Episode 24 – “Cat and Mouse”
Previously on the Memoirs of Mayfield: John Boddy confronts Madame Rose, Mrs. White, and Jet Black in the Conservatory of Tudor Close. He talks about how Bradford has always struggled to have money and that his wife left everything to Hugh when she died. Bradford used the rest of his money investigating the death of John’s mother and father, who died on a safari in Africa. Bradford moved in with his friend at Ravenhurst Hall, only to take over the house after his friend died. Mrs. Black asks Mr. Green to put a hit out on Bradford so that he’ll be killed on Wednesday. John Boddy warns Jet, Madame Rose, and Mrs. White that if Bradford dies before Thursday, Mrs. Peacock won’t receive the call notifying her to resort to Plan A which will lead to her selling Scott on the black market…
-TIME UNKNOWN-
Miss Cynthia Scarlet enters the dark Drawing Room to see Chandler Weiss sitting in a dark blue armchair facing the fireplace. The flames are licking the wood which makes popping and crackling sounds in the silent room. Chandler puts his brandy glass up to his lips and takes a sip. He savors the taste and winces as the alcohol travels down his throat. Miss Scarlet stares deeply at the back of his head and the silhouetted armchair. She reaches for the appetizer plate and picks up a sharp fruit knife. She quietly walks behind him and takes a breath. Oblivious to the fact she is behind him with a sharp weapon Chandler chuckles and takes another drink. Miss Scarlet pulls his hair back and slashes his throat. Blood and brandy mix together on the armchair and hard wood floor as Chandler convulses and lurches forward. Miss Scarlet sets down the knife on the appetizer tray and wipes the sticky red substance onto the back of the armchair. She turns around to see Hugh Black, Celeste Curry, Jessica Meadow-Brook, Francesca Thorn, and Marcus Citrine standing in the Drawing Room doorway.
-Wednesday, April 20, 1949; 8.41 am-
Miss Scarlet wakes up in a cold sweat. She checks the time on the crystal bedside clock on her nightstand. She pushes her messy blonde hair from her eyes and climbs out of bed. She is wearing a brilliant red negligee. Chandler Weiss comes from the bathroom doorway.
“Good morning.” He smiles
“Hi,” she says still shaken from her nightmare.
“Did you sleep good?” he asks
“It was nice to wake up to someone.” She smiles at him
“Cynthia, I’m so sorry…” Chandler says
“It’s fine.” Miss Scarlet says, “Emily tried to kill us all.”
“I mean for sleeping with Penelope.” Chandler says, “I don’t know what came over me.”
“Chandler,” she says walking over to him and putting her arms around him, “We’ve all done things in our past that we aren’t proud of.”
“Some more so than others.” Chandler says
“We’re all human.” Miss Scarlet says, “We all make mistakes.”
“The biggest mistake I made was leaving you.” Chandler says kissing her tenderly
Miss Scarlet still can’t shake off the images of her dream as she stares at the sharp nail file on the edge of the vanity.
In the Breakfast Room of the Oakwood Residence, Julia and Percival sit at the table. The two young adults have concern and secrets written all over their facial expressions.
“Why didn’t you tell them last night?” asks Percival
“It wasn’t the right moment.” Julia says
“You can’t hide your pregnancy forever.” Percival says
“You and I both know that all hell will break loose once the father of my child is known.” Julia stares deeply into her brother’s eyes.
“Leave that to me.” Percival says, “I’ll make something up.”
“Percy, this won’t end well.” Julia says
“I can’t remember a day when anything in this house ended well or at least natural.” Percival says
In the Hall of the Oakwood Residence, Lady Elizabeth Oakwood walks from the Study to see the family butler helping Lord Edward Oakwood down the stairs. His wheelchair is folded up against the banister.
“Good morning, darling.” Lady Oakwood chirps as cheerfully as ever, “Beryl is making breakfast. It should be done shortly.”
