"Welcome back, Detective."

Count D's melodic voice floated through the air, tinged with a playful, almost mischievous charm. He smiled, a serene and knowing curve of his lips, as his delicate fingers gracefully stirred a spoon in the fine porcelain teacup before him. The dimly lit pet shop, nestled in the heart of Chinatown, betrayed no signs of illicit activity, its calm atmosphere only adding to the mounting frustration of unanswered questions....the unproven suspensions towards the shop and what was really being sold.

"You always manage to arrive right at tea time...without fail."

he remarked lightly, It was as if he'd anticipated this visit, Another cup, identical in its intricate craftsmanship, rested on the table, already filled with steaming tea.