Gerald 'Jerry' McNaughton's page

"Adair, Vernon and I uncovered this..." he continues happy for a captive audience even if the ladies have gone.

Jerry gives Professor O'Donnell an encouraging smile. "Do show Professor, this is absolutely fascinating."

O'Donnell smiles to Jerry and heartily clasps the side of his arm; "Certainly. Well we have all been working on this project. The Ball; about early Romano-British culture. We have taken quite a collection from the ground...." O'Donnell starts.

"Tell me more about this exciting collection; what sort of objects have you uncovered?"

Curator O'Donnell, rubs his cheek "My hand slipped!" he says sheepishly, though there is a slightly worried look to his eyes as the young lady runs out of the room.

"Sorry about that, Mr McNaughton. Now how can I be of assistance? I am sorry, we are in shock. Well mostly." O'Donnell says speaking sadly and looking at the cup of tea on the sideboard.

Jerry looks archly at O'Donnell and then says, "One must always be very careful with ones hands around the posteriors of attractive young women."

He turns to Merriweather. "Wouldn't you agree Professor?"

Turning back to O'Donnell he smiles and says: "Not to worry though. I'm sure that no harm was done and you can apologise to Miss Myrni later."

"Now, perhaps we can get back to the matter at hand. I was hoping that you could tell me a little about Professor Vernon. What was he working on? How did he seem over the last few days before his untimely.... death?"

O'Donnell heartily shakes Jerry's hand, the young man seems of robust physique slightly unusual in a academic. His eyes hold a slight apprehension and tension that Jerry finds hard to read. "Yes, Professor, I did my doctorate in the Celts and their connquests." he says confidently - obviously a subject that he can talk on for days.

"How absolutely spiffing old chap. Tell me, did you focus on any particular branch of the Celtic peoples, or were your studies more general?"

His hand around her shoulder; his other hand pats the Princesses posterior.

Jerry doesn't know whether to be annoyed or impressed. "This O'Donnell chap is certainly confident, although such behaviour is not what one would expect from a gentleman. I shall have to keep my eye on him...."

"I better keep O'Donnell talking for as long as I can, as it looks like Stella is up to something...."

** spoiler omitted **

O'Donnell shakes Jerry's hand firmly; "A pleasure to meet you, Mr?" A warm smile spreads across his face although it creases his thin scar making him look dangerous, with a rogue smile.

Jerry waits for Aysha to finish speaking and quickly says "McNaughton. A pleasure to meet you Professor (?) O'Donnell."

Jerry studies O'Donnell intently for a second before letting go of his hand.

Psychology roll: 1d100 ⇒ 55 (my Psychology skill is 5%)

"Do you think it might be possible to speak with Curator O'Donnell? He might be able to provide us with some additional insight into the Prof's state of mind in the days leading up to the Gala."

"I suppose it must have been all the stress of the exhibition. He never showed that much nerves before. I suppose he was able in his efforts." The curator wonders; "Of course you are going to his funereal tomorrow? Getting it over before the New Years break."

"Yes, of course we will be at the funeral. Do you have the details?"

Jerry purses his lips as he thinks for a second. He then looks at Professor Merriweather, "The Prof may have been easily distracted and little excitable on occasion, but he never struck me as the nervous type. And he was a very knowledgeable man."

He sighs and gently wipes at his right eye with his forefinger.

"What about O'Donnell? What's his story? Did he come here from another museum, or was he a University man? What's his speciality?

Jerry listens to Aysha's story, trying desperately to recall any information about the Spurkin expedition and coming up with a total blank.

"If I'd heard it from most anyone else I would have thought it was a tall tale."

"Just out of interest Miss Myrni, did you actually bring any objects back with you in the end?"

mumbling now Aysha continues 'But our foolish arrogance and pride took over though, didn't it? and we stayed....'

Jerry looks curiously at Aysha as her voice trails off and, raising his eyebrows, says: "Hmm, very intriguing Miss Myrni. Perhaps you can tell us a little more about this Spurkin discovery?"

Jerry winks back at Stella and then gives Professor Merriweather's hand a firm shake and says, "As Miss Myrni has just said, thank you for meeting with us at such short notice Professor; we know that you must have a lot on your plate at the moment."

You know Miss Myrni I believe? He says nodding in Aysha's direction.

He waits for Professor Merriweather's response, but the man seems a little distracted and, seeing that he is having some trouble processing the question, Jerry says:

If you don't mind, we were hoping that you could answer a few questions regarding the terrible tragedy last night?

