Phil Drummond was reading the financial section of the newspaper when Arnold suddenly ran into the living room, visibly alarmed.
"Arnold, what's troubling you son?"
"Dudley just called. He told me that they are releasing Mr. Horton from prison today!"
Mr. D tried to conceal his anger, raising a single eyebrow to protest this horrible news. "But, Arnold, you don't need to worry. Horton will need to register as a sex-offender and he won't be able to go anywhere near children. Besides, he wouldn't risk getting in trouble again!"
Arnold didn't seem convinced. "But Dad, we HAVE to do something. Dudley and I aren't safe as long as Mr. Horton is loose!"
"Wait a minute Arnold. Is there something you aren't telling me?"
Arnold looked down at the floor, clearly ashamed. "I didn't want you to know."
"Know what? What's going on?"
"Well, Dad…Dudley felt bad that Mr. Horton went to jail, so he wrote him letters to cheer him up."
"He WHAT?" Mr. Drummond was shocked and appalled.
"He wrote letters. Nothing serious, but Mr. Horton wrote back. And the letters from Mr. Horton were like…love letters."
"That's it! I'm calling Mr. Ramsey right now!"
"No Dad, don't! Dudley's dad will kill him!"
Mr. Drummond was increasingly agitated. "What on earth would possess Dudley to write to…to the man who tried to…RAPE him?"
"Dudley liked Mr. Horton, and he believed that he was just sick, but that deep down, he was a kind, sweet man. But the letters from Mr. Horton got crazier and crazier. He told Dudley that when he gets out, he will find him and nothing will keep them apart again."
"Enough! I am calling the police right now. No ifs ands or buts!"