Episode 53 – “Eight Glasses of Champagne”
Previously on the Memoirs of Mayfield: The young blonde woman from the premonition, Miss Marina Popov, daughter of Sergei Gold and sister of Yuri Gold, leaves her home town in Russia and heads to Mayfield. Mrs. White is alerted by those who attended the séance that Miles Meadow-Brook is dead. Mrs. White panics, having been involved with the cover up of his death and quickly goes to Church to confess her sins to Reverend Hunter. After realizing the only way to salvation is by confessing to the police, Mrs. White decides to sort this problem out on her own. Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard consummate their love and make plans for the future. Colonel Mustard is informed that his thought to be dead wife, Karen Mustard, tried to escape from Dark Hill Sanitarium with Sergeant Gray. Mr. Boddy pays Bradford Black a visit in prison and explains to him that in order to make the Black family crash and burn he needs to get everyone back home and away from Azure. Bradford agrees to help, as long as Mr. Boddy gets him out of prison.…
-Sunday, May 15, 1949 –
- Evening-
A train tears across the railway bound for London. On board, Miss Cynthia Scarlet holds a short lead pencil between her dainty fingers. A small white diary is unfolded on her lap. She turns on the light in her cabin as the setting sun disappears on the horizon of the vast country-side. She turns her attention to the blank page of her diary.
“I can’t possibly explain or express my relief that Miles Meadow-Brook is dead.” Miss Scarlet writes, “I’ll be the first one to best honest: the night we buried him I was extremely relieved. My secrets are buried and so is the dirty old man. The thought of him groping and touching my body over and over makes me want to retch. He was a perverted old man who clearly had an unhealthy obsession with beautiful young women like me. He manipulated and blackmailed anyone to get what he wanted. A fresh start is exactly what I need. I am tired to being dragged along through Penelope’s schemes, lying, and her trying to convince us that murdering Hugh Black was a justifiable deed. Then again I suppose I must have been overly influenced by her if I went to the measures of dealing with Ms. Hawthorne just to protect her secret. I’m also ready to move on from the impact Chandler had on my life. I thought he was so charming and suave at first but after Penelope’s actions he began to drift. I suppose it’s all Penelope’s fault. She ruins everything with her eccentric way of dealing with problems. I hope Colonel Mustard realizes what he is getting himself into. Any man that has drawn close to falling in love with Penelope ends up heart broken or dead. The only good thing she ever did for me was taking care of me after my father died. Everything else she has done has emotionally scarred me. I just want to move forward. Miles is dead. No one knows what I did to Ms. Hawthorne. I am ready to start my life as a singer and dancer in New York City. Maybe I’ll find love there. Maybe I’ll find fame. Maybe I’ll find both. Whatever I find I know my breath-taking beauty will help me climb to the top.”
She closes her diary and takes a deep breath. Mr. Thallo Green enters the cabin with two glasses of champagne.
“I thought you would enjoy a toast to the future.” Mr. Green says
“Thank you,” Miss Scarlet gladly accepts the glass.
“Here’s to finding what we are looking for!” Mr. Green raises his glass
“And may Miles Meadow-Brook and his blackmailing ways rest in peace.” Miss Scarlet touches her champagne glass to his.
In Hampshire, at the Peacock Residence, Colonel Algernon Mustard lies in bed next to Penelope Peacock in the Master Bedroom of the house.
“That was thrilling.” Mrs. Peacock stands up and puts on her silky, blue bathrobe, “It has been a while since I’ve been with a big, strong man.”
Colonel Mustard is silent.
“Are you alright, Al?” Mrs. Peacock asks
“It’s the 15th of the month.” Colonel Mustard says
“Yes, so it is.” Mrs. Peacock doesn’t see relevance.
“Exactly one month ago Hugh Black died.” Colonel Mustard says
“Oh,” Mrs. Peacock says stopping in front of the mirror in her bedroom.
“A month later Miles Meadow-Brook is murdered.” Colonel Mustard chuckles in disbelief, “If Bradford wasn’t in prison I would suspect the two deaths are related. Hugh Black is killed then a month later his lawyer and confidante is killed.”
“Trust me,” Mrs. Peacock says, “The deaths are not connected in any way. The only coincidence is that most of the suspects to Hugh’s death were also present when Miles was murdered.”
“I’m sorry,” Colonel Mustard says, “I know this is a tender subject for you.”
“Would you like some champagne?” asks Mrs. Peacock ignoring his comment.
“Yes that would be nice,” Colonel Mustard says as his voice trails off and his mind wanders distantly
Mrs. Peacock exits the bedroom.
Colonel Mustard sits up in bed and holds his head.