Suddenly Aysha catches the time on her dad's pocket watch.

'9'o clock?!'
'Oh no father I have to go!'
'But Sha....'
its too late- after snatching another currant teacake Aysha runs out of the house trying to catch a cab.
my new friends will think i am not to be trusted if I arrive late! My father has lost a dear friend and it is disrespectful to leave him while he is in distress but more lives and cultural history may be at stake here
Running frantically through the doors of the museum remember to smile sweetly at Billy on reception! Aysha passes through the entrance hall with only a 'But Miss Myrni...!' from Bill on security
'Miss Mahoney, Mr Mcnaughton! They both turn round to see Aysha bright red in the face, arms flailing as she tries to catch them up.
Aysha rambles by way of apology 'Well i had woken up with plenty of time, was having breakfast when my aggrieved father arrived, he always arrives at the most inopportune moments. Then he is upset about the professor, and who would blame him, sometimes I blame myself..... she finally slows down to ask a meaningful question 'Anyway well I say, what do you think of Edward... He is on a private errand? do you think?'

"Ah, Miss Myrni, glad you could make it. And please don't trouble yourself about the time - we've only just arrived ourselves. Why don't you walk with us? We were just heading down to see Head Curator Merriweather."

He stops for a moment and, looking at her seriously says, "And you mustn't blame yourself for what happened to the Prof. There was nothing you - or any of us - could have done. Don't worry about Edward either. He will be following up some lead no doubt and I'm sure we'll hear from him in due course."

"I agree Jerry. Let's head on in. We might as well get going. I am sure Miss Myrni will catch up to us eventually." Stella takes once last look into the crowd and starts to head further in."I'm going to leave the questions up to you Jerry. I am a bit baffled as to what to make of anything."

Jerry walks with Stella towards the double doors that the officious man disappeared through and says:

"I'm not sure what to make of events since last night either. Let's see what Merriweather has to say; maybe he has some insight into the Prof's 'suicide'? I'd like to speak to Curator O'Donnell as well: there's something about him that doesn't sit well with me and I think he may know more."

Jerry watches the man disappear through the door and then looks at Stella. "Any sign of Miss Myrni? I'm sure that you said 9 o'clock...."

He scans the busy foyer hoping to see Miss Myrni. "By Jove Stella, it's jolly busy in here today. I hope all these people haven't been drawn here as a result of what happened last night."

The car drives smoothly, if slowly through the wet streets of London as it arrives before the column-facade of the Museum. Michael making sure the duo is safe on the drive.

The arrive at an officious suited man at a desk, "How may I help you?" he asks nasally.

Jerry reaches into his jacket pocket and with a flourish presents the man with his calling card. "Gerald McNaughton. We're here to see Head Curator Merriweather, if he can spare a few minutes to talk with us."

He gives the man a very solemn look and continues, "it is very important...."

"Well, I'll be. That is a very peculiar telegram we have received from Mr. Edward. I hope he is alright. Whatcha think of it cus?" She says as she nibbles away at a bit of toast. She then adds...

"I'll betcha he has stumbled across somethin but I hope he plays his cards right. There is somethin mighty strange happenin and I'll bet there are a lot of people involved. We best be getting over to the museum mighty quick considering the story in the paper." She drinks the rest of her coffee and finishes her toast and starts to get up from the table.

"I think we best meet Miss Aysha and then start our questions with the head curator Merriweather since they were workin together." She heads towards the door to grab her hat and jacket. She makes sure that her revolver is packed tightly away within her jacket. She pats her gun in thought...don't fail me now old trusty....this is turning out to be a lot more of an adventure then I had ever planned.

Jerry turns to Stella. "Edward is a very shrewd investigator, so he's unlikely to have gone off on some wild goose chase; and don't worry, I'm sure that he'll be as careful as a mouse at a cat convention."

Jerry listens as Stella carries on talking and then says: "Yes, we should get to the Museum as soon as we can. I think we should also have a quick chinwag with Miss Myrni before we meet with Mr Merriweather, just to work out how we 'interview' him and who's going to play what role - if you get my meaning."

Jerry turns to Michael. "Michael old chap. Can you bring the car round to the front, please? Miss Stella and I will be leaving shortly. And make sure you bring your Mauser - and my Webley too. After last night I think we need to be prepared!"

