Episode 31 – “Women: Strong, Deadly, and Unstoppable” Part 2
Previously on the Memoirs of Mayfield: Miss Scarlet, Chandler Weiss, and Professor Plum go to spread Ms. Plum’s ashes. A gargoyle comes loose from the roof of Tudor Close and nearly kills Chandler. Miss Scarlet at first passed it off as one of her illusions but then realizes she can’t decipher what is real and what isn’t. At the Boat Dock, Professor Plum digs in the urn and removes a bag containing white powder. Mrs. Black finds out from Mr. Meadow-Brook that she will be in charge of the estate until Jet reaches the age of consent. Mr. Meadow-Brook proceeds to blackmail Mrs. Black into her talking Jane into taking him back. Meanwhile, Mrs. Meadow-Brook comes to the startling conclusion that there is a body in Bradford’s car. She asks her brother, Thallo, but he assumes it is Bradford’s body. Miss Peach and Dr. Olive begin to grow a closer bond. Mrs. Peacock arrives at the villa in Paris to find someone everyone had long thought dead, Bradford’s wife: Helena Black…
-Wednesday, April 20, 1949 -
-Mrs. Peacock’s Journey-
-Dawn-
Mrs. Peacock wakes up on the sofa in the Drawing Room of the Lenoir Villa. She looks over to see Mrs. Helena Black standing in the window alcove staring off into the horrizon.
“I’ve been thinking,” Helena says turning towards Mrs. Peacock. She is holding a whiskey decanter, “I think we should both return to Hampshire.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Why not?” asks Helena turning back to the window and looking out at the Gazebo as she takes a drink from the decanter, “Both our families would be shocked to see us.”
“After Hugh was murdered I left.” Mrs. Peacock bites her lip, “I just can’t go back.”
“The killer is after you.” Helena says, “I’m sure two strong independent women can dispose of one heartless murderer.”
“Helena,” Mrs. Peacock says slowly, “You need to understand something. I did what I had to do in the best interest of my family.”
“What are you getting at?” Helena turns to Mrs. Peacock with a suspicious look on her face
“Helena, I am the one who killed Hugh.” Mrs. Peacock holds her breath
“You murdered him?” Helena says maintaining an eerie calmness.
“I had no choice.” Mrs. Peacock says, “My adoptive mother would cut me from her vast fortune if it was found out that I had been talking to my birth father.”
“Hugh was your father?” Helena comes to a realization, “I assume you are now aware that you are the result of an incestuous affair between Hugh and his sister Estelle?”
“Yes.” Mrs. Peacock swallows hard
“Did you kill Estelle too?” asks Helena
“Yes.” Mrs. Peacock lowers her head in despair, “She tried to blackmail me.”
Helena angrily throws the decanter at the wall above Mrs. Peacock. Glass and alcohol rain down onto Mrs. Peacock.
“Helena, I loved Hugh.” Mrs. Peacock stands up quickly, trying not to step on any broken glass, “I didn't kill him out of material gain. I didn't kill him because of blackmail. I killed him because he was my father and he fell in love with me.”
“You killed my only son!” Helena says trying to recover from her anger, “You took him away from me.”
“Your entire family was dead to you!” Mrs. Peacock says, “You left them and pretended to be dead. He was gone long before.”
“Yes dear, we’ve covered that already.” Helena says grabbed a candlestick from the mantel and walking over to Mrs. Peacock.
“Please, Helena, don’t.” Mrs. Peacock falls back on the sofa and quickly reaches in her purse but finds the gun is missing.
“You should know by now that I’m not stupid enough to leave you with a weapon.” Helena says, “We both know where I stand on firearms.”
“Please, you have to understand,” Mrs. Peacock whimpers as Helena draws closer, “I am suffering so much right now that it can’t get any worse.”
“Let’s put that to the test, shall we?” Helena says swinging the Candlestick as Mrs. Peacock’s head. She screams and falls to the floor in a heap.
-Georgia Peach’s Journey-
-Midday-
Miss Georgia Peach squints her eyes as she the bright afternoon sun shines into her face. She inhales deeply as she is helped out of her wheelchair. Her right arm falls limply to her side as she walks towards the dark green car. Dr. Olive holds her left arm and helps her into the passenger’s seat.
“How’s your arm?” Dr. Olive says taking his seat in the driver’s seat.
“I can’t feel it.” Miss Peach says touching it with her left hand, “It’s like rubber.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” asks Dr. Olive as he begins to drive
“There is one thing.” Miss Peach says, “Don’t treat me like I’m handicapped.”
Dr. Olive chuckles, “My sister was like that. She was paralyzed from the waist down and always wanted to be treated like she wasn’t different. I was always hard on her though. I wanted a sister who could play and wrestle not someone who got special attention from our parents.”
“It must have been hard on you.” Miss Peach says
“I got past that.” Dr. Olive says as he stops at an Italian Café, “What I didn’t get past was her death.”
“I’m so sorry.” Miss Peach lowers her head
“I was eleven. I was watching her while our mother was at the neighbors. She fell outside and tried to crawl to her chair but drown in the pool.” Dr. Olive says distantly.
