Episode 16 – “The Present Risks Our Future”
Previously on the Memoirs of Mayfield: The next day at the Police Department, Inspector Brown interrogates Sergeant Gray who was found in the Well House with Jessica’s strangled body. Sergeant Gray has a flashback of when he silenced her by strangling her after she tried to escape the Well House. At Tudor Close, Jane Meadow-Brook confronts Sylvia Black about not loving Jessica enough. Mrs. Black explains that she is Jessica’s biological mother and that she named her daughter Bryce. When Estelle nearly killed Bryce, Sylvia Black and Thallo Green brought Bryce to Jane and Miles it is unknown whether or not Hugh new Bryce survived. Miles Meadow-Brook explains to hishousekeeper, Miss Ecru that he had an affair with Sylvia and that he was possibly her father. However he explains that Jessica looks a lot more like Hugh Black, meaning that she may not even be a Meadow-Brook. When Miss Ecru tries to leave Miles he blocks her way. Mrs. Peacock and Miss Scarlet are informed that they are safe. The killer has been caught and the town will begin to heal. Mrs. Peacock excitedly prepares an impromptu dinner to celebrate the capturing of the murderer and the arrival of her old school friend, Francesca Thorn. Miss Scarlet is blatantly against this idea. Jet Black confronts Thallo Green because his father’s pills were laced with heroin and Mr. Green has all the connections. Out of rage and anger Jet Black knocks Thallo Green over the head with a paper weight. Miss Peach goes to the hospital to pick up her father, Colonel Mustard, but is informed that he left the night before. At the local church, Colonel Mustard confesses to the murder of his close friend. He informs the priest that he was in prison and that is why he was absent from Hampshire for all those years. After some research, Inspector Brown and Officer Pyrite learn that Estelle Black and Celeste Curry is the same person.
-Saturday, April 16, 1949; 9.45 am-
At the Green Home, in the Dining Room, the sound of a loud thud fills the room as Thallo Green falls to the floor with a groan. Jet Black stands angrily over him clutching onto a crystal paperweight shaped like a conch shell.
“What did you do to him?” Jet shouts grabbing Mr. Green by the collar and shoving his back against the table leg, “What did you do to my father?”
“I didn’t do anything!” Mr. Green shouts back as blood forms on his head, “I don’t know what happened to your father. Believe me, Jet.”
“Were you so desperate to get your money that you had him killed!” Jet shouts raising the paper weight up again
“Please!” Mr. Green begs holding out his hands to block the trauma from the blunt object, “I didn’t kill him. You have to believe me.”
“Why should I believe you?” asks Jet
“Because I know everything about Bryce.” Mr. Green says
“How is that supposed to convince me not to bash your brains in?” asks Jet
“Because I was the one who helped your mother save her.” Mr. Green says
“Her?” Jet shakes his head, “Bryce wasn’t a girl; he was my brother.”
“Bryce was your sister.” Mr. Green says
“My sister?” Jet shakes his head, “I don’t believe you.”
“Bryce is a unisex name.” Mr. Green says, “Your sister was nearly killed by your Aunt Estelle. Hugh thought she died and that’s why he refused to call the police on his sister’s behalf. His sister convinced him not to. Your mother and I took your sister and gave her to two people who would love her and care for her.”
“Bryce is still alive.” Jet asks with tears in his eyes
“Well she was.” Mr. Green says, “Bryce’s name was changed to Jessica.”
“Jessica was my sister?” the paper weight falls from Jet’s hands
“You have to understand, I may have hated your father, but I have always put your family’s better interest first.” Mr. Green says
At Tudor Close, the front doors open and Madame Claire Rose enters. Tears are running down her mascara stained cheeks. Mrs. White greets her at the door and embraces her tightly.
“He’s really dead isn’t he?” Madame Rose asks
“I’m afraid so.” Mrs. White says
“I mean I always knew he would get himself in serious trouble.” Madame Rose says, “But I didn’t expect it to happen now.”
“Apparently some homicidal police officer killed him and the other residents of Hampshire.” Mrs. White says, “Thank God the killer is behind bars.”
“Even I couldn’t have foreseen this.” Madame Rose holds her head and sits down on the chair next to the mail table. Mrs. White holds her hand tightly.
“Jessica is dead too.” Mrs. White says softly
“No!” Madame Rose covers her mouth, “She was so young.”
