Don't own series of unfortunate events — oh and it snowed today... first snow of the winter.

The Research Room

You see, I stumbled upon my fathers secret study; for he had it blocked off by a bookcase. In his will he explained to me about his research, and how it had been an obsession of his. Anyways... he explained to me that I should reach for the book entitled V. F. D. and Me: A Beginners Guide of Survival. It certainly was an odd name for a book. He told me to keep it on my person at all times. The bookshelf split and an arch was in front of me. I tentatively entered his hidden world. I looked back and the bookshelf was back in place. The window was covered by curtains. Pictures of the Baudelaires home before the fire... after the fire. A library of books that of which I had never knew existed. The strangest thing though... was a walkman laid out with a box of cassette tapes. I sat down on the writing chair. The very chair where he wrote the books that most people assume are fiction. I examine the typewriter. It looks old. I touch it... and it starts typing a message.

Dear Elizabeth Snicket,

It types and yet no one is making it. I swear if this was a talkie the music would be creepy.

If you are reading this letter then that means I am dead.

I am your father, Lemony Snicket.

I look at the book in my hand. Its leather back is worn as if many hands have ruffled through it. I look back at the typewriter.

I have rigged this typewriter to give you my last typed sentences.

You see you are my last hope of explaining my full findings to the general public.

You are V.F.D.s last hope for restoration.

You must find the Baudelaire siblings and they will explain everything.

But before you find them You must complete my set of tapes... I shall know if you haven't for Daddy always knows.… Besides I am watching over you.

Unless you have turned Atheist which in that case... I hope you would do it as a way to honor my last wishes before... before I must leave you.

What is V.F.D? Wouldn't the Baudelaires be dead by now? The tapes, what is so special about them?

My books are located in the desk... all 13 of them. Including the Unauthorized Autobiography and The Beatrice Letters; You must read the autobiography first then the Beatrice letters and finally the books; the tapes will explain all that which I could not print for fear of being stolen.

You must travel to each place and unearth my findings.

I have pulled down other books you will need for the journey.

All the supplies you will need are located in the bag underneath the desk.

You must start before the fire... before the bad beginning

Before you were born.

You must start in this room.

For in this room is The map of your course.

In this room my dear you will find all my research compiled in the bag I spoke previously.

Good luck my dear.

Remember you are the last hope for the future.

I love you

with all due respect,

Lemony Snicket

P.S. The world is quiet here.