A Crying Shame (40 page)

Some people, Linda—most, probably—cannot differentiate between sophistication and snobbery. It isn't your fault; it's the inadequacy of others. A great many people, unfortunately, reach a certain intellectual level and choose to go no further. They are suspicious of anyone who rises above them, and since they cannot cope mentally, they choose derision instead.”

Thank you, Professor.” She laughed.
Where did you attend school, Jon?”

I went as far as the ninth grade down in south Louisiana.”

No . . . I meant college. What university?”

None.” She was shocked with his answer.
But that does not mean a person must stop learning.”

You must read a lot.”

I try to read five books a week when I'm not in the field.”

Languages?”

Several, en
effet.”

Oh, good! And your accent is quaint.”

A quick, noncommittal smile from the man.
You and this Alma, you have bad blood between you? A quarrel, perhaps?”

A very public one. At a local supermarket. Right after Paul fired Booger from the place.”