“Don’t worry,” Mrs. White says, “I know everything. Mrs. Black had me read her diary.”
“This is not good. Don’t you see what’s happening?” asks Madame Rose, “The killer isn’t the police officer. Oh God. They still aren’t safe.”
“Who isn’t safe?” asks Mrs. White
“The twins!” Madame Rose says
“The twins?” asks Mrs. White
“Hugh and our sister Estelle had twins when they were teenagers.” Madame Rose says
“Yes I am aware of the twins existence but what makes you think they aren’t safe?” Mrs. White says, “Why would someone want to kill them.”
“No, no,” Madame Rose shakes her head fiercely, “The twins are responsible for the killings. What other reason would there be to murder all these people.” Madame Rose asks, “Estelle Black changed her name to Celeste Curry and hired an investigator to find out what really happened to Bryce and which lead to the murders of Celeste and the investigator. Detective Winters was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hugh Black and Jessica’s deaths were planned from the beginning of this.”
“But the police are certain that Sergeant Gray strangled Jessica.” Mrs. White says
-FLASHBACK- LAST NIGHT-
“I feel like I’m going to throw up!” Jessica shouts, “My head is throbbing, I need help!”
“Quiet they will hear you!” Sergeant Gray says
“I don’t care who hears me.” Jessica struggles to her feet
“Sit back down!” Sergeant Gray orders
Jessica helps herself along the wall, heading for the door. Sergeant Gray grabs her arm and pulls her back.
“Let go!” Jessica shouts, “HELP!”
“Quiet!” He puts his hand over her mouth. She bites his hand and screams again. Sergeant Gray silences her by tightly holding his hands around her throat. Jessica struggles and tries to pull out of his grip. She goes limp and he drops her onto the broken cobblestone floor. Sergeant Gray quickly leaves the Well House. The Well House door opens again and a figure enters. Jessica coughs and grabs her throat as she tries to stand up. The figure clutches a length of rope. Jessica turns around and looks into their eyes.
“Please,” she coughs, “He’s crazy. You need to help me.”
“Shhh.” The person puts their finger to their lips. Jessica raises her eyebrow in confusion and struggles to stand up. The person slips the rope around her neck and proceeds to strangle the girl. Jessica coughs and kicks, struggling to break free from the assailant’s grasp. The figure pins her arms between her chest and the edge of the brick well. Jessica looks down at the damp, rock covered floor of the bottom of the well. She blinks, watching her reflection in the shallow water as she fades out of this world. The figure pulls her back on the floor and slips the rope from around her neck. The figure exits the Well House. Several minutes pass and Sergeant Gray re-enters.
“It’s all ok.” Sergeant Gray talks to Jessica’s dead body, “No one heard you scream.” He props her up against the wall, “You’ll be okay with me.”
-END OF FLASHBACK-
Back at the Green Home, in the Dining Room, Jet sits at the table with a look of anger.
“How could they keep that from me?” asks Jet angrily
“That’s not for me to answer, Jet.” Mr. Green say
“I’m sorry,” Jet says lowering his head
“Everyone is on edge in this town.” Mr. Green says rubbing his head, “Go home, Jet.”
“What about your money?” asks Jet
“We’ll worry about that later.” Mr. Green says, “You need to go home before someone catches you here.”
“Is Dante coming? Dante knows about me.” Jet says
“Clients, Jet.” Mr. Green says, “I have clients coming and you need to leave.”
“Fine,” Jet says as the doorbell rings
“Use the back door.” Mr. Green says as he moves to the Hall. Jet begins to leave as he hears Mr. Green open the door. Curiosity gets the best of Jet and he remains in the Dining Room.
“What was it that you needed to talk to me about so urgently?” Mr. Green says to someone as they enter the Dining Room. Mr. Green’s eyes widen when he sees Jet still in there.
“What the hell?” Jet gasps as he sees the person Mr. Green let in.
The front door of the Mustard Home opens at a tremendous force. The door slams into a picture, which falls to the floor with the sound of cracking glass. Miss Peach proceeds into the house angrily. The door closes behind her as she throws open the Study doors.
“What the hell do you think you are doing?” Miss Peach crosses her arms and taps her foot on the floor
“Hello, Emily,” Colonel Mustard sits as his desk typing at his typewriter
“Uhh, hello daddy?” Miss Peach throws her arms up in annoyance, “I repeat: what do you think you are doing here?”
