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.

If you end

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

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

forward, rubbing her stomach. She

ate too much and my stomach's acting up. I didn't realize you were talking to me. Am I

her sickly appearance, she didn't

please. We're going to

started to relax, but Bridget

and you're sweating-your hands are

back. "Thanks, but

away, but the

a beat as she

in again, "Officer, can you check Sylvia

I can take her to the

turned their full attention to

"Where were you sitting?"

her lips

a slight smile, excitement flashing in her eyes. "Come on, Sylvia, everyone's waiting. Don't waste time. I