HIS NEIGHBOR WOULDN’T STOP REPORTING THE SOUND OF A GIRL CRYING INSIDE HIS HOUSE—THEN HE HID BENEATH HIS DAUGHTER’S BED AND HEARD HER PLEAD FOR SOMEONE TO SPARE HER

Thomas rose slowly from the floor, dust clinging to his clothes, rage burning in his eyes.

All color drained from Veronica’s face.

“Tomás—”

He raised one hand sharply. “Don’t.”

Lucia looked terrified—not relieved.