Mrs. Shapiro stood stiff like a guard. “One last thing.” She stepped closer so that only I could hear her. “My son is a fool, but I can see that you are a smart girl. Let him go completely, or the deal is off.” She held my gaze. I knew what needed to be done. “Thanks for the ride, Mrs. Shapiro. Get home safely,” I offered, and then turned my back on her and headed up the driveway with my shoulders as high as I could muster.
