Tanu torture

  "I can make things very uncomfortable for you," Tanu promised.

  "You're not hurting my body," Berrigan panted. "Do what you want to Berrigan. "

  "Hold him, Trask," Tanu said.

  Trask switched positions with the Samoan. Tanu withdrew a needle and a small bottle from his satchel.

  "You going to sew me to death?" Berrigan chuckled. Tanu dipped the needle into the bottle. "I can cause you plenty of pain without harming your host. " Tanu touched the needle to Berrigan's neck.

  A full-throated, scream issued immediately from Berrigan. His eyes bulged and spittle ran from his lips.

  "What are you doing?" Laura asked in distress.

  Tanu removed the needle and Berrigan sagged into unconsciousness. "The potion sends a message of extreme pain to the brain," Tanu explained. "It does no actual damage, just talks to the nerves. " He pricked the needle against Berrigan's neck again. "The narcoblix truly has withdrawn, or he would be writhing. "

Chapter 3