Lord Oakwood grumbles as he is helped into his wheelchair. Lady Oakwood straightens her poise and walks to the Drawing Room. She glances out the windows in the direction of the Meadow-Brook Home which is dark. She sighs and walks over to the fireplace. Her eyes land on the silver Candlestick next to the clock.
-FLASHBACK – JULY 21, 1933 –
Eight-year-old Percival Oakwood stands in the doorway of the Drawing Room in tears. Lady Elizabeth Oakwood turns around in horror to see him standing there.
“Percy, go to your room.” She orders frantically waving her hands at him.
His eyes are wide and are glued to the woman who is laying face first on the throw rug in front of the fireplace. There is a silver candlestick on the floor near her head.
“Mommy?” he asks in shock
“Your Aunt Lillian just fell.” Lady Oakwood rushes Percival into the hallway, “She’ll be okay. We’re going to help her up. Now go upstairs. Beryl will read you a bedtime story. Everything is fine.”
Lord Oakwood stands in the windows of the Drawing Room and closes the curtains. The butler, William Crimson surveys the room with anticipation as the housekeeper, Beryl Crabtree takes Percival upstairs.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
Lady Oakwood picks up the Candlestick and runs her fingers along the base.
“Don’t you think you ought to leave that alone?” asks a deep female’s voice
Lady Oakwood turns to see her housekeeper standing in the doorway.
“I’m just collecting my thoughts Beryl.” Lady Oakwood says, “There’s nothing wrong with holding a Candlestick.”
“It’s disgusting that you still display that thing in here.” Mrs. Crabtree says with a snarl
“It was a gift from Mrs. Black.” Lady Oakwood says, “She would wonder what happened if it went missing.”
“It’s not like you have very many people in and out of this house.” Mrs. Crabtree says
“You’re right,” Lady Oakwood slams the Candlestick forcefully down onto the mantelpiece, “I think it’s about time to change that. Tomorrow night I’ll have Sylvia and the Meadow-Brook’s over. This town could use a little happiness.”
“Dinner parties haven’t brought good news to Hampshire over this past week.” Mrs. Crabtree says
“Beryl,” Lady Oakwood says, “I understand your concern but I highly doubt the murders are going to start up again.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Beryl says staring at the white throw rug in front of the fireplace, “It’s not like I wasn’t here the night it happened.”
“Will you keep your voice down?” Lady Oakwood shushes, “Percival told me he has been having ‘dreams’ about Aunt Lillian’s death.”
“At least he hasn’t remembered anything from the orphanage.” Beryl says
“Mom,” Percival says from the doorway of the Drawing with Julia at his side, “We need to talk.”
In Paris, Scott Black sits in the window looking out at the busy street below him.
“Step away from the window, Scott.” Mrs. Peacock says warningly
“What are you going to do to me?” asks Scott nervously
“Nothing,” Mrs. Peacock says, “So long as you behave.”
Monsieur Brunette comes from the Studio.
“Has it dried yet?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“Almost,” Monsieur Brunette shakes his head, “About twenty minutes and we can ship it off.”
“Where are you shipping it to?” asks Scott with a trembling lip
“A buyer who is very interested in you if your mother doesn’t pull through with the random money.” Monsieur Brunette says as Scott begins to cry, “Don’t worry. You’ll be taken care of very well. He is a royal Prince in his small African nation.”
Scott stares back out the window hopelessly as Mrs. Peacock reprimands him again, “I told you to stay away from the windows!”
Monsieur Brunette rushes over and removes the small boy from the windows and glances out to make sure no one saw him. He notices a man with a bowler hat and a long black coat staring directly at him. Monsieur Brunette reaches for the gun tucked away in his belt and opens the window pointing the gun in the man’s direction, only to see the man has disappeared.
At the Mayfield Divisional Police Department, Inspector Winfield Brown is looking at the chalkboard behind his desk. He circles the name Emily Peach and draws a line to Sergeant Gray.