Miss Peach puts her left hand on his.
“I’m sorry,” Dr. Olive says shaking off his bad thoughts, “I shouldn’t have mentioned this after everything you’ve been through.”
“I don’t blame myself for Emily’s death.” Miss Peach says, “Like you said, she was mentally unstable and it was bound to happen.”
Miss Peach and Dr. Olive exit the car. Dr. Olive helps her into the restaurant as Mr. Green and Mrs. Meadow-Brook pass by on the way out. Miss Peach watches them walk slowly towards Ceil Drive.
“Do you know them?” asks Dr. Olive noticing that she was watching
“Well,” Miss Peach says after a moment of hesitation, “Actually I do. I met them in Paris years ago.”
“Mr. Green and Mrs. Meadow-Brook?” asks Dr. Olive, “I didn’t realize they traveled together.”
“Oh I didn’t realize Marie got married.” Miss Peach says, “My mother knew her and helped her through some problems.”
“Marie?” Dr. Olive says, “Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s name is Jane.”
“Oh,” Miss Peach is taken back in shock, “My mistake, I could have sworn her name was Marie.”
-Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s Journey-
-Earlier that Afternoon-
Mrs. Jane Meadow-Brook walks down Ceil Drive. She is heading towards the Prussian Home when she notices Miles Meadow-Brook outside of his home across the street. He waves to her and she ignores him. She enters the Prussian Home to see a young blonde woman in a scanty dark blue top and a short black skirt sitting on the sofa. She is Roxanne Prussian, the young bombshell wife of Dr. Rex Prussian.
“Hi Jane.” She says in a thick Italian accent not looking up from the fashion magazine that she is browsing through
“Hello Roxanne,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I’m going to be having lunch with my brother.”
“Okay,” Roxanne says without much emotion or care
“I wanted to thank you for letting me stay here.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“Thank my husband,” Mrs. Prussian says, “He was the one who agreed to letting you stay here.”
Mrs. Meadow-Brook shakes off the awkwardness of Mrs. Prussian’s actions as she heads towards the front door. The door opens and Dr. Rex Prussian enters. He is tall and handsome with tired eyes.
“Hello darling,” Mrs. Prussian stands up and throws her arms around her much older husband. Mrs. Meadow-Brook blinks awkwardly as she watches the married couple engage in a passionate kiss. She is reminded of her failing love life and remembers the caring words of a certain Irish gardener a day prior. She smiles at the thought as she exits the house leaving the two in each other’s arms.
“She’s only after his money.” She thinks to herself, “And he only married her for her beauty. I need a man who loves me for me.”
Her mind flutters back to Rusty Naylor. Jane Meadow-Brook had never previously found herself attracted to Rusty. He’s a mature man with greying ginger hair and beady eyes. He isn’t much to look at but he has a heart as big as the elegant gardens of Tudor Close which is lovingly cares for. Mrs. Meadow-Brook steps off the curb to hear the screeching of tires. She gasps and looks up as a car stops in front of her.
“Watch wear you are going!” a man shouts from the driver’s seat
“I’m so sorry.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says as she carefully crosses the street. In a dark, dusty alley a figure stands watching Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s every move. She walks towards the Italian Café on the corner when she spots Sylvia Black walking with two other men. Sylvia notices her but the men don’t. Mrs. Meadow-Brook shrugs and enters the Italian Café. She walks to the table in the back to see her brother, Thallo Green sitting at the table wringing his hands.
“This had better be important.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says with frustration as she takes a seat across from her brother.
“Yuri is dead.” Mr. Green says
“Yuri Gold?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook is shocked
“Yes,” Mr. Green says
“What happened?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“I don’t know.” Mr. Green says looking down at his shaky hands
“Thallo,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook lowers her voice, “Yuri is the only one who knew about us. He being dead is a miracle.”
“Sergei knows.” Mr. Green says
“He doesn’t know we’re in Mayfield, does he?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“Worse, he knows what part of Mayfield we’re in.” Mr. Green says
“He knows we both live in Hampshire?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook sits back in her chair nervously, “Madame Rose told me that Sergei knows who I am but I didn’t think he knew where I lived.”
“And someone murdered Yuri.” Mr. Green says, “It wasn’t me, it wasn’t Dante, so I need to ask you if you murdered him.”
“I didn’t.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“Jane, I would be 100% relieved to learn that you murdered him. If you did I need to know.” Mr. Green says
“I didn’t!” Jane says angrily
“Then someone else knows about Yuri Gold and Sergei Gold.” Mr. Green says
“Miles…” Jane says softly
“Your husband wouldn’t kill anyone.” Mr. Green says
“We’re having marital problems.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I told him I am leaving him.”
“No, no, no!” Mr. Green stands up, drawing attention to them. He notices and sits back down calmly, “You can’t have any enemies.”
“I can’t live with him.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “He cheated on me!”
“Big deal,” Mr. Green says, “We all have problems. You and I have a much bigger problem than someone sleeping around.”
“It’s not like that…” Jane says beginning to cry
“No,” Mr. Green grabs her hand, “Someone knows that you and I are Marie Emerald and Marc Green. That is far bigger that marital problems. We could end up in serious trouble.”
