>>5569509You’ll focus on Marina next, she was your original target after all.
And while a quiet veneer of professionalism didn’t work well on the Chechen, hopefully it’ll shake Marina up a bit.
Another round of icy politeness mixed with the threat of imminent force, coming right up. Good thing she doesn't seem to recognize your voice, that would've potentially complicated matters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNb2cV8TSdkThe first of your mindgames is to consciously maneuver into her line-of-sight as you finish poking through the PDA.
Without any fanfare, you look up and give her a slight nod.
> “Not to worry, I’ll be with you in but a moment, I’m nearly finished with this little journal. Quite the page-turner.”You flick your eyes over and watch her reactions, while outwardly maintaining your focus on the contents of the device.
Her eyes widen when she notices the PDA you’re pretending to peruse.
Good, the more you can rattle her, the better your odds of keeping her honest.
Now that you’ve set the stage, it’s time for the main performance.
You abruptly perform an about-face, close the gap, and crouch to reach eye-level.
If Marina possessed the opportunity to recoil, she would’ve.
It is also likely not lost on her that you’ve adopted the same detached posture as when speaking with your recently executed hostage.
> “Apologies for that unpleasantness, but there’s just no helping some people. What a waste.”There’s a hint of genuine sincerity in your tone that helps to sell it. The man may’ve been a killer, but he was a skilled killer. Had things gone differently, he might’ve made a valuable ally. Oh well, spilled milk and all that.
> “Now, I assume you heard the offer I extended to our recently deceased acquaintance. Your thoughts?”Claire makes a noise like she wants to interject, but a pointed look stops her in her tracks.
> “While I greatly appreciate the enthusiasm, I would highly recommend that you wait your turn.” Your voice, while still calm and collected, carries an unmistakable word of warning that undercuts each syllable.
She doesn’t like it, but complies nonetheless.
> “Much obliged. Now, where were we?”You drag out each word in your final sentence to further Marina’s discomfort.
She begins to open her mouth, but you cut her off before she can get going.
> ”Apologies, just one last thing; as you may have guessed, if you lie to me, I will know. Any attempt at deception or subterfuge will be treated….harshly. And well, I would assume that you’ve guessed what that means.” You take a moment to rise and gently nudge the still-warm body of the Chechen.
