Shape of Snakes

Family correspondence-dated 1999

CURRAN HOUSE

Whitehay Road

Torquay

Devon

Monday

Darling,

Just a quick note to thank you and Sam for the weekend. It was good to see the boys again, although I do think you should persuade them to have their hair cut. Your father and I both liked the house, despite its dilapidation, and feel it would be sensible to make an offer for it. Sam is clearly at a loose end at the moment (country life doesn't really suit him, does it?) and a renovation project would keep him occupied. You can always sell it afterward if and when he manages to find a job.

With regard to what we talked about yesterday: I have since had a word with our local RSPCA inspector. He tells me stories like yours are not unusual and that cruelty to cats is more common than anyone realizes. He gave me some horrific examples-cats tied in sacks to be used as footballs; claws pulled out with pliers; and fur doused in gasoline and set alight. Apparently the favorite sport is to use them as target practice for air-guns and crossbows.

He's given me the name of a solicitor down here whose wife runs a rescue home for abused animals, and suggests we consult him with a view to a prosecution. I said I was sure you had some idea of who was responsible and, while he is not optimistic of a successful prosecution twenty years after the event, he believes it may be worth a try, particularly as the RSPCA inspector involved at the time is still alive and able to give evidence. Let me know what you'd like me to do.

All my love,

Ma

PS I know she's barking up the wrong tree but do give her credit for trying. She's very "down" at the moment because she feels we ganged up on her and can't understand why. I said she should have expected it-i.e., what goes around comes around-but she doesn't want to be reminded of how she ganged up on you all those years ago. It would be tactful, my dear, to avoid saying "I told you so," however strong the temptation. I would think less of you if you did!

Dad

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