Returning a lost purse--filled with dark secrets

A while ago, I found a purse abandoned on the subway. The phone and wallet were there, the cash and credit cards were gone. I figured I'd get good karma and return it to the owner.

I looked through the purse. There were cigarettes, makeup, a blackberry phone, perfume, a bottle of klonopin, two watches, and a bunch of lighters. Looking for clues as to who this was, I read the text messages in the blackberry's outbox.

What kind of girl leaves her purse on the subway? Perhaps this girl, Irina, girlfriend of Jason.

In the box of cigarettes, there were 4 packets of whitish powder wrapped in paper and sealed in packets. Initially, I thought this might be cocaine. But it turned out to be something stronger.

Later, I spoke with Colleen (in phonebook as “momcell”) who called me on the blackberry, now in my possession. She indeed was Jason’s mother, who asked if there were any drugs in Irina's purse, like any heroin? I covered for Irina and said no. Apparently, these kids have a problem, stemming from the fact that Jason lost his father on 9/11. (Story checked out online, though I'm changing all the names out of respect.) Colleen needed to talk, talked for ten minutes, told me all about how they were arrested a few days ago, Irina got out first. There was a court appearance notice in the purse.

Irina’s dad came to pick up her purse, he met me a few blocks away from my house. He thanked me. I flushed the heroin. Irina might want it, but there was no reason to hand it over to some clearly worried parents. She had two i.d.’s in her wallet. The first was a driver’s learner permit, she looked young and beautiful. The second was a NY State benefits card, with the same girl, looking sunken and pale.

I’m worried about Irina, too.

Here are the text messages from what was clearly some rough times. I copied them from the phone message in-box. They still haunt me.

momcell
sunday may 10/ 11:55
Colleen he doesn't want to go to the hospital what should I do he hurt him self.

momcell
may 10/ 11:15
ITS IRINA CAN I PLEASE HAVE YASMINE NUMBER OR PLEASE CAL ME JASON IS BLEEDING I THINK HE NEEDS STITCHES HE BROKE ALL the doors in half he so mad that you think he did that he's hurt pretty bad what should i do colleen

Ray (Mobile)
Ray you can put your car back in the spot i got to a fight whit my mom. So go ahead
may 10/ 9:05

to a 347 number, not in address book
sat may 9/10:38
You am out side by my building let me no something at least

momcell
may 9, 10:36
J you ok at least am worried

momcell
may 9 10:21 pm
Ma I can't stop crying on how bad u think of me I never thought that I was that terrible but I guess in your eyes I am and am starting to think that way but I must say I tried to keep faith but am losing it by the minute I guess all this shut is really getting to me for the first time any way ill never stop loving you even. Thought I see you have up on me a long time ago that's hog cold your heart feels these last few years you try hard but it doesn't feel genwine any more I feel better of dead this aunt life no more for me speak to you in my dreams hopefully there be peace full love Jason

347 number
sat may 9th
R you almost here yet let me no when to come down Jason

momcell
May 9th 9:38
Mom I'm sorry but I had a bottle in one hand and another hand i nocked your purse over by accident I didn't think youwould get so up set at your son I must meen nothing to you so ill cry it out but it will never go away

momcell
May 9 9:17
Colleen your son is crying one u have a bottle of booze and pills he feels that when he nock over your purse that he didn't even realize at first but. When he did he didn't think you would big out on him for trying to place it back cause he had a big bottle in one hand how much could he do with one hand

347 number
From Tmobile
May 11 2009 10:29 am
The billing address for your T-Mobile account has changed. If you didn't authorize this change, please call 1-800-937-8997 or dial 611 from your T-Mobile phone.


from Kate, Brooklyn