Chapter 1

My Dear Aunt Earnestine,

The cat that I told you about? It died. Well, at least I think it’s dead. I haven’t seen it in a week .

But that’s ok because I didn’t like that cat anyway. I never even gave it a name. Unless you call Stupid a name.

Thanks for the care package in the mail. The stamps are very welcome too. 5 cents for a stamp is highway robbery.

I’ll be leaving here next week. As soon as the bus lets me off in New Orleans and I get my room, I’ll let you know I’m safe and ok and what my plans are after that. I might be needing something that I left in my room at your house.

It’s a locker key with the number 72 engraved on the brass key bog. It’s taped to the bottom side of my bottom dresser drawer. Please just take the drawer out and check and make sure the key is still there. It’s very important.

Once more while you read this letter then stop smoking. OK?

I read where they’re starting to think that cigarette smoking is bad for your health. And I don’t want anything to happen to you.

I don’t want to loose someone else that I love.

I hope this letter finds you doing well.

I love you and thanks for always being there for me,

Talk soon,

Banks

p.s. Don’t bother my Bettie Paige collection under the bottom drawer.