A Crying Shame (99 page)

Karl rolled his eyes and said sarcastically,
Nehmen sie Reiseschecken?”

Oohhh,” Tammy said, glancing at Jon.
What'd he say—what'd he say?”

He asked you, dear, if you accepted traveler's checks.
Something quite lovely and highly complimentary, Tammy. But I'm afraid it loses something in translation.”

Karl looked at him as if Jon were a fool.

They were in the den, after dinner, enjoying a brandy.

Oohh!” Tammy said.

Jon hid a smile, thinking, you're going to be saying more than
Oohh” when that Kraut puts the meat to you, honey. He glanced at Karl.
So you see, I hope, why they have to be destroyed.”

No.” The doctor slammed one big fist into an open palm.
I most certainly
do not
see it. At all. There must be some way of determining those who are mad from those who are merely attempting to survive—as they obviously have been doing for thousands of years. If that cannot be, then the area should be cordoned off and made into a . . . a national study park, or whatever you primitive people call it over here in the wilderness.”

Walter chuckled, as did Linda. Debbie looked bored. Tammy crossed her legs.

When the news of these Links breaks, Karl,” Jon told him,
I'm afraid the people of this area won't look at it—them, the Links—quite as scientifically as you. And the news will break, I assure you. Probably quite soon. Which is why I have to start moving . . . quickly.” He shrugged.
I may be out of time as it is.”

I agree with you, Jon.” Karl smiled hugely.
You're out of time. So we should immediately form plans other than attempting to destroy them.”