<strong>The Forest</strong><br/><br/>Enzo stepped from the darkness into the moonlight, clearly visible to Olivia. In physical appearance he was the twin of the man she had felled, but put them side by side and no one would mistake one for the other. It was his eyes, mostly. Not only violet, but so very, very cold. Eyes that at this moment showed not the slightest flash of sympathy for the captured woman.<br/><br/>He withdrew a small halogen flashlight from his breast pocket and played it over her body, inspecting her like a piece of meat. The very bright beam ended up pointed directly in her face. He removed the night vision goggles. Such a pretty face. So deceptively normal. God had granted her the sort of looks that might grace the fourth prettiest member of an average cheerleading squad. Enzo knew he could do better.<br/><br/>"Innocent? I believe the man slowly dying in the clearing behind you might take issue with that assessment. Tourist? Equally unlikely, though before long you will most certainly wish that that were the truth. As for a hearing, that can easily be arranged. I am Doctor Enzo Xantelli, and it will be my pleasure to serve as your judge, jury and executioner of justice. If you were to take the time to examine the relevant laws, you would even find that the process is entirely legal. A rather convoluted system of flags and allegiances, and some unorthodox permutations of maritime law. The result stands, though. You have no legal recourse here, and I have both the power and the authority to do what must be done."<br/><br/>He clicked off the light, letting her eyes begin to readjust to the darkness. "And what shall I call you? A true name or an alias, either will do to start."<br/><br/>"Men, bring her to the car." They would go directly to the Brothel, where he had a very special room awaiting. Maria had been willing to outfit one of the underground chambers according to his specifications. Of course she would be able to observe and record the entire process, but he had small hope of hiding anything from her in any case. So may as well embrace the inevitable.<br/><br/>"Come along, girl. And do keep quiet; some of the villagers have long days tomorrow."