“I’m writing a little more of my Memoirs.” Colonel Mustard says, “It’s coming along a lot more smoothly than I had anticipated.”
“Why did you leave the hospital?” Miss Peach asks
“Laying there in that bed reminded me of who I am.” Colonel Mustard says, “I had to get out.”
“What are you talking about?” Miss Peach asks moving a stack of books from the sofa to the coffee table.
“Emily,” Colonel Mustard turns around from his desk and faces her, “I murdered someone years ago.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Miss Peach asks after a moment of awkward silence
“Because the murders have started up again.” Colonel Mustard says, “Rumors might start and I don’t want you finding out from one of those gossiping women.” He motions to the houses on the street.
“Why?” asks Miss Peach holding her head as she sits down
“Because that would be a horrible way to learn about your father’s past.” Colonel Mustard says
“No,” Miss Peach shakes her head, “Why did you murder someone?”
“Fear.” Colonel Mustard says, “He knew something and I feared that if it got out I would be over.”
“Well, I found something we have in common.” Miss Peach says uneasily
At the Hampshire Train Depot, the train pulls away full of passengers. A beautiful middle-aged woman with curly brown hair stands on the train platform. Her hair is tied back with a bright pink bow. She is wearing a low cut black blouse and a brownish green skirt. She is Miss Francesca Thorn. Mrs. Penelope Peacock stands at her car near the loading platform with a wide grin on her face.
“Penelope,” Miss Thorn excitedly races towards her while struggling to hang on to both suitcases that she clutches tightly.
“Francesca,” Mrs. Peacock takes her hand, “It’s so good to see you. You haven’t changed a bit.”
“Nor have you,” Miss Thorn smiles brightly setting the suitcases down and embracing her dear old friend.
“Let’s get those in the car.” Mrs. Peacock reaches for her suitcases
“I’ll take them.” Miss Thorn quickly steps in front of her suitcases and puts them in the back seat of Mrs. Peacock’s car, “Oh hello,” Miss Thorn sees Miss Scarlet sitting in the back seat admiring herself in her compact.
“Hello, darling,” Miss Scarlet extends her hand elegantly, “You must be Francis Thorn.”
“Francesca.” Miss Thorn corrects
“Oh, of course,” Miss Scarlet says tightly, “How silly of me.”
Mrs. Peacock gets in the driver seat and Miss Thorn gets in the passenger’s seat.
“So this is your beautiful step-daughter?” Miss Thorn asks as they begin to drive
“Who else would I be?” Miss Scarlet says closing her compact
“Cynthia,” Mrs. Peacock says, “Be polite to Miss Thorn.”
“Oh, of course, mother.” Miss Scarlet mocks
“We are holding a celebratory party tonight in honor of a town criminal being behind bars.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Oh, I read in the papers that there had been some incidents in Hampshire.” Miss Thorn says
“Believe me,” Miss Scarlet says, “It was a lot more exhilarating being at the mansion when the murderer was at large.”
“Cynthia,” Mrs. Peacock says, “I was nearly murdered.”
“Did they find out why this person tried to kill you?” asks Miss Thorn covering her mouth in shock
“Apparently he was a police officer with a split personality.” Mrs. Peacock says
“He was a homicidal maniac.” Miss Scarlet says bluntly
“Your step-daughter seems a bit uneasy.” Miss Thorn says
“You have clearly never been around murderers.” Miss Scarlet crosses her arms
“Her fiancé is torn between her and someone else.” Mrs. Peacock blushes
“Believe me,” Cynthia says with a scoff, “I have everything sorted out with Chandler.”
Across town in a Chandler Weiss’ Flat, the windows are broken and papers and books are scattered everywhere. On the floor of the small Kitchenette, Chandler lays face first in a heap. There is blood in small puddles on the floor. His arms are trembling. Mr. Dante Egret comes from the bedroom and tosses three photographs on the ground.
“Make your choice.” Mr. Egret says pointedly
Chandler gently picks up the photographs with his bloody fingers. The first photograph is of Emily Peach, the second is of Cynthia Scarlet, and the third is of Penelope Peacock.