"Well, I will let you take the lead on things Jerry. I didn't manage to find anything out the ordinary. There were a set of different keys on hooks. Wasn't sure what they all were for but you brits do seem to have a lot of mighty strange keys." Stella takes a long sip of brandy then washes it down with some wine before she moves onto her scotch that she chooses to nurse next.

She looks over at Jerry again and adds, "I can't make heads or tails of this whole situation we have found ourselves in..What do you make of it Jerry?"

"Hmm. Well to be honest old girl, I'm at a bit of a loss too."

Jerry digs in his jacket pocket and pulls out the envelope, complete with letter and drawing, and the photo of Professor Whitlow with the two other Museum curators. He lays them on the coffee table and then looks at Edward and Miss Myrni.

"I found the envelope, with the accompanying letter and drawing, hidden in the Prof's bedroom. The room was ransacked, but whoever did it missed these items. I accidentally trod on the photo frame while I was investigating. Anyway, have a look and see what you think."

He looks at Stella and says: Stella thinks we should take a trip to see this Ms. Lily Whitefield and I agree. What say you two? Are you with us?"

Michael the butler greets you as the taxi pulls up before Jerry's house. The smartly dressed man shows you inside and takes the gentlemans over-coats and outer garments of the ladies, before showing you all to the drawing room. "That was a quick soiree, sir. Do you or your guests require anything? A brandy, Scotch or wine?"

"Edward? Miss Myrni? What's your poison? I think I will have a gin & tonic Michael; don't go easy on the gin though...."

Jerry indicates some chairs and tells Edward and Miss Myrni to take a seat.

"As to your first question Michael, the Gala was cut short somewhat when, out of the blue, the Prof intentionally slashed his own throat with a razor and bled to death. It was absolutely awful. We've come back here to discuss what happened. We could also do with some food, if you don't mind knocking together a light repast? Some sandwiches, cake and biscuits should do. After that I'd like you to sit in with us and hear what's gone on. You may have some insight on events."

" Well, where should we go now Jerry? I am thinking your place is probably the best idea so we can see what each of us has come up with."

"What an excellent idea Stella. I could do with a reviving gin and tonic right about now! Edward, Miss Myrni? Would a detour to my town house for some food and drink, and a discussion on the current state of play be acceptable?"

'Lily?!'

"Yes, Lily. Why Miss Myrni, do you know someone by that name?"

Once they clear the area of the apartment and take a look around to make sure no one is there Stella will make a comment to Jerry.

Spot Check: 1d100
Listen Check: 1d100

"I'll tell you what Jerry, this is sure more of an adventure than I set out for I just hope we are not biting off more than we can chew." She then winks at Jerry, tips her hat to him as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out enough chew that she knows she can bite off without it being more than she can chew.

Jerry smiles and then says quietly to Stella: "Well, let's hope not, although this whole business is getting - as Alice said - curiouser and curiouser! The problem in my experience is that one never quite knows when one is in the process of biting off more than one can chew until it's too late."

He then winks back at Stella and turns to Miss Myrni as she says something about Lily.

** spoiler omitted **

Thanks Chris. I shall file that information away for the time being.

"Very strange Jerry. That picture looks a tad odd. I think we need to found out who this Lily is that the professor received a letter from. That may just be the best lead we have here. Let's head out. No tellin when them cops are going to show up."

Jerry nods at Stella's suggestion, "I agree - on all three counts."

Stella puts her gun away and taps her hat down to make sure it won't fall off and calls out to everyone.

"Hey folks, Jerry found somethin and I think it is about time we make like the wind and head out before we get any surprise visits from people or cops." Stella starts to head to the front door to leave.

As Stella moves towards the door, Jerry says to her: "I tell you what old stick, that drawing looks dashed like a map, don't y'know. Hopefully this Lily woman will be able to tell us more."

Hi Chris. Thanks for the description of the drawing. My 04 roll really helped with finding lots of lovely clues!

The letter reads as follows:

Attached is a drawing, I'll have to scan it on Monday and put up a link. I could do a brief description, if you wish?

Hi Chris. Yes, a brief description would be good.

Tucking the letter in his pocket, Jerry bends down and removes the photo of Vernon, Head Curator Adair Merriweather and Curator O'Donnell from the broken picture frame. He then makes his way back to the living room. Going to Stella, he removes the letter from his pocket and hands it to her saying, "What do you make of this Stella? Seems a little odd don't you think?"

