A Crying Shame (163 page)

So did Jon, but he let the sheriff tell him his reasons.

The Links aren't stupid; all they're going to do is go into the parishes surrounding us—right?”

That would be my thought, yes.”

Shit!”

But there is one consolation, Mike. For the most part, your worries are over; let the other sheriffs handle it.”

The sheriff studied him for a moment.
Badon, you're a cold-blooded bastard, you know that?”

The mercenary shrugged.
Perhaps. But have you ever thought of it this way: sometimes practicality and cold-bloodedness are confused.”

Lessons in word usage I don't need at this time, Badon. What are you doing in town?”

I came to get a craft of some kind.”

A boat?”

I believe that is what I said.”

To go into the swamp?”

I don't intend to go motoring down the center of your quaint little village, Mike.”

You're also a smart ass, Badon.”

Be that as it may.”