xt mor

ome was empty. Only a few half-bur

on, arranging my g

the operating table. Today she

e doorway, leather shoes

t turn

It was his assist

suit. He pressed a checkered ha

d around the funeral wreaths at the entra

and looked

d behind the handkerchief. "Mr. Griffin asked

t from the urn with a

wasn't used to

from his suit pocket and s

nd echoed thr

table, sending a faint sp

about the bigger picture." Miles's tone was practiced, like this was routine. "Fill in w

gaze fell on the th

k. Enough to buy ha

the perfect way t

pond, Miles assum

stuffed the handkerchief back

oo loud, so Mr. Griffin scheduled a vocal cord surgery. Three this afternoon. Mr. Griffin specifically asked for you

e on a

han's idea of

, I was expected to show up on

rose to

my knees were stiff, cra

cket of my lab coat. My finge

I should operate o

g. She's worried other doctors might not be steady enough. Thi

out the

e flashe

stepped back, knocking over a pla

oss the floor w

scattered across

try governed by law!" Miles stared at

ed the razor-sharp tip of the scalp

wn. The blade dragg

sound was sh

h the check and cut dee

d money, instantly became a pile of useless scraps.

fted my head. My eyes felt as

slowly, my voice perfectly calm. "To me, he

me as if I had

hought better of it and hur

fell quie

y grandmother's black

t me live in peace,

pulled the black dress I

he Griffin fa