I do not know.

"Excuse me, but Mr. McKay's valet has arrived," one of their servants said, bowing slightly as they entered. "He said that he was instructed to collect Mr. Mckay and take him home."

I glanced over at the Clock up on the wall, and saw that it was half-past-ten. One could only surmise why he was late, but I decided not to comment on that. "Oh, is that the time already? How it flies." Dusting myself off as I stood, I said, "Thank you once again for the dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Holden-Buress. And it was a pleasure meeting you as well, Mr. and Mrs. Pocszinski."

"Hm? Oh, it is getting late isn't it?" Mr. Pocszinski said, getting to his feet as well. Making his way towards me, he extended his hand. I took it. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Mckay. I hope that you have a pleasant journey back to your home. And I'm sure that we would all be delighted to have you some other time."

The way he worded that sentence, in addition to the firmness of his grip, gave me a slight pause, but I smiled all the same. "Indeed. Good evening, Mr. Pocszinski."

Howard was waiting for me as I left the building. With another tip of my Hat and wave, I turned and left with him. Once we had rounded the corner however, I let out a great breath. "An eventful evening, Sir?" Howard asked, turning his head towards me.

"Not in the way I think you had hoped, Howard," I said, stretching out my shoulders with my Cane over my head, "but yes. They have an excellent cook and were excellent hosts."

"I haven't the foggiest idea of what you mean Sir," he countered, avoiding my unasked question. "Ms. Vanessa is well known round these parts for her cooking. I have no idea how she does it, but she's got this touch of magic when it comes to her Pastries." Shaking his head, he murmured satisfaction. "If you ever have the chance, you must try her cinnamon-apple pie. Second only to her fish pie. Or so I've been told. Never had the opportunity. If you would wish to dine with the Buress' again, might I request she prepare some for you, Sir? Sir?"

We had reached the Main Street by this time, and something had caught on the edge of my vision. Howard had passed me by several paces, while I had become stock still, straining my eyes to see what it was. I knew that whatever it was would have been better off left alone, but damn my curiosity. "Howard, I believe I can find my way back from here. You go on ahead. I won't be too long. Good night." Without another word, I walked away from him, towards that strangeness.