Episode 5 – “Life Resumes”
Previously on the Memoirs of Mayfield: Police begin interrogating the residents of Ceil Drive in hopes of finding Scott Black. Miss Peach goes to the tavern to gain a little courage to confront her father. Colonel Mustard tells her that she should just do it and move on to the better things of her life. After Colonel Mustard leaves it is revealed that he is her father. Mrs. White realizes that Madame Rose lied to her about Bryce’s death. Mr. Green disguises himself as a priest as the police interrogate him. Just as they are about to search his house Mrs. Meadow-Brook comes by with the key to Ms. Curry’s house. The officers find Ms. Curry’s body as well as the captives in the Basement…
-Thursday, April 14, 1949-
-Late Morning-
Scott Black sits timidly on the ottoman in front of the fireplace in the Library holding a crystal glass filled with ice water. His palms are sweating from both nervousness and the beads of water on the outside of the glass. Dr. Hugh Black paces the room nervously while holding his head. Mrs. Sylvia Black sits on the ottoman next to Scott.
“Scott,” Dr. Black says rubbing dust off the shelves, “You need to tell us who took you.”
“I can’t.” he says sipping the water
“Scott,” Dr. Black says walking over to his son, “If you don’t tell us then this person will hurt someone again.”
“She told me if I said anything that she’d hurt you guys and Jet.” Scott says
“She?” Sylvia Black asks glancing at her husband
“Or he!” Scott says quickly trying to cover up his mistake
“A woman kidnapped you?” asks Dr. Black
“I don’t want to talk about this anymore.” Scott says nervously, “Who ever kidnapped me kept me alive for a reason. They trust me to be quiet!”
“Why don’t you go to the kitchen and have Mrs. White make you a big bowl of ice cream.” Sylvia Black says
“I’m not really hungry.” Scott says, “I just want to go to bed.”
“Fine.” Dr. Black says motioning to the Library door. Scott sets his glass down on a leather book and exits the library. Dr. Black picks up the glass and wipes the watery residue from the book.
“She.” He repeats solemnly, “How could a woman, like Mrs. Peacock or Mrs. Meadow-Brook kidnap all those people and murder an innocent old woman.”
“She wasn’t innocent Hugh.” Mrs. Black says, “Ms. Curry was anything but an innocent old woman.”
“Regardless.” Hugh speaks up louder, “Whoever this woman is, she must have a male helping her.”
“Why do you assume that?” asks Sylvia Black taking slight offense to his sexist outlook
“How could a woman drag Sabata and Chandler down to that room?” Hugh says
“You obviously underestimate the power of a woman in fear.” Sylvia Black says
“How many woman live on Ceil Drive?” asks Dr. Black
“Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. Meadow-Brook, Miss Meadow-Brook, and their housekeepers: Mrs. Myrtle and Miss Ecru.” Mrs. Black says
“Then again it could be someone else from town.” Dr. Black says, “There are plenty of women around town that may have it out for us.”
“I think we need to look on the bright side.” Sylvia Black says, “Ms. Curry is dead and the person who kidnapped Scott did not harm him physically or have any insidious thoughts about harming him sexually.”
At the Hampshire County Hospital, Sabata wakes up in pain. His legs are bandaged with splints on either side of them. A young blonde nurse comes in the room.
“Senor Bronce?” asks the nurse, “I’m Florence Primrose, I’ll be watching out for you while you are here.”
“What happened?” asks Sabata
“You passed out before the police officers rescued you.” Nurse Primrose says, “You lost quite a bit of blood.”
“My legs.” Sabata tries to move but can’t
“I’m afraid you have lost the ability to use your legs.” Nurse Primrose says
“I can’t walk?” Sabata asks in horror, “For how long.”
“The doctors say that the nerve endings with permanently damaged and the bones were shattered beyond repair.” Nurse Primrose says, “I’m terribly sorry.”
Sabata begins to let the thought of a life without walking process in his mind when the voice of Nurse Primrose interrupts his thinking.
“Police are waiting in the waiting room.” Nurse Primrose says, “Shall I bring them in?”
“Let’s get this over with.” Sabata says with a sigh.
Nurse Primrose exits the room. Sabata looks out the window to see the tall structure of Tudor Close on a hill top in the distance. He watches as storm clouds begin to blow in from the East. He sees lightning strike in the distance.
