“Dear Agnes, it is great to hear that your scarf business has really set off… Sincerely yours, Tom.”

“Dear John, it’s been a while since I have heard from you. I hope the family are well and everything is alright. Sincerely yours, Tom.”

“Dear Tony, I don’t think pizza in any kind of form is suitable for your wife’s anniversary gift… Sincerely yours, Tom.”

Tom signed off another letter. His prison had implemented an initiative that allowed inmates, particularly lifers, to write to keen and curious people in the outside world. Tom didn’t see this particular,y interesting but it did help him sharpen his wit. So he did actively write to many pen pals simultaneously. Often waiting for the post to arrive.

Today, something else arrived that he wasn’t expecting. A man, a rough beard and not that tall was placed into his room. He had a spare bed for a long while and this new person was going to threaten his space.

“What’s your name?” He asked bluntly.

“John. I have had such a nightmare.” He elaborated. “I had on good ground that a certain object was going to be in the safe at a certain location.”

This rang a bell for Tom. Hmmm John. He had a pen pal who had become silent when he had enlightened them with the details of a possible secretly treasure safe.

“I’m Tom, what the hell did you do. I know you, you weren’t meant to try get the goods. You’ve quite possibly ruined the chances for everyone.” Tom became exasperated.

“You’re Tom? They were waiting for someone to show and they tracked me down. I just wanted to get some quick cash for my family.”

Tom sighed and sat down on his bed.

“Well, now that you’re here…” He picked up the letter marked for John and ripped it up. “You might as well listen to my story…”