< What happened to that ghost, do you think? >

The question startled Numair, but only briefly--within an instant his composure was back.

< ...I would have assumed, > he said, < that your hunters came back to dispel it. >

PASS

+ "...if I didn't know better."

< I thought you were rather strict with them about getting rid of ghosts promptly, > he added.

< I am! And they did go back, > the Treiha replied, frowning. They tapped their head. < Wretched to leave a ghost haunting. Not sure what they were thinking. But wouldn't you know, the ghost was already gone by the time they got there. Why do you suppose that is? > they asked blithely.

Numair did not meet the light tone, answering tersely, < Clearly someone else dispelled it. >

PASS

+ true.

< But who? > the Treiha asked, the picture of innocent curiosity. Numair recoiled somewhat.

< How should I know? > he said, no longer making so much effort to seem diplomatic about it.

PASS

+ not an answer!

< There's more than one way to dispel a ghost. Any number of people could have done it. >

PASS

+ also true.

< It's not a crime, is it? >

That appeared to cause some reflection in the Treiha. They mused, slowly, < Interfering in an investigation... >