The Mata Hari Institute of Culinary Excellence

[Pleater]

One of the stewards stepped forward.
'Is it alright if we go back to the Rotunda now? The dancing was getting a bit boisterous and there's only three in there now and that's not enough really.'
I had one of those fey moments which always catch me unawares.
'It's not usually rowdy, is it?'
'Well, a bit - usually its just dancing and chatting, and handing round the drinks, but tonight it's sort of - different.'
'Was there something to eat?' I asked.
'I didn't see anything - usually after classes in the kitchen no one wants anything to eat.'
'Ian had something to eat. One of the girls brought a plate of little biscuits and some dip.' said Mister Brown.
'Which girl?'
'I'm not sure.'
'Matron - excuse me but I need to speak to Mister McGreagor urgently.'
She stepped back, but drew herself up indignantly.
'Ian - who gave you the snack at the disco?'
'I don't know' he slurred, still rather confused.
'We need to find out - it is important.'
'Don't know.' he said, rather plaintively.
I turned to the stewards 'Don't go - I will need your help to get Mister McGreagor back to the disco once I find him some cooler clothing.'
'He's going nowhere!' the matron snapped.
'This might be a matter of national security, or international diplomacy - The Joy of Snacks must not be released upon an unsuspecting and unprepared world.'
She stared, but already I was hurrying out of the cubicle, I had to get to my apartment quickly.