"Nobody wants this job," I point out as I push myself to my feet and assess the damage. No piece of clothing was left unscathed, which means a complete change of clothes along with a bath.

"It would be very helpful of you could run over to my house, grab my overalls, a shirt and a bar of soap, and meet me down by the dock." If I track this into Helen's house, she'll definitely skewer me. "My bedroom's in the back; you'll know which one it is, it's full of plants."