“I have certainly gotten myself into a sticky situation this time. What the hell am I supposed to do now?” Colonel Mustard thinks to himself, “Why would I give the ring to the love of my life? That ring is a trophy of the crime I committed and took the fall for. I mean, it is convenient that the only ones to recognize it would be Prince Azure, Hugh Black, and Miles Meadow-Brook. Azure is missing thank god. Hugh Black is no longer with us. I’m sure he would have kept quiet. But then there’s Miles. He’s always one to create a stir. Maybe it’s the countless hours in the courthouse that makes him feel the need to be in control and the center of attention.” Colonel Mustard sighs, “I suppose it’s a good thing that sick bastard kicked the bucket. He was so focused on ruining everyone else’s lives just because a few things went wrong in his own life.” Colonel Mustard sits up in bed and rubs his hand through his hair, “Enough of Meadow-Brook’s life. I have a future ahead of me. My fiancé is madly in love with me and she wants to help me with my grandfather’s hunting lodge. I just want everything to be happy for once.”
In Tudor Close, Mrs. White enters the Kitchen with a half empty bottle of champagne. She grabs a clean coffee mug from the drying rack next to the sink. She pours the champagne in the mug and sucks the liquid down quickly.
“They are going to figure it out.” She panics, “Madame Rose, Jet, and Mr. Boddy.” Mrs. White pours herself another mug-full of champagne, “They know about Miles Meadow-Brook being dead. But how? I never believed in Madame Rose’s psychic nonsense… but now…” she steadies herself on the counter. She takes a deep breath as she pours herself another glass, emptying the bottle completely, “I remember the good old days with Miles. He was sweet, caring, and optimistic. He never ventured into the realms of blackmail and trickery. His only downfall was beautiful young women. That’s why our love never last more than just a one night stand. Could one even call it love? He left me for young Jane. Married her and then broke her heart when he left for young Emily. The man poisoned women, broke their hearts, and ruined everything. Jane knew I loved him. Jane knew I was serious about him. It serves her right that he left her for a young woman. She started teasing him and luring him away from me. I tried so hard to look that man straight in the eyes every single time he came to the mansion. All he would do is as for a cigar from the cigar box and ask me to pour him another drink. He treated me like a maid. And then to see him ogling for Cynthia Scarlet in the Swimming Pool! I loved him.” She drinks the champagne, “I loved him…”
Mrs. White tosses the empty wine bottle into the rubbish bin next to the refrigerator. She then takes a deep breath and heads out the back door of the Kitchen.
On the train bound for London, Mr. Green watches as Miss Scarlet finishes her champagne. He turns and rests his head against the window as Miss Scarlet opens her diary again.
“What a week,” Mr. Green says softly as he shuts his eyes. He inhales deeply as he begins to ponder the thoughts weighing down on his mind.
“Of course my sister was unhappy with Miles,” Mr. Green thinks to himself, “She would have been more torn apart over his death if she even cared about him still. She wanted him dead; she told me she needed him out of the picture. I personally think he should have been taken out of the picture years ago. He was always a hotheaded control-freak. I can’t believe Hugh Black even trusted the man to let him in on our business plans. There are plenty of other crooked lawyers who know their way around the law. Miles got Jane’s hands stained with blood when he brought her in on one of my dealings. She had to clean it up and cover our tracks. I never wanted that kind of life for my baby sister. Who the hell did he think he was? He treated her like she was just a trophy. He treated her like she was something he could just show off to everyone else. When she wanted a divorce he wouldn’t let her leave. When he wanted a divorce he got what he wanted the minute he asked for it!” Mr. Green grinds his teeth hard, “I hate that man. I only wish he were still alive just so he could die again and again. He used my only sister for his own personal gain. He beat her when she drifted away from how he wanted things.”
“Are you okay?” Miss Scarlet asks slipping her diary into her small hand bag
“Yes,” Mr. Green flashes a reassured smile, “Just thinking a little too hard.”
“I write down all my thoughts.” Miss Scarlet pats her hand bag, “That way I can always look back on them and never lose sight of who I truly am.”
“That is a very smart thing to do.” Mr. Green says, “I think I will do the same one day.”
Miss Scarlet smiles and finishes her champagne.
“Do you mind if I have a cigar?” asks Mr. Green
“Feel free,” Miss Scarlet says, “After all, it’s me that is tagging along with you. Just go about how you normally would.”
Mr. Green smiles and pulls a cigar from his top pocket.
In the Kitchen of the Peacock Residence, Mrs. Peacock selects a bottle of champagne from the small wine rack next to the pantry. Mrs. Melinda Myrtle enters the room with a cheerful atmosphere about her.
“Me and Mrs. White are planning a luncheon tomorrow at the tea house on my day off!” Mrs. Myrtle chirps with a big smile as she hands a cork screw to Mrs. Peacock.
“It’s only a luncheon. Why are you so irritatingly cheerful?” Mrs. Peacock asks
“I like having company!” Mrs. Myrtle says gleefully
“Well tone it down.” Mrs. Peacock says, “I’m feeling rather somber today.”
“I’m surprised,” Mrs. Myrtle says, “You finally got little Cynthia out of the house and from the moans of ecstasy from upstairs it sounds like you were doing something wonderfully naughty.”
