Early that morning, Kairo stood alone behind the bar of the Glember Inn and Tavern. His hands moved mechanically, wiping the counter. He gazed distantly at the rows of polished glasses though grainy feeling eyes, lost in thought.

His attention shifted as the inspector entered, his eyes sweeping the room with determination. Kairo, seizing the moment, greeted him. "Good morning, Inspector," he said, his voice steady and welcoming. "Did you sleep well? Perhaps a cup of jig-jig?"

The inspector, slightly disheveled but composed, accepted with a nod. "Yes, thank you. That would be great."

Kairo busied himself with the jig-jig juice, keeping the conversation light and steering it away from sensitive topics. He talked about the inn's history.

He subtly positioned himself to make the inspector face away from the hallway to the guest rooms, where Nyaogi’s supplies still lay.

Kairo poured the inspector a steaming cup of jig-jig, hoping to prolong their conversation. "You know, this inn has been in my family for generations," he started, his voice warm and inviting.

"Is that so?" the inspector replied, a hint of interest in his voice. "Tell me more about your family's history here."

"Well, it all started with my great-grandfather. He built this place from the ground up, back when this place wasn’t even a blip along the Ravo River. He believed in providing a haven for weary travelers and locals alike." Kairo's hands gestured expressively as he spoke, recounting tales of the past.

The inspector nodded, his cup halfway to his lips. "Interesting. And what about recent activities? Anything unusual?"

Kairo hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering. "Oh, nothing out of the ordinary. Just the usual bustling of travelers. It's all quite routine, really."

But as the conversation progressed, Kairo noticed the inspector's growing impatience. His eyes no longer held a spark of interest but a sharpening scrutiny.

“Mr. Kairo," the inspector began, his voice cutting through the inn's morning hum. He set his cup down with a slight clink. "While I appreciate your hospitality, I can't help but feel you're steering me away from certain topics. Is there something you're trying to hide?”

Kairo's heart skipped. "Not at all, Inspector," he said, maintaining his composure. "I'm just proud of our inn and its history. If I seemed evasive, I apologize. Please, feel free to ask anything you want.”

The inspector's gaze lingered on Kairo a moment longer, assessing. He then stood up, his chair scraping slightly against the floor. “I think I’d like to continue my investigation now, if you don’t mind.” His tone was firm.

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Kairo nodded, his thoughts in turmoil. He trailed the inspector, searching for ways to divert him from uncovering any secrets. The inn's walls, once symbols of family and community, now seemed to close in on him, amplifying his anxiety.

The inspector's focus was intense as he surveyed each corner of the inn. His eyes lingered on doorways and staircases, places Kairo hoped he would ignore.

Desperate, Kairo blurted out, "Inspector, there's an urgent issue in the cellar. A water line might be leaking. It's critical."

The inspector stopped, eyeing Kairo skeptically. "A water leak?"

"Yes, it's a serious concern," Kairo insisted, hoping to steer the inspector away.

The inspector's stance remained firm. "My duty is to investigate the inn. Public safety is my priority, and that means ensuring no illegal activities are happening here."

Kairo's heart dropped. His last attempt to protect the inn and his friends had failed. He watched the inspector resume his thorough search, each step echoing ominously.

#

Inspector Adamma said, "Mr. Kairo, there have been rumors about illicit potions and illegal trade linked to this inn. Last night's incident has only deepened my concerns."

Kairo's pulse quickened, but he kept his face serene. Inside, his thoughts whirled in a storm of worry and calculation.

"I've heard whispers of potions not sanctioned by the authorities being sold here," the inspector continued. "Talk of underground trade happening under the guise of a reputable inn."

Standing amid the familiar surroundings of the Glember Inn, Kairo worked to maintain a facade of calm. He nodded, careful not to betray his inner turmoil.

Realizing his overt diversions had failed, Kairo knew he needed a subtler strategy. Direct falsehoods were too dangerous. Instead, he needed a story that was believable yet misleading.

He thought of attributing the peculiar events to the inn's diverse clientele. He planned to emphasize the inn's longstanding role in the community, a haven with no history of unlawful activities. This way, he hoped to create a sense of trust and normalcy, diverting the inspector's attention from the truth.

Kairo, choosing his words with care, said, “Any illicit potion making would be news to me.”

“Would it?”

“You've been very thorough in your search. I doubt there's anything left unseen.”

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, Kairo noticed Nyaogi sneaking towards her room. He tried to catch her attention, waving subtly, but she didn't notice and continued on her way, oblivious to the danger.

The inspector, pondering Kairo's statement, said. “You might be right. To be sure, I’ll check down this hall.”

Kairo moved to follow the inspector.

“Mr. Kairo, I can’t help but notice that you won’t leave me alone.”

“I’m sorry?”

“You seem to be trying to distract me, keep me away from something. I want to continue my investigation.”

“Of course, inspector.”

“Alone.”

“Oh.” Kairo shuffled his feet. “Well, yes. There’s some work I need to do.”

“You do your work, and I’ll do mine.” The inspector turned and headed toward the end of the first floor hallway.

Kairo walked up the stairs and towards Nyaogi's room, his heart racing with fear. He needed to warn her, to give her time to conceal any evidence.

Reaching the corridor, he saw no sign of Nyaogi. Torn between knocking on her door and drawing unwanted attention or waiting for a safer chance to communicate, Kairo lingered in the hallway. Every second was critical.