Lewis Manetti’s hands shook as he typed the activation code into the computer.

The screen turned on, showing Gravitic’s masked visage. The ultrahuman was lounging on a sofa.

Lewis had no idea where Gravitic really was, and didn’t want to know. His life was in enough danger as it was.

“We have the update,” he stammered. “Sir.”

“And?”

“We found the dealer.”

“He say anything?”

Manetti gulped. “He didn’t reveal anything to Belessar’s girl.”

“How sure are you of this?”

“Very sure. He didn’t change his story, even when we started on his fingernails.”

“Men will say anything under the influence of pain.”

“I’m sure, sir. The dealer was nothing. He hadn’t the imagination to carry out a double cross.”

“That means that Belessar was taken by surprise.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And he still managed to kill Tigerstrike, Ultragorilla and Serpentor. All at once.”

“Unfortunately so, sir.”

“It’s been three weeks since that botch-up, Manetti. You better have some good news for me.”

Manetti tried to calm his racing heart. “Our contacts were able to get in touch with Agni. We sold her the exploited girls story.”

“What’s this?”

“She’s been told Belessar’s using the girls after rescuing them.”

Gravitic snorted. “That’s true enough, I suppose. Unless he turns out to be gay. But why would Agni take our money to fight for the girls?”

“Agni doesn’t know she’s working for us on this. Our contact indicated he’s working on behalf of the families of some of the girls, who want them freed and returned to their homelands.”

Gravitic shook his head. “Those girls aren’t going anywhere. Except maybe into a graveyard.”

Lewis nodded. “On that front, I have some more good news, sir.”

“Tell me.”

“A pre-trial hearing is being held on the 15th. Several of the girls will be appearing in court. On the same day, I have it on good authority that Belessar will not be in town.”

“Go on.”

“We got to know that Belessar is traveling to New York. Some award for his actions in the battle, and a meeting at a military base.”

“How did you find that out exactly?”

“The girls are talking about it. A lot. Belessar told them, and they let it slip in front of some of our people.”

“How trustworthy are your sources?”

“Two of them, both completely separate from each other. One’s a paralegal in the DA’s office, the other’s a bailiff in the courthouse.”

“I’m impressed, Manetti. That’s a lot better than I expected.” Gravitic stood up. “They’ll be coming to the courthouse on the 15th? Then it’s time we remind the public of the price of betrayal.”