Ready for a Really Hot Time?
A letter from Beyond
Dear Michael,
I am writing you to inform you that I am aware of all your indiscretions via the internet and I am prepared to expose them to your wife and both your families.
Allow me to explain. I am what's known as a hacker, and I was able to gain access to both your laptop screen and web cam. I have recorded your activities on various websites and the disgusting acts you performed on yourself while watching the videos they offered. The clips that featured BDS&M were particularly revolting and, it seems, very stimulating for you.
I'm sure you can imagine the reactions from your loved ones when I expose your deprivation. Rest assured, I have researched your background thoroughly and have gathered all the necessary contact information. I've also taken steps to cover my tracks, so don't bother trying to trace my identity. Please know that if you try to go to the authorities, I will know, and the videos will immediately be released to your loved ones.
Fortunately, you can prevent this. You have 24 hours from the time you read this letter to send $3,000 in Bitcoin to
Okay, okay, wait - I just can't. I'm cracking up, imagining the look on your face right now. I'm just fucking with you, buddy. It's me, your old pal, George. Yeah, the one that died in that nasty car crash last year. Don't try to figure out how it's happening, just accept that it's possible to do all kinds of things from down here.
Yeah, I'm in that place. Turns out there really are penalties for things like cheating on your wife and lying on your tax return. Trust me, it's not any fun. On the other hand, it's not quite as final as advertised. There are ways to -pardon the expression – redeem yourself, and you, my friend, are my project.
Beelzebub, or “Bub”, as we like to call him (not to his face, of course, which by the way, you really don't want to see up close) assigned me to haunt you. Sucks for both of us, I know, but it is what it is. You're my shot at getting out of here. But keep in mind, I'm trying to save your ass, too.
So here's the bottom line, buddy. Get your shit together. Get off the porn sites and find something else to do with your free time. Do I really have to say, “or else”? Don't make me sink any lower than I already have. (Pun intended.)
See ya! (It's up to you where.)
***
My last-minute entry to this fun challenge:
Thanks for reading!
About the Creator
Dana Crandell
Dad, Stepdad, Grandpa, Husband, lover of Nature and dogs.
Poet, Writer, Editor, Photographer, Artist and Tech/Internet nerd.
My first published poetry collection: Life, Love & Ludicrosity
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions



Comments (31)
Oh my, this is so funny and clever! The nickname Bub and the telling him like it is - get your shit together, 😂 The ending is perfect! Congratulations 🎊🎉🎈
Brilliant work Dana! Very clever & entertaining! Congrats on your win!
Congratulations Dana, I felt thus was a winner when I first read it. I loved this one, taking us down one thread then veering sharply to expose the ‘hacker’ . I like the humor mixed with this.
Congratulations!!
Ooh, this is clever, funny, and has enough of a dark threat to be disturbing too. I really love that reveal, btw. You'd think there'd be relief, but the fact that George is...where he is...made it worse. (In the best way.) What a great entry and a worthy win, Dana! Congratulations!!!
I loved this story and the moral behind it. A timely reminder not just from beyond the grave but below it! Terrific! Congratulations on your win Dana
Congratulations! A worthy winner!
Thank you for your entry, Dana!
Last minute but just in time for TS. I hope someone hacks the hacker, see how they like it.
So glad you decided to join in, Dana! And congrats on your TS!
Hah!! This provided an unexpected laugh, Dana!! Well done and a late congrats on Top Story, to you!!
Very clever twist!
Haunting and hysterical, Dana. I loved this. "Get off the porn." I can imagine some sad soul's face reading the beginning of that letter. Congratulations on your top story, and best of luck to you in the challenge!
Ha! I love this. Great piece and good luck in the challenge! 🙂
I love the thought of a friend being assigned to haunt the MC!
Your story was wonderful, and it gave me some fresh ideas I’d be happy to share.
Such a cool letter, Dana, well-deserving a top story!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
A lot of fun! Great job!
Dana, this is a hoot...I would love to see you do more. His response and follow-ups...Great work and congratulations
Back to tell you congrats for your well deserved top story!!
Woo back to say well done on Top Story
What a fun one! I like how you used such a short form challenge to insinuate a longer story. Glad to read your work again!
Well-wrought! However, I should think cheating taxes might, at least in some circumstances, get us into Heaven!
This one had me hooked from the start. I love how it went from pure tension to hysterical relief in seconds!