By Kimberly Filkins
Oct. 31, 2020
Robert Moore
Law Offices of Moore, Jadwin and Young
Spartanburg, SC
Dear Sir:
I am writing to you to ask if you would be willing to represent me. I know of your firm from my time as an accountant in your city. For a brief time, I worked on the books for your firm and I once prepared your tax returns. That is how I know you represent many types of clients, but it is because you practice criminal law that I write to you today.
I am not a criminal, Mr. Moore. I want you to understand that straight away. Regardless of what you may have heard about me, I have done nothing wrong. At least, I hope that you heard about my case. It chills me to think that you have not. I’m not certain what happened after that day. I’m not allowed any news, you see. I’m not allowed phone calls or to write home. I’ve been assured that I can write to you and someone will deliver this letter personally. I’m hoping that is the case.
I have reason to suspect that this letter will not make it out of this building. I am currently residing in a small cell with an adjoining bathroom that reminds me very much of a dorm room I once spent happier times in. I was not very fond of my roommate then, but I would dearly love to see her now. There are no windows and I suspect that I am in a basement though I have no proof.
I was brought here two months ago after I received a letter from a government agency asking me to submit to a test at a medical facility. I am a rule-follower, Mr. Moore. I ask you to believe me on this point. I submitted willingly to this test taking it in good faith that I was helping others. After this test (the results remain unknown to me) I was told I must go with a kind-looking woman because it was my patriotic duty. I followed. And now this woman is the only human contact I have had in the last two months. She is indeed kind in her own way. However, all requests have been denied so you can imagine my dismay when I was given pen and paper and told I was allowed to write to one person. It was you I chose, Mr. Moore, because I believe this may be my only opportunity to obtain legal representation.
I admit that I am quite ignorant of the intricacies of criminal law. Most of my knowledge comes from television programs where the “perp” is allowed one phone call because it is his right. I was not given that right, nor any other. My knowledge may be limited, but I suspect being held in a subterranean cell without natural light or human contact violates more than one law.
I plead with you, Mr. Moore, to take my case. I can only hope that you do not already have similar letters on your desk because the very thought that someone else is enduring my fate is somehow more unpleasant than my current condition. I ask that you please answer this letter promptly and I pray it will contain the news that you intend to represent me. I understand that you have many responsibilities, but I ask that you make a special effort in my case. I pray that your kindness will not be rewarded in the same way mine has been. Because that was what it was, Mr. Moore, kindness that took me to that medical office that day. It was a genuine desire to help.
If that is a crime, then I am guilty. I defer to your expertise in the matter and await your response.
Sincerely,
Covid Mary
