Episode 23: In a velvet pouch

Philip left a gasp of surprise. The inspector picked up the velvet pouch and slowly pushed the petals back in the back. He unfolded a paper napkin on the table. Slowly he opened the small bag and poured the contents on the napkin. Long, dark brown stems fell on the table. ‘What is that?’ asked Philip. ‘That is fine vanilla pods, my friend. Possibly the finest in the world’ Blu said, after lifting one and smelling it. ‘From one of the Indian Ocean islands. If I had to guess, I would say Madagascar.’