The First Lead
Empty Counter
Leo arrives at the pawnshop after a worried call from a regular customer goes unanswered. He finds the front door unlocked, lights on, but the shop silent and his aunt gone. A half-finished transaction sits on the counter next to an open strongbox drawer.
Initial denial, but accumulating evidence of forced or sudden absence (overturned stool, spilled tea still warm, no note, phone left behind ringing).
Leo discovers the pawn ticket book open to a recent entry marked with a red-sealed stamp he has never seen before, and realizes his aunt would never leave without locking the relic drawer.
He pockets the unusual pawn ticket just as headlights sweep across the front windows—someone watching the shop from the street.