Episode 14 – “The Interrogation” Part III
Previously on the Memoirs of Mayfield: Mrs. Black is interrogated by Inspector Brown. He discovers that Hugh Black and Colonel Mustard were taking the same pills and the killer may have tried to kill them both. Inspector Brown notices blood on her handkercheif which she passes off as a bloody nose. Outside Tudor Close, an officer finds Sergeant Gray standing in the forest in a trance-like state of mind. When the officer tries talking to Sergeant Gray, he panics and tries to push the officer away. The officer ducks but in turn hits into a tree. Sergeant Gray runs away, deeper into the forest where he finds Jessica Meadow-Brook lying in the ditch where she fell. He carries her out and finds shelter in an abandoned Well House. Jessica begins to come to and is alarmed by how Sergeant Gray is acting. She sees the blood and bruises on his head and asks who hit him. He simply responds ‘the nicely dressed lady’. Jessica asks him who this lady is and he implies that it was Sylvia Black. Back in Tudor Close, Mrs. Black begins to go to bed when her son, Jet emerges from the shadows. He tosses the diary on her bed and tells her that he knows everything. He tells her that he will get his inheritance early, or he’ll tell Inspector Brown what is on those pages. Mrs. Black says that she’ll talk to Miles Meadow-Brook in the morning.
-Friday, April 15, 1949-
-Night-
The endless evening seems to only creep along. Mrs. Sylvia Black stares out the Kitchen window at the rain covered lawn. She is drinking a glass of water.
“Where are all the guests being held, until interrogation?” Mrs. Black asks the guarding officer.
“Suspects who have been interrogated are in the Lounge,” The guard responds, “Suspects awaiting their interrogation are in the Library.”
“I think I’ll go to the Lounge,” Mrs. Black says, “I don’t really want to be alone on a night like this.”
Out in the old Well House, Jessica begins to stand up but finds her ankle is in too much pain.
“I need help.” Jessica whimpers
“No,” Sergeant Gray says, “I’ll help you.”
“Sergeant Gray,” Jessica says, “I don’t know what happened to you after you were attacked, but we need to get help. I’m cold, I’m wet, and I’m frightened.”
“Be quiet.” Sergeant Gray slams his hand against the wall wildly, “I can’t think.”
Jessica begins to cry as she shivers silently on the floor. She begins to look around for ways to escape. She notices an old metal water bucket in the corner with some leaves around it.
In the Ballroom of Tudor Close, Inspector Brown is interrogating Mrs. White.
“Make it real quick and simple for me, Mrs. White.” Inspector Brown says, “I want to know each room you went in and who you saw from dinner till the discovery of Hugh’s body.”
“Well, all throughout dinner I was in and out of the Kitchen and Dining Room with Mr. Ash.” Mrs. White says
“You didn’t notice anything unusual?” asks Inspector Brown
“No,” Mrs. White says, “After dinner I went to check on Scott and Jet. Dr. Black figured the killer was one of the guests and didn’t want his sons subjected to danger.”
“Did you find them?” asks Inspector Brown
“Scott was in his parent’s room.” Mrs. White says, “I ushered him back into his room and he informed me that Jet was missing. I went to look for him and found him on the verge of hurting himself or someone else right here, in the Ballroom.”
“With murder on his mind?” asks Inspector Brown
“I couldn’t help but notice the Knife was on the floor.” Mrs. White says, “After talking with him he told me to send his father up to his bedroom next time I saw him.”
“And did you?” asks Inspector Brown
“Yes,” Mrs. White says, “You don’t think?”
“What happened next,” Inspector Brown asks
“I waited in the Kitchen.” Mrs. White says
“Who were you waiting for?” asks Inspector Brown
“Oh, erm,” Mrs. White thinks for a moment, “Mr. Ash. I was going to polish the silver but he told me to wait for him in there.”