“Sabata Bronce?” Inspector Winfield Brown enters the room, “I’m Inspector Brown of Scotland Yard. I was hoping I might be able to get your part of the story filled in.”
“Well there isn’t much to it.” Sabata says, “I was walking to work. I took my usual route which is the winding forest road. A car came barreling around the corner behind me. Just as I turn around I was pinned into the guard rail. Next thing I knew I was in the basement of Ms. Curry’s home.”
“Did you notice anything about the car?” Inspector Brown asks
“Just a normal car.” Sabata says, “Pretty common for the richer parts of town. I cannot recall the color though. It was dark and stormy that morning. My perception was a bit off.”
“Did you know Celeste Curry at all?” asks Inspector Brown
“Yes,” Sabata says, “I was courting her.”
“Oh,” Inspector Brown says, “I wasn’t aware she was seeing anyone.”
“Just me.” Sabata says, “At least I think it was only me. Who knows. She could have been seeing someone else. I mean afterall she angered someone enough to kill her and hide any witnesses.”
“Do you have any idea why the murderer would damage your legs, kidnap Scott Black, and bludgeon Chandler Weiss only to keep all three of you alive?” Inspector Brown says
“I can only think it is to through the police off.” Sabata says, “If this person could easilly crush me, attack Chandler, steal a little boy, and strangled an old woman to death, why on earth would they keep us alive unless they are trying to cover something up. Maybe they left clues on purpose, like the American tape recorder. Little things like that so that we comment to you and throw the trail off of the true person.”
“Very logical. Now can you tell me, did Ms. Curry have any family other than her sister in Scotland?” Inspector Brown asks
“I never knew about a sister in Scotland.” Sabata says, “I mean there were only pictures of herself and her animals around her house.”
“Did you know about any of her family members?” Inspector Brown says
“To my best of knowledge she is the only surviving member of her family.” Sabata says, “She never talked about brothers or sisters. She never talked about having children. She did say something about wanting kids but that she is far too old and needs to let that dream die.”
“Did you realize Ms. Curry’s involvement with blackmailing the citizens of Hampshire?” Inspector Brown says
“Blackmail?” asks Sabata
“Her Study was filled with information on various people around Hampshire. Many of which were the residents of Ceil Drive.” Inspector Brown says, “The information was cryptic so we cannot exactly pinpoint each crime but we know there are some less than innocent things happening on that street.”
“You think she blackmailed the wrong person?” asks Sabata
“I’m still working that out.” Inspector Brown says, “You were taken hostage when the announcement of the death of a Private Investigator made it into the papers.”
“Chandler and Scott confirmed that was the morning headline.” Sabata says
“We have reason to believe Ms. Curry hired him to get information on some of the trickier people.” Inspector Brown says, “He was a partner of mine. He was very very good at uncovering things. Only he often set aside his own morals to go about completing the tasks.”
“So whoever murdered Ms. Curry and put us in the crawlspace also killed the Private Investigator?” asks Sabata
“That’s what we have concluded.” Inspector Brown says
At the Peacock Residence, there is a solid knock on the door. Miss Scarlet walks down the stairs with a smile and opens it to see Chandler.
“Oh god!” Miss Scarlet throws her arms around him, “I’m so glad you are okay.”
“How about that impromptu picnic?” Chandler smiles
“Of course.” Miss Scarlet says, “Let me just have Mrs. Myrtle fix up the basket.”
Miss Scarlet exits the Hall as Mrs. Peacock enters the Hall wearing a beautiful royal blue dress suit. She is clutching her Black purse in one hand and a basket with three bottles of wine in the other.
“Hello Chandler,” Mrs. Peacock says, “So nice to see you around here.”
“It’s nice to see you too.” Chandler says smiling sheepishly
“Be a dear and tell Cynthia I’m taking a walk to the Black Estate and the Hospital.” Mrs. Peacock says taking a bottle out and handing it to Chandler, “This is for you. It’s a simple welcome back to the neighborhood gift.”
“Thank you so much, Mrs. Peacock.” He smiles, “But actually I never really left the neighborhood.”
“No, but you had us worried.” Mrs. Peacock says, “Anyway, be sure to tell Cynthia.”
“I will.” Chandler says
Mrs. Peacock exits her house to see Officer Pyrite and Officer Ebony still surveying the Curry Home while other photographers and news reporters stand outside.
“Mrs. Peacock.” A reporter walks over to her with an open notebook, “Tell us about your relationship with Ms. Curry.”
