Episode 29 – “Where You Are, I Want to Be”
Previously on the Memoirs of Mayfield: Sylvia Black informs Jet that it would be best if Mrs. White and Mr. Ash believed Bradford to be dead, otherwise they might finish the deed. Mrs. Meadow-Brook and Mrs. Black venture to the Well House to see if Jessica is truly dead. Once there they find it empty. Sylvia rushes off in the hopes of finding Jessica alive. Mrs. Peacock has a ghostly encounter with her mother, Ms. Curry to which she comes to the revelation that she needs to fix everything she has done wrong in order to be happy again. Colonel Mustard arrives at Dr. Olive’s office and tells Emily that he will help her and save her. Emily shoots her sister claiming that she fixed the last bad thing in her life. Once she sees her father help Georgia she becomes enraged and kills herself out of pure insanity…
-Friday, April 22, 1949; 7.49 pm-
The evening air is crisp and cool. There is an eerie stillness over Hampshire. Two men stand on the Boat Dock outside of Tudor Close’s Boat House. The older, taller man is carrying a bag of money.
“Put it in the crate.” He orders motioning to the open wooden crate that is in the back of the row boat.
The younger man obeys and dumps the money in the crate. He then drops the duffle bag off the edge of the pier.
“Good,” the man says, “I told you I will always win. Any last words?”
“Please, don’t,” The younger man holds up his hands as he back up.
The taller man walks forward with the shotgun and holds it at eyelevel to the younger man. A gunshot rings out as the taller man with the shotgun falls forward, the shotgun tumbles from his grip and hits the dock. A woman stands behind in the doorway of the Boat House, holding a German war pistol, which is smoking. The younger man rushes over and to the woman as they hurry off the Dock, leaving the money to blow gently in the light breeze the young man and woman rush out of the Boat Dock and make their way to the Patio leading into Tudor Close.
“Stop!” the woman says
“What?” the man says, “We need to go. Someone will have heard that gunshot!”
“I know,” the woman says, “But we can’t run away from our problems. We need to fix them ethically.”
“You are crazy!” the man says, “For once in a long time everything is perfect! Now you want to ruin it all!”
“It’s no perfect!” the woman shouts, “It never was… it never will be anything that resembles a perfect life.”
--Wednesday, April 20, 1949; 1.02 pm-
In the Lounge of Tudor Close, John Boddy walks over to the bar. He opens the liquor cabinet and makes a gin and tonic.
“It’s not even happy hour.” Mrs. White says from the fireplace where she is cleaning out the ashbin.
“I’ve had a rough morning.” Mr. Boddy says
“So you plan on making it a rough afternoon?” Mrs. White asks in a chipper, gleeful mood.
“I have a lot to consider.” Mr. Boddy says
Mrs. White hums merrily as she begins to polish the fireplace tools.
“You seem in a bloody jolly mood.” Mr. Boddy says
“Well today was the day Bradford was shot at the warehouse.” Mrs. White says
It had completely slipped Mr. Boddy’s mind, given all the havoc that has happened, “Yes, and we need to think of a good cover up story.”
“Well I’ve already made up mine.” Mrs. White says cheerfully
“Oh?” Mr. Boddy asks
“I was in the pantry all morning taking inventory.” Mrs. White says, “I’ll make mention of how we need more sugar and flour and that there is not nearly enough jams and preserves. I’ll then ask the investigating officer if he knows where to get boysenberry jam, because I’ve been out of luck and I’d love to have some on hand. Scott loves it and I’d love to have it for when Scott returns.”
“Mrs. White,” Mr. Boddy says
“Am I rambling?” asks Mrs. White
“Just a tad,” Mr. Boddy says downing the drink
“I’ve noticed that I do tend to ramble lately.” Mrs. White says, “My aunt would ramble on and on when she was my age. My mother was often annoyed by her constant nonsense. She would go on about the cat and her knitting or the most recent romance novel that she’s picked up.”
“Mrs. White,” Mr. Boddy says
“Sorry, I’m doing it again, aren’t I?” Mrs. White chuckles
“I’ve got a bit of a headache,” Mr. Boddy says, “Why don’t you go see if the piano in the Ballroom is tuned properly. I’m not sure the last time it’s been tuned.”
“Oh I’d say around Christmas.” Mrs. White says, “Hugh and Sylvia always threw elaborate parties. I remember because Miss Scarlet was playing carols on the piano and commented on how crisp and pure the notes were. Hugh told her that we just had it tuned.”
“Blanche,” Mr. Boddy closes his eyes.
“Shuffle on,” Mrs. White says, “I know what you are trying to tell me. Have a good rest.”
“Mmm.” Mr. Boddy hums from the sofa where he sleepily sits
“I’ll just be off to the scullery. The silverware is bound to be ruined if I don’t get to it soon.” Mrs. White says, “I was wondering,”
Mr. Boddy opens his eyes in frustration, “Yes, Mrs. White?”
“Will you be in charge of the house now that Bradford is gone?” Mrs. White asks
“I suppose I will carry some responsibilities until the legal work is sorted out.” Mr. Boddy says setting his glass on the coffee table.
“If money is no issue,” Mrs. White says
“You have been a great help to us,” Mr. Boddy interrupts her, “I’ll be sure to it that you get a boost in your next pay check.”
“Oh thank you,” Mrs. White says, “That is very generous of you, but I was actually hoping we might be able to hire some extra help.”
“Extra help?” Mr. Boddy asks
“Like a maid.” Mrs. White says
“You are the maid.” Mr. Boddy points out
“Housekeeper,” Mrs. White corrects
“That’s just splitting hairs.” Mr. Boddy says
“I’m rather up in years.” Mrs. White says, “An extra pair of hands around the house would be much appreciated.”
