A Crying Shame (186 page)

Well . . . thank you, Karl.”

Don't become maudlin, Jon. It's disgusting!” He waved a hand.
Proceed, steersman.”

An hour of daylight remained before they gave up their hunt and headed back to Despair.

You know, of course, we've been watched all day?” Karl spoke over the roar of the inboard.

Yes.”

Why did you not engage them?”

Because . . . they did not attack us.”

The two men exchanged glances.

Jon said,
I'm in somewhat of a quandary . . . with my emotions. So kindly leave me alone and let me work out the solution to the problem by myself.”

The German smiled.
Surely you're not implying I have ever interfered in any of your mental musings. Why I am the epitome of silence. A veritable sphinx in my ability to—”

Oh, shut up!”

Wearing a hurt expression, Karl was silent the remainder of the trip. Upon docking, he told Linda,
He is an impossibly rude fellow. Surly at best. Do something with him; attempt to teach him manners . . . if possible.”

Jon gave him a dark look and told him, in the language of his youth, to go somewhere and commit an impossible act upon his person.

Karl jerked a thumb.
You see? He has the disposition of an aroused pit viper.”

 

I don't want to talk about it,” Jon told her.