One Day in a Small-Town Desert, chapter 18, page 2

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Umo Amuéné parked his auto across the street from the Pívo County Constabulary’s Tuhanı Precinct Headquarters. He wasn’t worried about being spotted by the police since the parking lot in front of the building was overflowing with news reporters. Various television stations’ news crews and some newspaper and magazine reporters and photographers milled around, talking in small groups between their brightly blazoned vans and automobiles.

“What are they doing here?” whined Lango.

Umo scoffed. “They’re waiting for news on the pretend emperor.” It pained Umo to refer to His Royal Majesty in such a term, but he had a facade to maintain. “He’s being held here, remember?”

“Right, whatever.” Lango cracked his knuckles, one finger at a time.

A lone police cruiser pulled out of the precinct parking lot and turned eastward toward the Kılímo residence. There couldn’t be more than two or three policemen remaining inside the building. Umo and Lango could take them out with no difficulties, if it weren’t for the reporters.

Umo smoothed his pompadour as his eyes darted around the assemblage across the street.

A direct attack wouldn’t work. They’d have to play it smooth.

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