A Crying Shame (54 page)

Well, then, Colonel, I certainly will not accept Governor Parker's proposition. I either run all the show, or close the box office.”

Mr. Badon,”—Governor Parker leaned forward in his chair—
I respect your decision—we all do. Regretfully, but we respect it. We're not . . . I suppose, the type of men you're accustomed to dealing with. But I wish you would listen to what I have to say.”

Of course, Governor. I'm not that difficult a man to get on with.”

I wish you'd get it on with me, Tammy thought. Just however you like it.

Governor Parker poured another cup of spiced tea from the silver service. He leaned back in his chair. He was tired, and looked it. He did not look well.
I will admit something, Mr. Badon....”

Call me Jon, please.”

Parker returned the smile, noting in his mind that the man had any number of smiles. He wondered how many personalities the man wore beneath his outward facade.
All right, Jon. Miss Breaux looked shocked when Sheriff Saucier repeated your real reason for being here. Sorry. We all assumed she knew. Obviously, she did not.” He glanced at Linda; she shook her head.
I thought as much. Well ... to put it bluntly, Jon, we're between a rock and a hard place with this ... ah ... situation. We have—as elected officials—a definite responsibility to keep the public informed as to any danger that might present itself. But if we—I, in this case—do that, what we'll create is panic. Pure and simple. I have a hard choice before me. All elected officials are faced with similar situations at one time or the other.

The press—not all of them, but some—would blow this all out of proportion. We'd have people grabbing up guns of all sizes and charging into the swamp, shooting at every damned thing that moves, and killing and wounding each other. It's a sad commentary, Jon, but I think you realize that many people have to be protected from themselves.” He paused as he noticed Jon's smile.
Why are you smiling, Mr. Badon?”
Oh ... a thought just occurred to me: Where are you this evening, Governor?”

What? I don't understand the question.”