“I’ll talk to Sylvia about it.” Mr. Boddy closes his eyes and reclines on the sofa
“Oh thank you, sir.” Mrs. White says, “I’ll be out of your hair now.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Boddy says as Mrs. White finally leaves the Lounge.
In the Main Hall of Dark Hill Sanitarium, paramedics rush Miss Georgia Peach outside on a stretcher. There is much blood oozing from her abdomen. Several steps behind them two more paramedics carry a stretcher with a white sheet over it. Underneath that sheet is Emily Peach. Inspector Winfield Brown and Dr. Glen Olive stand in the center of the room. Colonel Mustard follows the paramedics out after Emily.
“Damn!” Inspector Brown stomps his foot
“Georgia will be fine.” Dr. Olive says optimistically
“Emily is dead.” Inspector Brown says
“Emily was on the brink of serious insanity to begin with.” Dr. Olive says, “All of that childhood trauma…”
“I don’t care!” Inspector Brown says
“You can’t save everyone.” Dr. Olive says
“She knew something!” Inspector Brown says, “I don’t know what. I just wanted to ask her a few questions about Mrs. Peacock.”
“How can you be sure anything she would have told you would have been true?” asks Dr. Olive, “Besides, she was too absorbed in the issue with her sister, she wouldn’t have changed the topic onto missing serial killers who use to live nearby.”
“Maybe Chandler will know.” Inspector Brown says
“I think you should simmer down and take all the information you have already into account.” Dr. Olive says
“I appreciate your advice but I don’t need it.” Inspector Brown says
Out in the forest behind Tudor Close, Mrs. Jane Meadow-Brook is becoming frantic as she can’t find Sylvia anywhere.
“Sylvia,” Jane calls out, “Please, you need to come inside. There are so many ways to cope with loss but this isn’t one of them.”
Mrs. Meadow-Brook grabs onto a tree for balance as she steps over a log. She pulls her light green sweater tighter as a cool breeze picks up some leaves and swishes light auburn hair. She sees a figure in black hunches over near a tree.
“Sylvia?” Jane calls out as she rushes over to the figure. She sees Sylvia kneeling in front of the tree crying. Sylvia’s red hair has dried leaves caught in it.
“Come on, dear, let’s go inside and get you a nice cup of tea.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“She can’t be dead.” Sylvia Black wipes her eyes with her cold, tear-stained hands.
Mrs. Meadow-Brook helps her to her feet and begins to walk with her back to the mansion. Sylvia sniffles and rests her head on Jane’s shoulder as they walk. On the tree is a worn, carved heart which reads: ‘Sylvia Ebony & Hugh Black - Forever Together’.
On Ceil Drive, Miss Cynthia Scarlet walks to the mailbox and opens it. She waves to Percival Oakwood as he and Julia walk towards the end of the street. She sees a package on the grass next to the mailbox. She takes it and enters the house. Professor Gregory Plum comes down the stairs in a white shirt, purple vest, and black pants. His hair is still wet from the shower.
“You got a package?” he asks
“It’s for Penelope.” Miss Scarlet says opening it. She opens it to find an urn.
“Mom,” Professor Plum is taken back
“Are you alright?” Miss Scarlet asks
“I wasn’t expecting our mother’s ashes to arrive so soon.” Professor Plum takes out a hanky and wipes his eye.
“Do you need some water?” asks Miss Scarlet
“No, I’ll be fine.” He sits down and lifts the urn from the box gently, “Your step-mother and I were going to scatter her ashes together.”
“Do you want me to go with you?” asks Miss Scarlet
Professor Plum smiles up at his step-niece, “That would be nice.”
“We could keep her here on the mantel if you’d like,” Miss Scarlet says
“No!” Professor Plum says abruptly, “I mean, no.” he corrects himself in a calmer fashion, “I want her to be scattered at the lake beyond Tudor Close. She found it quite peaceful when she came to visit about ten years ago. I figured she would want to be put to rest there.”
“Chandler and I are going to play tennis,” Miss Scarlet says, “Would you like to join us.”
“That would be nice.” Professor Plum says, “But I actually am going to head down to the police station. I think I have something they need to know.”
“Oh?” asks Miss Scarlet
“The party in 1934,” Professor Plum lowers his voice, “You wouldn’t remember much of it; you were only seven.”
“You’d be surprised what I remember from that party.” Miss Scarlet says
“Hugh was still in love my sister that night and he gave her a small gift.” Professor Plum says
“You think she knew that he was her father?” asks Miss Scarlet
“No,” Professor Plum says, “But given what he gave to her it’s clear where she is heading right now, or where she might be right now with Scott.”
“Where?” asks Miss Scarlet
“Paris.” Professor Plum says, “Hugh gave her the keys to his Villa in Paris. She told him she would take care of it like it was her own.”
“She never went.” Miss Scarlet says
“Exactly.” Professor Plum says smiling
“That’s where she planned on living if anything ever happened and the police caught wind of my father’s murder.” Miss Scarlet says as it comes to her
“Get your passport ready and cancel that tennis match.” Professor Plum says, “After we go to the police station we are taking the next train to London, and from there, a ferry to Paris.”
“I guess I’ll pack a suitcase.” Miss Scarlet says with half a smile.
In his Hospital room, Mr. Miles Meadow-Brook has many torn out pieces of paper from the notebook on which he is writing scattered across his bed. Each piece of paper reads incriminating details about many people in Hampshire. He continues to write as he remembers more. He finishes his current note and tears it out.
Dear Jane,
You have always been an understanding wife. That is why this marriage will continue. If you divorce me I will not only inform the police of your brother’s drug ring but I will personally call Sergei Gold and tell him what name you are going under. Think it over. What would you rather lose: your husband, or your freedom?
