Page 1 of The Smart Killer (High Peaks Murder, Mystery and Crime Thrillers #4)

T he letter whispered a warning.

In the tranquil embrace of the evening, as the first stars shone in the sky and the glow of streetlights painted the neighborhood in a warm ambiance, Adam Johnson’s weary steps carried him from his white Tesla to the mailbox.

Another day of work was behind him, and the anticipation of relaxation beckoned.

As he walked back toward the house, sifting through the envelopes and junk mail, the weight of routine momentarily lifted. Among the letters, one stood out — a distinct envelope that seemed to hold something more than bills or ads. He tore it open, revealing a message typed in bold black ink.

“Dear neighbor. For your family’s safety, leave these premises immediately and don’t return.”

Adam stopped walking.

He flipped over the envelope. There was no letterhead and no return address on the back. The address was printed — nothing to indicate who had sent it.

His brow furrowed, and he looked around, eyes scanning the neighborhood houses. A door closed, someone lounged in a porch rocker, another had a cigarette in hand while a passerby exchanged a knowing glance.

He chuckled, shaking his head and dismissing the message as an ill-conceived prank — a sour joke, perhaps spurred by his interracial relationship. Crumpling the paper, he shot a bemused smile at the night and tossed it into the garbage can with the rest of the junk mail.

Adam stepped inside and closed the door behind him, oblivious to the actual weight of the words as he cocooned himself in the comfort of his modern home.