Murder in the Great Hall

[Clockwork John]

Scribbling in my notebook and talking to myself, “The tell-tale aroma of almonds clearly identified the murder weapon as cyanide poison."
Continuing to talk to myself, "Dead men don't lie... That's good. Dead men don't say anything... Not a word... Dead men tell no tales..."

[Livingston]

LET me see that glass. sniff, sniff

Just as I thought! I don’t smell almond.

Here, YOU smell this....You too. Do any of you smell almonds? No, I didn't think so.

[davedove]

“I tell I know what I’m talking about! Mr. Panache has been murdered by cyanide poisoning by someone in this room!”

[Livingston]

Be that as it may, if this was indeed murder, I’d like to remind everyone of the argument between my Jamie and Arlen. It was a terrible fight, and of course, Arlen was asking for money again and, of course, Jamie was refusing. What better motive for murder?

[Clockwork John]

Scribbling in my notebook and talking to myself, “Accusations and denials began to fly as those present started to accuse one another, each knowing that the murderer was still among them.”

[Pleater]

Looking over a shoulder at the notebook.

I'm not accusing anyone! You can't write that I am accusing anyone because I'm not.

I supose that has to make me the guilty party then.

Right. Yes, I am the murderer!! I poisoned Panache's drink.

It was Ms Pleater in the Great Hall with a poisoned onion.

Someone should have done it years ago and then he would not have been able to deceive so many people and lose their money in his business ventures!!

Pause for effect.

Laugh derisively

Oh yes. You all think that I'd do such a thing.

Well I'm not so stupid as to give up even the smallest hope that some day soon Jamie would actually have started to repay what he owes. Now he will never be able to do that. If we had all put pressure on him and stuck together it night have had some effect - but now it will never happen.

If you want to investigate someone Mr Automaton - I suggest you look at Panache's most trusted friend, davedove here - he's capable of anything. Ask Mr Livingstone if you don't believe me.

[Clockwork John]

Scribbling in my notebook and talking to myself, “The woman claimed that her ‘confession’ was all a joke, but was it really?”

[Coemgen]

Well, whoever did it, it sure as *#%& wasn't me! I've been in everyone's view the entire evening! Besides, I'm a gentleman! If I'd truly intended to kill the bas— the unfortunate Mr. Jamie, I'd have challenged him to a duel!

[Wompet]

What? Foaming at the mouth - they gave him rabies with almonds? Why? Why did they have to kill such a kind and loving man? He was so sweet, so generous; why did he have to die?

[Coemgen]

Oh, get off it, Wompet! You're a bloody looney. We all know it's all just an act. And we all know you got next to nothing when your partnership with Jamie dissolved.

To the crowd of onlookers

He probably only showed up in this ridiculous get-up trying to get some more money out of Mr. Panache! And since the poor fellow is - ahem, was - too miserly to give him anything, he probably killed him right there in cold blood!