Jerry

Walking across the clothes strewn floor, he checks the nightstand. The drawer appears to just have a few scraps of mundane items....

But then he spots a scrap of paper stuck in the runners, holding the drawer firmly the pilot pulls back. The kinky runner sticks fast stopping the trays easy removal, so putting more brute strength in Jerry yanks harder.

With a squeal of metal it gives way and Jerry stumbles back across the floor, his heel stomps down on the edge of some clothes and there is a crack of glass?!

Checking down, there is a wooden picture frame underneath his feet, looking at it.... It's a picture of Vernon somewhere outdoors, with him is two men Head Curator Adair Merriweather and the handsome faced Curator O'Donnell (the man with a small scar on his chin)

The scrap of paper that was stuck in the runner of the drawer is an envelope, lightly scented and cream coloured. It appears to be from Ms. Lily Whitefield, Banbury.

Jerry tries to straighten the envelope and then opens it to see whether there's a letter inside.

Hearing Stella shouting for him, he shouts back: "Just a minute old girl, I'm looking at something."

Bedroom

As Gerry walks over the the piles of clothes on the floor, and past the night-stand to look out of the cracked window. Outside in the dark driving rain you can see the vista of a watery Bloomsbury garden. The flowers and trees are bare in the winter conditions.

Spot Hidden Roll or two please.

Spot Hidden rolls:

#1 1d100 ⇒ 65
#2 1d100 ⇒ 4

Hi Chris,

I meant to ask you this last week, but forgot to: I was looking at my character and realised, given the background I wrote after rolling it up, that Jerry's Shotgun and Handgun skills should be the other way around.

This is what I have currently:

Handgun (20%) 45%
Shotgun* (30%) 60%

This is what I would like to change it to:

Handgun (20%) 60%
Shotgun* (30%) 45%

Is that okay?

Cheers,

Matt

So everyone's looking in the Living Room/Lounge at the moment. Not checking out the shelves/cupboards in the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom or the small door yet?

Chris, Jerry is in the bedroom about to look out of the window. After that he will probably search the room, unless he sees something....

There are no sounds in the room apart from a low sound if the window; carefully opening the door. Inside the room is a spartan affair, with a simple bed, oaken chest of drawers and night-stand. Everything here is in dis-array; covers are thrown off the bed, drawers are pulled out and are askew and clothes and sheets litter the floor. A window is a jar, although this does not seem to be the entry point for the burglar. The pane has a small crack, running along it.

Jerry moves carefully through the wreckage to the window and peers out.

What can he see?

With a smooth pull of the door and a click of the lamp, the room is starkly illuminated...

The stark bathroom is finished with a cold hoary tiles. A pedestal sink, a clawfoot iron enamelled bath with a toilet parallel, take up the majority of the space. Black towels hang upon rods below a mirror. A small shelf holds assorted cosmetics, cologne , a shaving brush and cup, and, somewhat disturbingly, a straight razor.

But there appears to be nobody here.

"Why does the Prof have cosmetics in his bathroom? wonders Jerry. "Maybe he has - had - some little filly squirreled away somewhere....

He switches off the light, steps out of the bathroom and pulls the door to, before moving cautiously to the last door in the hallway. He puts his hand on the handle and then moves his head closer to see if he can hear anything (1d100 ⇒ 33).

There seems to be no sounds coming from that door....

Gripping the poker tight in one hand, Jerry put his other on the door handle and turns it....

Through the archway, all appears to be quiet the flickering illumination of the living area casting long shadows into the small room. As he moves forward he topples a pile of books over despite his cautious nature, Jerry's hand shoots out and he stops the landslide. However a couple of books fall but the sounds are easily muffled by the plush carpet.

The galley kitchen appears deserted...

Jerry moves to the door on the other side of the hallway and puts his ear to it (Listen: 1d100 ⇒ 99).

Yes, please use that spot check Chris.

Stella gingerly pulls her derringer out of her boot and slowly walks around investigating. She whispers to Jerry, "I'll look around this room why don't you take that one room to left and check for anyone who might be still paying the late professor an unwelcome visit."

"absolutely old girl".

Jerry crosses to the fireplace and grabs a poker from the stand, hefting it in his hand to test the weight. He turns and gives Stella the thumbs up and then advances towards the open area on the far side.

Jerry tries to move quietly towards the archway (Sneak: 1d100 ⇒ 75), but before stepping through he stops and listens (Listen: 1d100 ⇒ 21).