Good Luck, You’ve Only One Week to Decide
Your loving husband
Miles Meadow-Brook smiles at his devious success and gathers all the notes to an orderly stack. He puts them between the pages of his notebook and sits back with confidence. Nurse Primrose enters the room with a wheel chair.
“Am I being released?” asks Mr. Meadow-Brook
“Yes,” Nurse Primrose smiles, “You will be having a live in nurse for a while to change you bandages and help you in and out of your wheel chair.”
“Oh?” Mr. Meadow-Brook smirks, “Who is she?”
“You’re looking at her.” Nurse Primrose smiles at him
In another room of the Hospital, Georgia Peach is rushed into intensive care. Colonel Algernon Mustard stands in the waiting room as he watches her disappear through the doors. Dr. Olive enters from behind him.
“They just took her in?” asks Dr. Olive
“Yes,” Colonel Mustard blankly stares at the doors ahead of him
“I’m so sorry.” Dr. Olive says
“I just want to know what happened.” Colonel Mustard says sitting down
“I asked Georgia some questions about her family history and Emily burst in.” Dr. Olive says
“How did she get out?” asks Colonel Mustard
“She put soap on the floor of her room.” Dr. Olive says, “She then screamed for help. When the guard came in he slipped and she took his gun and starting shooting every guard in her way.”
“She was clever.” Colonel Mustard chuckles, “I’ve no reason to live…”
“Colonel,” Dr. Olive says
“She was my daughter.” Colonel Mustard says, “I was falling apart and then she came into my life and brought me hope.”
“Maybe Georgia can give you hope.” Dr. Olive suggests, “She is in pain, you are too.”
“You suggest that I create a bond with Georgia?” Colonel Mustard raises his eyebrow
“She’s a sweet young lady.” Dr. Olive says blushes
“You’re smitten with her.” Colonel Mustard says
“A bit.” Dr. Olive admits, “She wouldn’t notice someone like me.” He sounds a bit depresses, “But this isn’t the time for romance. She needs support not swooning.”
In the Lounge of Tudor Close, Mr. John Boddy is in a happy sleep when Mrs. White enters the room.
“Sir,” she whispers, “Master Boddy. Sir.”
“Yes, Blanche,” he wakes up
“Someone is here to see you.” Mrs. White says
“Very well.” Mr. Boddy rubs the sleep from his eyes as Gaspodin Sergei Gold enters the Lounge.
“Good Afternoon,” Sergei Gold smiles
“Sergei,” John Boddy stands up, “Can I get you a drink.”
“No, but you can tell your Grandfather that faking his death in a car explosion was a bit too predictable.” Sergei says
“What do you mean?” asks John
“I saw him get out of that car wreck and head back to the Mansion.” Sergei says, “Now I see it has been burned beyond recognition. I assume the police will be here soon.”
“Well I haven’t seen him.” John lies, “Are you sure you aren’t mistaken?”
“I’m positive. You told me to keep him alive and I did.” Sergei says, “I’m sure he is hiding out somewhere in the depths of this great Estate.”
“I’m sure.” John says sensing the seriousness of this situation
In the Depths of Tudor Close, beneath the Conservatory, Bradford Black moans helplessly. He watches as two rats pick through the food on the breakfast plate which is too far for him to reach.
“They probably poisoned it.” Bradford says pessimistically. He feels his stomach groan as the sharp ringing pain on the back of his skull diminishes.
-FLASHBACK – EARLIER THAT MORNING –
Mrs. Meadow-Brook notices a grimy piece of Lead Piping on the floor next to the fountain. Mrs. Black stares at the sharp cheese Knife on the tea tray. Jet Black looks at the loose Rope on the cloth bag of potting soil. Mr. Boddy feels in his pocket as he runs his fingers across the metal handle of the Revolver. Bradford casually turns the wicker chair upright and regains his composure in the chair.
“Kill me and hope that Mrs. Peacock delivers Scott anyway,” Bradford says, “Or let me live and risk Scott’s safety and all of your freedom from prison.”
“You’ll go to prison too.” Mrs. Black says
“So be it.” Bradford says wiping fresh blood from his bleeding lip, “Make your choice.”
In one swift move Jet and Mr. Boddy lunge for Bradford, pinning him against his chair.
“Get your hands off of me you cretins.” Bradford shouts
Mr. Boddy pulls the Revolver from his pocket. He points it at Bradford.
“You didn’t expect for us to kill you did you?” Mrs. Black smirks
“You need me alive.” Bradford says
“You’re right.” Mr. Boddy says, “But barely.”
Mrs. Meadow-Brook picks up the Lead Piping and smacks Bradford over the head.
“Jane, get that Rope,” Mr. Boddy orders for her to get the Rope from the bag of potting soil, “Sylvia, open the Passage door. Jet, help me with him.”
Jet grabs Bradford’s feet as Sylvia Black opens the wall paneling behind the ferns. Jet and Mr. Boddy struggle with Bradford knocking over a plant stand on the way to the secret passage. Jane Meadow-Brook removes the Rope from the bag and hands it to Sylvia who follows Jet and John down into the passage.
“What should I do?” asks Jane as she nervously twists her hands
“There’s a mop near the sink.” Sylvia motions for the sink with plant food and bug sprays, “Start cleaning up the water and dirt. I’ll be back up here shortly.”
-END OF FLASHBACK-
Bradford wakens from his memory as John Boddy and Sergei Gold can be seen heading down the passage from the Lounge to the Conservatory.
“You were right, he was down here.” Sergei says
“Lucky guess.” Mr. Boddy says
“He’s tied up,” Sergei says noticing Bradford’s bound hands.
