After Alberto was tied up and gagged, Nita stepped back to examine her work. Not a single hair had shifted out of place, and his shirt was barely rumpled from Kovit’s twisting his arm. His eyes were furious, flicking between Nita and Kovit before settling on Fabricio. A rage came into his gaze, a fury like Nita had rarely seen. There was pure hatred in those eyes, and Nita wholeheartedly believed that if this man got out, the things he would do to Fabricio were more horrible than even Kovit could imagine.

But he wouldn’t be getting out.

Nita turned to Alberto and smiled. “I’m sorry for the subterfuge, but this was the only sure way to request a meeting with you. I have some questions, you see.”

He made a sound of rage through his duct tape gag, and Nita nodded. “Yes, I know the gag is annoying. Don’t worry, I’ll take it off shortly. It will be hard for you to answer questions with it on, I’m sure. Be patient. I just want to establish what’s going to happen today first. Some ground rules, if you will.”

Sweat beaded on Alberto’s reddening face, and he glared silently.

“Now.” Nita gestured for Kovit to come forward. “Perhaps you’ve seen the news? A new zannie added to the Dangerous Unnaturals List?”

Alberto’s eyes widened in recognition, and Nita could almost see his mind matching Kovit’s face with the picture on the news.

“If you don’t cooperate, I’ll give you to Kovit here. He’s had a lot of experience with uncooperative people, you see.” Nita didn’t actually intend to torture Alberto—torture wouldn’t work, she knew that. The threat was sufficient in this case. “He’s also very eager to demonstrate his skills to you.”

Kovit gave Alberto his very best monster smile, all laughing glee and dark promises. Alberto didn’t flinch, but his jaw tightened and he swallowed heavily.

“Now that you understand how things are going to work, we’re going to start asking you some questions.” Nita leaned forward and ripped the duct tape off his mouth.

“I’m going to kill you,” hissed Alberto.

“Good luck with that,” Nita said mildly.

“Not you.” His eyes moved to Fabricio. “I’m going to kill you, Fabricio.”

Fabricio’s face was gray, but his voice was steady. “You’ve already done far worse to me.”

Nita’s eyes narrowed, and she spoke to Alberto in a slow voice, like one used with a child. “Now, now, no one needs to die today, as long as you answer the questions.”

His eyes swiveled to her, full of hate.

“First question. What is the administrator password to access all the files at Tácunan Law?”

He ground his teeth. “I can’t give you that.”

Nita’s gaze was flat. “Kovit?”