[MaC] More speculation in the lounge - Re-Edit

[Katie Fulton]

Richard looked back at Esme, then Arabella. He gave
them both a smile. "If we're keeping mixed company,
why don't I go with you?"

Nicola responded to Oswald's suggestion with a nod and
stood, walking over towards the men. She rather liked
the Wing Commander, but didn't know what to make of
Hodges. The older gentleman seemed to dislike her on
sight and Nicola had responded appropriately coolly.

Although that was no matter now. They had a search
ahead of them and whatever they thought about each
other, she and Hodges would have to work together. She
spoke to the men: "Well, gentlemen, I hate to be the
one to bring up such an uncouth subject, but I do hope
at least one of you is armed. After all, we have no
idea what we're going to be encountering."

[new] "Erm..." Richard's lips thinned. "Actually, I'm not sure... I never
looked for a pistol..."

[inserted] "HEY!" Marjorie yelled from the bar.  She was flushed, half
panicked
looking.  "When did she die!?  Was it during the blackout?  Cause...
how would the killer know there was going to be a blackout!?  We oughta
figure that out before we scatter like pigeons."

"That is true," admitted Richard. "It might have been a crime of
opportunity, but it might have been planned... But why during a party?"