“I didn’t do anything.” Chandler whimpers, holding his hand over the small puncture wound in the side of his neck, which is the source of most of the blood.
“Oh, quite the contrary,” Mr. Egret says, “I’ve heard that you’ve been doing quite a lot of things with quite a lot of people. Just make your choice and no one will get hurt.”
Mr. Egret forcefully pulls his switchblade out of Chandler’s leg. Chandler winces. Mr. Egret leaves the flat and heads to his car. Once in the passenger seat he pulls a white handkerchief out of the glove box. He wipes his hands and knife clean.
-FLASHBACK- EARLIER THAT MORNING-
“What is it?” Mr. Egret answers the phone in a gruff tone
“That’s no way to talk to an old friend.” Cynthia Scarlet says flirtatiously from the other end of the phone line
“Cynthia,” Mr. Egret smiles, changing his tone instantly, “Have you reconsidered? The offer is still on the table?”
“Oh, Dante, I think it’s so sweet that you have a crush on me, but I’m in a relationship.” Miss Scarlet says, “Actually that’s why I’m calling you. It appears that my step-mother and some American whore are affecting our relationship. Are you busy this morning?”
“Do you want me to straighten him out for you?” Mr. Egret asks
“Yes, darling,” Miss Scarlet says, “Don’t hurt him too badly. Just scare him. Maybe cut him a little to prove that you are serious. His name is Chandler Weiss. You know where he lives don’t you?”
“Babe, I know where everyone lives.” Mr. Egret says, “And if I don’t, I can find out quickly.”
“Wonderful,” Miss Scarlet says
“But given all that’s been going on in this town, do you think that it is wise for me to attack someone?” Mr. Egret asks
“It will be okay.” Miss Scarlet says, “Just keep quiet. No one will ever find out.”
“Well,” Mr. Egret says, “Chandler will obviously find out. It will only be a matter of time before he reports me…”
“I have to go,” Cynthia interrupts him and hangs up abruptly
-END OF FLASHBACK-
In the Green Home, Jet Black stands in awe staring at the person Mr. Green just let in. Mr. Green’s face turns pale as he anticipates the explosive argument that is sure to follow.
“Mom?” Jet’s eyebrows shoot up, “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing!” Mrs. Black says, “Thallo, what is he doing here?”
“I take it you two know each other.” Mr. Green laughs uncomfortably as he wipes the blood and sweat from his forehead.
“Why are you dealing to my son?” Mrs. Black fumes as she stares daggers at Mr. Green
“Why didn’t you tell me you were dealing with my mother?” Jet asks
“I told you never to have a more than a pleasant hello with either of my children.” Mrs. Black says sternly to Mr. Green
“He came to me.” Mr. Green says, “I couldn’t turn him down, have him report me, and risk this business collapsing.”
The doorbell rings. Mr. Green rolls his eyes, “Well isn’t this a busy household?”
“Who’s that?” Mrs. Black asks with sarcasm in her tone, “Are you dealing to my housekeeper too? Or perhaps Reverend Hunter is coming to pick up his shipment?”
“Stay quiet,” Mr. Green says closing the Dining Room doors and entering the Hall.
“What do you think you are doing here?” asks Mrs. Black as she quickly turns to Jet, “You have been so rebellious these past few months, I think I just figured out why.”
“Congratulations,” Jet says, “Believe me, if you had to live the perfect lifestyle that I put up with you would smoke every minute of every day too.”
“Let me point something out to you,” Mrs. Black puts her hands on her hips, “We live in the same house. I too have to put up with the fake smiles, fancy dinner parties, and unbelievable judgment from the relentless busybodies that my husband insisted we have over!”
“Well then that explains why you are here buying weed from Mr. Green.” Jet says crossing his arms
“I don’t buy drugs from him,” Mrs. Black says with a laugh, “I don’t do drugs. I don’t sell drugs.”
“Then why are you here?” Jet asks, “It seems like the only people here are buyers, sellers, or junkies.”
“Because I needed to talk to him.” Mrs. Black says uncomfortably
“About what?” Jet says, “I don’t blame you for smoking. It’s hard to get through a dinner party with the Meadow-Brooks, Peacocks, and Oakwoods while you’re sober.”
“I don’t do drugs!” Mrs. Black shouts, “I just came here to talk to him.”
