"Got it."

The one who stalked off after Terrence said the wrong thing to him, in fact, but no need to rehash that.

"But yes, he claimed Parker had some way of killing this tramp without touching him, that it makes a whistling sound, and also dries out the body. Uh."

That sounds wildly improbable but when you've got two different things that both sound wildly improbable in similar ways and no known motive for lying about at least one of them you have to at least consider it; she'll evaluate it at some point. When she's talked to Carter. When she has a chance to talk to Sal. When she has a chance to talk to Joan when she isn't exhausted? ...she's putting off actually evaluating the things Valentine said and she needs to stop doing that.

"So, my current plan is to ask Ichiro Sano about Parker-- we met at the party, he's in the rare books business-- and I'll probably try and track down Carter too while I'm at it, is there anything else that should be bundled into that?"

Ichiro Sano is Sal's sister's boyfriend about whom she has been FRUSTRATINGLY GOOD at hiding information from him, which wasn't actually very frustrating until this moment. He knows his face and voice and stuff.

He's a rich dude who has the kind of traits that Simone's boyfriends have.

"I'm fine talking to him too, if you want-- we're in some of the same circles and he should be easier to speak with than Parker, unless I'm on some blacklist now that I haven't heard about."

It comes out a bit less jovial than he intended.

"Seems like he might know something more about Parker, at least by reputation?"

Everyone knows Parker's reputation.

"I have no clue if his bookselling has anything to do with his potential murders, though."

Strong maybe. Some people just take advantage of the weak.

"We can both talk to him, that sounds fine."

"I found a book written by Roby's friend Best, by the by. History of Britain, no obvious relevance yet, but we'll see. I don't know where he works but I'll try and hunt him down."

And with that breakfast is concluded. 

Jing Yi is going to head down to the theatre to ask if any of the employees had noticed anything weird in the lead up to the King In Yellow.

The theater is small and gloomy, illuminated by gas lamps. Two ushers sit smoking.

"Do you mind if I pick your brains for a second?"

"Not at all."

"Look, I was there when things went weird with the King in Yellow, and I was wondering if things had got weird before then." He points backwards at the nearest gas lamp. "Can't be too careful when you're around these things, you know?"

"Not too weird," the usher says.

"Except that Talbot Estus guy," the second usher says.

"Oh, yeah, he was an artist," the usher says in a tone of disapproval.

"I know the type." Goddamned directors. "So all the weirdness got concentrated around him?"

"Well, it wasn't like a riot or anything," the first usher says. "He just didn't believe in dress rehearsals."

"The crew was complaining nonstop," the second usher said. "How is anyone supposed to know their cues if you don't do a full runthrough until the day of?"

"Yeah, that would have been hell. And then to have to suddenly stop on the night itself as well--"

"I know, right?" says the second usher.

This guy just ran in and was like 'the show's done now," the first usher continues. "He wasn't even part of the crew."

"...what? --Do you know who he is, or is he just the Mysterious Show Stopping Stranger--?"

"Mysterious show stopping stranger!" the second usher says.

"Maybe that's why there was a riot," says First Usher. "I would have rioted if the show randomly ended halfway through the second act."

"Maybe you know him, he was a chink," the second usher says helpfully.

...

"If I ever hear someone talking about the time they randomly stopped a play, you'll be the first to know. I don't know if it's better or worse that the problems seem to be human foibles and not gas leaks, but I guess as long as Estus doesn't get back in the building you wouldn't have to worry too much about it."

"Yes. I'm glad Mr. Noble refused to host any more of it," the first usher says."The riot was just about the last straw."

"Let me guess: no dress rehearsals is other people's problem, but a riot means he has to hire a clean up crew."