Cards on the Table

Silas lay on the hospital bed, his face pale.

Alfred was by his side, trying to calm him down.

When Valerie and Donovan walked in, Silas's expression finally eased up a bit.

"Valerie, my dear, you're here," Silas said, waving her over.

He glanced at Donovan. "Ah, Donovan is here too."

"Mr. Vance," Donovan said, nodding respectfully to Silas.

Alfred had just told Silas that Donovan spent the whole