Fairly straightforward resolution to this mystery. Thieves and slavers. Much of the most interesting reveals involved elements peripheral to the main mystery.

Women in this series are STRONG! The waif-like Anastassia hauls Kujo into the carriage like he was a sack of potatoes.

Kujo observes that Avril's scary story was true. Odd about that. She volunteered the story before he mentioned he was going into town. On a shopping trip requested by his sister. Just odd!

The waif (Luigi) states that, "There was somebody like you before." Someone investigating the disappearances? Who?

Kujo does have a tendency to ramble on about Victorique, doesn't he? Heh.

Big Reveal! The magician IS Brian Roscoe after all! (I was wrongo on that one!) Red hair, but seriously green eyes -- that stare at Kujo. Is it Cordelia in the chess puppet? Why does she wish to conceal her presence? She certainly couldn't still be wanted by the law, which I don't believe she ever was anyway. There was never any indication that charges were pressed agaist her for the murder in Seyrun. Is she hiding from Grevil? Or others, as well?

Grevil's ridiculous do was apparently the price he had to pay for Victorique's help on some previous case.

Grevil shows more competence in this episode than we've ever seen before. He works effectively with Kujo to stage their little distraction so the other officers can dope the windows unnoticed. He also handled the kick-ass blonde with little difficulty. Which recalls my question about his lack of action against Herminia a couple of episodes ago. Would having Victorique dead be convenient?

Who is the Jacqueline woman in the parlour, and what's her relationship to Grevil? Another redhead.

Finally, Victorique's dream seems to be a memory of her -- at a significantly younger age -- being taunted by Grevil. If this is indeed the case, and not some misdirection (the voice didn't sound like Grevil to me), then Grevil needs to suffer. I'd advocate grinding his bones to powder -- while they're still in him.

Avril's scary story is eerily (and conveniently) prophetic of the adventure to ensure. (Can't wait until Avril and Victorique finally meet face-to-face.)

A veritable doll-house in the middle of a maze. Could anything be more appropriate for Victorique?

I wonder if the stolen works of art to which Grevil is referring -- which are now reappearing on the black market, are the same ones pilfered by the late, Great Kuiaran?

Young women and children disappearing. Other than a slave trade, what could be the purpose in that?

Two coincidences drive this plot so far. First, Kujo being mistaken for someone else of "Oriental" demeanor. Second, neglecting to get off the elevator on the proper floor. There's no way getting around the second being nothing more than a plot contrivance. Oh well!

Kujo has a good eye for details.

The "Blue Rose" did not shatter or chip when it hit the floor. Probably not glass, then.

Grevil mutters that he has to live up to "their expectations." He's definitely under pressure, but is it a personal thing, a career issue (i.e., protecting his professional reputation) or something darker?

When Kujo had brought Grevil down into the basement, why didn't the girl come out? Was she more afraid of the hulking bad guy than reassured by the unimpressive inspector?

Victorique's dream of her imprisionment was disturbing, despite the lack of overt physical danger or distress. For someone of her intelligence and disposition, the situation protrayed would genuinely be "torturous." No wonder she literally surrounds herself with books. They're not just entertainment. They're comforting -- an emotional shield. I hope the ones who were responsible for this eventually get it -- good and hard. And that may include Grevil.

Victorique REALLY hates pain. Related -- I'm not sure what's being communicated by her continuing regard of her damaged palms. And are those burn marks, or pressure damage from holding onto Kujo? Is she looking at her hands because they're a continuing source of discomfort, or because -- given her aversion to pain -- she's perplexed by her ability to hang onto Kumo despite the pain? As isolated and alone as she's been, that degree of commitment to someone else might very well be...confusing...and threatening to her sense of self-reliance.

Who made off with Kujo?  The store people? The Orientals who were originally supposed to show up? Someone else who also mistook Kujo for the "other" Oriental? Or someone looking to protect Kujo?