To: BMarino@gmail.com
From: Geronimoca[email protected]ail.com
Dear Ben,
It’s been a while and I know there’s a shit-ton to say after I disappeared.
You helped save my life and I never said thank you.
I told you a whole bunch of lies and I never said I’m sorry.
If it’s not too late or too damaged, and you’re not too weirded out, I’d love to meet up and tell you some truths. You deserve them. You were a good friend to me and I’d like to say so in person.
Take care,
Geronimo Caan
(FYI, most people call me Geno)
To: ChristopherMudry@gmail.com
From: [email protected]
Dear Chris,
Yeah, I know, I got some balls reaching out, after everything I said to you.
I’m sorry.
Under the shitty circumstances, I took aim and fired at the first thing I saw, trying to bring it down as low as I felt. And I’m so fucking sorry it was you. You trusted me with something and I used it as a weapon. You didn’t deserve it. I’m really sorry.
If you weren’t my friend, if you weren’t sleeping over that night, if you hadn’t put your backpack in my car, who the fuck knows how long it would’ve taken them to find me. You helped save me and I need to say thank you.
And I’m sorry.
I hope you’re doing okay in Oregon. I hope it’s a place where you can be yourself.
Take care,
G
After sending the two emails, Geno looked up the website of the Stockton Police Department, hoping their chief had an email listed. He did, and Geno started typing.
To: Chief@StocktonPD.com
From: Geronimoca[email protected]ail.com
Dear Captain Hook,
Discovered something interesting today. In stage productions of Peter Pan, the part of George Darling and the part of James Hook are traditionally played by the same actor. Two sides of one man. I know that seems random, but I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. I never forgot that you got to me when my dad couldn’t. That night and the days after, right up until the arrest, you were there.
I’ll turn twenty-one on July 20, 2010. I’d like the first legal beer I buy to be for you. I hope this can happen.
Sincerely,
Mr. Caan
To: Geronimoca[email protected]ail.com
From: ChristopherMudry@gmail.com
G,
Thanks for your note. It was great to hear from you. I don’t think a day goes by that you don’t cross my mind one way or another, wondering if you’re okay. Hoping to God you’re okay.
Yeah, what you said that day hurt, but the circumstances were beyond shitty and it wasn’t hard to put into context. I understand where it was coming from. But I also appreciate the apology. Not just for my own feelings, but because it shows me you’re still the same decent guy I knew. Anyway, it’s accepted and you’re forgiven. We’ll move on before it gets awkward. Wait, it’s already awkward. Oh well.
School is awesome. Oregon’s amazing. It’s a whole other world and I feel like I found my people, you know? Like I can finally breathe and I’m ME for the first time in my life.
Let me know if you ever want to visit. There’s a cool vibe out here on the West Coast. It’s healing. If that makes sense.
Really good to hear from you, G. I hope I’ll hear more. My number’s the same so call or text if you want.
Be safe.
Chris
To: Geronimoca[email protected]ail.com
From: Chief@StocktonPD.com
Dear Mr. Caan,
It’s on the calendar. MacClellan’s Pub. Bring ID and don’t be late.
Best wishes,
Capt. Daniel Hook
P.S. My twin brother is James Hook. He’s a captain in the US Coast Guard. True story.