“How long did you stay there?” asks Inspector Brown
“Till the lights went out.” Mrs. White says, “On my way to the Cellar to check the fuse box, I heard a gunshot. That’s when I found Hugh.” Mrs. White begins to sob
“Hugh wasn’t shot.” Inspector Brown says
“He wasn’t?” asks Mrs. White
“No,” Inspector Brown says, “He was stabbed; and from the looks of it, the Knife isn’t there.” He motions to where the knife once was, “It was instead found in the Hall. Thank you Mrs. White, I must get through these interrogations as quickly as possible.”
Mrs. White follows the guard out.
In the Library, Miss Peach leans against the marble frame of the fireplace. Mr. Meadow-Brook eyes her lustfully from across the room. Mrs. Meadow-Brook stands up as the door opens.
“Jane Meadow-Brook,” the officer says
“Yes, I’m coming.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook sighs
She exits into the Hall as Mrs. Black comes from the Kitchen with her glass of water. Just then a team of paramedics take Dr. Black out of the cellar on a stretcher. Mrs. Black’s eyes up with tears and she drops her glass to the floor. The glass shatters to bits. Mrs. Black mindlessly follows the paramedics to the front door. Mrs. Meadow-Brook walks over and embraces. Both women walk outside followed by the officer. Lightning flashes from dark cloud to dark cloud as icy cold rain hits the shingles of Tudor Close like nails. Jane and Sylvia watch as two paramedics carry a Hugh Black’s body out on a stretcher. There is blood visible on the white sheet. Jane and Sylvia embrace once more as the storm picks up again.
Inspector Brown puts a log down in the empty fireplace and burns a blank sheet of paper from his notebook to get it going. He rubs his hands together to gain warmth. Mrs. Meadow-Brook enters with the officer.
“They’re taking Hugh Black to the morgue for future investigation.” He says
“Thank you,” Inspector Brown says as the officer leaves and Mrs. Meadow-Brook nervously sits on the piano stool.
“Hopefully it will warm up.” Inspector Brown smiles at Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“I’m not sure how much help I can be,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I’ve been very distant today.”
“Would you like to share with me why?” asks Inspector Brown
“My husband and I got in a fight this afternoon.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says rubbing her wrist
“I am sorry,” Inspector Brown says, “May I ask what it pertained to?”
“The money,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook sighs
Inspector Brown’s ears perk up upon hearing that familiar phrase of words. He quickly turns the subject to the movements of the night, “After dinner, you went…”
“I went to the Library and sat in the corner.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I really had no interest in being here. I just wanted to get through the night as quickly as possible. As I was entering I noticed the curtains moving. I didn’t think much of it until I got rather cold. I looked and saw the windows open behind the curtains.”
“So someone very well may have sneaked into the manor,” Inspector Brown says outloud.
“The killer may not be one of us?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“We can’t rule out that option yet.” Inspector Brown says, “How long were you in the Library?”
“I stayed for a while,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I’m not sure how long. I remember moving in here where I found Emily Peach: the cheating whore. I confronted her and told her that if she came near Miles again I would kill her. Of course I didn’t mean it, but none-the-less. She told me that I couldn’t come between true love and I was a fool for trying. Then she left…”
“Did you leave?” asks Inspector Brown
“No, I stayed in here and as luck would have it, Mr. Green came in.”
“Luck?” Inspector Brown asks
-FLASHBACK- EARLIER THAT NIGHT-
Mr. Green enters the Ballroom to see a fuming Jane Meadow-Brook.
“I’m sorry,” Mr. Green says holding his cigar between his lips, “Do you want to be alone?”
“Thallo,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I need a favor.”
“I work with your husband not you.” Mr. Green says
“Can’t you at least help your dear sister out?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook with a pout
“What is it?” asks Mr. Green
“I want you to send one of your thugs after Emily Peach. If she does so much as looks at my husband, have her killed.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“You have serious anger issues,” Mr. Green chuckles
“If you won’t do it for me, do it for Miles,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “Soon he’ll tell that skank everything and then she’ll report it to the police.”
“You are certain?” asks Mr. Green
“She can’t be trusted!” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“I’ll see what I can do.” Mr. Green says
Just then the lights go out.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
“Mrs. Meadow-Brook,” Inspector Brown repeats, “How is it luck that Mr. Green showed up?”
