Trust Issues I

Fauna

Fauna realized each time she went out without her fob and phone she was taking a huge risk. If her father called her and she missed it she'd be in major trouble, but she can always make the 'washing her hair' excuse, it would be better than the alternative of being tracked with it. She peeked over the edge of the building at the single cargo container she had told Daredevil about.

He had told her it was empty. Earlier when she arrived for work she could barely see, but a few small boxes peeked out from the inside of it. She had to come see for herself and there was only one way to do that, come after hours.

He had lied to her and now she could clearly see inside, it was packed full of boxes varying in all kinds of sizes. On top of that, she needed something to give him the next time he showed up. Besides, of course, an ear full of how he lied and he could shove it where the sun didn't shine.

She nixed that idea fairly quickly. Nothing had come across her desk, she was too terrified to wait till tomorrow, who knows what he'd do if she was empty handed. Sometimes information would come across her desk and sometimes it didn't.

She felt like she didn't have a choice, so she dressed up in the same outfit as before and headed back to Grayson's. This time she wore a scarf around her nose and mouth and braided her hair. She felt more conspicuous this way, but at least no one would be able to identify her, not right off anyway.

Suddenly an arm swept across her ribs, securing her against a hard body, it felt like a steel bar locking into place. A leathered glove clamped over her mouth, muffling her startled scream. She had been discovered. She clawed at the arm, trying to pull him off her, but he squeezed a little tighter.

"Shh, shh. Fauna, it's me Matt. Calm down." His low voice rumbled quietly in her ear. He pulled her away from the ledge of the building. For a moment she was relieved. The threat of being discovered by a guard was gone. However, Daredevil was back and she had nothing for him. Whether he had lied to her or not, he was still very much in control of their situation. And, she realized, he called himself Matt. How very informal and unfitting, she thought.

"Keep your voice low." He added.

Fauna nodded and he slowly released her.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

She turned to face him, he was in the same black suit and mask. This time there were no visible bleeding wounds.

"I work here, what are you doing here?" She crossed her arms defensively at her chest. She figured that smarting off to him wasn't the best idea, but she was furious, and had a right to be. The container was full. He was the one lying, he was the one that couldn't be trusted. He had the nerve to accuse her. She was glad she came tonight, now she knew… the Devil of Hell's Kitchen was no better than the criminals he took down.

"I came looking for you, I went to your apartment and you weren't there. I followed your scent here."

His words slammed into her. He came looking, thought Fauna, for me. Her heart sped up and for the first time Fauna noticed he didn't seem to be looking directly at her. His head was tilted slightly, studying her again. It was odd, he didn't seem to focus on just one area either. She couldn't tell for sure because of the mask, but he seemed to be looking everywhere, all at once. Wait, Fauna thought, did he just say he followed her... scent?

She pushed the thoughts from her mind, she couldn't dwell on it. Not now, not here.

"In anycase, glad you're here…." that was a lie, based on the quick smirk he displayed, he knew it too. "Now you can explain that." She nudged her dainty chin toward the container. "It's full."

He didn't turn to look. Fauna watched as the mask tilted up toward the sky. First one way then the other. Then toward the ground.

"It's only half full, the back half still remains empty."

Was he joking? She wondered. How could he know that from all the way up here? The look of 'are you crazy' must have been noticeable to him.

A deep rumble sounded in his chest. "Mmmm… you think I am lying now, do you."

To Fauna's ears that sounded like a threat. She tried to swallow the lump that suddenly formed in her throat. "Well… yes." She admitted.

"Fauna, it was empty when I left last night. I watched it arrive, when I inspected it, there was nothing inside. They must have filled it later." He explained.

"Well, then…" She began, but suddenly had second thoughts.

"Well, what?"

"Well, I guess that does it then." She nervously said.

"Fuana, pretend I don't know what you're trying to say."

Her name on his lips sent shivers down her spine. She wished he didn't use it as much as he did. However, it went right along with the buzz she got whenever he was around. Her hairs were standing on end again. She couldn't figure out why. Fauna guessed it had to be because of how terrified she was of him, but it didn't happen around her father or Ace and she was just as terrified of them.

"Well, since the container is full, you should have everything you need from me." Fauna began walking back toward the door. "It's legitimate now. You know, our deal."

