I was dumbfounded and a sliver of nerves slunk down my spine. What could the FBI want with me and my bio-family? The hits on my identity just kept on coming. I glanced up at Travis and Andie. Andie’s face was bright and excited.

‘A familial match from my DNA? What, so like, I’m related to a criminal or something? Or do you think it’s something to do with my mom? I mean, I did opt into that law enforcement feature because of her. And Cris and Rosie were a little vague about her troubles with law enforcement, other than the drug charge that put her away.’

‘I don’t know, Lizzie. Just call him back!’

Reluctantly, I hit the call back button and put the phone up to my ear. Andie grabbed it from my hand and pushed the speaker button. ‘There’s no way you are keeping this call private,’ she whispered, scooching closer.

‘Special Agent Mark Hannigan.’

‘Uh, hi, this is Elizabeth Catalano, I think you just left me a voicemail.’

‘Ms. Catalano, thank you for calling back so quickly. I wanted to see if you had time this week to meet up with me and my partner. We just have a few questions for you about your recent upload to GEDmatch that would be easier to go over in person.’

‘What’s this about? You said it’s a case you’re working on. Should I be worried?’ I responded. I nervously tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

‘Oh no, no need for you to be concerned. A familial match for your DNA has been connected to a case we’re working on. We just want to clarify a few things to assist in our investigation.’

‘What’s the case?’

‘I’m sorry, I really can’t say more at this point but our meeting shouldn’t take long. Do you have time this week? My partner and I will come to you to make this as easy as possible.’

I paused, looking at Andie and Travis. They both nodded, Andie more excitedly than Travis. Quickly, I ran over my upcoming schedule in my head.

‘Um, sure, how about Monday at 1 p.m.?’ I rattled off my address, waving Andie away, who was frantically flapping her arms and miming words that I couldn’t interpret. When I hung up, I looked at Andie. ‘What?’

‘I work on Monday. I want to be here when they come.’ She crossed her arms over her chest and harrumphed.

‘Oh, damn. I really don’t want to meet them alone, but I have some events to cover this week so my schedule’s a little crazy. Monday was the only day I could think to do it.’ I bit my lip, debating calling Agent Hannigan back and trying to fit it in on a day Andie could join. ‘Maybe I could try to move things around but with those events already being scheduled—’