"They call me Valentino for a reason," and Vanessa recognized a sly tone in his voice that reminded her of the way Mr. Johnny was whispering to Jalissa one day. Vanessa had demanded to know what the man had said to her, but Jalissa just shrugged it off and said she didn't know. She ignored his foolishness.

"Now you put your trust in me and I will take us places." Tino continued. "You will be living even better than you remember up on the Hilltop. Will you trust me? Will you ...