A Crying Shame (109 page)

She was cool and under full control as she ejected the clip from the pistol and shoved four fresh cartridges into it. Jon began looking at her in a different light, in a manner in which he had never before viewed any woman. She lifted her head, meeting his eyes.

Why are you staring at me like that?” she asked.

Because I like what I see. You are one hell of a woman.”

You saw everything I had the other night, or have you forgotten?”

Hardly, cherie. But that was not what I meant.”

You and Debra . . . you were once lovers?”

For a day and a night only. Are you jealous?”

I might be. What's it to you,
mercenaire?”

He smiled his reply.

You.
Je vous desire.”

You've had me, Jon.”

Again, not what I meant.”

You want me . . . even though I might be related to . . .”—she cut her eyes to the dead Link—
. . . those things?”

The stench from the dead Link was horrendous; they moved out of the field, walking slowly back to the house.