Thankfully, and to my great relief, I was forwarded an email by the end of the working day after what happened last week. It came apologising, which wasn’t necessary, and gratitude for staying alongside, asking to return and consent to make whatever enquiries I thought would help.
Henceforth, dog and bone have set off on various trails and the bit is between the teeth.
Anxious about meeting again, I nipped out for reinforcements and found this one.

Writing this at the weekend … it went fine. I explained what my thoughts were and the options I had in mind, but explaining the complete uncertainty as to outcome which may be nothing at all, but at least both I, and the person, will feel we’ve explored and tried … and perhaps more importantly, they will feel there has been someone on side.
Ever tried, ever failed … etc.

I wondered if there was a dogged gene … if there is, I blame dad … that bloody minded determination particularly at the merest whiff of an injustice or moral injury.
https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2189531278863240007