[MaC] Separations: Hodges, Nicola and Michael

[Jvstin(Mindspring)]

Before anything more could be said, there seemed to be an altercation on 
the stairs.  The lift could be heard moving - and a woman's voice 
calling out.

"That's Lou," said Oswald.  "We'd better see what's going on."

*James nodded, looking to Anton.  "Will you be all right here?" he asked 
the musician. "Or do you want to come with us?"

He headed towards the door - in time to hear Lucinda call out: "Please 
... stop him.  I think he overheard ... Miss Diamond was ... was ill."

*James followed him, a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Oswald looked over his shoulder.  "Hodges," he said, "can you stop the 
lift as well as start it?"


> "I can try, sir.  Mister Coldsmith-Briggs, can you assist me again?"  Hodges 
> hurried towards the lift to see what could be done to prevent Marty Fitzroy 
> from leaving Mortmain...
> 

"Of course," the Group Commander answered. "Seems like we should've
just left it before, eh?" he jokes, trying to bleed off some of the
evening's stress.


 >> "Well, hang on, now!" Nicola said angrily, hurrying
 >> after Hodges and Michael. "You two aren't going
 >> anywhere without me. I can at least keep a look out to
 >> see if that damn Fitzroy is getting anywere near the
 >> ground floor."


"Wouldn't think of it dear," Michael answers. "Hodges, give her your
rifle. She can guard the ground floor."

Hodges eyed Nicola doubtfully.  "Do you know how to use a firearm, Miss
Douglas?"

In response, Nicola took the rifle, checked it and
brandished it. "I've been hunting game on my family's
estate since I was eight years old," she said. "I
think I can handle it."

"Do you want to guard the ground floor alone?" James asked Nicola.