"No," he said, adamantly. His eyes were manic, frantic, fixated on her. "I won't be quiet. What then? You know," they darted from her for a moment, thoughtfully regarding his captive wrists, "No matter what you do to me here, I'm the one who knows where I'll be at the end of this. I'm the one who gets to be alive. What can you do to me beyond pain?"

Norman laughed -- bitter and piercing. It didn't have the dry amusement that it would normally, nor was it patronizing. It was sincere, almost pleased. He looked at her, daring her to call his bluff.