A Crying Shame

by William W. Johnstone

  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.”

  The military man representing General Erwin, a full colonel, hid his smile. He wished he could say something like that whenever he felt like doing so. But he kept his mouth shut. They all remembered General Singlaub.

  I’ll see what I can do,” the aide said stiffly.

  No.” Linda smiled. Don’t see—do!”

  The aide’s smile was thin, but held a touch of admiration. He already knew what the answer would be. A delay for seventy-two hours would be easy; it would take that long to get any plan worked up, more time than that to put my military operation into readiness.

  The aide nodded curtly and left the room, the colonel behind him.

  Linda looked at the mercenary. All right, Jon. I’ve done all I can do.”

  Merci, ma cherie.” He smiled.

  The smile was not returned. She walked out of the room. The slamming of the bedroom door echoed through the old home.

  Jon lifted his coffee cup in salute to her. Someday, you will understand,” he said.

  She already does.” Tammy spoke from the hall. That’s the point; she does understand.”

  Jon’s gaze was bleak. Well . . . that makes no sense to me at all.”

  Naturally,” Tammy said. She turned away.

  Women,” Jon muttered.

  The two men sat quietly in the den, checking equipment and studying maps of the swamp.

  Twenty-three young Links have been killed,” Karl said. That can’t leave too many of the diseased young ones left.”

  I think maybe twenty to twenty-five,” Jon replied. And we won’t have to go to them; they’ll come to us once we’re in the swamp. They’ll have to press us; it’s a matter of survival.”

  Paul mentioned clans in his journals. Several times. Groupings of normal Links. We have to assume,”—he smiled—without making an ass out of u’ or me,’ some of the normal Links will fight.”

  Yes. A few, I believe.”

  The German sighed. There is no tangible . . . wrong word . . . no firm right or wrong in what we are preparing to do.”

  That is correct.”

  But if we do not succeed, the military will come in and kill all the Links, ja?”

  Jon’s eyes were cold. We might have to do just that.”

  Karl shook his head. I think not. You will see your obligation to science and mankind; I am sure of that.”

  Familiarize yourself with that AK-47.” Jon pointed to the Russian assault rifle. That’s what you’ll be carrying.”

  I am quite familiar with that weapon. Stop evading the subject.”

  Study the maps,” Jon said.

  The final night of terror was beginning to close in, just as the lives of the Links were drawing ever nearer to the only logical ending modern man could suggest for them. The military had been swift in their pullback and evacuation of the areas around the swamp.

  This time there had been no grumbling from citizens; people had willingly left their homes for safer ground. And the military—now for the most part free of outside intervention—pulled the cordon tighter. Manned posts were set up within talking distance of each other. Lights were strung, and where there was no power lines, huge portable generators hummed, bringing light to darkness.

  Only the press was kept in the dark—finally.

  A dozen Links tried to penetrate the military’s blockade. They failed and died.

  Those young Links that were left retreated silently back into the depths of the great swamp. There, they prepared to do battle with the man they knew—sensed—all along would be coming after them.

  And many of the normal Links sensed the end was very near.

  I will say this,” Linda said, preparing breakfast for Jon and Karl, although both of them had said the previous evening there was no need for her to do so. And I do not expect or desire any reply from either of you. What you are doing, Jon, and to a smaller degree, Karl, is pointless. You’re both playing hero when there is no need for it. And don’t argue with me; I know I’m right.

  Karl is going with you for several reasons: one, he is your friend. Two, perhaps he believes at the last moment he can dissuade you from your mission. Three, he is a scientist. Four, like you, Jon, he is an aging warrior who wants one more burst of glory. Stupid and pointless!”

  She banged the plates of bacon, grits, and eggs before the men, slammed the toast plate on the table, and managed to dump half the butter off the dish as she, none too gently, dropped that before them. She kissed both men on the cheek and walked to the door.

  I’m going back to bed. I’ll see both of you when you return.”

  She was gone.

  Very forceful and opinionated woman,” Karl said. But I felt it neither the time nor the place to tell her she is quite wrong about me seeking any final burst of glory.”

  Jon said nothing.

  Karl twirled his fork tines in the grits. What, may I ask, is this noxious-looking mess?”

  Food.”

  That is debatable. And does not answer my question.”

  Grits.”

  I beg your pardon?”

  Coarsely ground hominy.”

  It looks perfectly disgusting. What does one do with it?”

  Eat it.”

  You’re joking! Whatever for!”

  Put some butter and salt and pepper on it and eat it, Karl. It’s good for you.”

  That settles it. Anything that is supposed to be good for one usually tastes like boiled camel dung. This stuff has the texture of badly used motor oil.”

  Karl, quite bitching. Eat. We’ve got to load the boat.”

  The German pushed the plate from him at the mention of the boat. I’m not in the least hungry. Are you certain that rotting hulk you procured is seaworthy?”

  We’re not going sailing on the sea, Karl. We’re going into a swamp.”

  We’ll still be sailing on water. My stomach feels odd.” He took a Dramamine.

