The five-inch-tall elf owl, Jack, drops itself onto the nearest surface to the addressee, his chest puffed up in unmasked pride at having successfully completed his mission.  He lifts his claw, hopping excitedly on the other foot as he waits for the addressee to take the message.

Sasha Schlagenweit
Munich, Germany

Terry Katsaros

December 3, 2011

Mr. Katsaros,

I apologize for reaching out to you without warning, but I'm hoping you may be able to help me with a lead. 

I met a man several months back and I'm trying to connect with him, again.  His name is Aviad Cohen and he has a peculiar skeletal bird.  He seems the type to be acquainted with you or your associates, unless he moves in an entirely different circle.  An address, connection or even an arranged meeting would all be acceptable.

This is a matter of timely importance, so I would appreciate any help you might be able to offer in tracking him down.

Sasha Schlagenweit

It took a few days for the tiny owl to reach its destination, far away in the southern stretches of white sandy cliffs and pristine blue water, where the frozen winds of winter had not yet penetrated.  If it wasn't for the owl's eagerness, it might not have been given a reply.  But finally, a curt response is put to parchment.

The tiny elf owl returns home on 8 December.  The letter that comes in response has no envelope and no return address: simply a folded piece of parchment, with a note scratched inside.

Schlagenweit,

Still can't let the dead lie?

Cohen has been informed of your interest.  Don't let him too close to the corpse.

Katsaros

Several days later, another letter arrives at the home of Sasha Schlagenweit.  Although this one is enclosed in an envelope, it is simply left outside on his doorstep early in the morning, with no delivery owl in sight.

As before, there is no return address.

Sasha Schlagenweit
24 Coxley Green
Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

December 12, 2011

Mr. Schlagenweit,

You keep odd company, kid.  For future reference, there are better ways to get ahold of someone than to incite the ire of things better left undisturbed.  Let the monsters well enough alone.

I hope whatever you want to discuss was worth disturbing our mutual friend.  Leave a note outside tonight with where and when you'd like to meet, and set a flat stone on top of it.

.א.כ