The Templar Reprisals (The Best Thrillers Book 3) by James Best (free ebook reader for ipad .TXT) 📗

When they were alone again, Evarts asked, “What next?”

“Take out the other cells. That escort service gave us solid leads to the others. It appears that the chemists have left the country, but the other two cells remain in town for tomorrow’s big show.”

Baldwin said. “Smith told us that the bomb teams were going after us after they finish this assignment.”

O’Brian shook his head. “Doubtful. They’ve reserved rental cars with a drop off in Miami, and next Wednesday they’ve chartered a thirty-five-foot boat with sufficient range to reach Cuba. We believe they’re leaving the country.”

Baldwin turned to Evarts. “An empty threat?”

“Probably,” Evarts said. “Smith was still trying to convince us that in order to save our lives, we needed to work with them.” He shrugged. “A bluff.”

“Then we’re in the clear?” Baldwin asked.

“Closer,” Evarts said. “Remember, the bombs were meant to be distributed by a Templar Knight. A devastating hit which would have caused a rift in the worldwide Templar organization. The infighting may have nullified the Templars for years. Now, the situation is reversed. Soon, the Ikhwan will have a load of bigger problems. They’ll be the ones roiled by internal dissension, and I’d expect a heavy reassessment of their actions over the past few months. This botched attack cost piles of money and a million dollars for a little revenge will seem extravagant.”

“Sounds convincing to me.” Baldwin smiled. “Let’s go home. There’s enough resources in this town to take care of the remaining bad guys.”

“I agree,” O’Brian said. “Thank you for your help. I know you—”

“No need to convince us,” Evarts interrupted. “We’re on the first flight out in the morning. I want to get out of here before the news breaks about an aborted attack.”

O’Brian nodded agreement. “Greg, Patricia, don’t think we’re unappreciative for what you’ve done. You’ve been a big help, but what happens next will be highly classified and Greg’s security clearance has expired. You can’t be further involved. If we handle this properly, the news will never break. Tomorrow will just be another Friday in Washington, D.C.” O’Brian smiled. “Prudence, however, would dictate that you get out while the getting’s good.”

“Excellent advice.” Evarts smiled at his wife “So … let’s enjoy our meal before we make our reservations and prepare to skedaddle.”

Baldwin lifted her wine glass and they toasted to their departure.

“I hate to be a party pooper,” Hudson said, “but I think you should continue to take precautions. I understand that you’re rich.”

Evarts nodded, wondering where this was going.

“I think a private jet is in order. It will make my life easier since your safety is now my concern. If you fly private, I can detail two agents to watch you, but if you fly commercial, I’ll need to do background checks on your fellow passengers and have a much larger detail assigned to escort you through the airport.”

“Then it seems the government should pay,” Baldwin said. “It would be a real sign of your appreciation … and save you money.”

“True, “Hudson said, “but required approvals would mean you couldn’t leave until mid-next week.”

“Patricia,” O’Brian said, “approval may not be forthcoming. For obvious reasons, your contributions will also be highly classified. Instead of money, your thank you will come in the form of a letter of commendation signed by the Secretary of Defense. It will be in both of your names but filed with Greg’s Army service record. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to show it or mention it to anyone.”

“Too bad,” Greg said. “It might have been helpful in putting me in good stead again with the mayor and city council. At the moment, they are none too pleased with me.”

“I’ll see if I can get an unclassified version sent to your city leaders,” O’Brian said.

Hudson leaned toward Evarts. “About the—”

Evarts interrupted, “We’ll charter a plane, Mr. Hudson. On our dime. No problem. We were just ribbing you.”

“Then let me add our thanks for your assistance. Now, I understand you’re using aliases.”

“We are,” Evarts answered.

“Charter the plane using the alias and I suggest you continue taking precautions until I call you with an all-clear message.”

Baldwin jumped in. “After this weekend, we intend returning to our respective jobs using our real names. We have a hideaway residence. Do you suggest we use it, or can we return to our home?”

Hudson thought it over. “The bounty will probably be lifted in the aftermath, but until I can get confirmation, don’t return home. Use your alternative residence until I can make sure everything is sealed up on this side.”

“I’d prefer you said just go back to normal,” Baldwin said. “How worried should we be?”

“Cautious, not worried,” Hudson said. “I’ll have the L.A. office assign a couple agents to you until we can be certain that you’re in the clear.”

“I have an entire police department around us,” Evarts said. “Two agents won’t add that much more protection.”

“They’ll provide a secure means of communication from my office to you. They won’t be intrusive.”

“Fine. Put them on my wife and watch her at UCSB. They won’t let my officers on campus.”

“Understood … and a good use of the resource.”

They all lifted their drinks and Hudson made a celebratory toast.

Thank goodness, this whole episode was nearly over, and their lives would soon get back to normal.

Chapter 73

After entering their leased apartment inside the Hope Ranch, Evarts immediately checked the television. It worked. He wanted to make sure they could get the news this evening. With luck, there would be no breaking news about bombs going off in the capital or in public transportation.

Before leaving Santa Barbara, they had ordered the utilities turned on and left instructions for the installation of a high-end security system. The second-floor apartment had a single entrance. Good and bad. Only one doorway to defend, but no second way out. Beside electronic alarms, the security firm had replaced the bedroom and entry wood doors with steel doors faced in wood. The bedroom was equipped with a land