Rushing footsteps thunder behind me. A maid skids to a halt at the top of the stairs, her hands flying to her mouth. A shrill, piercing scream tears from her throat, echoing off the high ceilings like a siren.

"MOTHER!"

Lorenzo’s voice is a raw, pain-filled howl at the bottom of the stairs I feel strong, rough hands shove me to the side. I stumble, my shoulder barking against the wall, but I quickly reach out and grab the cold iron railing to steady myself.

Santino’s father, rushes past ...