“She was a sweet old woman who lied through her teeth. What more is there to say? She is dead. Let her rest in peace.” Mrs. Peacock says continuing to walk down the road.
At the Mustard Home, Colonel Algernon Mustard looks at photographs of his young wife on the mantel of his fireplace. He sighs deeply and walks over to his typewriter where he has written over two stacks of paper. He sits down and begins to type again when there is an interrupting knock at the door. He frustratingly hits all the keys on the typewriter and gets up and exits his Study. He opens the front door and sees a tall man with a snow white button down shirt.
“Good Morning, I’m Detective Philip Winters, may I come in to ask you some questions?” the detective greets the colonel by taking out his badge
“Of course,” Colonel Mustard says leading the detective into the Drawing Room.
“So how long have you been on Ceil Drive?” asks Detective Winters
“Just six days.” Colonel Mustard says, “My wife bought this house to get away from some family drama.”
“Where can I find your wife?” asks Detective Winters
“I don’t know.” Colonel Mustard says, “She was supposed to be caring for her father in Italy but when I tried to contact her she wasn’t there?”
“Is it possible she is in Hampshire, or at least Mayfield?” Detective Winters says
“It’s possible but I highly doubt it.” Colonel Mustard says, “Detective, my wife is much younger than me and is liking finding love somewhere else.” He says those last words painfully, “She has no reason to be in town or be involved with the recent unpleasantness that has happened.”
At the Meadow-Brook’s home, Jane Meadow-Brook and Miles Meadow-Brook sit across from each other in the Dining Room. The room is deathly silent.
“Are you going to talk to me?” Miles asks
Mrs. Meadow-Brook sits firmly in her chair staring daggers at her husband.
“Jane, how are we going to work out our problems if we don’t talk?” Mr. Meadow-Brook asks
“Maybe I don’t want to work this out.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“Are you saying that this is over?” Mr. Meadow-Brook says, “Our marriage? Our family? You do not get to decide that! I am the man of this house!”
“Miles, we need some time apart.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“But it’s not over,” Mr. Meadow-Brook says firmly, “I will not allow it.”
“Why are you trying so hard to hold onto this marriage when you are the one who threw an anchor in it?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“Emily and I just have sex. It’s nothing personal. I don’t love her.” Mr. Meadow-Brook says, “You need to understand that.”
“Miles, you are so insensitive.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook shakes her head in disbelief, “You obviously weren’t being fulfilled by me so you had to hunt out some teenager?”
“Emily’s not a teenager. She is in her twenties.” Mr. Meadow-Brook says
“I really don’t care.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I’d actually prefer it was a teenager, then I could send you to jail.”
“If you are that hell bent against sending me to jail, I could take you down with me. I helped you and Mr. Green out plenty of times. Then again you would always use my little mistake against me.” Mr. Meadow-Brook throws his hands up in frustration
“Miles,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook laughs, “If I turned you in for your little mistake, I would be in prison too for helping you.”
“You had nothing to do with it.” Mr. Meadow-Brook says standing up from the table
“Didn’t I?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook asks
“What are you saying?” asks Mr. Meadow-Brook
“You always leave evidence behind you.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “You would be in jail right now if I didn’t clean up all that blood.”
“That was you?” Mr. Meadow-Brook asks, “I thought it was…”
“Miles, honestly?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook smirks, “For someone so keen on being the man of the house, you sure have a lot of moments where I have saved you that title by cleaning up your mistakes. I am done cleaning up your mistakes. I need to get away from you. You are bad luck to me. I want it to end. I want a divorce.”
The doorbell of Tudor Close rings and Mr. Ash answers it in his usual, etiquette way.
“Mrs. Peacock,” Mr. Ash clears his throat, “What a pleasant surprise. I’m afraid Dr. and Mrs. Black are not in the mood for company, under the circumstances and all.”
“No,” Mrs. Black says from the Library doorway, “It’s fine, Reggie. Tea on the Terrace?”
Several Minutes Later, Mrs. Peacock and Mrs. Black find themselves being served a fine herbal tea on the patio that overlooks that grand gardens of Tudor Close. From the elegantly trimmed hedges around the patio, to the large swimming pool, to the ivy covered cobblestone garage. Dark storm clouds continue to blow in from the East but have not yet obscured the peaceful reserve that is Tudor Close.
