I was already running up the stairs. I opened one door, then another, and then found a bright, pretty room overlooking the Grand Canal. Bianca was sitting at her dressing table, applying her makeup. She spun around in horror as I barged in.

“What in God’s name?” she shouted. “Get out immediately.”

“Signora Da Rossi, I’m sorry to intrude like this, but I am—”

“I know who you are,” she said, eyeing me with cold distaste. “Believe me, I know all about you.”

“I have come for my son,” I said. “I won’t go without him. Where is he?”

With an almost triumphant look in her eyes, she said, “Your son is not here.”

“Your men took him. Francesca told me.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”

The footman was now standing in the doorway. “Giovanni, have this madwoman removed. She is annoying me.”

“I am not leaving without my son. Do you want me to go to the police? They will search the house and find my child.”

This was an empty threat and she knew it.

“The only child in this house is the son of this family,” she said. “The heir. Angelo Da Rossi. Now please go before I have you thrown out.”

“Tell me one thing,” I said. “Did Leo order this?”

“Of course,” she said. “He left instructions before he went away. It’s what he always wanted. I just couldn’t be bothered to get around to it before. I have no interest in babies. But now that Leo is gone and might not come home, an heir is all-important for a family like this, is it not?”

“Might not come home? You’ve had news?”

“No news. That’s the point. He is missing. We have to accept that your precious Leo is probably dead. Now go. Get out of my sight and do not return. If I ever see you again, I shall delight in calling the police to tell them that we have captured an enemy alien.” She waved an impatient hand. “Please escort this woman to the door, Giovanni.”

A strong hand gripped my forearm, and I was led away. I was trying desperately to think of something—anything—to get to my son. But I realized it was hopeless. I had no proof he was mine. I had no right to be in this city. An enemy alien. Even if I managed to creep in and steal Angelo back, they would find me and arrest me, and I’d wind up in a camp.

He’ll be well looked after, I tried to tell myself. I was shaking so hard that I put my hands up to my face to stop the sobs. He’ll grow up to be Il Conte Da Rossi. What more could any boy want?

And I knew the answer. He would never have a mother who loved him.