Chapter 7

“I still have hands,” he snapped, but examined the device readily enough. “Tch. This wasn’t made by any of his father’s inventors. He must be being paid by another family.”

“What does it do?”

“Generates an electrical surge,” said Asa, sighing. “This one wasn’t fully charged when he used it, or you wouldn’t be talking to me now.”

Levi didn’t particularly care to listen to more long-winded explanations of how various devices and weapons worked. He was also growing irritated with all the action; he had been hoping for a smooth ride back to the ranch. Asa was probably more trouble than he was worth.

“Is there anyone on this train who doesn’t want to kill you?” he asked.

Asa tucked the device away and looked up, eyes meeting Levi’s.

“You,” he said. “But then, you still want something from me.”

“I thought we were of the same mind on that,” said Levi. Asa looked amused at that.

“We were. But look at me now. Can’t even stand.”