Sivra Vey wants the violin returned before the curtain rises, but she also wants to hide that she mishandled it and risked the final show.

The party can protect the concert, expose Sivra's mistake without humiliating her, or promise Oren Pike payment from the night's takings.

• The empty velvet case still smells of rain and lamp oil.
• The stage key ledger shows who signed it out.
• A cracked prop mirror reflects the rear loading door from the dressing room.
• The final concert is sold out, giving every witness a reason to avoid scandal.
• A sealed payment chest contains enough coin to settle Oren Pike's wages.

• Separate witnesses and compare exact times.
• Offer Sivra a quiet way to admit her mistake.
• Ask the musicians to keep the audience occupied for ten minutes.
• Promise Oren Pike a named payment and a public correction of his dismissal.
• Search the prop room, dressing room, and loading door without accusing everyone at once.

• If the party stays calm, Sivra gives precise times and lets them inspect the backstage rooms.
• If they accuse her, she becomes clipped and defensive, then calls for the concertmaster.
• If they offer Oren Pike fair payment, he returns the violin but demands his dismissal be corrected publicly.
• If they threaten witnesses, the musicians close ranks and the clock gains one failure.