ackfeather said, interrupting Cortin's train of
thought. "Larry did something to them, and to all his doubles, so they
couldn't."

"Unfortunate, but not entirely unexpected," Cortin said. "Whatever I
think of him otherwise, I know he's not stupid; it stands to reason
that he'd give his closest associates the best protection he could.
Especially if it also protected him at the same time."

"What will you do to him, then? Turn him over to the courts? Or take
your revenge?"

Cortin looked at her sharply, but saw none of the disapproval the words
implied, only curiosity. "Neither. If I gave him to the courts, he
would simply be turned over to another Inquisitor for punishment and
execution--probably one who wouldn't give him the time or opportunity
to repent."

"Repent!" Blackfeather exclaimed, looking confused. "Joan, you can't
believe--"

"I'll try, but I don't expect him to take the opportunity." The
historian still looked uncertain, so Cortin continued. "He deserves
far more punishment than I can impose, but I no longer believe
anyone--even Shayan himself--deserves Hell for eternity. So I'll put
this one through as much as he can survive of the kind of torment he
gave his victims, though my methods will be different since I have both
skills and equipment he didn't--but I will also pray for him, and if he
repents, give him the Sacraments and allow him to finish his punishment
in Purgatory."

"You don't want revenge?"

"Not any more. I think vengeance is for those who can't accept
justice, and maybe for those who've been denied it. From the way I
feel, I'd say it's not for the Protector or His people--though Mike may
feel differently."

"He said about the same thing before he and Dave got started. At the
convent, he wanted revenge, but by this morning, he was past that
stage. And I think that frightened the Brother more than the revenge
did."

Cortin thought for a moment, then nodded. "It probably would me, too.
You can get to someone who's emotionally involved, if only to egg them
on and end it quicker; a professional doing a job doesn't have that
kind of handle."

"I can see that--" Blackfeather broke off as Odeon turned, rubbing his
knuckles, and switched the sound back on.

"Is Colonel Cortin with you, Sara?" he asked.

"I'm here, Captain," Cortin said. "You have the subject ready for me?"

"Yes, Excellency. How would you like him?"

Cortin hesitated before answering. She had int