The Case of the Lethal Letter

He had not been expecting a letter. Mike hoped this day would never come, but it had. The letter was as described by his confidant; a plain white envelope with no return address. His name, typed on the front, and postmarked Tallahassee, FL. He held the letter in both hands, just staring at it. He could not believe the day had finally come- they had found him. He stared at the letter, willing it to go away, but it just stayed there, cold in his shaking hands... waiting to be opened and the truth to come spilling out.

In college seven years ago, Mike met Jessica; a beautiful young college girl with flowing auburn hair. She had the perfect clean-cut, girl next door appearance, and Mike fell in love. She was all he could think about. He followed her everywhere and just couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Jess, on the other hand, tried her best to stay away from him.

One lovely spring day, Jess took a friends dog for a walk in a local park. She watched the little beagle chase the birds and then grumble angrily as they flew away laughing at the silly dog. Jess was busy daydreaming about Justin's hypnotic blue eyes. He was her Chemistry lab partner at school and she realized that she had fallen in love with him. Jess hoped that Justin felt the same, and would find out right after Monday's lab. Suddenly, Charlie the Beagle froze. He sniffed the air and came charging towards Jess. Frightened, Jess froze and held her breath. Charlie stood next to her, protecting her, growling at the bushes behind her. Even though she was out in public, sitting on a park bench in plain view of everyone, she felt cold and scared. He was back. Mike was there, watching her. Charlie barked and growled, knowing Jess was afraid, and knowing he had to protect her. In the blink of an eye, Charlie lunged into the bush and yelped. There was a scream. It was Jess. Silently, she slid off the bench to the soft grass below; unconscious.

Monday morning came and went. Justin couldn't understand why Jess hadn't shown up to class. He spoke with some friends and found out that Jess was attacked over the weekend and ended up in the hospital. Justin had to go to her. He had to confess his love to her and make sure she was going to recover.

How could he be so stupid? Mike never wanted to hurt Jess. He loved her dearly, but couldn't understand why she didn't love him back, why she feared him so. She told everyone he was a monster, a predatory beast that hunted her day and night. Mike only wanted a chance to tell her how much their friendship meant to him. He was a very shy man and awkwardly silent when approached, especially by someone he fancied. Mike always ran away and hid, and that is why Jess began to fear him. She thought he was stalking her, but in fact, he only wished to talk to her. Sadly, he never knew how.

Justin went to Jess' bedside. Justin was crushed, her memory lost. The doctors said she would remember everything... in due time. He wanted to confess his love to Jess, but she couldn't recognize him. Mike was in the hallway, listening. He heard everything and panicked. She knew it was him in the bushes! He knew he would be arrested and decided to disappear. He would keep in touch with his one true friend, his confidant. Fearing jail, he said a silent goodbye to his love and left. The police investigation began as Mike left town, never to return.

His life was over and the police were coming, that's why the letter came, to forewarn him. Mike just wanted to be close to her and then that dog leaped at him and flung his metal thermos out of his hands into the back of her precious head! He suddenly remembered the blood and began to panic. He couldn't breathe. He began to pace. He needed to hide; to get away. They were going to find him. He had to get outside... he needed to calm down. Mike headed out of his apartment and started down the stairs. He slipped on the top step; tumbling headfirst down to the sidewalk below, the letter still clutched in his hand.

Paramedics soon arrived but sadly, Mike was gone. His body was there, but he was gone. It was over.

"Hey, what's that in his hand? A letter? Heck man, open it. It looked like it meant a lot to him."

The other paramedic opened the letter and read it out loud, "You have been pre-approved for a Platinum Mastercharge card..."