“Let’s hope you son doesn’t come looking for you.” Mr. Boddy says hitting Sergei with the butt of his Revolver. Sergei tumbles to the ground.
“I’m sure you two will have a lot of talk about.” Mr. Boddy says fastening him to the same pipe Bradford is attached to. Sergei begins to come to as John heads back to the Lounge.
Mrs. Sylvia Black and Mrs. Jane Meadow-Brook enter through the front doors of the Hall. Mr. Ash is sweeping the floor when he notices the distraught look on Sylvia’s face.
“Mr. Ash,” Jane says, “Would you fix the tea tray?”
“Of course.” Mr. Ash says with a concerned look on his face.
“We’ll take it in the Lounge.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook leads Sylvia to the Lounge. Both women enter and sit on the sofa. Mrs. Meadow-Brook notices Mr. Boddy’s empty glass on the coffee table.
“We’ve got so much going on right now.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “We need to face the fact that Jessica is gone.”
“She could still be alive.” Mrs. Black says hopefully
“After everything that happened to her, I doubt she made it out of the woods.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“She made it out of the well.” Mrs. Black says
“She was never in the well.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “That was the police’s assumption.”
“So you honestly don’t know whether Jessica is alive or dead?” Mrs. Black says
“I’d rather not think about it…” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says shuttering
“Why?” Mrs. Black asks impatiently
“Because it’s been over four days.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook, “She was already weak when she encountered Sergeant Gray. There is no way she could have survived.”
Mr. Ash enters the room with the tea tray in hand.
At the Warehouse, Mr. Thallo Green nervously climbs the weak wooden stairs and enters a large room in the attic of the warehouse. He sees Dante Egret standing near the large glass windows.
“Where is he?’ asks Mr. Green
“Bradford died in a car crash.” Dante says, “He caught on and left before I could kill him. I knocked his car off the road into a ravine.”
“Are you sure he’s dead?” Mr. Green asks
“Do you see that smoke?” Dante motions out the window towards the thin black smoke coming from the forest.
“Yes,” Mr. Green says
“The explosion from his car caused that.” Dante says, “Our hands are completely clean of all of this.”
“You should know by that our hands are never clean.” Mr. Green says, “Someone always knows what is happening.”
“Not this time.” Dante says confidently.
In the Secret Passage beneath the Conservatory, Sergei Gold comes to as Bradford Black struggles in his confinement.
“Hello, Sergei,” Bradford says
“I don’t know why I trusted an old man like you to take care of this whole project.” Sergei says, “I should have put John in control.”
“John is the one who put me down here.” Bradford says
“Only because he is second in command,” Sergei says, “If I put him in control he would have gotten everything sorted out by now. You’d owed me after all I did.”
“I owed you nothing.” Bradford says bitterly
“I hardly think that is true… Dr. Beaumont.” Sergei says
-FLASHBACK- DECEMBER 18, 1927-
Miss Emerald and Mr. Green exchange a glance of fear and intrigue. Sergei Gold unlocks the clasps on his briefcase and slowly opens it. Mr. Green and Miss Emerald lean forward in their seats to see tiny bags of illegal substances. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, pills, etc.
“Remember how I mentioned all those empty rooms in the hotel?” asks Dr. Beaumont with a prideful grin, “This is where it all comes from.”
“You are running a drug cartel in the most luxurious hotel in Paris?” Miss Emerald says sitting back in her chair.
“Top quality.” Sergei closes his briefcase and kisses his wife.
“We get some of our best clients at the hotel!” Dr. Beaumont says
“All the desperate women who are under constant pressure of maintaining maximum aloofness,” Mrs. Beaumont says, “Rich tycoons who have gambled a bit too much and are quickly trying to find a way to make their inner pain go away.”
“What do you say?” Sergei Gold asks rubbing his hands together
“Will sell with us?” Irena Gold asks with excitement in her eyes
Miss Emerald looks at her half-brother and shakes her head. He remains quiet, staring at the briefcase.
“How much will we make?” asks Mr. Green
“30%.” Dr. Beaumont says
“Marc, no.” Miss Emerald says tugging on his arm and pulling him away from the group towards the large windows of the Lounge.
“Marie, we are barely making enough to sustain our lavish lifestyle.” Mr. Green whispers to his sister, “This could be our answer.”
“This won’t end good, believe me.” Miss Emerald says, “You’ll end up dead or in prison.”
“Not if we make the right choices with this.” Mr. Green says
“The right choice is saying no.” Miss Emerald says, “What would mom think?”
“She always taught us to do whatever we can to survive.” Mr. Green says
“I don’t think a drug ring is what she had in mind.” Miss Emerald says
“I accept your offer.” Mr. Green turns to small group in the seating area.
“I can’t believe you.” Miss Emerald says, “You’re playing with fire.”
“Miss Emerald,” Mrs. Beaumont asks, “Are you in.”
“No,” Miss Emerald says as she crosses the room and exits
“Will this be a problem?” asks Dr. Beaumont
“I’ll talk with her tonight.” Mr. Green says
“Good,” Dr. Beaumont says, “I understand that she is your sister, but if she becomes a threat, she will have to be taken care of.”
“I understand.” Mr. Green says
“You are a good man,” Sergei says, “But you should never put business before your family. No matter how desperate for money you are.”
-END OF FLASHBACK-
“It’s your fault they got away.” Sergei says, “It’s your fault that the hotel ended up blowing up. If we’d just killed Miss Emerald when we had the chance the hotel would be intact and my wife would be alive!”
“Ah,” Bradford says, “So you finally brought up that old scar.”
