Hard Boiled Heroes

Although some detectives in White Shadow are composites of the many who worked the case, here are a couple of Ace's advisors on the novel. Both Ellis Clifton and Al Ford worked the Wall case and now you can hear what they had to say about the murder—and other crimes—in both video and sound clips. Ellis Clifton arrested Santo Trafficante on many occasions and was the first to greet the mafia don at Tampa International Airport after being expelled from Cuba. Al Ford was involved in surveillance on Johnny Rivera and had several run-ins with the mob. Listen to what these fascinating men have to say about the time.
 

Ellis Clifton Click above to view an Interview with Ellis Clifton, former vice squad chief, on the surveillance on the Charlie Wall house. Please be patient...video takes time to download.

Al Ford Ace with retired detective, Al Ford at his home in Tampa. Ford worked the Charlie Wall case, among many other big killings of the 1950s, and was one of Ace's technical advisors on White Shadow.