At The Podium
Part 21

Lazarus returning from walking Agent Ringg to the door and sat down on the couch,
“Joe, I have an idea and need to discuss it with Bryce. Is there any way you can run out and get us all salads from the deli and give us maybe 30 minutes to discuss it?”

Joe was a still trying to process the information he had heard from the Special Agent,
“Sure, write down what you want and I’ll go grab it.”

Bryce pulled out his small notebook and scribbled in it and handed it to Lazarus who did the same. After Lazarus finished his order he handed the notebook to Joe and handed him a $50.00 bill,
“Lunch is on me.”

Joe wandered out to his vehicle, still considering the events that brought him to this point. The lack of attention almost caused him to hit a fire hydrant as he pulled out of the parking area.

Inside the building both Lazarus and Bryce had moved to the table in the kitchen and had legal pads in front of them.

Lazarus started,
“I’m thinking we relocate Joe here for the time being. Without the safety concerns he gets his book research done quicker and in a more secure environment. He can sleep in the safe room and we can also get more training done with him this way. He said his girlfriend broke up with him last week which helps keep him from being out and about as much. Till this threat simmers down we can make sure he uses good judgment and goes armed 24/7. We can limit his activities and movements and she will not pose a distraction.”

Bryce nodded,
“I agree, do you think he’ll be open to the idea?”

Lazarus shrugged,
“That is a question that I don’t know the answer too. We get 3 strong Wi-Fi signals from this building so research and internet is no problem. The bed has a sleep number mattress on it and the TV has cable including movie channels. My concern is that the strange nature of this course of events will rattle his decision making process. If I had to guess, I’d say with the protection of this place he should cope better here than at his house waiting for something bad to happen.”

Bryce scratched his head as he pondered an idea he was kicking around,
“Well, we have 10 guys that might be willing to help us out. Let’s get on the phones and see what they say.”

Lazarus reached toward his notepad and began making notes as he spoke,
“If we let him stay he’s going to figure out about the project out south. Members are in and out of this place all the time. I’ve got think that he’ll eventually get an inkling of what’s, what. We need to swear him to secrecy after they have OK’ed him. We’ve vetted him and he looks like a possible member moving forward. He already lives in an outlying area so he understands the benefits of living out in the country.”

Bryce began making notes also as he spoke,
“Well, we start with a vest and get his gun handling skills up to speed. He’s at least a fair shooter and with some practice will improve. If he stays here you can get maybe 3 hours a day to work with him. I’m thinking 1 hour each day for shooting, working out and self-defense.”

Lazarus smiled to himself,
“I can get a lot done with that much time each day.”

The men busied themselves making phone calls trying to reach their core group. Between the different shifts and everything else the group had going on it wasn’t possible to talk to each member. 8 Members were reached and OKed the proposal after one of the men explained it to them. They each would volunteer some time to escort Joe when needed and keep an eye on him while he was at the building if Lazarus was gone and Bryce was unavailable.

When Joe arrived back from getting lunch the men sat down at the counter and enjoyed their meal. No mention of the contents of Agent Ringg’s visit was discussed till after the plastic containers that the meals had come in were thrown in the trash can.

Lazarus sat down and looked Joe in the eye,
“We have a plan that will help keep you safe. It is not without its drawbacks. However, we feel it’s solid and hope you’ll approve it.”