“Yes, Thallo,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook pulls her hand out of her brother’s hand, “We could go to jail. You’ve told me a million times.”
“We could be killed!” Mr. Green says
Mrs. Meadow-Brook closes her eyes, “We still need to figure out who the body in Bradford’s car is.”
“Jane,” Mr. Green takes a deep breath, “Yuri Gold is the body in Bradford’s car.”
“Oh shit.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s face goes pale.
“I know,” Mr. Green takes his glass of whiskey and downs it
“No,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook shakes her head, “You don’t understand. Bradford Black is Dr. Beaumont: the same man from Paris.”
Mr. Green’s hands become shakier as the whiskey glass hits the table.
“Oh my God,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook looks up at the ceiling in an attempt to force back more tears, “This isn’t a coincidence that Sergei, Yuri, and Bradford all came to Hampshire at the same time…”
“It’s a reunion from the Paris Hotel in 1927.” Mr. Green finishes her sentence.
At a table across the room the figure from the alley watches Mr. Green and Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s every move. The figure is holding a switchblade under the table.
-Mrs. Black’s Journey-
-Earlier that Morning-
Earlier that morning, Mrs. Sylvia Black and Jet Black are arguing in the Conservatory.
“What if Scott isn’t brought back by tomorrow?” Jet asks angrily as his mother sprays water on the plants in the window alcove.
“Have a little faith.” Mrs. Black says
“You aren’t telling me everything.” Jet says grabbing the bottle from her and tossing it on the floor.
“Dammit, Jet, I’m telling you everything I know!” Mrs. Black shouts, “If all goes according to plan Scott will be home by tomorrow evening and life will begin to resume.”
The secret passage door opens suddenly and Sergei Gold and Bradford Black exit.
“Oh my God.” Mrs. Black backs away in horror as Sergei grabs Jet and twists his arms behind his back, bending him over the arm of the chair, nearly smothering him in the cushions. Bradford grabs Sylvia’s arm and covers her mouth.
“Tell John that if he ties two people to the same pipe that it’s only a matter of time before they untie each other.” Bradford says
Sergei grabs the fruit knife from the wicker coffee table and hands it to Bradford. Bradford puts the silver blade against Mrs. Black’s throat. A tear runs down her cheek as Jet struggles to see what is happening.
“What do you want?” Mrs. Black whimpers as more tears fall
“I need a favor.” Bradford says
“I’ll do anything.” Mrs. Black says
“Not from you.” Bradford says, “You’ll end up double crossing me and I can’t afford that.”
“What do you want?” Jet asks painfully
“I’m glad you asked.” Bradford smirks as Sergei pulls Jet upright and moves him towards Bradford.
“I will kill your mother if you don’t kill Jane Meadow-Brook.” Bradford says
“What?” Jet asks in horror
“I don’t like repeating myself.” Bradford sighs
“I heard you!” Jet says frantically
“Good.” Bradford says as Sergei reaches into his pocket and hands Jet a switchblade, “Don’t try anything funny or your mother will be gasping for air.”
Jet’s lip quivers as he puts the switchblade in his pocket. He turns and heads to the Conservatory door.
“Jet,” Bradford says, “I need to be sure that you really kill Jane.”
“Do you need me to lure her back to the Mansion so I can sacrifice her in front of you?” asks Jet bitterly
“No,” Bradford says, “I just need a blood soaked knife and a lock of her hair.”
Jet leaves the Conservatory as Bradford lets go of Sylvia.
“He won’t do it.” Mrs. Black says staggering backwards and wiping her eyes, “He’s changed.”
“I highly doubt a teenage boy who has seen his father’s mutilated body, lived through a massacre of murders by a busybody, lived through his little brother’s kidnapping, and watched his mother have a blade put to her throat will try anything stupid.” Bradford says
“You are wrong about one of those things.” Mrs. Black says, “He never saw his father’s dead body.”
“Either way I’m sure he heard what happened to him.” Bradford says
“Oh Bradford,” Mrs. Black says composing herself as best as she can, “Poor naïve Bradford. Jet’s father isn’t dead.”
“Hugh’s alive?” Bradford becomes overwhelmed by ecstatic shock
“No you insolent old man!” Mrs. Black snaps, “Hugh isn’t Jet’s father!”
Bradford raises the knife above Sylvia’s head, “Then who is.”
“If you kill me you’ll never know.” She says without blinking
“Sylvia, who is the father?” Bradford asks
“I’ll give you a hint.” Mrs. Black says
“Sylvia!” Bradford shouts angrily as he grips the knife tighter
“I’m sure that Jet is heading to him as we speak.” Mrs. Black says with unwavering confidence
“Take us to him.” Sergei says
-Afternoon-
Mrs. Black is forced down the forest road with Sergei Gold and Bradford Black on either side of her. Bradford is holding the knife to her back.
“You should know that he’ll have a gun out by the time we get to him and you’ll both be killed.” Mrs. Black says
“Shut up.” Bradford says
“She’s bluffing.” Sergei chuckles
“Fine.” Mrs. Black says with a shrug, “I just wanted you two to be prepared.”
