I knew Nico would be furious when he found the safe empty.

I prayed Mr. Alvarez would be safe until we could get the police involved.

The cab driver pulled up to the curb in front of the diner.

The neon sign buzzed softly in the damp air.

I paid the driver with a crumpled twenty-dollar bill and stepped out into the rain.

I walked into the diner, the warmth of the griddle and the smell of coffee wrapping around me.

Only a few booths were occupied.

I chose a booth in the back corner, where I could see the front door.

I ordered a black coffee and waited.

Every time the bell above the door chimed, my heart skipped a beat.

Ten minutes passed.

Then fifteen.

At exactly midnight, the door opened.

Denise walked in, wearing a trench coat soaked with rain.

She looked around the diner before spotting me in the corner.

She walked quickly over to my booth and sat down opposite me.

“Show me,” she whispered.

I reached into my jacket and laid the parchment document on the table.