Page 65 of Psychopath

“It’s business. It’s all about confidence, forging relationships, then tearing them down at your convenience. It’s a ladder, and we’re all trying to get to the top of it, but there isn’t room for everyone.”

“Your work colleagues described you as two-faced.”

Zane laughed lightly and tipped his head back. “I’m sure they used stronger words than that, but yeah. Not just two faces, but many more. You have to use the right face for the right moment to get what you want.”

“Would you describe yourself as untrustworthy?”

“Yes.”

“Manipulative?”

“I can be if the need arises.”

“You do what you’ve got to do to get to the top of the ladder and kick everyone else down on your way up there?”

Zane held up his hands. “That’s business.”

“What was the end goal?”

“Make my dad proud, prove I could be who he wanted me to be, and I achieved that.”

“Power can be addicting.”

“It can.”

“Do you think you were addicted to it?”

Zane shrugged. “I like being in control. Of business, money, fast cars, conversation, sex. It’s always more fulfilling to be the one in charge.”

Quinn noted down Zane’s words, then looked up.

“It must be hard being in here then, the lack of control.”

“I’m more in control than you think,” Zane murmured.

Zane’s eyes were dark and froze Quinn in his seat.

“Z—Zane?”

“How did Mackie react, really?”

Quinn frowned. “I told you, better than I’d thought he would.”

“But how?”

“He got quiet, upset, then he smiled at me. He shook my hand and thanked me for my time.”

Zane shook his head. “It doesn’t make sense.”

“Are you disappointed he didn’t smash my face in all over the desk?”

“Of course not, but I expected some kind of protest from him.” He shuddered. “It’s got me edgy.”

“That you couldn’t perfectly predict someone else’s behaviour?”

“Well…yeah.”

Quinn gripped the back of his neck, squeezing the tense muscles, “Well, Mackie wasn’t angry, and he didn’t hurt me, and I can’t help feeling…”

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