"I know, I know. I've grown slow in my dotage." She sighs heavily, "I've been here months. Perhaps this is my retirement." She drains the remaining half-glass of wine with a loose-wristed tip of the cup, everything about it playing up long-suffering endurance.

She holds it out for a refill after, letting her other palm thwap against her thigh. "But now you're here, nearly doubling the number of seasoned professionals on the payroll. I would be grateful for your help."