A Crying Shame (167 page)

I'd like that.”

When are you shoving off into the swamp?”

I'll give the military time to clear everybody out who went in and really tighten the noose around the swamp. Knowing the government—and I do, well—I think it will probably take them two weeks to formulate any plan of action, another week to put it into place, and another week to get it done. I figure day after tomorrow. Dawn.”

You really think you—one man—can do it?”

Oh, yes, certainly.”

Mike smiled and extended his hand.

Jon shook it.

They were friends.

Mike followed Jon back to Despair and helped him with the unhitching of the craft. Jon wanted it stored close to the house; he did not want to risk the Link's destroying it.

They sat in the den, having coffee, Mike bringing them all up to date.

Only three of those who went in came back out,” Mike said.
The Laborne girl was found last evening. She walked out with a Link, holding hands with it. Claims he helped her escape. Called him Freddie. He called her Jun. A citizen with a bellyful of booze and an itchy trigger finger killed the Link, right after one of his buddies clubbed a state trooper; fractured the man's skull. He's in serious condition. Another redneck shot a Special Forces' sergeant. The Green Berets didn't leave much when they arrived at the scene. Stomped the crap out of the citizens. One isn't expected to live. No charges brought against anybody.”

I heard on the CB about some Links being caught and tortured,” Jon said.

Karl shook his head in disgust.

Yes,” Mike said.
Savagery on both sides of this thing.”

No wonder the Links don't like humans,” Karl theorized.
Has your governor formulated a plan of action?”

Governor Pennypacker couldn't formulate batcrap!” Mike snorted.
Pennypacker's been trying to get in touch with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington. Luckily, he hasn't gotten through to them.”

What does he expect them to do?” Walter inquired.

He wants the Air Force to napalm the swamp, burn it completely out, destroy everything, then have the Marines come in and mop up.”

You're kidding!” Jon laughed.

Mike shook his head.

Sounds like some of the politicians in my country,” Karl said.