Harry Manacort, the world-famous mystery writer, had a very serious quirk. He handwrote each and every manuscript and never allowed anyone to make a copy of it until it went to his editor. This drove his assistant, his agent and his editor crazy, as they were always concerned his work would be lost or damaged. However, after writing ten best-sellers this way, Harry wasn't about to start changing his habits now.
"Today," Harry thought as he entered his office, "I should finally be able to write the end of this novel." It was always a bittersweet moment, but even more so this time, as it was to be the last book in this series. He hated to say goodbye to such a popular character.
Sitting at his sturdy oak desk, Harry reached for his writing journal, only to find the spot on his desk where he kept it uncharacteristically bare. Had he put it somewhere else last night? He quickly looked around the top of the desk, then began to open drawers and search each one.
Just as he was about to panic, his assistant walked in the room. Seeing the look on Harry's face, Sean laughed.
"Looking for something, boss?" he asked.
Harry glared at him. "How would you know that?"
Holding up the missing journal, Sean replied. "Because I took it off your desk, just to teach you a lesson."
