"It doesn't matter what he wishes," said Faust. He carefully peeled the tape from his captive's mouth. Heinemann was breathing hard, whispering something in German.

"Yes, yes, I know. This is a recent acquaintance of mine. Don't worry; I think we can rely on her not to call the police. Now, where were we? Ah." Faust patted the man's shoulder, slid his hand down and somehow into his chest. His fingers phased through the man's skin and tissue without a hint of resistance. There was the slightly sickening sound of a fingertip scraping bone.

The man screamed.

"Tell me," said Faust, "What I want to know."