"So, I bet you're wondering why I've called you all here today," a well-dressed man I've never met before said.

Yes, that would be accurate. I was wondering why I was called into a private investigator's office on a Saturday at 11:00 in the morning, but I wished he'd hurry up with whatever business he had with me because I was supposed to be visiting my great aunt Alice in an hour.

And by the looks of it, the other five strangers he was addressing also didn't want to be here.

"I am Nathanial Schwartz, private investigator, and I regretfully am here to tell you that I fear that Alice Liddell has gone missing."

I was shocked. And looking around the room, so was everyone else.

"A neighbor called the police when they noticed that the mail wasn't being picked up and that she never showed up to the bingo night. We got the search warrant not too long after, and we discovered these letters stacked neatly on the countertop. There were no signs of a struggle."

He passed out the letters, and I ripped mine open quickly and read her unmistakable cursive writing.

Dear Riley,

If you are receiving this letter, then it means I'm in trouble. I knew that one day, my past would catch up with me.

I know that you know nothing about this and it will be quite the shock to you. But please remain focused and calm in order to resolve this.

Do you remember the river your mother would tell you stories by? You must work with the other five people who received letters as well and travel down to that river. I have chosen each of these people for their specific talents. The man with the weird grin can do wonders with illusion but is very informative. The guy with the top hat and a kind of mad look in his eyes thinks outside the box, and the catty man might seem kind of strict but he really knows his way around the plants.

Do be careful and watch what you eat or drink. Be wary of the time, Remember the stories of your childhood, and whatever you do, do not piss off any queens or else you can kiss your head goodbye.

Kisses,

Your Auntie Alice

I blinked several times, as if it would help me process what I just read. But what I finally realized was that it looks like my Saturday just got a whole lot more interesting.

_____

June 6th Prompt:

Fear, Struggle, Talent