Redsand Canyon Now time for Plan A

The ensuing byplay left him dismayed. At his father's offer, he shook his head briskly—the man already had so many scars—but Germanicus's words turned the blood in his veins to ice.

Imperator, he said, deferential but pleading. I'm sure he didn't mean it. My Mom and he broke up, and she's gone, and I'm all he has. Please don't hurt him. I'm sure he doesn't mean any harm.

You don't, right? said his gaze as it returned to Bronco. He couldn't imagine so; this must all just be a misunderstanding, with Killer caught in the middle.

Dad, I did promise I'd go, he added. Mereo is depending on me