"Where should we meet?" Carmela asked, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'll come talk to you in person if that's what you want."

"We'll meet at the waterfront, in the middle of the city," Nichole said, her voice cold and hard. "You have one hour to get there. If you don't show up, or if you bring anyone with you, I'll make sure your children pay the price. Do you understand?"

Carmela felt her heart beating in her chest.

"I understand," she said, trying to keep her voice calm. ...