"Glad to see you, too," I choked. "Is Tananda around?" "Right here, Handsome."

I was hit by an energetic bundle of curves and softness that wrapped itself around me and showered me with kisses. This time I didn't protest. Some overdone greetings are more welcome than others.

Eventually, we got everything sorted out, and the gang settled into various chairs and sofas or perched on desks. Guido insisted on pulling out the most comfortable arm-chairs into place for me. I ceded the seat to Bunny and took a wooden-backed chair upholstered with basilisk-leather cushions.

"So how long are you going to be here at the Bazaar?" Guido said. "Do you have time for a meal, or shall we just get straight to the drinkin'?"

"I'm back to stay," I said. "I've given it a lot of thought and have decided to come out of retirement."

I really don't know what response I was expecting, but what I got wasn't it. There was a long moment of silence while the crew exchanged glances.

"That's great, Skeeve," Guido said at last, but his earlier enthusiasm had left his voice.

"I say, what?" Chumley said. "Happy to hear it, but you know, what'?"

"You know, Skeeve, we've changed the operation since the old days," Tananda said, carefully. I held up my hand.

"Hang on, everybody," I said. "Before things get too awkward, I'm not expecting to walk back in here and take over. In fact, I'm planning on opening my own business. Just a small problem-solving advisory office. Nothing big or fancy. I just wanted to stop in and say 'Hi' and let you know I'm back."

More awkward silence.

"That's swell, Boss... I mean, Skeeve," Nunzio said, his high voice squeakier than ever. "Be sure to let us know if there's anything we can do to help out."