It was a scarf. Nothing of real value, but had some form of value nevertheless. I would wear it often, on chilly and cold days and when it was warm I would hang it on a hook next to my bed. Many find it weird, but it’s my prized possession. No matter how tattered and dirty it got, it always felt fresh to me and I would always have it by my side.

But that was my thought process last week.

Today, I sit in my bed, looking at the crumpled note on my blankets. I received it only two days after my beloved scarf went missing. Reading the first two sentences forced me into rage, quickly balling the note and throwing it at the wall.

But it had information that was valuable to me; information that would lead me to something even more valuable.

My scarf.

———

Dear Ginny,

I hear you like this scarf of yours, no? You probably believe you misplaced it somewhere in your room, however that’s sadly not the case (for you that is). I have obtained your precious scarf by means I have no intention of sharing. If you don’t believe my statement, I made sure to leave a small piece of the fabric attached to this note. This scarf makes no use to me, but you are a child of wealth, so I’ll propose a ransom. $20,000 for this worthless scarf you find valuable or it will be “burned at the stake”. You have 3 weeks to decide. I’m sure you’ll make the right decision. :)

<3,

They