THE LITTLE GIRL ASKED TO SIT WITH A STRANGER—BUT HER MOTHER NEVER EXPECTED THE MAFIA BOSS TO RECOGNIZE HER FACE

was a small clapboard two-story with a porch light on a timer and a back garden no neighbor could see.

Damen carried the duffel.

Clara carried Lily.

By the time they reached the bedroom upstairs, Lily had stopped shaking only because exhaustion had taken over.

Clara lay beside her until she fell asleep clutching her brown bear.

Then Clara stepped into the continue reading …