After Alter left, Maximus locked his laptop and headed down the hall. He paused to address the man standing guard at the end of the hallway.

"Boss, she's gonna tell you I slapped her around."

"And did you?"

"Damn straight, she was screaming bloody murder. I know you need it quiet."

"Very well. I don't think we'll have anymore problems with her, but in case we do, I need her in one piece, Peterson. Now open the door."

Maximum bent his head and entered the cell. A young woman sagged on a camp bed. At one time she might have been pretty. Her hair was brittle and unkempt, her nails chewed down. She was thin and ragged and had a manic air about her.

"Miranda," Maximus greeted her. "It grieves me to see how you have deteriorated."

She jerked to her feet. "Do you have it?"

Maximus reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a pen like device. The woman clawed at him for it.

"Peterson," he shouted. In a flash the mercenary was in the room. He restrained the woman. She spit at him.

"Bitch," he released her and pulled back his fist.

"Peterson!" Maximus rounded on him. He looked at his boss, then slowly forced his fingers to unclench.

"You mind your manners with the boss man, lady."

The woman collapsed on the bed. "Please," she sobbed. "Help me."

"All in good time Miranda. I think she will be docile, Peterson."

Peterson knew when he was being dismissed.

"I'll do anything you want," the woman – Miranda – begged "I can't stand this anymore."

Maximum twirled the pen in his hands. "Anything." He walked forward and grasped her upper arm. He drew back the pen and injected it into her.

The change was incredible. In a matter of minutes, her hair turned a burning red, the color flooded back to her face. She was beautiful. "That is better, isn't it?"

"Yes." She got her feet and looked at her reflection in the mirror Maximus handed her.

"So much better than rehab. They would wean you off this. You don't want that, do you?"

Wordlessly, she nodded.

"Are you ready to do what I asked?"

"Yes. What do I care what happens to that brat anyway? After all the grief my sister gave me."

He handed her a wallet. "There is cash and credit cards for your use. You'll need to buy clothes and gifts. Peterson will drive you to the train station. You should be in Maxville by morning. I want you having dinner with your sister by tomorrow evening. We do not have unlimited time."

She was still studying her reflection. "Fine."

"Good, now go and play the loving aunt."