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

percent.”

Eli nodded.

Then he stepped close and put a hand briefly on Damen’s shoulder.

He had not done that since the night Damen’s father died.

“Your father would have been proud,” Eli said. “Even if he never would have said it.”

After they left, Damen and Clara sat on the porch swing under a cold night.

Clara wrapped a wool blanket around her shoulders.continue reading …