Dear Laura

by Gemma Amor

I’m sorry for it. I couldn’t help it. I expect you’d like me to tell you where he is. I expect you think I’ll do it out of the goodness of my heart, or because I feel guilty. I am sorry for what I did. But I don’t trust you well enough yet to tell you my secrets, not yet. You have to earn my trust. So here’s how it works, Laura. If you want Bobby, you have to give me something first. Something personal. If you do as I ask, I will send you a clue. Something for something, an eye for an eye, all natural and fair, just like nature intended. Do you see? It has to be fair. That’s the rule. Like a game. I know you like games, Laura. I watch you playing them sometimes with your family. I think you are very beautiful, Laura. Has anyone told you that, yet? I hope not. I would like to be the first to say it. You are beautiful. Sometimes I watch you and all I can think about after is your sweet face. There is another rule I must tell you about. This one is easy. If you take this letter to the Police you will never find Bobby’s body. This has to be our secret, or the arrangement is off. No Police. I hope I can trust you, Laura. I shall send further instructions separately. Yours with respect, X.