[She doesn't believe him.]

[She does not believe him she does not believe him she does not.]

[But he knows just where to tug to get the same effect. She does not believe him, but she is conditioned to respond mercifully. It irritates her, like a tickle at the back of her throat, like a toothache. She scowls, almost snarls.]

[And then she stands up, dusting off her pants.]

You're not as clever as you think you are.

I'll give you two hours, but I'm not giving you more than that. I know you heal quickly.