“Oh, nothing,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I don’t know where I was going with that. Anyway, he told me some reassuring words, the lights went out, I heard a gunshot, they came back on, and I heard a scream.” She says quickly
“That will be all.” Inspector Brown says
The officer leads Mrs. Meadow-Brook out of the Ballroom as Officer Ebony enters.
“I’m trying a new tactic,” Inspector Brown says to, “I ask them quick and simple questions and move on to the next one. We haven’t time to drag out this investigation. With the amount of murders happening before our eyes, we need to get alibis.”
“Speaking of murders,” Officer Ebony frowns, “We’ve got another one.”
“Good Lord,” Inspector Brown slams his fist against the wall
“It was Detective Marigold, he was out in the forest,” Officer Ebony says, “We found him lying in a heap on the ground. He may have smacked his head into a tree, but seeing how many deaths have occurred I would suppose someone else may have bashed him into the tree instead.”
Inspector Brown sighs, “Well we can’t stop now. Has anyone left the Library?”
“Only a few people to use the toilet,” Officer Ebony says, “Miss Scarlet, Mr. Meadow-Brook, and I think Mr. Green.”
“Well don’t let anyone else go anywhere without and escort!” Inspector Brown says angrilly
“Yes sir,” Officer Ebony says, “Shall I bring the next one in?” he motions to the door.
“I would like to speak with Reginald Ash, the butler.” Inspector Brown says
Meanwhile, outside in the Well House, Jessica is shivering in the cold, sniffling, and holding her knees tightly to her chest. Large bruises are now visible on her face.
“Pl… please,” she stutters, “I need help! I need a doctor! You need to help me! You need to get help!”
“Please ma’am,” Sergeant Gray says trying to poise himself in a professional manner, all the while his head is spinning fast, “Don’t say anything. Someone may hear you, they will find us and we definitely don’t want that to happen.”
“What?” Jessica asks, “What are you talking about? I need help. Why are you acting like this? You are a police officer, you are supposed to help people! What’s going on here?”
“Remain calm,” Sergeant Gray says crouching down and placing a hand on her shoulder, “You are absolutely right, I am a police officer and I order you to remain calm. We will come out when it is safe.”
“But you said Mrs. Black hit you over the head!” Jessica says, “She could be the murderer! What if we could inform he detectives about her?”
“Miss, you must stay calm,” Sergeant Gray says, “All things will be dealt with in time.”
“No!” Jessica shrieks as she scoots away from Sergeant Gray, “Things can’t be dealt with in time! I need help now, dammit!”
“Ma’am,” Sergeant Gray says as calmly as ever as he scoots nearer to her, “There is no need to raise your voice. Everything will be dealt with in time.”
“Stop it! Get away from me!” Jessica says beginning to cry again, “I need a doctor! I’m so dizzy, my head hurts so bad.”
“Then try to remain calm.” Sergeant Gray says with an eerie grin on his face.
Back in Tudor Close, in the Lounge, Mrs. Peacock sits on the window seat looking out at the rain. Mrs. White is settled down near the fireplace. Mrs. Meadow-Brook stands near the piano staring off at the ceiling. She rubs her hands together and leans towards the fire to warm up. Mrs. Black enters the room and nods to the guarding officer near the doors.
Mrs. Black sets her glass of water down on the coffee table as she sits on the sofa.
“I’m frightened.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Now one will harm you,” Mrs. Black says
“How can you say that?” Mrs. Peacock takes her handkerchief from her purse and wipes her eyes, “We are all just sitting here, waiting for the killer to strike. Less than a week ago this town was dreadfully boring…”
“And now we’re too petrified to walk down the street.” Mrs. White completes her sentence as she picks up a wool blanket from the shelf near the fireplace. She hands it to Mrs. Black.
“Thank you, Mrs. White,” Mrs. Black declines, “But I think I’m going to trying getting some rest. I found myself quite lonely up there, but seeing how it isn’t much better down here, perhaps it would be best that I’m on my own.”
