[He shakes his head, though, tightly. Then he looks off to the side. He opens his mouth, draws breath to speak - then closes it. Draws breath again - again, lets it out. Finally, he closes his eyes. He speaks haltingly.]

He...is someone who enjoys pain. Others' pain.

[He swallows, and with a bit less difficulty - ]

He is useful. That much is clear. Clever and creative. But he is also sadistic and manipulative.

[And then, before she can ask:]

Not hearsay. That's from experience.