Tarizon: Desert Swarm Read online

  Chapter 16

  About Face

  Reverend Little was surprised when he was released by the FBI. He’d assumed he’d be held at least twenty-four hours. He liked media attention but since he was being released so soon he wouldn’t get much. In fact only two reporters were outside when he was released. That didn’t dissuade him from making a statement, however.

  “Are you a suspect in the murder of Colonel Martin?” the first reporter asked.

  Reverend Little smiled broadly. “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask the FBI.”

  “If not, why are you here today?” the second reporter asked.

  “I think it’s because of what I said this morning in my Sermon—that God punishes those who dare stand in his way. Apparently the FBI didn’t think I showed proper respect for the decedent.”

  “Do you really think God summoned the bats to kill Colonel Martin?” the first reporter asked stifling a smile.

  “Yes. That’s what it looked like to me. Don’t you agree?”

  The reporter shrugged. Reverend Little turned, got into his limousine, and drove off wondering what would happen now that Colonel Martin was out of the picture. He was afraid the government would shut down the Bat Mountain Site entirely while a criminal investigation was conducted. When he got back to the Site late in the afternoon he was shocked to see that the Army had left, his pilgrims had been allowed back on the ridge overlooking the cathedral, and the Sheriff’s office was back in control. When he saw Deputy Lawson he went over to him immediately to find out what was going on.

  “What happened to the Army?” he asked.

  “They left about an hour ago. Their commanding officer told me the government’s investigation of the Bat Mountain Phenomenon was finished and it had been determined that it did not pose a threat to national security or public health. Apparently they intend to buy the property and transfer it to the National Park Service for the benefit of the general public.”

  “My word. Such an about face. Well, like I always say, it’s foolish to resist the will of the Lord.”

  “Right. So, just tell your people to stay behind the perimeter barriers and everything will be fine. But if anybody breaches the perimeter, they’ll be arrested. No exceptions.”

  “No problem. I’ll get the word out. Thank you, Curt.”