"Still, you can't rule out the possibility the North would take this as a pleasant gesture."

West raised clubs to the five-level, and North took a shot at six hearts.

With the ax clearly about to fall, North should perhaps have taken evasive action immediately.

North knew that the void must be in hearts and took a plunge into seven diamonds.

North took a shot at four spades, and East had to decide whether to save in five hearts.

South showed both her suits, and North took the plunge in four spades.

North won, led the spade king and took a heart finesse.

And North would take a shot at slam and hit the target.

North took Dawson to the kitchen and started some coffee.

North took a look at it, and bit his lip.