The Nightmares Come While I'm Awake

Never show his body or this letter to Jane. She cannot know I have done to this man. I’m sure not all of the details will be released to the public, but also keep it quiet near her.

You have to understand, he knew nearly everything about the case, but he wouldn’t tell me. No matter what I did to him. I got everything that threats and pain could get out of him. Still, there is a chance that I won’t be able to avenge her and make her whole again, and if something happens to me, if I stop sending her letters, you need to be ready to move.

One among you must seek justice the way I do, must wish to see her avenged and made whole again. I can’t tell you the name of the man that I am seeking now, because it would ruin everything. But you’ll be able to figure it out if I fail. I’ll make sure that he can’t keep it quiet. You must not be seduced by his power, his riches, his position. It had to be someone like him. We all knew it.

His lackey followed her. How could he not. He was obsessed with her on behalf of his employer. I have taken the hideous shrine apart. They do not show the night of the murder, but they show her seeking refuge near the spot where she fell. It was a safe place, a holy place. It is staving off sickness now. If it succumbs, we will all be lost.

I talked to your man there. He is good. Keep him there, no matter what. I think he’ll understand what to do.

Keep her safe. He still wants her, but I can’t protect her right now. If you fail, I will slice open your lives worse than I sliced him open. I know your mortician will tell you that I’m not lying when I say that he lived until I decided to let him die.

-John Stag

P.S. Stop reading my letters to her, I can feel your grubby fingers on them and feel the sorrow in her replies. You are there to guard her only, not to read her private messages. I know you think it will help you, it won’t.