Episode 13 – “The Interrogation” Part II
Previously on the Memoirs of Mayfield: After the discovery of Hugh Black’s body, Mrs. Black tries to painfully tell Jet and Scott the news. Jet reacts with wrath and anger. At the Police Department, Inspector Brown receives the notice that Hugh Black is dead. Officer Ebony, who is the half-brother to Sylvia Black, volunteers to go along with him. Mrs. Black instructs Mr. Ash to follow through with putting the chest in the lake. Outside in the rain, Sergeant Gray stands in a trance looking at himself in the ripples of the reflecting pool, the mysterious figure stands in the Stable doorway, monitoring his every move, while gripping a Fireplace Poker. Mrs. Peacock is the first to be interrogated, as her life is in the most risk. She explains that her father loved her more than any of her siblings and that her family’s fortune would be left with her the day of her spiteful mother’s death. She also explains that she is leaving a steady amount of money to most of the people present at the mansion, so their inheritance would increase once more money is added. After questioning her whereabouts before and during the blackout, Inspector Brown tells her that an officer will be guarding her home to prevent any more murders in Hampshire…
-Friday, April 15, 1949-
-Night-
Inspector Brown paces the Ballroom in front of the empty fireplace. He is reading over his notes from his interrogation with Mrs. Peacock. He flips his notebook to a new page. He looks up at the chandelier as the lights flicker again. Thunder rumbles outside. There is a knock at the door.
“Come in.” Inspector Brown says
Officer Ebony enters the room with Mrs. Black on his arm. She is trying to fight back tears. Inspector Brown stands up as she walks over to the couch. Officer Ebony nods and exits the room.
“Mrs. Black, I am very sorry for your loss.” Inspector Brown says, “Hugh Black was the last person I would have suspected to fall victim to the horrible events that have taken place.”
Mrs. Black nods while staring at the floor.
“No one could have foreseen what was going to happen in this town.” Inspector Brown says
“It’s not fair.” Mrs. Black says, “What is the sense behind these mindless killings? None of it makes sense to me.”
“Would you please explain to me how your husband was acting over the events of these murders?” asks Inspector Brown
“Well, when he found out that Ms. Curry had died, he didn’t seem to care. He seemed more relieved if anything.” Mrs. Black says
“This has to do with their illicit affair?” Inspector Brown asks
“Ms. Curry came over about a week ago and showed Hugh the birth certificate.” Mrs. Black says
“How did he react?” asks Inspector Brown
“The way any man would react when he realizes that his 12 year old son may have a 40 year old brother or sister. His illegitimate children could be older than me!” Mrs. Black holds her head, “Those twins could be any number of people here tonight. Mrs. Meadow-Brook, Mr. Meadow-Brook, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, any of them.”
“Even you?” asks Inspector Brown
“Don’t be daft.” Mrs. Black says, “There is no way on earth I could be his daughter, I’m his wife for Christ’s sake.”
“But you are about 14 years younger than your husband.” Inspector Brown points out, “The dates on the birth certificate indicate that Hugh Black was in his early teens when he impregnated Ms. Curry.”
“I’m not his daughter!” Mrs. Black says firmly, “I just want this nightmare to be over with.”
“I know this must be difficult for you,” Inspector Brown says, “Can you tell me anything unusual that happened tonight?”
“Half-way through dinner I went to the Conservatory. I was very upset. Hugh followed me and told me that he knew who was doing this. He told me that he hired a police officer to guard the mansion. Then he passed out.” Mrs. Black says, “I should have known something was going to happen.”
“Did he say what caused him to feel faint?” asks Inspector Brown
“He said that he didn’t think he took his heart medication.” Mrs. Black says, “I’m sure he did. As a matter of fact yesterday he noticed that his pills were moved. I figured it was just Mrs. White cleaning and straightening out his dresser.”
“You think someone may have tampered with his pills?” asks Inspector Brown
“It’s possible,” Mrs. Black says, “He does brag about how well the pills work. Everyone knows he takes them. He swears by them. It would be easy for anyone to poison them.” Mrs. Black’s voice trails off
“Mrs. Black,” Inspector Brown says, “I know it’s hard for you to go through this, but we need to catch your husband’s killer. You say an officer was present at the Mansion where is he now? Did you catch his name?”
“I have no idea,” Mrs. Black says crying into her hands, “I’m not so sure he even had an officer here. He may have just said that to keep me calm.”