They pass the area with tire tracks leading into the ravine. The trees are blackened by soot and ash. Police tape blows gently in the breeze.
“I don’t recall my car being on fire.” Bradford says as they pass
“That’s because it wasn’t.” Mrs. Black says
“You are awfully creative in covering up a murder.” Sergei says, “Too bad we didn’t meet under different circumstances. This may have been the start of a beautiful friendship. Who knows, maybe you can redeem that.”
“Let’s cross one bridge at a time.” Bradford says darkly as they come to the end of the forest road.
Bradford and Sergei drag Sylvia along the road in the most civil way they can muster despite the obvious contrast of the three. Mrs. Black sees Mrs. Meadow-Brook heading towards the Italian Café. Mrs. Black stays silent in hopes that her plan is successful.
“There’s something you should know,” Bradford says
“Oh?” asks Mrs. Black
“Everything you’ve done has been in vain.” Bradford says
“Bradford, don’t enrage her.” Sergei says, “We don’t need a scene in the middle of Main Street.”
“I just think she should know,” Bradford says, “Since she won’t be returning to Tudor Close any time soon.”
“Then go ahead.” Sergei says
Bradford chuckles, “How much will you be kicking yourself if I told you that Scott was in Hampshire yesterday?”
“What?” asks Mrs. Black in shock as she turns towards him.
Bradford forces her forward as he holds the knife tighter, “I had Monsieur Brunette come here a day early. I wanted him to make sure you kept your end of the bargain.”
“He let us free.” Sergei adds
“Yes,” Bradford says, “It almost went without a hitch however. It appears that your little boy is quite a fighter. That gargoyle that fell from the roof was because the fight he got into with Monsieur Brunette.”
“Where is my son?” asks Mrs. Black as she holds back her tears.
“He’s in a safe place.” Bradford says
“Bradford!” Mrs. Black shouts
“Quiet,” Bradford says in a hushed tone, “Or I’ll stab you in public and kill every witness here.”
“Where is my son?” Mrs. Black asks
“Don’t you worry your little head about that.” Bradford says, “Everything is taken care of.”
The three turn onto Ceil Drive.
“Where to next?” asks Sergei
“You had better stay behind.” Mrs. Black says, “He will shoot you if he sees either of you.”
“Who is Jet’s father?” asks Bradford
“Thallo Green.” Mrs. Black says
“Oh this is a reunion that I’ve been waiting for.” Sergei Gold says
-Miss Scarlet’s Journey-
Miss Scarlet sits impatiently in a taxi, speeding down a road in the French countryside. Professor Plum and Chandler Weiss are on either side of her. The taxi driver pulls the car to a stop at the rusty gates of the Lenoir Villa. The three get out of the taxi and see a Jeep in the Courtyard.
“It looks like someone is here.” Miss Scarlet says
“Let’s hope this works.” Professor Plum says
Chandler lags behind.
“Chandler,” Miss Scarlet says, “Stay with the taxi driver.”
“Are you sure?” asks Chandler
“If we aren’t back in ten minutes get help.” Miss Scarlet instructs
Professor Plum and Miss Scarlet cautiously walk up the driveway towards the front of the large mansion. The sound of a raven echoes in the Courtyard. Miss Scarlet glances around at the large windows and dead shrubs.
“I barely remember this place.” Miss Scarlet says pulling her black sweater tighter around her shoulders.
“It was a lot different back then.” Professor Plum says as he pushes open the front door.
In the center of the Hall, sunlight is shining in through the broken skylight and illuminating Mrs. Peacock, who is tied to a chair. Her head is tilted gruesomely to one side. Blood is dripping from her head. There is a gag in her mouth. Professor Plum rushes over to her with Miss Scarlet. Mrs. Peacock regains consciousness as Professor Plum begins to untie her.
“Penny,” Professor Plum removes her gag, “Who did this to you?”
Helena Black comes from the shadows and slams a brass pipe over his head. He collapses to the floor as Miss Scarlet screams.
“I knew this wouldn’t go smoothly,” Helena says, “But calling your brother and step-daughter might be the most asinine thing you have ever done.”
“I didn’t call them!” Mrs. Peacock says, “Cynthia, what the hell are you doing here?”
“We came to get you.” Miss Scarlet says
“After everything I’ve done?” asks Mrs. Peacock miserably
“Yes, Cynthia dear,” Helena says playing with the brass pipe in her hands, “I wouldn’t be so quick to forgive your step mother. I haven’t forgiven her and I’ve been off the grid for years.”
“Last I checked you were criminally insane.” Cynthia says
“Oh that’s the story you heard?” asks Helena, “I was merely protecting my family from a mafia war that was about to unfold.”
“By burning down a hotel and faking your death?” Mrs. Peacock asks
“Penelope, I wouldn’t judge,” Helena laughs, “You are the result of incest between my two children whom you murdered to keep in terms with your adoptive mother’s will.”
“Yes,” Mrs. Peacock says, “I’m aware of the horrible things I’ve done. I planned them out in vivid detail leading up to the murders.”
“You murdered my only son.” Helena’s voice turns to anger as she raises the brass pipe above her head.
