Guardians of the Forbidden Library by Preston W. Child

Author:Preston W. Child [Child, Preston W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-03-08T22:00:00+00:00

11

The Battle Begins

Awaiting the Guardians’ arrival gave Doc time to slow down and think more clearly.

“I see you brought your Arizona Auxiliary with you,” Doc said to the chief with a grin, and nodded to Tom and Raymon, who were standing quietly in opposite corners of the living room. “Welcome to the team.”

“They’re acting as observers only,” the chief assured Doc. “Ain’t that right, boys?”

“Sure is, Chief,” Tom said in a tone that sounded practiced.

“The more I think about it the more I believe we should have parked bumper-to-bumper on the circular drive in front to act as a barrier,” he told Doc, who was sitting at the next window.

“I don’t think they’ll hit us from the front, Chief,” Doc answered.

“I believe you’re right, Doc,” Q said. “They don’t want to attract attention any more than we do.”

“So what are you thinkin’?” the chief asked as he tipped his hat back and rocked back in his chair.

“My best guess is that they’ll hit us as it begins to get dark and the tide is in,” Doc said as he looked out a nearby window toward the ocean. “If I wanted to do this as quietly as possible, I’d come by boat, drop anchor about 100 feet out, and wade ashore to have the advantage of surprise.”

“So what’s your plan?” the chief asked.

“Hear me out on this before you shut me down, okay?” Doc asked.

“Okay, but just this once,” the Chief said as he rubbed his forehead.

“For starters, I’m asking you and your men to stand down unless things get out of control,” Doc said. “I know that makes you nervous. But I believe there’s a way to repel this bunch with a minimum of conflict and send them right into the waiting arms of the Coast Guard. That would avoid the Danforths’ home being shot to pieces and minimize the chance that any nearby residents will even suspect anything’s going on. It will hopefully also result in all the Guardians being alive for questioning. Right now we need all the info we can get out of them.”

“You’re not good for my ulcer,” the chief told Doc as he rubbed his belly.

“Welcome to my world,” Q told the chief sarcastically.

“Mine too!” Noah added with a laugh. “But he keeps things from getting boring.”

“What’s wrong with boring?” the chief asked, only half in jest. “We get pretty used to it around here most of the year.”

Doc’s phone rang again. It was Commander Broadmore.

“I’ve got two cutters holding their position six nautical miles off shore and waiting for your signal to close in and take the Guardians into custody if they try to escape by sea.”

“Thanks for the fast response, Commander,” Doc said. “Stand by…and keep your eyes peeled for Guardians in your vicinity. You may well see them before we do.”

“Aye-aye, Doc!” the commander replied. “Standing by on orders from the President of the United States.”

“Roger that!” Doc said with new comfort, and ended the call. “Chief, I’d appreciate it if you

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