“Both mentally unstable.” He says aloud, “Possible conspiracy with Mrs. Peacock.” He puts a small star neck to both names and then one next to Mrs. Peacock, whose name is underlined several times. The telephone on his desk rings.
“Brown,” he answers
“This is Donald Coal.” The man says
Inspector Brown recognizes the voice of the Private Investigator he hired, “What have you found.”
“I saw a little boy that looks like Scott Black in the window of an apartment in South Paris.” Coal says, “A man saw me and I hurried out of his view but I saw him point a gun out at me.”
“You need to be elusive.” Inspector Brown says, “Find a way to get in there and retrieve young Master Black without triggering Mrs. Peacock or this man to harm him.”
“Yes sir,” Coal says
“Update me every hour on the half-hour.” Inspector Brown says, “I will alert Sylvia of her son’s discovery.”
Meanwhile at Tudor Close, Mrs. Meadow-Brook sits in the Conservatory with Mrs. Black.
“So when will Jessica’s funeral be.” Mrs. Black asks in sorrow
“It’s a memorial.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says wiping her eyes, “And it will be Monday.”
“A memorial?” asks Mrs. Black in confusion
“I didn’t want to burden you with everything you have been going through but you’ll find out sooner or later.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook sighs
“Jane, what’s wrong.” Mrs. Black says
“They never found Jessica’s body.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“But I thought…” Mrs. Black puts her hand to her mouth.
“Sergeant Gray confessed to murdering her.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “The police believe she may be deep within the old well in the well house.”
“Won’t someone retrieve her?” asks Sylvia in horror, “This is little Bryce we’re talking about.”
“The well is so old that any amount of pressure against it will cave it in.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“My God!” Sylvia stands up, “She could still be alive in there.”
“No,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook sobs, “She isn’t. I’d have that maternal feeling that she’s still alive.”
“In case you’ve forgotten, I’m her real mother!” Sylvia says, “If anyone should have a maternal instinct it is me!”
“Please, Sylvia,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook takes her hand, “This town is trying to heal, I understand that. But doing something crazy like this won’t help matters at all!”
Mrs. Black takes a moment of silence and realizes her dear friend is probably right.
“I just never got to know her the way you did.” Mrs. Black cries into her arms
“It’s all going to be okay.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says soothingly
“You’re right.” She says putting on a brace face, “Scott is coming home soon.”
“The police found him?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook asks with excitement
“Not exactly.” Mrs. Black says, “But Bradford is no longer going to be in the picture.”
From the doorway, horror comes over Mr. Boddy’s face as he eavesdrops.
Miles Meadow-Brook sits on the side of his hospital bed with a hand over his obviously bandaged gun wound. He looks over at the pills on his nightstand next to the glass of water. He reaches forward and cups a handful in his palm and sighs deeply, his mind swirling around the spiteful words that Jane said to him the previous day. His hands begin to shake as the pill scatter on the cold tile floor. Nurse Florence Primrose enters the hospital room to see Miles.
“Mr. Meadow-Brook, are you alright?” she begins to pick up the scattered pills
“I’m not feeling too well.” Miles says with sorrow
“Should I call Dr. Prussian in?” asks Nurse Primrose
“No,” Miles shakes his head, “I’m fine. I’m just heartbroken.”
“For what it’s worth,” she tosses the pills in the garbage, “I’ve felt rather heartbroken too.”
“You lost someone you loved.” Miles asks
“I loved him, but he never loved me.” Nurse Primrose says, “He only saw me as a young pretty face to freshen up his dull marriage.”
“I had an affair while I was married.” Miles sighs, “It was the worst mistake I’ve ever made.”
“Then tell your wife how you feel before it’s too late.” Nurse Primrose says, “I only wish, I’d have been able to tell Hugh how I felt.”
The sudden realization that Hugh Black was having an affair behind Sylvia’s back hit Miles in a strange way. No longer did he see himself as a hurt husband who made some unethical business and romance choices, but he now saw the perfect light at the end of the tunnel… revenge.