Miss Scarlet grabs a broken table leg from the floor and clubs Helena Black with it. Helena falls to the floor and kicks Miss Scarlet in the head.
“You’ve got a feisty family.” Helena says standing up and looking at Miss Scarlet, who lying still on the floor.
“Leave them alone.” Mrs. Peacock says staring at her unconscious brother on the floor, “Just take me and do what you want.”
“Oh no.” Helena says, “I want you to suffer loosing people you love in the same way I did. We are going to be more alike than you think. Running away from the people we love only to lose them anyway.”
-Wednesday, April 20, 1949 -
-Mrs. Peacock’s Journey-
-Dawn-
Mrs. Peacock wakes up on the sofa in the Drawing Room of the Lenoir Villa. She looks over to see Mrs. Helena Black standing in the window alcove staring off into the horrizon.
“I’ve been thinking,” Helena says turning towards Mrs. Peacock. She is holding a whiskey decanter, “I think we should both return to Hampshire.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Why not?” asks Helena turning back to the window and looking out at the Gazebo as she takes a drink from the decanter, “Both our families would be shocked to see us.”
“After Hugh was murdered I left.” Mrs. Peacock bites her lip, “I just can’t go back.”
“The killer is after you.” Helena says, “I’m sure two strong independent women can dispose of one heartless murderer.”
“Helena,” Mrs. Peacock says slowly, “You need to understand something. I did what I had to do in the best interest of my family.”
“What are you getting at?” Helena turns to Mrs. Peacock with a suspicious look on her face
“Helena, I am the one who killed Hugh.” Mrs. Peacock holds her breath
“You murdered him?” Helena says maintaining an eerie calmness.
“I had no choice.” Mrs. Peacock says, “My adoptive mother would cut me from her vast fortune if it was found out that I had been talking to my birth father.”
“Hugh was your father?” Helena comes to a realization, “I assume you are now aware that you are the result of an incestuous affair between Hugh and his sister Estelle?”
“Yes.” Mrs. Peacock swallows hard
“Did you kill Estelle too?” asks Helena
“Yes.” Mrs. Peacock lowers her head in despair, “She tried to blackmail me.”
Helena angrily throws the decanter at the wall above Mrs. Peacock. Glass and alcohol rain down onto Mrs. Peacock.
“Helena, I loved Hugh.” Mrs. Peacock stands up quickly, trying not to step on any broken glass, “I didn't kill him out of material gain. I didn't kill him because of blackmail. I killed him because he was my father and he fell in love with me.”
“You killed my only son!” Helena says trying to recover from her anger, “You took him away from me.”
“Your entire family was dead to you!” Mrs. Peacock says, “You left them and pretended to be dead. He was gone long before.”
“Yes dear, we’ve covered that already.” Helena says grabbed a candlestick from the mantel and walking over to Mrs. Peacock.
“Please, Helena, don’t.” Mrs. Peacock falls back on the sofa and quickly reaches in her purse but finds the gun is missing.
“You should know by now that I’m not stupid enough to leave you with a weapon.” Helena says, “We both know where I stand on firearms.”
“Please, you have to understand,” Mrs. Peacock whimpers as Helena draws closer, “I am suffering so much right now that it can’t get any worse.”
“Let’s put that to the test, shall we?” Helena says swinging the Candlestick as Mrs. Peacock’s head. She screams and falls to the floor in a heap.
-Georgia Peach’s Journey-
-Midday-
Miss Georgia Peach squints her eyes as she the bright afternoon sun shines into her face. She inhales deeply as she is helped out of her wheelchair. Her right arm falls limply to her side as she walks towards the dark green car. Dr. Olive holds her left arm and helps her into the passenger’s seat.
“How’s your arm?” Dr. Olive says taking his seat in the driver’s seat.
“I can’t feel it.” Miss Peach says touching it with her left hand, “It’s like rubber.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” asks Dr. Olive as he begins to drive
“There is one thing.” Miss Peach says, “Don’t treat me like I’m handicapped.”
Dr. Olive chuckles, “My sister was like that. She was paralyzed from the waist down and always wanted to be treated like she wasn’t different. I was always hard on her though. I wanted a sister who could play and wrestle not someone who got special attention from our parents.”
“It must have been hard on you.” Miss Peach says
“I got past that.” Dr. Olive says as he stops at an Italian Café, “What I didn’t get past was her death.”
“I’m so sorry.” Miss Peach lowers her head
“I was eleven. I was watching her while our mother was at the neighbors. She fell outside and tried to crawl to her chair but drown in the pool.” Dr. Olive says distantly.
Miss Peach puts her left hand on his.
“I’m sorry,” Dr. Olive says shaking off his bad thoughts, “I shouldn’t have mentioned this after everything you’ve been through.”
“I don’t blame myself for Emily’s death.” Miss Peach says, “Like you said, she was mentally unstable and it was bound to happen.”
Miss Peach and Dr. Olive exit the car. Dr. Olive helps her into the restaurant as Mr. Green and Mrs. Meadow-Brook pass by on the way out. Miss Peach watches them walk slowly towards Ceil Drive.
