“Oh, yes. It will all be on the order slip.”
“What about a description? Do you remember what he looked like?”
“Yes, of course. He was . . .” Rulli trailed off. “Huh. It's right there. I can see him but it's blurry.” He shook his head. “I never have trouble remembering someone's face. Especially not a customer.”
“Interesting,” I murmured. Louder, I said, “It sounds like magic is involved.”
“You think he enchanted me?”
“You're certain it was a man?”
“Oh, yes. That much I remember.”
“That makes sense. I believe they used a mask spell. Such spells are meant to conceal facial features but not sex. The man would have seemed normal while you were interacting with him but then as soon as he left, the particulars of his face would be erased from your memories. All you'd see would be a male-shaped blur.”
“I didn't know that was possible.”
“With enough money, it is. Unless this man is a magic-user. Then he could have made the spell himself. I've encountered mask spells several times over the years.”
“I assume this is bad for your investigation.”
“Such tactics have never hindered me. I don't need to know what the criminal looks like in order to find them.”
Rulli smiled, though it was tinted with sadness. “Thank you for that.”
“It's the truth. I will do everything in my power to discover the killer and bring them to the Courts of Teeth for justice. I'm sure you noticed the royal carriage. The King is with me. This case has caught his interest. That alone should assure you that everything that can be done will be done to solve this case.”
“Yes, I saw the carriage. I wasn't sure if the King . . . why does my brother's murder warrant the attention of the Dragon King?”
“There may be a connection to him. I haven't determined that yet.”
“A connection to the King?”
“Yes, but do not repeat that.”
“I understand. You can rely on my discretion.”
“Good. Thank you. Now, what happened after you left your brother-in-law at the jewelry shop?”
“I came home, had my dinner, and then, just before bed, my sister knocked on our door. She said Lansho hadn't come home. So, I went back to the shop.”
“How did you find it? In what condition?”
“It looked the same as always. Nothing missing. Nothing damage. Just no Lansho.”
“Were the doors locked?”
“No. The front door was open.”
I nodded. “I would like to look around your shop if I may, Rulli.”
“Yes, of course.” He glanced at his front door. “But I hate to leave my sister right now. Can we meet there in two hours?”
“Certainly.” I put my notebook away. “You've already been very helpful. Thank you for your calm. I know this must be taxing.”
“I mourned him last night. It prepared me enough to handle this better.”
“Last night?”
