CHAPTER 161

The envelope sat on his desk like a loaded gun and Giovanni stared at it. His palms braced flat against the wood as he tried to steady his breathing.

“It's ready?” He asked, as his throat suddenly went dry.

“Yes,” the man said, nodding his head.

“Okay,” Giovanni muttered, mostly to himself.

His doctor stood quietly nearby, tension lining his face.

“Open it,” Giovanni said hoarsely.

The doctor hesitated, then carefully tore the seal and unfolded the paper. Giovanni’s eyes followed him closely, and flicked down the page. He froze.

Giovanni’s heart thumped and he leaned forward. His voice was as sharp as a newly polished weapon. “Well?”...