�Mr. Denby, please don�t underestimate me. I expect you to tell me something I don�t know already. For example, why don�t you start with Mr. Kirkendall�s favorite haunts. I have something important to share with that gentleman, and not much time in which to do it.�

�Something you need to know about Don. He�s nowhere near a flip. He�s been trying to offer up his ex-wife in exchange for immunity. So, if that�s the motivation you�re planning to share with him, it�s unlikely to have the desired effect.�

The man studied Harry�s face for a minute, then tried another approach. He removed the shades and tucked them neatly into his pocket. His eyes were dark brown, and there were dark circles around them. �What do you know about our staffing problem?�

�I know about a John Doe 3569, found in an alley Dumpster two months ago by a detective Denby.�

�Any ideas about the cash flow issue?�

�There, I can�t be of any help to you.�

The man�s eyes became black as coal, and he pressed the knife into Harry�s neck. �Mr. Denby, you were doing so well. Why stop now?�

Just then, they heard the clicking of a woman�s heels in the hallway. The gentleman stood and turned, and Harry rubbed the wound on his neck. Harry pulled his hand away, and he saw blood on his fingers. When he looked up again, the man was gone. Harry heard the click of the door locking him in.

Through the mesh window, Harry heard a male voice he didn�t recognize shout, �You! Hold it! Don�t move!� A woman screamed, and several people started running and shouting. He jumped up to peer out the mesh window, but the action had moved out of his range of sight. A door slammed somewhere further down the hallway, and all was quiet.