CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY TWO – THE PETTY NEIGHBOUR’S STORY.

She found herself lying awake at night, her mind conjuring images of Scipione's men closing in on her. During the day, she was jumpy and distracted, often startling at the sound of the shop's bell. Maria noticed Joan's deteriorating state and pulled her aside one evening after closing. "Cara," she said gently, "this can't go on. You're making yourself ill with worry." Joan nodded, feeling tears prick at her eyes. "I know. I just... I don't know what else to do. If they find me..." Maria pulled her into a tight hug. "They won't. We won't let them. But you need to trust in the life you've built here. The people who care about you." Joan took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension leave her body. "You're right. I'm sorry, Maria. You've done so much for me, and I've been so focused on my fears..." Maria shook her head, smiling warmly. "No apologies needed. We're family now, remember? We face these challenges together." Over the next few weeks, their plan to distract Signora Ross