Hi Avan:

Welcome to the Forum. Very interesting question you pose...you don't mention where the story is set - in the US, or in Europe? Also, a bit of back story on the mom would be helpful as well. Must the handgun be a Beretta? I've nothing against them, but I'm just wondering if you are committed to that particular brand. I can envisage a story line where the daughter discovers her late mom was in the OSS/MI-5, etc. during WW-II, and the handgun her father gives her is her late mom's issued Walther PPK. Anyway, best of luck with your book. As a welcome gift, I'll help to start your novel out:

"It was a dark and stormy night. Suddenly, a shot rang out! Meanwhile, in a wheat field in Kansas, a young boy made a surprising discovery."

Okay, Avan, now that I've broken the trail for you, you can take over.

Best of luck,

Dave