I sucked in a breath, unsure what to do or say next after hearing that bit of news. For once, I kept quiet and hoped he'd continue on his own.

He watched Not Killer play for a moment with a sad, faraway expression in his eyes. Then, eventually he said, "Everyone loved Jake, but especially my mom, his grandmother. In her will, she left him an heirloom. When my mom's mom died, she left her an heirloom. It had been passed down again and again and had more sentimental value than any ...