Flowers Of Evil

Arthur, Sweezus and the snakes are in the Wright Street Hotel, drinking up the money.

It's all our money, says Charles Red-belly. Have whatever  you like.

Yes, all our money, says Olive. Why don't you look at the menu? Order something to eat.

Even Sweezus is becoming suspicious. Maybe it's not all their money.

Arthur looks at the menu.

He decides to have Papardelle Duck.

I'll just have ......Purple Carrot Dumplings, says Sweezus. Then I 'd better get going.

The Purple Carrot Dumplings come first. Sweezus scoffs four of them quickly.

Right! I'm off to the office, says Sweezus. See you guys later!

Arthur is still waiting for his Papardelle Duck.

I like duck, says Olive. Not cooked though. Charles likes small mammals and, guess what! he eats other snakes!

Charles is not happy with the turn of the conversation.

Did you know Beaudelaire? he asks Arthur.

No, says Arthur. Why are you asking?

I'm a fan, says Charles Red-belly. Ever since I read Flowers of Evil.

Here's your Papardelle Duck, says Olive.

Arthur picks up a fork and starts eating.

...........

Sweezus has reached the office. He hopes Belle et Bonne will be there.

He hopes this because he wants her to see his new shorts while they still look awesome.

He opens the door.

David and Vello look up.

Aha! says Vello. Sweezus! Come to do some work at last! What terrible shorts!

Hardly suitable wear for the office, says David. What are those, horses?

Tigers and panthers, says Sweezus. Your mother bought them. Where's Belle?

She off visiting Gaius at the RAH, says David. He's been bitten.......My MOTHER bought them?

Is he okay? asks Sweezus. Yes she did.

I don't know, says David. Why don't you call her?

Sweezus picks up the landline and calls.

........

Gaius is lying in bed in Ward 5.

He feels woozy.

Nurse! says Gaius.

It's me, says Belle et Bonne.

Nurse! says Gaius again. Bring me a jar.

Belle goes over to the nurses' station to ask for a jar, but is given a bottle.

She gives it to Gaius, who inexplicably puts it to his lips.