Axe Hit

But he had no time to say more, for Lom turned and saw them talking. He came back and seized Josh by the arm with a grip that made the young man wince. It was like being grabbed by steel pincers.

“No talk,” Lom threatened. He slapped the flat of his ax against Josh’s head. It was a light tap, but it made Josh see stars. “No talk!” Lom repeated and then returned to the head of the line.

Josh ignored the pain in his head and nodded to show Sarah that he was all right.