Moonlight slowly shines through the clouds above Tudor Close as the storm clouds blow away. Rain continues to lightly mist the grounds of Tudor Close. On the sidewalk near the Swimming Pool, an officer shines his flashlight around as he searches the grounds when he spots a figure darting into the forest. The officer charges after the figure into the forest. The figure looks back at the officer and continues to run. The figure stumbles and trips over a log. The officer pulls the figure to their feet and shines the flashlight at their face.
“Sergeant Gray?” the officer sighs of relief, “Why did you run away?”
Sergeant Gray remains silent. The officer looks up at his head to see a large gash of torn flesh and blood.
“Oh, Jesus, we need to get a doctor to look at that.” The officer says, “Clement, are you okay?”
Sergeant Gray is so eerier and distant.
“Clement,” the officer says
“Who?” Sergeant Gray looks into the officer’s eyes
“Clement, we need to get your head looked at.” The officer says
“My head?” Sergeant Gray feels up to his head and immediately recoils in horror as the stinging sensation reaches his nerves, “Ow!”
“Come on, let’s get you help,” He officer takes his arm. Sergeant Gray whips his arm out of the officer’s grip.
“Get off of me.” Sergeant Gray shouts
“Clement,” the officer says, “I’m trying to help you.”
Sergeant Gray swings his fist at the officer’s face and the officer turns to duck but instead, mashes his head into the side of a tree truck. The officer falls into the wet leaves at Sergeant Gray’s feet.
“No, no,” Sergeant Gray panics, “I didn’t do it!”
He quickly rushes off into the forest, tumbling down the slopes and getting mud all over his clothes. He quickly looks around to briefly make out the lights from Tudor Close. He takes a step and nearly falls into a deep ravine. He notices the rushing water from the rain that is filling the ravine. He is about to dash off into the opposite direction when he spots a small figure leaning against a tree at the bottom with a small dog barking near her. Sergeant Gray quickly moves down to the figure and pulls her into his arms. He carries her out of the ravine in an attempt to save her life. He struggles to hold onto her as his legs become weak. He stumbles around a bit but braces himself against a tree. He wipes the wet hair from the girls face and stares deeply into the beautiful face of Jessica Meadow-Brook. He looks up to see a small tattered brick structure in the middle of the woods. He pushes open the corroded door and lays her on the concrete. The small dog enters the room and shakes the water off his fur. As Sergeant Gray’s eyes begin to adjust to the darkness, he finds himself in an abandoned Well House.
Back in the Ballroom of Tudor Close, Inspector Brown continues to talk to Mrs. Black.
“After my husband came to,” Mrs. Black takes a breath, “Miles Meadow-Brook came in. He and Miles Meadow-Brook talked after I left the Conservatory. He may have shared everything with him, the name of the killer and such.” Mrs. Black pulls out a handkerchief and blows her nose in it.
“Do you get nose bleeds often?” asks Inspector Brown motioning to the blood on her handkerchief
“Oh,” Mrs. Black becomes concerned, “Yes, I had one this afternoon.”
“Can you tell me your whereabouts this evening after you left Hugh in the Conservatory with…” Inspector Brown rereads his notes, “Miles Meadow-Brook.”
“To be honest, I didn’t leave.” Mrs. Black says, “I hid in a secret passageway between the Lounge and Conservatory. I tried to listen to their conversation but the trickling of the fountain was so loud that I only heard every other word.”
“You didn’t overhear anything that Hugh may have told Miles about the killer?” asks Inspector Brown
“The only name I heard was Thallo Green,” Mrs. Black says, “But Mr. Green and my husband have been in numerous business arrangements in the past so it may have been nothing.”
“Then where did you go?” asks Inspector Brown
“I went to the Lounge where I heard Mrs. Peacock and Chandler Weiss talking about breaking Cynthia’s heart.” Mrs. Black says
“Mrs. Peacock conveniently left that part out.” Inspector Brown says reviewing his notes from Mrs. Peacock’s statement.
“Cynthia and Chandler must have talked over their problems because they were all cuddly and close in the Dining Room after my dear husband was...” Mrs. Black whips her nose as her voice dies off again
“Mrs. Black I know this is painful but I need to ask you as much as I can while the events of this night are still fresh in your head! You have already helped me so much. I just need to ask a few more questions. Do you know anything about Hugh’s will?” asks Inspector Brown
“You think he was murdered because of will benefits?” asks Mrs. Black with confusion
“Perhaps.” Inspector Brown nods, “Can you tell me anything about it?”
