Looking about the room, Saunders considered blowing off the question by stating that this issue would be addressed at a later date, but thought better when his eyes fell upon Jan Fields. Her firm, confident expression and pose told him he would have no luck dodging this bullet. As had become her habit, she had managed to whip the natives up into a frenzy, leaving him no easy or graceful way out. With a frown he launched into a disjointed response that didn’t seem to please anyone. “The militia units that have been accepted into service are being assigned law enforcement and security duties. As such they take their orders from the Attorney General, who is coordinating those efforts for the governor. While the National Guard has the duty of providing them with small arms and excess equipment not needed by Guard units, the militias do not fall under my control.” Then, in an effort to head off other questions on the matter, Saunders quickly added, “Any further questions concerning the militias should be directed to the Attorney General’s office or the newly appointed commander of that force.”

A TV journalist from the back of the room shouted out a question concerning the identity of this militia officer.

“If I am not mistaken,” Saunders mumbled as he grew tired of the subject, “the man’s name is Louis Garvey. He’s being given the temporary rank of colonel in the state police, but I do not believe he is answerable to them.”

Now it was Jan’s turn to come back with another question. “General Saunders,” she called out as soon as there was a lull. “It seems that I recall hearing that Louis Garvey was under investigation by the FBI when the offices of that agency were closed down in this state. If that is true, and Mr. Garvey is connected to the bombing of the Federal building in Kansas or the Wyoming incident, aren’t you concerned that the inclusion of people like him will bring discredit to your cause?”

Saunders sighed. “Ms. Fields, I have already said that any further questions concerning the militia or the people connected to it need to be directed to the Attorney General. I am sure you will find that when you do so, he will be able to provide you with all the information you need. Now,” he stated crisply as he prepared to bring this briefing to an end, “if there are no further questions, I’d like to thank you for your patience. Good night and good-bye.”

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 19

WEST OF SNOWVILLE, UTAH • MORNING, NOVEMBER 5