“I need to send you on more errands during the day.” Mrs. Peacock mutters under her breath
“Is the professor coming home for dinner?” asks Mrs. Myrtle
“Am I my brother’s keeper?” Mrs. Peacock asks bluntly
“I was just wondering how large of a dinner I should prepare for tonight.” Mrs. Myrtle says, “Is the colonel staying?”
“How about you take the rest of the night off and enjoy your day off tomorrow.” Mrs. Peacock says trying to dismiss her housekeeper
“Are you certain?” Mrs. Myrtle says, “I took out several chicken breasts from the freezer. I can have a meal prepared in about an hour.”
“Enjoy your day off.” Mrs. Peacock says, “I think I’ll try my hand at cooking. It can’t be too difficult.”
“If you insist.” Mrs. Myrtle says
“I do.” Mrs. Peacock says
“I will see you on Tuesday.” Mrs. Myrtle says
“Good bye Melinda.” Mrs. Peacock dismisses her.
Mrs. Myrtle exits the Kitchen. Mrs. Peacock stabs the corkscrew into the champagne bottle and pops the cork out. She drinks directly from the bottle.
“God, I needed that.” Mrs. Peacock sighs, “What a month. I can’t believe it has been exactly a month since everything happened with Hugh. Murder seems to be something that this town has accepted and now expects. Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered and no one even cares. Perhaps it’s for the best. There won’t be any police hunting around… not that Inspector Brown even did anything about what I did. It’s amusing how one crooked man of the law can change an entire murder case. Perhaps we should have brought him in on the murder of Miles Meadow-Brook. He could have pinned it on someone else we hate and want to get rid of.” Mrs. Peacock opens the cupboard and pulls out two champagne flutes, “Miles, poor naïve Miles, did he really think blackmailing this family was going to go over well. The scandals and rumors of my involvement with Hugh’s death should have been enough to warn him not to mess with me or meddle with Cynthia’s affairs. Hopefully he learnt his lesson in his final gasps of air.”
Mrs. Peacock shrugs her shoulders and carries the champagne bottle and two glasses back up to her bedroom where her fiancé is waiting.
At the Tennis Courts of Tudor Close, Professor Gregory Plum sits on the wooden bench near the back of the Tennis Courts. He is holding a concrete Lawn Gnome in his hands. Mrs. White passes the entrance to the Tennis Courts and stops when she sees him sitting there.
“Professor?” Mrs. White is surprised to see him there
“Oh, Mrs. White.” Professor Plum stands up setting the Lawn Gnome on the bench
“What are you doing here?” asks Mrs. White
“I’m terribly sorry for the intrusion.” Professor Plum says, “I just needed a place to think. I didn’t want to mull around Penelope’s house. I’ll be off now.”
“No,” Mrs. White says, “You can stay. With everything that’s happened lately it isn’t my place to tell you to leave.”
“Has there been any word on where Sylvia, Scott, and Mr. Ash are?” asks Professor Plum
“Nary a soul to be seen.” Mrs. White says in despair
“Oh dear,” Professor Plum sighs, “You don’t suppose we should tell Inspector Brown about Miles Meadow-Brook?”
“Absolutely not!” Mrs. White protests
“It might be somewhat relevant as to where Sylvia and the others were taken.” Professor Plum says
“Professor,” Mrs. White says, “The only thing that bringing Inspector Brown into this is going to do is get out dirty laundry scattered about. Didn’t Miles do something equally as bad to you as he did to the rest of us?”
“He blackmailed me.” Professor Plum says softly, “Asked me to kill Rusty Naylor.”
“See,” Mrs. White says, “We don’t need that little scandal out around town, do we?”
“I suppose not.” Professor Plum says
“Perhaps you should be on your way back to your sister’s house.” Mrs. White says
“I apologize for the inconvenience.” Professor Plum exits the Tennis Courts.
Professor Plum walks past the Garden and towards the Gate House.
“She’s right,” Professor Plum mutters nervously, “Having the police digging around why Miles died will only cause problems. It’s bad enough that Roxanne and I were clumsy enough to be caught by Miles. Who else could have seen us? She told me her marriage with Rex is coming to an end and soon she will have all the time in the world with me. But all I do is sit back and wait and watch as they live a fake marriage. She’s using me. All I am is her back up man on the off chance her marriage fails. She’s keeping me interested with no true intentions of leaving Rex.” Professor Plum passes through the Gates of Tudor Close and begins to descend the rough forest road, “What more can I do? She told me she loved be back in Brooklyn. She told me I was the man of her dreams. She told me the only reason she married Rex was for his money. Who’s to say she won’t do the same again. What does she pretend to like me for?” Professor Plum stops on the road as he reaches the place of the broken guard rail above the ravine, where Bradford Black’s car broke through weeks ago. He steps to the edge of the ravine and looks down, “My sister does illegal, terrible crimes and gets away with it. She killed our birth father and birth mother and manipulated the police that Bradford Black brainwashed and threatened her to do it. All I want is love; a true relationship with someone who loves me for who I am.” Professor Plum closes his eyes and takes off his glasses, “But what life is worth living if you can’t share it with someone.” He takes a deep breath and stares down the steep slope that leads to the tree roots and ragged rocks below, “I keep trying. I keep failing. I keep loving. I keep losing. I keep screwing up my life and those around me. I am done with that. I’m finished begin the naïve man I once was.” He steps back onto the road and turns away from the ravine, “It’s time I lived my life for me… not her.” He walks down the gravel road, “I need a good drink.”
