And you had to be the one to take the fall? Next time have fireworks ready to set off or something equally distracting. I know you're cultivating this whole image, and that you have your reasons, but it doesn't make it enjoyable to watch.
You have people to make it up to now. Valerie barely said anything on the way to the cab, and from what you've said, and the fact that she's willing to put up with you, I doubt she's usually the quiet type. So that's going to need fixing. Also, give Hayley another damn raise. And maybe send her a thank you note. You wouldn't have had that party without her and Audrey, and she looked suitably distressed before she disappeared. Not that I think throwing money at this problem is going to help it, but it's a place to start.
And because I'm not completely heartless, is the woman from the maze alright? What happened?