“I suppose he’ll leave Jet, Scott, and I with a sizable sum.” Mrs. Black says, “Mr. Ash, Mrs. White, and our groundskeepers will get a retirement fund, I’m sure.”
“Anyone else?” asks Inspector Brown, “Guests here tonight?”
“The Meadow-Brooks and Mrs. Peacock have been close friends of ours for years so I’m sure he left them a little something.” Mrs. Black says
“Did you know that you are in Mrs. Peacock’s will?” asks Inspector Brown
“I am?” Mrs. Black seems a bit shocked, “How very thoughtful of her.”
“I won’t tell you the exact amount or who is inheriting but many of the guests here tonight would inherit a great deal of money if Mrs. Peacock died.” Inspector Brown says, “And in your husband’s last breath he warned that Mrs. Peacock isn’t safe and that it was because of the money.”
“But I simply cannot see anyone wanting to hurt Penelope!” Mrs. Black says
“She doesn’t think so either.” Inspector Brown, “But seeing how you overheard a devious plan, it puts her at more risk that one would think.”
“I suppose,” Mrs. Black sighs
“What happened next?” asks Inspector Brown as he checks his pocket watch.
“I retraced my steps into the Conservatory and found Miles in the Hall outside the door. I told him I was having a quick smoke. I saw that young American girl, Miss Peach, being greeted by Mr. Green near the front doors. It was then that I was informed by Miles Meadow-Brook that Miss Peach is the biological daughter of Colonel Mustard.” Mrs. Black says, “Odd how she arrives in town just before people start dropping and then her own father has a heart attack and winds up in the emergency room.”
“Was Colonel Mustard, by chance, taking the same heart pills your husband was?” Inspector Brown asks
“As a matter of fact, I do believe he was.” Mrs. Black says, “My husband and Colonel Mustard were grand friends. He lived with us for a few months before Jet was born. He then went away to Italy and we have been corresponding over the years. We would mainly make long distance telephone calls. Just recently he moved back to Hampshire.”
“Interestingly enough, Ms. Curry was a telephone operator.” Inspector Brown says
“You don’t think she listened in on their conversations and tried to kill my husband and Colonel Mustard by tampering with their pills?” Mrs. Black covers her mouth, “It would seem so out of the blue, especially since she was in turn killed by either one of them, or someone entirely different.”
“Anything is possible,” Inspector Brown says, “But whoever tried to kill Colonel Mustard, also tried to kill your husband, and from the looks of it, they didn’t use a very strong poison if both survived the initial attack.”
Mrs. Black sniffles and wipes her eyes again
Inspector Brown clears his throat, “What happened next?”
“I went to the Library with Mr. Meadow-Brook for more small talk. He seemed distant. I noticed he kept looking at the clock on the mantel. It was as if he was supposed to be somewhere.” Mrs. Black says after a moment of thinking, “I noticed it was very chilly in the room upon entering.”
“Do the windows open in the Library?” asks Inspector Brown as he begins to doodle a rough layout of Tudor Close.
Mrs. Black gasps standing up, “Someone may have crawled in earlier? What if the killer isn’t one of the guests?”
“Calm down, Mrs. Black, please sit down and tell me the rest of the events of the evening.” Inspector Brown says as the guarding officer near the door becomes alarmed at how frantic Mrs. Black has become. Mrs. Black composes herself and sits back down.
“I stayed in the Library for a few moments and then went to my bedroom to…” Mrs. Black pauses to cover her story about the chest with Mr. Ash, “I went to my bedroom to check to make sure Hugh has taken his pills today. He puts out his pill on a napkin every night to be sure he takes it in the morning.”
“So someone could have easily switched it.” Inspector Brown nods
“I suppose so.” Mrs. Black says, “I stayed there for a while and met Mr. Ash in the upstairs hallway. I had some usual household orders for him to fulfill then went downstairs to look for Hugh. I was very worried about him seeing how all these people were present. I checked the Conservatory and saw Mrs. Peacock viciously slashing the leaves of a fern with a knife.”
“Did she say why?” asks Inspector Brown with curiosity
“She murmured something but I didn’t stick around to have her repeat it. I went back to the Hall and heard a noise in either the Lounge or Dining Room. Just then the Mansion fell dark.” Mrs. Black takes a breath as more tears fall from her eyes, “I hurried upstairs in the dark to see if Mr. Ash would help me look for Hugh but I couldn’t find him in the dark.” She blows her nose gently, “I felt my way back down the stairs. I heard so much movement and the sound of people whispering. It was so eerie. The lights came on and I saw the Cellar door open. Apparently Mrs. White turned on the lights because there she was, kneeling over his lifeless body. Blood was everywhere!” Mrs. Black breaks down, “The walls of the stairwell down to the cellar, on the stairs, everywhere!”