“Have a good rest.” Mrs. White says
“Good night Sylvia,” Mrs. Peacock nods to her as Mrs. Black leaves the room
“She is a wreck.” Mrs. White says referring to Mrs. Black
“She seems well composed to me.” Mrs. Peacock says
“On the outside, but deep down I can only imagine what her mind is going through. She lost her husband only days after her son was kidnapped. I have no idea how she is handling this so well. She is a strong woman.” Mrs. White says
A gunshot rings out through the Lounge, shattering the window pane and grazing Mrs. Peacock’s arm.
“Bloody hell!” Mrs. Peacock drops to the floor as two more shots shoot through the Lounge. The officer pulls Mrs. White to the floor as a picture falls from the wall. Mrs. Meadow-Brook quickly ducks down on the other side of the coffee table, next to the fallen picture.
“Someone’s shooting at you!” Mrs. White shrieks pointing at Mrs. Peacock.
Rain water begins to seep in through the windows.
Concurrent with the events in the Lounge, Inspector Brown watches as Mr. Ash walks across the Ballroom.
“You wouldn’t by chance be following the old stereotype of the butler always being the murderer, would you?” asks Mr. Ash
“Just tell me your movements during and after dinner.” Inspector Brown says
“Well, as Mrs. White probably told you, I was in and out of the Kitchen catering to the whims of those spoiled rich people.” Mr. Ash remains standing before Inspector Brown
“Have a seat.” Inspector Brown says
“I’m not permitted to sit on the furniture.” Mr. Ash says
“You don’t like your job do you?” Inspector Brown asks
“I am subjected to be a slave to everyone who walks through that door with a fur collar.” Mr. Ash motions to the Hall
“After dinner?” Inspector Brown asks
“After dinner I washed the dishes.” Mr. Ash says
Inspector Brown checks his notes from Mrs. White’s statement, “Did you polish the silver?”
“I always do.” Mr. Ash says
“I see,” Inspector Brown notes the inconsistency of the interrogations, “Next?”
“I went to check with Mrs. Black to see if she had any thing for me to tend to.” Mr. Ash says
“Did she?” asks Inspector Brown
“She told me to wait in the upstairs hallway and make certain no one came upstairs.” Mr. Ash says slipping his hands into his pockets.
“Did anyone?” asks Inspector Brown
“No,” Mrs. Ash says, “After guarding the Hall for what seemed like forever, I headed towards the Servant’s stairs when the lights went out. I stayed there till the lights came on and came out through the Kitchen were everyone was gathered near the top of the Cellar stairs.”
“How much money is Hugh Black leaving you?” asks Inspector Brown
“A retirement fund.” Mr. Ash says
“So you could be rid of this job now that he’s dead.” Inspector Brown says
“What are you suggesting?” Mr. Ash asks, “That I murdered my employer? Inspector, if I killed Hugh Black I would be a lot prouder and would brag about it. I wouldn’t hide it from the police. Hugh Black was a terrible man.”
“Elaborate,” Inspector Brown takes off his glasses
“If I were you, I’d investigate his sister’s death.” Mr. Ash says, “You’ll be surprised at what you find.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ash,” Inspector Brown says, “I think that will be all.”
The sound of the gunshots from the Lounge reach their ears.
At the Hampshire Hospital, Nurse Primrose walks down the long white corridor carrying a tray of food. She knocks on the door near the waiting room.
“Colonel Mustard,” Nurse Primrose says cracking the door slightly, “I’ve brought you your dinner.” She gets no response. She pushes open the door and finds the bed empty and the window open. She looks out the window at the fire escape below.
In the Lounge of Tudor Close, Inspector Brown enters and ushers Mrs. White, Mrs. Meadow-Brook, Mrs. Peacock, and the officer out of the Lounge. Mr. Ash stands near the Ballroom door with a look of worry.
“Someone started shooting at her.” The officer motions to Mrs. Peacock who is holding her hanky over her bloody sleeve.
