A Crying Shame (101 page)

It's only a theory, Miss Breaux.” Karl attempted to soothe her.
And an untested one, at that. Yes, Walter discussed it briefly with me. Perhaps it has some merit. With your permission, I would like to run some tests on you.”

You think—” she said, her eyes wide. She placed a hand on the edge of a table.
I mean . . . you believe Paul . . . my family. I don't . . .” Her words came out in a meaningless jumble. She took a deep breath.
You think
I'm related
to those ... beasts?”

I certainly think it's worth investigating,” Walter Lewis said calmly.

Linda fainted.

The next hour at Despair Plantation was spent reviving Linda and attempting to calm her, something which proved no mean feat to accomplish. Her voice echoed in and around every corner of the huge house. So did the sounds of various breakable objects crashing as they struck the wall. Linda finally allowed Karl to give her a sedative; Jon to put her to bed. She was sleeping in ten minutes.

For a woman of such obvious breeding and charm,” Walter said, as Jon reentered the den,
the lady certainly possesses quite an extensive vocabulary of four-letter words.”

All of them directed at you, too,” Von Pappen gloated.
And none at me. Obviously she recognizes the class distinction separating us.”

Von Pappen lit a cigarette and leaned back in his chair, chuckling.

Lewis looked at him.
Insufferable bloody ass!”

Are they going to fight?” Tammy questioned.

Heavens no, my dear,” Walter said.
If we didn't insult one another several times each hour . . . only
then
could you anticipate any display of martial arts. And I, with my vast knowledge of judo—learned, I must add, in the British Royal Marines—would then proceed to give that great hulking oaf the thrashing he so richly deserves.”

Tammy peered at him.
You talk funny; you know that?”

He also lies,” Karl said.
Never on his best day could that wimp physically beat me.”

Walter ignored his colleague's remark.
I take issue to your statement, young lady. I do not talk funny. I speak English very well.”

Well . . . so do I,” Tammy said.