“Thank you,” Miles says to Nurse Primrose, much to her shock
“Thank you for what?” asks Nurse Primrose
“You just gave me one very good reason to live.” He chuckles
Sensing the odd tension in the room, Nurse Primrose smiles nervously, “I’ll have Dr. Prussian come by and see you shortly.”
“Thank you, Nurse Primrose,” Miles Meadow-Brook smiles, with hidden intent behind his smile. As Nurse Primrose leaves, Miles grabs the notepad from the side table and begins to write on it.
In Paris, Monsieur Brunette pastes newspaper to the insides of the windows.
“Won’t that look a bit suspicious?” Mrs. Peacock asks
“Not as suspicious as it would look if young Scott was spotted again.” Monsieur Brunette says as he rushes into the Studio and slides out a large flat wooden crate.
“It is time to ship this out.” Monsieur Brunette says referring to the painting of Scott inside.
“Why?” Scott asks with despair in his voice
“Remember that wealthy African royal?” Mrs. Peacock asks, “He’d like a little reminder of who is coming to live with him.”
“But what if my mother pays.” Scott says
“I’m not going to lie to you,” Mrs. Peacock says, “But I doubt that woman will pull through in time.”
Mrs. Peacock heads towards the Kitchen as Monsieur Brunette covers up the last bit of daylight with newspaper. Scott closes his eyes as he looks at the bruises on his wrists. Without any warning the front door of the apartment bursts open. The wooden doorframe cracks as the latch and padlock is torn off. The same man he saw outside earlier stands pointing a gun at Monsieur Brunette.
“Scott run!” the man says
Scott hurries out of the apartment, tripping a bit as he rushes down the stairs. Mrs. Peacock slams a wooden cutting board over the man’s head and he falls in a heap. Monsieur Brunette grabs the gun from the man’s limp hand and races after Scott. Mrs. Peacock begins to search the man’s pocket and finds his ID
“Donald Coal, Private Detective from Mayfield, UK… son of a bitch!” Mrs. Peacock’s eyes widen, “They know where we are.”
Monsieur Brunette races down the winding staircase of the apartment and reaches the bottom to see Scott running down a hallway towards the exit. Having longer legs and more physical energy, Monsieur Brunette overcomes him and grabs him by the collar. He drags him back up the stairs all the while burying the gun in between his shoulder blades. Scott sobs in horror as he is dragged back to the room where Mrs. Peacock is tying the hands of the man she just attack.
“Tie him too.” Monsieur Brunette orders, “We don’t need any more escape attempts. The little bastard almost got away.”
Monsieur Brunette forcefully shoves Scott forward as he trips over his own feet and lands on the floor next to Donald Coal.
Back in Mayfield, outside of an old run down ware house in Hampshire, Sir Bradford Black looks up at it in disgust as he readjusts his gold-buttoned coat. Mr. Dante Egret places a gun in his belt as he approaches the unsuspected older man.
“Sir Bradford,” Dante puts on a charming smile, “I’m Dante Egret. I’m here to show you this warehouse.”
“It’s rather threadbare.” Sir Bradford mumbles half to himself
“I assure you this is a good investment.” Dante says trying to hurry Bradford along, “A Russian man with an eye-patch said that it may solve the tension between the two of you.”
“Sergei sent you?” Sir Bradford Black asks
“I believe the name was Yuri.” Dante says motioning for them to enter the warehouse
“Damn,” Sir Bradford Black lowers his voice, “Mr. Egret, thank you for your time but I’m going to have to take a pass on this investment offer.”
“Sir, you must reconsider.” Dante says in sudden panic
“Thank you, no.” Sir Bradford Black says getting back into his black car.
Dante pulls out his gun and shoots the front right tire. Sir Bradford Black panics as he sees him do this and quickly turns on the engine and drives away, having a bit of trouble controlling the car. Dante gets in his car and follows him banging into his bumper every few seconds. He slams into the back of Bradford’s car hard and long, sending the car off the gravel road that leads to Tudor Close. The car rolls into the same ravine that Jessica fell into a several days prior. Dante backs up and leaves the gravel road as if he’d never have even come.
