Not to mention, how did he even know that I'd never met my father before? That was inside information I didn't share with just anyone.

Strange.

On the other hand, what if the letter was from my father after all? I was sure he was out there somewhere in the world. When not imagining that he was dead, I would imagine that he was in jail. That's probably where he was. And now if he was writing to me… maybe it was to borrow some money. Maybe he had some mob bosses after him, wanting to break his kneecaps unless he came through with cold, hard cash.

Yeah, that made total sense.

I was sure he was a bad guy. What kind of person would abandon his unborn child? And leave a beautiful woman like my mom?

I frowned. What was I even thinking? The envelope wasn't from him at all. I was totally obsessing.

Just a practical joke. Right?

If that was the case, then why were my arms crossed so tightly that I couldn't even feel my hands? All over a stupid envelope?

I grabbed it off my bed and sliced it open with a fingernail. Something heavy and loose slipped out and fell to the floor. I leaned over to pick it up and realized that it was a bracelet. A thin gold chain with one charm-a clear crystal in the shape of a teardrop. It was very pretty, actually.

With the bracelet dangling off my index finger, I pulled a folded piece of paper from the envelope. I held it in my hand for a good three minutes before unfolding it and focusing enough to read the short, precisely handwritten message: Dearest Nikki As Michael has explained to you, it is imperative that I see you immediately. There is much to explain about who you are and what it means.Now that you've turned six teen time is of the essence.