Proserpina was on her way to the hospital. Roxanne had wanted to go along, and when she had timidly put forward her request, Proserpina had dimpled at her winningly and nodded.

Tara Delano was still at the hospital, Proserpina informed her, and Karina had come a while ago. Ria, realised Roxanne, was managing the affairs of the mob, along with her husband, in the absence of both her father and brothers.

The plump Bratva woman had immediately come forward, beaming and taken charge of the children.

And Roxanne counted more than half a dozen young Delanos shouting, screaming and running around in abandon, the maids pursuing them, looking hassled. Only...