6

"We've had one person in there, talking to him," says the captain. "So far, he's refused any suggestions that we provide him with a police line. But we have the regular store line. I'll call."

The captain dials a number, and you wait while it rings. Rogan doesn't answer.

"I think we've established that your man Rogan isn't willing to negotiate over the phone. You'll have to speak to him face-to-face."

You're about to protest when Simond Guul speaks up. "If you didn't, of course, that would constitute a most public abandonment of your responsibilities. And I'm sure my fellow shareholders would view that very, very unfavorably when your evaluation came around."

That's clear enough. Possible death now, or certain death later?

Damn. You're going to have to go in there.

You nod, and then you approach the entrance to the mall on your own, looking like the hero of the day.

Or at least you will, if everything goes well.

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