She snorted, wiping her hands on the yellow-dotted light pink apron tied around her neck. “Sorry about that, shop rules are that I have to make at least one horrible pun per customer. I’m running out of them, so they’re getting worse.“
Smiling, she offered her flour-dusted left hand to him in a show of camaraderie. “Anything you need, Mister….”
“Hakuba,” the detective answered with a smile as he took her hand and shook it, gentle and firm. “Hakuba Saguru. I’m actually investigating a case and have some questions about your customers, if you’d be so obliged. Though…”
Hakuba glanced sideways, somewhat sheepishly. “I’m, ah, also wondering if you have eclairs. It’s been so long since I’ve had a good one I think I might die if I don’t find a decent bakery soon.” He paused, briefly, to knit his brows, apologetic embarrassment scrawled on his face. “Please tell me you can help me?”