Howie nodded and entered the crowded room. His eyes skittered around, taking in how many people were in there with him. He sat on the offered chair and folded his hands on the table top.

"Why did you go to Mr. Carter's room last night?"

"I, uh, that is, we were..." Howie took a deep breath before continuing. "I had a song idea and wanted to run it by him. So I took the notes and stuff down there."

"Wouldn't that normally be a group thing, Mr. Dorough?"

"Not necessarily. We share ideas and everyone sees them eventually."

"Why was Nick the one you wanted to see yours first?"

"We've, uh, we've written together before. It worked out alright, so I thought he would be a good choice."

"Isn't it true you were angry with him?"

"Pardon?" Howie's eyes grew large and scared.

"People in the lobby last night told us you and Mr. Carter exchanged words. That you seemed quite angry and Mr. Carter was just laughing at you."

"Oh that." Howie's eyes grew dark and then he uttered a harsh laugh. "Nick liked to tease. He was teasing me, as always. I probably wasn't in the mood for it. I don't even remember what he said."

"The fans do, would you care to have your memory refreshed?"

Howie stared at the detective. "No thank you, I'm sure it will come to me."

"Did you notice anyone leaving Mr. Carter's room, or entering it after you left?"

"Nothing. I only stayed for a few minutes. Nick told me he had called Brent down and that he would be arriving shortly. So we talked things over for a bit and I left."

"Did you work on your song?"

"Oh yeah, I left the stuff there with him to look over."

"Did you patch up your disagreement?"

"You could say that. We talked, I figured he would still tease me though. I guess he won't now."

"You don't seem upset?"

"I've been through a lot in my life. I don't get upset anymore. At least, it doesn't show."

"Thank you Mr. Dorough, you may leave now."

Howie shook the detective's hand and left the room without another word.

"Send someone down there and see if there is any sheet music, notes or anything like that." The detective told one of the officers. "I don't recall seeing any and I have my doubts that Mr. Carter would have put them away."