A long hiss of air escaped Catty's lungs. She stood motionless, waiting for the person to speak. When they didn't, she rushed to give an explanation. "I'm sorry," she said, assuming it had to be a security guard. "I took the elevator, then the lights went out and I got lost."

The person didn't answer. Their silence baffled her.

She tried to turn her head to see who stood behind her but when she did, a gloved hand gently stopped her.

"What?" Catty whispered nervously.

"Don't turn," the person said softly. The voice was magnetic, young sounding, and definitely a guy. It also seemed familiar.

"Who are you?" she asked, still trying to identify the voice.

Then he spoke her name quietly. "Catty."

A shock ran through her. "How do you know my name? Do I know you?"

"I have something for you," he said, ignoring her questions.

There was a rustling behind her and then the gloved hand reached over her shoulder and gave her something that looked like a thick piece of paper.

She took it and recognized the feel of parchment. She held it close to her eyes. It was a lavishly decorated manuscript. The gold first letters caught the light from the hallway and sparkled. Strange birds and exotic animals hidden in a tangle of foliage and fairy-tale landscapes lined the borders.

"You're giving this to me?" Catty asked. "Is it stolen?"

"It belongs to you."

"Me?" She smoothed her hand over the swirling script.

"Take the manuscript and use it," he intructed.

"Use it how?"

"The manuscript contains the answers to your questions."

She wondered who he was. She wanted to turn and see his face but every time she tried, his hand held her cheek firmly.

"I don't understand," she murmured at last. "What questions should I have?"

He paused for a long moment. "Read the manuscript. Then you will know."