I stared at the piece of paper, tapping my pen against my cheek. For days, I had agonized over what to write to Hank Coburn. I had no idea what to tell him, and I ended up thinking about what would happen if the press got wind of this. I imagined what the headlines to the Ledger would look like. DA BEFRIENDS KILLER! or something like that. I even thought about happen if the governor got wind of this. I shuddered at the idea of him trying to muscle me out of my job. Then I thought of the voters. New York County is pretty liberal, but even they wouldn't go for a DA who writes letters to convicted murderers.
After thinking over my words and the possible repercussions, I finally wrote the letter:
Dear Mr. Coburn,
Thank you for your letter. I appreciate that you thanked me, but I must be frank, and say that I didn't do this for you. I just felt justice wouldn't have been served by your execution. Also, I appreciate your condolences about my wife. To once again be frank, I'm very surprised you wrote me your letter at all. As for your guess that I find it unfair that my wife died while you live, I will confess and say I did feel such a feeling. But I don't have a burning desire to see you dead. Mostly, I was just surprised that you sent me a letter at all. I've never gotten one like that in all the years I've been DA. As I've said, I do appreciate your gratitude. However, this correspondence cannot continue, for both political and personal reasons. Thank you, and goodbye.
Sincerely,
Adam Schiff
Jack and Jamie thought the letter was a little too nice. I thought it was right. After putting the letter in a marked envelope, I put it in the pocket of my jacket, and put it on, as well as my hat, and set off to mail the letter.