“Are you alright?” asks Inspector Brown
“You have to get me out of here.” Mrs. Peacock clutches his arm tightly, “The killer won’t stop!”
“Please, stay calm.” Mrs. White says
Suspects begin to gather in the Library doorway.
“Please go back to the Library.” Inspector Brown says
“Mrs. White, get her some brandy,” the officer says
Mrs. White nods and rushes to the Kitchen.
“They want the money.” Mrs. Peacock says, “I need my lawyer.”
“Lawyer,” Inspector Brown asks
“I’m changing my will.” Mrs. Peacock shouts. Her words reach the ears of the greedy heirs in the Library.
-Friday, April 15, 1949-
-Night-
The endless evening seems to only creep along. Mrs. Sylvia Black stares out the Kitchen window at the rain covered lawn. She is drinking a glass of water.
“Where are all the guests being held, until interrogation?” Mrs. Black asks the guarding officer.
“Suspects who have been interrogated are in the Lounge,” The guard responds, “Suspects awaiting their interrogation are in the Library.”
“I think I’ll go to the Lounge,” Mrs. Black says, “I don’t really want to be alone on a night like this.”
Out in the old Well House, Jessica begins to stand up but finds her ankle is in too much pain.
“I need help.” Jessica whimpers
“No,” Sergeant Gray says, “I’ll help you.”
“Sergeant Gray,” Jessica says, “I don’t know what happened to you after you were attacked, but we need to get help. I’m cold, I’m wet, and I’m frightened.”
“Be quiet.” Sergeant Gray slams his hand against the wall wildly, “I can’t think.”
Jessica begins to cry as she shivers silently on the floor. She begins to look around for ways to escape. She notices an old metal water bucket in the corner with some leaves around it.
In the Ballroom of Tudor Close, Inspector Brown is interrogating Mrs. White.
“Make it real quick and simple for me, Mrs. White.” Inspector Brown says, “I want to know each room you went in and who you saw from dinner till the discovery of Hugh’s body.”
“Well, all throughout dinner I was in and out of the Kitchen and Dining Room with Mr. Ash.” Mrs. White says
“You didn’t notice anything unusual?” asks Inspector Brown
“No,” Mrs. White says, “After dinner I went to check on Scott and Jet. Dr. Black figured the killer was one of the guests and didn’t want his sons subjected to danger.”
“Did you find them?” asks Inspector Brown
“Scott was in his parent’s room.” Mrs. White says, “I ushered him back into his room and he informed me that Jet was missing. I went to look for him and found him on the verge of hurting himself or someone else right here, in the Ballroom.”
“With murder on his mind?” asks Inspector Brown
“I couldn’t help but notice the Knife was on the floor.” Mrs. White says, “After talking with him he told me to send his father up to his bedroom next time I saw him.”
“And did you?” asks Inspector Brown
“Yes,” Mrs. White says, “You don’t think?”
“What happened next,” Inspector Brown asks
“I waited in the Kitchen.” Mrs. White says
“Who were you waiting for?” asks Inspector Brown
“Oh, erm,” Mrs. White thinks for a moment, “Mr. Ash. I was going to polish the silver but he told me to wait for him in there.”
“How long did you stay there?” asks Inspector Brown
“Till the lights went out.” Mrs. White says, “On my way to the Cellar to check the fuse box, I heard a gunshot. That’s when I found Hugh.” Mrs. White begins to sob
“Hugh wasn’t shot.” Inspector Brown says
“He wasn’t?” asks Mrs. White
“No,” Inspector Brown says, “He was stabbed; and from the looks of it, the Knife isn’t there.” He motions to where the knife once was, “It was instead found in the Hall. Thank you Mrs. White, I must get through these interrogations as quickly as possible.”
Mrs. White follows the guard out.
In the Library, Miss Peach leans against the marble frame of the fireplace. Mr. Meadow-Brook eyes her lustfully from across the room. Mrs. Meadow-Brook stands up as the door opens.
