The Poisoned Beatle 2

Poison

A minute later, Paul enters the room. "Hey, Paul! Amanda was just telling us about the time some creep lied about everything just so he could steal money from a village that was flooded and needed rebuilding." Said Justin. "And that goes double for the dam that broke and caused the flood." Said Alex. "Oh dear, that's awful!" Said Paul. "Uh, guys?" Said Amanda. "What, did we say something wrong?" Asked Max. "No, I meant to tell you the dam was actually sabotaged, that's why it broke." Amanda said.

The Russos exchange worried glances. "That's worse!" Alex said. "I sure would like to hear the story as well." Paul said. "Of course you can." Said Amanda. For the next few minutes, she retells the story of Count Antonio's ruse. The Russos may be hearing it again, but Paul hasn't heard it yet.

"Blimey! The fact that Antonio lied about his kindness and stole money from the poor is just so cruel!" Cried Paul. "There's enough problems in the world already, and that had to be the worst thing you guys went through down there." Max said. "Not to mention how he faked flirting with Uberta. Yuck!" Justin said.

Amanda nods with an annoyed expression, then it turns back into a positive face as she changes the subject. "Anyone thirsty?" She asked. "Nah, I drank before I got here." Said Max. "Me too." Said Justin. "Me three." Said Alex. "I'm parched." Paul said. "Okay, I'll be right back." Said Amanda. She heads off to the kitchen to get herself and Paul a drink. 

Before she could do anything else, Amanda notices a strange bottle. She studies it, but then notices words down the bottom that were too small to read. In the other room, Paul turns to the Russos. "I wonder what's keeping Amanda." He said. "Maybe she can't decide what to drink." Justin said. "I'm gonna go check." Said Paul. He heads off to the kitchen and sees Amanda pouring from the bottle she found earlier.

Paul gets a better look at the bottle and notices a skull and cross bones on the back. A worried expression appears on the Beatle bassist's face as he realizes what Amanda has filled her cup with. She notices her husband's scared face. "Gosh, Paul, you look like you just saw a ghost." Amanda said. "Uh... yeah, I actually did see one." Paul lied. "Oooookay." Said Amanda in an unsure tone.

The swan princess exits the kitchen with two cups in her hands. She gives Paul water, but keeps the poison for herself, which she doesn't know. The Russos notice Paul's strange behavior. "Paul, you're acting really weird all of a sudden, no offense." Alex said. "None... taken." Said Paul in an uncomfortable tone. "Maybe a sip of water will calm your nerves." Amanda said. "Sure... water." Paul said.

Amanda is about to take a sip of the poison, but Paul gently pushes the cup away from her lips. "Gee whiz, Paul, what's gotten into you?" Max asked. "Can I help it if I'm a bit skeptical about what's in Amanda's cup?" Asked Paul. "What about my cup?" Asked Amanda. Paul stayed quiet for what felt like forever. "Well?" Asked Justin. "Never mind." Paul said shamefully.

The Russos shrug their shoulders, then Amanda brings her cup to her lips again. Before she could take a sip, Paul jumps in front of her and sips the drink instead... the entire thing! "Paul, what the heck?!" Said Alex in an annoyed tone. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I couldn't help myself!" Paul said. Not a minute too soon, he collapses.