“I know who you are,” she repeated. “You’re the Railwalkers.”
The table was so silent, Violet could hear the creaking wood beneath it settle. The rest of the saloon was a distant memory. Mei leaned further in, the single light above their table haloing her dark hair. Danger was laced through her smile. She spoke in a low voice. “I think you’re confused, child.” Mei’s words were deliberate and quiet. “We are simple fur traders, making our way through the new lands of this great country.”
“You just said—!”
“You heard wrong. Forget all I said. Turn around and leave, and we’ll have no reason to find each other again.”
A chill ran over Violet’s skin. Though the deadly intent in Mei’s eyes shook her very bones, Violet could not relent. With what little courage she had left, she spoke again.