“Jane Meadow-Brook,” the officer says
“Yes, I’m coming.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook sighs
She exits into the Hall as Mrs. Black comes from the Kitchen with her glass of water. Just then a team of paramedics take Dr. Black out of the cellar on a stretcher. Mrs. Black’s eyes up with tears and she drops her glass to the floor. The glass shatters to bits. Mrs. Black mindlessly follows the paramedics to the front door. Mrs. Meadow-Brook walks over and embraces. Both women walk outside followed by the officer. Lightning flashes from dark cloud to dark cloud as icy cold rain hits the shingles of Tudor Close like nails. Jane and Sylvia watch as two paramedics carry a Hugh Black’s body out on a stretcher. There is blood visible on the white sheet. Jane and Sylvia embrace once more as the storm picks up again.
Inspector Brown puts a log down in the empty fireplace and burns a blank sheet of paper from his notebook to get it going. He rubs his hands together to gain warmth. Mrs. Meadow-Brook enters with the officer.
“They’re taking Hugh Black to the morgue for future investigation.” He says
“Thank you,” Inspector Brown says as the officer leaves and Mrs. Meadow-Brook nervously sits on the piano stool.
“Hopefully it will warm up.” Inspector Brown smiles at Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“I’m not sure how much help I can be,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I’ve been very distant today.”
“Would you like to share with me why?” asks Inspector Brown
“My husband and I got in a fight this afternoon.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says rubbing her wrist
“I am sorry,” Inspector Brown says, “May I ask what it pertained to?”
“The money,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook sighs
Inspector Brown’s ears perk up upon hearing that familiar phrase of words. He quickly turns the subject to the movements of the night, “After dinner, you went…”
“I went to the Library and sat in the corner.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I really had no interest in being here. I just wanted to get through the night as quickly as possible. As I was entering I noticed the curtains moving. I didn’t think much of it until I got rather cold. I looked and saw the windows open behind the curtains.”
“So someone very well may have sneaked into the manor,” Inspector Brown says outloud.
“The killer may not be one of us?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“We can’t rule out that option yet.” Inspector Brown says, “How long were you in the Library?”
“I stayed for a while,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I’m not sure how long. I remember moving in here where I found Emily Peach: the cheating whore. I confronted her and told her that if she came near Miles again I would kill her. Of course I didn’t mean it, but none-the-less. She told me that I couldn’t come between true love and I was a fool for trying. Then she left…”
“Did you leave?” asks Inspector Brown
“No, I stayed in here and as luck would have it, Mr. Green came in.”
“Luck?” Inspector Brown asks
-FLASHBACK- EARLIER THAT NIGHT-
Mr. Green enters the Ballroom to see a fuming Jane Meadow-Brook.
“I’m sorry,” Mr. Green says holding his cigar between his lips, “Do you want to be alone?”
“Thallo,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I need a favor.”
“I work with your husband not you.” Mr. Green says
“Can’t you at least help your dear sister out?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook with a pout
“What is it?” asks Mr. Green
“I want you to send one of your thugs after Emily Peach. If she does so much as looks at my husband, have her killed.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“You have serious anger issues,” Mr. Green chuckles
“If you won’t do it for me, do it for Miles,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “Soon he’ll tell that skank everything and then she’ll report it to the police.”
“You are certain?” asks Mr. Green
“She can’t be trusted!” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“I’ll see what I can do.” Mr. Green says
Just then the lights go out.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
“Mrs. Meadow-Brook,” Inspector Brown repeats, “How is it luck that Mr. Green showed up?”
“Oh, nothing,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I don’t know where I was going with that. Anyway, he told me some reassuring words, the lights went out, I heard a gunshot, they came back on, and I heard a scream.” She says quickly
“That will be all.” Inspector Brown says
The officer leads Mrs. Meadow-Brook out of the Ballroom as Officer Ebony enters.
“I’m trying a new tactic,” Inspector Brown says to, “I ask them quick and simple questions and move on to the next one. We haven’t time to drag out this investigation. With the amount of murders happening before our eyes, we need to get alibis.”
