WWI is over and light is starting to shine at the end of the depression when newly graduated aeronautic engineer John Staples stops in New York for a quick visit with his ex-stepfather who generously paid for his university education. Unfortunately, the mafia don has a small favor to ask of John in return-keep an eye on his daughter and report back if she's ever in need of anything. Hannah Montgomery works at Paramount Studios doing hair and make-up for movie extras and nights managing the boarding house after her mother is killed by a taxi. Having never known the father her mother claimed died in the line of duty as a police officer, she is now truly alone. What starts out as a room for rent in the boarding house, and an innocent arrangement for cooked meals, soon turns into something John never expects-love. But the web of lies and withheld truth to maintain the don's secrecy has him caught in the middle, and he fears their budding relationship might not survive the truth.