Lorne took out the exquisitely crafted Gift Redemption Voucher, then brought out the Monocle and put it over his right eye.
Although his spirituality had detected nothing unusual, it never hurt to take an extra precaution.
A faint spiritual response flickered across the lens.
Only after a moment did he set the voucher down, reassured.
No problems. This really is just an ordinary voucher with sophisticated anti-counterfeiting features. There aren't any curses or hidden marks attached to it.
"Visiting my pen friend..." Lorne recalled the pen friend he had never met.
I deliberately pointed out a few things in front of that Sherlock earlier. That should count as a clear signal.
He can't do anything to me in the short term, or he'll expose his own abnormalities.
There's also a good chance he'll come to me of his own accord to explain things. At least I'm safe for now...
Which leaves just one thing to do next-
"Fors Wall..." Lorne picked up the stack of letters she had sent him from the table and read through them again.
The reason he had kept putting off visiting her was that he feared bringing her unnecessary trouble.
But now that the detective had personally said he had received the commission from her, whatever the truth might be, his pen friend must already have come to the detective's attention.
I should visit her in person after all. It would be good to clear everything up.
Empress Borough, Backlund.
Following the address printed on the voucher, Lorne soon found a luxurious-looking Gift Shop.
Visiting empty-handed would have been rather rude, so Lorne had decided to accept Five of Clubs' kindness.
Unlike the usual luxury stores, this shop's decor had an added touch of classical elegance.
*This Society really does have its fingers in every