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I gave Tillyfor fifteen minutes to recover her composure and to give her the impression that my appearance was a complete coincidence. When I knocked on the door, there was a faint gasp from within, followed by sounds of urgent movement as if somebody was hurriedly tidying up. After a minute or so, the sounds subsided, then there was the click of a lock. Tillyfor opened the door a little, enough for her to peek out with one eye, and also enough for me to glimpse a fur-trimmed dressing gown and one of - I presumed - a pair of elegant slippers finished with feathery pom-poms. Somebody - perhaps more than one somebody - liked to buy luxurious and rather intimate clothing for this particular lady. "Good morning," I said brightly, as if rising early and taking a brisk constitutional stroll was something I did on a daily basis, "I do hope I'm not disturbing you?" She seemed surprised to see me, even alarmed. "Mister Gask!" she exclaimed, "I wasn't expecting you." There was a short awkward pause while my smile stiffened on my face. "I've got an update," I added eventually, "I thought I should brief you as soon as possible." Tillyfor took the hint and opened the door further to usher me inside. While she closed the door behind me, I took off my hat and looked around. It was a simple neatly-arched space cut into the rock with a single curtained window next to the door. Essentially, it was just one room which functioned as a lounge, kitchen and bedroom, and one interior door which presumably led to a bathroom. The double bed was unmade, with the covers hastily thrown back in an attempt at tidiness; it had presumably recently been occupied by Tillyfor and her lover, and previously by the two sisters themselves. Elsewhere in the room was a single armchair and two upright chairs either side of a small wooden table next to some kitchen equipment. Cooking and eating didn't seem to be high on the list of priorities for the occupants. Their real interests were indicated by a large mirror fronted by a dressing table that seemed barely capable of supporting the array of cosmetics. Next to it stood a large wardrobe with the door ajar, which appeared to be jam-packed with expensive-looking clothes of every description. It seemed like a place which would be pleasantly cosy for one person but would rapidly seem crowded for two. Unless those two people were very close indeed. I put my hands behind my back and turned to face Tillyfor. "I've made contact with Mister Balloch," I said calmly. "That was quick," she replied, "Did you ask him about my sister." "No I didn't. I'm approaching that one a bit more slowly," I said, adding in response to her sudden frown, "He doesn't know I'm a shamus, and I'd rather he stayed in the dark for a while yet." "Oh," she answered, sounding peeved, "So what progress have you made, then?" "I've got myself an invitation to look around the Midnight Square," I said, grinning, "Later on today. From Dalgrin Balloch himself. Are you working this evening?" "Yes, of course. I'm on stage for both performances." "Okay. Look, I think it would be best if you did not acknowledge me, should you bump into me later. I'd rather see what I can find out without being linked to you or your sister." Her face adopted a sly grin as she realised what I was suggesting. "So, you'll be undercover there?" she asked. "Yes," I replied patiently, "I am a Private Investigator, remember."
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Part 17