"I have always said that honesty is the best policy." A pause. "Actually, I can honestly say that I've never said honesty is the best policy before, but it does sounds good, doesn't it."

He scratched lightly at his jaw. It was getting late and his stubble was starting to itch.

"You have a deal. No murder, and I'll make sure all the evidence of kidnapping is ambiguous enough that a half-decent lawyer could shred it if you found yourself in court."