She was battling to finish her architecture degree, having made a late start after flirting with the alternative life-style in a northern rainforest. I supported her. She qualified. I expected gratitude. She plunged into her highly-paid, prestigious work. I tired of the office hours and routines and had made the break into private practice just a few weeks back. Cyn’s political principles-or a version of them-suddenly resurfaced and I became a bourgeois individualist, propping up the authoritarian state.

I went into the first pub I found that offered a counter lunch. You can’t pry into people’s sex lives on an empty stomach. You need something to throw up.

Lunch started late and went on a bit long. I like to watch people in pubs, listen to them, and it’s thirsty work. ‘What with the need to lodge Menzies’ cheque, buy film for the Asahi Pentax, get the Falcon fuelled up and one thing and another, I barely had time for a quick call to Cyn to tell her that I didn’t know when I’d be home.

‘Where are you? The pub?’

‘At the garage buying petrol and oil. D’you realise they still give you the air and water for free? It can’t last. I may have to drive around a bit tonight.’

‘I knew it,’ she said.

‘Knew what?’ I was genuinely puzzled. I often found Cyn’s remarks cryptic. What did she know?

‘That you went into this ridiculous business so you could spend more time away from me.’

I was flabbergasted. She started earlier and worked longer than any union would ever allow. ‘You’re wrong, love,’ I said. ‘I’m doing it because it might be run.’

She laughed, and Cyn’s laugh was a better sound than the cork coming out of a bottle or the rustle of money or a wave on a beach. ‘OK, Cliff. Have fun. See you when you get back. Is what you’re doing dangerous?’

‘Naw.’

‘Take care just the same. ‘Bye.’

And that’s the way it was with us. Right hooks and kisses. I wanted to go straight to her office, rush her home and undress her and declare my undying love. Instead, I drove to my office to pick up the camera and make some notes on the Menzies/Meadowbank assignment, the way the Commercial Agents and Private Enquiry Agents Act of 1963 requires you to do.