A limp lifeless hand with blood on his hangs out the window of the car. There are bright gold buttons of the sleeve cuffs. From the top of the ravine, a man watches from near the trees.
-TIME UNKNOWN-
Miss Cynthia Scarlet enters the dark Drawing Room to see Chandler Weiss sitting in a dark blue armchair facing the fireplace. The flames are licking the wood which makes popping and crackling sounds in the silent room. Chandler puts his brandy glass up to his lips and takes a sip. He savors the taste and winces as the alcohol travels down his throat. Miss Scarlet stares deeply at the back of his head and the silhouetted armchair. She reaches for the appetizer plate and picks up a sharp fruit knife. She quietly walks behind him and takes a breath. Oblivious to the fact she is behind him with a sharp weapon Chandler chuckles and takes another drink. Miss Scarlet pulls his hair back and slashes his throat. Blood and brandy mix together on the armchair and hard wood floor as Chandler convulses and lurches forward. Miss Scarlet sets down the knife on the appetizer tray and wipes the sticky red substance onto the back of the armchair. She turns around to see Hugh Black, Celeste Curry, Jessica Meadow-Brook, Francesca Thorn, and Marcus Citrine standing in the Drawing Room doorway.
-Wednesday, April 20, 1949; 8.41 am-
Miss Scarlet wakes up in a cold sweat. She checks the time on the crystal bedside clock on her nightstand. She pushes her messy blonde hair from her eyes and climbs out of bed. She is wearing a brilliant red negligee. Chandler Weiss comes from the bathroom doorway.
“Good morning.” He smiles
“Hi,” she says still shaken from her nightmare.
“Did you sleep good?” he asks
“It was nice to wake up to someone.” She smiles at him
“Cynthia, I’m so sorry…” Chandler says
“It’s fine.” Miss Scarlet says, “Emily tried to kill us all.”
“I mean for sleeping with Penelope.” Chandler says, “I don’t know what came over me.”
“Chandler,” she says walking over to him and putting her arms around him, “We’ve all done things in our past that we aren’t proud of.”
“Some more so than others.” Chandler says
“We’re all human.” Miss Scarlet says, “We all make mistakes.”
“The biggest mistake I made was leaving you.” Chandler says kissing her tenderly
Miss Scarlet still can’t shake off the images of her dream as she stares at the sharp nail file on the edge of the vanity.
In the Breakfast Room of the Oakwood Residence, Julia and Percival sit at the table. The two young adults have concern and secrets written all over their facial expressions.
“Why didn’t you tell them last night?” asks Percival
“It wasn’t the right moment.” Julia says
“You can’t hide your pregnancy forever.” Percival says
“You and I both know that all hell will break loose once the father of my child is known.” Julia stares deeply into her brother’s eyes.
“Leave that to me.” Percival says, “I’ll make something up.”
“Percy, this won’t end well.” Julia says
“I can’t remember a day when anything in this house ended well or at least natural.” Percival says
In the Hall of the Oakwood Residence, Lady Elizabeth Oakwood walks from the Study to see the family butler helping Lord Edward Oakwood down the stairs. His wheelchair is folded up against the banister.
“Good morning, darling.” Lady Oakwood chirps as cheerfully as ever, “Beryl is making breakfast. It should be done shortly.”
Lord Oakwood grumbles as he is helped into his wheelchair. Lady Oakwood straightens her poise and walks to the Drawing Room. She glances out the windows in the direction of the Meadow-Brook Home which is dark. She sighs and walks over to the fireplace. Her eyes land on the silver Candlestick next to the clock.
-FLASHBACK – JULY 21, 1933 –
Eight-year-old Percival Oakwood stands in the doorway of the Drawing Room in tears. Lady Elizabeth Oakwood turns around in horror to see him standing there.
