Michael was chowing down on a stew that Wilson had brought for him when the door of the shed creaked open. He stopped, looking up with a mouthful and ready to hide if it was an uninvited guest. But he saw that Wilson looked comfortable so Michael relaxed.
Michael could not see the face because of the lowered cowboy hat that sat on his head and the afternoon sunlight that shone behind. He guessed it was the 'associate' that Wilson had told him about. He wore a dark brown leather jacket that extended down to his ankles.
"Of all the places you've invited me to meet you, this is the shittiest of them all," said the man. There was something strange in his voice, something not quite human.
"Well, it ain't my fault you've got one of the most recognizable mugs in the land. Being seen with you ain't gonna help me and besides, we have a guest here. One who people are after."
The man walked forward, slowly, and each step made Michael feel nervous. There was something in the way he walked, as if he feared nothing. He stood in front of Michael and crouched down beside him. He lifted his hat and Michael gasped.
He was not human, or at least partially. Half of his face was human, the rest was robotic with a red eye that gleamed menacingly. The eye protracted from the socket, like a telescope, examining Michael's face before retracting back.
"What's the matter, boy? You never seen an augmented person before? No? Well, I ain't never seen a respawner this close before and I ain't never seen a respawner look at me scared the way you do," He turned to Wilson. "You sure this is the respawner? He don't look like anything special."
"This boy was killed right in front of my eyes and he came back to life and killed the people who attacked him," answered Wilson.
"You sure you saw it right? You're getting old, Wilson. Maybe your eyes aren't quite what they were. Well, there's only one way to find out," he said pulling out a knife from his holster and twirling it in front of Michael's eyes. Michael inched backwards letting the bowl of stew drop from his hand.
"Yeah, and bring the whole town at out shed when he comes to life," said Wilson getting frustrated with him. "You don't have to scare the boy, Owen. He's the one whose gonna help me."
"I was just seeing what this guy's made of and I ain't impressed," said Owen spitting to the side and sheathing the blade. "How am I supposed to kill Cole with this guy?"
"This guy is, arguably, the most powerful person in the world," said Wilson.
"Not if he can't fight. So, tell me, Michael. Can you fight? Can you shoot a gun?" asked Owen.
"I have a bit of practice with a rifle," said Michael timidly. He felt embarrassed with the way Owen was talking to him.
"Well…" said Owen thoughtfully. "I think that would do though I do want to see the extent of your abilities. We'll ride tonight right when the sun goes down to a spot near the town and then use horses from there. Tell me do you know how to ride a horse or drive a car?"
Michael shook his head.
Owen glared at Wilson who shrugged his shoulders.
"You're One-Eyed Owen for fuck's sake, I think you'll do fine with him."
Owen pressed at the side of his face and the augmented part of his face faded away making him look normal. He looked at Michael and gave him a smile.
His eyeball gleamed red.