I do not know how the rumor started, save that perhaps the rumor is true, but it is believed by some, mostly in whispered counsels, that this stone was once a sacrificial altar used by druids. Whatever the historical veracity of this view, it cannot be denied, though I have tried to hush these things up, that certain sacrifices have been made in our modern era. As such, when I became sheriff, I decided it would be one of the best things I could do to have the stone removed.
I was not so foolish as to think that this task would be unmet by some resistance, though, as I suspected, that foe is unfaced. There is always some small thing that goes wrong. My tire blew, and I missed an appointment with a councilman that could not be rescheduled until months later. I have been dogged by sickness, and the doctor has not ruled out poison; by his shifting eyes, I somewhat suspect he does not want to answer that question. The professor that initially was going to take the stone away to a museum suddenly would not take my calls, and when I tracked him down, he would barely talk to me. He was terrified.
He would not answer me, but I won this from him: He had gone to the stone that night. I think he must have had some foolish hope of seeing, either as a spy or perhaps as something more, one of those forbidden ceremonies which, if you’ve grown up here, your mother has warned you against all your life. There is always some child that goes missing, if not from our own streets, from neighboring towns.
That was last year, and I have been haunted by the suspicion that I was a coward. I can only say that it truly never entered my mind to do the direct and simple thing that that professor, or at least what I suspect he, did. I have seen that stone wet with blood on the morning after, and I have told myself time and again that it was animal blood. I have prayed that it was animal blood.
I will not be reelected. Once it was known what was in my heart to do, certain doors closed on me. Attached, I’ve listed the names and actions of varied men and women who control certain levers of power. I do not have time now to sift through them and find the innocent from the guilty. I have a hard time believing John one of them, but he too, for whatever unspoken reason, has taken away his support. I am, sadly, alone.
I know, however, my deputy is one of them. I do not think he realizes that I know. I suspected after the tire incident. I detail this more in the package I’m attaching this to, but I tested him with certain information. When he thought I would be heading into Charlesbay, well, you may remember that avalanche which closed the road. I was not heading into Charlesbay, and I was able to procure what I was after without the usual mishaps; I do not think they know what I have done.
I have laid the charges, and I will lie in wait tonight. What I had hoped was a legend and a few teenagers playing games I fear is something older and more malicious than I knew. What comes will come, and if I die, you will find this, read it, and decide for yourself. I do not think I will leave much work undone after tonight, but if the stone still stands and I do not, I give you this sad inheritance.
Psst! Hey kid, wanna buy a book?