At the Meadow-Brook Home, Mrs. Jane Meadow-Brook stands in the bay window of Miles Meadow-Brook’s Study. She is looking out onto Ceil Drive as she takes a sip from a glass of champagne. She turns away from the window and looks towards the mess of papers on Miles Meadow-Brook’s desk. She picks up the first few papers and her eyes widen.
“That blackmailing bastard.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says tossing them against the desk. She gulps down the rest of her drink and sits down behind the desk. She begins to read each letter in detail. Her eyes scan over every letter as she processes every disgusting secret and hidden motive from the pasts of the residents of Hampshire. She finally stops reading and stacks all the papers in a neat and organized pile. She then tosses them into the empty fireplace grate. She proceeds to light a match. She watches the flame engulf the tip of the match. She sets the flame underneath a corner of a letter as they begin to burn. She sits back down at the desk as Miss Ecru enters the Study.
“Do you need anything else before I leave for the evening?” asks Miss Ecru
“No,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says distantly
“It’s strange seeing you behind his desk.” Miss Ecru says
“Well you’d better get used to it.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “Miles isn’t coming back.”
“He’ll always be back,” Miss Ecru says spitefully
“Suzanne, he is not coming back.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“What makes you so certain.” Miss Ecru says
“He’s dead!” Mrs. Meadow-Brook blurts out
Miss Ecru is silent, “Don’t expect any form of remorse from me.”
“I wasn’t.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“After everything he did to me…” Miss Ecru begins to cry
“What are you talking about?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “He treated you fair, paid you well…”
“He raped me!” Miss Ecru shouts as she sits down in the overstuffed armchair in front of the desk
Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s face turns red, “I’m so sorry. I should have done someth…”
“Stop!” Miss Ecru cuts her off, “You were too busy dealing with your rich girl problems to notice me begging for help.”
“Suzanne,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook offers her a tissue box, “I cannot feel any worse than I do right now. Please allow me to make it up to you.”
“How?” asks Miss Ecru taking a tissue
“For a start, you will be thrilled to know that he didn’t die of natural and peaceful causes.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“How did he die?” Miss Ecru asks
“He died of forced blunt trauma to his head.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“Does that mean…” Miss Ecru’s voice trails off
“He was murdered.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“Do you know who killed him?” Miss Ecru says
Mrs. Meadow-Brook walks behind her and kisses the young housekeeper on the top of the head, “All that matters is that he is not going to hurt anyone else.”
“Anyone else?” Miss Ecru says, “Who else did he hurt.”
“Well, from what I can scrape up, he blackmailed Professor Plum and Colonel Mustard. He also made sexual advances on Miss Scarlet, which enraged both Miss Scarlet and her stepmother, Mrs. Peacock. Rusty has hated him because Rusty has this obsession with me. He’s always wanted Miles out of the picture. Mrs. White was in love with him before Miles and I began seeing each other. She may have been jilted. Then there is my brother…”
“What would Mr. Green have against Miles?” Miss Ecru asks, “I thought they were in business together.”
“I asked Mr. Green to kill Miles.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I told him to do it or else I would do it myself.”
Miss Ecru counts on her fingers for a moment, “Eight suspects.”
“Seven.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“Eight!” Miss Ecru corrects her, “Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Rusty, and you.”\
“You think I killed Miles?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook asks
“If you did I would be on my knees thanking you.” Miss Ecru says, “The world is better without that abhorrent man!”
“Well if you really do wish to pay your respects to the person who killed Miles…” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says with hesitation, “I will tell you everything that happened that day, leading up to me watching his body his the ground.”
Across the Lake behind Tudor Close, Blanche White walks outside towards the doors of the Cabin. She enters to see Rusty Naylor holding a half empty bottle of champagne.
“Where did you find that?” Mrs. White asks paying no regard to Jessica Meadow-Brook who is bound in the corner of the Cabin.
“I stole it from the Gazebo.” Rusty says, “It fell into the shrubs after the explosion. It was the only good source of booze I could find.”
“I could bring you something better from the wine cellar.” Mrs. White says sitting down at his Kitchenette table.
