A Crying Shame (86 page)

Jon nodded his head; one curt jerk.
The truth would be admirable of you. For a change.”

May I put on some clothes? I mean, this is kind of embarrassing. If you know what I mean.”

Don't press your luck,” Jon said.
I didn't remove your gown. Just speak your piece.”

You're a mean man, man.”

You haven't seen me become mean, Tammy,” Jon corrected her statement, adding,
yet.”

I get the point,” she said, then giggled, and Jon could not help but admire her courage. Despite his feelings about her, he rather liked this brassy blonde.
No play on words intended, man.”

Jon smiled.
All right, blondie. Put on a robe and speak the truth.”

She slipped into a robe and sat back on the edge of the bed. She stared at Jon. She had never in her life met a man she couldn't turn on. But this big dude was all ice.
What gave me away?”

I'm a hunch-player. Something about you just didn't add up—too anxious to stay out here where you might get hurt or killed or taken by the Links. You're too curious about everything. And I get vibes from you I don't like.”

Tammy sighed.
Okay It'll be a relief, I think. Well . . . I do work for Governor Parker, and I do a good job. But I also work for Coleman Jennings.”