Maya's POV
"Don't touch the box." I grab Hope's hand. She was reaching for the mysterious gift on her bed.
"But it's for me! From Uncle Alexander!"
"You don't have an Uncle Alexander."
"The card says I do!"
Ethan picks up the box carefully. "We need the bomb squad."
"You think it's a bomb?" My voice rises.
"Alexander threatened to kill everyone if we open it tonight. That sounds like a bomb to me."
We evacuate the house. All five children. Guards. Everyone. Stand in the street while bomb experts examine the gift box.
Thirty minutes later, they emerge. "It's not a bomb. Just a music box. Antique. Very expensive."
"That's it? Just a music box?"
"And a note. You'll want to read this."
The note is typed. No signature. But I know it's from Alexander.
Dear Hope,
This music box belonged to your great-grandmother. My grandmother. She gave it to me before she died. Now I'm giving it to you. Because you're family. And family is everything.
