"Three questions?"
"I ask, you answer..."
Faced with the dark muzzle of a gun, Danitz simply couldn't bring himself to refuse.
"First question," Lorne said, his index finger lightly rubbing the trigger. "Why are you here today?"
What a bullshit question... Danitz cursed inwardly. It sounded like Lorne was mocking him, but he didn't dare say so aloud for fear of angering him.
"After running into you that day, I wanted to get out of that trouble spot as soon as possible... so I disguised myself and took a ship to Bayam to lie low..."
"Who knew someone would recognize me? And then..."
Danitz's disguise really hadn't been very good... Lorne considered this thoughtfully.
Danitz glanced at Lorne and continued:
"Anyway, running into you really was an accident. If I'd actually meant you harm, I wouldn't have come alone."
Clink.
A coin spun in the sunlight and landed in Lorne's palm. He glanced at it-heads up. It was the truth.
Was it just a coincidence?
He turned his attention back to Danitz and continued:
"Second question." He abruptly leaned forward, bringing the muzzle closer. "How much money do you have on you?"
Cold sweat seeped down Danitz's back. Was this the price of his life?
Damn it, I didn't bring much money today... and most of my savings went toward buying houses.
"Only a few dozen pounds, but..." Danitz tried to keep Lorne calm.
"Stop." Lorne cut him off without giving him a chance.
After a brief silence, Lorne asked his final, utterly baffling question.
"Last question. Do you like your captain?"
"Huh?" Danitz stopped breathing.
"I, how could I... possibly... I..." He began to babble incoherently.
Looking at Danitz's flushed face, Lorne nodded with an expression of complete understanding.
"Then goodbye, Mr. Great Pirate." Lorne made as if to