A Crying Shame (97 page)

His reply was a lifting of his heavy shoulders.

She winked at him.
The mighty Jon Badon . . . could it be . . . ? No! But wait . . . have you been smitten, darling? 'Fess up, now.”

Don't be absurd!”

When I see her, I'll know; I promise you that.”

Do carry on, Debra, before your babblings reach the point of asininity.”

She laughed and stepped back into the full, harsh light, walking to the old servants' quarters. She was softly singing,
Once I had a secret love. . . .”

Jon could only smile.

From a window, Linda watched the pair, knowing with a woman's intuition they had once been lovers. It was the way they walked and talked and lightly touched. But she sensed that the woman presented no danger to her now . . . for they were friends only.

Linda smiled and shook her head at her thoughts on first seeing the woman, when she had felt her a threat. After all, there had been no promises made between Jon and herself. No whispered words of love everlasting—only passion. But she felt he did care for her. No, more than that; she
knew
he cared for her. But the next move was up to him . . . had to be. For she sensed he was a man who would balk at any pushing.

She turned away from the window.

Did you see that big dude?” Tammy was at her side, peering intently out the window.
Big as a Mack truck.”

Linda laughed openly at her.
Come on, let's see about dinner.”

 

Von Pappen was sputtering and spouting German in such a rush of words Jon was hard-pressed to keep up. He finally waved Karl silent.
Calm down,” he urged him.

Jon . . . we
must
have one or two of these alive!” Karl said, speaking as though he were addressing troops on a parade field. On a windy day.
For study.
Sofort!”

Right away is a bit soon, Karl. But I promise you, before I destroy them, I'll take a couple alive.”

Both scientists paled at that. Debbie gasped, one hand flying to her mouth. Von Pappen roared,
Destroy them! The hell you will.” He sputtered and flapped his mouth and waved his arms.
Was ist diese mit—?”