“Thank you, Blanche.” Mrs. Black motions for Mrs. White to leave. Mrs. White enters the house through the Library door.
“I brought you a bottle from my cellar.” Mrs. Peacock picks up the bottle from her basket and sets it on the table between them.
“Oh that is very thoughtful of you.” Mrs. Black says, “I wanted to apologize for the searching of the homes on Ceil Drive.”
“Oh it was no bother.” Mrs. Peacock says, “Our house didn’t even get rummaged through. The police located them after two houses.”
“I know Mr. Pearl was very upset with the idea of rummaging.” Mrs. Black chuckles, “He isn’t much of a social butterfly.”
“Speaking of social events,” Mrs. Peacock says with hope, “How about we two host a dinner party tomorrow night in honor of the return of Chandler, Scotty, and Senor Bronce.”
“That sounds lovely.” Mrs. Black says, “We could do it here at Tudor Close. It will be a nice way to help this town get over this unpleasantness. And once the police find the person who did this, everything will be back to normal.”
“Why does it seem that anytime someone has a secret there is always someone out to find out?” Mrs. Peacock asks
“She is dead, she will not be able to torment us anymore.” Mrs. Black says
On a stony beach near Sogoia Bay, Miss Scarlet and Chandler Weiss sit silently finishing their champagne and finger sandwiches.
“I’m so glad you are alright.” Miss Scarlet says taking his large lightly tanned hand in her dainty pale one.
“You are so beautiful.” Chandler smiles as he squeezes her hand back.
“I thought you stood me up.” Miss Scarlet admits with a blush, “I admit I thought some rather nasty thoughts about you.”
“Never.” Chandler says looking intently in her crystal blue eyes, “I will never leave your sight again. Every since the day I saw you stumbling around the Tennis Courts I knew I had to befriend you. I thought you would find me annoying, or boyish, or simply dull.”
Miss Scarlet smiles brightly, “There is nothing about you that I find bothersome! You seem almost too perfect to be true. I always figured I was cursed in love. Men only want me for my body. They never spend time with me, respect me, give me the attention I deserve.”
“Those days are behind you.” Chandler says tightens his grip around her hand, “I always figured I was cursed in love too. My mother rarely ever talks to me unless she needs something, but when she does she reminds me that my talents are going wasted. She always reminded me that romance and love was not in my future. I want to prove her wrong. I want to be myself and send my passion and my love to the only person that makes me smile when the rest of my life frowns.”
“Chandler,” Miss Scarlet sighs as she is drawn into his sparkling eyes and curls of blonde hair that dance and bounce in the seaside breeze. Chandler picks up a shell and hands it to Miss Scarlet.
“It’s beautiful.” Miss Scarlet says admiring the colors and texture.
“Look inside.” Chandler says motioning for her to flip it over.
She looks inside to see a gold ring with several small diamonds clustered around a large on in the center.
“Cynthia will you marry me?” Chandler asks reaching out and touching her hand.
Tears fill up Cynthia’s eyes as she puts the ring on.
“Yes,” She smiles, “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
They both kiss passionately as the soft blue waves crash against the stony beach sending seafoam and water towards their feet.
At the Curry Home, Detective Winters enters the house to step in something wet. He notices the entire hall floor is covered in a wet substance. He also notices the study door is open and the trail of thick liquid leads there. He bends over an examines it.
“Gasoline.” He becomes alarmed. He quickly enters the study to see all the blackmail photos, notes, and other documents scattered about. He also notices the dial on the wall which shows the temperature. He gives it a double look when I see’s that it is set on 86°.
“Oh God,” he gasps, “The furnace.”
Just then the furnace ignites in the basement. Before Detective Winters can even blink the roar of fire races down the Hall and enters the Study. He quickly rushes around the desk as the hot flames begin to lick the walls. He notices a document on the desk that catches his attention. In his last effort to help unmask the murderer he shoves the document inside his shirt. He sweats as the curtains and ceiling begin to burn. He backs up to the fireplace as the ceiling caves in, trapping Detective Winters’ between the desk and fireplace. His shouts for help are barely audible as Jane Meadow-Brook and Miles Meadow-Brook watch every window of the house illuminate with fire from the edge of the sidewalk.
As the roof of the Curry Home caves in it occurs to Jane and Miles that the evidence of the affair is destroyed. Anyone who already knows can be convinced it was a lie. Mr. Thallo Green watches from his front door with Jet Black by his side. They both look at the thick smoke and ash that flutters through the cloudless, blue sky.
