Lesson One - PartTwo- Take Two

Andrew,



By the time you read this you will know I did not go to Rye as I told you all.  But you will not be able to find me. Since I got out of the hospital, I’ve tried to accept James’ death and understand your actions. At first, I thought that if I took a step back and had some time alone, I would be able to move passed all that’s happened.



I agreed to stay at Richard’s instead of going away because I had thought that would cause less worry to you. But it wasn’t working—even before these accusations about me ‘mishandling sensitive information’. I do realize that the flowers and gift baskets were your way of letting me know that you were thinking about me—that you loved me and wanted me home again.



I know that I said some truly horrible things to you—things that I can never take back. Even now I can hear you saying you forgive me. Perhaps you can. But I can never forget them.



If things hadn’t gone south at work, we might have found a way to reconnect. My job was the only thing keeping me going, so the ‘powers that be’ questioning my loyalty and integrity are the final straws. I just can’t do any of this any more. And I worry that these accusations about me put your career in jeopardy. Any blot on my character effects your job, and Richard’s and even Father’s. It could also keep the boys from joining ‘the family business’.



I did nothing inappropriate—I swear. I did not pass information. I have never told anyone anything. And I’m sure that you and the rest of the family (including Jack and Ruth) believe me.



But I realized after I was interviewed the second time that these accusations were not going to away.  So I have been planning my escape.  Of course I see that this will make many think that I am truly guilty.  But I have never said or done anything to compromise my position.



I took all of the money in the safe—although I have no idea how much it will actually amount to after the different currencies are exchanged to Euros.  I went away in the Jag because I had made arrangements to sell it.  I’m sure I’m not getting as much as I could, or even should—but I’ll take what I can get.



I have left your wedding gifts to me in a drawer in my dresser.  I could never sell them.  The car, is after all, just a car; but that necklace and earrings was (I thought about was vs. were for a long time but decided they were a set—therefore one thing.  Was I right?)  a generous gift of love and devotion.  Any money from their sale would be ‘blood money’.  I could never dishonor you and your gift by selling them.



I have been putting the things I learned at Quantico to good use this last week, so you will not be able to trace me.  I know this will fall on deaf ears, but please don’t try.  You and Jack are good teachers.  But I also know how you think.  I have planned my escape carefully.  I know—you understand me so well.  But I think I’ve taken your ideas into my plan.  By the time this letter is delivered, I will have traveled from England under one name—and changed identities before leaving on the next leg of my journey.  I will change identities each time, and travel an erratic path.  And I am confident you will not find me.



I know you love me. I love you. But I tried to tell you in the very beginning that it would be better to walk away from me.



Elizabeth