CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX – MOVING OUT OF TOWN

The drive out of the town was tense. Joan kept expecting to see flashing lights in the rearview mirror or hear sirens wailing behind them. But the roads remained quiet, the darkness broken only by the occasional streetlight. As they drove through the Sicilian countryside, Joan's thoughts drifted back to Maria and Luca. She fingered the necklace Maria had given her, wondering if she'd ever see them again. "Tell me about them," Trent said suddenly, breaking the silence. Joan looked at him, startled. "Who?" "The people you're leaving behind," Trent said. "You keep touching that necklace. It must mean something to you." Joan hesitated, then found herself pouring out the story of Maria and Luca, of their kindness and the refuge they'd provided. Trent listened quietly, nodding occasionally. When she finished, he said, "You were lucky to find such good people." "I know," Joan said softly. "I just hope I haven't put them in danger by staying with them." Trent's expression grew serious.