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“Well, I…Yes, I saw Michael Proctor He was in the wings I’ht have his chance to play Vole Not that I believe for a ed to do so He has such a helpless air, doesn’t he? I can see this business devouring him whole in another year or so”

“And Areena Mansfield Did you see

her as well?”

“Certainly Sherooe between those scenes She raced right past me But honestly, Lieutenant, if you want the positions and activities of the cast between scenes, you don’t want to talk to one of us You want Quiehand, a ru He’s everywhere”

“Not anyed thisin the theater Lower level”

For the first time, Eliza’s polished veneer cracked Her hand went to her heart, treed?” The well-trained voice was husky on the single word “Hanged?” she repeated “There must be a mistake Who would kill a harmless little toad like Quim?”

“It appeared to be self-termination”

“Nonsense” Eliza got to her feet “Why, that’s nonsense It takes great bravery or great cowardice to end your own life He had neither He was just an irritating little man, one who did his job well and never seemed to enjoy it If he’s dead, someone killed him That’s two,” she said aledies come in threes Who’s next?”

She shuddered, lowered herself to her chair again “Soone, the play of amusement around her mouth turned down to worry “There’s another play, Lieutenant Dallas, by the late Dame Christie And Then There Were None Ten people, subtly linked, who are murdered one at a time I don’t intend to have a role in it You have to stop this”

“I intend to Is there a reason anyone would wish you harm, Ms Rothchild?”

“No No I have no enemies on the scope that leads to murder But there will be at least one more It’s theater, and we’re a superstitious lot If there’s two, there must be three There will be three,” she said “Unless you do so about it”

She jolted when her security beeped The lobby clerk’s face came cheerfully on-screen “Ms Landsdowne is here to see you, Ms Rothchild Shall I send her up?”

“I’an, but Eve held up a hand

“Please, have her come up”

“I—” Eliza lifted a hand to her hair, patted it “Yes, yes, please send her up”