A Crying Shame (115 page)

Bullshit!” Mike shouted. He pointed a finger at Karl.
Now you listen to me, you burly egghead . . .”

Karl smiled thinly. Very thinly. Jon wanted to tell Mike not to antagonize Von Pappen, for the big German could take a metropolitan phone book in his bare hands and give you two halves—quickly. He had been a member of the French Foreign Legion before going on to the University of Heidelberg, and had also boxed as a heavyweight—winning all his bouts by knockout.

... I don't have time for fancy experiments in this parish. In just about twenty-four hours, all hell is going to break loose around here. And I mean
hell
, Mr. Hotshot Doctor. And right now I don't know what I'm going to do to contain that inferno. Contain! Wrong word. Cope with it. I don't know what Governor Parker's going to do; don't know if Parker himself even knows what he's going to do....”

The sounds of sirens growing louder stopped Mike's red-faced, blood pressure-raising tirade. He shook his head.
We seem to be getting off on the wrong foot, Dr. von Pappen. And it's my fault. I'm sorry. I should not have lost my temper like that. It's just . . .”

Karl silenced him by holding up one hand and smiling. He stepped from the porch and extended that hamlike hand. Mike took it.
I understand, Sheriff. I, too, as difficult as it must be to believe, have, on occasion, lost my temper....”

Jon's laughter cut Karl's self-complimentary apology off.
Glad I got my boots on. Bullshit is getting thick and rich around here.”

Both sheriff and doctor laughed, Karl saying,
Be silent, mercenary. Before I find it necessary to thrash you.”

Never on your best day, fatso,” Jon told him.

The German did not disagree, for he knew only too well how dangerous Jon Badon was, how cold-blooded and well-schooled in violence.

Karl snorted.
He is obviously a man of low degree, Sheriff Saucier.” Mike's glance went from man to man. He realized this bantering must go on constantly.
Can you be here later on this evening?” Karl was asking.
And bring this governor person with you? I feel we will know something of a more . . . ah . . .
genau
nature.” He glanced at Jon.

Exact,” the mercenary said.
Wish to hell you'd learn English.”