His hand shot out and grabbed the crook of her elbow, stopping her in her tracks. "Shh, someone's coming." He went as still as a statue. Fauna listened for a moment, but didn't hear anything. This must be some kind of trick, she thought.

Fauna was about to push him away, or at least try to when he jerked her forward, dragging her toward the door and hid against the side of the small building that led back inside. He pulled Fauna behind him and stretched his arm across her body and pressed her against the wall.

The door clicked open, Fauna froze. He was right, she thought. Someone was on the roof with them. How did he know, she wondered, as her heart pounded heavier. The footsteps drew closer. Matthew took his arm from across Fauna's body and reached out, snatching the person as they rounded the corner.

Fauna did a mental check to make sure her scarf still covered her nose and mouth as Matthew twisted the man around and slammed him against the small building. Fauna felt the impact. With a quick glance at the person Fauna recognized the man. He was a night guard, often arriving as she left. Mathew, then, whirled around and smashed his elbow into the side of the guards head. The man slumped to the ground.

"Time to go." Matthew said.

Fauna nodded in agreement and dashed through the door.

"Wait!" He called out.

It was too late, Fauna yelped as she faced two more guards. One grabbed her arm and pulled. Matthew exploded from behind her, slamming his fist into the man's forearm. With an agonizing groan of pain he was forced to release her. Matthew swiveled and close lined the other guard with his arm, toppling him over the rail. The body landed with a hard thud at the bottom. They were three flights up, she thought. Would he survive? How would I ever get the sound of his body hitting the floor out of my head?!

Fauna didn't have time to dwell on the thought. The other guard lurched at her, she stepped back and stumbled. She scolded her useless clumsiness. As the man reached for her again. Matthew stepped in front of her, throwing up an arm, blocking the punch. Then, Matthew ducked avoiding a punch from the other side, then blocked a kick.

Matthew returned the punches and kicks while Fauna began running down the stairs, reaching the next landing. The two men locked together tumbled down after her, continuing their fight. Fauna had to back herself into the corner to avoid getting hit. Matthew took a punch to the ribs, sending him backward into her. The guard advanced, landing a few more punches. Matthew's body pressed hard against her, and for a moment she struggled to take a breath as she felt the guard's punches. Matthew fell to his knee. The guard eyed Fauna, she tensed and drew in a sharp breath as he shifted to throw a punch at her.

Suddenly the guard disappeared from her sight. Fauna looked down, Matthew had twisted and landed a kick to the guard's knee. Both men groaned in pain. Matthew grabbed his side. It must be that wound I had seen before, she concluded. She looked between the men, the guard sprawled out on the floor, Matthew was taking a moment to catch his breath. Fauna, quickly, jumped over them and headed down the stairs making it the next landing. Behind her the men started exchanging blows again. She turned to catch a quick glance. Matthew now stood at the top of the stairs, heaving and holding his ribs as the guard tumbled down toward her.

For a moment she thought the man had been knocked unconscious as he landed near her feet. Mathew began making his way toward them. Fauna continued down the last flight of stairs, until suddenly the guard's hand shot out grabbing her ankle. Fauna cried out as she hit the floor. She kicked at him as Matthew leaped, somersaulting down and landing a leg drop on the man's head. They both made it to their feet and to the exit, the body of the guard Matthew had knocked over the rail from the top lay at her feet. He was still unmoving and she couldn't tell if he was breathing.

"Wait." Matthew whispered, stopping Fauna.

His masked gaze shifted back and forth. "Something's going on. Guards are on the move. Some hitting the rooftops." His covered eyes lifted to the ceiling as if he could see them.

How did he know that? Fauna frustratingly thought, pursing her lips at him. She looked at the bodies of the guards. "These guys must have been taking position on this building."

Matthew nodded in agreement. He stood motionless for a moment, tilting his head. "We're not going to be able to get out this way, is there another way out of this building?"

Fauna shrugged, "I'm not in this building a lot. But I've seen the layout." She immediately put her eidetic memory to use. Her father kept a blueprint of each building hanging on his wall for decoration. Once she found their position on the layout, she could begin searching for a way out.

She stared off into the distance, focusing on the blueprints. She moved through them as if she was standing right in front of them. First she found the right building. Second she searched for their current position. Then a different exit. She traced their path on the layout. There was a small door under the stairs, she began... just around the corner of the exit they were at now. It would lead to this room. Then, they could go up, down the hall, then exit through that window.