“Percy, go to your room.” She orders frantically waving her hands at him.
His eyes are wide and are glued to the woman who is laying face first on the throw rug in front of the fireplace. There is a silver candlestick on the floor near her head.
“Mommy?” he asks in shock
“Your Aunt Lillian just fell.” Lady Oakwood rushes Percival into the hallway, “She’ll be okay. We’re going to help her up. Now go upstairs. Beryl will read you a bedtime story. Everything is fine.”
Lord Oakwood stands in the windows of the Drawing Room and closes the curtains. The butler, William Crimson surveys the room with anticipation as the housekeeper, Beryl Crabtree takes Percival upstairs.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
Lady Oakwood picks up the Candlestick and runs her fingers along the base.
“Don’t you think you ought to leave that alone?” asks a deep female’s voice
Lady Oakwood turns to see her housekeeper standing in the doorway.
“I’m just collecting my thoughts Beryl.” Lady Oakwood says, “There’s nothing wrong with holding a Candlestick.”
“It’s disgusting that you still display that thing in here.” Mrs. Crabtree says with a snarl
“It was a gift from Mrs. Black.” Lady Oakwood says, “She would wonder what happened if it went missing.”
“It’s not like you have very many people in and out of this house.” Mrs. Crabtree says
“You’re right,” Lady Oakwood slams the Candlestick forcefully down onto the mantelpiece, “I think it’s about time to change that. Tomorrow night I’ll have Sylvia and the Meadow-Brook’s over. This town could use a little happiness.”
“Dinner parties haven’t brought good news to Hampshire over this past week.” Mrs. Crabtree says
“Beryl,” Lady Oakwood says, “I understand your concern but I highly doubt the murders are going to start up again.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Beryl says staring at the white throw rug in front of the fireplace, “It’s not like I wasn’t here the night it happened.”
“Will you keep your voice down?” Lady Oakwood shushes, “Percival told me he has been having ‘dreams’ about Aunt Lillian’s death.”
“At least he hasn’t remembered anything from the orphanage.” Beryl says
“Mom,” Percival says from the doorway of the Drawing with Julia at his side, “We need to talk.”
In Paris, Scott Black sits in the window looking out at the busy street below him.
“Step away from the window, Scott.” Mrs. Peacock says warningly
“What are you going to do to me?” asks Scott nervously
“Nothing,” Mrs. Peacock says, “So long as you behave.”
Monsieur Brunette comes from the Studio.
“Has it dried yet?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“Almost,” Monsieur Brunette shakes his head, “About twenty minutes and we can ship it off.”
“Where are you shipping it to?” asks Scott with a trembling lip
“A buyer who is very interested in you if your mother doesn’t pull through with the random money.” Monsieur Brunette says as Scott begins to cry, “Don’t worry. You’ll be taken care of very well. He is a royal Prince in his small African nation.”
Scott stares back out the window hopelessly as Mrs. Peacock reprimands him again, “I told you to stay away from the windows!”
Monsieur Brunette rushes over and removes the small boy from the windows and glances out to make sure no one saw him. He notices a man with a bowler hat and a long black coat staring directly at him. Monsieur Brunette reaches for the gun tucked away in his belt and opens the window pointing the gun in the man’s direction, only to see the man has disappeared.
At the Mayfield Divisional Police Department, Inspector Winfield Brown is looking at the chalkboard behind his desk. He circles the name Emily Peach and draws a line to Sergeant Gray.
“Both mentally unstable.” He says aloud, “Possible conspiracy with Mrs. Peacock.” He puts a small star neck to both names and then one next to Mrs. Peacock, whose name is underlined several times. The telephone on his desk rings.
“Brown,” he answers
“This is Donald Coal.” The man says
Inspector Brown recognizes the voice of the Private Investigator he hired, “What have you found.”
