A Crying Shame (157 page)

Holy shit!” the Special Forces sergeant said, awe in his voice.
Goddamn, don't anybody do anything hinky, now ... don't make him mad.”

Where's the rest of your team?” the trooper asked.

Patrolling.”

Get 'em back here. Quickly!” He turned to a National Guard sergeant.
You people push back those reporters—way back. Get them out of sight. I don't know what's going to happen here.”

Yes, sir.”

The SF sergeant was at his jeep, radioing to his
A” Team.

Don't hurt him,” Jean pleaded with the trooper. She stepped closer to the Link.
Please don't hurt him.”

Me
don't hurt
him?”
the trooper said, astonishment in his tone.
Thanks for the compliment as to my physical abilities. I think you've lost your mind, Miss. Dear, what is your name?”

Jean Laborne. This ... creature saved me; got me away from the bad ones.”

Bad ones?” the trooper questioned. There was awe in his voice, mixed with more than a touch of fright at the bulk of the Link standing docilely beside the small teen-ager, his paw in her hand.