A Crying Shame (137 page)

Sorry,” Jon apologized.

Mike shook his head.
No need for that; you're just a very thorough man, that's all. After I evac this parish—or as much of it as I can, and as many people who will go—I'll be back. Be careful, folks, all hell is about to break loose.”

I'm very much surprised the press hasn't learned of this,” Lewis said.

Jeansonne told me on the radio the press has been calling his office requesting, demanding in some cases, information as to why certain guard and reserve units have been called in, why so many troopers, and where they were sent. It won't be long.”

Then the curiosity-seekers will descend on this parish,” Tammy said.
Or as close as they can get. And some of them will get hurt or killed.”

Correct,” Mike said.
We're going to try to seal it off tight, but that's an impossible job. Yes,”—he nodded his head—
there are going to be some unnecessary deaths.”

They sat in silence, watching Mike leave, knowing the man had an impossible and completely unenviable job facing him.

Jon said, almost to himself,
I wonder what's happening in the swamp.”

Death,” Debra said quietly.

Linda,” Dr. Lewis questioned, his voice soft,
are you ready for a blood test?”