What really happened:

Below are just my own notes that I kept on my computer. Most were used, some things changed at the last minute, but it gives some ideas as to what I was thinking of. Obviously the bios each person was given has the final story.

Main Side Story: Newspaper article: Meister to debate local WVL spokeswoman - Mr. J. Meister will be speaking this Saturday night at 9pm at the Eaton Hotel. Meister, whom many believe will be a presidential candidate next year, is a firm supporter of women's rights, yet he has taken a surprisingly public stance against prohibition. He has sparked a movement of anti-establishment voters and is responsible for a resurgence of progressive politics. Obviously he is very controversial. Meister helped law enforcement in Detroit nab a major crime ring with the use of disguise, but yet he is rumoured to brew beer of his own. Needless to say, Meister has made many powerful enemies, but his insight and charisma combined with the numerous scandals among the elected officials mean he'll continue to draw a crowd for time to come. Spokeswoman for the Women's Voter League is the responsibly conservative Mrs. Schnaps. Meister was to arrive via the Excelsior train on Friday night, but no one has seen or heard from him due to the storm. The train arrived in the middle of the night. Mr.J.Meister had many enemies - the mob, elected officials, pro-prohibitionists, so it wouldn't really surprise you if something bad did happen to him. Though with several loved ones still not accounted for, it might be premature to jump to conclusions. Manager - No one had checked in for Meister. His room (#X) is still empty.

Main story: Scotch, Cabernet, Sauvignion, Meritage, Blanc, Ginn & Rumm, Galliano body, wife, jealous vet/dr., observant staff, affair, goons

Side 1 - Fire/building destructions: Pinot, Vodka & Chianti, Zinfandel, Champ & Rumm & Galliano, Silveroak Detective, const workers, Brickyard owner, mob (body dump off), owner

Side 2 - anti-candidate: Mobster(s), goons, candidate (not there), member of WVL (snitch), manager

Main script: There's been a murder in the middle of the night at the hotel. Unidentified male caucasian body found with knife wound in back. Detective figure has hotel help round up all guests to ballroom where they are to remain until the snow-storm subsides and the real law can come in. Murder not announced until they are all together - keep calm and guilty parties there (check to make sure all are there - guilty ones wouldn't show)? Have 1-3 guests not show - make them look suspicious and get them after 8pm start (use manager's guestlist). While detective/manager getting late guests, folks can speak about "Murder?!" - start to spread rumors. Detective returns (gets help from manager's book and big guy (boxer?)) with two "youngsters" and X who was shy/sick in hotel. Detective explains: Murder ocurred early morning (wounds' freshness), found in room # by cleaning staff (Mom?) in mid-day. Still not sure of identity - no id and no one else in room/nearby (located in candidates room).

Explains Rules: All must stay here for me to question and kept accountable. I may ask for your help during night and I highly advise you to comply. Feel confident that culprit/explanation will be determined before bed-time. Enjoy drinks/food/music and make best of bad situation - comfort women with husbands that are elsewhere. Introduce some of the main characters (all hotel staff, famous/rich folks, etc). Leave to interregate late guests, etc...

Groups:

Women's Voter League (WVL) Special guest speaker and campaign benefit - likely prez candidate Jager Meister - very progressive and very anti-prohibition but shows this with great support for women. Still controversial so WVL checking it out. Many have husbands that came (large distances). These folks know that candidate should have arrived during previous night on train (which did arrive late in middle of night) and of the unpopularity of the views, but growing support that is building for him. 1) candidate not well known though outspoken against prohibition which makes enemies with mob, conservatives/old school and church. 2) with so many scandals from Harding's period (and report of murder cover-up), there's a larger interest in new candidate and a huge swing against current Repub party.

Mob - main mobster is relative to big-shots in Chicago. In charge of Wichita area. Main racket is with alcohol supply - Eaton is major speakeasy and profit center. Has a few goons, controls manager, enjoys the flappers (treats them well) and is very philantropic (even to the women). Gave money to build new ball-park at Ackerman Island (connects bricks & boxers & construction & insurance due to future flood?).

Fire 2 blocks away at Getto Building - destroyed 4 days earlier. Detective there due to that. 6 bodies found so far. Fire 3 days ago did $50K damage to Eaton Hotel to be fixed immediately. Owner put up new fire escape plans in response.

Near end, detective has prime suspect (Schnaps), declares that he has the motive and the weapon must be hiding knife in her room, asks for help to get it, Miss Sauvignion returns with knife - detective takes it and turnabout with help and "arrests" her. He already searched Schnap's room and it wasn't where he said to get it - reveals true murder story and apologizes to Schnaps.

Misc: Mobster has goon(s) check up on Candidate - look for good way(s) to take this guy out over the next day or two. Goons see dead body, discuss that they'll take credit for it and tell mobster that they killed candidate. Body isn't identified by anyone/there are many missing husbands from WVL. 9-9:30pm - urgent telegram comes in from candidate to manager. Says had to take later train from KC and delayed in Emporia due to snow. It becomes announced by investigator and then mobster gets upset with goons ("Who was that you killed?!") Finally allowed for some to see body - One wife distressed recognizes husband, cries, upset, etc. They were on way to KC for a meeting/convention (rabbit breeders). Seems very innocent. Under further questioning revealed that husband was cross-breeding rabbits ("He's very smart and scientific, you know.") to get best meat/fur qualities. They're from CA - in fact wanted to call new breed Californian (X of New Zealand & Himilayan). Is this a REAL telegram? Who would want a rabbit raiser dead?

No time to do, but maybe next time? Better yet - make the floor layout (new fire escape maps) into a crossword puzzle - spells out phrase including daughter's name & safe combo somewhere? Each person who stayed in a room the night before has a letter that goes with the "box" Just put up fire escape map/sign on wall with main and 2nd floor (above are same numbering scheme). Couple copies of a cross-word puzzle - provides more hints