“You still have one more chance to make this right.” Sergei says
“Oh?” asks Bradford
“Kill Miss Emerald.” Sergei says, “If you kill her I’ll leave you and your family alone.”
“I don’t know where she is,” Bradford says
“Would it help if I told you she goes under the name Jane Meadow-Brook now?” Sergei asks
“The same bitch who hit me with a piece of piping.” Bradford Black says
“Then we have mutual hate for her.” Sergei says, “Kill her and your slate is wiped clean.”
-Friday, April 22, 1949; 7.49 pm-
The evening air is crisp and cool. There is an eerie stillness over Hampshire. Two men stand on the Boat Dock outside of Tudor Close’s Boat House. The older, taller man is carrying a bag of money.
“Put it in the crate.” He orders motioning to the open wooden crate that is in the back of the row boat.
The younger man obeys and dumps the money in the crate. He then drops the duffle bag off the edge of the pier.
“Good,” the man says, “I told you I will always win. Any last words?”
“Please, don’t,” The younger man holds up his hands as he back up.
The taller man walks forward with the shotgun and holds it at eyelevel to the younger man. A gunshot rings out as the taller man with the shotgun falls forward, the shotgun tumbles from his grip and hits the dock. A woman stands behind in the doorway of the Boat House, holding a German war pistol, which is smoking. The younger man rushes over and to the woman as they hurry off the Dock, leaving the money to blow gently in the light breeze the young man and woman rush out of the Boat Dock and make their way to the Patio leading into Tudor Close.
“Stop!” the woman says
“What?” the man says, “We need to go. Someone will have heard that gunshot!”
“I know,” the woman says, “But we can’t run away from our problems. We need to fix them ethically.”
“You are crazy!” the man says, “For once in a long time everything is perfect! Now you want to ruin it all!”
“It’s no perfect!” the woman shouts, “It never was… it never will be anything that resembles a perfect life.”
--Wednesday, April 20, 1949; 1.02 pm-
In the Lounge of Tudor Close, John Boddy walks over to the bar. He opens the liquor cabinet and makes a gin and tonic.
“It’s not even happy hour.” Mrs. White says from the fireplace where she is cleaning out the ashbin.
“I’ve had a rough morning.” Mr. Boddy says
“So you plan on making it a rough afternoon?” Mrs. White asks in a chipper, gleeful mood.
“I have a lot to consider.” Mr. Boddy says
Mrs. White hums merrily as she begins to polish the fireplace tools.
“You seem in a bloody jolly mood.” Mr. Boddy says
“Well today was the day Bradford was shot at the warehouse.” Mrs. White says
It had completely slipped Mr. Boddy’s mind, given all the havoc that has happened, “Yes, and we need to think of a good cover up story.”
“Well I’ve already made up mine.” Mrs. White says cheerfully
“Oh?” Mr. Boddy asks
“I was in the pantry all morning taking inventory.” Mrs. White says, “I’ll make mention of how we need more sugar and flour and that there is not nearly enough jams and preserves. I’ll then ask the investigating officer if he knows where to get boysenberry jam, because I’ve been out of luck and I’d love to have some on hand. Scott loves it and I’d love to have it for when Scott returns.”
“Mrs. White,” Mr. Boddy says
“Am I rambling?” asks Mrs. White
“Just a tad,” Mr. Boddy says downing the drink
“I’ve noticed that I do tend to ramble lately.” Mrs. White says, “My aunt would ramble on and on when she was my age. My mother was often annoyed by her constant nonsense. She would go on about the cat and her knitting or the most recent romance novel that she’s picked up.”
“Mrs. White,” Mr. Boddy says
“Sorry, I’m doing it again, aren’t I?” Mrs. White chuckles
“I’ve got a bit of a headache,” Mr. Boddy says, “Why don’t you go see if the piano in the Ballroom is tuned properly. I’m not sure the last time it’s been tuned.”
“Oh I’d say around Christmas.” Mrs. White says, “Hugh and Sylvia always threw elaborate parties. I remember because Miss Scarlet was playing carols on the piano and commented on how crisp and pure the notes were. Hugh told her that we just had it tuned.”
“Blanche,” Mr. Boddy closes his eyes.
“Shuffle on,” Mrs. White says, “I know what you are trying to tell me. Have a good rest.”
“Mmm.” Mr. Boddy hums from the sofa where he sleepily sits
“I’ll just be off to the scullery. The silverware is bound to be ruined if I don’t get to it soon.” Mrs. White says, “I was wondering,”
Mr. Boddy opens his eyes in frustration, “Yes, Mrs. White?”
“Will you be in charge of the house now that Bradford is gone?” Mrs. White asks
“I suppose I will carry some responsibilities until the legal work is sorted out.” Mr. Boddy says setting his glass on the coffee table.
“If money is no issue,” Mrs. White says
“You have been a great help to us,” Mr. Boddy interrupts her, “I’ll be sure to it that you get a boost in your next pay check.”
“Oh thank you,” Mrs. White says, “That is very generous of you, but I was actually hoping we might be able to hire some extra help.”
“Extra help?” Mr. Boddy asks
“Like a maid.” Mrs. White says
“You are the maid.” Mr. Boddy points out
“Housekeeper,” Mrs. White corrects
“That’s just splitting hairs.” Mr. Boddy says
“I’m rather up in years.” Mrs. White says, “An extra pair of hands around the house would be much appreciated.”
“I’ll talk to Sylvia about it.” Mr. Boddy closes his eyes and reclines on the sofa
“Oh thank you, sir.” Mrs. White says, “I’ll be out of your hair now.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Boddy says as Mrs. White finally leaves the Lounge.
