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ONE

The Latin terhly translated e Not that I practice law, but I a to donate my services In this case,a trick Of course, you ht look at the situation from another point of view Once in a while a piece of old business surfaces, soo Suddenly, it's there again at the top of the page, co for your attention despite the fact that you're completely unprepared for it

First there was a phone call froer; then a letter showed up fourteen years after it was sent That's how I learned I'dmy life in my attempt to correct for it

I'd just finished a big job, and I was not only exhausted but my bank account was fat and I wasn't in the mood to take on additional work I'd pictured a bit of tie in the sun and read the latest El on a rum drink with a paper ue and complexity of my fantasies these days

The call cayain: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday s after my 6 Am run I'm not sure where the motivation came from after a two-year layoff, but it was probably related to thoughts of , I'd sustained daers trying to persuade me to his point of view I'd been hurt once before when a bullet nicked ht arht ine I'm a masochist or accident-prone, I should state that I ator Truth be told, the average PI seldoun, isn't often pursued, and rarely sustains an injury more substantial than a paper cut My own professional life tends to be as dull as anyone else's I sihtenht

Those of you acquainted with raph For the uninitiated, I' in Santa Teresa, California, which is ninety-five eles Currently, I occupy one sman is my attorney when the occasion arises, so my association with his fir for space I'd been rendered a rant after I was uncere arson and wrongful death claims for California Fidelity Insurance I've been with Lonnie now for over two years, but I'e on CFI

During the hts, th had increased That particular h the custo extensions, leg curls, ab crunches, lower back, lat rows, the chest press and pec deck, along with the shoulder press, and various exercises for the biceps and triceps Thus pumped up and euphoric, I leton the floor, tossedfor a pen and a pad of paper in case I needed to take notes Before I leave the office each day, I have Lonnie's service shunt calls over to my apart with the public without putting on my clothes

The voice was e sounded like this: "Miss Millhone, this is Teddy Rich I'ht innerest you This is eight AM Monday Hope it's not too early Gimme a call when you can Thanks" He recited a telephone number in the 805 area code, and I dutifully jotted it down It was only 8:3 so I hadn't missed him by much Olvidado is a town of 157,000, thirty hway 101 Always one to be interested in soht "interest"I thought his machine would kick in, but the line was finally picked up by Mr Rich, whose distinctive voice I recognized

"Hi, Mr Rich This is Kinsey Millhone up in Santa Teresa I' your call"

"Hey, Miss Millhone Nice to hear from you How are you today?"

"Fine How are you?"

"I' so prompt I appreciate that"