Isabella felt as though all the air had been sucked from her lungs. Her hands began to tremble, and she pressed them together to hide the shaking. "That's impossible."
"I knew your mother, Antonia. She was a strong woman, smart. If anyone could survive what happened that night, it would be her." Mrs. Russo's weathered hand was warm and comforting as she placed it on Isabella's arm. "She had that same determined spark in your eyes."
"But why would she leave me?" The question came out as barely a whisper, thick with years of buried pain and longing.
"To protect you, perhaps. Or because she was afraid." Mrs. Russo's voice was heavy with sympathy. "The mafia world is dangerous for women, especially those who know secrets."
