“Dr. Voss found this in the pantry,” Alexander said. “Hidden behind the imported flour.”

“That could belong to anyone,” Luca said, his voice rising in panic. “The house is full of servants.”

“It has the seal of the pharmacy in East Boston,” Marcus said, his voice smooth and dangerous. “The one owned by your brother-in-law.”

Luca’s eyes darted toward the door, then back to Santo.

“Santo, shoot him!” Luca yelled. “He can barely stand! Shoot him now!”

Santo did not raise his weapon.

He looked at Alexander, his eyes wide with fear and respect.

“My father hired you when you were twenty, Santo,” Alexander said quietly.

“He paid for your mother’s medicine when she was sick.”

“He gave you a home in this city.”

“And you would betray his son for a man who cannot even pay his own gambling debts?”

Santo swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat.

“I have a family, Mr. Romano,” Santo whispered.

“Then think of them,” Alexander said.

Santo slowly lowered his arm all the way to his side.

He clicked the safety on the pistol and slipped it into his jacket.