“Speaking of murders,” Officer Ebony frowns, “We’ve got another one.”
“Good Lord,” Inspector Brown slams his fist against the wall
“It was Detective Marigold, he was out in the forest,” Officer Ebony says, “We found him lying in a heap on the ground. He may have smacked his head into a tree, but seeing how many deaths have occurred I would suppose someone else may have bashed him into the tree instead.”
Inspector Brown sighs, “Well we can’t stop now. Has anyone left the Library?”
“Only a few people to use the toilet,” Officer Ebony says, “Miss Scarlet, Mr. Meadow-Brook, and I think Mr. Green.”
“Well don’t let anyone else go anywhere without and escort!” Inspector Brown says angrilly
“Yes sir,” Officer Ebony says, “Shall I bring the next one in?” he motions to the door.
“I would like to speak with Reginald Ash, the butler.” Inspector Brown says
Meanwhile, outside in the Well House, Jessica is shivering in the cold, sniffling, and holding her knees tightly to her chest. Large bruises are now visible on her face.
“Pl… please,” she stutters, “I need help! I need a doctor! You need to help me! You need to get help!”
“Please ma’am,” Sergeant Gray says trying to poise himself in a professional manner, all the while his head is spinning fast, “Don’t say anything. Someone may hear you, they will find us and we definitely don’t want that to happen.”
“What?” Jessica asks, “What are you talking about? I need help. Why are you acting like this? You are a police officer, you are supposed to help people! What’s going on here?”
“Remain calm,” Sergeant Gray says crouching down and placing a hand on her shoulder, “You are absolutely right, I am a police officer and I order you to remain calm. We will come out when it is safe.”
“But you said Mrs. Black hit you over the head!” Jessica says, “She could be the murderer! What if we could inform he detectives about her?”
“Miss, you must stay calm,” Sergeant Gray says, “All things will be dealt with in time.”
“No!” Jessica shrieks as she scoots away from Sergeant Gray, “Things can’t be dealt with in time! I need help now, dammit!”
“Ma’am,” Sergeant Gray says as calmly as ever as he scoots nearer to her, “There is no need to raise your voice. Everything will be dealt with in time.”
“Stop it! Get away from me!” Jessica says beginning to cry again, “I need a doctor! I’m so dizzy, my head hurts so bad.”
“Then try to remain calm.” Sergeant Gray says with an eerie grin on his face.
Back in Tudor Close, in the Lounge, Mrs. Peacock sits on the window seat looking out at the rain. Mrs. White is settled down near the fireplace. Mrs. Meadow-Brook stands near the piano staring off at the ceiling. She rubs her hands together and leans towards the fire to warm up. Mrs. Black enters the room and nods to the guarding officer near the doors.
Mrs. Black sets her glass of water down on the coffee table as she sits on the sofa.
“I’m frightened.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Now one will harm you,” Mrs. Black says
“How can you say that?” Mrs. Peacock takes her handkerchief from her purse and wipes her eyes, “We are all just sitting here, waiting for the killer to strike. Less than a week ago this town was dreadfully boring…”
“And now we’re too petrified to walk down the street.” Mrs. White completes her sentence as she picks up a wool blanket from the shelf near the fireplace. She hands it to Mrs. Black.
“Thank you, Mrs. White,” Mrs. Black declines, “But I think I’m going to trying getting some rest. I found myself quite lonely up there, but seeing how it isn’t much better down here, perhaps it would be best that I’m on my own.”
“Have a good rest.” Mrs. White says
“Good night Sylvia,” Mrs. Peacock nods to her as Mrs. Black leaves the room
“She is a wreck.” Mrs. White says referring to Mrs. Black
“She seems well composed to me.” Mrs. Peacock says
“On the outside, but deep down I can only imagine what her mind is going through. She lost her husband only days after her son was kidnapped. I have no idea how she is handling this so well. She is a strong woman.” Mrs. White says
A gunshot rings out through the Lounge, shattering the window pane and grazing Mrs. Peacock’s arm.
