A mother's autobiography and letters found by a daughter reveal a semi-secret life of deceit, sacrifice, and hope. Orphaned Grace Catto of Ohio is beaten by her stepmother; it turns out she was adopted (real name Edith Farley). Later, while married to Bill Balogh, a metal worker, she attends some Communist Party meetings in Ohio. At the request of the FBI she rejoins (1949) to become an informant, jeopardizing her husband's union career. She achieved a high position and provided evidence leading to the conviction of other party members (1955).