The next day

Ann walked to the front of the shop. As usual, she knew who the customer would be and what would be desired. She gave a reproachful smile to the young man standing at the counter.

"Good afternoon, sir; John, is it not?"

He held out a foot-long gift box, roughly encircled by strands of ribbon. "Yes; I am returning this for Mistress Sarah."

"Aah. You realize it's late."

"As is she, Miss. She was – tied up – and lost track of time." His smile was anything but genuine.

"That is unfortunate."

"Not really, Miss. Since she aged completely to dust it was a simple manner to vacuum her up."

"I do not condone the use of items from my shop for ****, John. I would like to discuss this further in privacy."

He followed her into the back of the shop...

...and was never seen again.