Does Jerry hear anything from through the archway?

Stella looks over at Jerry and says in a quiet voice, "Sure Jerry, but let's get a move on. The police should be here soon and the less questions we have to answer the better. I think time is not our friend at all right now. We need to make it lickity split over to this here professor's house and see what the hell is going on." She quickly stashes the keys in her pocket and gets up slowly. She signals to Jerry to lead the way.

"I agree Stella, but I don't want to be searching the Prof's flat and leaving bloody handprints everywhere; it would be very incautious."

He walks quickly across the room and past the bar to the gentleman's lavatory. Within a minute he is back out his hands cleaned of blood.

"Right you are Stella; let's look alive. Or, how d'you say? 'Lickity split!"

Sanity check: 1d100 ⇒ 28

Discreetly handing the keys over to Jerry: "why don't you head over there first, it's only a few streets away. I'll catch up with you later."

About to take the key Edward is offering, Jerry suddenly remembers that his hands are covered in Professor Whitlow's blood.

"Stella, would you mind taking the key please?" he says gesturing to his hands.

He looks at Edward and says "I just need to wash this blood off and then we can get over to the Prof's apartment and see what we can find."

He gamely smiles at Stella and says "I hope you're okay Stella, because I feel a little wobbly!"

Cheers Chris.

Edward, shocked by what just happened, looks into the crowd for a doctor, checking as well if anyone seems to be escaping the scene or overly cheery.

After the doctor is found, he moves towards Jerry and whispers:
"the prof wanted to talk about something important after the meeting. Something to do with Legacy.

If you don't have anything else this evening, 
we should meet up at his flat once we are done here.
He gave me the key. I am sure there will be some clues as to what he was working on there.

We want to have time to check it out before whatever is behind the professor's exit does."

"Well, there is bally well something strange going on here and I'm going to find out what!"

He looks at Stella and says "well, you wanted an adventure old girl; are you up for solving this mystery?"

Turning back to Edward he says: "We shouldn't wait too long before heading over to the Prof's flat. The killer probably won't wait around kicking his - or her - heels."

Jerry mulls over this information for a second, his mind racing, before he says to the Doctor:

"Perhaps if you take a sample of his spittle, we'll be able to have this 'residue' identified?"

Jerry stares at his blood-covered hands for a moment and then, looking at Stella, he leans close to her and says.

"Please could you get Edward and Miss Myrni, and meet me back here?"

Jerry then turns to Doctor Farthersham and indicating the foam at the Professor's mouth says to him, "has the Professor drunk something he shouldn't?"

Jerry, getting to Professor Whitlow a moment after Stella, looks aghast at his old tutor slumped on the plinth, his life quickly draining away.

"Jesus Christ", he whispers, as he quickly kneels down and presses his hands onto the open gash across Whitlow's neck, hoping that he might be able to stem the flow of blood for enough time for proper medical treatment to be given.

Turning, Jerry sees the assembled crowd beginning to recover from the initial shock and pressing in around the Professor.

"Please everyone stand back! Give us some room! There must be a doctor here somewhere?!" He shouts, his voice echoing around the room.

Chris, can I make a Spot Hidden roll, to see if I can see Miss Myrni?

The young lady, grips Jerry's bicep as he passes; "You will talk to me later, you look like you have fantastic stories. And these parties can be so dull." she simpers quietly.

Jerry looks at the young woman and gives her his best flashing smile. "But of course! I shall return bearing champers and a couple of glasses" he says, all the while thinking "I hope I don't run into her again".

He rushes to catch up with Stella and says "good work ditching Harrod. He's a bit of a bore, but he thinks otherwise. Now where is Miss Myrni...?"

Stella leans over to Gerald and whispers, "Can your friend Edward be trusted? If so we should probably bring him along as well. It seemed the Professor included him in on this information. Well either way let's go find this Myrni. Maybe she will have some clue on what's going on."

"Oh yes, Edward can absolutely be trusted; he was with me at Cambridge! Good idea though, we might need his insight."

Jerry looks around the crowded room and then says: "I'm not sure what Miss Myrni looks like, but if the Rajah is her father she shouldn't be too difficult to spot...."

Once Professor Vernon steps away from them Stella leans over to where Jerry is standing and whispers, "What do you think he means by this 'life and death' situation? Is that the true reason he has brought us here? What do you think Jerry?" She pauses while waiting for an answer and thinks to herself, Well, life death or whatever I am up for a good old fashion adventure. Hope things kick off soon too bad I had to leave old trusty Betsy at home.