Inside the Mustard Home, Colonel Mustard stands at the window with the telephone to his ear. The reflection of the flames across the street are visible to him.
“357 Ceil Drive there has been a terrible accident.” Colonel Mustard says
-Thursday, April 14, 1949-
-Late Morning-
Scott Black sits timidly on the ottoman in front of the fireplace in the Library holding a crystal glass filled with ice water. His palms are sweating from both nervousness and the beads of water on the outside of the glass. Dr. Hugh Black paces the room nervously while holding his head. Mrs. Sylvia Black sits on the ottoman next to Scott.
“Scott,” Dr. Black says rubbing dust off the shelves, “You need to tell us who took you.”
“I can’t.” he says sipping the water
“Scott,” Dr. Black says walking over to his son, “If you don’t tell us then this person will hurt someone again.”
“She told me if I said anything that she’d hurt you guys and Jet.” Scott says
“She?” Sylvia Black asks glancing at her husband
“Or he!” Scott says quickly trying to cover up his mistake
“A woman kidnapped you?” asks Dr. Black
“I don’t want to talk about this anymore.” Scott says nervously, “Who ever kidnapped me kept me alive for a reason. They trust me to be quiet!”
“Why don’t you go to the kitchen and have Mrs. White make you a big bowl of ice cream.” Sylvia Black says
“I’m not really hungry.” Scott says, “I just want to go to bed.”
“Fine.” Dr. Black says motioning to the Library door. Scott sets his glass down on a leather book and exits the library. Dr. Black picks up the glass and wipes the watery residue from the book.
“She.” He repeats solemnly, “How could a woman, like Mrs. Peacock or Mrs. Meadow-Brook kidnap all those people and murder an innocent old woman.”
“She wasn’t innocent Hugh.” Mrs. Black says, “Ms. Curry was anything but an innocent old woman.”
“Regardless.” Hugh speaks up louder, “Whoever this woman is, she must have a male helping her.”
“Why do you assume that?” asks Sylvia Black taking slight offense to his sexist outlook
“How could a woman drag Sabata and Chandler down to that room?” Hugh says
“You obviously underestimate the power of a woman in fear.” Sylvia Black says
“How many woman live on Ceil Drive?” asks Dr. Black
“Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. Meadow-Brook, Miss Meadow-Brook, and their housekeepers: Mrs. Myrtle and Miss Ecru.” Mrs. Black says
“Then again it could be someone else from town.” Dr. Black says, “There are plenty of women around town that may have it out for us.”
“I think we need to look on the bright side.” Sylvia Black says, “Ms. Curry is dead and the person who kidnapped Scott did not harm him physically or have any insidious thoughts about harming him sexually.”
At the Hampshire County Hospital, Sabata wakes up in pain. His legs are bandaged with splints on either side of them. A young blonde nurse comes in the room.
“Senor Bronce?” asks the nurse, “I’m Florence Primrose, I’ll be watching out for you while you are here.”
“What happened?” asks Sabata
“You passed out before the police officers rescued you.” Nurse Primrose says, “You lost quite a bit of blood.”
“My legs.” Sabata tries to move but can’t
“I’m afraid you have lost the ability to use your legs.” Nurse Primrose says
“I can’t walk?” Sabata asks in horror, “For how long.”
“The doctors say that the nerve endings with permanently damaged and the bones were shattered beyond repair.” Nurse Primrose says, “I’m terribly sorry.”
Sabata begins to let the thought of a life without walking process in his mind when the voice of Nurse Primrose interrupts his thinking.
“Police are waiting in the waiting room.” Nurse Primrose says, “Shall I bring them in?”
“Let’s get this over with.” Sabata says with a sigh.
Nurse Primrose exits the room. Sabata looks out the window to see the tall structure of Tudor Close on a hill top in the distance. He watches as storm clouds begin to blow in from the East. He sees lightning strike in the distance.
“Sabata Bronce?” Inspector Winfield Brown enters the room, “I’m Inspector Brown of Scotland Yard. I was hoping I might be able to get your part of the story filled in.”
“Well there isn’t much to it.” Sabata says, “I was walking to work. I took my usual route which is the winding forest road. A car came barreling around the corner behind me. Just as I turn around I was pinned into the guard rail. Next thing I knew I was in the basement of Ms. Curry’s home.”
