"Ah..." Averyl finally looked as if he was concentrating. "I have an interesting story to tell you about that, actually, Mr. Ernst..."
"Don't call me that," Roufas sighed. "It isn't helping."
"Well..." Averyl stopped as the waitress returned and placed a tiny piece of vanilla cake on the table. Sitting to the side were some orange slices.
Saffron stared at the meal in wonder. "Such a peculiar after-supper..."
"I wanted chocolate..." Averyl whispered.
"Averyl! Concentrate." Roufas rubbed his temple.
"Oh, yes..." Averyl perked up. "If I remember correctly, we were trying to locate the whereabouts of a certain girl...were we not...?"
"Indeed." Roufas nodded.
"And we sent numerous agents after her...only to have them fail...correct?"
"Yes."
"And then...growing impatient, we even sen
