Danny had completely lost control of his body. He lay trembling over the steering wheel, trying desperately to lower his head.
At that moment, Schiller heard a woman's voice. "Something's wrong with that man. I mean the man who was just talking to you. Some kind of magical power on him is affecting Danny..."
"Ms. Frances?"
"It's me. Get Danny out of there, quickly. He can't hold on much longer."
Schiller steadied himself with one hand on the car door and supported Danny with the other, then looked back at Dario. He could not see Dario's eyes behind those sunglasses, but his body language made it clear that he had come looking for trouble.
Schiller stood up, slammed the door shut, and turned to Dario. "There's an appointment you don't want to attend, but have no choice but to keep. You want to find an excuse to miss it, one that won't cause serious consequences or offend the person who invited you. Do you think that's a good plan?"
Dario's movements paused. His hands rested in front of him, one gripping the ring on the other.
"I've heard a great deal about you, Doctor Schiller." Dario seemed to have learned Schiller's identity. "I heard you're S.H.I.E.L.D.'s psychological consultant. Since Nick isn't willing to solve the problem, perhaps you'd be happy to lend a hand."
"I'm always happy to help," Schiller said. "But it seems you haven't asked Nick about my rates."
"I'm the chairman of Roxxon Energy Corporation. I can pay you whatever you want." Dario walked over without ceremony, patted Schiller on the shoulder, and said, "To be honest, I have run into a little trouble, Doctor. Some annoying fellow suddenly invited me to his company, but I have other visitors to wait for."
"This fellow is an important