A Crying Shame (25 page)

The two men exchanged knowing glances; slight movements of their lips would have to pass as smiles. They suddenly knew each other very well. The air in the small office seemed to change, becoming more relaxed.

Why,” Mike ruminated softly, not really directing the question at Badon,
with all the land and homes around the swamp, would the creatures single out the Breaux home?”

Jon said nothing, letting the lawman talk. He knew what Sheriff Saucier asked, knew the answer he wanted to hear, but kept his mouth shut for the present. There would be ample time for that—later.

... Almost as if they somehow knew Breaux was going to try to capture or kill them.” Mike hit the truth without knowing it. Or at least part of the truth.

Sheriff?” Jon cut into Mike's mental meanderings.
I am not ignorant of police work. As a matter of fact, a member of Interpol once told me I was quite good at it. So, let me make this proposition, if I may: I have been paid a handsome sum of money from Paul Breaux, half of our agreed-upon sum in advance, the other half in a Swiss bank; I will receive that when I offer adequate proof to a ... middle man ... that I have indeed completed my assignment. And”—he put startlingly pale gray eyes on the Sheriff—
I
will
capture a few of them. So let us work together. In return for your cooperation, let us say, I will see to it you get whatever ... shall we say ... equipment your office might be lacking.”

Mike smiled.
Bribing an officer of the law, Mr. Badon?”

Ah, but not at all, Sheriff. I simply offered a bargain between gentlemen.”

I'd like to see my men get a badly needed raise.”

Talk to the local police jury or take it to the people of the parish,” Badon countered.

Shit!”

Both men laughed, and more ice was broken between them.

Mike said,
But you could arrange my choice of weapons, I should imagine.” Not phrased as a question.

Oh, quite easily.”