A Crying Shame (173 page)

 

We can stop you from doing this, Miss Breaux,” the man from Washington said.
Legally, of course.”

That will take time,” she countered.
More time than you have. The swamp belongs to me—solely; and I am telling you: keep your troops out!”

You're making a mistake, miss.” The man's voice hardened.

Oh? You've no doubt heard the expression that money talks?”

According to Dylan it swears. I don't care how rich you are, Miss Breaux.”

Jon perked up, listening intently. He cared.

But others do.” She smiled sweetly.
Including the political party now in power in Washington. I contribute quite generously whenever they come begging. Would you like to call the president and inquire just how much clout I have?”

The man's face was a study of emotions. He shook his head.

I thought not,” Linda said.
I am asking for seventy-two hours, no more than that. If, at that time, the Link situation has not been contained, I will withdraw any objections to whatever the Army decides to do.”

The presidential aide sighed. He knew he had lost.
More lives will be wasted because of this, Miss Breaux.” He fired his last salvo.

Not necessarily,” Jon spoke.
You've got the equivalent of a division and a half up here. Simply evac everyone within a half-mile of the swamp and tighten your cordon. Set up posts on the adjacent side of the swamp, and on the south side of the Fain River. Use portable floodlights and patrol boats. That's what General Erwin wanted to do in the first place. For once, let the military handle it and you professional bunglers from Washington stay the hell out of it. If you people had kept your noses out of the Vietnam war and let the fighting men run the show, we'd have won the war—that and muzzled the goddamned press.”