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“I’ve observed several people loitering in the square, but none have taken more than a passing interest in the alleyway.”
    “Any you want to take a closer look at?”
    “Possibly,” Minox said. “First, if you’ll excuse the crudity, I need to make use of the water closet.”
    Inspector Rainey waved him off lightly, saying, “I’m amazed that there are water closets in this neighborhood.” Right after she spoke, her face changed, someidea crashing across her thoughts. She leaped to her feet and dashed across the street back to the alley.
    Minox had little choice but to follow, the call of nature needing to wait. He dropped a few coins on the table and went after her.
    “What is it?” he called as she passed between the two guards, leaped over the body of the victim, and charged into the back of the alley. It wasn’t until she stopped at the end that she turned back around and acknowledged that he was there.
    “Years ago, this alley led to a few backhouses. No water closets back then.”
    “Right.” Minox nodded.
    “So the backhouses are gone.” She focused her attention on the ground, which was covered with refuse and trash, most likely thrown out the windows above. She scraped some away with her foot, revealing metal grates in the ground. “But the way to the sewers isn’t.”
    “Are you proposing the killer entered through the sewer, or escaped?”
    “Either. Both.” She pulled out the grate, which came up easily. So easily it added credence to her theory. She put the grate down and glanced down the hole, covering her face. “I’m not sure, exactly. It’s something to consider.”
    A valid point, Minox had to acknowledge. In fact, Minox wished she hadn’t pushed aside the covering refuse so carelessly. A close inspection might have revealed if it had been placed deliberately to hide the killer’s method. “It may not currently bring us closer to solving the case, but it certainly could be crucial information.” He realized he made that sound more condescending than he had intended. “Good thinking.”
    “How far down does that go?”
    He bent down and peered into the darkness. “Ten feet, perhaps. Though I understand there is layer upon layer of underground, especially in this part of the city.” Perhaps it was due to this particular section of sewer not receiving direct use anymore, but the scent was nowhere near as bad as he had feared.
    “I heard some stories.” She stood back up.
    “That might be all they are,” Minox conceded.
    “What are you thinking?”
    “I’m not sure. I want to do an experiment. Are you willing?”
    They came out into the street.
    Inspector Rainey looked wary. “What do we need to do?”
    “Make a call, first,” Minox said. He pulled out his whistle again, and gave it four short, shrill blasts. People on the street glanced their way, then went back to their business. The two footpatrol gave him annoyed glances.
    A moment later, a Constabulary page came running up. An older one, with blond hair that was a bit longer than preferred. This one would have a hard time making senior page. “What’s the word, specs?”
    “The word is, we need some eyes, boy,” Welling said. He led them over to the mouth of the alley. “Can you see the clock tower of Saint Limarre’s from outside this alley?”
    “Sure can!” the page said.
    “I mean, really see it. See it to the minute.”
    “You bet!”
    Minox was too familiar with overeager pages exaggerating their abilities. “What’s the time?”
    “Ten bells nineteen.”
    “Very good.” He tapped the shoulder of one of the footpatrols. “I would prefer we not be disturbed. Eyes front, and if the wagon arrives, hold it here until we are finished. Now, if you will be so kind, Inspector Rainey, to join me in re-creating the event.”
    Rainey had the grace to look intrigued. Even excited. “Fair enough. But are we presuming the victim is grabbed here in the street, or brought in from the sewer, already