Hawk turned to see that some of the little crowd had drawn closer: not just other fuzhu like Suyan, studded in various piercings and bearing leather bags set on various light harnesses, but spirits as well.

"Everyone in the neighborhood liked Suyan," one of the fuzhu told Hawk, having to crane their head to look up at him.

"Lovely child," a spirit next to them murmured, nodding.

"But she always kept to herself," the fuzhu continued. "So..."

"It's a bit embarrassing to admit it," another fuzhu chimed in, "but I suppose none of us really knew her. I guess what we're getting at is, would you be willing to stay and help us talk to her a while longer?"

Hawk hesitated. A third fuzhu put in, "Yes, I think we'd all like to be able to remember Suyan properly."

"And get to know her before it's too late!" added a robed spirit who had been standing back, but now drew in a little closer.

"Yes, yes..." there was a murmur of agreement.

Hawk sighed. He turned to Vlad.

"What about you?" he asked. "Someone else can pr'y translate if you wanna go. You look kinda tired."

"Oh, I've been awake for thirty-two hours!" Vlad said brightly. His collar was still rumpled, and there was a touch of exhaustion in his face. Even so, he said, "But miss watching you interview a ghost? I'd kill me if Shinobu doesn't!"