[MaC] Around the Bar

[Knave of Amber]

On Fri, 24 Dec 2004 04:32:04 -0800 (PST), Brenda McCartney
<windeaglebjm at yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> --- Mel Mason <goldfired at oxmust.co.uk> wrote:
> 
> >
> > Cyril leaned at the end of the bar and watched the exchange and
> > Nola's huffy
> > departure with an amused smirk.  "Actresses.  They're so touchy.
> > Always on
> > stage, they are," he said to Hodges.  "You got a towel back there,
> > Hodges?"
> > Cyril asked, examining the dirt on his hands.
> >
> > "I'm certain I wouldn't know, sir.  Never had much call to such
> > company."
> > Hodges replied, adding, "Here you go, Mr. Beaman." and handing the
> > businessman a white towel.
> > 
> Cyril turned away from his conversation with Mrs. Rosen to take the
> towel.
> 
> > "Oh, don't dirty that, Cyril," said his wife, who had come to his
> > side.
> > "They'll never be able to get the oil off!  Go back to our flat and
> > get some
> > of the old ones that Enid keeps under the kitchen sink for dirty jobs
> > - and
> > then the Wing Commander and Mr Hodges can clean their hands as well."
> 
> Cyril smiled at Florence.  "Yes, dear," he answered in mock-servitude.
> To Tabitha and Hodges he said, "Back in a moment, folks.  I have my
> orders."  He made his way down the stairs and back out into the hallway
> to return to his own penthouse across the hall.

Michael salutes his comrade in oil and offers a smile to his wife.
"Mrs. Beaman, that's extremely thoughtful."

"I think I'll match the lady if you will, old man," he says to Hodges
with a nod to Tabitha's brandy. He sets a package on the bartop, not
concerned with the oily fingerprints on it. The box wasn't important,
the brandy within was.

"A Happy Christmas, Mrs. Franz. You look especially lovely this
evening, I must say," he greets her.