Chapter 4 - Where the Truth Lies

Dear Miss O’Connor:

My associate Warren Richter has kept me apprised of your continued dialogue with our office. I apologize for “dropping out” temporarily from our correspondence and hope you’ll agree that all our communications have been cordial in tone and respectful of the artistic accomplishments of both yourself and our client Mr. Lanny Morris.

Since Mr. Richter’s last letter to you, I have again personally spoken with Mr. Morris regarding your interest in his career. I will be candid and tell you that he initiated this particular phone call, in which he informed me he had read more of the work samples your agent has made available, and that he continues to be impressed with your talents.

While my client is still not interested in creating or endorsing the project you proposed in your first letter to our firm (a book to be underwritten and eventually published by a division of Neuman and Newberry), he also does not wish to impede or obstruct any efforts on your part to create a work about his life and career. In fact, he has expressed to me a desire to, in a small way, assist you in this endeavor. (I say this, of course, without prejudice to my client’s legal rights.)

Toward this end, I am wondering if you would be willing to present yourself to this office Tuesday, August 12, at noon. If that is not convenient, please call so we may arrange an alternative date. We are advising you in advance that you will not be allowed to make use of any kind of tape recording or transcription device on our premises, nor will you be allowed to make any written notes. We hope you will understand that this is a regrettable necessity in order to protect Mr. Morris’ interests, and is unfortunately a prerequisite of your acceptance of the appointment. Likewise, your person and any property you bring with you may be examined by a security woman we will engage for such purposes, so you may wish to dress and accessorize yourself so as to most easily facilitate and simplify such an examination. Again, we assure you that these stern-sounding dictums are precautionary measures and are not, of course, intended to cast any personal aspersions upon you.

I very much look forward to meeting you in person. Please contact us upon receipt of this letter to confirm or reschedule.

Very truly yours,

[Signed: John Hillman]

John Hillman, Esq.

JH:rv

cc: Mr. Warren Richter, Esq.

Mr. Lanny Morris