The initial fee was $450.

I paid it from my own funds.

That fee would cover preliminary research and a review of materials Clara could lawfully supply.

It would not buy access to every private account owned by Arthur or Marcus.

The distinction mattered, even if the limits felt frustrating.

Clara approved the engagement and gathered old distribution statements that afternoon.

Some were in a drawer beside birthday cards.

Others were attachments to emails she had never deleted.