A midnight mystery · A crime comic in ten panels

Hold Until Kumquat

A woman, her robot sidekick, and an envelope arrive at a deserted station, where the man waiting in the shadows may not be the whole story.

RobotThat him?

WomanThat’s the coat.

RobotYou came a long way to argue with a coat.

01

RobotYou could still leave it and go.

WomanHe ought to see who brought it.

RobotIs that all?

WomanKeep walking.

02

WomanLook at him. Doesn’t even move.

RobotHe’s watching your hand.

03

WomanHis name. His signature. What else do you need?

RobotThe rest of the page.

WomanI’ve read it.

RobotThen why do you keep folding that part under?

04

WomanLet go.

RobotAsk him first.

WomanHe’ll lie.

RobotThen listen carefully.

05

ManYou weren’t supposed to come yourself.

WomanYou weren’t supposed to put my name in it.

ManI know.

06

WomanWho told you to?

WomanLook at me.

ManI’m trying to.

07

WomanYou saw that.

RobotYes.

WomanStill think I’ve got him wrong?

RobotI think he’s frightened.

WomanSo am I.

RobotI noticed.

08

WomanWhat happens if I walk out with this?

ManWhich door?

09

RobotShall I answer it?

WomanNot yet.

ManWhat are you waiting for?

WomanA word.

HOLD UNTIL KUMQUAT.

10