Gary had not expected the contact to arrive via snail mail, but there was a certain daring-do to the approach that gave him a rush of adrenaline. “Amy’s Escort Service” sent a bill (clearly so labeled) to him. He had never yet used an escort service, and was quite sure that this was not an alias for one of the online services he did use. He tore open the envelope with a curse, imagining how he’d have to argue with a succession of cynical voices about why this charge was bogus… Then he found a strange insert — it looked like a folded piece of rice paper. He had to cut it open, so he put the bill down. On a printed page — with purported customer testimonials — were the slowly emerging outlines of a handwritten message in something like reappearing ink:

Mr. Corinth, We have a proposition for you. We know of your involvement with a certain projection. We are willing to recompense your time, but more importantly, we know you want to know more about this phenomenon, and we can help you. Your place in history will be assured. You will not be able to contact us, but when you are introduced to an escort from Amy’s, please go with her, if you are willing to participate. Now, if you would be so kind, please eat this letter to eliminate it as evidence. You’ll find it no worse than a rice cake.

With kind regards, Professor ______________

He ate it as soon as he finished it. The bill indicated a positive balance at Amy’s Escort Service, good for one evening with the escort of his choice. The girls could be perused at the appended confidential URL. The management does not condone contact between customer and escort, but after the terms of the contract are fulfilled, the management does not concern itself with what occurs between consenting adults.