the front of the building, with curtained doorways leading into the

other two cubicles to the right. He checked them once again to

make sure they were still empty, then went down the hall, which

led out into the back workroom of the shop, where several of the

masters and their apprentices were at work. They looked up at him

briefly, then went back to their tasks. The salesman came up

behind him once again.

“Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Kobayashi?”

“We were supposed to meet someone here, ” said Shiro.

“Ah. I see. Perhaps you and your associates would care to wait in

one of the cubicles? I could offer you some tea, if you like, or saki?”

Shiro pursed his lips as his gaze swept across the immaculate

workroom. “No, thank you. Perhaps in a moment. ” He turned to

one of the men. “Stay here.”

The man nodded and took up a post just inside the small hallway,

where no one could come in without passing him. Takeo and Shiro

went back through the cubicle, past the faintly puzzled-looking

young warlock and out into the main room of the shop. The two

young people were still looking at the knives. Shiro debated

whether or not to order them out, then decided not to bother. A

couple of kids were no threat and the salesman would doubtless lose

his patience with them soon and they would leave. He went to the

door and signaled the men outside.

One of them opened the limo door and Don Kobayashi stepped

out. The others fell in step beside him as he walked across the

sidewalk and entered the shop.

“He isn’t here, ” Shiro told his father.

Don Kobayashi glanced at his expensive watch. “We’ll wait five

minutes, ” he said.

The salesman approached and bowed respectfully. “Konnichi wa,

Don Kobayashi-san. We are honored with your presence. How may

we serve you?”

“I am to meet someone here, ” said Kobayashi.

“Ah, yes, of course. Please, come this way. ” He directed

Kobayashi to the middle cubicle. “May I offer you some refreshment