“Did you notice anything about the car?” Inspector Brown asks
“Just a normal car.” Sabata says, “Pretty common for the richer parts of town. I cannot recall the color though. It was dark and stormy that morning. My perception was a bit off.”
“Did you know Celeste Curry at all?” asks Inspector Brown
“Yes,” Sabata says, “I was courting her.”
“Oh,” Inspector Brown says, “I wasn’t aware she was seeing anyone.”
“Just me.” Sabata says, “At least I think it was only me. Who knows. She could have been seeing someone else. I mean afterall she angered someone enough to kill her and hide any witnesses.”
“Do you have any idea why the murderer would damage your legs, kidnap Scott Black, and bludgeon Chandler Weiss only to keep all three of you alive?” Inspector Brown says
“I can only think it is to through the police off.” Sabata says, “If this person could easilly crush me, attack Chandler, steal a little boy, and strangled an old woman to death, why on earth would they keep us alive unless they are trying to cover something up. Maybe they left clues on purpose, like the American tape recorder. Little things like that so that we comment to you and throw the trail off of the true person.”
“Very logical. Now can you tell me, did Ms. Curry have any family other than her sister in Scotland?” Inspector Brown asks
“I never knew about a sister in Scotland.” Sabata says, “I mean there were only pictures of herself and her animals around her house.”
“Did you know about any of her family members?” Inspector Brown says
“To my best of knowledge she is the only surviving member of her family.” Sabata says, “She never talked about brothers or sisters. She never talked about having children. She did say something about wanting kids but that she is far too old and needs to let that dream die.”
“Did you realize Ms. Curry’s involvement with blackmailing the citizens of Hampshire?” Inspector Brown says
“Blackmail?” asks Sabata
“Her Study was filled with information on various people around Hampshire. Many of which were the residents of Ceil Drive.” Inspector Brown says, “The information was cryptic so we cannot exactly pinpoint each crime but we know there are some less than innocent things happening on that street.”
“You think she blackmailed the wrong person?” asks Sabata
“I’m still working that out.” Inspector Brown says, “You were taken hostage when the announcement of the death of a Private Investigator made it into the papers.”
“Chandler and Scott confirmed that was the morning headline.” Sabata says
“We have reason to believe Ms. Curry hired him to get information on some of the trickier people.” Inspector Brown says, “He was a partner of mine. He was very very good at uncovering things. Only he often set aside his own morals to go about completing the tasks.”
“So whoever murdered Ms. Curry and put us in the crawlspace also killed the Private Investigator?” asks Sabata
“That’s what we have concluded.” Inspector Brown says
At the Peacock Residence, there is a solid knock on the door. Miss Scarlet walks down the stairs with a smile and opens it to see Chandler.
“Oh god!” Miss Scarlet throws her arms around him, “I’m so glad you are okay.”
“How about that impromptu picnic?” Chandler smiles
“Of course.” Miss Scarlet says, “Let me just have Mrs. Myrtle fix up the basket.”
Miss Scarlet exits the Hall as Mrs. Peacock enters the Hall wearing a beautiful royal blue dress suit. She is clutching her Black purse in one hand and a basket with three bottles of wine in the other.
“Hello Chandler,” Mrs. Peacock says, “So nice to see you around here.”
“It’s nice to see you too.” Chandler says smiling sheepishly
“Be a dear and tell Cynthia I’m taking a walk to the Black Estate and the Hospital.” Mrs. Peacock says taking a bottle out and handing it to Chandler, “This is for you. It’s a simple welcome back to the neighborhood gift.”
“Thank you so much, Mrs. Peacock.” He smiles, “But actually I never really left the neighborhood.”
“No, but you had us worried.” Mrs. Peacock says, “Anyway, be sure to tell Cynthia.”
“I will.” Chandler says
Mrs. Peacock exits her house to see Officer Pyrite and Officer Ebony still surveying the Curry Home while other photographers and news reporters stand outside.
“Mrs. Peacock.” A reporter walks over to her with an open notebook, “Tell us about your relationship with Ms. Curry.”
“She was a sweet old woman who lied through her teeth. What more is there to say? She is dead. Let her rest in peace.” Mrs. Peacock says continuing to walk down the road.
