Trail of Lightning

Hastiin approaches Maggie but introduces himself to Kai, saying that his group is warning travelers of rumors of strange things further down the valley. Maggie notices that for some reason, Hastiin seems to be ignoring her. She becomes impatient when Hastiin tells Kai that they will have to wait an hour until the Thirsty Boys’ scouting party returns. Since this approach does not work, Hastiin produces additional excuses to keep Kai and Maggie from going to Tse Bonito, saying that there is a fire. Somehow, in a way that seems almost magical, Kai manages to stare Hastiin down and convince him to let them go. Nearing Tse Bonito, Kai suggests that they swing by Grandpa Tah’s, but Maggie has an ominous feeling. When they arrive in town, they realize Tah’s place is on fire.

Maggie tries to drive near where Tah’s place used to be, but Law Dogs block the area. Longarm is there, too, expecting Maggie. After parking just outside of town, Maggie and Kai argue first about who will investigate. Then, Maggie accuses Kai of trading their freedom with Longarm the previous day for Tah’s life. Kai denies this vehemently, saying, “I have a way with words, okay? People listen to me” (141).