A Crying Shame (176 page)

I am quite familiar with that weapon. Stop evading the subject.”

Study the maps,” Jon said.

 

The final night of terror was beginning to close in, just as the lives of the Links were drawing ever nearer to the only logical ending modern man could suggest for them. The military had been swift in their pullback and evacuation of the areas around the swamp.

This time there had been no grumbling from citizens; people had willingly left their homes for safer ground. And the military—now for the most part free of outside intervention—pulled the cordon tighter. Manned posts were set up within talking distance of each other. Lights were strung, and where there was no power lines, huge portable generators hummed, bringing light to darkness.

Only the press was kept in the dark—finally.

A dozen Links tried to penetrate the military's blockade. They failed and died.

Those young Links that were left retreated silently back into the depths of the great swamp. There, they prepared to do battle with the man they knew—sensed—all along would be coming after them.

And many of the normal Links sensed the end was very near.

 

I will say this,” Linda said, preparing breakfast for Jon and Karl, although both of them had said the previous evening there was no need for her to do so.
And I do not expect or desire any reply from either of you. What you are doing, Jon, and to a smaller degree, Karl, is pointless. You're both playing hero when there is no need for it. And don't argue with me; I know I'm right.

Karl is going with you for several reasons: one, he is your friend. Two, perhaps he believes at the last moment he can dissuade you from your mission. Three, he is a scientist. Four, like you, Jon, he is an aging warrior who wants one more burst of glory. Stupid and pointless!”

She banged the plates of bacon, grits, and eggs before the men, slammed the toast plate on the table, and managed to dump half the butter off the dish as she, none too gently, dropped that before them. She kissed both men on the cheek and walked to the door.

I'm going back to bed. I'll see both of you when you return.”

She was gone.

Very forceful and opinionated woman,” Karl said.
But I felt it neither the time nor the place to tell her she is quite wrong about me seeking any final burst of glory.”

Jon said nothing.

Karl twirled his fork tines in the grits.
What, may I ask, is this noxious-looking mess?”

Food.”

That is debatable. And does not answer my question.”

Grits.”