Ryan’s voice echoed from a speaker, calm, icy. “Now, will you talk? What deal did Victor Kane strike with you?”
Her teeth chattered, her voice thin with cold. “There was no deal. I swear, I didn’t betray you.”
“Lie.”
He pressed a button. The water began to rise, inch by inch, climbing her chest, creeping toward her chin.
“Every lie will cost you more. Think carefully before you answer.” His voice had no trace of mercy. “Why did Victor let you go?”
Scarlett tilted her head back, mouth barely above the surface as the sewage slapped against her chin. Each breath became agony. “It’s true… it was only a bet.”
“Just a bet that you’d survive?” His voice snapped with disbelief. “Do you really think I buy that?”
Her voice broke into a whisper. “Sir…”
“Tell me the truth!” His sudden roar cracked across the speaker. “What intel did you sell for your freedom?”
Scarlett wanted to scream that there had been nothing, that her body and soul had been the price already paid. But she knew he wouldn’t believe her. So she fell silent.
Ryan’s patience frayed. His voice was all steel.
“Then you’ll stay there until you’re ready to talk.”