A Crying Shame (57 page)

The two women looked at one another, invisible, silent cat language purring over the short distance. They understood one another very well.

Governor Parker's hands trembled as he placed cup and saucer on the coffee table.
You rotten son of a bitch!” he cursed Badon.
That was it all the time. Money. There isn't a decent bone or thought in your body, is there?”

Jon laughed openly.

I oughtta run you clear out of this state!” Jeansonne snarled at him.

On what charge, Colonel?” Jon asked innocently. He pointed to the telephone, looked at the top trooper, and rattled off a number.
Call it,” He smiled.
That's the unlisted number of a very high official with the U.S. State Department. There was a ... shall we say ... ugly incident in a South American country last year. Very wealthy American businessman and his family kidnapped by leftist guerrillas. Who do you suppose went in and got them out? So you go ahead, Colonel—try to put the roust on me. Let's just see how much trouble I can bring your way. The State Department—among others—was very appreciative of what I did.”

Jeansonne shot eye-contact hate at Badon, but it was mixed with grudging respect for the mercenary. Despite it all, the supertrooper rather liked the man—or understood him.
Yeah,” he said slowly,
and you'd do it, too, wouldn't you, merc?” Cops and mercenaries are not that far removed from one another.

Jon did not dignify the question with a reply. He turned to the group.
Think about it, people. This proposition: I'll rid your swamp of Links. Every one of them. Guaranteed or I won't take your money. The price is two hundred thousand. Like
Mad
magazine ... cheap. When you consider the risks. I'll be taking. Half in advance, half on completion.”

Governor Parker stood up, the others following suit. Parked looked at Badon.
Hell with you! Sheriff Saucier and Colonel Jeansonne will rid us of our problem. You'll leave eventually. I have great faith in the ability of our lawmen.”

Jon nodded politely. He did not stand up with the governor.
I am certain they are both excellent lawmen. I can but wish them the best of luck.”

Parker looked at Sheriff Saucier.
You still intend to let this man remain deputized? He's not a resident of this parish—is it legal?”