In the Main Hall of Dark Hill Sanitarium, paramedics rush Miss Georgia Peach outside on a stretcher. There is much blood oozing from her abdomen. Several steps behind them two more paramedics carry a stretcher with a white sheet over it. Underneath that sheet is Emily Peach. Inspector Winfield Brown and Dr. Glen Olive stand in the center of the room. Colonel Mustard follows the paramedics out after Emily.
“Damn!” Inspector Brown stomps his foot
“Georgia will be fine.” Dr. Olive says optimistically
“Emily is dead.” Inspector Brown says
“Emily was on the brink of serious insanity to begin with.” Dr. Olive says, “All of that childhood trauma…”
“I don’t care!” Inspector Brown says
“You can’t save everyone.” Dr. Olive says
“She knew something!” Inspector Brown says, “I don’t know what. I just wanted to ask her a few questions about Mrs. Peacock.”
“How can you be sure anything she would have told you would have been true?” asks Dr. Olive, “Besides, she was too absorbed in the issue with her sister, she wouldn’t have changed the topic onto missing serial killers who use to live nearby.”
“Maybe Chandler will know.” Inspector Brown says
“I think you should simmer down and take all the information you have already into account.” Dr. Olive says
“I appreciate your advice but I don’t need it.” Inspector Brown says
Out in the forest behind Tudor Close, Mrs. Jane Meadow-Brook is becoming frantic as she can’t find Sylvia anywhere.
“Sylvia,” Jane calls out, “Please, you need to come inside. There are so many ways to cope with loss but this isn’t one of them.”
Mrs. Meadow-Brook grabs onto a tree for balance as she steps over a log. She pulls her light green sweater tighter as a cool breeze picks up some leaves and swishes light auburn hair. She sees a figure in black hunches over near a tree.
“Sylvia?” Jane calls out as she rushes over to the figure. She sees Sylvia kneeling in front of the tree crying. Sylvia’s red hair has dried leaves caught in it.
“Come on, dear, let’s go inside and get you a nice cup of tea.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“She can’t be dead.” Sylvia Black wipes her eyes with her cold, tear-stained hands.
Mrs. Meadow-Brook helps her to her feet and begins to walk with her back to the mansion. Sylvia sniffles and rests her head on Jane’s shoulder as they walk. On the tree is a worn, carved heart which reads: ‘Sylvia Ebony & Hugh Black - Forever Together’.
On Ceil Drive, Miss Cynthia Scarlet walks to the mailbox and opens it. She waves to Percival Oakwood as he and Julia walk towards the end of the street. She sees a package on the grass next to the mailbox. She takes it and enters the house. Professor Gregory Plum comes down the stairs in a white shirt, purple vest, and black pants. His hair is still wet from the shower.
“You got a package?” he asks
“It’s for Penelope.” Miss Scarlet says opening it. She opens it to find an urn.
“Mom,” Professor Plum is taken back
“Are you alright?” Miss Scarlet asks
“I wasn’t expecting our mother’s ashes to arrive so soon.” Professor Plum takes out a hanky and wipes his eye.
“Do you need some water?” asks Miss Scarlet
“No, I’ll be fine.” He sits down and lifts the urn from the box gently, “Your step-mother and I were going to scatter her ashes together.”
“Do you want me to go with you?” asks Miss Scarlet
Professor Plum smiles up at his step-niece, “That would be nice.”
“We could keep her here on the mantel if you’d like,” Miss Scarlet says
“No!” Professor Plum says abruptly, “I mean, no.” he corrects himself in a calmer fashion, “I want her to be scattered at the lake beyond Tudor Close. She found it quite peaceful when she came to visit about ten years ago. I figured she would want to be put to rest there.”
“Chandler and I are going to play tennis,” Miss Scarlet says, “Would you like to join us.”
“That would be nice.” Professor Plum says, “But I actually am going to head down to the police station. I think I have something they need to know.”
“Oh?” asks Miss Scarlet
“The party in 1934,” Professor Plum lowers his voice, “You wouldn’t remember much of it; you were only seven.”
“You’d be surprised what I remember from that party.” Miss Scarlet says
“Hugh was still in love my sister that night and he gave her a small gift.” Professor Plum says
“You think she knew that he was her father?” asks Miss Scarlet
“No,” Professor Plum says, “But given what he gave to her it’s clear where she is heading right now, or where she might be right now with Scott.”
“Where?” asks Miss Scarlet
“Paris.” Professor Plum says, “Hugh gave her the keys to his Villa in Paris. She told him she would take care of it like it was her own.”
“She never went.” Miss Scarlet says
“Exactly.” Professor Plum says smiling
“That’s where she planned on living if anything ever happened and the police caught wind of my father’s murder.” Miss Scarlet says as it comes to her
“Get your passport ready and cancel that tennis match.” Professor Plum says, “After we go to the police station we are taking the next train to London, and from there, a ferry to Paris.”
“I guess I’ll pack a suitcase.” Miss Scarlet says with half a smile.
In his Hospital room, Mr. Miles Meadow-Brook has many torn out pieces of paper from the notebook on which he is writing scattered across his bed. Each piece of paper reads incriminating details about many people in Hampshire. He continues to write as he remembers more. He finishes his current note and tears it out.
Dear Jane,
You have always been an understanding wife. That is why this marriage will continue. If you divorce me I will not only inform the police of your brother’s drug ring but I will personally call Sergei Gold and tell him what name you are going under. Think it over. What would you rather lose: your husband, or your freedom?
Good Luck, You’ve Only One Week to Decide
Your loving husband
Miles Meadow-Brook smiles at his devious success and gathers all the notes to an orderly stack. He puts them between the pages of his notebook and sits back with confidence. Nurse Primrose enters the room with a wheel chair.
