Kevin A. Shapiro

January 1, 1997

Dear Mr. Pinkwater,

After introducing myself once, some time ago, I was somewhat surprised by the incredulous response: “Is your name *really* Kevin Shapiro?” “Um, yes,” I replied naively. “Is there some reason it shouldn’t be?” “Well, um, no,” came the hesitant answer. “It’s just that…”

I must admit that, were it not for this accident of chance, I would know of neither you nor your books. And to tell you the truth, I still don’t know that much about either. Which is why I wonder how I ended up in the latter. Could it really be coincidence? Or do you know something I don’t? If so, should I know it as well? Very curious.

I’d much appreciate it if you could shed some light on this.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Alfred Shapiro

Oh sure, that's right, Kevin. Pretend you don't know. I'm on to your tricks. Harvard, huh? The law school, no doubt. Last I heard you were at Princeton. Well, nice of you to check in.