“Do you know them?” asks Dr. Olive noticing that she was watching
“Well,” Miss Peach says after a moment of hesitation, “Actually I do. I met them in Paris years ago.”
“Mr. Green and Mrs. Meadow-Brook?” asks Dr. Olive, “I didn’t realize they traveled together.”
“Oh I didn’t realize Marie got married.” Miss Peach says, “My mother knew her and helped her through some problems.”
“Marie?” Dr. Olive says, “Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s name is Jane.”
“Oh,” Miss Peach is taken back in shock, “My mistake, I could have sworn her name was Marie.”
-Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s Journey-
-Earlier that Afternoon-
Mrs. Jane Meadow-Brook walks down Ceil Drive. She is heading towards the Prussian Home when she notices Miles Meadow-Brook outside of his home across the street. He waves to her and she ignores him. She enters the Prussian Home to see a young blonde woman in a scanty dark blue top and a short black skirt sitting on the sofa. She is Roxanne Prussian, the young bombshell wife of Dr. Rex Prussian.
“Hi Jane.” She says in a thick Italian accent not looking up from the fashion magazine that she is browsing through
“Hello Roxanne,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I’m going to be having lunch with my brother.”
“Okay,” Roxanne says without much emotion or care
“I wanted to thank you for letting me stay here.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“Thank my husband,” Mrs. Prussian says, “He was the one who agreed to letting you stay here.”
Mrs. Meadow-Brook shakes off the awkwardness of Mrs. Prussian’s actions as she heads towards the front door. The door opens and Dr. Rex Prussian enters. He is tall and handsome with tired eyes.
“Hello darling,” Mrs. Prussian stands up and throws her arms around her much older husband. Mrs. Meadow-Brook blinks awkwardly as she watches the married couple engage in a passionate kiss. She is reminded of her failing love life and remembers the caring words of a certain Irish gardener a day prior. She smiles at the thought as she exits the house leaving the two in each other’s arms.
“She’s only after his money.” She thinks to herself, “And he only married her for her beauty. I need a man who loves me for me.”
Her mind flutters back to Rusty Naylor. Jane Meadow-Brook had never previously found herself attracted to Rusty. He’s a mature man with greying ginger hair and beady eyes. He isn’t much to look at but he has a heart as big as the elegant gardens of Tudor Close which is lovingly cares for. Mrs. Meadow-Brook steps off the curb to hear the screeching of tires. She gasps and looks up as a car stops in front of her.
“Watch wear you are going!” a man shouts from the driver’s seat
“I’m so sorry.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says as she carefully crosses the street. In a dark, dusty alley a figure stands watching Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s every move. She walks towards the Italian Café on the corner when she spots Sylvia Black walking with two other men. Sylvia notices her but the men don’t. Mrs. Meadow-Brook shrugs and enters the Italian Café. She walks to the table in the back to see her brother, Thallo Green sitting at the table wringing his hands.
“This had better be important.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says with frustration as she takes a seat across from her brother.
“Yuri is dead.” Mr. Green says
“Yuri Gold?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook is shocked
“Yes,” Mr. Green says
“What happened?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“I don’t know.” Mr. Green says looking down at his shaky hands
“Thallo,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook lowers her voice, “Yuri is the only one who knew about us. He being dead is a miracle.”
“Sergei knows.” Mr. Green says
“He doesn’t know we’re in Mayfield, does he?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“Worse, he knows what part of Mayfield we’re in.” Mr. Green says
“He knows we both live in Hampshire?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook sits back in her chair nervously, “Madame Rose told me that Sergei knows who I am but I didn’t think he knew where I lived.”
“And someone murdered Yuri.” Mr. Green says, “It wasn’t me, it wasn’t Dante, so I need to ask you if you murdered him.”
“I didn’t.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“Jane, I would be 100% relieved to learn that you murdered him. If you did I need to know.” Mr. Green says
“I didn’t!” Jane says angrily
“Then someone else knows about Yuri Gold and Sergei Gold.” Mr. Green says
“Miles…” Jane says softly
“Your husband wouldn’t kill anyone.” Mr. Green says
“We’re having marital problems.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I told him I am leaving him.”
“No, no, no!” Mr. Green stands up, drawing attention to them. He notices and sits back down calmly, “You can’t have any enemies.”
“I can’t live with him.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “He cheated on me!”
“Big deal,” Mr. Green says, “We all have problems. You and I have a much bigger problem than someone sleeping around.”
“It’s not like that…” Jane says beginning to cry
“No,” Mr. Green grabs her hand, “Someone knows that you and I are Marie Emerald and Marc Green. That is far bigger that marital problems. We could end up in serious trouble.”
“Yes, Thallo,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook pulls her hand out of her brother’s hand, “We could go to jail. You’ve told me a million times.”
“We could be killed!” Mr. Green says
Mrs. Meadow-Brook closes her eyes, “We still need to figure out who the body in Bradford’s car is.”
“Jane,” Mr. Green takes a deep breath, “Yuri Gold is the body in Bradford’s car.”
“Oh shit.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s face goes pale.
