The Forum by Marie Reyes (short books for teens .txt) 📕

Piper jumped in. It still felt weird saying it out loud, even after two years. "It's just a shame no one appreciated him until it was too late."

"Him and Van Gogh. I just tell myself that he knows, somehow." Kristen grabbed the glass of wine that Martin had poured for her. She was going to need it. "So, I found this blog post last night, about Connor."

"What about him? I'm done hearing about him."

"It was a blog about female pen pals who fall in love with serial killers in prison."

"What is wrong with them? I hate to think what is out there when women fall for disfigured misogynist murderers."

"They published one of the letters someone wrote to Connor. You're not going to like it."

DANGEROUS LOVE

CASE STUDY: THE CALL CENTER KILLER

What causes seemingly normal women to fall in love with criminals convicted of heinous crimes? This week, I am looking into a very unusual case. Meet Beth Cranston from Boulder, Colorado.

Beth is just like any other thirty-year-old. She enjoys seeing her friends, has a passion for baking, and dreams of having a family someday. Beth says she has now met the man of her dreams, but what happens when the man you love, is a murderer?

No doubt you are all familiar with Connor Miller, nicknamed the Call Center Killer. For those of you not aware, Connor Miller killed two women, kidnapped another, and aided in the murder of two men. He and his work colleague and partner in crime, John Morgan Reed chose victims that had contacted the call center where they worked. They had all the information they needed to research and target their victims. Name, address, age. It's enough to give you nightmares.

This unusual pair met during a prison program run by Beth. The educational program helps rehabilitate prisoners by teaching them skills, vocations, and coping mechanisms. Since they met, they have stayed in touch regularly, and Beth is even helping him with his appeal. What is it that makes a seemingly conventional woman, fall for a killer?

Maybe the clue is in the letters they send to each other. Beth Cranston has shared one of her letters with us. I will leave it up to you, to make of it what you will. Please comment below and let us know what you think.

Connor

It's been so great writing to you. I feel privileged getting to know you. I feel like no-one gets you like I do. You're so misunderstood. I know what you mean when I see these girls on the street. They think they're so special and go around hurting people to satisfy their inflated egos. I hate those girls. I promise you, I'm nothing like them.

I can't wait for us to finally meet. I keep the pictures of you on my bedside table. You are beautiful inside and out. Before and after the explosion. I know that beauty is more than skin deep. You be proud of those scars.

The thing that makes you perfect, is that you stand up for what you believe in. You are willing to do whatever it takes. I'd like to think that I am like that as well. Counting down the days until I visit. Hope you are as excited as I am.

Beth