“Talk to him about what?” Jet asks
“To tell him some things.” Mrs. Black wrings her hands
“Tell him what things?” Jet presses
“Nothing.” Mrs. Black says, “Forget I mentioned it.”
“It’s obviously something important if you are hiding it from me.” Jet says
“Just grown up things.” Mrs. Black says
“Just tell me why you are so hell-bent on talking to a drug kingpin!” Jet throws his arms up
“No,” Mrs. Black says, “Just drop it. This was a bad idea.”
“Then why are you even here?” asks Jet
“I told you!” Mrs. Black says
“You haven’t told me anything.” Jet shouts
“Go home, Jet.” Mrs. Black says as tears fall from her face
“Not until you tell me what this is all about.” Jet says
“Fine!” Mrs. Black blurts out, “I came to tell him that he is your biological father!”
Jet’s face goes pale. Mrs. Black looks up to see Mr. Green and Mr. Egret standing in the Dining Room doorway.
-Saturday, April 16, 1949; 9.45 am-
At the Green Home, in the Dining Room, the sound of a loud thud fills the room as Thallo Green falls to the floor with a groan. Jet Black stands angrily over him clutching onto a crystal paperweight shaped like a conch shell.
“What did you do to him?” Jet shouts grabbing Mr. Green by the collar and shoving his back against the table leg, “What did you do to my father?”
“I didn’t do anything!” Mr. Green shouts back as blood forms on his head, “I don’t know what happened to your father. Believe me, Jet.”
“Were you so desperate to get your money that you had him killed!” Jet shouts raising the paper weight up again
“Please!” Mr. Green begs holding out his hands to block the trauma from the blunt object, “I didn’t kill him. You have to believe me.”
“Why should I believe you?” asks Jet
“Because I know everything about Bryce.” Mr. Green says
“How is that supposed to convince me not to bash your brains in?” asks Jet
“Because I was the one who helped your mother save her.” Mr. Green says
“Her?” Jet shakes his head, “Bryce wasn’t a girl; he was my brother.”
“Bryce was your sister.” Mr. Green says
“My sister?” Jet shakes his head, “I don’t believe you.”
“Bryce is a unisex name.” Mr. Green says, “Your sister was nearly killed by your Aunt Estelle. Hugh thought she died and that’s why he refused to call the police on his sister’s behalf. His sister convinced him not to. Your mother and I took your sister and gave her to two people who would love her and care for her.”
“Bryce is still alive.” Jet asks with tears in his eyes
“Well she was.” Mr. Green says, “Bryce’s name was changed to Jessica.”
“Jessica was my sister?” the paper weight falls from Jet’s hands
“You have to understand, I may have hated your father, but I have always put your family’s better interest first.” Mr. Green says
At Tudor Close, the front doors open and Madame Claire Rose enters. Tears are running down her mascara stained cheeks. Mrs. White greets her at the door and embraces her tightly.
“He’s really dead isn’t he?” Madame Rose asks
“I’m afraid so.” Mrs. White says
“I mean I always knew he would get himself in serious trouble.” Madame Rose says, “But I didn’t expect it to happen now.”
“Apparently some homicidal police officer killed him and the other residents of Hampshire.” Mrs. White says, “Thank God the killer is behind bars.”
“Even I couldn’t have foreseen this.” Madame Rose holds her head and sits down on the chair next to the mail table. Mrs. White holds her hand tightly.
“Jessica is dead too.” Mrs. White says softly
“No!” Madame Rose covers her mouth, “She was so young.”
“Don’t worry,” Mrs. White says, “I know everything. Mrs. Black had me read her diary.”
“This is not good. Don’t you see what’s happening?” asks Madame Rose, “The killer isn’t the police officer. Oh God. They still aren’t safe.”
“Who isn’t safe?” asks Mrs. White
“The twins!” Madame Rose says
“The twins?” asks Mrs. White
“Hugh and our sister Estelle had twins when they were teenagers.” Madame Rose says
“Yes I am aware of the twins existence but what makes you think they aren’t safe?” Mrs. White says, “Why would someone want to kill them.”
“No, no,” Madame Rose shakes her head fiercely, “The twins are responsible for the killings. What other reason would there be to murder all these people.” Madame Rose asks, “Estelle Black changed her name to Celeste Curry and hired an investigator to find out what really happened to Bryce and which lead to the murders of Celeste and the investigator. Detective Winters was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hugh Black and Jessica’s deaths were planned from the beginning of this.”