"Any time now, Fauna." Matthew suggested.

"This way." She directed.

Fauna leaped around the unconscious body, trying her best to ignore the fact that he might be dead. Just add murder accomplice to her growing list of criminal activity. She reached for the handle of the door and turned, it wouldn't open.

"It's locked." She said, jiggling the handle again. Every nerve ending in her body came to attention as she felt Matthew behind her.

"Move." He demanded softly.

Fauna stepped out of Matthew's way. He slammed his shoulder into it a couple times and then the door popped open.

"Where does this lead?" He asked, looking in, studying the darkness.

"To the file room on the first floor." Fauna whispered. "There should be another door several feet away."

"There is." Matthew confirmed as he slowly entered the dark room. Fauna stayed where she was. She couldn't see anything, but heard another door click open and the street light filtered in through the room's window. It surrounded Matthew as he stood in the doorway on the opposite end. Fauna let out the breath she'd been holding, she could see the area now and was relieved.

"You coming?" He asked, not looking behind him. She really didn't have much of a choice so she forced her feet to move forward. Matthew moved into the room. "There's a line of windows, stay low." He said. She obeyed and knelt crawling along the floor, mimicking his movements.

Matthew positioned himself just below the windows with that same look he got when he wanted to focus on something.

"What are you doing?" Fauna asked.

"They're doing something with the container."

Fauna sat up on her knees to peer over the window seal. She saw a line of guards, several businessmen in suits, including her father. Ace was beside him and was suited up for war. They all stood around the open container.

What were they doing? She wondered. But honestly, she didn't care. Fauna wanted out of there. If the other guards were alerted of their presence they'd be in a lot of trouble.

"We should go." She suggested.

"There's a car coming." He said shifting his weight to the other foot to focus in another direction

Fauna looked, and sure enough a black car with black windows was pulling up. She looked at Matthew. She was beginning to wonder if he was one of Grayson's partners. How did he know these things, before they actually happened. Either that or he's physic, she concluded.

Fauna's eyes darted between her father, the container, and the car that had now pulled to a stop. Her father, Grayson, walked over to the car, opening the door for whoever was inside. The sight of him sent her heart pounding again, if he knew she was there he'd flog her, then kill her. She wished she never knew him and her mother never got sick. It was hard to say the word cancer.

A man stepped out of the car, her father bowed from his waist. Fauna's face twisted in confusion. She watched as he led the man to the container. It looked as though the two were talking, but Fauna couldn't hear it. Then her father stepped back and the man entered the container. A few seconds later a few guards sealed and locked the doors.

What?! Fauna thought. Was he going to stay in there?

"Let's go." Matthew said, breaking Fauna out of her trance. "Those guards are starting to stir awake."

Fauna's eyes went wide. They passed through the room and into the hallway, continuing to the opposite side of the building. Fauna jumped as Matthew grabbed her elbow.

"There's no exit here, Fauna." He said.

"I know, we have to go up, then back down." She explained. He held her there for a few more agonizing long moments. He was using his lie detector skills, she realized. After studying her, he finally released her.

Matthew stepped in front of her as they entered the stairwell. Fauna hesitated a moment as images from the last one flashed through her mind. She let out a deep breath once they reached the next floor. They entered the hallway, but suddenly Matthew stopped. Fauna collided into his back.

"Ouch, sorry." She whispered and vowed to keep a better distance from him. Colliding with him felt like slamming into a wall. His muscles rippled beneath his black shirt, but he didn't budge or acknowledge her clumsiness. Her mother always said her ability to be a swan on the dancefloor but a fish out of water when she tried to do anything else took lots of talent.

"Down the hall, the last office on the left has an emergency fire escape." She instructed, but Matthew stood frozen. His head tilted to one side.

Suddenly he grabbed her hand and began running. Before Fauna could think about what was happening, she was being dragged down the hall. She stumbled as he was too fast for her to keep up with. He didn't pause his momentum. Matthew swung her around in front of him and tossed her into the office. Fauna felt like she was on a merry-go-round on the playground. As she tumbled across the floor, and rolled into the wall, she heard Matthew grunt, then a loud crashing sound. Bodies tumbled across the hallway floor, another man's voice groaned in agony.