“That won’t be necessary, Mrs. White.” Rusty says
“What’s your need for good booze?” Mrs. White asks imitating the way he worded it
“Miles Meadow-Brook’s murder.” Rusty says distantly
Mrs. White glances over at Jessica
“Don’t worry Mrs. White, I’ve been rattling on about it for most of the morning.” Rusty says, “Besides, with Miss Popov on the way it won’t be long before we can start recreating everything the girl knows.”
“Have you started working on a timeline of her new memories?” asks Mrs. White
“I’ve been a little preoccupied.” Rusty says
“You have nothing to worry about.” Mrs. White says, “The police know nothing about his death.”
“And when they do they will begin to inspect the grounds of the mansion for clues and it won’t be long before they find Jessica here.” Rusty says, “I wonder who they’ll pin the murder on? Probably both of us…”
“You have nothing to worry about Rusty!” Mrs. White says, “No one is getting any wiser about any of this.”
“I hope you are right.” Rusty says, “Still I can’t help feel like something very bad is about to happen.”
“Any worse than Sylvia, Scott, and Mr. Ash being taking hostage somewhere?” Mrs. White asks
“I just feel very uneasy about this.” Rusty says motioning to Jessica
“Keep yourself under control,” Mrs. White says, “I need to help back to the mansion before anyone notices I was gone. Rose and Boddy are already suspicious of me.”
Mrs. White leaves the Cabin and begins heading back around the Lake to Tudor Close. She passes by the Garage and hears a sound of leaves rustling near the Stables. She turns her head quickly to see a figure standing in the shadows next to the building. She tries to squint to make out who the person is, but is unable to. She turns around and makes haste back to the mansion, feeling rather uneasy. She passes by the Tennis Courts and glances back to see the figure is no longer there. She stops and leans against the Tennis Court hedges to catch her breath. She begins breathing at a normal rate and turns back to the path to Tudor Close. The evening darkness creates an eerie shadow over the once beautiful gardens of Tudor Close. She reaches the foot of the stairs leading up to the Terrace when she is attacked from behind with a metal Water Bucket. She slumps to the ground.
-Sunday, May 15, 1949 –
- Evening-
A train tears across the railway bound for London. On board, Miss Cynthia Scarlet holds a short lead pencil between her dainty fingers. A small white diary is unfolded on her lap. She turns on the light in her cabin as the setting sun disappears on the horizon of the vast country-side. She turns her attention to the blank page of her diary.
“I can’t possibly explain or express my relief that Miles Meadow-Brook is dead.” Miss Scarlet writes, “I’ll be the first one to best honest: the night we buried him I was extremely relieved. My secrets are buried and so is the dirty old man. The thought of him groping and touching my body over and over makes me want to retch. He was a perverted old man who clearly had an unhealthy obsession with beautiful young women like me. He manipulated and blackmailed anyone to get what he wanted. A fresh start is exactly what I need. I am tired to being dragged along through Penelope’s schemes, lying, and her trying to convince us that murdering Hugh Black was a justifiable deed. Then again I suppose I must have been overly influenced by her if I went to the measures of dealing with Ms. Hawthorne just to protect her secret. I’m also ready to move on from the impact Chandler had on my life. I thought he was so charming and suave at first but after Penelope’s actions he began to drift. I suppose it’s all Penelope’s fault. She ruins everything with her eccentric way of dealing with problems. I hope Colonel Mustard realizes what he is getting himself into. Any man that has drawn close to falling in love with Penelope ends up heart broken or dead. The only good thing she ever did for me was taking care of me after my father died. Everything else she has done has emotionally scarred me. I just want to move forward. Miles is dead. No one knows what I did to Ms. Hawthorne. I am ready to start my life as a singer and dancer in New York City. Maybe I’ll find love there. Maybe I’ll find fame. Maybe I’ll find both. Whatever I find I know my breath-taking beauty will help me climb to the top.”
She closes her diary and takes a deep breath. Mr. Thallo Green enters the cabin with two glasses of champagne.
“I thought you would enjoy a toast to the future.” Mr. Green says
“Thank you,” Miss Scarlet gladly accepts the glass.
“Here’s to finding what we are looking for!” Mr. Green raises his glass
“And may Miles Meadow-Brook and his blackmailing ways rest in peace.” Miss Scarlet touches her champagne glass to his.
In Hampshire, at the Peacock Residence, Colonel Algernon Mustard lies in bed next to Penelope Peacock in the Master Bedroom of the house.
“That was thrilling.” Mrs. Peacock stands up and puts on her silky, blue bathrobe, “It has been a while since I’ve been with a big, strong man.”
Colonel Mustard is silent.
“Are you alright, Al?” Mrs. Peacock asks
“It’s the 15th of the month.” Colonel Mustard says
“Yes, so it is.” Mrs. Peacock doesn’t see relevance.
“Exactly one month ago Hugh Black died.” Colonel Mustard says
“Oh,” Mrs. Peacock says stopping in front of the mirror in her bedroom.
