The Templar Reprisals (The Best Thrillers Book 3) by James Best (read any book txt) 📕

day or two, O’Brian’s informant would show himself. Standish was already waiting in his office because he had called her on his way in.

“How about we order lunch in,” Evarts said.

She appeared confused. “Long meeting?”

“Yes. You have a new assignment, approved by the mayor. You’re going to lead an antiterrorist task force for the city. You can have four detectives of your choosing.”

“Is this an investigative arm to protect you from these attacks?”

“Would that be a problem for you?”

“No sir, you should have done it after the first attack. They keep missing you, but in the process, they’re disturbing the tranquility of our fair city. We can’t have that.”

Evarts laughed. “Glad to hear you’re concerned about my wellbeing.”

She smiled to show she had been facetious.

“Then, you’ll accept the position?” Evarts asked.

“Hell yes. It sounds more interesting than solving property crimes or the rare murder.”

“Okay, if the media gets curious, this is mostly about drug gangs trying to stake out new territory in Santa Barbara. Keep the source of these gangs vague. Better yet, keep the task force as low key as possible. Between us, you’re to focus on the Islamic terrorists who have put a price on my head. Use all department connections at the federal level. Start with the Pont Neuf attack. The French won’t tell you much, but you’ll learn something by the questions they ask you. When you think about staffing—”

“When you say federal agencies, are you including Army Intelligence?”

“Our department has no established communication links with Army Intelligence. They can’t help us …or won’t. Use the National Counterterrorism Center, Homeland Security, and the FBI.”

She nodded understandingly.

“Okay,” Evarts said, “there’s a lot to do to get this kicked off, but first, we need to make a decision.”

“About what?”

“What to order for lunch … and I don’t want fast food.”

“South Coast Deli?”

“Sounds good. I’ll have pastrami. You?”

“Roast beef and cheddar.”

Evarts got up and opened the door to give the order to his assistant. He never got the words out of his mouth.

Jim Lewis sat outside his office.

Chapter 28

“What the hell are you doing here?”

His assistant bounced out of his chair in surprise. Evarts had blurted it out a bit too loud. Lewis, on the other hand, seemed completely calm.

“I can come back at another time if that’s convenient,” Lewis said. “Perhaps an hour?”

“Perhaps never,” Evarts barked. “Get the hell out of my station or I’ll have you arrested for falsely identifying yourself.”

Lewis smiled, “Really? Is that a crime?”

“In California, a misdemeanor.” Evarts turned on his assistant. “What name did he use?”

“He didn’t give a name. Said his visit was a surprise. That you’d recognize him.” His assistant pointed to his hand. “He showed me the ring.”

Evarts looked at Lewis who made an arms-spread shrug that said he was blameless.

“So, you did your research,” Evarts said.

“We always do our research.” The smile again. “We know many things. Things you should know, as well.” Now he tapped his breast pocket like it held vital knowledge. “It’s in your interest to see me. And in Patricia’s interest.”

Evarts thought. That might be true, but he had never briefed Standish or the mayor on the Templar connection. He had to get Lewis out of the station.

“If you know so much, you should know where I live.”

“I do.”

“Patricia and I will expect you at five for cocktails. Come alone and don’t plan on a late evening.”

“Perfect.” He stood. “See you then.”

Evarts watched his backside as he departed and wondered what this was about. A meeting at his home had been a device. He didn’t want Lewis to know where he was really staying, and he wondered if he’d be reluctant to meet at a place that had been twice attacked by gunmen. Besides, Trish and he could use another stop by the house to pick up things they had overlooked.

“Sorry, chief.”

Evarts looked at his assistant. “Not a problem. At least not a big problem. That man is a notorious prankster. I won’t like what he’s got in mind, but it’ll only be an embarrassment.” He did an unconvincing laugh. “My lodge brothers are behind this.”

He ordered lunch and went back into his office.

“What was that all about?” Standish asked.

“Stupid nonsense. Something I don’t need right now. Let’s get back to business. Any first thoughts on the task force?”

She nodded. “For a name, I suggest Joint Organizing Group. It sounds bureaucratic. The media will yawn and look for a fiery car crash. You said four detectives of my choice. I want one of them to be a deputy sheriff.”

“Thus, joint in the title. Excellent idea. On many levels. What else.”

“We should set up in the basement. Use the old evidence lock-up space. It’ll probably take a couple grand to rehab the space.”

“I was going to put you on this floor.”

“You call that low key?”

Evarts laughed. “Point taken. The basement it is. You have a ten-thousand-dollar budget, including demolition, construction, and furnishing.”

“Seems generous, but thanks.”

“Not generous at all. Five desks and chairs will cost you at least three grand. It doesn’t sound like you’ve done facilities work before.”

“It doesn’t sound like you’ve ever heard of midnight acquisition.”

“Standish, I was in the Army. Except for supplies, leave things in place or I’ll need to fill the holes behind you.”

“Yes, sir.” She pushed over an open interview notebook. “These are the three detectives I want.”

Evarts look at the names and winced. Standish was head of detectives, his position before he made chief. She possessed a good perspective on her unit. Standish and these three would strip the unit of their best talent. He took a deep breath. Okay, time to give some kids a chance.

“All right,” Evarts said. “People, facilities, and name approved. What else?”

“Computers.”

“I’ll get you ten outside the budget I gave you.”

“Ten?”

“Two each. One for internet and interdepartmental access. No work product on those machines. The second computer on each desk will be stripped of Wi-Fi capability and remain unconnected to the SBPD network.”

“Chief, there are simpler ways of doing that nowadays.”

“Simpler for