At the Mustard Home, Colonel Algernon Mustard looks at photographs of his young wife on the mantel of his fireplace. He sighs deeply and walks over to his typewriter where he has written over two stacks of paper. He sits down and begins to type again when there is an interrupting knock at the door. He frustratingly hits all the keys on the typewriter and gets up and exits his Study. He opens the front door and sees a tall man with a snow white button down shirt.
“Good Morning, I’m Detective Philip Winters, may I come in to ask you some questions?” the detective greets the colonel by taking out his badge
“Of course,” Colonel Mustard says leading the detective into the Drawing Room.
“So how long have you been on Ceil Drive?” asks Detective Winters
“Just six days.” Colonel Mustard says, “My wife bought this house to get away from some family drama.”
“Where can I find your wife?” asks Detective Winters
“I don’t know.” Colonel Mustard says, “She was supposed to be caring for her father in Italy but when I tried to contact her she wasn’t there?”
“Is it possible she is in Hampshire, or at least Mayfield?” Detective Winters says
“It’s possible but I highly doubt it.” Colonel Mustard says, “Detective, my wife is much younger than me and is liking finding love somewhere else.” He says those last words painfully, “She has no reason to be in town or be involved with the recent unpleasantness that has happened.”
At the Meadow-Brook’s home, Jane Meadow-Brook and Miles Meadow-Brook sit across from each other in the Dining Room. The room is deathly silent.
“Are you going to talk to me?” Miles asks
Mrs. Meadow-Brook sits firmly in her chair staring daggers at her husband.
“Jane, how are we going to work out our problems if we don’t talk?” Mr. Meadow-Brook asks
“Maybe I don’t want to work this out.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“Are you saying that this is over?” Mr. Meadow-Brook says, “Our marriage? Our family? You do not get to decide that! I am the man of this house!”
“Miles, we need some time apart.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“But it’s not over,” Mr. Meadow-Brook says firmly, “I will not allow it.”
“Why are you trying so hard to hold onto this marriage when you are the one who threw an anchor in it?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“Emily and I just have sex. It’s nothing personal. I don’t love her.” Mr. Meadow-Brook says, “You need to understand that.”
“Miles, you are so insensitive.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook shakes her head in disbelief, “You obviously weren’t being fulfilled by me so you had to hunt out some teenager?”
“Emily’s not a teenager. She is in her twenties.” Mr. Meadow-Brook says
“I really don’t care.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I’d actually prefer it was a teenager, then I could send you to jail.”
“If you are that hell bent against sending me to jail, I could take you down with me. I helped you and Mr. Green out plenty of times. Then again you would always use my little mistake against me.” Mr. Meadow-Brook throws his hands up in frustration
“Miles,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook laughs, “If I turned you in for your little mistake, I would be in prison too for helping you.”
“You had nothing to do with it.” Mr. Meadow-Brook says standing up from the table
“Didn’t I?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brook asks
“What are you saying?” asks Mr. Meadow-Brook
“You always leave evidence behind you.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “You would be in jail right now if I didn’t clean up all that blood.”
“That was you?” Mr. Meadow-Brook asks, “I thought it was…”
“Miles, honestly?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook smirks, “For someone so keen on being the man of the house, you sure have a lot of moments where I have saved you that title by cleaning up your mistakes. I am done cleaning up your mistakes. I need to get away from you. You are bad luck to me. I want it to end. I want a divorce.”
The doorbell of Tudor Close rings and Mr. Ash answers it in his usual, etiquette way.
“Mrs. Peacock,” Mr. Ash clears his throat, “What a pleasant surprise. I’m afraid Dr. and Mrs. Black are not in the mood for company, under the circumstances and all.”
“No,” Mrs. Black says from the Library doorway, “It’s fine, Reggie. Tea on the Terrace?”
Several Minutes Later, Mrs. Peacock and Mrs. Black find themselves being served a fine herbal tea on the patio that overlooks that grand gardens of Tudor Close. From the elegantly trimmed hedges around the patio, to the large swimming pool, to the ivy covered cobblestone garage. Dark storm clouds continue to blow in from the East but have not yet obscured the peaceful reserve that is Tudor Close.
“Thank you, Blanche.” Mrs. Black motions for Mrs. White to leave. Mrs. White enters the house through the Library door.
“I brought you a bottle from my cellar.” Mrs. Peacock picks up the bottle from her basket and sets it on the table between them.
“Oh that is very thoughtful of you.” Mrs. Black says, “I wanted to apologize for the searching of the homes on Ceil Drive.”
