“He’s bleeding through the gauze,” I lied, pointing to the dark stain on Dominic’s shirt. “If he faints from blood loss, this document won’t mean anything to the lawyers.”

Silvio nodded in agreement.

“Let her do her job, Leo,” Silvio said. “We want this done right.”

I walked back to Dominic’s side, my heart hammering in my chest.

As I bent over him, I pretended to adjust the white fabric of his bandage.

“Hold on,” I whispered, so low only he could hear.

Dominic’s eyes flickered open, showing a faint spark of understanding.

His hand remained hidden beneath his thigh, still holding the scalpel.

I looked at the black leather bag resting on the floor by the chair.

It belonged to the family doctor, and it was half-open.

Inside, I could see the corner of a thick yellow envelope.

I recognized that envelope.

It was the one my grandfather had hidden beneath the floorboards of the pantry at Sullivan’s Diner.

I had brought it with me in my coat pocket, but Leo’s men must have confiscated it when they searched me.