"But you're not going to trick me," Short said.
"I didn't say I would."
"I'm saying I know you're not."
Again Liddell shrugged.
"You want to know why?"
"I'm listening," Liddell said.
"Because I'm going to take your wife with me, that's why. When we land on Deneb Twelve, I'll let her go."
"You can't take her," Liddell said.
"Can't I? Want to get started now, Liddell?" Short asked, waving the blaster. "I'm ready to get started, if you are."