01 May 2008
Dear Mr. Holmes,
I hope you remember me, but if you don't, it's quite alright. After all, we haven't been in communication for over five years. But I've read your website with interest. We met in Florida, nearly exactly eight years ago; you had a flat next to mine for a few months. You helped me—well, you helped the police when my husband was arrested for murder. He's been on Death Row in Florida since he was convicted in 2001, and now the most terrible thing has happened. They say they're going to release him!
You and I both knew without a doubt he was guilty, Sherlock, but now some of the evidence is being questioned. I'm frightened—I'm terribly frightened. I've had emails from him, very commonplace emails, but after having lived with the man for twenty-five years, I can still read the threats between the lines of the commonplace. That was how he always used to threaten me, with words no one would ever believe would frighten anyone. I'm so afraid that if he's released, someone will die, whether it's me or some other innocent person who just happens to be in his way. Will you please help me, Sherlock? I'm sure the police wouldn't believe an old Englishwoman who just happened to be married to the man, but they may believe you, you're so clever and clear-sighted.
Please help me, Sherlock. I've often remembered you with great pleasure over the last few years, though I didn't wish to intrude old associations on you. Now I am intruding, and I'll always be in your debt if you can help me.
Love from
Mary Hudson