Chapter 9

The strands curved elegantly at the tips. Fine and loose, they slipped easily through his long fingers. Their pale color still startled him every morning. They were so unlike his own midnight-black locks. In past events, Severus Snape's only concession to appearances had been dressing in muggle clothes and cutting his hair. Severus harbored a suspicion that Mr. McAdoo had deliberately assigned him the role of David Wright as a personal challenge. Because of that suspicion, Severus had decided to immerse himself completely in his role. He had set out to become David Wright with a singular focus.

He had grown a beard. Then he had used magical means to whiten his teeth and change his eye color from black to hazel brown. However, magical charms and potions could be so unpredictable. So, for the rest, he had decided to rely on muggle methods of disguise. It seemed only fitting as the event was a completely muggle one. His own wand was carefully packed and hidden in his suitcase for emergency use only.

As Severus studied himself in the mirror, he had to admit, if only to himself, that the muggle way had its advantages. Harrowing as his visit to the muggle hair salon had been, the results were very pleasing and reassuringly permanent for a few weeks. The stylist had given him a flattering cut then changed his hair color to a light sandy brown along with his beard and eyebrows. A few hours in a tanning booth took care of his naturally pale skin. He now leaned forward a little turning his face to the right then to the left. He picked up a small bottle of aftershave and splashed some on his face. Unconsciously, his lips moved and he grinned at himself. He couldn't quite bring himself to let loose with his habitual scowl. Well, the hours of practicing various smiles in front of the mirror paid off his inner voice said. Oh, shut up, he replied.

"Must be the bloody hair! It addles the brain. No wonder Lockhart was always smiling." he murmured. He ran a comb through his hair marveling at the effect such simple changes had made. His eyes seemed less piercing but no less intelligent. He decided that the brown color must seem more inviting than his own black. Even his nose seemed less hawk-like set off as it was by his light beard. He straightened the collar of his wheat- colored shirt and made sure his black pants draped properly. His clothes had been pressed to within an inch of their collective sartorial lives. He preened before the mirror. He chided himself out loud. "You're turning into a peacock! The sooner you solve this the better."

His mind finally circled back to the reason he was here at all. Yes, the mystery, he mused. He looked at his watch. He had a few minutes left before all the detectives were to gather in front of Claymore's room. He picked up his notes. He scanned his notes from the session this morning. His notes read:

Theft of charter demanded a physically capable person. - tall enough to reach it with strength enough to handle the weight of the heavy frame. Time frame of theft was minutes. Had to be done efficiently. Indicates previous experience. Likely male but strong female a possibility.

Suspects - Theft

J, Ironside - No; was with me the entire time

D. Stevens - No; went straight to CC room

B. Maclemore - Unlikely; timing not right with run in with Lady R

P. Lewis - No; accompanied E. Moss; overheard Renvilles; did he do anything after that?

C. McFadden - Possible; no real witnesses to movement after leaving roof

E. Moss - No; movement verified by me, Lewis and Levinson

M. Levinson - Possible; movement only corroborated by Oswald

J. Moss - Unlikely; napping and physical condition not fit for theft

I. Timmons - Possible; timing is tight though

A. Claymore - Unlikely; assuming first in Armory; was he really there?

D. Danforth - Unlikely; seen by Oswald and McAdoo; physically unfit for theft

The assault could have been done by either a man or a woman. However, the choice of weapon indicates a woman unprepared and using whatever was handy. The force of the assault only knocked Sir Renville down. A man might have employed more force.

Suspects - Assault

J, Ironside - No; never left the Study

D. Stevens - No; never left per Maclemore

B. Maclemore - No; did not leave CC room per D. Stevens

P. Lewis - Possible; overheard Renville returning to the Red Room

C. McFadden -Possible; late to her assigned room

E. Moss - No; stayed in assigned room until Levinson appears

M. Levinson - Possible; no real witness to movements

J. Moss - Unlikely; Blue Room too far from Red Room and napping

I. Timmons - Possible; Levinson saw him enter the Blue Room late

A. Claymore - Unlikely; did he stay in the Armory the whole time?

D. Danforth - Possible; when did Oswald and McAdoo come by and see her?

Suspects - Murder Could be anyone

Questions: Is the theft related to the assault?

Is the assault related to the murder?

Is the murder related to the theft? "Three crimes. At least two different people." He pocketed the small notebook. He was further convinced that all of it was a matter of timing.

As he made to lock his suite, he noticed Ms. Stevens exiting her own room two doors down on the left. Her back was turned to him. He crossed his arms across his chest, leaned on his door and let his eyes indulge in some unexpected but fortuitous ogling.

Like him, she had changed into clothes more suitable for the upcoming inspection - dark fitted jeans, a loose dark green silky blouse and comfortable flats. Her raven hair she had tied into a ponytail. Her profile was entrancing. As she turned slowly, his eyes made their leisurely way upwards once again. Their eyes clashed - green against brown, interest evident in both.

"Heading my way, Mr. Wright?" Hermione looked him over from head to foot.

He caught the double meaning easily. He took a few steps towards her. "I believe so, Ms. Stevens. Would you like company?"

"You have yet to tell me about your ideal, complete woman."

"Yes, I did say I would, didn't I?" He took another step even closer to her forcing her to lean against the wall. "We've already had the theoretical discussion. I believe a practical demonstration would be more illustrative."

She had no quick retort to that as several vividly erotic images came to mind. She looked up at him and studied him for a moment. "Would I be an active participant in this demonstration?"

"You wouldn't be able to help yourself." He extended one arm pressing his hand against the wall by her side.

"You sound very sure of that," His maneuver did not go unnoticed. "I've found that talk is indeed cheap especially where men are concerned."

"You will find that I am very expensive."

"Really? How much do you charge an hour?"

"Hours, Ms. Stevens. An hour alone would be wholly unsatisfactory."

"I ought to warn you. I've been labeled as hard to please, Mr. Wright."

Severus looked at her long and hard. He realized that seduction was not going to be enough with this woman. "To my mind, you are a discriminating woman. When you desire a taste of the apple of finer pleasures, do let me know."

With that said, Severus willed his entire body into obedience and moved away from her. He walked off down the hallway resisting the urge to look back. If he had looked back, he would have seen a stunned and stymied Ms. Stevens.

The arrogance of the man she thought. And what a man her inner voice declared. The arrogance intrigues you admit it why don't you? It does not she protested. How dare he speak to me like that? It's about time someone did. Don't let him get away. Who does he think he is anyway? His name is Mr. Wright and it fits.

She looked at her watch and realized she had to get a move on if she was to meet the others by Claymore's room. She had a mystery to solve and no time for distractions especially those of the egotistical, self-serving two-legged variety. She stepped briskly down the hallway mentally swatting her inner voice into submission.

Her inner voice gave up the fight with a simple question. Why are you so afraid?