“I know,” Mr. Green takes his glass of whiskey and downs it
“No,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook shakes her head, “You don’t understand. Bradford Black is Dr. Beaumont: the same man from Paris.”
Mr. Green’s hands become shakier as the whiskey glass hits the table.
“Oh my God,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook looks up at the ceiling in an attempt to force back more tears, “This isn’t a coincidence that Sergei, Yuri, and Bradford all came to Hampshire at the same time…”
“It’s a reunion from the Paris Hotel in 1927.” Mr. Green finishes her sentence.
At a table across the room the figure from the alley watches Mr. Green and Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s every move. The figure is holding a switchblade under the table.
-Mrs. Black’s Journey-
-Earlier that Morning-
Earlier that morning, Mrs. Sylvia Black and Jet Black are arguing in the Conservatory.
“What if Scott isn’t brought back by tomorrow?” Jet asks angrily as his mother sprays water on the plants in the window alcove.
“Have a little faith.” Mrs. Black says
“You aren’t telling me everything.” Jet says grabbing the bottle from her and tossing it on the floor.
“Dammit, Jet, I’m telling you everything I know!” Mrs. Black shouts, “If all goes according to plan Scott will be home by tomorrow evening and life will begin to resume.”
The secret passage door opens suddenly and Sergei Gold and Bradford Black exit.
“Oh my God.” Mrs. Black backs away in horror as Sergei grabs Jet and twists his arms behind his back, bending him over the arm of the chair, nearly smothering him in the cushions. Bradford grabs Sylvia’s arm and covers her mouth.
“Tell John that if he ties two people to the same pipe that it’s only a matter of time before they untie each other.” Bradford says
Sergei grabs the fruit knife from the wicker coffee table and hands it to Bradford. Bradford puts the silver blade against Mrs. Black’s throat. A tear runs down her cheek as Jet struggles to see what is happening.
“What do you want?” Mrs. Black whimpers as more tears fall
“I need a favor.” Bradford says
“I’ll do anything.” Mrs. Black says
“Not from you.” Bradford says, “You’ll end up double crossing me and I can’t afford that.”
“What do you want?” Jet asks painfully
“I’m glad you asked.” Bradford smirks as Sergei pulls Jet upright and moves him towards Bradford.
“I will kill your mother if you don’t kill Jane Meadow-Brook.” Bradford says
“What?” Jet asks in horror
“I don’t like repeating myself.” Bradford sighs
“I heard you!” Jet says frantically
“Good.” Bradford says as Sergei reaches into his pocket and hands Jet a switchblade, “Don’t try anything funny or your mother will be gasping for air.”
Jet’s lip quivers as he puts the switchblade in his pocket. He turns and heads to the Conservatory door.
“Jet,” Bradford says, “I need to be sure that you really kill Jane.”
“Do you need me to lure her back to the Mansion so I can sacrifice her in front of you?” asks Jet bitterly
“No,” Bradford says, “I just need a blood soaked knife and a lock of her hair.”
Jet leaves the Conservatory as Bradford lets go of Sylvia.
“He won’t do it.” Mrs. Black says staggering backwards and wiping her eyes, “He’s changed.”
“I highly doubt a teenage boy who has seen his father’s mutilated body, lived through a massacre of murders by a busybody, lived through his little brother’s kidnapping, and watched his mother have a blade put to her throat will try anything stupid.” Bradford says
“You are wrong about one of those things.” Mrs. Black says, “He never saw his father’s dead body.”
“Either way I’m sure he heard what happened to him.” Bradford says
“Oh Bradford,” Mrs. Black says composing herself as best as she can, “Poor naïve Bradford. Jet’s father isn’t dead.”
“Hugh’s alive?” Bradford becomes overwhelmed by ecstatic shock
“No you insolent old man!” Mrs. Black snaps, “Hugh isn’t Jet’s father!”
Bradford raises the knife above Sylvia’s head, “Then who is.”
“If you kill me you’ll never know.” She says without blinking
“Sylvia, who is the father?” Bradford asks
“I’ll give you a hint.” Mrs. Black says
“Sylvia!” Bradford shouts angrily as he grips the knife tighter
“I’m sure that Jet is heading to him as we speak.” Mrs. Black says with unwavering confidence
“Take us to him.” Sergei says
-Afternoon-
Mrs. Black is forced down the forest road with Sergei Gold and Bradford Black on either side of her. Bradford is holding the knife to her back.
“You should know that he’ll have a gun out by the time we get to him and you’ll both be killed.” Mrs. Black says
“Shut up.” Bradford says
“She’s bluffing.” Sergei chuckles
“Fine.” Mrs. Black says with a shrug, “I just wanted you two to be prepared.”
They pass the area with tire tracks leading into the ravine. The trees are blackened by soot and ash. Police tape blows gently in the breeze.
“I don’t recall my car being on fire.” Bradford says as they pass
“That’s because it wasn’t.” Mrs. Black says
“You are awfully creative in covering up a murder.” Sergei says, “Too bad we didn’t meet under different circumstances. This may have been the start of a beautiful friendship. Who knows, maybe you can redeem that.”
“Let’s cross one bridge at a time.” Bradford says darkly as they come to the end of the forest road.