She sat frozen for a moment as she listened to the fight in the hall. Fauna get up and get out of here. She told herself. She wasn't sure why, but she hesitated. She wondered if she should leave him or help him. She drew in a deep breath and sighed. She stood, brushing herself off, Fauna tiptoed toward the door, listening as both men fought hard.

Then there was silence. She froze, Fauna could only hear her nervous breath and her pounding heart. He's the Daredevil for crying out loud! He'll be okay. Just GO! Her instinct screamed at her. Go, go!

She turned from the door, to the fire escape. Even if I wanted to help, I would only get in his way, she concluded. She couldn't help him, she didn't know anything about fighting. With her luck, as of late, she'd just get caught providing him a distraction so he could flee.

As she lowered herself down the ladder, she wondered if she did get into trouble, would he help her? She heard the stories of people he'd saved. She had seen it on the news, before her mother got sick. Some called him a hero, others a savior. Even some of the girls at school would fantasize about him.

I wonder what they'd think if they really knew him, she thought. She was willing to bet he wouldn't be so appealing if they knew just how terrifying he really was.

Would he help me? She asked herself. As Fauna's feet hit the concrete ground she guessed not. In his eyes, she was just as guilty as Grayson.

She glanced up at the window she just crawled out of, there was no sign of anyone. She looked around. She was on the eastside next to the river. All she had to do was follow the narrow ledge and she'd end up on 49th. From there it was about thirty minutes to her apartment building. It was the long way around, but this time she didn't hesitate and began running.

She reached the end of 49th street. The streets were dark, but not completely empty. She hoped it wasn't too, too late out. She didn't want to be caught out between that time when the questionable people started walking the streets and the drunks started leaving the bars.

Once she made it to her building she breathed in deeply and blew out a long breath. "Thank goodness." She whispered to herself. And for a moment, she wondered if tomorrow at work she'd stumble upon Daredevil's body and Grayson throwing a large celebratory party. The thought turned her stomach. She found herself hoping he made it out just fine.

She hooked the ladder with the old walking cane she found in a trash can and pulled it down. She placed it back behind the dumpster where she kept it hidden and began climbing to her window.

"Took you long enough."

His voice startled her and she fumbled on the last step to the landing of her window. Her eyes darted to the shadows. Her jaw, figuratively hit the floor. There he was leaning against the side of the building, waiting for her.

He's like a cockroach. She thought. Fauna wanted to punch him, however she was pretty sure that would be signing her death warrant. Here she was feeling guilty she left him behind, terrified he had been captured, tortured, and more importantly giving up her name.

He's the one that left me, her blood boiled. She felt her face growing hot.

He left her behind, perhaps the guards would have gotten her instead. Either that or she'd be raped by some drunken bastard as she made her way home because he kept her at Grayson's a lot longer than she had planned. He wouldn't have cared as long as he got himself out.

She wondered, as she stood in shock, when exactly did he leave Grayson's? The hallway fight did fall silent before she left. Had he left then, left her while she stood pondering if she should help him.

Like a fool! She thought.

"I came to make sure you made it home."

Sure you did. She said to herself.

"And to clear up the matter of the container. You seem to think this was a one time deal." He shook his head. "It's not." His arms were crossed in front of his chest. It made him look less intimidating, though she knew better.

"I need more from you, Fauna."

This was what she feared. He did say he wanted leads, plural. She had hoped it was just the way he said it, but that was wishful thinking. Obviously, Daredevil was no fool. Of course he would know the quickest way to take down Grayson would be to use her. And that was exactly what he intended to do. And that was a problem, she would have less time to think of a way to help her mother after Grayson was gone.

She was so angry, she was frozen.

"Grayson is dealing with some very heavy hitters, I didn't realize that until now. That man was one of three Japanese syndicate leaders. And based on their conversation something big is happening."

Fauna stayed silent. She clamped her teeth together to keep herself from saying something she'd regret.

"I need to know if and when any suspicious shipments are coming in. Or anything you hear that could be useful. Do you understand?"

She didn't have a choice so she nodded. It was out of the frying pan and into the fire. She was making a deal with the devil, literally.

Though somehow, some way she wasn't going to make this easy for him. She was going to have to stall him for as long as she could. It wouldn't be easy. He was clever, but so was she.

Matthew

He jumped from the fire escape and disappeared into the shadows of the alley. He remained close for a while. Listening to her. Fauna sat down on the fire escape steps and didn't move. She sat there for a very long time, he almost decided to go back when he finally heard her stand up and crawl through her apartment window. She almost immediately went to bed.

