Changes that could not be erased

Pallez seemed puzzled and surprised by this. Leonard stood waiting for ages, but Pallez kept circling back to his "but" without ever voicing his question. Finally, Leonard could not help asking, "But what?"

"Nothing," Pallez replied. "I understand why she knows Amon now."

Leonard froze slightly. Pallez continued in that same bewildered tone, "But she isn't-she couldn't possibly be-"

Driven by curiosity, Leonard waited a long while, but instead of an explanation, he received a reminder. "You've been out long enough. If you don't go back soon, the others might notice."

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Klein entered the Bravehearts Bar. He approached the bartender, bought a glass of Southville Beer, and asked where Ian was.

With the glass in hand, he knocked on the billiards room door. It creaked open, revealing a head with bright red eyes.

At the sight of Sherlock Moriarty's face, Ian smiled happily. "Sir, please come in."

Klein stepped inside. Maric was still dressed in his white shirt, black vest, and black trousers. Without any zombies to accompany him, he was busy playing billiards.

Sharron had not joined him. She sat on a tall stool to the side, wearing a small black bonnet and a court dress of the same color.

Klein glanced around and greeted them. "Good evening, both of you."

"Good evening." Sharron floated off the stool, lifted her skirts slightly, then sat back down.

"Good evening." Maric set down his cue and rose.

Klein reached into his pocket, pulled out a white rat, and placed it on the billiards table. Then he asked, "You said in your letter that you'd obtained detailed information?"

Maric nodded, then shook his head. "Not that detailed."

Klein adopted a listening posture. Maric considered his words as he answered, "It'll happen in three days. We can