The leather was old and worn, but a brand-new portable vitals monitor sat next to it.

The monitor had a heavy battery pack attached to its base.

“Doctor,” Giovanni said, his voice dropping to a dangerous register.

Dr. Sullivan looked up, a needle still in his hand. “Yes?”

“Where did you get that monitor?” Giovanni asked, pointing to the device.

“It’s from my office,” Sullivan said, looking confused. “I grabbed it before your men brought me here.”

“Did anyone else touch it?” Giovanni asked, taking a step toward the table.

“I… I don’t know,” Sullivan said. “It was on my desk. My assistant prepared my travel gear.”

Giovanni reached over and picked up the monitor, turning it over in his large hands.

He examined the plastic casing, his thumb tracing the seam of the battery compartment.

“What is it?” I asked, my heart dropping.

Giovanni didn’t answer.

He pulled a small pocket knife from his pocket and wedged the blade into the seam.

With a sharp snap, the battery cover popped off.

Inside, nestled next to the rechargeable battery, was a small, black plastic rectangle.