“But the police are certain that Sergeant Gray strangled Jessica.” Mrs. White says
-FLASHBACK- LAST NIGHT-
“I feel like I’m going to throw up!” Jessica shouts, “My head is throbbing, I need help!”
“Quiet they will hear you!” Sergeant Gray says
“I don’t care who hears me.” Jessica struggles to her feet
“Sit back down!” Sergeant Gray orders
Jessica helps herself along the wall, heading for the door. Sergeant Gray grabs her arm and pulls her back.
“Let go!” Jessica shouts, “HELP!”
“Quiet!” He puts his hand over her mouth. She bites his hand and screams again. Sergeant Gray silences her by tightly holding his hands around her throat. Jessica struggles and tries to pull out of his grip. She goes limp and he drops her onto the broken cobblestone floor. Sergeant Gray quickly leaves the Well House. The Well House door opens again and a figure enters. Jessica coughs and grabs her throat as she tries to stand up. The figure clutches a length of rope. Jessica turns around and looks into their eyes.
“Please,” she coughs, “He’s crazy. You need to help me.”
“Shhh.” The person puts their finger to their lips. Jessica raises her eyebrow in confusion and struggles to stand up. The person slips the rope around her neck and proceeds to strangle the girl. Jessica coughs and kicks, struggling to break free from the assailant’s grasp. The figure pins her arms between her chest and the edge of the brick well. Jessica looks down at the damp, rock covered floor of the bottom of the well. She blinks, watching her reflection in the shallow water as she fades out of this world. The figure pulls her back on the floor and slips the rope from around her neck. The figure exits the Well House. Several minutes pass and Sergeant Gray re-enters.
“It’s all ok.” Sergeant Gray talks to Jessica’s dead body, “No one heard you scream.” He props her up against the wall, “You’ll be okay with me.”
-END OF FLASHBACK-
Back at the Green Home, in the Dining Room, Jet sits at the table with a look of anger.
“How could they keep that from me?” asks Jet angrily
“That’s not for me to answer, Jet.” Mr. Green say
“I’m sorry,” Jet says lowering his head
“Everyone is on edge in this town.” Mr. Green says rubbing his head, “Go home, Jet.”
“What about your money?” asks Jet
“We’ll worry about that later.” Mr. Green says, “You need to go home before someone catches you here.”
“Is Dante coming? Dante knows about me.” Jet says
“Clients, Jet.” Mr. Green says, “I have clients coming and you need to leave.”
“Fine,” Jet says as the doorbell rings
“Use the back door.” Mr. Green says as he moves to the Hall. Jet begins to leave as he hears Mr. Green open the door. Curiosity gets the best of Jet and he remains in the Dining Room.
“What was it that you needed to talk to me about so urgently?” Mr. Green says to someone as they enter the Dining Room. Mr. Green’s eyes widen when he sees Jet still in there.
“What the hell?” Jet gasps as he sees the person Mr. Green let in.
The front door of the Mustard Home opens at a tremendous force. The door slams into a picture, which falls to the floor with the sound of cracking glass. Miss Peach proceeds into the house angrily. The door closes behind her as she throws open the Study doors.
“What the hell do you think you are doing?” Miss Peach crosses her arms and taps her foot on the floor
“Hello, Emily,” Colonel Mustard sits as his desk typing at his typewriter
“Uhh, hello daddy?” Miss Peach throws her arms up in annoyance, “I repeat: what do you think you are doing here?”
“I’m writing a little more of my Memoirs.” Colonel Mustard says, “It’s coming along a lot more smoothly than I had anticipated.”
“Why did you leave the hospital?” Miss Peach asks
“Laying there in that bed reminded me of who I am.” Colonel Mustard says, “I had to get out.”
“What are you talking about?” Miss Peach asks moving a stack of books from the sofa to the coffee table.
“Emily,” Colonel Mustard turns around from his desk and faces her, “I murdered someone years ago.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Miss Peach asks after a moment of awkward silence
“Because the murders have started up again.” Colonel Mustard says, “Rumors might start and I don’t want you finding out from one of those gossiping women.” He motions to the houses on the street.
