Zia continued to back away until her back was pressed against the security fence. She couldn't take her eyes off the gun in Hans's hand.

“I'm going to separate you from Eric, Zia,” he said.

“Please, sir. Please don't kill me. Let's talk this over.” Zia tried to plead with a trembling voice. Hans stared at Zia for a moment as he stepped closer to her and pressed the muzzle of the pistol right against her forehead.

“All right, let's talk. But I can pull the trigger at any time if you make me angry,” said Hans. Zia nodded slowly with conviction.

Hans stood beside Zia, leaning his back against...