Shape of Snakes

Letter to Sergeant James Drury-dated 1999

LEAVENHAM FARM, LEAVENHAM, NR

DORCHESTER, DORSET DT2 XXY

4:30 a.m.-Friday, August 13, 1999

Dear Mr. Drury,

One of the downsides of finding Annie dying was that my sleep patterns were shot to pieces, and I count myself lucky now if I manage a four-hour stretch without waking. I've always hoped that an uneasy conscience has kept you similarly awake over the years, but I suspect it's misplaced optimism. To have a conscience at all means a man must question himself occasionally, and even in my wildest dreams I've never been able to picture you doing that.

I already know you will be absent when I leave this letter and enclosures at the Sailor's Rest, but it seems only fair you should have time to consider your response to the outstanding issue between us. I have, after all, had twenty years to consider mine.

Yours sincerely,

M. Ranelagh