“Am I being released?” asks Mr. Meadow-Brook
“Yes,” Nurse Primrose smiles, “You will be having a live in nurse for a while to change you bandages and help you in and out of your wheel chair.”
“Oh?” Mr. Meadow-Brook smirks, “Who is she?”
“You’re looking at her.” Nurse Primrose smiles at him
In another room of the Hospital, Georgia Peach is rushed into intensive care. Colonel Algernon Mustard stands in the waiting room as he watches her disappear through the doors. Dr. Olive enters from behind him.
“They just took her in?” asks Dr. Olive
“Yes,” Colonel Mustard blankly stares at the doors ahead of him
“I’m so sorry.” Dr. Olive says
“I just want to know what happened.” Colonel Mustard says sitting down
“I asked Georgia some questions about her family history and Emily burst in.” Dr. Olive says
“How did she get out?” asks Colonel Mustard
“She put soap on the floor of her room.” Dr. Olive says, “She then screamed for help. When the guard came in he slipped and she took his gun and starting shooting every guard in her way.”
“She was clever.” Colonel Mustard chuckles, “I’ve no reason to live…”
“Colonel,” Dr. Olive says
“She was my daughter.” Colonel Mustard says, “I was falling apart and then she came into my life and brought me hope.”
“Maybe Georgia can give you hope.” Dr. Olive suggests, “She is in pain, you are too.”
“You suggest that I create a bond with Georgia?” Colonel Mustard raises his eyebrow
“She’s a sweet young lady.” Dr. Olive says blushes
“You’re smitten with her.” Colonel Mustard says
“A bit.” Dr. Olive admits, “She wouldn’t notice someone like me.” He sounds a bit depresses, “But this isn’t the time for romance. She needs support not swooning.”
In the Lounge of Tudor Close, Mr. John Boddy is in a happy sleep when Mrs. White enters the room.
“Sir,” she whispers, “Master Boddy. Sir.”
“Yes, Blanche,” he wakes up
“Someone is here to see you.” Mrs. White says
“Very well.” Mr. Boddy rubs the sleep from his eyes as Gaspodin Sergei Gold enters the Lounge.
“Good Afternoon,” Sergei Gold smiles
“Sergei,” John Boddy stands up, “Can I get you a drink.”
“No, but you can tell your Grandfather that faking his death in a car explosion was a bit too predictable.” Sergei says
“What do you mean?” asks John
“I saw him get out of that car wreck and head back to the Mansion.” Sergei says, “Now I see it has been burned beyond recognition. I assume the police will be here soon.”
“Well I haven’t seen him.” John lies, “Are you sure you aren’t mistaken?”
“I’m positive. You told me to keep him alive and I did.” Sergei says, “I’m sure he is hiding out somewhere in the depths of this great Estate.”
“I’m sure.” John says sensing the seriousness of this situation
In the Depths of Tudor Close, beneath the Conservatory, Bradford Black moans helplessly. He watches as two rats pick through the food on the breakfast plate which is too far for him to reach.
“They probably poisoned it.” Bradford says pessimistically. He feels his stomach groan as the sharp ringing pain on the back of his skull diminishes.
-FLASHBACK – EARLIER THAT MORNING –
Mrs. Meadow-Brook notices a grimy piece of Lead Piping on the floor next to the fountain. Mrs. Black stares at the sharp cheese Knife on the tea tray. Jet Black looks at the loose Rope on the cloth bag of potting soil. Mr. Boddy feels in his pocket as he runs his fingers across the metal handle of the Revolver. Bradford casually turns the wicker chair upright and regains his composure in the chair.
“Kill me and hope that Mrs. Peacock delivers Scott anyway,” Bradford says, “Or let me live and risk Scott’s safety and all of your freedom from prison.”
“You’ll go to prison too.” Mrs. Black says
“So be it.” Bradford says wiping fresh blood from his bleeding lip, “Make your choice.”
In one swift move Jet and Mr. Boddy lunge for Bradford, pinning him against his chair.
“Get your hands off of me you cretins.” Bradford shouts
Mr. Boddy pulls the Revolver from his pocket. He points it at Bradford.
“You didn’t expect for us to kill you did you?” Mrs. Black smirks
“You need me alive.” Bradford says
“You’re right.” Mr. Boddy says, “But barely.”
Mrs. Meadow-Brook picks up the Lead Piping and smacks Bradford over the head.
“Jane, get that Rope,” Mr. Boddy orders for her to get the Rope from the bag of potting soil, “Sylvia, open the Passage door. Jet, help me with him.”
Jet grabs Bradford’s feet as Sylvia Black opens the wall paneling behind the ferns. Jet and Mr. Boddy struggle with Bradford knocking over a plant stand on the way to the secret passage. Jane Meadow-Brook removes the Rope from the bag and hands it to Sylvia who follows Jet and John down into the passage.
“What should I do?” asks Jane as she nervously twists her hands
“There’s a mop near the sink.” Sylvia motions for the sink with plant food and bug sprays, “Start cleaning up the water and dirt. I’ll be back up here shortly.”
-END OF FLASHBACK-
Bradford wakens from his memory as John Boddy and Sergei Gold can be seen heading down the passage from the Lounge to the Conservatory.
“You were right, he was down here.” Sergei says
“Lucky guess.” Mr. Boddy says
“He’s tied up,” Sergei says noticing Bradford’s bound hands.
“Let’s hope you son doesn’t come looking for you.” Mr. Boddy says hitting Sergei with the butt of his Revolver. Sergei tumbles to the ground.
“I’m sure you two will have a lot of talk about.” Mr. Boddy says fastening him to the same pipe Bradford is attached to. Sergei begins to come to as John heads back to the Lounge.
