"They're working on the screenplay for the movie version," said Doreen.

"You've gotta be kidding!" said a voice behind her. Doreen saw Marianna's eyes light up in delighted recognition before she turned to find

"Neil!" She jumped off of her stool to hug him.

Marianna, by force of habit, glanced at Frogman, who, thankfully, was still drowning himself in brandy. She considered slipping some formaldehyde in the next round, then realized she didn't have any formaldehyde on hand.

"Neil, I have to talk to you-- in private," Doreen was saying. "It's about..." She gestured quickly to her growing belly.

"Don't worry," Mari whispered to her. "He's still 'in his cups,' so to speak. You can use the basement room, if you want."

Doreen nodded, and, taking Neil by the hand, escorted him through the kitchen and downstairs.

Dream, having sat quietly for the past moment, let out a breath she might have been holding as long. "Wow."

"Quite," Mari said, face oddly devoid of emotion. "Watch the bar for a minute, would you? I have to talk to Alan."

Dream nodded, and Mari fought her way through the dancing crowd to the door where Alan and UPChuck were discussing (of all things) Star Trek.

"I don't want to know," Marianna said. "Uly, why don't you go help Dream at the bar. Now."

All traces of protest left him with her last word. Alan raised a curious eyebrow.

"Did you see Neil St. James come in?" she asked, sitting down in the seat UPChuck had vacated and leaning close.

"No, why? I thought he left town."

"Hmm. Must have used the stage entrance," she said, more to herself. "Hon, just make sure Frogman keeps his senses dulled."

"Do you want me to--"

"No." She paused. "We all know it's not his kid, he knows it, but so far he's been well-behaved. He's not going to hurt her as long as someone's with her... I don't think. But he's drunk, very drunk, very angry... Neil might be the factor that pushes him over the edge."

"Don't worry, I've got it covered." Alan waited a moment. Marianna wasn't talking, moving, was hardly breathing, but appeared to be listening very intently. "Mare?" She held up a finger-- Wait.

You're absolutely sure about this?

Would I risk getting my Wizardship revoked if I wasn't sure?

I wish you could be more specific.

The crystal ball your sister got me works great, beautiful reception, but unfortunately, I don't have it right now.

Alright, I'll deal with it. "Darling, keep your lookout... something's gonna go down tonight."

Alan watched her, mystified, as Mari slipped back through the crowd and into the kitchen.