The Copperhead's Choice

Chapter 43

"What, kids going up to asks Zebulun if we're royals?"

"Exactly. Don't even try to see in my bag, Holden, it won't work." She closes it. He reaches hesitantly for it, looking at her, then her father, then her. "Don't touch that!" She leans over it, protecting it and watching Frost recognize what she's saying.

"You said that to me..." he thinks. Now everyone's watching him. "I was holding it... then you took it and said that."

"Okay. What was it? Do you remember?" Maple asks.

"It looked like, a mini... Holden. That's what it looked like."

"Oh yeah. She got those at her house. I guess I should have told you that huh?" Holden looks guilty.

"Yeah." Midnight sighs. Then he smiles at Holden.

"Hey, That's the you're-an-idiot-smile!" David whispers to no one in particular.

"Yes." Ebony smiles at him, the same you're-an-idiot-smile. He looks away. "Those are mini-ons, name designed by my friend. Don't ask which one, I only had two." She holds the one of David up.

"Why do you call them that?"

"I just told you not to ask me, so you're not getting an answer."

"What do you do with them?"

"Keep track of people. Annoy them, hospitalize them, Kill them if I'm in the mood."

"You do that?" Frost asks.

"Yes. I do."

"Why?"

"that's how I was raised.

"Yes, but you had all this time not to be. Why didn't you?"

"Why would I if I enjoy it?" She stares at them, waiting for an answer.

"Wow... you're surprising, you young little-" Frost starts

"At least I'm not a crazy old bat!"

"Well." All of her uncles laugh at Frost. "I'm not a bat." He pouts.

"You sure sound like it sometimes."

"Explain to me how your toys work." Her father says.

"I really don't... want to." Ebony frowns.

"That's fine." He nods. "Do it anyway."

"Fine. But. You may not touch some."

"Why not?"

"If you do, they'll explode."

"Why?"

"Because I said they would, that's why. Here's one of them." She messes with David's receiver.

"I can't see."

"Blind again Ash?" She whispers to herself.

"What'd you say?" Crimson smiles. Obviously, he's heard.

"Nothing, here y'all can see one of them." She tosses Ferns mini-on to her father. "be careful with it!"

"This looks like Fern." Midnight looks toward Ebony, handing the mini-on to Crimson.

"Is it supposed to?" Crimson holds it loosely, looking up at Ebony.

"Yes." She nods.

"Why?"

"She's not... my favorite person."

"Why? She's- oww!" Maple starts but gets hit by Crimson.

"Why?" Ebony laughs. "I'll tell you."