Mrs. Sylvia Black and Mrs. Jane Meadow-Brook enter through the front doors of the Hall. Mr. Ash is sweeping the floor when he notices the distraught look on Sylvia’s face.
“Mr. Ash,” Jane says, “Would you fix the tea tray?”
“Of course.” Mr. Ash says with a concerned look on his face.
“We’ll take it in the Lounge.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook leads Sylvia to the Lounge. Both women enter and sit on the sofa. Mrs. Meadow-Brook notices Mr. Boddy’s empty glass on the coffee table.
“We’ve got so much going on right now.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “We need to face the fact that Jessica is gone.”
“She could still be alive.” Mrs. Black says hopefully
“After everything that happened to her, I doubt she made it out of the woods.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“She made it out of the well.” Mrs. Black says
“She was never in the well.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “That was the police’s assumption.”
“So you honestly don’t know whether Jessica is alive or dead?” Mrs. Black says
“I’d rather not think about it…” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says shuttering
“Why?” Mrs. Black asks impatiently
“Because it’s been over four days.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook, “She was already weak when she encountered Sergeant Gray. There is no way she could have survived.”
Mr. Ash enters the room with the tea tray in hand.
At the Warehouse, Mr. Thallo Green nervously climbs the weak wooden stairs and enters a large room in the attic of the warehouse. He sees Dante Egret standing near the large glass windows.
“Where is he?’ asks Mr. Green
“Bradford died in a car crash.” Dante says, “He caught on and left before I could kill him. I knocked his car off the road into a ravine.”
“Are you sure he’s dead?” Mr. Green asks
“Do you see that smoke?” Dante motions out the window towards the thin black smoke coming from the forest.
“Yes,” Mr. Green says
“The explosion from his car caused that.” Dante says, “Our hands are completely clean of all of this.”
“You should know by that our hands are never clean.” Mr. Green says, “Someone always knows what is happening.”
“Not this time.” Dante says confidently.
In the Secret Passage beneath the Conservatory, Sergei Gold comes to as Bradford Black struggles in his confinement.
“Hello, Sergei,” Bradford says
“I don’t know why I trusted an old man like you to take care of this whole project.” Sergei says, “I should have put John in control.”
“John is the one who put me down here.” Bradford says
“Only because he is second in command,” Sergei says, “If I put him in control he would have gotten everything sorted out by now. You’d owed me after all I did.”
“I owed you nothing.” Bradford says bitterly
“I hardly think that is true… Dr. Beaumont.” Sergei says
-FLASHBACK- DECEMBER 18, 1927-
Miss Emerald and Mr. Green exchange a glance of fear and intrigue. Sergei Gold unlocks the clasps on his briefcase and slowly opens it. Mr. Green and Miss Emerald lean forward in their seats to see tiny bags of illegal substances. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, pills, etc.
“Remember how I mentioned all those empty rooms in the hotel?” asks Dr. Beaumont with a prideful grin, “This is where it all comes from.”
“You are running a drug cartel in the most luxurious hotel in Paris?” Miss Emerald says sitting back in her chair.
“Top quality.” Sergei closes his briefcase and kisses his wife.
“We get some of our best clients at the hotel!” Dr. Beaumont says
“All the desperate women who are under constant pressure of maintaining maximum aloofness,” Mrs. Beaumont says, “Rich tycoons who have gambled a bit too much and are quickly trying to find a way to make their inner pain go away.”
“What do you say?” Sergei Gold asks rubbing his hands together
“Will sell with us?” Irena Gold asks with excitement in her eyes
Miss Emerald looks at her half-brother and shakes her head. He remains quiet, staring at the briefcase.
“How much will we make?” asks Mr. Green
“30%.” Dr. Beaumont says
“Marc, no.” Miss Emerald says tugging on his arm and pulling him away from the group towards the large windows of the Lounge.
“Marie, we are barely making enough to sustain our lavish lifestyle.” Mr. Green whispers to his sister, “This could be our answer.”
“This won’t end good, believe me.” Miss Emerald says, “You’ll end up dead or in prison.”
“Not if we make the right choices with this.” Mr. Green says
“The right choice is saying no.” Miss Emerald says, “What would mom think?”
“She always taught us to do whatever we can to survive.” Mr. Green says
“I don’t think a drug ring is what she had in mind.” Miss Emerald says
“I accept your offer.” Mr. Green turns to small group in the seating area.
“I can’t believe you.” Miss Emerald says, “You’re playing with fire.”
“Miss Emerald,” Mrs. Beaumont asks, “Are you in.”
“No,” Miss Emerald says as she crosses the room and exits
“Will this be a problem?” asks Dr. Beaumont
“I’ll talk with her tonight.” Mr. Green says
“Good,” Dr. Beaumont says, “I understand that she is your sister, but if she becomes a threat, she will have to be taken care of.”
“I understand.” Mr. Green says
“You are a good man,” Sergei says, “But you should never put business before your family. No matter how desperate for money you are.”
-END OF FLASHBACK-
“It’s your fault they got away.” Sergei says, “It’s your fault that the hotel ended up blowing up. If we’d just killed Miss Emerald when we had the chance the hotel would be intact and my wife would be alive!”
“Ah,” Bradford says, “So you finally brought up that old scar.”
“You still have one more chance to make this right.” Sergei says
“Oh?” asks Bradford
“Kill Miss Emerald.” Sergei says, “If you kill her I’ll leave you and your family alone.”
“I don’t know where she is,” Bradford says
“Would it help if I told you she goes under the name Jane Meadow-Brook now?” Sergei asks
“The same bitch who hit me with a piece of piping.” Bradford Black says
“Then we have mutual hate for her.” Sergei says, “Kill her and your slate is wiped clean.”