A Crying Shame (55 page)

I think you do, sir. If I called the governor's mansion, if I asked your press secretary as to your whereabouts... what would he or she tell me?”

Tammy hid her quick smile, thinking: Oh, you handsome bastard. Not only are you good-looking, you're smart as hell, too. Do you like sixty-nine?

The governor's returning smile was not as friendly as before. But it was full of reluctant admiration.
He'd tell you I was at Camp Beauregard, going over some problems with advisors.”

Jon grunted.
The old Army game. CYA.”

Don Wilson said,
What's CYA?”

Cover Your Ass,” Tammy bluntly informed him.

What the hell does this mean?” Mike rose from his chair.

It means the governor has no knowledge of any problems presently occurring in Fountain Parish,” Jon told him.
Not until and unless the problems are solved, that is. Then he'll jump right in with both feet and claim—loudly—the solution was his idea. Right, Gov?”

If correct, Mr. Badon,” Parker said, placing a great deal of emphasis on the
Mister,”
a purely precautionary measure, I assure you.”

Pure bullshit, you mean,” Jon countered.
God, I despise politicians.”