"Shit," he said under his breath. He motioned me over to him, so I got up quickly and stood in front of him.

"Vincenzo?" the female voice called. "Are you okay?"

"Just a second!" he replied. He turned to me, lowering his voice. "Leilani, you have to hide. I'll explain later but for right now, you can't let her see you."

"Who is she?" I demanded, being sure to keep my voice low. I felt the tears prickle in my eyes, but I blinked them back, determined not to cry.

"I'll explain later, just get in the closet," he pleaded. Without another word, I turned away from him and opened...