"I can tell you where he's going when he finishes his current mission."
"Interesting, if true," Nevan acknowledged.
"It's true," the businesser said.
Reading his face and body language, Nevan agreed. The man knew, was eager to say--and would report to Owajima as soon as he could. Nevan made himself look skeptical, which wasn't hard; this was obviously a setup. "Even if he were my target, which I do not say, I would want more than your unsupported word. Will you submit to truth drugs, or shall I use Sandeman methods?"
"Torture, you mean." The businesser grimaced. "In my position, I don't dare submit to truth drugs. And I've no desire to use my pain to convince you I'm telling the truth."
Nevan shrugged. "Those are the alternatives." He didn't particularly like torture himself, and especially disliked using it on one of a field agent's network. But an enemy would have no hesitation, and until he caught up with Owajima--or was caught himself--he was acting in that capacity. "If you are convinced Owajima is my target, and you wish to assist me in finding him, you will choose one. Otherwise, you will depart."
The businesser looked angry, but Nevan could see he'd expected something of the sort. "The torture, then. When and where?"
"My ship, now." Nevan stood. "Come along."
Nevan scowled down at the unconscious businesser. He'd restricted his open questioning to Owajima's plans and next location--his homeworld, not surprisingly--but he'd done some questioning covertly as well, making comments about Owajima and reading the answers from his subject's face and body language. The man had confirmed an opinion Nevan had formed early: given the opportunity, he and Owajima could easily become friends.