Author Information
Theft of the book and Its recovery
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Prose 2/4/04 1:58 AM
Actually, Ms. Johnson, this appears to be something of a sin for me. I must confess I am at a loss to know what to do. The young man who does my book dispatch (packing and shipping and carrying to the post office,etc) has apparently lifted your book! I didn't realise it was a book of erotica until I spoke to him about finding it for you after your letter of two days ago. He said nothing at the time, and we have done a thorough shelf search (we had another lost book to look for at the same time), but
it now seems that he has admitted to putting it in an
envelope and taking it home to look at. He hasn't, to
the best of my knowledge, ever done this before, but
then we seldom handle books that would titillate him
and lead him to wander off with them.
I spoke to him again half an a hour ago and he tells
me that he is sorry, and doesn't want to be dismissed.
But I haven't seen the book yet, and so don't know if
it is intact, damaged, or what.
I feel you deserve to know this, as you have suffered
an intolerable delay. He comes in Wednesday-Friday,
so I shall see him in the morning, and report back to
you before luncheon.
Again, I do most abjectly apologize. I really am
beside myself.
Good night. I must go to bed now. I shall write again
on the morrow.
Michael Lacey, Bookseller
2/4/2004 5:28 PM
Dear Debbie:
It seems that Johnny failed to show up to work, and
from the note he left behind, Mr L has gone after him
with a bunny gun. They live some way out of town, so I
don't think he'll get there and back before dark, and
as I am getting ready to go pick up the kids form
school, I thought I'd let you know all that.
Mr L asked me to tell you he went to retrieve your
book, whatever that means. He says he will report to
you later.
Sincerely,
Robin Fratipas
2/4/2004 11:40PM
What an interesting dilemma...I appreciate the update...A bunny gun...Let me
know the outcome of this situation.
Debbie
2/5/2004 3:05PM
Hello again, Debbie!
Yes, he seems sometimes to lead an odd life. Johnny
and his wife live up in the Gila Wilderness, and I
just got a note from the ranger station that Mr L is
sitting up there, awaiting the return of Johnny, who
didn't show for work yesterday. There has been an
unusual amount of snow in the mountains this past few
days ( my sister says she has 8 FEET!), and this
disrupts just about everyone. The streets of our
little town are clogged with drivers unfamiliar with
snow driving, and the police are out in force. It is
still snowing! The schools are letting out early, and
the kids are off to play. I haven't been able to get
my car out of the driveway to go and see to the shop.
It's just too exciting!
But, I'm sorry to go on so. I just thought you'd be
interested to know why Mr L isn't writing himself. He
said to tell you he's "on the case!"
Silly man!
I'll stay in touch
Best regards,
Robin
2/5/2004 8:45PM
Robin Sounds like around here when it snows We had three days of ice last
week and shut every one down I remember what it is like in the mountains as
well...I hope Mr L doesnt put himself in harms way sitting at the ranger
station. Enjoy the day at home with the kids
Debbie
2/6/2004 12:22PM
Dear Ms. Johnson:
Well, I am back in my little corner of the world,
after an adventure of near-hobbit proportions. High
winds, blowing, then drifting snow, and, finally,
rescue of your book from the hands of the bewitched!
It appears in the same condition it was when it was
whisked away to the Mountain of Doom by Johnny Walker.
I did not, in fact, get to see the young man; he
appears to be in hiding from me. But I saw his wife,
and she produced the volume from a place where he had
secreted it, almost as though she were an early
christian, and this was a hand-copied holy book. She
had not apparently looked at it closely, but just
watched him hide it head for the hills.
At any rate, I decided to go into the hills during
(actually at the beginning of) the best storm we've
had in five years. It was quite an adventure, I'll
tell you. And I was successful.
I would worry about Johnny, but the local youth is as
capable in the Gila as Daniel Boone would be, and
he'll show soon enough, either apologetic or defiant
with his new, somewhat exotic knowledge. I just hope
he doesn't acquire a lifelong feeling if
insignificance when compared to the Japanese!
Oh, well! I shall be off to the post office in a
couple of hours to get this lovely book speeding on
its way to your part of Shropshire.....
Kindest regards
Michael Lacey, Bookseller
2/6/2004 8:10 PM
Michael,
I am so glad you have returned unharmed...I was feeling a bit guilty if
anything happened to you because of my book of exotic knowledge!
What an adventure. Shunga art is most compelling so it comes as no surprise
he was interested...I tip my hat to your perseverance and am happy it was
your auction I won instead of someone boring...I have learned a lot. I
looked up the Gila National Park & found it interesting. I always thought I
wanted to live in AZ but one visit it Phoenix changed my mind Too dry too
flat (I am from New England) But your corner of the world seems intriguing.
I feel fortunate to have made your aquaitance and look forward to receiving
this treasured volume.
Thanks again Michael
Debbie
PS Maybe you should write a book (minus the pictures) of this trek to the Mt
of Doom and the Gila Daniel Boone!
