loose end

Going through my big board of letters sent and replies received when I notice a blank space.

From 30 Nov 2005
Dear Rob
I've just finished reading the sample pages from your novel CLIPPED and I'd like to see the rest, please. You can send the material by e-mail or post, whichever is more convenient, and I'll try to get back to you before Christmas.
Yours sincerely...

1 Dec
Dear Ms Wonker
Thank you for your email. Please find attached the complete CLIPPED manuscript double-spaced. Chapter Four starts on page 42.
I look forward to hearing from you.

1 Dec
Thank you for sending the manuscript. I'll try to read and get back to you before Christmas.
Best

Christmas comes. And goes. No news. New year becomes a distant memory so I follow up.

10 Jan
Dear Ms Wonker
Just a quick note to see if there is any news on CLIPPED.
I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year and look forward to hearing from you.
Best

No reply.

13 March
Dear Ms Wonker
Hope you are well. I'm wondering if there is any news on CLIPPED. I am in Sydney for 3 months starting the new book so apologies if you have mailed me a letter and I haven't received it.
Kind Regards

No reply.

Today I phone up the agency and ask if Ms Wonker still works there. She does. I explain the situation.

'Hmm, that is tricky,' says Kerri the receptionist. 'Tell you what, email it to me again and i'll stick it under her nose.'
'Thanks.'

We'll see how that goes.