Dear Jenny,

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but… Well it’s looking pretty grim.

I contacted the consulate and they said, and I quote, “They’re not going to endanger English/American relations over a foolish girl who has the equivalent of cold feet at summer camp.”

They went on to say the school you’re at has a very good reputation. That they cannot believe anyone would consider traveling to England and be unaware of the new laws in the land. That the air crew on the plane would have made it clear to you that your clothing was inappropriate.

I offered to show him your messages to prove you had been tricked but he said they were inadmissible and easily faked.

I was warned not to try flying over and breaking you out. They said I could get into serious ***word deleted by MRU software*** if I flew to the UK and turned up looking for you. Something about you signing papers that made you a ward of the school and they could charge me with kidnapping if I got you out. Basically the person who holds the key to your collar and belt ‘owns’ you.

So there is going to be no help from the Embassy. The local police are to be avoided. Don’t even think of contacting the MRU.

I hate to say it sugar but you’ve got about as much chance as finding a vegetarian pit bull as getting out of there before the end of semester.

I’ll keep looking for ways to help. I’m talking to your parents. We haven’t given up.

Hang in there,

John