"Which one of you is Kaija Sepala's manager?" asked Charles Kosonen, when he barged into the waiting room without warning.
Now that the show was over, the room was packed. All contestants had gathered inside with their managers.
All color drained from every single face at once. The backstage staff had shared the same reaction, when they saw Charles storm through the corridors with a murderous expression on his face.
Esko finally lifted a hand and stepped forward, voice trembling. "Tha… that'd be me, Mr. Kosonen! I'm Esko! I'm Kaija Sepala's manager."
Charles flicked a hand toward the scrawny, trembling green-haired man. "Come outside with me. Now." He turned and left the room.
Esko stumbled after Charles, leaving behind a murmuring crowd, their faces full of questions.
Once they found a private corner outside, Charles asked, "When did you last see her?"
"When she went out for some fresh air, sir!"