  Jon, forking great amounts of grits into his mouth, laughed at him. Karl took one look at him and paled; Jon had mixed his eggs with his grits.

  That is the most disgusting sight I have ever witnessed, Jon.”

  Jon smiled. You remember back when we were kids, Karl . . . back when we were Legionnaires? That time we had to eat dog?”

  The German’s look was bleak. He excused himself from the table, saying, You have a cruel streak in you, Jon.” His stomach rumbled, protesting the recall. Quite unbecoming.”

  Even though you know I am opposed to this,” Karl said, do not fear for your back.”

  Five o’clock. It would be lightening in the east in half an hour. The men stood by the edge of the dark swamp. They were heavily armed. The boat was fully loaded with all the articles of war Jon thought they might need. The men waited for light.

  I won’t, Karl.”

  The German’s grin flashed in the dark of early morning. He was as eager for combat as his friend, but would not admit it.

  I still think you guys are crazy!” Sheriff Saucier’s voice sprang at them from behind.

  Neither man had heard his approach, and they exchanged glances at this, for both men were highly trained combat vets. It would have taken a man as expertly trained as they to slip up on them.

  Or an animal. That thought was silently shared.

  I wish I could talk you men out of going into the swamp,” Mike said. Still pieces of the men who went in there floating out. It’s pretty gruesome. I’d hate to s
ee you guys in the same shape.”

  Any other news to report?” Jon asked.

  Linda Breaux swings a lot of weight in high places.”

  That’s news?”

  Mike shrugged. He seemed at a loss for anything else to say.

  You are certain you have nothing else to tell us?” Karl asked. Something pertaining to the Links, perhaps?”

  The German received only a stony gaze for a reply.

  The men stood in awkward silence for several very long moments. The first faint colors of pink began coloring the far eastern horizon.

  Time for us to shove off,” Jon said, waving Karl into the front of the boat. The German stepped into the craft as if he were walking on eggs. He mumbled something terribly profane . . . directed at Jon.

  Jon stepped into the boat, then turned to Sheriff Saucier. See you later.”

  Yes,” Mike said, his voice guttural. You will definitely be seeing me later.”

  He walked away, the gloom swallowing him.

  Odd fellow,” Karl remarked.

  Jon merely grunted.

  The big inboard was cranked, Jon running it until it smoothed out. He slipped the engine into gear and they were moving, slipping into the morning mist that covered the swamp in a gray shroud.

  The shroud of nature soon enveloped them.

  The swamp was silent.

  Chapter Sixteen

  I think I’m going to be seriously ill,” Karl said, holding on to the side of the big boat. I feel quite nauseous. I have a very sensitive stomach, you know.”

  You’re going to be seriously dead if you don’t pick up that AK and get ready to defend us,” Jon replied. And just remember what the bite of one of those Links can do.”

  The German relinquished his near death grip on the gunwales and picked up the Russian assault rifle, chambering a round from the long curved clip. He bitched, Must we go charging into the foggy unknown at breakneck speed?”

  Jon laughed at him. Karl, I doubt we’re doing two miles an hour.”

  Well, slow it to one mile per hour if you’re going to insist upon me squatting precariously and uncomfortably on this damp, low-slung crow’s nest. Do I have to constantly remind you I am a scientist, not a sentry?”

  Jon ignored his bitching. What can you see, Karl?”

  His reply was uncharacteristic. Not one fucking thing.” He looked around. Hanging about that bloody Englishman has corrupted my speech pattern. Or”—he peered at Jon—hanging about with you is more like it.”

  A low branch whapped the German on the side of the head. He cursed. Thank you, Jon. As a ship’s captain you make a marvelous plumber.”

  Karl tensed, reaching back into an open case behind him. He took out a grenade. Slowly, Jon,” he said, no trace of bitching or needling left in his voice. Very slowly, now.”

  Jon cut the engine to almost dead in the water.

  Karl pulled the pin and put the pin into his shirt pocket. He held the spoon down, the grenade still inactive. Jon heard the spoon go spinning off into the mist as Karl released the grenade, tossing it at the last second. The explosion rocked the heavy boat. Karl sprayed the mist with half a clip of lead. Something screamed, burbled, then was silent.

  Using a long broom handle with a hook attached for a gaff, Karl fished for the Link, finally grunting with satisfaction. He pulled the half-submerged carcass to the boat. The fragmentation grenade had blown open the Link’s chest, a sliver of steel piercing its huge heart.

  Young one?” Jon asked.

  Yes. Quite. See the evidence of drool still inside the lips?” He pointed, using a leather-gloved hand to open the fanged mouth. Maddened.” He shoved the Link back into the water; it floated away, the mist soon cloaking it.

  Forward.” Karl gestured with his hand.

  Aye, aye, Captain.” Jon grinned.

  Yes,” the German said, his broad back to Jon. The title is fitting, is it not? Bear that in mind.”

  They made no more contact with Links until long after the sun had burned away the mist from the dark waters of the Crying Swamp. Jon had stayed out of the very deepest part of the swamp; they were several miles from the upthrust of land called No Name Island. He had noticed, with a hunter’s eyes, signs of the Links. And once, something just slightly out of kilter with the surroundings seemed to leap at him from a distance.

