“Bad Lies”: Chapter 12

Ray Denny talked to Reeves, who kicked it up the chain.

Within a few hours, the State Police had been dispatched to discreetly warn Wade Stokes the FBI had uncovered a “credible threat” on his life. Over Stokes’ vehement objections, two troopers would be assigned as personal bodyguards whenever he left the house. Additionally, there would be enhanced law enforcement presence at all campaign events and rallies going forward.

Stokes was visibly irritated. He agreed to the plan but made it clear he didn’t want any law enforcement presence on his property. “I’ve got my own people for that,” he said, a hint of resentment in his voice. He worried—or at least pretended to worr—more about what the police might do than any threat from the people of Louisiana. Huey Long might have been done in by his own bodyguards. Stokes didn’t trust the feds or the local cops. He didn’ t trust the state police.