“Tell me, Mrs. Black,” Inspector Brown asks trying to lure her away from her gruesome thoughts, “Was there anything wrong in your marriage?”
“He was having an affair.” Mrs. Black looks at the floor.
“You’re sure?” asks Inspector Brown
“Either that or he’s lost interest in sex altogether.” Mrs. Black says, “He never seems to be in the mood anymore. I took that as a sign that he is aging or that he is finding it somewhere else.”
“Supposing he is carrying out an affair, would you have any idea who it is with?” asks Inspector Brown
“Well he is a rich multi-millionaire that lives in a beautiful mansion and owns three cabins, a yacht, a small airplane, a Mediterranean villa, and a small country estate in France. He also works at a hospital surrounded by young female nurses.” Mrs. Black says
“That paints a clear enough picture, thank you.” Inspector Brown says, “Get some rest. Have an officer escort you to your room. I’ll have one of my men stay here tonight to guard your home. Would you like it to be your brother?”
“Yes,” Mrs. Black says standing, “Thank you so much.”
“Thank you for your help.” Inspector Brown stands up, “You are a strong, brave woman. You will make it through this.”
Mrs. Black embraces Inspector Brown tightly.
“If you remember anything else, please let me know as soon as possible.” Inspector Brown says
“I will,” Mrs. Black says, “Thank you.”
Mrs. Black leaves the room with the guarding officer as a man in a doctor’s uniform enters.
“Inspector,” the doctor says
“You examined the body and the crime scene?” asks Inspector Brown
“It wasn’t a pretty sight.” The doctor says
“What are we dealing with?” asks Inspector Brown, “Blunt trauma? Poisoning.”
“A deep stab wound leading from the chest to the abdomen.” The doctor says taking off his glasses, “Hugh Black was very much alive when being pull into the cellar. He is missing a fingernail from his left hand. I found it stuck to the brick walls of the body stairwell. He was definitely putting up a fight. He died of blood loss. It is a wonder how his body did not go into shock with Mrs. White found him. He must have been very very freshly killed.”
Back out in the abandoned Well House, Sergeant Gray holds the motionless body of Jessica Meadow-Brook in his arms. She begins to cough and wheeze. He holds her up straight and she coughs up some water and blood. She opens her eyes groggily.
“Where am I?” she asks holding her head
“I… I don’t know.” Sergeant Gray whimpers
“Who are you?” asks Jessica
“I don’t know.” Sergeant Gray says
“What do you mean you don’t know who you are?” Jessica stands up and the dog begins to growl at Sergeant Gray, “You’re a police officer,”
“I am…” Sergeant Gray looks down at the badge on his shirt, “I am a police officer.”
Jessica shivers in the wet, damp Well House, all the while panicking because of the strange behavior of the man before her. He turns around and Jessica sees the blood bruises on the side and back of his head.
“Oh my God,” Jessica gasps.
Sergeant Gray turns to her with a look of anger and confusion on his face.
“Did someone hit you?” asks Jessica
“The nicely dressed lady.” Sergeant Gray says
“Nicely dressed lady?” Jessica says, “Who are you talking about?”
“The lady that lives there.” Sergeant Gray points outside
“In Tudor Close?” asks Jessica, “Mrs. Black?”
Sergeant Gray nods.
“Mrs. Black couldn’t have hit you. She clearly is not the person that has been killing…” Jessica pauses and thinks for a moment, “My god, that’s why Scott was so calm after being kidnapped. It was his own mother.”
Back at Tudor Close, Mrs. Black lies down on her bed and removes the clip from her hair. He tosses it on the night stand.
“You may have gotten away with it for now,” a voice says, “But the police will catch up with your sins, sooner or later.”
“Who’s there?” Mrs. Black asks
“How can you not even recognize my voice?” the figure says from the shadows
“Who are you.” Mrs. Black turns on her nightstand lamp to see her son, Jet standing in the corner of the room with his arms crossed.
“Just remember something, mother,” Jet says, “It is impossible to cover up murder.”
“Are you accusing me of murdering your father?” asks Mrs. Black
“Heavens no,” Jet chuckles, “But I know all about the death of my brother.” He tosses the diary on the bed, “Mrs. White should really put this somewhere safer. You wouldn’t want the police to find it.”
