Turning the tables

"I thought you were out of the country," you say through gritted teeth, angry at yourself for walking into an ambush.

"It's easy to plant a story in the tabloids," Carmen says, holding onto you while pressing the knife against your neck.

"So what? You want to cut my fingers off?" you ask Bruno.

"Well, you could just take the rings off, but it's up to you," he replies with a smile.

You glare at him as you consider your options. You can't let him have your rings. Even if you agree, the best case scenario after that is he takes them and everything you've got. That's not great. As Carmen presses the knife on your neck from behind, you understand the weakest link to exploit.

"I assume your father told you everything?" you ask Carmen.

"Yes. He told me when he told about your rings and why this is all happening to us."

"Aren't you curious how I found out about your identity as the crime fighting ninja?"

"What has this got to do with anything? Let's get it on with," Bruno says.

"How did you find out?" Carmen asks.

"Pure luck really. I happened to witness you dressed in a ninja's outfit stopping a mugging in an alley, then I followed you. You were fast and I almost lost you."

"But how did you know it was me? I was wearing a mask."

"Well, I tracked you to a secret costume party in an abandoned factory and found you there."

"I... I was still wearing a mask there."

"Oh, so was I. Did I mention I was wearing a Zorro costume?" you say. The revelation draws a huge gasp from Carmen as she realizes that she had fucked you at the party. Seizing her momentarily lapse in concentration, you throw your shoulder backwards into her jaw, knocking her back. Then, with the brief moment of space between you 2, you activate your time control ring and turn around. Carmen is wearing a black hoodie and jeans, and is mid-stumble from your shoulder barge. You take the knife from her and swap positions, standing behind her and holding the knife to her throat, before letting time resume.

"Argh!" she grunts, realizing what has happened. Bruno looks shocked and is as pale as a ghost.

"No! Don't hurt her!" he begs you.

"Take off your ring and put it on the table," you demand.

Bruno hesitates as he exchanges looks with his daughter, before you see the fight in his eyes dissipate and he slips the ring off, setting it on the table. You let go of Carmen and stop time, then go grab the ring and put it on your hand. Now you have 6 rings, and Bruno is utterly defeated.