[MaC] At the Fitzroys: Hodges and Braham

[Mel Mason]

There in the larger room, the picture windows hung with heavy blackout 
curtains, Hodges found a long table set with bottles of gin, tonic, bitters, 
vermouth, scotch, lime juice and a few liqueurs - as well as Malvern water 
for the faint of heart.  Also present was Esme Fitzroy who looked at Hodges 
nervously, before standing and walking towards him, hand extended.

"So good of you to help out," she said colourlessly.  "You can mix 
cocktails, can't you?"

"Of course, Mrs. Fitzroy.  I'd be happy to fix you a drink if you wish, 
settle your stomach before the guests arrive..."  Hodges offered cheerfully, 
taking her hand lightly in his own in greeting.  Just then, another 
gentleman entered the parlor.  His thoughts about her bloated toad of a 
husband he kept to himself.

"A pink gin," agreed Esme.  "That's what I'll have - a pink gin."

***

"Good evening, Mr ... ?"

"Davis. Braham Davis," he said quickly. "And you must be Mrs. Fitzroy." He 
took her hand gently and gave a slight bow. "Thank you for the invitation. 
It is a pleasure to finally meet you." From his accent he was most certainly 
American; a handsome, young, charismatic American. How he had been managing 
to blend into the shadows was a bit of a mystery.

Esme smailed at him vaguely.  "So lovely to see you," she said in a voice 
devoid of emotion.

"Mr. Davis, would you care for a cocktail?"  Hodges had assumed a position 
behind the long table as Mr. Davis introduced himself to the hostess.