Katherine and Jack read the letter that came in, feeling their despair deepen as they read the words. They didn't know who to pity, and they didn't know how this happened. It shocked them that the sweet, innocent girl they knew would do such a thing.

They couldn't change the past, and they knew that, but they could mourn. That was the easiest option, but it was also an attempt to spare them from any emotional pain. They should have known letting them leave to such a dastardly place that was known to characterize some of the most felonious figures wasn't such a wise idea.

But they couldn't stop them.

They reread that letter multiple times, but it was always the same, bearing that same news that struck them with remorse:

Dearest Mr. and Mrs. Kelly,

     We find great displeasure in informing you that your second eldest descendant Veronica Kelly and son-in-law Charlie Mathews have been shot as a result of attempted murder. Both have passed as a result of their injuries.
     To an even greater displeasure, Veronica Kelly and Charlie Mathews died at the hands of your eldest daughter Velma Mathews née Kelly. It is unknown what the cause of such an action might be, but we have been brought to the responsibility to reveal the weight of this truth to you. Velma Mathews is being held in the Cook County Jail until her trial; date to be announced.

Hereby signed,
Cook County Jail
Chicago, Illinois