A Crying Shame (100 page)

Doctor Lewis tapped a pencil on the coffee table.
Wait now, both of you. I would like to read those journals. I . . . think there is much more to this than meets the eyes at first glance. A quick examination of the Links's brain revealed . . . well . . . that more study is needed.” He lamely let that die.

Why, Jon, for example, did Paul Breaux want these . . . Links, we'll call them . . . destroyed? He spent . . . how long? Two to three years studying them? At least that long. So why destroy them? What did he find that alarmed him so? Interesting questions, what? Then, too, obviously the man knew of the danger they represented to the people of this area, but he remained silent as to their existence. Why?” He looked at Linda.
Do you have any ideas, Miss Breaux?”

She shook her head.
No. None at all.”

Ummm,” Doctor Lewis said.

I have the photocopy Paul sent me,” Jon said.
In my room. I'll get it; read it at your leisure.”

Linda felt eyes on her and, turning her head, gazed into the cold blue eyes of the German.
I . . . why do I get the feeling I'm being viewed like a bug under a microscope? What's going on around here?”

Von Pappen shrugged noncommittally. His eyes touched Walter's, holding for a brief second.

Jon picked up on the unspoken messages between the scientists.
Level with her, gentlemen,” he said, speaking softly but with a touch of menace in his voice.

Don't growl so, Jon,” Doctor Lewis said.
Very well, Miss Breaux. You're an adult. Obviously healthy. Seemingly normal—”

Seemingly normal!”
Linda blurted the words. Then the impact of what was being implied struck her. She paled, the blood rushing from her face. She jumped to her feet.
Oh, now, you wait just a minute!”