A Crying Shame (129 page)

He smiled at her.

You had such a serious expression on your face, darling.”

Karl doesn't seem to think so.” She slowly returned the smile.
I don't believe that old bed will make it through the night. My God, Jon ... they've been at it for hours, it seems.”

Then I assure you, if we hear a mighty crash of a bed collapsing, Karl will simply use the floor. For once he gets in the saddle, it's for the duration.”

Once in the saddle . . .'” She shook her head in disbelief.
What a genteel expression. Tammy had ... ah ... well, she seems to be enjoying herself immensely.”

Oh? Has she cummed a lot?” Jon grinned.

Linda stiffened.
I really haven't been keeping count.” The reply was frosty.

Of course, you haven't.”

She was silent for a time. She drew closer to him, but still maintained some distance. Jon was conscious of having lost a few points due to his crude humor. She would have to get used to that.

Mercenaries don't attend mass every Sunday and then play ring-around-the-rosy, Linda.”

I'm quite certain of that, Jon.”

Just wanted to clear the air.”