“A month later Miles Meadow-Brook is murdered.” Colonel Mustard chuckles in disbelief, “If Bradford wasn’t in prison I would suspect the two deaths are related. Hugh Black is killed then a month later his lawyer and confidante is killed.”
“Trust me,” Mrs. Peacock says, “The deaths are not connected in any way. The only coincidence is that most of the suspects to Hugh’s death were also present when Miles was murdered.”
“I’m sorry,” Colonel Mustard says, “I know this is a tender subject for you.”
“Would you like some champagne?” asks Mrs. Peacock ignoring his comment.
“Yes that would be nice,” Colonel Mustard says as his voice trails off and his mind wanders distantly
Mrs. Peacock exits the bedroom.
Colonel Mustard sits up in bed and holds his head.
“I have certainly gotten myself into a sticky situation this time. What the hell am I supposed to do now?” Colonel Mustard thinks to himself, “Why would I give the ring to the love of my life? That ring is a trophy of the crime I committed and took the fall for. I mean, it is convenient that the only ones to recognize it would be Prince Azure, Hugh Black, and Miles Meadow-Brook. Azure is missing thank god. Hugh Black is no longer with us. I’m sure he would have kept quiet. But then there’s Miles. He’s always one to create a stir. Maybe it’s the countless hours in the courthouse that makes him feel the need to be in control and the center of attention.” Colonel Mustard sighs, “I suppose it’s a good thing that sick bastard kicked the bucket. He was so focused on ruining everyone else’s lives just because a few things went wrong in his own life.” Colonel Mustard sits up in bed and rubs his hand through his hair, “Enough of Meadow-Brook’s life. I have a future ahead of me. My fiancé is madly in love with me and she wants to help me with my grandfather’s hunting lodge. I just want everything to be happy for once.”
In Tudor Close, Mrs. White enters the Kitchen with a half empty bottle of champagne. She grabs a clean coffee mug from the drying rack next to the sink. She pours the champagne in the mug and sucks the liquid down quickly.
“They are going to figure it out.” She panics, “Madame Rose, Jet, and Mr. Boddy.” Mrs. White pours herself another mug-full of champagne, “They know about Miles Meadow-Brook being dead. But how? I never believed in Madame Rose’s psychic nonsense… but now…” she steadies herself on the counter. She takes a deep breath as she pours herself another glass, emptying the bottle completely, “I remember the good old days with Miles. He was sweet, caring, and optimistic. He never ventured into the realms of blackmail and trickery. His only downfall was beautiful young women. That’s why our love never last more than just a one night stand. Could one even call it love? He left me for young Jane. Married her and then broke her heart when he left for young Emily. The man poisoned women, broke their hearts, and ruined everything. Jane knew I loved him. Jane knew I was serious about him. It serves her right that he left her for a young woman. She started teasing him and luring him away from me. I tried so hard to look that man straight in the eyes every single time he came to the mansion. All he would do is as for a cigar from the cigar box and ask me to pour him another drink. He treated me like a maid. And then to see him ogling for Cynthia Scarlet in the Swimming Pool! I loved him.” She drinks the champagne, “I loved him…”
Mrs. White tosses the empty wine bottle into the rubbish bin next to the refrigerator. She then takes a deep breath and heads out the back door of the Kitchen.
On the train bound for London, Mr. Green watches as Miss Scarlet finishes her champagne. He turns and rests his head against the window as Miss Scarlet opens her diary again.
“What a week,” Mr. Green says softly as he shuts his eyes. He inhales deeply as he begins to ponder the thoughts weighing down on his mind.
“Of course my sister was unhappy with Miles,” Mr. Green thinks to himself, “She would have been more torn apart over his death if she even cared about him still. She wanted him dead; she told me she needed him out of the picture. I personally think he should have been taken out of the picture years ago. He was always a hotheaded control-freak. I can’t believe Hugh Black even trusted the man to let him in on our business plans. There are plenty of other crooked lawyers who know their way around the law. Miles got Jane’s hands stained with blood when he brought her in on one of my dealings. She had to clean it up and cover our tracks. I never wanted that kind of life for my baby sister. Who the hell did he think he was? He treated her like she was just a trophy. He treated her like she was something he could just show off to everyone else. When she wanted a divorce he wouldn’t let her leave. When he wanted a divorce he got what he wanted the minute he asked for it!” Mr. Green grinds his teeth hard, “I hate that man. I only wish he were still alive just so he could die again and again. He used my only sister for his own personal gain. He beat her when she drifted away from how he wanted things.”
“Are you okay?” Miss Scarlet asks slipping her diary into her small hand bag
“Yes,” Mr. Green flashes a reassured smile, “Just thinking a little too hard.”
“I write down all my thoughts.” Miss Scarlet pats her hand bag, “That way I can always look back on them and never lose sight of who I truly am.”
“That is a very smart thing to do.” Mr. Green says, “I think I will do the same one day.”
