A Crying Shame (87 page)

Jon glanced at Linda.
Who is Coleman Jennings? I'm not familiar with the name.”

Leader of the opposition political party. He has announced plans to run for governor.”

Jon swung his gaze back to Tammy.
So you're on two payrolls?”

Three, actually.” She again sighed, as if relieved to have someone with whom to share her secret.
Coleman approached me last year, offering me money—a lot of money—for all the dirt I could dig up on Parker. There really isn't much; he's pretty square, except for trying to get me between the sheets. I don't think his wife likes to fuck, you know? I could have done that . . . really turned the tables on him . . . but he's a pretty nice guy, and I just couldn't do it. Anyway, this . . . event up here, the Links, that would have been the
coup de grace
for Parker's party. Keeping all this hush-hush from the public. But I just couldn't bring myself to call Coleman. I don't know.” She shrugged her shoulders.
My—and don't laugh—conscience got to bothering me. And I'm also writing a book about Louisiana politics; I took a pretty good advance from the publishing company.” She blinked her blue eyes.
I have a headache, man.”

One of life's little tragedies,” Jon responded.
What have you told this Coleman person?”

I told you. Nothing. And that's the truth.”

Knowledge of this would really damage Parker's party in this state, Jon,” Linda said.
And we've fought hard to get him in office and keep him there.”

I am totally apolitical,” Jon informed them.
I dislike politicians. It matters not to me. I'm going to bed, get some rest.” He looked at Tammy.
Don't attempt to leave this house.”