"Most satisfactory," Cortin said with unconcealed admiration. "You've
just given me--all Inquisitors, once I get it published--what promises
to become an extremely useful standard technique, especially with
rapists. I'll see you're given full credit, of course." She smiled at
Keith. "You've also changed my plans for him. That degree of pain,
administered repeatedly, can be lethal--and I can't think of a more
fitting end for a rapist. We'll let him drip overnight, then give him
a fresh dose and see how many times he can take what he forced on
others. What do you think?"
Keith looked flattered that she asked his opinion, but . . . "I don't
share your expertise, Thakur, so my opinion may not be valid. Still,
it sounds appropriate to me."
"So be it, then." Cortin smiled at him, approvingly. "Would you like
to help? You seemed to enjoy yourself as much as an Inquisitor would,
and Mike doesn't have that particular quirk; he helps because he loves
me, not because he likes the work."
Keith hesitated briefly before answering. "It surprises me, Thakur,
that I did enjoy it. But I would not displace Captain Odeon from
something that brings you two close."