Matthew cursed.

He didn't want to keep her involved, it was dangerous. But, not only would it give him excuses to feel her out periodically, to make sure she's compliant in regards to keeping his identity a secret, it will allow him to get inside information on his new target. He had no idea the Japanese triad syndicate was involved with Grayson. Now that he knew, it was even more vital to shut them down.

Tonight was dangerous for her. She shouldn't have been there.It was clear she trusted him as much as he trusted her. She was checking up on his side of the story. Luckily he was there. Otherwise it could have had a different ending. Once he heard that she made it safely down the fire escape and to the street, he finished up with a few more guards and caught up with her. He followed her home across the rooftops, she was completely oblivious to his presence.

She was furious when she saw him standing next to her window. It made him nervous that she didn't say much. It was a long night, he didn't want to push the issue. He'd see her soon enough.

Matthew decided to call it an early night to catch up on the sleep he's lost recently.

A knock sounded at Matthew's door as he tucked his tie into his collar. He heard his friend coming from a block away. When Foggy entered the building, Matthew smelled the familiar take-out and cheap beer mixed with Aqua Velva after shave and Irish Spring.

Matthew smiled. He's known that scent since the first day of college. He opened the door and Foggy stood smiling, holding coffee and a bagel.

"You're gonna love me!" He announced with open arms.

"Come on in, Foggy." Matthew said, doing some last minute adjustments to his tie. He was glad he no longer had to act blind in front of Foggy. It made things much easier. It took conscious effort pretending not to see things. It was a relief that Foggy knew about his nightlife.

"Why am I loving you?" Matthew asked.

"Dude, I just landed us a client. That's two this week. Brought us a bagel to celebrate."

"Just one?"

"I already ate mine, couldn't wait."

Matthew nodded. "Thank you, but I'm good. I'll just take the coffee."

"Sweeeet!" Foggy picked up the bagel and began devouring it. "On a more somber note, Karen filled me in on Fuana slash Flora. Did you see her? How'd your night go?" Crumbs fell onto the table.

"Found her at Grayson's last night, ran into a few guards. It was fine."

"Man, she okay?

"Yeah. But those guards are hitting hard. They're not average. They've been trained."

"It's probably because they know Daredevil kicks ass."

Matthew smirked but he knew Foggy only made jokes to lighten the burden of what he did night after night. Foggy still struggled with it, but he was glad he had someone to confide in.

"Fauna was checking on that empty crate, only this time it wasn't empty. She thinks I was lying to her."

"Ho-how are you two getting along?" Foggy nervously asked.

"She doesn't trust me, I don't trust her."

"You think she's gonna tell on you?"

"Honestly, I don't know." Matthew braced himself on the table and sat down, across from Foggy.

"Karen wants to help her, but her job there is off the books… and there's only two reasons for that. One, she's illegal. And we know that's not true based on her birth certificate. Or two, her duties there are of a questionable nature. Probably the usual… greed, position, power-"

"No," Matthew interrupted, "I don't think so." Matthew shook his head. "She doesn't live like she's taking in a sizable payday."

"Threat on her life, or someone else's?"

"Maybe," Matthew could see the concern on his friend's face. "Based on your conversation with her that's possible."

"What's your plan?"

Matthew considered for a moment. Fauna told him she couldn't quit her job. She wouldn't. She was even willing to accept any punishment he could dish out because she refused his request. She also refused to give a reason. If he wanted the upperhand, he'd have to find out why.

"I need to know what's keeping her there. And in the meantime, any information she gives up will bring Grayson to justice."

Matthew joined his friend in court for most of the day. Though he was in a daze, he was still able to deliver the closing statements in court. Their client had made an honest mistake. And though the judge ordered a few months of jail and probation, it was a win. It could have been much worse, but the man didn't have any priors and that was always good.

Matthew decided he would swing by and check up on Fauna before he headed home to suit up for the night. He waited for her, this time from the opposite direction he had chosen before.

He sat on the bus stop's bench next to a man reading the newspaper. It didn't take long for him to catch her scent on the wind. Then, she rounded the corner. She shone and shimmered against the setting sun. Matthew found it relaxing to watch the swirls of lights. He pushed his senses harder, just in case he needed them.

Suddenly a man stepped in front of her. For a moment Matthew thought it was an accident, but Fauna froze in place.

