[Greg Anos]

I raced back to HQ. Even as I was running

from the car, I was punching Micah's

number.




"Temple Of God Annex. The sun is setting

but Christ is rising."


Panting, "Red here, pantin'. Is Micah

available?"


"Micah speaking. You're late, Red."


"I was dealin' with some Breckenridge

Elkin idiots. Just got back."


"I took the liberty to pitching over the

food list. Did you solve the

sniper problem?"


"Yep. Just some crossed jurisdictional

wires. I'm confirmed to be runnin'

the show at this end. And I don't

use snipers."


"When is the food?"


" Gimme a minute to check it out at

this end. I'll call you back in 5

minutes."



I thundered through the door.


The Hoover Doll sneered, "The

thundering herd..." At least

I think that was what he said.


"Never mind my showing up in

the Richter Scale. Is the

food here?"


“Over in the corner. The tele-

evangelist wants to talk

to you. He's out back.”


I wandered out back. The tele-

evangelist was talking to

skinny young guy I didn't

know.


"Who'se the new guy?"


"His name is Nate the Great. I asked

him to come along with me so that

he could take over the trolley work

later. I have sermons to write."


There was something vaguely familiar

with his appearance, but I couldn't

put a finger on it.


"Well, let me call Micah as clear it

with him."


I gave Micah a ring. Lo and behold

he actually answered. I guess food

was a motivator.


"What now, Red?"


"The tele-evagelist wants to bring along

an assistant. He's complaining that

he doesn't have enough time to

write Godly missives for his flock."


"Yes, he discussed it with me over lunch.

He can bring over one unarmed

assistant."


"Well. he won't have any weapons. God

granted him with a couple of arms

at birth."


"God doesn't like bad jokes."


"Just didn't want any misunderstandings.

Chow's coming in a couple of minutes."


I hung up and gave the tele-evangelist

the high sign. They loaded up the

trolley and pushed it over to the

brewery.



I filled in the Hoover doll about the sniper

hoo-rah.


"You didn't really tell the Secretary of

State to buzz off." He looked

concerned.


"Sure did. 'Bout time somebody did. No

wonder Bill was always cattin' around.

Y'all got a Pearl around here?"


Having taken care of the beverage

department, I looked out at where

the sniper was. I saw him backing

out, slowly There's something uplifting

about watching a competent

professional at work.


My thoughts were interrupted by a shout.


"Hey Red!, there's a Major Ruiz her at the

door to see you. "


"Let him in!"


Major Ruiz walked over and handed me a

fax. "Here's your official stand-down

orders."


"Thanks, Major. Want a Pearl?"


"How about a soda instead?"


"Sure", and I got him a soda (I'm not

getting paid any advertising money,

so no plug.) "That was a nice job,

watching the sergeant back out

from his position. Real smooth and

professional. I hope he doesn't

get marked down for my

spottin' him."


"He won't, Red. Will you need us around?"


"Major, I really hate to say no. These

things are so unpredictable. Have

you worked with the FBI before?:


"No."


"Hmmm. Major, let's use this as a joint

training exercise for both sides." I

waved over the Hoover Doll.


"Gentlemen, I'd like for you to pair up

your men for the rest of the

stand-off. I know it's not

normal, but I think both sides

can learn from each other. And

that'll be good for both groups.

However, we're gonna get the

T.O. straight from the get go.

The FBI has the legal authority,

and the Marines are just being

observers. Anything else would be

unconstitutional. Agreed?"


They both agreed. The hoover doll said,

"It's nice to see somebody trying

to follow the law around here."


"Easy, the Major was following order he

didn't particularly like." The Major

nodded. "Now, it's getting late and

I'm gettin' hungry. Does the FBI

budget extend to some more Sea

Island carry-out? And Major, would

you care to join us?"