"You persist in trying to antagonize me, Mr. Vance. I could easily have had you killed just now, and spared myself this pointless interview."
"Why didn't you?" The giddy feeling was coming back.
"I wanted to show you how stupid you really are."
He's right about that, Vance told himself. I think I've just proved it.
"But your nine lives have run out. I'm afraid I'm no longer interested in this conversation." He turned away and motioned for Wolf Helling.
"Let me just shoot him and get it over with," the German said.
"Not just yet," Ramirez replied after a moment's thought. "No, I think Jean-Paul would enjoy softening him up first."
6:15 a.m.
"Mr. President," the voice said, "have you made your decision yet?"