A Crying Shame (126 page)

Picturesque way of phrasing your question,” Walter said.
But in reply, probably not. At least we don't believe so. But that person will become insane. At least temporarily ... perhaps permanently.”

You don't know for sure?” Mike asked, his face a mask of mental anguish.

My dear man,” Karl said patiently,
how
could
we know at this time? We have a few instruments—more being shipped in; be here this night—but still not enough to fully equip a proper laboratory. I will give you an opinion, and please bear in mind it is just that. We believe—in Christy's case, we know—the Links rape instantly, where they find their victims. They, unlike their parents, grandparents, et cetera, if one is to believe Paul Breaux's work, attack for self-gratification first, then take the woman for breeding purposes. Then, when this ... infection runs its course, they probably return to some degree of normalcy. But we don't know to what extent the brain is damaged. Miss Nelson told me the Links she witnessed were, she thought, all young males. The older, larger male she saw saved her life. So, taking that into consideration, I feel it would be grossly unfair to start killing all Links simply because of the actions of a few.” He glared at Jon.

Mike sighed.

Karl?” Walter said.
Do you believe the older males carry this infection? Dormant, perhaps?”

The German shook his head.
Nein
. No, I do not. I have no scientific data to support that, however. It is merely a ... a ...
Gefuhl.
” He looked at Jon.

Feeling,” the mercenary said.

Ja,
” the German said, nodding his head, lapsing into his mother tongue, as he almost always did when deep in thought.
Das was es ist
.” He walked toward the door, toward the night, muttering to himself. Jon's voice halted him. He looked around.
Ja?”

You know the rules, Karl. If you're going outside, take a gun. Always. I'm not going to wet-nurse either of you. Get used to it.”