“I saw a little boy that looks like Scott Black in the window of an apartment in South Paris.” Coal says, “A man saw me and I hurried out of his view but I saw him point a gun out at me.”
“You need to be elusive.” Inspector Brown says, “Find a way to get in there and retrieve young Master Black without triggering Mrs. Peacock or this man to harm him.”
“Yes sir,” Coal says
“Update me every hour on the half-hour.” Inspector Brown says, “I will alert Sylvia of her son’s discovery.”
Meanwhile at Tudor Close, Mrs. Meadow-Brook sits in the Conservatory with Mrs. Black.
“So when will Jessica’s funeral be.” Mrs. Black asks in sorrow
“It’s a memorial.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says wiping her eyes, “And it will be Monday.”
“A memorial?” asks Mrs. Black in confusion
“I didn’t want to burden you with everything you have been going through but you’ll find out sooner or later.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook sighs
“Jane, what’s wrong.” Mrs. Black says
“They never found Jessica’s body.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“But I thought…” Mrs. Black puts her hand to her mouth.
“Sergeant Gray confessed to murdering her.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “The police believe she may be deep within the old well in the well house.”
“Won’t someone retrieve her?” asks Sylvia in horror, “This is little Bryce we’re talking about.”
“The well is so old that any amount of pressure against it will cave it in.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“My God!” Sylvia stands up, “She could still be alive in there.”
“No,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook sobs, “She isn’t. I’d have that maternal feeling that she’s still alive.”
“In case you’ve forgotten, I’m her real mother!” Sylvia says, “If anyone should have a maternal instinct it is me!”
“Please, Sylvia,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook takes her hand, “This town is trying to heal, I understand that. But doing something crazy like this won’t help matters at all!”
Mrs. Black takes a moment of silence and realizes her dear friend is probably right.
“I just never got to know her the way you did.” Mrs. Black cries into her arms
“It’s all going to be okay.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says soothingly
“You’re right.” She says putting on a brace face, “Scott is coming home soon.”
“The police found him?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook asks with excitement
“Not exactly.” Mrs. Black says, “But Bradford is no longer going to be in the picture.”
From the doorway, horror comes over Mr. Boddy’s face as he eavesdrops.
Miles Meadow-Brook sits on the side of his hospital bed with a hand over his obviously bandaged gun wound. He looks over at the pills on his nightstand next to the glass of water. He reaches forward and cups a handful in his palm and sighs deeply, his mind swirling around the spiteful words that Jane said to him the previous day. His hands begin to shake as the pill scatter on the cold tile floor. Nurse Florence Primrose enters the hospital room to see Miles.
“Mr. Meadow-Brook, are you alright?” she begins to pick up the scattered pills
“I’m not feeling too well.” Miles says with sorrow
“Should I call Dr. Prussian in?” asks Nurse Primrose
“No,” Miles shakes his head, “I’m fine. I’m just heartbroken.”
“For what it’s worth,” she tosses the pills in the garbage, “I’ve felt rather heartbroken too.”
“You lost someone you loved.” Miles asks
“I loved him, but he never loved me.” Nurse Primrose says, “He only saw me as a young pretty face to freshen up his dull marriage.”
“I had an affair while I was married.” Miles sighs, “It was the worst mistake I’ve ever made.”
“Then tell your wife how you feel before it’s too late.” Nurse Primrose says, “I only wish, I’d have been able to tell Hugh how I felt.”
The sudden realization that Hugh Black was having an affair behind Sylvia’s back hit Miles in a strange way. No longer did he see himself as a hurt husband who made some unethical business and romance choices, but he now saw the perfect light at the end of the tunnel… revenge.
“Thank you,” Miles says to Nurse Primrose, much to her shock
“Thank you for what?” asks Nurse Primrose
“You just gave me one very good reason to live.” He chuckles
Sensing the odd tension in the room, Nurse Primrose smiles nervously, “I’ll have Dr. Prussian come by and see you shortly.”