“Why?” asks Miss Peach holding her head as she sits down
“Because that would be a horrible way to learn about your father’s past.” Colonel Mustard says
“No,” Miss Peach shakes her head, “Why did you murder someone?”
“Fear.” Colonel Mustard says, “He knew something and I feared that if it got out I would be over.”
“Well, I found something we have in common.” Miss Peach says uneasily
At the Hampshire Train Depot, the train pulls away full of passengers. A beautiful middle-aged woman with curly brown hair stands on the train platform. Her hair is tied back with a bright pink bow. She is wearing a low cut black blouse and a brownish green skirt. She is Miss Francesca Thorn. Mrs. Penelope Peacock stands at her car near the loading platform with a wide grin on her face.
“Penelope,” Miss Thorn excitedly races towards her while struggling to hang on to both suitcases that she clutches tightly.
“Francesca,” Mrs. Peacock takes her hand, “It’s so good to see you. You haven’t changed a bit.”
“Nor have you,” Miss Thorn smiles brightly setting the suitcases down and embracing her dear old friend.
“Let’s get those in the car.” Mrs. Peacock reaches for her suitcases
“I’ll take them.” Miss Thorn quickly steps in front of her suitcases and puts them in the back seat of Mrs. Peacock’s car, “Oh hello,” Miss Thorn sees Miss Scarlet sitting in the back seat admiring herself in her compact.
“Hello, darling,” Miss Scarlet extends her hand elegantly, “You must be Francis Thorn.”
“Francesca.” Miss Thorn corrects
“Oh, of course,” Miss Scarlet says tightly, “How silly of me.”
Mrs. Peacock gets in the driver seat and Miss Thorn gets in the passenger’s seat.
“So this is your beautiful step-daughter?” Miss Thorn asks as they begin to drive
“Who else would I be?” Miss Scarlet says closing her compact
“Cynthia,” Mrs. Peacock says, “Be polite to Miss Thorn.”
“Oh, of course, mother.” Miss Scarlet mocks
“We are holding a celebratory party tonight in honor of a town criminal being behind bars.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Oh, I read in the papers that there had been some incidents in Hampshire.” Miss Thorn says
“Believe me,” Miss Scarlet says, “It was a lot more exhilarating being at the mansion when the murderer was at large.”
“Cynthia,” Mrs. Peacock says, “I was nearly murdered.”
“Did they find out why this person tried to kill you?” asks Miss Thorn covering her mouth in shock
“Apparently he was a police officer with a split personality.” Mrs. Peacock says
“He was a homicidal maniac.” Miss Scarlet says bluntly
“Your step-daughter seems a bit uneasy.” Miss Thorn says
“You have clearly never been around murderers.” Miss Scarlet crosses her arms
“Her fiancé is torn between her and someone else.” Mrs. Peacock blushes
“Believe me,” Cynthia says with a scoff, “I have everything sorted out with Chandler.”
Across town in a Chandler Weiss’ Flat, the windows are broken and papers and books are scattered everywhere. On the floor of the small Kitchenette, Chandler lays face first in a heap. There is blood in small puddles on the floor. His arms are trembling. Mr. Dante Egret comes from the bedroom and tosses three photographs on the ground.
“Make your choice.” Mr. Egret says pointedly
Chandler gently picks up the photographs with his bloody fingers. The first photograph is of Emily Peach, the second is of Cynthia Scarlet, and the third is of Penelope Peacock.
“I didn’t do anything.” Chandler whimpers, holding his hand over the small puncture wound in the side of his neck, which is the source of most of the blood.
“Oh, quite the contrary,” Mr. Egret says, “I’ve heard that you’ve been doing quite a lot of things with quite a lot of people. Just make your choice and no one will get hurt.”
Mr. Egret forcefully pulls his switchblade out of Chandler’s leg. Chandler winces. Mr. Egret leaves the flat and heads to his car. Once in the passenger seat he pulls a white handkerchief out of the glove box. He wipes his hands and knife clean.
-FLASHBACK- EARLIER THAT MORNING-
“What is it?” Mr. Egret answers the phone in a gruff tone
“That’s no way to talk to an old friend.” Cynthia Scarlet says flirtatiously from the other end of the phone line
“Cynthia,” Mr. Egret smiles, changing his tone instantly, “Have you reconsidered? The offer is still on the table?”