Miss Scarlet smiles and finishes her champagne.
“Do you mind if I have a cigar?” asks Mr. Green
“Feel free,” Miss Scarlet says, “After all, it’s me that is tagging along with you. Just go about how you normally would.”
Mr. Green smiles and pulls a cigar from his top pocket.
In the Kitchen of the Peacock Residence, Mrs. Peacock selects a bottle of champagne from the small wine rack next to the pantry. Mrs. Melinda Myrtle enters the room with a cheerful atmosphere about her.
“Me and Mrs. White are planning a luncheon tomorrow at the tea house on my day off!” Mrs. Myrtle chirps with a big smile as she hands a cork screw to Mrs. Peacock.
“It’s only a luncheon. Why are you so irritatingly cheerful?” Mrs. Peacock asks
“I like having company!” Mrs. Myrtle says gleefully
“Well tone it down.” Mrs. Peacock says, “I’m feeling rather somber today.”
“I’m surprised,” Mrs. Myrtle says, “You finally got little Cynthia out of the house and from the moans of ecstasy from upstairs it sounds like you were doing something wonderfully naughty.”
“I need to send you on more errands during the day.” Mrs. Peacock mutters under her breath
“Is the professor coming home for dinner?” asks Mrs. Myrtle
“Am I my brother’s keeper?” Mrs. Peacock asks bluntly
“I was just wondering how large of a dinner I should prepare for tonight.” Mrs. Myrtle says, “Is the colonel staying?”
“How about you take the rest of the night off and enjoy your day off tomorrow.” Mrs. Peacock says trying to dismiss her housekeeper
“Are you certain?” Mrs. Myrtle says, “I took out several chicken breasts from the freezer. I can have a meal prepared in about an hour.”
“Enjoy your day off.” Mrs. Peacock says, “I think I’ll try my hand at cooking. It can’t be too difficult.”
“If you insist.” Mrs. Myrtle says
“I do.” Mrs. Peacock says
“I will see you on Tuesday.” Mrs. Myrtle says
“Good bye Melinda.” Mrs. Peacock dismisses her.
Mrs. Myrtle exits the Kitchen. Mrs. Peacock stabs the corkscrew into the champagne bottle and pops the cork out. She drinks directly from the bottle.
“God, I needed that.” Mrs. Peacock sighs, “What a month. I can’t believe it has been exactly a month since everything happened with Hugh. Murder seems to be something that this town has accepted and now expects. Miles Meadow-Brook was murdered and no one even cares. Perhaps it’s for the best. There won’t be any police hunting around… not that Inspector Brown even did anything about what I did. It’s amusing how one crooked man of the law can change an entire murder case. Perhaps we should have brought him in on the murder of Miles Meadow-Brook. He could have pinned it on someone else we hate and want to get rid of.” Mrs. Peacock opens the cupboard and pulls out two champagne flutes, “Miles, poor naïve Miles, did he really think blackmailing this family was going to go over well. The scandals and rumors of my involvement with Hugh’s death should have been enough to warn him not to mess with me or meddle with Cynthia’s affairs. Hopefully he learnt his lesson in his final gasps of air.”
Mrs. Peacock shrugs her shoulders and carries the champagne bottle and two glasses back up to her bedroom where her fiancé is waiting.
At the Tennis Courts of Tudor Close, Professor Gregory Plum sits on the wooden bench near the back of the Tennis Courts. He is holding a concrete Lawn Gnome in his hands. Mrs. White passes the entrance to the Tennis Courts and stops when she sees him sitting there.
“Professor?” Mrs. White is surprised to see him there
“Oh, Mrs. White.” Professor Plum stands up setting the Lawn Gnome on the bench
“What are you doing here?” asks Mrs. White
“I’m terribly sorry for the intrusion.” Professor Plum says, “I just needed a place to think. I didn’t want to mull around Penelope’s house. I’ll be off now.”
“No,” Mrs. White says, “You can stay. With everything that’s happened lately it isn’t my place to tell you to leave.”
“Has there been any word on where Sylvia, Scott, and Mr. Ash are?” asks Professor Plum
“Nary a soul to be seen.” Mrs. White says in despair
“Oh dear,” Professor Plum sighs, “You don’t suppose we should tell Inspector Brown about Miles Meadow-Brook?”
“Absolutely not!” Mrs. White protests
“It might be somewhat relevant as to where Sylvia and the others were taken.” Professor Plum says
“Professor,” Mrs. White says, “The only thing that bringing Inspector Brown into this is going to do is get out dirty laundry scattered about. Didn’t Miles do something equally as bad to you as he did to the rest of us?”
“He blackmailed me.” Professor Plum says softly, “Asked me to kill Rusty Naylor.”
“See,” Mrs. White says, “We don’t need that little scandal out around town, do we?”
“I suppose not.” Professor Plum says
“Perhaps you should be on your way back to your sister’s house.” Mrs. White says
“I apologize for the inconvenience.” Professor Plum exits the Tennis Courts.
