gave up hope for her!” Mother Maybelle smiled and appreciated the correct term used by Percy in his description of Madeline. “You go’in make us proud young man” she said with a wave goodbye.

Percy started his investigation with Pete the father, and husband of Marie Laveau. His whereabouts was easy to determine since he had already had several run-ins with the law since. A good detective would have learned this quickly but believed he was purposely dragging things out, bleeding Madam Laveau dry. Percy followed his trail to one of the most notorious neighborhoods of all New Orleans. It was known as Pine Village. He had been warned not to solicit that area alone, especially being a lawman. Crime and prostitution ruled the day there with gang violence a common occurrence. Percy made his way there ignoring all the warnings. Word on the street was Lady Lucinda, the proprietor and madame at the Seventh Avenue whorehouse, had many connections to higher class clientele and politicians. She was known for her discretion and pleasant demeanor.

Percy entered the house and was immediately welcomed by a very young girl no older than age fifteen. He was disgusted that a child so young was turning tricks for Lady Lucinda. He kept calm and insisted to speak with her. The young girl took offense that she wasn’t attractive enough for Percy and quickly exited the room. Moments later Lady Lucinda entered shouting out “Well Well Mr. fancy pants. My girls ain’t good enough for you?” “On the contrary” Percy spoke up, “It’s the girl's age that troubles me,” taking out his badge, showing her his credentials. Backpedaling in an awkward way Lucinda assured Percy that the girl was merely a greeter and a maid to clean up rooms and nothing more. Percy knew that was a lie but for the time being he wanted information from her. He would leave the shutting down of this whorehouse to the local law enforcement. If that was even possible!

“So what is it Mr. lawman? We’s jes got off on the wrong foot here. I’ll get you my best girl for you to let you be relaxin with a bit, no charge.” she said with a smile.

Percy’s cold stare at Lucinda was answer enough that it was not “that” he was lookin for. He held up a mugshot picture of Pete.

“Do you know this man?” Asked Percy.

“Well,” Lucinda said, “he’s come around here time to time but he’s just bad news. He beat up one of my girls and I had the locals arrest him, oh I knows of him all too well. He is nothin but white trash. A year or so ago he brought his own flesh and blood through these very doors askin me to put her to work here. That poor itty bitty thing was young and not worldly to what happens here. “She was tall an petite, narrow hips and small titties, not built for this kind of occupation honey.” “Was her name Madeline?” Asked Percy. “It could have been, that poor child was scared to death of Pete because he made her undress in front of me to show me the goods. That poor girl stood naked hiding her nipps and weeping real tears. I wanted no part of this or anything Pete said or did. I hopes that bastard dies in jail someday, white trash is all he ever will be.”

It was clearer now more than ever that Madeline needed to be saved from that man. Her Mother no doubt had looked into Madeline’s future and saw the necessity to find her. Percy thought just because Pete couldn’t whore his own daughter out to Lucinda, doesn’t mean he hadn’t tried other places in the area. For the following two days, Percy continued his search.

He solicited two more less known houses of “ill repute” to learn a young girl they called Maddie was employed just down the street. Percy’s heart raced as he quickly made his way down the block. There was an older woman sitting out on the porch there. Percy enquired if Maddie was workin there? “You like that type of bean pole girl huh?” With her leg blocking the doorway.”Well to each their own” she said. “That will be twenty five dollars upfront cash, now.” Percy never identified himself as an agent, paid her the money then was instructed she was in the last room upstairs on the left. Percy made his way upstairs and knocked on the door. Maddie opened it, receiving him with a shy smile. “Come on in Mister, get comfortable and I’ll be right back.” Percy sat down on the edge of the bed and waited for Maddie. She entered the room now in a black laced négligée and well worn stockings and heels. She tried to remove Percy from his coat but he resisted telling her he just wanted to talk with her. “Well, said Maddie, that’s a new one on me. Mostly men just want to use my body for a spell but okay, it’s your money.” Since Percy wasn’t absolutely sure this was the Madeline he was looking for, he asked where she was from. “Well she said, I don’t like tellin people my business so why don’t you jes let me suck on you some and you can talk to me…okay?” she said, dropping to her knees. Percy took her by the shoulders and interrupted her saying “Are you Marie Laveau’s daughter?” Immediately she rose up embarrassed and looked Percy straight in the eyes. “Yes that is my momma. How do you know her?” She sat down across from Percy none too ladylike with her one leg resting on the chair arm, legs parted swinging that leg up and down. Percy stood up and reached in his coat pocket and produced the picture he had been given of Madeline at a very young age. As she looked at the photograph, tears began streaming from her face. “You know my Momma she asked?” In a most sincere and gentle way, Percy explained her momma has now passed. Madeline sat frozen in the chair as Percy told his story about her Mother and how she even hired a detective to find her after her father kidnapped her.

“Pete told me my mama didn’t want anything to do with me,” cried Madeline. “All this time I thought she hated me and all I had left was Pete.” Percy asked her if she was happy here doin what she’s been doin? With her head hung low she shook it violently no, still sobbing. “Pete did this to me. He said I would never amount to nothing. He made me ashamed and embarrassed for what I am doing but this is all I know.” Percy continued, “I can get you out of here and this lifestyle if you so choose it. Your mommas house on the bayou sits vacant. You are the rightful heir and it could be a new start for you.”

“I would like that very much sir, said Maddie. But without a job how can I make this real?” Percy assured her to take things one step at a time and things would work out. “Pack your things, we got a long ride to get home before nightfall,” said Percy.

Maddie listened to Percy as he drove, filling her in on the goings on in the Bayou. He told how her momma boated down into danger to help capture a gang of would be assassins. How she help many with medical afflictions and was a healer. He also told of her gift of the shine and how just a simple touch to a person's arm would reveal a vision of their future. “She loved you more than I can say. There is an envelope addressed to you back at the house. I hope it will answer all your questions.” Driving down the old dirt road to her house brought back memories of the area, where she played as a child. Madam Laveau’s old pick up truck was still usable and if not Percy would see to it that she wasn’t stranded there. He had spoken to the house lady while Maddie was packing that she was leaving with law enforcement and if she interfered, she herself would be arrested. She handed Percy an envelope with five hundred dollars cash, Maddie’s pay that was to be given to Mr. Pete. Percy was overjoyed in the fact he had found Maddie, ended her fathers abuse and now taken away his money source. It had been a very good day. He handed the folded cash into Maddie's hand and assured her that folks here would help her get through this rough patch.

Maddie’s future was still unknown and her good for nothing father may come looking for her to take her back to that hell hole, but If he did there would be consequences. Percy would see to it, personally.

Chapter Two Continues with Madeline, the missing persons investigation and the strange world of the Rasta People.

Coming Soon, Free for All -Ken Beyer