A Crying Shame (13 page)

Joe rose from his squatting position.
I want to see this ... beast.”

Go ahead. Then I'm going upstairs.”

That ain't your job,” the chief deputy bluntly informed him.
And you know it. It's mine. So gimme the shotgun.”

Sheriff Saucier's chuckle was without mirth.
You giving me orders now, Joe?”

In this, I am. Yes, sir, I sure am doing that.” He held out his hand.

Mike smiled. He handed Joe the riot gun, cautioning him,
It's loaded.”

Joe's smile was a quick uplifting at one corner of his mouth.
Be kind of silly to carry an unloaded one around at a time like this, wouldn't it?” He nodded stiffly at Linda Breaux.
Sorry we didn't get out here last evenin', ma'am. Might have prevented all this sorrow. Them that was responsible for our not respondin' will surely hear about it ... from me.” He walked toward the mansion, a small, very wiry man. But very long on guts.

Strange little man,” Linda observed.

Sheriff Saucier knelt down beside the woman and stared at her for a moment. Even dirty and bloodied, Linda Breaux was a lot of woman. About five-seven, Mike reckoned, full-breasted and long-legged with a slim waist and light brown hair, worn long. Lovely expressive eyes. But very cold, he thought, then amended that thought. Not cold ... just in control.

How much have you told my deputy?” he asked.

What I could remember at the time. It's all coming back to me, now.” She could not read the man's eyes behind his dark glasses. She put her dark eyes on his face.
I don't suppose you have a drink of water or a soft drink?”