“What do you want,” Mrs. Black says
“I want my inheritance from dad.” Jet says
“You don’t get the money until you turn twenty-one.” Mrs. Black says
“I think you can change that.” Jet says, “Unless you want me to tell Inspector Brown everything I know.”
“You wouldn’t turn your own mother in.” Mrs. Black says, “I’m family.”
“Bryce and Estelle were family to, but their deaths didn’t mean anything to you.” Jet says, “So what is it going to be. Money or Jail?”
“I’ll talk to Miles tomorrow.” Mrs. Black says under her breath
-Friday, April 15, 1949-
-Night-
Inspector Brown paces the Ballroom in front of the empty fireplace. He is reading over his notes from his interrogation with Mrs. Peacock. He flips his notebook to a new page. He looks up at the chandelier as the lights flicker again. Thunder rumbles outside. There is a knock at the door.
“Come in.” Inspector Brown says
Officer Ebony enters the room with Mrs. Black on his arm. She is trying to fight back tears. Inspector Brown stands up as she walks over to the couch. Officer Ebony nods and exits the room.
“Mrs. Black, I am very sorry for your loss.” Inspector Brown says, “Hugh Black was the last person I would have suspected to fall victim to the horrible events that have taken place.”
Mrs. Black nods while staring at the floor.
“No one could have foreseen what was going to happen in this town.” Inspector Brown says
“It’s not fair.” Mrs. Black says, “What is the sense behind these mindless killings? None of it makes sense to me.”
“Would you please explain to me how your husband was acting over the events of these murders?” asks Inspector Brown
“Well, when he found out that Ms. Curry had died, he didn’t seem to care. He seemed more relieved if anything.” Mrs. Black says
“This has to do with their illicit affair?” Inspector Brown asks
“Ms. Curry came over about a week ago and showed Hugh the birth certificate.” Mrs. Black says
“How did he react?” asks Inspector Brown
“The way any man would react when he realizes that his 12 year old son may have a 40 year old brother or sister. His illegitimate children could be older than me!” Mrs. Black holds her head, “Those twins could be any number of people here tonight. Mrs. Meadow-Brook, Mr. Meadow-Brook, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, any of them.”
“Even you?” asks Inspector Brown
“Don’t be daft.” Mrs. Black says, “There is no way on earth I could be his daughter, I’m his wife for Christ’s sake.”
“But you are about 14 years younger than your husband.” Inspector Brown points out, “The dates on the birth certificate indicate that Hugh Black was in his early teens when he impregnated Ms. Curry.”
“I’m not his daughter!” Mrs. Black says firmly, “I just want this nightmare to be over with.”
“I know this must be difficult for you,” Inspector Brown says, “Can you tell me anything unusual that happened tonight?”
“Half-way through dinner I went to the Conservatory. I was very upset. Hugh followed me and told me that he knew who was doing this. He told me that he hired a police officer to guard the mansion. Then he passed out.” Mrs. Black says, “I should have known something was going to happen.”
“Did he say what caused him to feel faint?” asks Inspector Brown
“He said that he didn’t think he took his heart medication.” Mrs. Black says, “I’m sure he did. As a matter of fact yesterday he noticed that his pills were moved. I figured it was just Mrs. White cleaning and straightening out his dresser.”
“You think someone may have tampered with his pills?” asks Inspector Brown
“It’s possible,” Mrs. Black says, “He does brag about how well the pills work. Everyone knows he takes them. He swears by them. It would be easy for anyone to poison them.” Mrs. Black’s voice trails off
“Mrs. Black,” Inspector Brown says, “I know it’s hard for you to go through this, but we need to catch your husband’s killer. You say an officer was present at the Mansion where is he now? Did you catch his name?”
“I have no idea,” Mrs. Black says crying into her hands, “I’m not so sure he even had an officer here. He may have just said that to keep me calm.”
Moonlight slowly shines through the clouds above Tudor Close as the storm clouds blow away. Rain continues to lightly mist the grounds of Tudor Close. On the sidewalk near the Swimming Pool, an officer shines his flashlight around as he searches the grounds when he spots a figure darting into the forest. The officer charges after the figure into the forest. The figure looks back at the officer and continues to run. The figure stumbles and trips over a log. The officer pulls the figure to their feet and shines the flashlight at their face.
“Sergeant Gray?” the officer sighs of relief, “Why did you run away?”
Sergeant Gray remains silent. The officer looks up at his head to see a large gash of torn flesh and blood.
