A Crying Shame (56 page)

You can't speak to the governor in that manner,” Don protested, flapping his hands.

Jon glanced at the aide.
Control yourself,” he suggested.
And shut your fucking mouth.”

Don folded his hands in his lap. He sat very quietly in his chair.

If you're not too large, Tammy thought, I like it up the ass, too. I hope you brought some Vaseline, 'cause, mercenary, we are definitely going to get it on.

They would. But not in the manner Tammy envisioned.

Jon picked up on Tammy's sexual vibes. But Tammy did not interest the mere. He shifted his eyes back to the chief executive of the state.
Yeah, Gov, you very much have a problem, and short of cordoning off the entire swamp—which just may be your only solution—and using every guardsman and cop in the state, to burn the Links out, which would have environmentalists from all over the world descending upon this area and your ass, your only option, as I see it, is to go in and get the Links. And that brings it back to me, doesn't it? All right. That's what I was paid to do, and that is what I fully intend to do.”

Governor Parker's look went the full gamut, finally settling on confusion.
But . . . you just said you—”

I said—or implied, as the case may be—I wouldn't take the job of being in charge under your terms. It is my plan—at this time, bearing in mind that everything is subject to change—to find a local man with hard service behind him, not one of your local good ol' boys, and to go in, locate the Links, kill any who attack me, and capture two or three for study. I have friends who would like to observe them.”

Then what?” Jeansonne asked.
How about the ones who don't attack you?”

Jon shrugged.
Then . . . nothing. My job will be concluded. I collect the rest of my money and return to France. What you people do then—with any Links remaining—is none of my concern. My one exception will be the safety of Ms. Breaux.”

Governor Parker glared at him in shocked disbelief. Sundra and Jeansonne were angered by his seemingly open callousness. Don Wilson continued to look straight ahead, hands folded nicely in his lap, his face impassive. Sheriff Saucier narrowed his eyes, not believing Jon. Linda smiled. Tammy thought maybe dog-fashion might be the way to go with the mercenary—just submit to him right off, his to do with as he saw fit. But, she reflected sourly, he's involved with the Breaux bitch. I can sense it.

Colonel Jeansonne spoke, through and because of his anger.
Someone sure called it right when they named you people mercenary, didn't they?”

The smile and the shrug from Badon.
I long ago learned not to take offense at remarks such as that one, Colonel. But try—through your anger—to view it from my position: I am not a resident of this parish; I own no property here; I have nothing to gain, I was paid to do a job—one specific job. You want me to do something else ... sweeten the pot, boys.”

Tammy wriggled her ass in her chair. Oohh, you randy son of a bitch! If. your cock's just half as magnificent as your gall, we're going to have a wonderful time. Providing, she tempered her ardor, I can figure a way to rid us of Miss Prissy Bitch, sitting over there, very much the lady, her legs crossed ever so correctly, every action so controlled. Bitch!