Dancing in the Oaks

Catch Up

A Few Months Later

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Dareck Reed was convicted on July 12th. He was found guilty on multiple murder counts as well as attempted murder counts. He pleaded guilty to arson and destruction of property. I guess he could not take the burden of the whole scenario anymore. That was a surprise for all of us. I went to the court date with Nick to support him. We didn't even have to push anything on his father, which meant that he felt bad. Officer Cooley was found to have been clean from crimes, or so they think. He was just trying to help, but I think otherwise still. It was evident that my uncle had something to do with the fraud. He helped Dareck. I am still working on proving others guilty, but I just haven't found enough evidence to do so. It seems like it is ongoing and will never cease.

A sigh of relief could be heard all over the courtroom as we had found closure in the situation, or so we thought closure. Dareck was found guilty, and this town had confidence in being safe. While I almost died twice, this town almost died 32 times. About 46 people had gone missing or was murdered. Farmer Joe was also accused of aiding the crimes, but he was already dead. Reed was also found guilty of poisoning Nancy.

The funeral for my family was tough, but I made it through. I did not write about the funeral because it was too much. I just have certain things that I keep quiet and that is one of them. I followed through with their cremation. Their urns are sitting above the fireplace mantle on a white doily. They are there where I know they are. I always walk by and say I love you. My heart still aches so bad. I miss them dearly, but I know they are in a safe place now. I wish it would have never happened. If I could reverse time I would. That is sadly the opposite of what things are like though. I guess I have finally come to terms with it a little.

Nick paid for the repair to the barn. I was elated when he fixed it up. I just bought some goats and a cow. I get to milk Betty every morning and night. She just had a calf that I named Berkey. He didn't have to do that. I now have over 20 animals. Just yesterday we hung up the barn quilt signifying protection for the animals.

It all started again on the morning of September 12th when I received a letter in the mail. It looked like something out of a pirate movie. It was as if the edges had been burnt and there were red prints all over it. I could not figure it out at all. That letter was shocking. I still think about this morning and opening that letter. It was bad. Nicholas brought it to my attention when I was cleaning the house. He came over to help me with some chores around the farm since I am taking care of this place myself. "Norah! Check this out. This is..."

I turned my head. "What Nick?" I said in a cute tone of voice.

He handed over the letter and I read it silently to myself. My eyes wandered along the page as if hopping from word to word. It seemed as if it was well written and well composed. I'll just give what it says: 'Norah Jean, It appears that your parents were not the only ones who needed to die. During the past 32 years of my life I have seen the horrid tragedy of this town. Oak ridge has been stained with tears. It appears there's a bounty over your head. There's still a silent killer in town, an old one.' Once again this is back up and running. An old killer? I actually remember seeing in the news not too long ago that there is another killer going around the state. However, they have not had ties with Oak Ridge. At least that is what they have evidence for. I guess I can say that it is probably tied together. Who on earth would bring this creepy letter to my house?

The letter was written in fine cursive. It almost looked as if it was old Germanic handwriting. Lettering was tight and formal, almost perfect. The letter alarmed the both of us. "What? I thought they caught the killer!" I said. Sure now there is a bounty over my head. So, does this mean that they want me dead or alive? I am assuming that they want me dead. From the sounds of this concise letter I will be wanted dead. Oh, what the heck am I gonna do now? This is never ending. I did a search on my father's old stuff, but I came to no conclusive data.