<P>"No," the blue-faced man said. "No." He almost sounded angry. "Ignore this. Ignore it."
<P>
<P><JC>--- --- --- ---
<P>
<P>"This is ridiculous. You will cease your rude behavior immediately or you will be removed from my hotel."
<P>
<P>"Don't worry. I don't plan on staying. I came here on business. Maggie... Listen to me. Do you know anything about the location of the Dragon's Tooth?"
<P>
<P>Miss Chow remained silent.
<P>
<P>"Do you?" Jock persisted. "Forget, for a moment, the money, and the... opportunity, or whatever the hell it is you're being bribed with, and consider what's going on around you. Don't be oblivious. Where is that sword, Maggie?"
<P>
<P>She squinted. "You will leave immediately or you will be made to leave."
<P>
<P>There was a pause. Jock shook his head.
<P>
<P>"You are disgusting," he told her, and then rose to leave. 
<P>
<P><JC>--- --- --- ---
<P>
<P>The screams halted.
<P>
<P>Dominic stared. Blankly. He did not move, or even blink, for ten minutes. The drinking man made several attempts to offer him a new glass. The drinking man received no response. For ten minutes. All was blank.
<P>
<P>Then Dominic returned to the bar. He still sat in his stool.
<P>
<P>He felt clean.