"I'm not happy about pulling this hitch, little brother, especially the part about having anything to do with the Good Doctor. But I'm hoping that you'll find a way to make that up to me somehow."

"How?"

"I was thinking that you might show me a kindness, you know, when the lights go out..."

I stared at him, unsure at first what he meant.

"Oh, that's all right then, little brother. I doubt if I could get the thing to work anyway, I'm so old and tired..."

It occurred to me that the man was being coy, fishing for a little flattery. Aric was a necessary ally: I did not have to like him; I certainly did not have to service him unless I could not secure his help any other way. And at the moment, he seemed more lonesome than dangerous. Still, I did not trust him — how could I? I was finding that I knew less than I thought about everything.

"Don't give it another thought — I was just fooling with you, little brother."