[i] "It's okay Maria, you're safe. Nothing is going to happen to either of you, I promise. I will make sure of that."[/i]

"Oh yes indeed Miss. A hostage. We believe our criminal has taken an AI under her. Think of it as...say, a kidnapping? Dreadful crime indeed. But rest assured, we aim to catch our deadly foe and place them under the jurisdiction of our fair Imperium."

Despite the meaning behind his words, it was evident that Spencer's tone was specifically meant to rile up the woman further. And why not? She had let a dangerous killer right into her home. It only seemed fair that she pay the price for her actions through paranoia and guilt.

Upstairs, Kiara backed closer to Trixie and prepared to defend her if the need arrived. The only exit seemed to be the windows; if the robot had no problem with heights, they might have to jump for it soon.