Bradford and Sergei drag Sylvia along the road in the most civil way they can muster despite the obvious contrast of the three. Mrs. Black sees Mrs. Meadow-Brook heading towards the Italian Café. Mrs. Black stays silent in hopes that her plan is successful.
“There’s something you should know,” Bradford says
“Oh?” asks Mrs. Black
“Everything you’ve done has been in vain.” Bradford says
“Bradford, don’t enrage her.” Sergei says, “We don’t need a scene in the middle of Main Street.”
“I just think she should know,” Bradford says, “Since she won’t be returning to Tudor Close any time soon.”
“Then go ahead.” Sergei says
Bradford chuckles, “How much will you be kicking yourself if I told you that Scott was in Hampshire yesterday?”
“What?” asks Mrs. Black in shock as she turns towards him.
Bradford forces her forward as he holds the knife tighter, “I had Monsieur Brunette come here a day early. I wanted him to make sure you kept your end of the bargain.”
“He let us free.” Sergei adds
“Yes,” Bradford says, “It almost went without a hitch however. It appears that your little boy is quite a fighter. That gargoyle that fell from the roof was because the fight he got into with Monsieur Brunette.”
“Where is my son?” asks Mrs. Black as she holds back her tears.
“He’s in a safe place.” Bradford says
“Bradford!” Mrs. Black shouts
“Quiet,” Bradford says in a hushed tone, “Or I’ll stab you in public and kill every witness here.”
“Where is my son?” Mrs. Black asks
“Don’t you worry your little head about that.” Bradford says, “Everything is taken care of.”
The three turn onto Ceil Drive.
“Where to next?” asks Sergei
“You had better stay behind.” Mrs. Black says, “He will shoot you if he sees either of you.”
“Who is Jet’s father?” asks Bradford
“Thallo Green.” Mrs. Black says
“Oh this is a reunion that I’ve been waiting for.” Sergei Gold says
-Miss Scarlet’s Journey-
Miss Scarlet sits impatiently in a taxi, speeding down a road in the French countryside. Professor Plum and Chandler Weiss are on either side of her. The taxi driver pulls the car to a stop at the rusty gates of the Lenoir Villa. The three get out of the taxi and see a Jeep in the Courtyard.
“It looks like someone is here.” Miss Scarlet says
“Let’s hope this works.” Professor Plum says
Chandler lags behind.
“Chandler,” Miss Scarlet says, “Stay with the taxi driver.”
“Are you sure?” asks Chandler
“If we aren’t back in ten minutes get help.” Miss Scarlet instructs
Professor Plum and Miss Scarlet cautiously walk up the driveway towards the front of the large mansion. The sound of a raven echoes in the Courtyard. Miss Scarlet glances around at the large windows and dead shrubs.
“I barely remember this place.” Miss Scarlet says pulling her black sweater tighter around her shoulders.
“It was a lot different back then.” Professor Plum says as he pushes open the front door.
In the center of the Hall, sunlight is shining in through the broken skylight and illuminating Mrs. Peacock, who is tied to a chair. Her head is tilted gruesomely to one side. Blood is dripping from her head. There is a gag in her mouth. Professor Plum rushes over to her with Miss Scarlet. Mrs. Peacock regains consciousness as Professor Plum begins to untie her.
“Penny,” Professor Plum removes her gag, “Who did this to you?”
Helena Black comes from the shadows and slams a brass pipe over his head. He collapses to the floor as Miss Scarlet screams.
“I knew this wouldn’t go smoothly,” Helena says, “But calling your brother and step-daughter might be the most asinine thing you have ever done.”
“I didn’t call them!” Mrs. Peacock says, “Cynthia, what the hell are you doing here?”
“We came to get you.” Miss Scarlet says
“After everything I’ve done?” asks Mrs. Peacock miserably
“Yes, Cynthia dear,” Helena says playing with the brass pipe in her hands, “I wouldn’t be so quick to forgive your step mother. I haven’t forgiven her and I’ve been off the grid for years.”
“Last I checked you were criminally insane.” Cynthia says
“Oh that’s the story you heard?” asks Helena, “I was merely protecting my family from a mafia war that was about to unfold.”
“By burning down a hotel and faking your death?” Mrs. Peacock asks
“Penelope, I wouldn’t judge,” Helena laughs, “You are the result of incest between my two children whom you murdered to keep in terms with your adoptive mother’s will.”
“Yes,” Mrs. Peacock says, “I’m aware of the horrible things I’ve done. I planned them out in vivid detail leading up to the murders.”
“You murdered my only son.” Helena’s voice turns to anger as she raises the brass pipe above her head.
Miss Scarlet grabs a broken table leg from the floor and clubs Helena Black with it. Helena falls to the floor and kicks Miss Scarlet in the head.
“You’ve got a feisty family.” Helena says standing up and looking at Miss Scarlet, who lying still on the floor.
“Leave them alone.” Mrs. Peacock says staring at her unconscious brother on the floor, “Just take me and do what you want.”
“Oh no.” Helena says, “I want you to suffer loosing people you love in the same way I did. We are going to be more alike than you think. Running away from the people we love only to lose them anyway.”