  And he knew the German had noticed but had not mentioned it.

  Odd.

  What, Jon?” Karl had asked innocently.

  Look at the vegetation around the base of that old stump over there.” The mercenary pointed. Doesn’t it seem much more lush that it should?”

  I really haven’t noticed,” Karl lied. I’ve been far too busy listening to my stomach knurrening in protest to the jousting about you’ve forced me to endure, sitting in this ridiculous little boat.”

  He was lying and probably knew that Jon knew he was lying; Karl was far too observant to let anything so obvious slide past him.

  He has his reasons, Jon thought. And I think I know what they are.

  Get ready for action,” Jon told him. For anything. We’re going to take a close look at that stump.”

  I learned years ago, Jon, that with you in tow, truly anything might happen. And usually does. Trouble comes to you like flies to honey.” He waved his right hand. Forward, helmsman.”

  The vegetation hid a cleverly disguised hole in the small area of firm earth.

  Cute,” Jon muttered. He opened his compass and busied himself shooting an azimuth, carefully jotting down the information and replacing the note pad in a waterproof pouch.

  Karl took his own notes, smiling.

  That’s where they hide,” Jon said. And I would imagine if I am to contact them and destroy them, that”—he pointed to the hole in the earth—is where I will have to go.”

  Nein,” the German said flatly. I will not permit it.”

  Oh?” Jon’s eyes held a savage look. And how do you propose to stop me?”

  By banging you around enough to slow you down. I am physically more powerful than you, but lack the knowledge you possess of hand-to-hand combat. But I can still cripple you enough to prevent your suicide.”

  And you’d do that?”

  Ja. Reluctantly, but still, ja.”

  A bargain, then?”

  Speak.”

  I will go underground only as a last resort, or only if I am forced there.”

  The German was thoughtful for a moment. All right ... no tricks, though?”

  None, Karl. I give you my word.”

  This is so important to you?”

  The lady was right, you know.”

  Karl smiled. In your case, of course, she was. But not in referring to me. I am far too level-headed and wise to engage in any modern-day thrill-seeking such as this updated version of cowboys and Indians. I am only along for purely scientific reasons.”

  Jon’s look was of amusement. And you’re also a big, fat liar.”

  Karl smiled. But of course, I am, Jon.” He waved a hamlike hand. Proceed, you silly Frenchman.”

  They searched until late afternoon began casting a shadowy pall over the swamp. They had crisscrossed the swamp, boating deep into dark areas. They had found several more escape or exit holes, well-hidden from eyes not specifically looking for them. Jon and Karl made careful notations in their note pads, including compass points as each drew his own map of the swamp. Many times they saw hastily abandoned camps ... but no further sign of the Links.

  The camps had been, or so it seemed to Jon, deliver-ately left for them to see. He said as much to Karl.

  That is my feeling, as well, old friend. It is almost as if . . . they are luring us deeper. But these camps appear to have been here for a long while; they seem to be the camps of what we call normal Links. I do not understand the reasoning for this obvious display of their life style.”

  They want us to see something, perhaps?”

  Yes. After a time. But what?”

  I think the maddened Li
nks want us deeper in the swamp . . . to fight. I think they are, for the most part, a nonviolent species.”

  Karl smiled. A most interesting observation, my mercenary friend. But neither a new nor a novel one. Walter and I gleaned that several days ago.”

  I thought as much. And probably more than you’re telling me. But it will not deter me from my mission.”

  The German shrugged. What can I say?”

  I think you want these beasts alive so badly you’ll do almost anything to prevent my destroying them.”

  Quite right.”

  Just how far will you go, Karl?”

  I will go to almost any lengths for science, Jon. Surely you must see how important a find this is?”

  Jon’s M-10 lay on the seat beside him; his .45 pistol belted at his side. Karl held the AK in his hands. Jon wondered why he had picked it up, clicking it off safety.

  You’d go to that length, Karl?”

  Karl’s reply was to swing the muzzle of the AK-47 toward Jon. Jon watched the German’s expression harden, become savage. The mercenary dived for the bottom of the boat as Karl squeezed the trigger.

  Linda stood by the window facing the swamp and stared out, arms folded under her breasts. She heard Tammy’s footfall behind her.

  You really own all that swamp?” the blonde asked.

  Most of it. I don’t really understand all the tax terminology, but it has something to do with marshlands, or wetlands, or natural habitats . . . something like that. Gives me . . . the estate, quite a tax break.”

  Thousands of acres of it,” Tammy said.

  Yes, and I have never had the slightest urge whatsoever to explore it.”

  Up until now, you mean.”

  Linda turned, meeting Tammy’s eyes. Oh?”

  You’d like to be in there with your man.”

  Jon is not my man.’ He is nobody’s man. He is his own man.”

  Lady, that’s the only kind of real man.”

  Linda smiled. Yes, I agree.”

  Tammy walked closer to the window, looking out into the afternoon heat and the shimmering lines that seemed to be pulled from the still waters, quickly vanishing into the air.