After using her tentacle-like hair to bind Hulett layer upon layer, Ivette did not kill him. Instead, she quickly left the highway and flew to a desolate suburban wilderness.
She did not know whether Hulett had arranged any contingencies, or whether staying too long would bring Scale Shedding Organism's armed forces. She could only change locations before interrogating him.
After loosening the strands of hair blocking his mouth, Ivette sighed inwardly at the thought that this guy might have smeared saliva all over her hair. She decided to cut off the excess later, then said, "Answer my questions."
"Why... should I answer your questions? Can you guarantee you won't kill me?" Hulett's face was pale, but he still craned his neck and asked.
"I can guarantee you won't suffer before you die," Ivette said. "Is that reason enough?"
"Um... can't you spare my life after all? I can promise I don't know anything..." Hulett forced a fawning smile.
Ivette said nothing. Her puppet-like face showed neither joy nor sorrow, but her meaning was crystal clear—after seeing my secret, you still want to live? How could you dream of something like that?
After thinking for a moment, she said, "I can give you a chance to leave your last words for your family and friends."
Hulett's smile froze.
The corner of Ivette's mouth lifted slightly. In a gentle tone laced with malice, she said, "I imagine you don't want to die without leaving a single word for your parents, either. Your mother might still be hoping that, when you're free from work, you'll come home to talk with her and have a meal. Or perhaps tonight, she'll receive a goodnight message from you."
Hulett fell silent. The silence was deafening. Only after a long while did he seem to make up