Jerry looks slightly perplexed as he considers what both the Prof and Stella have just said.

"I have no idea Stella, but the Prof is acting very strangely. You know, I had a feeling about tonight."

He glances over at O'Donnell and then turns away so that the man can't see his face and whispers back to Stella.

"Do you see that man over there with the black sweater and pipe? He seems to be taking an awful interest in us. Maybe if we go and find Rajah Myrni's daughter, we can lose him in the throng? Hopefully we can meet up with the Prof later and find out what the bally hell is going on! What do you think?"

"Much too long, Jerry, too long. These old bones are starting to feel the years. Charmed to meet you my dear, you didn't get your looks from Jerry's side of the family." he lightly jests as he bows to Stella.

"Too true, Prof!" says Jerry, laughing, "although I don't think I'm looking too shabby this evening...."

"Pleased to meet you Miss Stella. I can't say I have heard a lot about you"

Turning to Gerald "Gerald, it's been a while. Has the RAF finally decided to grant you a day off?"

"Ha, ha! Still the same droll sense of humour I see Edward. As you well know, the Royal Air Corps and I parted company at the end of the War. I've been kicking my heels a bit recently. What have you been up to?"

"Of course not, old boy." Davies says not really paying attention to Jerry. Meeting his eye, the hollow look in Davies has a hint of lewdness. As they walk away the pair can just hear Davies faintly comment; "Bad form keeping the filly to himself."

The cheek! thinks Jerry. I've half a mind to give the miserable worm a good thrashing myself!

Vernon welcomes the pair with open arms, "Old chap good to see you once more. And you have brought a delightful young woman. American? Southern?" he quickly appraises.

"It's wonderful to see you again Prof. How long has it been? But before we get into that, please allow me to introduce to you my cousin, Miss Stella Mahoney, all the way from Texas. She's only just arrived in London, but she was keen as mustard to get to the Gala."

Jerry turns to Stella and says, "Stella, this is Vernon Whitlow, my old Professor from my Cambridge days. And this" he says indicating Edward, "is Edward Lewis Pitt. Edward and I were both at Cambridge and he and I also fought in the War together; in Egypt of all places."

"Oh my dear lady, my heart weeps. I am Jeffrey Davies, altruist, philanthropist, fashionista; proud to make the acquaintance of a lady as beautiful and individual as yourself." he seems to make his eyes sparkle as they drift down before meeting your again. "A pleasure..."

The band plays a soft music in the background.

"Try not to drool excessively" says Jerry archly to Davies.

I've heard about this chap. 'Altruist, philanthropist, fashionista' my arse! More like shifty little toad who has a record of having his way with gullible young women. Not that I believe for a second that Stella couldn't give him a sound thrashing should she choose to!

Jerry looks Davies in the eye and, taking Stella gently by the shoulder and steering her away says, I'm terribly sorry old chap, but I've just spotted someone that I absolutely have to introduce the lady to. Perhaps later?" in a way that suggests the possibility is unlikely.

As they walk towards Edward and Professor Vernon, Jerry says to Stella: "I hope you don't mind me taking the lead? It's just that you seem a little on edge and I thought it might be best - at least initially. Feel free to jump in if you want to though!"

She is in awe from the statues lining the entry way of the Gala but quickly moves past them to where the bar is. She weaves her way through the crowd to the bar and asks the bartender, "I would like to order a whisky on the rocks please and also do you have a spittoon anywhere abouts?" As she waits for an answer she quickly scans the room to take in the people and the atmosphere.

Jerry strides up behind Stella as she stands at the bar. "Steady on old girl; you'd think you were dying of thirst!"

He takes her gently by the shoulders and, leaning a little closer to her as he does so, whispers in her ear "and the waiting staff come and ask you what you want; no need to go to the bar."

Smiling at her, he then turns to the bartender and says "you couldn't possibly furnish me with a bowl could you?" Taking the proferred bowl, he holds it up to Stella's mouth. "You can spit it in here if you want."

He then looks around the room and says, "right, let's go and see if we can find the Prof. I imagine he's wondering where we've got to. And I know he'll be desperately keen to meet you." With that he takes Stella's hand, leaving her to quickly grab the whisky on the rocks being handed to her by the bemused bartender, and leads her expertly through the crowd.