"Hi, ace detective." She smiles warmly. "Are you here for more books?"

"I don't know about that... But I imagine life is great when you're famous."

"Okay, I'm going to deduce something now."

The girl keeps her hands folded, hidden. Why is that?

"Hey... Why do you keep your hands folded?"

"What do you mean, sir?" She looks wary.

She knows where this is going.

"Actually, I'd rather not deduce anything. Every time I deduce people get hurt."

She sighs -- not relieved, but resigned. "No," she says. "You're right..."

She brings out her reddened hands -- her nails are frayed, nearly chewed down to the flesh.

"You bite your nails."

"And you knew this from me keeping my hands folded?" She shoots you a suspicious glance.

"There were a few other hints..."

"Well... that proves nothing! Anyone could do an easy deduction like that!" Her eyes flash with defiance. She's not impressed.

She actually is impressed, this is more like a defensive reflex.

"Want more? Bet I can figure out why you bite your nails. I got a few reasons in mind."

She nods -- half provocative, half enthusiastic.

"Rats have been nibbling on your fingers. Child labour in dismal working conditions..."

"What rats? I just read books. Haven't seen a rat in this building in forever."

"No rats in this dilapidated building? Strange."

"Maybe they're just afraid... of books!" She laughs, with a slight nervous undertone.

"Either way, another ace deduction by the #1 detective in town."

"It was okay, sir." She's still got a rebellious streak.

There's more that can be achieved here. Ask her to do the same.

"You think so? Fine, do better -- deduce something about me."

"You're quite sober." She snaps back quickly.

The lieutenant does not flinch at the comment. He does not flinch even a single bit. He is intensely not flinching. It takes effort.

"I am also sad and my head hurts."

"I'm sorry, sir. I hope things get better soon." She looks you in the eye, a gleam of sympathy on her face.

There she stands, swaying on her feet, assaulted by the early spring breeze. She smiles at you. The whole situation suddenly feels familiar, somehow.

There's something you're missing...

"Yeah, about that... maybe you could point me toward some booze?"

"Uhm... Frittte, maybe?" She shrugs, a compassionate look in her eyes. "Alcohol is not good for you, sir."

"Wait... How do you know I'm usually not?"

"Because you usually aren't."

"And I'm having a grand time!"

"I sure hope you are, sir!" She rubs her red nose.

"That was a master class move. Whatever, kid, I don't need to prove myself to you."

"If you say so, sir." She grins victoriously.

"I hope this entertained you."

"It's an intense dedication to the Way of Business. There are no riches without personal sacrifice."

"Thank you, sir! I work hard." She beams a smile.

"You're uptight because of your mother and the pressure she's putting on you."

Dismay flickers in her eyes. "Maybe so, sir." She sighs. "Okay, I know, it's a bad habit and I shouldn't."

"Chewed-on-nails... means you're recycling your body material."

"That is so gross."

"Life is gross. So very gross."

"Eww." She shudders.

"It's super simple for a detective such as myself."

"Yes."

"You can show them to me."

She looks around anxiously. Her hands remain folded in front of her. She doesn't want to show them.

The lieutenant stands by -- looking at the two of you with little interest.

A façade of true professionalism. He is far more intrigued by the situation than his poise reveals.

"It's okay."

"You heard me. Hands up."

"You don't need to be worried. I'm here to help."

You fail to deduce anything substantial.

She waits intently.

"I'm a detective. I deduce that you... are a girl."

"Come on, anyone would notice that!" She rolls her eyes.