She faints in a grocery store—but the mafia boss who catches her notices hidden bruises and uncovers a truth that changes everything

himself between her and loud strangers without making a show of it.

One Friday in December, he asked if she wanted to watch Casablanca.

“How did you know that’s my favorite film?” she asked.

“You own three copies of it.”

“You went through my books?”

“I was curious.”

“About my books?”

“About you.”

The fire crackled. Black-and-white light moved across his face.continue reading …