He gestured to the bookshelf where the safe was hidden. She stood, steadying herself on the edge of the desk, and did as he directed. The safe was behind a ceramic urn. She moved it aside and spun the dial of the safe with quick, mechanical motions. She depressed the lever, and the safe clicked open.

“Thank you, Doctor,” he said. “Step back.”

The only item in the safe was a thin manila folder. Inside was a single sheet of paper. The letters “UPMC” were in the top left-hand corner—University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Below that: “DNA Test Report.” Tinsley slid the sheet back into the folder without reading further.

“This is the only copy?”

“The only one.”

“Good. Let’s go to the bedroom, shall we? I have a message to deliver.”

The doctor’s eyes widened in alarm, and Tinsley saw where she misunderstood.

“No, nothing like that, Doctor. I have no intention of causing you any pain unless you are difficult. I assure you.”

That was true. Painless had been an explicit instruction. He let the gun drop to his side as a gesture of good faith. She was cautious but willing to play along. Still hoping that his calm tone of voice suggested a rational, reasonable mind. He followed her into the bedroom and told her to lie down on the bed. She was becoming docile now, compliant. He stood away from her, by the window. The moon had risen.

“I was asked to tell you that there are no ill feelings. It will all be over in a few days.”

“I would never have said anything to anyone,” she said. Her voice brimmed with feeling. “It was just a moment of weakness.”

“No, of course not. But a copy of the lab results presents too great a risk. There is too much at stake in November. You were wrong to keep it.”

“I know. I’m sorry. Just when I think of that poor girl, I wonder at what we’ve become. What I’ve done.” She searched his face for a sign that he understood.

He didn’t know how to make that kind of face.

“It’s none of my concern. I am just the messenger. But I do have a question. And I hope you’ll be honest.”

“Of course,” she said.

“Dr. Furst, is there anything else in the house that I should know about? Anything else incriminating?”

“No, I swear. Only what was in the safe.”

Tinsley nodded. He knew she was telling the truth and went through the motions of believing her. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

“So we’re through?”

“Almost. I’ve been instructed to search your home in any event. But,” he said with emphasis to let her know she was being rewarded, “I will do my best not to upset anything. Since you’ve been so cooperative.” It was a lie but would ensure her compliance.