A Crying Shame (51 page)

Suggestions, Governor Parker?” Mike asked.

Notification of the press would only elevate this matter into a side show, with all the dignity of a fire drill in a lunatic asylum,” Governor Parker replied, his eyes fixed on the hairy form of the dead Link.
Sensationalism sells newspapers and gets viewers. People in this parish—hell! for miles around—would go into a panic. They'd be shooting everything that moved—including each other.” He tried a faint smile.
And my party needs all the votes it can get. Dead people don't vote.”

Not anymore,” Jeansonne corrected.

Only in Texas,” Don Wilson, another aide to Parker said.

Not there any longer.” Parker spoke absently. He looked at Mike.
It's your parish, Sheriff, so you'll be calling the shots.”

Mike hesitated, then nodded his head.

Colonel Jeansonne picked up on the momentary hesitation from Mike.
What's the matter? You want some of my people to take over?”

No. That isn't it. But I ... do have someone in mind.”

Governor Parker's look was dubious.
Not that two-bit mercenary, I hope.”

He isn't two-bit, Governor,” Mike defended his as yet unannounced choice.
I don't know, from reading his brief dossier, where he got his education, but he is an educated man. And he's a professional fighting man. Plus,”—Mike held up a hand when Jeansonne opened his mouth to object—
he's been working with scientific teams for the past few years, tracking down mysterious monsters, or something like that. I wouldn't give him his head—hell, I don't even know if he'll take the job—and he would report to me ... but, yes, I think Jon Badon is the right man for it.”