A Crying Shame (116 page)

Yes,” Karl said, ignoring Jon.
Exact. Is what I ask possible?”

You're sure it's that important?” Mike asked, then shook his head.
Hell, what am I asking? Of course it's important. Yeah, sure. But let me call and I'll get back to you. One of us will be here.”

Good.” Karl bobbed his head.
As for now, the ladies are seeing to the young girl. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I should like to return to our makeshift lab.” He looked at Jon.
Primitive though it may be.” He turned, walking into the house.

Quite a character,” Mike observed.

Yes, at least that. And one of the most powerful men I've ever known. Perhaps
the
most powerful. Last year we were in Burma, looking for giant leeches.”

Giant leeches?”

Yeah. About ten feet long, or longer. Huge things.”

Mike shuddered.
A ten-foot-long leech? Yuck! But I think I'd take the leeches over what we've got here. Did you find them?”

Traces.”

The ambulance finally arrived, stopping amid a cloud of dust. Dr. Thurman stepped out of the back. He nodded curtly at Jon, his dislike for the man very evident. He said to Mike,
Where is she and which one made it?”