A Crying Shame (68 page)

Sure was sorry to hear about Mr. Breaux. He was a fine, fair fellow to work for. They catch them that done it?”

Not yet. That money I gave you is just for the hands. I'll see Cooper later.”

Yes, sir.” He knew a dismissal when he heard one. The caste system is alive and well in the deep South.
And you tell Ms. Breaux thanks from all of us. Tell her how sorry we all are about Mr. Breaux.”

I'll do that, Jamie. See you around.”

Yes, sir. Good talkin' with you.” Even if I don't know who you are.

Jon waited until the farmhand's truck was out of sight, then leaned against a fence post, waiting for another fifteen minutes, thinking. Actually, the idea of Tammy staying was appealing. Two beautiful women on the edge of the great swamp, and the Links were hunting mates. The Links would soon know about Tammy, for Jon sensed they watched the house from the swamp. And they would soon pick up on the silence in the fields, the last of the human workers having left. Then the women should bring the Links to the house.

You're cold-blooded, Badon,” he muttered. You're willing to sacrifice two innocents for your own gain. For your own warped, sometimes quixotic quest for adventure, searching for the ultimate high of combat. Is that not correct, mercenary? he questioned his mind.

Yes, came the silent reply. To a degree. But as long as the women do what I tell them to do, they are really quite safe.

Sure they are, Badon. Sure.

He shook his head, freeing his mind of such troublesome items. He walked back to the house. Whatever had been broken in anger had been picked up, the den straightened. Linda and Tammy sat on the couch, chatting quietly, very amicably. Jon looked at the pair and shook his head, thinking that the older he grew, the less he understood women.

Linda smiled at him.
We were only two years apart at LSU.”

How perfectly marvelous for you,” Jon replied.

Yes, isn't it?” Tammy flashed him a smile, batting her blues.
We have mutual friends.”

I'm so delighted to hear it,” Jon said sarcastically. He looked at Tammy.
Miss Gray, what side are you on in this caper?”