Adam stepped closer when they still didn't speak.
Shakira's hands were locked together so tight her knuckles went white. Aminu's lips moved without sound. Prayer. Bargaining. Anything but truth.
Adam sighed.
"Wrong choice."
He reached for Shakira's hand again.
The crack echoed sharp.
Shakira screamed and dropped to her knees, clutching her fingers as tears burst out of her eyes.
"Please—please—" she cried. "I swear—"
Adam bent and snapped another finger.
She screamed louder.
Aminu rushed forward without thinking. "Stop! Please stop! I'll talk! I'll talk!"
Adam didn't even look at him. He snapped a third finger.
Shakira collapsed fully now, sobbing, gasping.
Adam crouched in front of her, eye level.
"You're still lying," he said calmly. "I can tell."
Aminu fell beside her. "It was an accident," he blurted out. "It was an accident—"
Adam straightened.
"Too late."
Footsteps came from the side.
