I do not know this man.

Luke took a deep breath. Normally, he would have hours to interview a subject like this. Today he had minutes. That meant he might have to cheat a little.

Why is your computer bolted to the floor?

Nassar shrugged. He was beginning to regain his confidence. Luke could almost see it come flooding back. The man believed in himself. He thought he was going to stonewall them.

There is a great deal of confidential material in there. I have clients who are engaged in business deals involving intellectual property. I am also, as I indicated, a diplomat assigned to the United Nations. I receive communications from time to time that are… how would you call it? Classified. I am in these positions because I am known for my discretion.

That may be, Luke said. But Im going to need you to give me the password so I can take a look for myself.

Im afraid that wont be possible.

Behind Nassar, Ed laughed. It sounded like a grunt.

You might be surprised at whats possible, Luke said. The fact is, were going to access that computer. And youre going to give us the password. Now, theres an easy way to do this, and a hard way. The choice is up to you.

You wont hurt me, Nassar said. Youre already in a great deal of trouble.

Luke glanced at Ed. Ed moved over and kneeled by Nassars right side. He took Nassars right hand in his two powerful hands.

Luke and Ed had met for the first time late last night, but they were already starting to work together without verbal communication. It was like they were reading each others minds. Luke had experienced this before, usually with guys who had been in special operations units like Delta. The relationship usually took longer to develop.

You play that piano in there? Luke said.

Nassar nodded. Im classically trained. When I was young, I was a concert pianist. I still play a bit for fun.

Luke crouched down so he was at eye level with Nassar.

In a moment, Ed is going to start breaking your fingers. Thatll make it hard to play the piano. And its going to hurt, probably quite a bit. Im not sure its the kind of pain a man like you is accustomed to.

You wont do it.

The first time, Im going to count to three. That will give you a last few seconds to decide what you want to do. Unlike you, we warn people before we hurt them. We dont steal radioactive material and aim to kill millions of innocent people. Hell, youll be getting off easy compared to what youre doing to the others. But after the first time, there wont be any more warnings. Ill just look at Ed, and hell break another finger. Do you understand?

I will have your job, Nassar said.

One.