"I don't threaten people, Ms. Wynn."

He sighed, as though he found my question beneath him.

"I disassemble things. I use my knowledge of the Internet, cybersecurity, human behavior, and the Dark Web to take apart resources, resumes, relationships, and reputations. That said, I may dabble in destroying the occasional dream, future, or credit score."

He kept his eyes on me over the top of his half-rim reading glasses as he spit a brown stream of tobacco into a Styrofoam coffee cup.

"When necessary, I'll tweak history, bank accounts, data systems,  supply chains, security clearances, and of course, trust in peers or loved ones."

A wry smile crossed his lips.

"You could think of me as karma's little helper."

He paused, then turned away dismissively to focus on his laptop.

"I've never had to end anyone's life. They take their own."