"Ms. Grace." The man politely said. Matthew was pretty good at sizing people up, he would bet half a year's salary that man was a lawyer.

Fauna was startled and glanced around cautiously, then back at him.

"Mr. Androle, what do you want?" She asked, crossing her arms at her chest, a defensive move, Matthew noted.

"Just to talk to you."

Fauna glanced up at the clock tower. "I don't have time."

She began walking away, but he grabbed her elbow, effectively stopping her. Fauna's fear intensified, Matthew wanted to intervene.

"Please, Ms. Grace. I've been waiting for you for a couple of hours. The least you could do is hear me out."

She glanced at the tower again, "fine."

Mr. Androle smiled and guided Fauna to the bench he had been occupying.

"I just need your cooperation in this…" he paused a moment. "...situation. I can see that you're the girl making the decisions here, so I'm coming directly to you."

What the hell is this, thought Matthew.

"I understand your hesitance at this situation." Mr. Androle said. Matthew listened intently and began to panic. What situation was this man referring to?

"I encourage you to accept the offer from my client."

At those words Matthew's mind began spiraling. He had wanted to help the girl, thinking if he showed a little kindness she'd accept his help, and tell him why she was at Grayson's. He was planning to apologize and hope they could start over. All the while she was making deals, and possibly accepting offers.

"Mr. Androle, if you want my cooperation your client is going to have to offer much more than that measly little sum."

Matthew's hands squeezed his cane so tight his knuckles went white and his palms began to throb.

"If you'll excuse me, I must be going now." Fauna stood and began walking away. The lawyer made no move to stop her.

Matthew advanced on her as Mr. Androle stepped into a car and drove away. His blood was boiling and his heart pounded in rage. She was caught red handed, playing with fire. Taking offers on his identity. How much was it worth? How much would it take to give up his name, to give up his life, Foggy's life, Karen's?

Well, thought Matthew, if she wanted to play with fire, he'd give her the devil.

He was unsure what he was going to do, but he had to get to her, stop her. Keep her quiet. He came up behind her as inconspicuous and casual as possible. She jumped and her heart began pounding as he tightened his grip around her elbow.

Fauna yelped and froze.

"Keep walking." He gritted through his teeth.

"What…?" She took a glance at him in shock.

"Are you deaf… WALK." He growled lowly at her, pushing her roughly forward.

She complied looking up at the clock tower. "I'm not sure what this is, but I need to get home."

Matthew's grip clamped down harder. Fauna tensed and tried to pull away, but he jerked her back into him.

She started panicking when they began to pass her apartment building. "Wait! This is where I live. We're passing it." She pleaded, her voice shaking.

"Keep your voice low and keep walking." He demanded. Matthew pulled her along and she was stumbling over her feet. She was purposely trying to slow me down, he thought. This time Matthew wasn't going to fall for her tricks, somehow she got past his senses. He wouldn't allow it again.

"Please, I need to go." She begged, pulling away from him, "wait, please."

Matthew just pushed her forward, not listening. He was angry, more at himself, he had let her fool him. He didn't know how or why but she got past his senses. And he was too willing to let her, he wanted to believe someone could be trusted and honest.

This was exactly what he feared and exactly why he threatened and blackmailed her. He thought it would be enough, clearly greed is too strong.

"What are you doing?" She squirmed. "Where are you taking me?"

He halted, she stumbled at his abrupt stop. "I said keep your voice down, do what I say and don't try anything. If you do, I'll snap your neck right here on the street."

"Please, you don't understand. I need to get home."

Matthew tilted his head studying her, it took a moment for his threat to sink in. Her eyes widened, her breath quickened. Then the clock tower behind him rang out. Her eyes darted to the tower, Matthew could smell the fear rolling off her.

Good, he thought. She needs to be afraid. He began walking again. When the light faded enough for him to duck down an alley. He swung her forward against the building. She stopped herself from colliding with the bricks and quickly turned to face him.

"I don't understand?" She said breathlessly. "The paperwork on the container wasn't filed-"

Matthew slammed his fist into the bricks next to her head.

She gasped and turned away. Dust and specs of broken brick momentarily flew through the air. Matthew tasted the salt as her eyes welled up in tears.

It won't work, not this time. He reminded himself that women could be just as evil as men. He couldn't allow her gender to interfere with his interrogation.