“Make it brief. Hold on.” Donatti walked back to the girl. “It’s your brother. Be quick.”

“Yes, sir.”

He walked away to give her a little privacy. A minute later, he saw Giraldi and Kent coming down the hallway. Donatti came back to the girl and took the phone from her hand. “I’ve got to go find someone to treat your sister.”

“What’s wrong?”

“She’s limping. Maybe a twisted ankle. Bye.” He pocketed his phone and talked to his men. “Keep a watch on the girl. No one comes near her.”

They answered “Yes, sir” in unison.

“I’ve got to find someone to patch up her ankle. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Donatti walked over to the double doors and pushed in the code. He found a nurse, Della Gratz. He knew all his employees, and between the restaurants, the shops, the casinos, and the brothels, there were more than a hundred of them on rotating shifts. Della was cleaning up a treatment cubicle, curtain wide open.

“How is she?”

She turned around. “I didn’t hear you come in, Mr. Donatti. They took her to the OR.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure. You probably should wait for a doctor, sir.”

“I won’t hold you to it, Della. Please.”

The poor woman was wringing her hands. Everyone hated talking to the boss. “She needs dental work. They thought it would be easier to do it in the OR.”

“Her jaw’s busted?”

“It was dislocated. They fixed that, but she’s got some loose teeth in the back. I think they’re wiring her jaw, sir.”

“What else?”

“I think they’re going to x-ray her for broken bones.”

“Fine. Is there someone who can look at her daughter’s ankle? I think it’s sprained or twisted. It probably should be taped.”

“I can do that, Mr. Donatti.” She stopped and started to wash her hands.

“Someone will bring her in, then. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.”

He came back outside, summoned the girl. She limped over and he said, “I found a nurse who is going to look at your ankle.”

“How’s Mommy?”

“She’s still with us. Let’s go.”

An hour later, she was taped and had a crutch. She started to sit, but Donatti shook his head. “I’m taking you to where I live. You’ll stay in Gabe’s room.”

“I want to stay here.”

“You can’t stay here, Juleen.”

Tears in her eyes. “I want to see Mommy.”

“When it’s appropriate.” To his men. “I need the car keys.”

“Do you want me to drive you, sir?”

“No, I’m fine. Just keep watch on the doors. I’ll be back in about a half hour.” He picked up the garbage bags and her violin case. “C’mon.”