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"We need him alive."

"I know."

"For more than five minutes."

His mouth shifts almost imperceptibly.

"I'm serious."

"So am I."

"Karras may be the first person we've found who has direct access to this network. If you terrify him into cardiac arrest because you enjoy making entrances, I will be extremely difficult about it."

"You already are."

"Then imagine worse."

He stands and reaches for his jacket. The movement sends a cold thread through my stomach.

"Where are we going?"

"To ask Mr. Karras about an obsolete processing fee."

I stare at him.

"That's your interrogation opening?"

"No."

"I was going to say it needs work."

He puts on his jacket, fastens one button, and picks up his phone.

"What is your opening?"

Adrianos looks at me, and I immediately regret asking.

"Get your laptop."

I don't move.

"Why?"

"Because you're coming."

That surprises me.

"You want me there?"

"You found him."

Something warm and inconvenient tries to move through my chest. I kill it immediately, naming it professional validation. Nothing more.

"Then I'm asking the questions."

"No."

"Adrianos."