I looked at the brass key in my palm, feeling its cold edges.

“There is only one way to draw them away from the estate,” I said.

Roman frowned, his brow furrowing as he tried to focus on my face.

“What are you talking about?” he asked.

“I have the key to the safety deposit box,” I said, holding it up so he could see. “It has the ledger.”

He shook his head weakly. “No. It’s too dangerous.”

“The rivals want the ledger more than they want this house,” I said. “If they think I am taking it from the bank, they will follow me.”

“Lena, absolutely not,” Roman growled, trying to sit up again, but a spasm of pain crossed his face.

Mara watched us, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.

“The downtown bank is public,” I argued. “There are cameras. Security guards. They won’t risk an open shootout there.”

“They are animals,” Roman said, his voice straining. “They don’t care about cameras.”

“It is the only way to protect you while Dr. Patel gets here,” I said.

“I will send my men,” Roman said.