33.

Dear Ms Atler

Thank you for your email regarding the whereabouts of Michael Pollard. Although we do have a contact telephone number and postal address for Mr Pollard, it is the policy of this publishing firm not to give out the personal details of its authors. However, if you wish to write a letter to Mr Pollard care of Handel Books we would be happy to forward it to him. I can say that the details we have for Mr Pollard remain unchanged from when we published his book more than four years ago, and were still effective when we last contacted him six months ago in relation to an inquiry similar to your own. As you are an old friend of his, perhaps this will help.

Kind regards

Frank Prescott

Publicist

Dear Mr Prescott

Thank you so much for you prompt reply, and I completely understand your position regarding the privacy of your authors. If, however, it does not contravene the policies of Handel Publishing, would it be possible for you to share the name of the person who sought to make contact with Michael six months ago?

Many thanks

Rachel Atler

Dear Ms Atler

After consulting with the publisher, I can tell you that six months ago we received a letter from the novelist Lucian Clarke, requesting Mr Pollard’s details. As we have received no further communication from either man, our assumption is that they have begun corresponding directly with one another.

Regards

Frank

Dear Frank

Thank you so much for your help. Any leads are greatly appreciated. Could I possibly impose upon your kindness for just one more thing? Would it at all be possible for you to forward a letter from me to Mr Clarke? Of course I could contact his publisher or agent, but I fear how long this process might take. I hope you can help.

Many thanks

Rachel

Dear Rachel

Yes, we have a postal address for Mr Clarke. If you would care to send him a letter via this office, I will ensure it is forwarded to him.

Regards

Frank