“Thank you, Nurse Primrose,” Miles Meadow-Brook smiles, with hidden intent behind his smile. As Nurse Primrose leaves, Miles grabs the notepad from the side table and begins to write on it.
In Paris, Monsieur Brunette pastes newspaper to the insides of the windows.
“Won’t that look a bit suspicious?” Mrs. Peacock asks
“Not as suspicious as it would look if young Scott was spotted again.” Monsieur Brunette says as he rushes into the Studio and slides out a large flat wooden crate.
“It is time to ship this out.” Monsieur Brunette says referring to the painting of Scott inside.
“Why?” Scott asks with despair in his voice
“Remember that wealthy African royal?” Mrs. Peacock asks, “He’d like a little reminder of who is coming to live with him.”
“But what if my mother pays.” Scott says
“I’m not going to lie to you,” Mrs. Peacock says, “But I doubt that woman will pull through in time.”
Mrs. Peacock heads towards the Kitchen as Monsieur Brunette covers up the last bit of daylight with newspaper. Scott closes his eyes as he looks at the bruises on his wrists. Without any warning the front door of the apartment bursts open. The wooden doorframe cracks as the latch and padlock is torn off. The same man he saw outside earlier stands pointing a gun at Monsieur Brunette.
“Scott run!” the man says
Scott hurries out of the apartment, tripping a bit as he rushes down the stairs. Mrs. Peacock slams a wooden cutting board over the man’s head and he falls in a heap. Monsieur Brunette grabs the gun from the man’s limp hand and races after Scott. Mrs. Peacock begins to search the man’s pocket and finds his ID
“Donald Coal, Private Detective from Mayfield, UK… son of a bitch!” Mrs. Peacock’s eyes widen, “They know where we are.”
Monsieur Brunette races down the winding staircase of the apartment and reaches the bottom to see Scott running down a hallway towards the exit. Having longer legs and more physical energy, Monsieur Brunette overcomes him and grabs him by the collar. He drags him back up the stairs all the while burying the gun in between his shoulder blades. Scott sobs in horror as he is dragged back to the room where Mrs. Peacock is tying the hands of the man she just attack.
“Tie him too.” Monsieur Brunette orders, “We don’t need any more escape attempts. The little bastard almost got away.”
Monsieur Brunette forcefully shoves Scott forward as he trips over his own feet and lands on the floor next to Donald Coal.
Back in Mayfield, outside of an old run down ware house in Hampshire, Sir Bradford Black looks up at it in disgust as he readjusts his gold-buttoned coat. Mr. Dante Egret places a gun in his belt as he approaches the unsuspected older man.
“Sir Bradford,” Dante puts on a charming smile, “I’m Dante Egret. I’m here to show you this warehouse.”
“It’s rather threadbare.” Sir Bradford mumbles half to himself
“I assure you this is a good investment.” Dante says trying to hurry Bradford along, “A Russian man with an eye-patch said that it may solve the tension between the two of you.”
“Sergei sent you?” Sir Bradford Black asks
“I believe the name was Yuri.” Dante says motioning for them to enter the warehouse
“Damn,” Sir Bradford Black lowers his voice, “Mr. Egret, thank you for your time but I’m going to have to take a pass on this investment offer.”
“Sir, you must reconsider.” Dante says in sudden panic
“Thank you, no.” Sir Bradford Black says getting back into his black car.
Dante pulls out his gun and shoots the front right tire. Sir Bradford Black panics as he sees him do this and quickly turns on the engine and drives away, having a bit of trouble controlling the car. Dante gets in his car and follows him banging into his bumper every few seconds. He slams into the back of Bradford’s car hard and long, sending the car off the gravel road that leads to Tudor Close. The car rolls into the same ravine that Jessica fell into a several days prior. Dante backs up and leaves the gravel road as if he’d never have even come.
A limp lifeless hand with blood on his hangs out the window of the car. There are bright gold buttons of the sleeve cuffs. From the top of the ravine, a man watches from near the trees.