Introduction

A small New England town makes two discoveries, an abandoned four year girl, and a dead young woman. Are they connected? Did the woman kill herself?

Mrs. Hallaway's Discovery

Mrs. Hallaway pushed those questions aside as she discovered the joy of caring for Lydia, the four year Latino youngster. The note attached to the child's coat specifically warned against bringing her back to her family. "They no good" was the explanation. Since her husband's death she rarely interacted with people outside her shop. Her friend, Mr. Washington, may have been the only resident of the town to visit her. Adoption plans played in her mind though she never uttered a word.

The Turning Point

The plans, however, came to a halt when the sheriff announced that the Grandfather was on his way. Were they the bad people? What happened to the mother, why was she here? Who was she running away from? Mrs. Hallaway made an unconscious decision to find out and when a snow storm hits the region, stranding the visitors she finds her chance.