“My name is Rene Robertson,” he added.

James’s father went over to shake hands. “Frankie Mason,” he said, reaching out.

“I know,” Rene replied.

He raised his right hand, but not for a handshake. Clutching the foggy cube in his fist, he swung it over his head and struck Mr. Mason on the temple. The other man stopped abruptly, as if he’d hit an invisible wall, and then maroon blood trickled down his face. With almost no delay, the android hit him again, blood splattering, and this time the cube broke, letting out a small cloud of white smoke, and James’s father hit the floor.

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