Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Most of the people at the dinner party had never been through this kind of screening before, and you could see the curiosity in their eyes as the process unfolded.

Except for Bridget. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she started sniffling quietly.

"Officer, please, can't you cut her some slack? Sylvia's so young-if this gets out, her reputation will be ruined!"

The cop's face was all business. "The law's the law. No one gets special treatment."

At that, a few of the designers who'd been standing near Sylvia quickly stepped back, obviously worried about getting caught up in the mess.

Sylvia lifted her head and looked straight at Bridget, her voice calm but icy. "Ms. Simpson, the results aren't even out yet. Why are you so sure I'm in trouble? Got a crystal ball or something?"

Bridget froze for a second, then wiped her eyes and stammered, "I just care about you, that's all. I was worried. Maybe I overreacted."

People glanced at Sylvia, and you could feel the judgment in the room-like she was being ungrateful.

Sylvia ignored them. She just kept her eyes on the little test kit in the cup.

Right then, the officer stepped forward and pulled the test strip out of the glass.

One line. Two lines...

for Bridget, whose eyes went wide

impossible! It can't be negative,

confused. Negative?

us have seen these tests before, so how do you know two

late

my college, the local police did some workshops, so

replied with a cold little

was off ever since she drank the glass of wine Mark handed her. The instant that strange feeling hit her, she realized how serious things

accidentally

claim it was an accident. Destroying the evidence had crossed her mind, but he body wasn't cooperating-so when she

strip, nodded,

glanced over at

"Mark's not here he stepped out and never came back," she

grabbed Mark's wine glass, and

Positive.

judging by how quickly the test reacted,

"Go find him-now!"

officers rushed

stopped the lead