EXHIBIT 10.21 Letter agreement

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Exhibit 10.21

December 15, 2003

Mr. Walter E. Leach, Jr.
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
FairPoint Communications, Inc.
521 East Morehead Street
Suite 250
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

Dear Walt:

        This letter agreement shall supplement and modify your Employment Agreement with FairPoint Communications, Inc. dated as of January 20, 2000 (the "Employment Agreement"), which Employment Agreement shall expire by its own terms, without renewal, on December 31, 2003.

        Following expiration of your Employment Agreement at December 31, 2003, you shall continue as an employee at will, as provided in Section 1 of the Employment Agreement; provided, however, that the $