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racing. He knew Kristen kept a gun in the apartment, but he had no idea where. |
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As the old man's hand cleared his pocket, Charlie saw that he held an envelope. The hand that held it out to him was gnarled and palsied by the ravages of time. |
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He stepped forward reluctantly, as if something or someone was compelling him to do it. He reached out and snatched the paper from the man's hand, ripped it open, unfolded the single piece of paper and stumbled over the excessively ornate penmanship. |
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"My beloved Charles, |
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The time has come. A year has passed. All that you sought has been granted. It is time for the settling. |
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Your lover,
Jubell." |
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Charlie Frazier reread the document a second time and then a third. Slowly the piece of paper slipped out of his fingers and fluttered to the floor. He looked up into the face of the hollow-eyed messenger and felt a cold chill engulf him. "What," he stammered, "is this all about?" |
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"I am Raymond Armond," the old man whispered. "Do you not remember me?" |
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The images were still blurry, but the recol- |
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