`I can write my name and mention divorce and stolen art recovery.'

`We're not, dabbling with art.'

`It's my speciality.'

`That's why you never earn anything.

It could be true. People who had lost their treasures were slow to pay out more money.

Besides, the ones who lost art were often the mean sort. That was why it had' not been protected by decent locks and alert watchmen in the first place. `All right, Pythagoras, what's your philosophy? What stunning list of services will you claim we perform?'

`I'm not quoting examples. We need to tantalise. We should hint we cover everything. When the clients come we can weed out the duds and pass them on to some hack at the Saepta Julia. We're going to be Didius Falco amp; Partner-'

`Oh, you're staying anonymous?'

`I have to.'

`So you still want your job back?'

`There was never any suggestion of giving up my job.' `Just checking. Don't work with me if you despise my life.'

`Shut up a minute. Falco amp; Partner: a select service for discerning clients.'

`Sounds like a cheap brothel.'

`Have faith, lad.'

`Or an overpriced shoemaker. Falco amp; Partner: try our triple-stitched calfskin slipperettes… As worn by all decadent layabouts, sheer luxury at the arena and the perfect lounging shoes for orgies

`You're a dog,, Falco.'

`Subtlety is fine, but unless you give some delicate hint that we carry out enquiries, and that we rather like to be paid for it, we'll get no work.'

`Listen – Partners' personal attention may be possible in certain instances. That implies we are a sound organisation with a large staff who look after the riffraff; we can flatter each punter into believing he gets special terms – for which he naturally pays a premium.'

`You have an exotic view of the freelance world.' He was revelling in it. `Listen, scribe, you still haven't said -'

`Yes I have. It's in my draft. Specialist enquiries. Then in small letters at the bottom I'll put No charge for preliminary consultation. That lures them in, thinking they'll get something for nothing, but hints at our steep fee for the rest.'