A Crying Shame (166 page)

And . . .?”

Jon shrugged.
I never give them much satisfaction. Tell a shrink what they want to hear, they're happy. I don't place much credence in their profession. I've always believed them to be much like lawyers; if we didn't have them, we wouldn't need them.”

Mike chuckled. Try though he did, and he did try to dislike the mercenary, he found himself liking the company of this soldier of fortune more each time they met. He wondered if part of his feeling was envy. He decided it was.

You've led the life that most men secretly wish they could lead, Jon.” He spoke the words that had been on his mind for several days.

In most respects, Mike, be glad you did not lead it.”

Sorry about it, Jon?”

Oh, no.” The answer was sincerely given.
I don't believe I would have had it any other way. I've been tested, and I've stood firm to the challenge ... many times. I've seen the world, tasted it, smelled it, made love to ... well, more women of varying nationalities than I can remember. Or”—he smiled—
care to remember. All in all, I've been, if not happy, at least contented.”

Speaking of love, Linda Breaux is in love with you.”

Yes. I rather ... share the same feeling about her.” And his words surprised the mercenary, for he seldom let his inner feelings go public, and never with a man he did not know well and long. He realized then he had subconsciously pegged Sheriff Mike Saucier as a man who would do to ride the river with.

He told him so, quickly and without emotion.

Mike was clearly embarrassed.
Well I ... kind of feel the same, Jon. Kind of like to see you stick around these parts. When this is over, I mean. You like to fish?”

Yes. Began it as a hobby about ten years ago. Got really interested in it. You're a bass fisherman?” He said it without a note of question.

Yes. We'll go sometime.”