Flashbacks of Ami's dream returned to her as she listened to the young man across the table from her. She studied his face as he spoke quietly, so as no one around them could overhear their conversation. He was talking of her mother and using her name. It fascinated and frightened her at the same time. As she listened, she did not feel the tears that crept down her cheeks. She was suddenly transported as if through time, thinking of her mother and missing her terribly at that moment.

"Your mother Cassandra, or better known as Cassie with her family, ran away when she was pregnant with you. Her father, your grandfather Shelton, tried to find her for many years and of course was not successful. He even had Scotland Yard involved. He always feared the worse as if foul play had befallen her. He never liked your father...he was American, and known to be a playboy..."

Ami stopped him, suddenly wiping at the tears as one fell upon her hand. Sniffing loudly, she sputtered..."you know my father, or of him?"

"I know only of him and what we learned about him." Johnny soothed, patting her free hand that lay on the table. "He was...well, not of good character. He was somehow connected to the mob out of Chicago. I could tell you more, but...are you ready to hear it?"

Ami was unaware her eyes were huge at that moment as she nodded her head in approval. It was the first of any news she had of her father. She sensed it was going to be disappointing, but needed to know anyway. "I want to know...I've always wanted to know about him, and Momma never would talk to me about him."

Johnny looked at the innocence of her face and his heart went out to her. He didn't want to hurt this lonely, young girl. But she had asked, so he ventured forward....

"Your father was killed over ten years ago, Ami. They found him in an alley behind a bar somewhere in south Chicago. We know now that he did have ties with the mob. Perhaps your mother found out as well, and to protect you...kept you from him."

"Oh!" was all Ami managed to say softly. The tears very evident as they rolled freely down her cheeks. "You...you said...I have a grandfather? Is he the one who sent me the check?"

Johnny stood up and placed a tip on the table. He looked quickly about them then relaxed as if he felt it was safe. "Lets talk at a more private setting, shall we? Your choice...do you prefer the museum or library...or maybe, your place?" he winked down at her.

Ami blushed. She liked Johnny, as she had oddly felt attracted to him from the start. No inner warnings went off inside her gut to tell her he couldn't be trusted, so they left the cafe and headed for her apartment. They small talked on their walk there. When Ami opened her apartment door, Spider was faithfully waiting just behind it as he always did. Picking up her kitty, she turned to face Johnny as he closed the door quietly behind them.

"This is a nice little place you have here." he announced smiling. "It fits you...I see you really do like your books!" He spotted the bookshelves in the front room and books piled neatly in the corner of the small kitchen. "Did you know your grandfather loves to read. The book...the 'Alice in Wonderland' you purchased awhile back, use to be your mother's?"

Ami buried her face into Spider's fur. Then peering over her cat at the young man standing in the middle of her kitchen, she didn't appear surprised. "Want something? I can offer you more coffee, or..." she smiled. She suspected what was coming, but wasn't sure she was ready to hear it.

"Ami, let's sit down. I've had my fill of coffee for the moment." He went to her and guided her towards her small living room. They sat upon her love seat as he shared more of his story with her.

"The book had been stolen, as your grandfather suspected...by your father. It had been your Mother's favorite book as a child. It was sold years ago to an antique dealer in London. Your grandfather learned of it, and hired me to trace it. That is where I found it...at your favorite bookstore."

Johnny cleared his voice as he reached for Ami's hand. She'd been petting Spider who was purring loudly, while contently watching and listening to the stranger in his home.

"I have been asked to find you as well. As you can see... as fate would have it, the book brought me fortunately to you. Now, I have an odd request...I suppose." he watched Ami closely for her response. "With all expenses paid, would you fly with me back to London? Your grandfather would love to meet you!"

Ami smiled, recalling the dream. It had been a premonition.

"Are you with Scotland Yard? Do they have wonderful pubs we could visit in London, and what about my cat?" she asked, flooding him with questions. All reserves aside, she forgot her fears. It was Johnny's turn to be taken back.

Hours later, and over a small dinner for two, Ami learned she would be heading for London. Johnny showed her the two open-ended tickets. Her kitty Spider would be watched by one of the girls from her work, which she settled over the phone. When all was set; within the next few days, Ami did find herself on a plane headed for London. Johnny sat on the aisle seat, but not as her husband. There were no alias names given. She was given the window seat as the British Airways jet lifted off the ground leaving the only world she knew behind, for a destination she was willing to see. Pinching herself and giving a small yelp, as within her dream.  She looked over at the seemingly perfect stranger beside her, as he looked back at her and smiled. As she gazed into his eyes, she had to wonder what other adventures lie in wait for her in the land of her grandfather's and mother's birth place. She couldn't wait to find out! It was all because she had merely bought a book, not even knowing it had been her beloved mother's.