A Crying Shame (174 page)

The military man representing General Erwin, a full colonel, hid his smile. He wished he could say something like that whenever he felt like doing so. But he kept his mouth shut. They all remembered General Singlaub.

I'll see what I can do,” the aide said stiffly.

No.” Linda smiled.
Don't see—do!”

The aide's smile was thin, but held a touch of admiration. He already knew what the answer would be. A delay for seventy-two hours would be easy; it would take that long to get any plan worked up, more time than that to put my military operation into readiness.

The aide nodded curtly and left the room, the colonel behind him.

Linda looked at the mercenary.
All right, Jon. I've done all I can do.”

Merci, ma cherie.”
He smiled.

The smile was not returned. She walked out of the room. The slamming of the bedroom door echoed through the old home.

Jon lifted his coffee cup in salute to her.
Someday, you will understand,” he said.

She already does.” Tammy spoke from the hall.
That's the point; she does understand.”

Jon's gaze was bleak.
Well . . . that makes no sense to me at all.”

Naturally,” Tammy said. She turned away.

Women,” Jon muttered.

 

The two men sat quietly in the den, checking equipment and studying maps of the swamp.

Twenty-three young Links have been killed,” Karl said.
That can't leave too many of the diseased young ones left.”