“Oh, Dante, I think it’s so sweet that you have a crush on me, but I’m in a relationship.” Miss Scarlet says, “Actually that’s why I’m calling you. It appears that my step-mother and some American whore are affecting our relationship. Are you busy this morning?”
“Do you want me to straighten him out for you?” Mr. Egret asks
“Yes, darling,” Miss Scarlet says, “Don’t hurt him too badly. Just scare him. Maybe cut him a little to prove that you are serious. His name is Chandler Weiss. You know where he lives don’t you?”
“Babe, I know where everyone lives.” Mr. Egret says, “And if I don’t, I can find out quickly.”
“Wonderful,” Miss Scarlet says
“But given all that’s been going on in this town, do you think that it is wise for me to attack someone?” Mr. Egret asks
“It will be okay.” Miss Scarlet says, “Just keep quiet. No one will ever find out.”
“Well,” Mr. Egret says, “Chandler will obviously find out. It will only be a matter of time before he reports me…”
“I have to go,” Cynthia interrupts him and hangs up abruptly
-END OF FLASHBACK-
In the Green Home, Jet Black stands in awe staring at the person Mr. Green just let in. Mr. Green’s face turns pale as he anticipates the explosive argument that is sure to follow.
“Mom?” Jet’s eyebrows shoot up, “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing!” Mrs. Black says, “Thallo, what is he doing here?”
“I take it you two know each other.” Mr. Green laughs uncomfortably as he wipes the blood and sweat from his forehead.
“Why are you dealing to my son?” Mrs. Black fumes as she stares daggers at Mr. Green
“Why didn’t you tell me you were dealing with my mother?” Jet asks
“I told you never to have a more than a pleasant hello with either of my children.” Mrs. Black says sternly to Mr. Green
“He came to me.” Mr. Green says, “I couldn’t turn him down, have him report me, and risk this business collapsing.”
The doorbell rings. Mr. Green rolls his eyes, “Well isn’t this a busy household?”
“Who’s that?” Mrs. Black asks with sarcasm in her tone, “Are you dealing to my housekeeper too? Or perhaps Reverend Hunter is coming to pick up his shipment?”
“Stay quiet,” Mr. Green says closing the Dining Room doors and entering the Hall.
“What do you think you are doing here?” asks Mrs. Black as she quickly turns to Jet, “You have been so rebellious these past few months, I think I just figured out why.”
“Congratulations,” Jet says, “Believe me, if you had to live the perfect lifestyle that I put up with you would smoke every minute of every day too.”
“Let me point something out to you,” Mrs. Black puts her hands on her hips, “We live in the same house. I too have to put up with the fake smiles, fancy dinner parties, and unbelievable judgment from the relentless busybodies that my husband insisted we have over!”
“Well then that explains why you are here buying weed from Mr. Green.” Jet says crossing his arms
“I don’t buy drugs from him,” Mrs. Black says with a laugh, “I don’t do drugs. I don’t sell drugs.”
“Then why are you here?” Jet asks, “It seems like the only people here are buyers, sellers, or junkies.”
“Because I needed to talk to him.” Mrs. Black says uncomfortably
“About what?” Jet says, “I don’t blame you for smoking. It’s hard to get through a dinner party with the Meadow-Brooks, Peacocks, and Oakwoods while you’re sober.”
“I don’t do drugs!” Mrs. Black shouts, “I just came here to talk to him.”
“Talk to him about what?” Jet asks
“To tell him some things.” Mrs. Black wrings her hands
“Tell him what things?” Jet presses
“Nothing.” Mrs. Black says, “Forget I mentioned it.”
“It’s obviously something important if you are hiding it from me.” Jet says
“Just grown up things.” Mrs. Black says
“Just tell me why you are so hell-bent on talking to a drug kingpin!” Jet throws his arms up
“No,” Mrs. Black says, “Just drop it. This was a bad idea.”
“Then why are you even here?” asks Jet
“I told you!” Mrs. Black says
“You haven’t told me anything.” Jet shouts
“Go home, Jet.” Mrs. Black says as tears fall from her face
“Not until you tell me what this is all about.” Jet says
“Fine!” Mrs. Black blurts out, “I came to tell him that he is your biological father!”
Jet’s face goes pale. Mrs. Black looks up to see Mr. Green and Mr. Egret standing in the Dining Room doorway.