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I rarely re-visit old cases - there's no point, generally - although a few old cases sometimes re-visit me - usually when least expected. So, it was many years later, while engaged in an entirely different case, when I met Tillyfor for what was not quite the last time. The current case had taken me to the offices of a large and busy firm of lawyers. Normally, I avoid all entanglements with lawyers of all stripes but, on this occasion, I was retained for my professional investigative services by one of the partners on behalf of a client who thought she could remain anonymous. Not from me, of course; I habitually make it my business to find out exactly who it is who is commissioning my services. This saves a considerable amount of embarrassment and misunderstanding all round, in the long term. I had delivered my weekly report to the smartly-dressed administrative assistant, collected my fees - unusually, paid in full and in advance - and was just in the process of negotiating the exit of the plushly-appointed offices, when a voice rang out from behind me. "Good grief! Findo Gask!" I swung around. In front of me stood a handsome female in early middle age, wearing a well-cut skirt-and-jacket combo in a dark colour over a simple cream silk blouse. The whole ensemble was set off with diamonds at throat and ears and just one finger, while another finger was adorned with a gold wedding ring of elaborate design. I stood perplexed for a long moment until the years rolled away and I could put a name to the face. "Tillyfor?" I hazarded. "Just Tilly now, Findo," she said warmly, stepping forward and taking both my hands in hers, "Would you care to step into my office for a moment?" Without waiting for an answer, she turned on her heel and led the way to a well-appointed office suite, stopping briefly at the desk of the administrative assistant to direct him to hold all calls.
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Part 106