[MaC] Speculation in the Lounge

[Katie Fulton]

At this point, Hodges returned with Esme and the linens they had collected
from downstairs.  Pamela took the linens while Esme shot a worried look at
her husband, and then at Anton - then back to her husband.

"What's happened, Marty?"

At this point, Pamela, Lucinda and Warren left to return to the pianist's
lounge and the body.

Marty tossed off his brandy and slammed the glass down on the bar with a
curt nod to Marjorie to refill it.

"Nola's managed to get herself murdered, that's what."

The effect on Esme was dramatic.  A hand went to her neck - she seemed to be
clutching at her throat.

"No!" she said shrilly.  "I didn't do it!  It wasn't me!"

And she sank to the floor in a dead faint.

Richard, not too far away, pulled his hand back from the impromptu
examination and moved to where Esme had fallen. He crouched, pulling off his
jacket to make a pillow for her head. He looked up at Marty.

"Have some salts nearby?" he asked calmly, as if he hadn't heard Esme's cry.