The laundry returned my greatcoat at eight seventeen. It arrived clean, pressed and sealed inside a transparent bereavement sleeve. A black inventory ribbon had been tied through the second buttonhole.
I showed the attendant that I was wearing the trousers belonging to the same uniform.
She agreed that this demonstrated possession. It did not, she explained, demonstrate continuity.
According to the terminal, Senior Hunter Dirk Strangelove remained deceased. His coat had therefore passed to his estate. Since the estate had made no arrangements to collect it, the coat was now accruing storage fees.
I asked who currently represented the estate.
She checked twice, then turned the terminal towards me.
The coat did.
I have an appointment with Posthumous Property Resolution tomorrow morning. The coat is required to attend. It has been issued a visitor badge. Mine has expired.
An official Sanctuary Serial