** From a pile of letters addressed to Nate's missing sister, Beth, stacking up in the mailbox of the Petras family home **

Capretto,

I know it's pointless sending you this. But someday you might head back to the house and find me gone. I need you to know I'm still looking for you.

Remember Rox? Yeah..well things didn't work out so well with her. I can see you throw your head back and laugh at me, telling me 'I told you so'. You were young then...but even then you knew exactly who you wanted around and Rox wasn't it!

So by now you've spotted the postmark on this letter. I know. I said I'd always be there. But this was my first chance to get out of New York and look for you. I've trawled every godforesaken hole that New York can offer. I heard there might be a lead in Hathian..so here I am. I would have written earlier, only a tornado and flooding hit the city. I was homeless then, wandering the streets, watching people sitting on the edge of sidewalks, hugging their knees, crying for lost family... Anyway, you don't need to know about it. I helped out some, at the shelter in the city, and kind of got attached to the place. Some of the people are the dregs of society. But for every drug dealing, knife wealding crim you meet, there are others that surprise you every day.

There's Tre, she reminds me of Marcellina...you remember? The sweet little Italian lady from the shop at the corner? She used to be so severe with you and the others kids but she'd slip you cannoli from the shop when noone was watching and god help anyone who laid a finger on any of you! There's Aurah, who's attic I'm renting right now. She is just the most warm-hearted lady you could meet but I always feel like she's holding back. Reggie...one interesting chica. I never had as much patience as you, capretto. You would understand her and relate to her in a way that I just can't. And then there's Delphine, Delphie. You'd love her. She's beautiful, but so fiercely independent.

I need to go, it's nearly time for my shift. Oh yeah... I guess I should tell ya I'm sticking in Hathian for a while. Things are good down here and I can't stand the sight of the house in NY without you around. I joined the fire department here and things are going well.

If you read this, contact me through Marcellina. She'll always be able to reach me.

Look after yourself, capretto. Nate.