Banner by -Acheronomad

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"Why are you back already? Where's Joshua? Did you find him? Please say yes." Eve said in a single breath as Paul returned, a few minutes after he left.

"Relax baby." Eric massaged her shoulders, trying to calm her down. "What's that?" He asked Paul, referencing the envelope in his hand.

Paul felt like punching Eric square in the face but instead he replied, "I found this at our doorstep."

On the front of the envelope, in bold capital letters, was written 'FOR PAULIE'.

Paul knew, even without opening the letter, who the sender was. There was only one person in this entire world who called him Paulie.

"Can I go?" Lucy asked timidly, "I have college in an hour."

"Stay put." Paul replied, glaring at Lucy. "You can't leave till Joshua is home safe and sound."

"Let her go Paul." Eve said, "Her staying won't bring Joshua back."

"Fine," Paul said with a sigh, "you can go."

"I am so sorry for being careless." Lucy apologized, "I hope you guys find your kid real quick." And with that she was gone.

"So, do we get to hear what's in the letter?" Eric inquired.

"No, you don't." Paul told Eric, with steel in his voice. "It's addressed to me so it doesn't concern you in any way."

"I think we have a right to know." Eve stated.

Paul was left with no other option but to share the letter with others.

The letter was written in a very illegible, almost child-like handwriting.

It read...

Hey Paulie!

Long time no see? I miss you buddy.

Your son is with us. He reminds me of you man!

What's his name though? He never told me. It might be due to the fact that his mouth is covered with tape.

I must admit that your son is one damn intelligent kid. His mother and dad (not you, the other one) did a great job.

I'm holding a pen after a long time and it feels kinda weird in my hands. I'm sorry if you can't read my handwriting.

I remember I have to be tough.

So, I was saying, if you don't want your son to suffer for what ya did to us, come and get him as early as possible.

I gotta go.

Your son is hurting his fingers, trying to untie himself from the chair.

Oh! In the end, don't even think of outsmarting us. Don't try contacting the police and all that shit.

I have a feeling that we will meet soon.

I'm waiting for that time.

The letter was signed Bloody.