Butcher the Bandit

Dear son,

“Butcher the Bandit's Big Blunder,” the newspaper read.

I’m sure you’ve read the headlines.

I had to write you to let you know it’s not true.

All I did was take the money from the bank and run, I ain’t hurt nobody.

The newspapers are lying to sell more papers, I reckon.

There was somebody that came into the bank right after me. He was wearing a mask when he sauntered through the doors. If anyone shot up the bank, it was him.

I’ve hidden the money in a special safe deposit box. When the time is right, I’ll tell you where said key is. For now, all I can tell you is it’s at a train station.

Until then, lay low and stay hidden. I don’t want the authority’s using you or your dear, sweet mother to try and lure me in. I love you and I love your mother.

That’s, in fact, why I robbed the bank. I couldn’t afford to pay back the loan and didn’t want to have to give up the farm. How would I pay for your books and food? And what kind of man would I be if I couldn’t leave my loved ones something when I passed?

So, my son, I hope you understand why I did what I did. It was never my intention to cause harm or distress, only to provide a better life for you and your mother. But now, with the law breathing down my neck, I must ask that you trust in me and bide your time.

Keep your eyes on the news and your ears to the ground. When the coast is clear and I am able, I will send word of the location of the key. Until then, my boy, stay safe, stay strong, and remember that your old man loves you more than words can say.

If you must communicate with me, send a letter to P.O. Box 108 at the post office in Sacramento.

Your friend forever,

Father

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Dear Father,

My heart aches upon reading your words, and I can only imagine the trials you have endured. It is clear to me that the second man at the bank was another robber, a vulture looking to pick the bones of your hard work.

When he realized the bank already gave all the money to you, he must have seen red, and in his rage, murdered everyone. You got blamed because you were there first.

Why they thought you would come back a second time to kill everyone after taking the money remains to be seen. Sometimes people do not use common sense.

I have taken it upon myself to seek justice, reaching out to the local law enforcement in an attempt to clear your name. Alas, their feigned interest and empty promises leave me with little hope that they will see reason.

But fear not, for I have taken matters into my own hands. I am enlisting as a sheriff's deputy, where I will hone my skills in tracking and investigation. Once I have mastered these arts, I will set forth on a relentless pursuit of this nameless thief, ensuring that justice is served and your innocence is made known to all.

Only then, Father, will I be ready to hear of this mysterious key and the secrets it unlocks. Until that day comes, stay strong and know that your son stands with you, unwavering in his resolve.

Forever your ally,

Your son, Jeffery

Dearest Jeffery,

I am in a safe place now and am positive I have not been followed.

Inside the letter is a copy of the key. The money is in a false bottom in P.O. Box 108, where you sent the last letter. I rented all the post office boxes beneath that box and built the false bottom myself.

Use some of the money to hire a lawyer. If the lawyer can come up with a proper defense for me, explaining that if I already left the bank I wouldn’t come back a second time and am somehow also innocent of the robbery, I will come home.

Until then, my son, I must remain hidden. I cannot risk falling into the hands of the law until we can be certain of a fair trial.

I know this is a heavy burden to place upon your shoulders, but I have faith in your strength and intelligence. With time and patience, we will weather this storm, and when the dust has settled, we will have secured our family's future.

Keep your wits about you, Jeffery, and remember that the truth is on our side. Sort of. At least I didn’t kill anyone. We will emerge from this ordeal stronger and more united than ever before.

With all my love,

Father

Dear Father,

I have received the key in your letter, and while the money is going to help a great deal, I have news.

Using my new detective skills, I have found that mother, in an effort to cover for you, is the one who went into the bank.

Her intent was only to scare the people there, but after you left they had time to grab their guns and they started shooting at her. She had no choice but to defend herself.

Not to worry, for I have gotten mother bounty hunter certified, and the lawyer I hired to defend you will also defend her. We already have a defense for her. She walked into the bank looking for a robber and the bankers were confused when they stared shooting. And, as a a bounty hunter, mother thought they were the bank robbers and is entitled to defend herself.

As for you, there were no witnesses that can accurately describe you, so there’s nothing other then hearsay to arrest you with.

You can come home. There is still money left, even after the lawyer has been paid.

You did it, dad. You saved the farm. Mother and I are proud of you.

Even if you did rob a bank, it was to save your family. I share your faith in the truth and our eventual triumph over these unjust circumstances. Though the road ahead may be long and fraught with challenges, I am prepared to face them head-on.

The lawyer I have in mind is a man of great repute and a fierce advocate for justice. I will present him with the facts of your case and ensure that he understands the urgency of the situation.

Rest assured, Father, that I will not cease in my efforts until you are safely returned home, which I believe it is now safe to do so, and our family is reunited once more. We will endure this trial together, and when it has passed, we will stand strong in the knowledge that our blood is thicker then water.

Stay safe, Father, and remain steadfast in your faith. We will overcome this, and our future will be brighter than ever before. I will graduate from college after all, thanks to you.

With love,

Your son, Jeffery