A Crying Shame (112 page)

Off center.”

Yes. Thank you. At this time, off center. I believe that concludes any information that you might be requiring at this time, Constable.”

I'm the
sheriff!”

Whatever.” Karl looked at him.
My report is concluded.”

The German and the Cajun stood looking at one another. Mike finally said,
Well ... no shit!”

Yes,” Karl said dryly.
That interjection seems to be quite popular among Americans. If you would, kindly keep it on your side of the ocean.”

Mike stood open-mouthed.
I'm gonna tell you something, Dr. von Whatever-in-the-Hell-Your-Name-Is: I don't know whether I like you very much. You're just about half smartass!”

Karl's smile was a bit strained.
And you're probably under a strain, Sheriff. Understandably so.” He folded his arms across his barrel chest and gazed over Mike's head, speaking to the soybean field.
Where is the ambulanz I called for?”

How the hell do I know?” Mike said.
Do I look like an ambulance driver?”

Karl muttered something under his breath.