A sensible first step. I pull a fresh sheet and a pen that doesn't skip, and keep the parcel exactly where it lies.

"Draft only. Nothing leaves this room until you've read it and agreed." _And nothing in it that could be quoted against him if the wrong clerk sees it._

I write in a small, even hand:

*Rowan — The parcel A17 you left carries two addresses on one card: North Street and Marsh Lane, same hand, same ink. When you're next at the archive, could you tell me what street signs or landmarks you noticed on your route — outward and return? No need to write it down if speaking is easier. M. Vell.*

I turn the sheet so you can read it across the counter, the ink still wet at the tail of the last word.

"That's the whole of it. It asks what he saw, not what he thinks it means — he may genuinely not know why the signs differed, and I'd rather not put words in his mouth." I set the pen down. "Two things before you decide. Sending it means someone carries it to him, and couriers gossip, so the contents should stay this plain. And if you'd rather change the wording — sharper, softer, shorter — now's the time."

I glance at the parcel, then back to you. "A17 stays sealed either way. Do you want anything adjusted, or shall I set this aside to copy clean?"