“Oh, Jesus, we need to get a doctor to look at that.” The officer says, “Clement, are you okay?”
Sergeant Gray is so eerier and distant.
“Clement,” the officer says
“Who?” Sergeant Gray looks into the officer’s eyes
“Clement, we need to get your head looked at.” The officer says
“My head?” Sergeant Gray feels up to his head and immediately recoils in horror as the stinging sensation reaches his nerves, “Ow!”
“Come on, let’s get you help,” He officer takes his arm. Sergeant Gray whips his arm out of the officer’s grip.
“Get off of me.” Sergeant Gray shouts
“Clement,” the officer says, “I’m trying to help you.”
Sergeant Gray swings his fist at the officer’s face and the officer turns to duck but instead, mashes his head into the side of a tree truck. The officer falls into the wet leaves at Sergeant Gray’s feet.
“No, no,” Sergeant Gray panics, “I didn’t do it!”
He quickly rushes off into the forest, tumbling down the slopes and getting mud all over his clothes. He quickly looks around to briefly make out the lights from Tudor Close. He takes a step and nearly falls into a deep ravine. He notices the rushing water from the rain that is filling the ravine. He is about to dash off into the opposite direction when he spots a small figure leaning against a tree at the bottom with a small dog barking near her. Sergeant Gray quickly moves down to the figure and pulls her into his arms. He carries her out of the ravine in an attempt to save her life. He struggles to hold onto her as his legs become weak. He stumbles around a bit but braces himself against a tree. He wipes the wet hair from the girls face and stares deeply into the beautiful face of Jessica Meadow-Brook. He looks up to see a small tattered brick structure in the middle of the woods. He pushes open the corroded door and lays her on the concrete. The small dog enters the room and shakes the water off his fur. As Sergeant Gray’s eyes begin to adjust to the darkness, he finds himself in an abandoned Well House.
Back in the Ballroom of Tudor Close, Inspector Brown continues to talk to Mrs. Black.
“After my husband came to,” Mrs. Black takes a breath, “Miles Meadow-Brook came in. He and Miles Meadow-Brook talked after I left the Conservatory. He may have shared everything with him, the name of the killer and such.” Mrs. Black pulls out a handkerchief and blows her nose in it.
“Do you get nose bleeds often?” asks Inspector Brown motioning to the blood on her handkerchief
“Oh,” Mrs. Black becomes concerned, “Yes, I had one this afternoon.”
“Can you tell me your whereabouts this evening after you left Hugh in the Conservatory with…” Inspector Brown rereads his notes, “Miles Meadow-Brook.”
“To be honest, I didn’t leave.” Mrs. Black says, “I hid in a secret passageway between the Lounge and Conservatory. I tried to listen to their conversation but the trickling of the fountain was so loud that I only heard every other word.”
“You didn’t overhear anything that Hugh may have told Miles about the killer?” asks Inspector Brown
“The only name I heard was Thallo Green,” Mrs. Black says, “But Mr. Green and my husband have been in numerous business arrangements in the past so it may have been nothing.”
“Then where did you go?” asks Inspector Brown
“I went to the Lounge where I heard Mrs. Peacock and Chandler Weiss talking about breaking Cynthia’s heart.” Mrs. Black says
“Mrs. Peacock conveniently left that part out.” Inspector Brown says reviewing his notes from Mrs. Peacock’s statement.
“Cynthia and Chandler must have talked over their problems because they were all cuddly and close in the Dining Room after my dear husband was...” Mrs. Black whips her nose as her voice dies off again
“Mrs. Black I know this is painful but I need to ask you as much as I can while the events of this night are still fresh in your head! You have already helped me so much. I just need to ask a few more questions. Do you know anything about Hugh’s will?” asks Inspector Brown
“You think he was murdered because of will benefits?” asks Mrs. Black with confusion
“Perhaps.” Inspector Brown nods, “Can you tell me anything about it?”
“I suppose he’ll leave Jet, Scott, and I with a sizable sum.” Mrs. Black says, “Mr. Ash, Mrs. White, and our groundskeepers will get a retirement fund, I’m sure.”
“Anyone else?” asks Inspector Brown, “Guests here tonight?”
“The Meadow-Brooks and Mrs. Peacock have been close friends of ours for years so I’m sure he left them a little something.” Mrs. Black says
“Did you know that you are in Mrs. Peacock’s will?” asks Inspector Brown
“I am?” Mrs. Black seems a bit shocked, “How very thoughtful of her.”
