in the business sector. He could not see how the man could possibly

be of any help in a criminal investigation. So much for expecting

any assistance from Yohaku, he thought wryly. The old master had

delegated the task to one of his former pupils. He probably should

have expected something like that. The problem was, now he’d be

stuck with him. There was no way to refuse the offer of assistance

without offending them both.

“Please, sit down, ” Akiro said, indicating a chair. “My secretary

has gone out to lunch, I’m afraid, but may I offer you some tea? Or

something stronger, perhaps?”

“No, thank you, ” Kanno said. “I hope my coming here does not

place you in an awkward position.”

“No, no, of course not, ” Akiro hastened to reassure him. “I very

much appreciate your coming. It was most considerate of you.”

“Yet you are undoubtedly wondering how a man who spends his

time designing expensive magenes for the amusement of the

wealthy can possibly be of any help to you in your investigation.”

Akiro blushed. “Yes, well… no, that is…”

Kanno smiled. “Forgive me, Inspector. I did not mean to

embarrass you. Believe me, I appreciate your position. But the

master has requested me to offer you my assistance and I could

hardly refuse. However, if you think that I would only be getting in

the way—”

“No, no, of course not, ” Akiro said. “I can certainly use all the

help I can get.”

“My specialty, of course, is thaumagenetic engineering, ” Kanno

said, “but I am well versed in other forms of magic. Perhaps I could

be of some assistance in detecting clues. Master Yohaku tells me

that these murders appear to have been accomplished by some sort

of magical entity. And I do have some small experience with

thaumaturgically animated life forms.”

Yes, there was that, Akiro thought. Perhaps the man could be of

some use, after all.

“Would you care to see the reports?” he asked.

“Thank you, ” Kanno said, “but I’d prefer to see the victims’