…
I see. I’m… not entirely sure I see Hattori-kun as someone who would do such a thing, but I don’t know your relationship. Nor have I known him for particularly long, for that matter. But… if you don’t mind, could you tell me the subject of your discussion?
“I seem to bring that particular trait out of him more easily than most,” Hakuba admitted casually, shrugging his shoulders as if he were helpless in that regard. Completely innocent, of course. He sighed again.
“Yes, of course I will divulge…”
There was a knock at the door. Hakuba paused and glanced over, before looking back at Kyouko.
“Ah, I apologize for the interruption… that will be Baaya with the tea." He looked back to the door again. "Come in.”
The door opened and emitted the elderly woman from before, carrying a tray with tea kettle, two cups, plates, spoons, and an assortment of accompaniments for the tea. She moved into the room briskly, nodding her head to the two detectives as she made her way to the coffee table.She set the tray there, then nodded once more, before heading back toward the door.