“I won’t tell you the exact amount or who is inheriting but many of the guests here tonight would inherit a great deal of money if Mrs. Peacock died.” Inspector Brown says, “And in your husband’s last breath he warned that Mrs. Peacock isn’t safe and that it was because of the money.”
“But I simply cannot see anyone wanting to hurt Penelope!” Mrs. Black says
“She doesn’t think so either.” Inspector Brown, “But seeing how you overheard a devious plan, it puts her at more risk that one would think.”
“I suppose,” Mrs. Black sighs
“What happened next?” asks Inspector Brown as he checks his pocket watch.
“I retraced my steps into the Conservatory and found Miles in the Hall outside the door. I told him I was having a quick smoke. I saw that young American girl, Miss Peach, being greeted by Mr. Green near the front doors. It was then that I was informed by Miles Meadow-Brook that Miss Peach is the biological daughter of Colonel Mustard.” Mrs. Black says, “Odd how she arrives in town just before people start dropping and then her own father has a heart attack and winds up in the emergency room.”
“Was Colonel Mustard, by chance, taking the same heart pills your husband was?” Inspector Brown asks
“As a matter of fact, I do believe he was.” Mrs. Black says, “My husband and Colonel Mustard were grand friends. He lived with us for a few months before Jet was born. He then went away to Italy and we have been corresponding over the years. We would mainly make long distance telephone calls. Just recently he moved back to Hampshire.”
“Interestingly enough, Ms. Curry was a telephone operator.” Inspector Brown says
“You don’t think she listened in on their conversations and tried to kill my husband and Colonel Mustard by tampering with their pills?” Mrs. Black covers her mouth, “It would seem so out of the blue, especially since she was in turn killed by either one of them, or someone entirely different.”
“Anything is possible,” Inspector Brown says, “But whoever tried to kill Colonel Mustard, also tried to kill your husband, and from the looks of it, they didn’t use a very strong poison if both survived the initial attack.”
Mrs. Black sniffles and wipes her eyes again
Inspector Brown clears his throat, “What happened next?”
“I went to the Library with Mr. Meadow-Brook for more small talk. He seemed distant. I noticed he kept looking at the clock on the mantel. It was as if he was supposed to be somewhere.” Mrs. Black says after a moment of thinking, “I noticed it was very chilly in the room upon entering.”
“Do the windows open in the Library?” asks Inspector Brown as he begins to doodle a rough layout of Tudor Close.
Mrs. Black gasps standing up, “Someone may have crawled in earlier? What if the killer isn’t one of the guests?”
“Calm down, Mrs. Black, please sit down and tell me the rest of the events of the evening.” Inspector Brown says as the guarding officer near the door becomes alarmed at how frantic Mrs. Black has become. Mrs. Black composes herself and sits back down.
“I stayed in the Library for a few moments and then went to my bedroom to…” Mrs. Black pauses to cover her story about the chest with Mr. Ash, “I went to my bedroom to check to make sure Hugh has taken his pills today. He puts out his pill on a napkin every night to be sure he takes it in the morning.”
“So someone could have easily switched it.” Inspector Brown nods
“I suppose so.” Mrs. Black says, “I stayed there for a while and met Mr. Ash in the upstairs hallway. I had some usual household orders for him to fulfill then went downstairs to look for Hugh. I was very worried about him seeing how all these people were present. I checked the Conservatory and saw Mrs. Peacock viciously slashing the leaves of a fern with a knife.”
“Did she say why?” asks Inspector Brown with curiosity
“She murmured something but I didn’t stick around to have her repeat it. I went back to the Hall and heard a noise in either the Lounge or Dining Room. Just then the Mansion fell dark.” Mrs. Black takes a breath as more tears fall from her eyes, “I hurried upstairs in the dark to see if Mr. Ash would help me look for Hugh but I couldn’t find him in the dark.” She blows her nose gently, “I felt my way back down the stairs. I heard so much movement and the sound of people whispering. It was so eerie. The lights came on and I saw the Cellar door open. Apparently Mrs. White turned on the lights because there she was, kneeling over his lifeless body. Blood was everywhere!” Mrs. Black breaks down, “The walls of the stairwell down to the cellar, on the stairs, everywhere!”
“Tell me, Mrs. Black,” Inspector Brown asks trying to lure her away from her gruesome thoughts, “Was there anything wrong in your marriage?”
“He was having an affair.” Mrs. Black looks at the floor.
