A Crying Shame (165 page)

Yes.”

I won't attempt to stop you.”

I appreciate that.”

He nodded.
Your ass,” Mike said.
Old man Nunn-singer owns this elephant. He was evaced out, so I suppose what he doesn't know won't hurt him. Going in alone?”

Karl will be with me.”

That slight nod of the head.
He as tough as he looks?”

About three times tougher.”

Looks like he could pick up a truck and walk off with it.”

Jon smiled in mental recall.
He used to amuse the children by picking up the front ends of jeeps.”

I believe it.”

Using a winch, the men loaded the boat onto a trailer and secured it to the hitch on the back of the pickup truck Jon had taken from the farm's equipment shed. Jon was conscious of the sheriff's steady scrutiny.

Something, Mike?”

Just trying to figure you out, Jon. Trying to fathom what makes a man like you tick. Ever been on a psychiatrist's couch?”

Several times.”