He peered at them across the counter.
"We know who you are and where you came from," he said. "Keep out of trouble and you'll get by OK."
As he finished each weapon inspection he returned it to the countertop, pointing the muzzle into a shielded enclosure and stepped back behind a barrier. The owner picked up the sidearm, rechecked the safety and the setting, and slipped it back into its sheath.
"Hope you were listening when I said we know who you are," said the clerk, scowling, looking from one to the other. "If you didn't hear me the first time, I'll repeat it: keep out of trouble and you'll get by OK. Y'hear?"
Brad scowled back, silent. Hodak grinned; Myra and
Kumiko nodded and vigorously pointed at themselves.
"I hate trouble," Myra said with solemn sincerity.
"Me too," Kumiko chimed in. "I hate trouble.
I really do."
Adari laughed, leaned over the counter, and rumpled the little man's scant hair. He jerked away.
"Wouldn't think of it, Buster," she boomed.
She drew her hand back, looked at the palm, and rubbed it on her suit as she turned away. Zolan ignored the scene.