“You’re sure?” asks Inspector Brown
“Either that or he’s lost interest in sex altogether.” Mrs. Black says, “He never seems to be in the mood anymore. I took that as a sign that he is aging or that he is finding it somewhere else.”
“Supposing he is carrying out an affair, would you have any idea who it is with?” asks Inspector Brown
“Well he is a rich multi-millionaire that lives in a beautiful mansion and owns three cabins, a yacht, a small airplane, a Mediterranean villa, and a small country estate in France. He also works at a hospital surrounded by young female nurses.” Mrs. Black says
“That paints a clear enough picture, thank you.” Inspector Brown says, “Get some rest. Have an officer escort you to your room. I’ll have one of my men stay here tonight to guard your home. Would you like it to be your brother?”
“Yes,” Mrs. Black says standing, “Thank you so much.”
“Thank you for your help.” Inspector Brown stands up, “You are a strong, brave woman. You will make it through this.”
Mrs. Black embraces Inspector Brown tightly.
“If you remember anything else, please let me know as soon as possible.” Inspector Brown says
“I will,” Mrs. Black says, “Thank you.”
Mrs. Black leaves the room with the guarding officer as a man in a doctor’s uniform enters.
“Inspector,” the doctor says
“You examined the body and the crime scene?” asks Inspector Brown
“It wasn’t a pretty sight.” The doctor says
“What are we dealing with?” asks Inspector Brown, “Blunt trauma? Poisoning.”
“A deep stab wound leading from the chest to the abdomen.” The doctor says taking off his glasses, “Hugh Black was very much alive when being pull into the cellar. He is missing a fingernail from his left hand. I found it stuck to the brick walls of the body stairwell. He was definitely putting up a fight. He died of blood loss. It is a wonder how his body did not go into shock with Mrs. White found him. He must have been very very freshly killed.”
Back out in the abandoned Well House, Sergeant Gray holds the motionless body of Jessica Meadow-Brook in his arms. She begins to cough and wheeze. He holds her up straight and she coughs up some water and blood. She opens her eyes groggily.
“Where am I?” she asks holding her head
“I… I don’t know.” Sergeant Gray whimpers
“Who are you?” asks Jessica
“I don’t know.” Sergeant Gray says
“What do you mean you don’t know who you are?” Jessica stands up and the dog begins to growl at Sergeant Gray, “You’re a police officer,”
“I am…” Sergeant Gray looks down at the badge on his shirt, “I am a police officer.”
Jessica shivers in the wet, damp Well House, all the while panicking because of the strange behavior of the man before her. He turns around and Jessica sees the blood bruises on the side and back of his head.
“Oh my God,” Jessica gasps.
Sergeant Gray turns to her with a look of anger and confusion on his face.
“Did someone hit you?” asks Jessica
“The nicely dressed lady.” Sergeant Gray says
“Nicely dressed lady?” Jessica says, “Who are you talking about?”
“The lady that lives there.” Sergeant Gray points outside
“In Tudor Close?” asks Jessica, “Mrs. Black?”
Sergeant Gray nods.
“Mrs. Black couldn’t have hit you. She clearly is not the person that has been killing…” Jessica pauses and thinks for a moment, “My god, that’s why Scott was so calm after being kidnapped. It was his own mother.”
Back at Tudor Close, Mrs. Black lies down on her bed and removes the clip from her hair. He tosses it on the night stand.
“You may have gotten away with it for now,” a voice says, “But the police will catch up with your sins, sooner or later.”
“Who’s there?” Mrs. Black asks
“How can you not even recognize my voice?” the figure says from the shadows
“Who are you.” Mrs. Black turns on her nightstand lamp to see her son, Jet standing in the corner of the room with his arms crossed.
“Just remember something, mother,” Jet says, “It is impossible to cover up murder.”
“Are you accusing me of murdering your father?” asks Mrs. Black
“Heavens no,” Jet chuckles, “But I know all about the death of my brother.” He tosses the diary on the bed, “Mrs. White should really put this somewhere safer. You wouldn’t want the police to find it.”
“What do you want,” Mrs. Black says
“I want my inheritance from dad.” Jet says
“You don’t get the money until you turn twenty-one.” Mrs. Black says
“I think you can change that.” Jet says, “Unless you want me to tell Inspector Brown everything I know.”
“You wouldn’t turn your own mother in.” Mrs. Black says, “I’m family.”
“Bryce and Estelle were family to, but their deaths didn’t mean anything to you.” Jet says, “So what is it going to be. Money or Jail?”
“I’ll talk to Miles tomorrow.” Mrs. Black says under her breath