Early evening’s twilight haze had been interrupted by the rain and wind, covering the city in a dismal grey. As sudden as the storm had been, Hakuba hadn’t managed to get back to library where he’d intended to meet Baaya when finished with his work. This left him stranded on the deserted sidewalk with no umbrella, no further progress on the investigation, and squeaking shoes. Not that it mattered all too much; there was still time before the case reports were due, and the evidence would be much easier to come by after a good night’s rest. Resigned, the blond detective fancied that he deserved a well-earned cigarette while he waited for his governess, and strode ahead with that goal in mind. 

This new search brought him to the doorway of an abandoned building. It had once been a cafe, and while the windows had been boarded up, it still seemed dry enough. He pushed the creaky door open and stepped inside, out of the rain. But while he was grateful to be out of the weather, plenty of it had come with him. Sighing, he shrugged off his suit jacket and draped it over the back of one of the three-legged chairs near the entrance. Next came his tie, which he loosed and draped likewise. Once settled, he’d be able to call Baaya and give them time to drive while waiting. Not a bad spot, really. Next, he began to unbutton his shirt, starting from the top, only then taking an idle glance around. Fortunately, there was plenty enough light to see by, reflecting off of any metallic surface in the diner. This included the small, silver cross that the detective wore around his neck, which swung free as his shirt came undone.