“I was honest about everything I chose to say,” she said. “I just couldn’t take the risk of going all the way. I was taking an enormous chance with you and I know practically nothing about your motives except that you want Masenak dead.”

He was silent, gazing at her. “Anything I want to know?”

“Anything.” Her lips twisted. “Not that you’ll believe it.”

“I might. You can never tell.”

“No, you can never tell,” she said quietly. “But I’ll start off with telling you I have every intention of getting you Baldwin as soon as possible. That’s the prime thing Margaret is checking out tonight. What will it hurt to give us the time until she gets back from his camp before you make up your mind?”

“But do I really need Baldwin? Were you lying about not being able to trap Masenak, too?”

“I wasn’t lying. He’s too well protected. You’ll see that once I show you what we’ve found out about the camp.”

He was silent. “And are you also going to tell me where Masenak’s camp is located?”

“Absolutely. I’ll make sure you have that information tonight as soon as Margaret gets back.” She smiled faintly. “But I should tell you that Masenak moves his camp every other week. That’s why we have to keep on top of him. How’s that for total honesty?”

“Questionable.”

“Quit while you’re ahead,” she said wearily. “I’ve told you I’ll practically strip my soul to give you every detail I know. Now it’s your turn. Tell me you’re not going to stop Margaret tonight. After all, I’m still your prisoner. You could pull out that gun at any time and use it on me. If Margaret does anything you don’t like at Masenak’s camp, you’ll be able to punish me for it.”

“True.” He tilted his head. “What an unusual phrase. I’ve never had a soul stripped for me before. And I’m sure your soul would prove more fascinating than most. Though the process does sound uncomfortable. Sort of like milking a cobra.”

“Don’t play games.”

“I’m not, this is no game to me. I just had to decide if I could resist the experience of dealing with you. But now that you’ve assured me it was entirely my own instincts guiding me, I feel much better. I have infinite trust in myself.” He was silent again before he added crisply, “I won’t do anything tonight. I’ll wait and see if your Margaret brings back anything about Baldwin I consider worthwhile.”

She drew a relieved breath. “Good.”

But he wasn’t paying any attention to her at the moment. He was frowning absently. “Do you really think I could have a drone drop a bomb here by flipping an eyelash or two?”