“Oh it was no bother.” Mrs. Peacock says, “Our house didn’t even get rummaged through. The police located them after two houses.”
“I know Mr. Pearl was very upset with the idea of rummaging.” Mrs. Black chuckles, “He isn’t much of a social butterfly.”
“Speaking of social events,” Mrs. Peacock says with hope, “How about we two host a dinner party tomorrow night in honor of the return of Chandler, Scotty, and Senor Bronce.”
“That sounds lovely.” Mrs. Black says, “We could do it here at Tudor Close. It will be a nice way to help this town get over this unpleasantness. And once the police find the person who did this, everything will be back to normal.”
“Why does it seem that anytime someone has a secret there is always someone out to find out?” Mrs. Peacock asks
“She is dead, she will not be able to torment us anymore.” Mrs. Black says
On a stony beach near Sogoia Bay, Miss Scarlet and Chandler Weiss sit silently finishing their champagne and finger sandwiches.
“I’m so glad you are alright.” Miss Scarlet says taking his large lightly tanned hand in her dainty pale one.
“You are so beautiful.” Chandler smiles as he squeezes her hand back.
“I thought you stood me up.” Miss Scarlet admits with a blush, “I admit I thought some rather nasty thoughts about you.”
“Never.” Chandler says looking intently in her crystal blue eyes, “I will never leave your sight again. Every since the day I saw you stumbling around the Tennis Courts I knew I had to befriend you. I thought you would find me annoying, or boyish, or simply dull.”
Miss Scarlet smiles brightly, “There is nothing about you that I find bothersome! You seem almost too perfect to be true. I always figured I was cursed in love. Men only want me for my body. They never spend time with me, respect me, give me the attention I deserve.”
“Those days are behind you.” Chandler says tightens his grip around her hand, “I always figured I was cursed in love too. My mother rarely ever talks to me unless she needs something, but when she does she reminds me that my talents are going wasted. She always reminded me that romance and love was not in my future. I want to prove her wrong. I want to be myself and send my passion and my love to the only person that makes me smile when the rest of my life frowns.”
“Chandler,” Miss Scarlet sighs as she is drawn into his sparkling eyes and curls of blonde hair that dance and bounce in the seaside breeze. Chandler picks up a shell and hands it to Miss Scarlet.
“It’s beautiful.” Miss Scarlet says admiring the colors and texture.
“Look inside.” Chandler says motioning for her to flip it over.
She looks inside to see a gold ring with several small diamonds clustered around a large on in the center.
“Cynthia will you marry me?” Chandler asks reaching out and touching her hand.
Tears fill up Cynthia’s eyes as she puts the ring on.
“Yes,” She smiles, “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
They both kiss passionately as the soft blue waves crash against the stony beach sending seafoam and water towards their feet.
At the Curry Home, Detective Winters enters the house to step in something wet. He notices the entire hall floor is covered in a wet substance. He also notices the study door is open and the trail of thick liquid leads there. He bends over an examines it.
“Gasoline.” He becomes alarmed. He quickly enters the study to see all the blackmail photos, notes, and other documents scattered about. He also notices the dial on the wall which shows the temperature. He gives it a double look when I see’s that it is set on 86°.
“Oh God,” he gasps, “The furnace.”
Just then the furnace ignites in the basement. Before Detective Winters can even blink the roar of fire races down the Hall and enters the Study. He quickly rushes around the desk as the hot flames begin to lick the walls. He notices a document on the desk that catches his attention. In his last effort to help unmask the murderer he shoves the document inside his shirt. He sweats as the curtains and ceiling begin to burn. He backs up to the fireplace as the ceiling caves in, trapping Detective Winters’ between the desk and fireplace. His shouts for help are barely audible as Jane Meadow-Brook and Miles Meadow-Brook watch every window of the house illuminate with fire from the edge of the sidewalk.
As the roof of the Curry Home caves in it occurs to Jane and Miles that the evidence of the affair is destroyed. Anyone who already knows can be convinced it was a lie. Mr. Thallo Green watches from his front door with Jet Black by his side. They both look at the thick smoke and ash that flutters through the cloudless, blue sky.
Inside the Mustard Home, Colonel Mustard stands at the window with the telephone to his ear. The reflection of the flames across the street are visible to him.
“357 Ceil Drive there has been a terrible accident.” Colonel Mustard says