Sorry will give you the letters I have 2d feigned illness 10 letters -a-i-g-r-d originally had malingerer but that doesn't fit now, didnt know malingered was a word
Need help with 20d Tell a false story to a French duck? 18d Complain, remonstrate 17a Deny, disclaim Also, is answer to 12a etc A man is known by the 'friends' he keeps