Babel met Lanier’s questioning look with a steady gaze from his disquieting violet eyes. "I haven’t got all night, Mr. Lanier. If you’re as smart as your reputation, I can trust you. For now, you need me to get out of here intact and you can make yourself useful by watching this fine corporate citizen here." His voice was bitter with irony. "Besides," he said, his tone becoming as cold as his eyes, "I’d hate to have to try to kill both of you just to make sure there won’t be any distractions."