I held the paper cup by its cardboard sleeve, watching the dark tea steep in the steaming water.

“Grace is scheduled for laparoscopic surgery on Thursday morning, Daniel,” I said.

“I know,” he said without a second’s hesitation, raising his left hand in a quiet gesture of total agreement.

“I talked to Dr.

Ramirez right outside the elevators before I came into the room.

She explained the situation clearly, and I agree with her completely.”

He took a slow, measured sip from his cup, watching my face over the rim.

“Let’s put this misunderstanding behind us and focus completely on Grace,” he said, in the calm, persuasive tone he always saved for client negotiations.