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To recap: no fingerprints, no DNA on the pages slipped under Eleri’s door. Analysis still being done on the ink and printing itself, but the techs tell me it’s unlikely to help unless we have a machine against which to compare the documents.

But I’ve received authorization to head to Raintree. We’ll see you tomorrow afternoon, Eleri.

—Message from Senior Detective Tim Xiao to the Sandman Task Force (today)

My dearest Eleri,

I’ve realized I’m disappointed at having you on my home turf. It means I have to stop our private game just when it was getting fun.

But don’t worry—our last game together will be the best of them all. I’ve prepared everything just so for you, and I can’t wait for it to begin. She’s a pretty little thing, isn’t she? Adam Garrett’s niece. All hair and energy and bright colors.

And clever. So, so clever.

I like them clever.

I know, I know, I’m cheating since I won’t send this letter to your task force until well after the game has ended, but it amuses me to write it nonetheless. Because here’s the thing, Eleri, you’ll never get to read this letter, never get to pore over its contents to try to figure me out.

Such a shame, but you really brought this on yourself—and on sweet Malia.

You should’ve never, ever set foot in my town.

The Sandman