“Bloody hell!” Mrs. Peacock drops to the floor as two more shots shoot through the Lounge. The officer pulls Mrs. White to the floor as a picture falls from the wall. Mrs. Meadow-Brook quickly ducks down on the other side of the coffee table, next to the fallen picture.
“Someone’s shooting at you!” Mrs. White shrieks pointing at Mrs. Peacock.
Rain water begins to seep in through the windows.
Concurrent with the events in the Lounge, Inspector Brown watches as Mr. Ash walks across the Ballroom.
“You wouldn’t by chance be following the old stereotype of the butler always being the murderer, would you?” asks Mr. Ash
“Just tell me your movements during and after dinner.” Inspector Brown says
“Well, as Mrs. White probably told you, I was in and out of the Kitchen catering to the whims of those spoiled rich people.” Mr. Ash remains standing before Inspector Brown
“Have a seat.” Inspector Brown says
“I’m not permitted to sit on the furniture.” Mr. Ash says
“You don’t like your job do you?” Inspector Brown asks
“I am subjected to be a slave to everyone who walks through that door with a fur collar.” Mr. Ash motions to the Hall
“After dinner?” Inspector Brown asks
“After dinner I washed the dishes.” Mr. Ash says
Inspector Brown checks his notes from Mrs. White’s statement, “Did you polish the silver?”
“I always do.” Mr. Ash says
“I see,” Inspector Brown notes the inconsistency of the interrogations, “Next?”
“I went to check with Mrs. Black to see if she had any thing for me to tend to.” Mr. Ash says
“Did she?” asks Inspector Brown
“She told me to wait in the upstairs hallway and make certain no one came upstairs.” Mr. Ash says slipping his hands into his pockets.
“Did anyone?” asks Inspector Brown
“No,” Mrs. Ash says, “After guarding the Hall for what seemed like forever, I headed towards the Servant’s stairs when the lights went out. I stayed there till the lights came on and came out through the Kitchen were everyone was gathered near the top of the Cellar stairs.”
“How much money is Hugh Black leaving you?” asks Inspector Brown
“A retirement fund.” Mr. Ash says
“So you could be rid of this job now that he’s dead.” Inspector Brown says
“What are you suggesting?” Mr. Ash asks, “That I murdered my employer? Inspector, if I killed Hugh Black I would be a lot prouder and would brag about it. I wouldn’t hide it from the police. Hugh Black was a terrible man.”
“Elaborate,” Inspector Brown takes off his glasses
“If I were you, I’d investigate his sister’s death.” Mr. Ash says, “You’ll be surprised at what you find.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ash,” Inspector Brown says, “I think that will be all.”
The sound of the gunshots from the Lounge reach their ears.
At the Hampshire Hospital, Nurse Primrose walks down the long white corridor carrying a tray of food. She knocks on the door near the waiting room.
“Colonel Mustard,” Nurse Primrose says cracking the door slightly, “I’ve brought you your dinner.” She gets no response. She pushes open the door and finds the bed empty and the window open. She looks out the window at the fire escape below.
In the Lounge of Tudor Close, Inspector Brown enters and ushers Mrs. White, Mrs. Meadow-Brook, Mrs. Peacock, and the officer out of the Lounge. Mr. Ash stands near the Ballroom door with a look of worry.
“Someone started shooting at her.” The officer motions to Mrs. Peacock who is holding her hanky over her bloody sleeve.
“Are you alright?” asks Inspector Brown
“You have to get me out of here.” Mrs. Peacock clutches his arm tightly, “The killer won’t stop!”
“Please, stay calm.” Mrs. White says
Suspects begin to gather in the Library doorway.
“Please go back to the Library.” Inspector Brown says
“Mrs. White, get her some brandy,” the officer says
Mrs. White nods and rushes to the Kitchen.
“They want the money.” Mrs. Peacock says, “I need my lawyer.”
“Lawyer,” Inspector Brown asks
“I’m changing my will.” Mrs. Peacock shouts. Her words reach the ears of the greedy heirs in the Library.