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“Don’t ruin this for me.”

I lean closer, examining the leaf.

It’s slightly different in color from the surrounding marble.

Interesting.

“That’s a later addition,” I murmur.

“What is?”

“The fig leaf. See the difference in the stone? Someone added it long after the original sculpture was completed.”

Jules grins. “So you’re saying there’s hope?”

“I’m saying I take my responsibility to historical accuracy very seriously.”

“Naturally.”

“And if that means removing an offensive piece of foliage…”

“You’re a dedicated professional.”

“Thank you.”

I step around to examine his face.

And my smile fades.

“Oh, no.”

The damage is extensive.

A deep fracture runs from his left temple across his cheekbone, destroying part of his jaw. One side of his mouth has been chipped away, and several fingers are missing from his right hand.

Worse, a network of thin cracks spreads across his chest, disappearing beneath the marble folds draped around his hips.

I lean in, examining the fractures.

“Someone did this deliberately.”

Jules frowns. “What makes you say that?”

“The damage isn’t consistent with a fall. Look at the fracture patterns. They’re radiating outward from the center of his chest.”

“Maybe he was struck by something.”

“Several times?”

I trace the air above the largest crack without touching it.

“Whatever happened, it was violent.”

One of the deliverymen clears his throat.

“Where do you ladies want him?”

I straighten.