[Greg Anos]

I kept an eye on the tele-evangelist as he

pushed the buggy back. My grandpappy

taught me that the difference between

looking and seeing was paying attention

to the whole environment, not just the

item of interest.

I didn't notice any thing funny from the

Pearl building, but...

"Hey, FBI guy, just how are your agents

dressed? I know better than to

ask you where they are."

He gave me a funny look. "They are all

either in standard suits or in

black flak jackets with FBI

across the front and back.

Why?"

"Quietly go to another window, and look

with a pair of binoculars at the

14th bridge pillar down from the

north on the I-37 bridge. Just to

the north of the pillar. Look real

carefully and come back and

tell me what you see. "

He scuttled off. The tele-evangelist came

in and motioned to me.

"When can I get some time off? I have my

flock to look after."

"Well, we need to feed the denizens at

six. Can you make it back by

5:45? I hope to get them

tamed enough to allow

somebody else to feed them

in a couple of days. Then

you can rest on your laurels."

He grumbled that that wasn't much

time off, but he made a beeline

to the parking lot.

The Hoover doll came back lookin'

real nervous. "I'm not sure, but

it looks like, um well..."

"Come on, spit it out."

"It looks like a sniper nest. A really

well set up sniper nest."

"Yep, that's what I saw as well.

May I gather that it's not one of

your guys?"

"It's not one of ours. I don't have

a clue who he is or why he's

there."

"Somebody's kibitzing. I'd better

find out who. Let me call

Micah first and clue him in."

"Why would you do that? You'll

just spook them."

"Who's making the mistakes around

here, me or you?"

"You are. I know my orders."

"You build trust by helping. So, I'm

gonna build some trust with

Micah. Meanwhile, do you have

a wire setup around here I

can strap on?"

"Yes, but why do you want a wire rig?"

"Because I want you in full listening

mode while I'm talking to the

sniper. I'm going unarmed,

because snipers have reflexes

and they get real jumpy when

somebody sneaks up on them

and says "Boo". Last thing you

want is a gun to trigger their

shootin' reflex.

"While you're at it, can you quietly

get a couple of SWAT sharpshooters

zeroed in on that sniper? I might

need some instant support. And

the wire will keep you and them

in the loop without it being

obvious."

The Hoover doll looked at me with a

little more respect. "It'll take

about 15 minutes to set up."

"Fine. I'm gonna drive around his back

and walk up from behind.

That's take 15-20 minutes

and I've gotta give Micah a

ring first."

He got on his cell phone and so did I.




"Temple Of God Annex. May you see

the Light."

"Hello, this is Red. Can I speak with

Micah?"

"He's currently at his devotions. Could

you call back later?"

"I'm afraid it's rather urgent. I wouldn't

interrupt the most important thing

in his life without cause."

"I'll check and see."

A few minutes later, I got a response.

"Alright, Red, what's so important

that it can't wait?"

"I don't mean to scare you, but please

avoid lookin' out any windows

and have you followers do the

same."

There was a burst of some choice

language.

"Now, now. And you a man of the cloth.

I'm tryin' to help, not cause further

problems."

"Alright, what's going on?"

"I've spotted a sniper nest zeroed in on

the building, and the FBI assures

me it's not one of theirs. Somebody's

kibitzing. I don't want any incidents

on either side. I'm gonna go over

and talk to the sniper to see who

he's workin' for. I plan to walk up

from behind, so's he doesn't get

itchy. It'll take me about 15 minutes

to get there. I'll call and let you

know when I find out something."

"Go with the Spirit."

"Y tu tambien."



I hung up. The Hoover doll had finished

his instructions and was looking

at me.

"We'll be ready in fifteen minutes."

"Time I got goin'. "

I wandered out to the parkin' lot and

got into the car...