Chapter One

Part 1

CHAPTER 1
MAY 2002

Prominent violinist’s life exposed. Noted violinist Francesca Valentine’s past is revealed. Can you guess which classically trained musician used to weigh 300 pounds . . . see page 8 for details. Ms. Valentine, who just appeared on 60 Minutes last week and has received numerous awards for achievement in the field of classical music, finds herself in the middle of a scandal of sorts. It appears that she is not who she has claimed to be . . . story at eleven. Francesca Valentine, born Claudine Jenkins, could not be reached for comment. . . . This is unbelievable, Mother. What is going on? Did you know there were reporters outside? Mother? What in heaven’s name are they talking about? Who in the hell is Claudine Jenkins? Oh my God, Mother, is this you?”

Francesca couldn’t bear to answer her daughter. Jess was waving some clipping in front of her face, ranting like it was the end of the world. Perhaps it was; only time would tell. She bolted to her favorite place—a refuge where she wouldn’t have to see the stricken look on Jess’s face, glimpse the questions burning in her eyes. What would she say? Where would she begin? How would they ever be able to look at her the same way again? She didn’t think there was anyone else alive who really knew her, the girl she used to be, the pathetic crea- ture plastered across the front page of every major newspaper and sleazy tabloid. She’d been wrong. Francesca stared at the framed magazine covers that were hung along the walls of her expansive dressing room. She smiled; she was beautiful. Sometimes it was almost impossible to believe that sh