Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

The police officers avoided mentioning drugs outright, not wanting to spook the suspect.

But everyone in the room understood what was going on.

Hearing the implication, Eloise paled, shaking her head emphatically.

"No way! You must have the wrong person."

Before the officers could explain further, another voice cut through the tension.

"What's going on? Why all the commotion?"

It was Bridget.

She stepped inside, surprise flitting across her face when she saw Eloise. "Ms. Eloise? I didn't know you were dining here! Wait... Where's Sylvia? I don't see her."

The officers immediately tensed at the missing headcount. If someone had slipped away, especially under the influence of drugs, there could be real danger.

One of the cops pressed, "Who else isn't here? Where are they now? If you don't answer honestly, you could be charged with harboring a suspect."

Eloise frowned, shooting Bridget a look of annoyance.

mean to stir things up, but Ms. Eloise, I'm just worried. If you end up helping a criminal, that

room nodded, their eyes narrowing at Eloise, as if urging her to cooperate. They were business associates, not family-they weren't about to

as Eloise faltered, unsure what to say, a voice piped up from the corner. "I'm

stepped forward, rubbing her stomach. She looked pale

my stomach's acting up. I didn't realize you were

Aside from her sickly appearance, she didn't seem out of

We're going to check

started to relax, but Bridget suddenly

stared at Sylvia's hand, eyes wide. "Sylvia, your palm's ice cold and you're

her hand back. "Thanks, but

walk away, but the cop's

a beat as

again, "Officer, can you

can take her

their full attention

"Where were you sitting?"

her lips

her eyes. "Come on, Sylvia,