Prologue

In February 1982 New York City, Margaret Jean, secretly a con artist undergoing aspirancy at a nunnery, hears an abandoned baby crying at the door during her first night on duty. She hesitates, fearing exposure and responsibility, then forces herself to investigate.

Outside, she finds a bundled infant on the steps. A well-groomed but threadbare man approaches, calms the baby, and introduces himself as John. He claims his wife, Gloria, suffering from “baby blues,” left their child at a church, and he has been searching for her all night. He appeals to Margaret Jean’s compassion and desire for second chances.

When John asks for help, noting her gold crucifix, Margaret Jean removes the real-gold prop and gives it to him, believing it will buy formula and food. John names the baby Luciana. Margaret Jean blesses Luciana, declares forgiveness, and chooses to trust John despite her doubts and her own deception.

She locks the door and returns to her cell, praying that the child and John will be blessed and lucky, embracing the fragile hope of miracles while reaffirming the novel’s themes of luck, faith, and redemption.