Fear is, indeed, the darkest of human motivations, and it is born in the mind. Fear is also the killer of freedom, for no man that is afraid has total control over his actions. Purveyors of fear, like the Marquis, are the predators of Man.
You should provide the original version, because we love to read "puta ciudad", but whore city doesn't relate to the original meaning. Still, it's an excellent story and carries your beautiful, clean style.
Cheers.