Murder by Munchausen Trilogy by M.T. Bass

Author:M.T. Bass
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: AI Techno Thriller
Publisher: Electron Alley Publications
Published: 2019-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

***~~~***

The Bomb Squad

After the two AM final briefing, I rode down to the Flats with Lt. Sands. SWAT was already down there clearing the perimeter, setting up the command post, and taking up their tactical positions.

“Sorry I bolted yesterday.”

Lt. Sands looked over at me and smiled.

“I mean, you know, leaving you high and dry with the Captain. He didn’t seem happy.”

“Eh, he never is. It’s my job to run interference sometimes.”

“Thanks.”

“Oh, don’t thank me yet. I’m not a magician who can make it all just disappear. We are going to have to have that conversation eventually. But maybe we’ll have some mitigating good news after today.”

“Maybe, but…”

“Hope for the best, but expect the worst.”

“Yeah. Something like that. Anyway, thank you.”

We descended down into the Flats on the East Bank and followed the river upstream to Ox Bow Bend, turning on Columbus Road where the SWAT command center van was set up.

“What’s the Bomb Squad doing here?” I asked Lt. Sands, pointing to their step van up ahead. “I don’t remember them in the briefings.”

“Don’t know. Probably SWAT pulled them in. Just in case.” Lt. Sands parked. We got out, put on our vests, and hiked towards the command center. We passed a couple of SWAT guys all dressed up in their battle gear. “I sure am glad these guys are on our side.”

It’s funny how darkness can cover so much activity. They went about their business in a deadly silent way. Kind of creepy. I slowed down as we passed the Bomb Squad van. “I’ll be along in a sec.”

“Don’t be too long.” Lt. Sands tapped the face of his wristwatch.

I went around the back of the step van. The doors were open, and an eerie red glow oozed out from within. Inside, a couple of bomb techs were gathering equipment to suit up. “Hi, guys.”

I startled them, then they saw my vest and badge. “Oh, geeze, ah, hi, uh…”

Kind of jumpy for bomb techs, I thought. “I’m Maddie.”

“Hi, Maddie.” They both grinned that stupid boy grin.

“Missed you guys at the briefings.”

“Yeah, last minute call,” said one of the techs as he lumbered down out of the van carrying his “fat” suit.

It was my turn to be startled at the sight behind him of three powered-down synthoids stored along the side of the van. “Huh.”

“Be nice to know what the hell’s going on.”

“Yeah. Yeah, it would.” I backed away from the van. “Hope you guys aren’t needed.”

“That’s what everybody says.”

“Don’t take it personal, boys.” I smiled coyly and hurried to catch up with Lt. Sands.

I drew all the eyes my way as I slipped into the SWAT van and pulled the door shut behind me.

“Detective,” said the SWAT commander as he turned back to the bank of monitor screens along the wall above the console. “Make yourself comfortable. The show’s about to start—sorry there’s no popcorn.”

Of course, there was no place to sit and make myself comfortable, so I sidled up next to Lt. Sands and surveyed the monitors. Along the top row was a grainy feed from a drone angled off and zoomed in to avoid detection.

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