“Yeah, it’s me.”

“What are you doing here? Is everything all right?”

“I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“What’s the matter, darling? Sit. Talk to me.”

Several long beats pass before Mikayla is able to speak. “I know you said you’re not ready for questions, but…I don’t understand.” She meets her mom’s gaze. “Why did you keep this from me for so long? Why didn’t Pa—” She chokes. “W-we’re Jewish?”

“Oh, Mikayla. I thought it would be better if we blended in. I am not ashamed of being Jewish. I was afraid. I live with the terror every day, Mikayla, especially in nightmares. And now, even here in beautiful Riviere, such hate! Decades and decades past World War Two, and evil is alive and well.” She takes Mikayla’s hand in hers. “I regret not honoring my family in Poland, but it’s hard for me to regret wanting to protect you. You understand?”

“I think so. Did you name me for your youngest brother? The one who the Nazis hanged?”

Her mom stares up at the ceiling. Mikayla has to lean in close to hear her. “It’s our Jewish tradition to name a child after someone who passed away. Michoel was special. He was the sweetest, happiest boy, gentle and kind and so smart, like you. He had thick brown curls, like you, and hazel eyes that sparkled with mischief. He and your pa used to play pranks on one another.” Her lips curve into the tiniest of smiles as a tear rolls down her cheek. “Michoel was your pa’s dearest friend. They were two peas in a pod.”

There is so much more Mikayla wants to know, but even this has caused her mom too much pain. She leans down, kisses her cheek, and whispers, “I love you, Ma.”

Chapter 56: Cade

I planned to stay home today to spend some time with Nana, but if that wasn’t reason enough to skip school and have a long weekend, Officer Shawn Sullivan gave me one. Knowing we’re early risers, he called at six a.m. and spoke with Mom. Still no leads, but he told her that members of the Riviere Police Department as well as several Riviere storeowners will gather at nine a.m. to remove the hateful graffiti from our inn. Officer Sullivan is arranging everything.

It’s only 6:20, but I call Logan.

“Hi. What’s going on?” she asks, sounding wide-awake.

“I’m staying home.” I fill her in on Mom’s conversation with Shawn. “After everything that’s happened and all the negative publicity, we need to show the good side of our community.”

“I’ll be there,” Logan says.

Of course, I knew she would. Still…“And ruin your perfect high school attendance record?”

“You think that matters?”

“Just a little,” I say honestly.