Everything stopped: Tess and Johnny in their places; the clapping hands of Carson and the others; Tucker’s Man of the People revival speech—all of it—at least until Halverson came to his senses and pointed his g*n at them—at Tess and Johnny; after which he was quickly emulated by the other agent and even the State Trooper, although the latter, to his credit, seemed to have done it on mere instinct, and just as quickly lowered his weapon.
“Appreciate the applause, folks, I really do. But I don't want applause. I want toughness and vigilance. Because while you were applauding look what almost got away.” He raised his chin imperiously, as though he no longer even needed to hide his worse nature. “They could be a buddy movie, don’t you think? Nasty Woman and Bad Taco. Aw, don’t look so upset,
