Deluge (The Best Thrillers Book 2) James Best (best e book reader .TXT) 📖

waved his arm around the room. “I can scare up some of these civilians to help search if you need them, but they’re untrained. They’ll need guidance.”

“The truck?”

“Keep it for the duration. I’ll get a squad car here. Anything else you can think of?”

“Water, blankets, food. If I send the cops back, can you dispatch a couple to bring me supplies?”

“Will do. Now go.”

Evarts turned back to the squad room to see seven officers approaching. He felt, rather than saw, O’Brian leave. The officers crowded around him.

“How many left a weapon inside a drawer?”

From the looks on their faces, Evarts could tell his query had panicked them. He had asked the question to emphasis his next point. They felt good helping victims, but it wasn’t the best use of their time.

“We cannot have command and control with civilians milling about, potentially digging into files and drawers, and diverting our attention with questions.” He pointed out two officers. “You two, go lock up everything. Go office to office, desk to desk. Secure any weapons you find and move on. I want you back here in ten. Go.”

The two officers scurried away. Five remained.

“Who knows how to get hold of the middle school principal?”

All the remaining officers raised their hands. He pointed at one of them. “Call and say we’re commandeering the gymnasium and locker rooms. Ask the principal to get someone with keys to the school pronto. Also, I want the cafeteria cooks on duty tonight to feed these people. Tell the principal to ask them to volunteer. Everybody needs to pitch in tonight. Okay, make the call.”

Next, Evarts asked, “Who knows a local food market?”

One officer raised his hand. “My uncle owns a neighborhood market three blocks away.”

“Good. Get a couple volunteers from these civilians and get food and water over to the middle school. Bring any games or toys you can find to keep these kids occupied. Tell your uncle to tote it up for reimbursement. Okay?” The officer nodded. “Then grab a couple of these civilian men and get going. Don’t be stingy. Bring everything useful or edible. Got it?”

He pointed to another officer, reading her name badge. “Officer Clinton, go to the middle school and get access to the gymnasium, including the locker rooms and bathrooms. If the principal doesn’t send someone with keys ASAP, break windows if you must. We’ll be bringing a crowd of people there in fifteen minutes, so get going.”

He smiled at the remaining two officers. “You two flank me. I want to look official.”

Evarts stepped on a chair and then climbed onto a desk-sized conference table. His wingmen stood at near attention below him on opposite sides.

“Everybody! May I have your attention? Please! Quiet!” He waited a few beats and then repeated the message. When the noise had subsided, he added, “Parents, please ask your children to sit a few moments. Thank you. Also, let the people in from the foyer. I want everyone to hear this.”

People filed closer, and Evarts felt that a modicum of order had been restored.

“Thank you for your attention. My name is Greg Evarts, police chief in Santa Barbara. I’m sorry for your loss. This day has been heartbreaking for the fine city of Lompoc. A sad day. There’s been loss of life and destruction of your homes and property—places where you had previously felt safe. Tragically, the town has lost the leadership of your first responders. This has inhibited our ability to help you, and I apologize.

“Earlier this evening, I was with Sheriff Lopez helping victims in Solvang. Under state law, during an emergency, Sheriff Lopez is in charge of public safety in Santa Barbara County. He appointed me as your acting chief of police. After conferring, the officers on hand and I have initiated several actions to improve our ability to deal with this emergency. First, we will move you to the middle school, where we will be better able to provide you with food, water, and toilet facilities.”

People started to shuffle around.

“Please wait a minute before you gather your things.” After people had settled again, Evarts continued. “Is there anyone here who owns or knows someone who owns a sporting goods store or a mattress store or a furniture store?” No one raised a hand. “Okay, we’ll do our best to get you something to sleep on. In the meantime, food and water will be delivered to the school shortly. Maybe some games and coloring books for the kids. These officers will lead you over to the school. It’s a short walk. Those of you with cars may drive them over, and please take as many with you as possible, especially the elderly. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. I know this has been trying.”

He climbed down from the table. The two officers who had locked up weapons had returned. He told them to help people leave but to personally remain behind.

An officer on a cell phone urgently tried to get his attention. “The principal wants to talk.”

Evarts took the phone. “Chief Evarts.”

“I understand you’re in charge. How long do you plan on occupying the gymnasium? There’s school tomorrow.”

“You don’t live in Lompoc?”

“I live in Santa Maria. Why?”

“If you lived in town, you’d know the seriousness of the emergency. In answer to your question, we’ll need the gym for at least a few days, possibly longer. My guess is about a quarter of your students are homeless, so you may want to cancel school until after the weekend.”

“That would create a financial hardship. Part of our funding is determined by attendance, to the tune of almost $30 dollars per day per student. It adds up.”

“What if we restrict evacuees to the gym? Can you conduct classes?”

“Probably. I’ll talk to the board.”

“Go ahead and talk, but we’ll be using the gym. We have the authority under the state and county emergency plans. I’d prefer the entire school campus, but we’ll stay out of the classrooms unless we have no alternative. We’ll also need the