RECORDS DIVISION / BOX 03

THE STORIES
LEAVE MARKS.

Receipts, memories, contradictions, and other things somebody should have thrown away. This is the unofficial paper trail behind Robert Walnut’s Books to Read in Jail — For the Average American Outlaw series. Open a file. See what it says.

BROWSE THE OUTLAW RECORDS ↗ARCHIVE / PUBLIC

THE WALNUT ARCHIVE / CHAIN OF CUSTODY: CASUAL

LOOSE
EVIDENCE.

A few things left behind.
None of them has improved the official explanation.

FICTION FILES
OPEN TO INSPECTION.

ITEM 001 / FOUND IN A COAT

THE HAYSEEDCustomer: R. Walnut

STILL OPENTHANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.
WE UNDERSTAND IT HAS LIMITS.

The outstanding tab ITEM 002 / DO NOT LAMINATE

KEEP THIS PORTION

ONE NIGHT ONLY / ALLEGEDLYTHE
FOUNDRYADMIT ONENO. 0001 — NO REFUNDS ON THE IDEA

The guest list ITEM 003 / HANDWRITING DISPUTED

A BRIEF STATEMENT

I can explain.

Just not
in writing.

— R. W.

The official statement

001FOUND IN A COAT / AUTHOR MYTHOLOGYThe outstanding tab

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE / EMOTIONALLY OVERDUE

“PUT IT ON MY TAB.”

The receipt is undated, which Robert considers a significant accounting advantage.

It records one quick beer, one complicated story, and a second quick beer whose relationship to the first remains under review. There is no dollar amount. In the total field, someone has written: We’ll talk.

Robert says this indicates a strong relationship with the establishment. The establishment has requested a strong relationship with his wallet.

The tab remains open. So does the investigation.

Begin at The Hayseed

002FOUND BY THE DOOR / AUTHOR MYTHOLOGYThe guest list

ADMISSION RECORD / EXPLANATION NOT INCLUDED

“I’M WITH THE BAND.”

Robert’s name appears on the guest list in handwriting that bears a troubling resemblance to Robert’s.

When asked which band, he reportedly said, “The one with the situation.” This was not specific enough to narrow the inquiry.

The ticket was retained as evidence. Robert retained the belief that he had been invited.

For the actual show, see the book.

Enter The Foundry

003FOUND UNDER A GLASS / AUTHOR MYTHOLOGYThe official statement

CORRESPONDENCE / UNSOLICITED

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.

First of all, the situation has been described to me.

I have concerns about the description.

Several details have been left out. I cannot currently recall which details, but I’m confident their absence is making me look less reasonable than I was at the time.

I would also like the phrase “at the time” given appropriate consideration.

Further clarification will be provided after I speak to whoever has the keys.

Regards,
Robert Walnut

P.S. I still need those keys.

These are pieces of the Robert Walnut mythology. The novels contain the more thoroughly edited versions of events.