In the deep gloom of Wednesday evening, rain falls gently outside but inside Red Wight Alton and Cook celebrate the end of a confusing and painful case. Karras and Petrosian have the bar open early for their more lively guests.

Vonner leans against a bar stool with a colorful cocktail in hand. She’s as cheerful as the detectives and thoroughly confident in the success of their case. She chats with Alton and Cook at the bar.

“You two have been in the court more than I have today,” Vonner smiles at the detectives, “so how do you think it looks? Word is the case is going our way much more easily than could be expected.”

“I don’t really know,” Alton confesses. “That Cerna asked a lot of questions, but I’m not sold that he’s asking the ones I’d really expect.”

“That’s true.” Cook folds and refolds a napkin repetitively. “Either he’s less competent than I imagine a vamp like Bellemare can afford or we’re getting played.”

“Now that’s a negative thought if ever I overheard one,” Llyrr slides an arm around Alton’s waist, startling the paler elf. “If you detectives don’t mind, I’m borrowing my girlfriend for the evening. I was promised there would be music in this too bright city and I’ll not be denied.”

The drow has a grin whiter than snow and hair like molten silver. A serpente lowblood stands at her side, her scales a bright green with a long stripe down her sides. Cook’s met them before, but doesn’t remember the serpente’s name.

“I’m sorry,” Alton apologizes, “Aesma, George, this is Cecilia Salvetti. She’s Llyrr’s partner from Silverscale.”

“Always happy to meet the coworkers of my other half.“ Salvetti curtsies politely. “And who would this be?”

Karras gives the serpente a winning smile.

“Galen Karras,” the vampire offers a handshake, “I actually wanted to ask the detectives a few quick questions. Do you mind?”

“I don’t, but she might,” Salvetti indicates Llyrr. The drow pulls Alton from the barstool easily and tugs her away. “You’ll have to make due with half of the pair.”

“If it’s nothing sensitive we’ll not push you away too, Cecilia.” Cook pats the stool next to him.

Karras offers a drink, and Cecilia accepts. Pleasantries over he gets back to the meat of his concern.

“So how is the case really going?” Karras asks the detective and lawyer sitting at the bar. Salvetti leans in with a show of curiosity.

“Honestly,” Vonner admits, “Detective Alton’s right. It’s hard to tell for sure. It almost seems too easy right now. Bellemare’s hardly putting up a fight.

“I suspect that he’s either betting it all on taking the stand in his own defense or there’s something else going on in there. You’re our resident conspiracy nut, George. Any guesses on what that could be?”

Cook shrugs.

“Probably something to do with the Vampire Ethics Counsel,” the detective suggests. “I can’t imagine they’d just let the implied accusation of wrongdoing on their part stand.”

“Wouldn’t they have to abandon him though,” Salvetti asks, not sure that she understands surface world politics. “To act on his behalf admits their connection.”

“Perhaps,” Vonner admits. “If they are involved, you’re probably right that they couldn’t admit it.”

“But if they’re not involved,” Cook asks, “why wouldn’t they disavow everyone who is right away?”