Holding Their Own XI: Hearts and Minds by Joe Nobody Page B

government service. You need to pick it up a step, trooper.”
    Bishop laughed and then dropped his head in pretend shame.
    Grim’s voice rang out just then, the grizzled contractor waiting at the hospital’s entrance. “Give him hell, Miss Brown. He deserves it.”
    Butter was there as well, waiting alongside. As usual, the big kid was all tow-headed smiles.
    “We’re off to help Sheriff Watts deal with a couple of hard cases,” Bishop announced. “With Kevin being out of action for a while, we can’t operate as a SAINT team, so we’re going to earn our paychecks by helping our friends in law enforcement.”
    “I’d heard as much,” Diana responded, stopping short and turning to face Bishop with a serious expression. “Thank you,” she said, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. “I wouldn’t have made it through these last few weeks without you.”
    Bishop returned the hug, patting the most powerful figure in the Alliance gently on the back. “You’re doing grand work, Diana. Never forget that. And tell Nick I’ll see his sorry ass in a few days.”
    Despite being anxious to get Nick out of what he called, the “medical dungeon,” Diana paused to watch the trio of men walk toward the front gate. “Terri is one lucky-ass girl,” she whispered, “and I think she knows it.”

Chapter 3
     
    Two squad cars and a SWAT van idled at the base’s front gate, Sheriff Watts and a pair of his men standing in a group while they waited for Bishop’s team to arrive.
    After a friendly greeting and round of handshakes and introductions, the Alliance’s top lawman got down to business.
    Ramrod straight, with every detail of his uniform polished, ironed, tucked, and proper, the lanky sheriff was the picture of authority and confidence. “We’re having some issues in the panhandle that are pressing my people to the limit. It seems that a group of aggressive individuals has taken to growing marijuana in and around Palo Dura Canyon, and we are overtaxed in that region as it is. Last week they wounded two of my deputies in a gunfight.”
    Bishop was a little surprised by the first assignment and said so. “I thought we were going to help you with some truly bad men, Sheriff. Doesn’t the Alliance have bigger issues than a bunch of kids growing some weed?”
    The officer grimaced at the comment, “Normally, I’d agree wholeheartedly. But these ‘kids,’ as you refer to them… well, I believe they’re actually a bunch of escaped federal inmates. They were using their cash crop to barter with the survivors in Amarillo, which again is way down the list of sins worth pursuing. The problem is, when they can’t trade for what they want, they take it. Mostly at the end of a barrel. They’ve taken to terrorizing the region, and their numbers are growing stronger with each passing day.”
    Bishop nodded, “I see. My apologies, Sheriff. I’ve had a little trouble adjusting to the Alliance’s new posture and authority.”
    Watts didn’t smile back. “I heard about your run-in with my men in Meraton not long ago. We’re just trying to do our job, Bishop. I’d appreciate it if you’d avoid fighting with my deputies. We’re losing enough men as it is.”
    “I’ll be fine, Sheriff. Now, about these pot growers in Palo Dura… how many of them are there?”
    “We estimate at least 30, perhaps as many as 50. They’re pretty well armed and have gotten quite familiar with the terrain. With over 70 miles of canyons, caves, gullies, and offshoots, we don’t have the manpower to search the entire area. Fort Bliss loaned us a helicopter, but the aerial search didn’t turn up any results. They’re very well hidden.”
    Grim whistled, “That’s a pretty good sized operation. And when we find them?”
    “Call us in once you know the location of their hideout. I’ll be there within ten hours with the cavalry.”
    Butter spoke up, “Ten hours? That’s an awfully long time, sir.”
    Watts didn’t look