Don't fret about me—I'll help myself to a lovely bouquet from the Professor's stock later. It's equally important that you and your furry associate are well-rested. [ Now that's a thought: can Toby have nightmares? Can he turn Noctaere? If so, he might lick people sturdier than Ryunosuke into a dead faint. Perish the thought.

But just in case: ]

In fact, how has the Chief Inspector's sleep been? [ He reaches down to give Toby another scratch and examine him for signs of exhaustion. What does a tired terrier even look like? ]