Mama moves around me and stands toe-to-toe with Roman, who bows his head in deference even though he towers over her. Her fingers slide under his chin and turn his head from one side to the other so she can take a good look at his bruised and bloodied face. “You were let off easy. Don’t make my husband regret his generosity.”

“I won’t,” Roman says gravely.

“I always liked you,” she muses. “It’s disappointing to realize you spent so many years ...