Professor Plum walks past the Garden and towards the Gate House.
“She’s right,” Professor Plum mutters nervously, “Having the police digging around why Miles died will only cause problems. It’s bad enough that Roxanne and I were clumsy enough to be caught by Miles. Who else could have seen us? She told me her marriage with Rex is coming to an end and soon she will have all the time in the world with me. But all I do is sit back and wait and watch as they live a fake marriage. She’s using me. All I am is her back up man on the off chance her marriage fails. She’s keeping me interested with no true intentions of leaving Rex.” Professor Plum passes through the Gates of Tudor Close and begins to descend the rough forest road, “What more can I do? She told me she loved be back in Brooklyn. She told me I was the man of her dreams. She told me the only reason she married Rex was for his money. Who’s to say she won’t do the same again. What does she pretend to like me for?” Professor Plum stops on the road as he reaches the place of the broken guard rail above the ravine, where Bradford Black’s car broke through weeks ago. He steps to the edge of the ravine and looks down, “My sister does illegal, terrible crimes and gets away with it. She killed our birth father and birth mother and manipulated the police that Bradford Black brainwashed and threatened her to do it. All I want is love; a true relationship with someone who loves me for who I am.” Professor Plum closes his eyes and takes off his glasses, “But what life is worth living if you can’t share it with someone.” He takes a deep breath and stares down the steep slope that leads to the tree roots and ragged rocks below, “I keep trying. I keep failing. I keep loving. I keep losing. I keep screwing up my life and those around me. I am done with that. I’m finished begin the naïve man I once was.” He steps back onto the road and turns away from the ravine, “It’s time I lived my life for me… not her.” He walks down the gravel road, “I need a good drink.”
At the Meadow-Brook Home, Mrs. Jane Meadow-Brook stands in the bay window of Miles Meadow-Brook’s Study. She is looking out onto Ceil Drive as she takes a sip from a glass of champagne. She turns away from the window and looks towards the mess of papers on Miles Meadow-Brook’s desk. She picks up the first few papers and her eyes widen.
“That blackmailing bastard.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says tossing them against the desk. She gulps down the rest of her drink and sits down behind the desk. She begins to read each letter in detail. Her eyes scan over every letter as she processes every disgusting secret and hidden motive from the pasts of the residents of Hampshire. She finally stops reading and stacks all the papers in a neat and organized pile. She then tosses them into the empty fireplace grate. She proceeds to light a match. She watches the flame engulf the tip of the match. She sets the flame underneath a corner of a letter as they begin to burn. She sits back down at the desk as Miss Ecru enters the Study.
“Do you need anything else before I leave for the evening?” asks Miss Ecru
“No,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says distantly
“It’s strange seeing you behind his desk.” Miss Ecru says
“Well you’d better get used to it.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “Miles isn’t coming back.”
“He’ll always be back,” Miss Ecru says spitefully
“Suzanne, he is not coming back.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“What makes you so certain.” Miss Ecru says
“He’s dead!” Mrs. Meadow-Brook blurts out
Miss Ecru is silent, “Don’t expect any form of remorse from me.”
“I wasn’t.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“After everything he did to me…” Miss Ecru begins to cry
“What are you talking about?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “He treated you fair, paid you well…”
“He raped me!” Miss Ecru shouts as she sits down in the overstuffed armchair in front of the desk
Mrs. Meadow-Brook’s face turns red, “I’m so sorry. I should have done someth…”
“Stop!” Miss Ecru cuts her off, “You were too busy dealing with your rich girl problems to notice me begging for help.”
“Suzanne,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook offers her a tissue box, “I cannot feel any worse than I do right now. Please allow me to make it up to you.”
“How?” asks Miss Ecru taking a tissue
“For a start, you will be thrilled to know that he didn’t die of natural and peaceful causes.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“How did he die?” Miss Ecru asks
“He died of forced blunt trauma to his head.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“Does that mean…” Miss Ecru’s voice trails off
“He was murdered.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook
“Do you know who killed him?” Miss Ecru says
Mrs. Meadow-Brook walks behind her and kisses the young housekeeper on the top of the head, “All that matters is that he is not going to hurt anyone else.”
“Anyone else?” Miss Ecru says, “Who else did he hurt.”
“Well, from what I can scrape up, he blackmailed Professor Plum and Colonel Mustard. He also made sexual advances on Miss Scarlet, which enraged both Miss Scarlet and her stepmother, Mrs. Peacock. Rusty has hated him because Rusty has this obsession with me. He’s always wanted Miles out of the picture. Mrs. White was in love with him before Miles and I began seeing each other. She may have been jilted. Then there is my brother…”
“What would Mr. Green have against Miles?” Miss Ecru asks, “I thought they were in business together.”
“I asked Mr. Green to kill Miles.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “I told him to do it or else I would do it myself.”
Miss Ecru counts on her fingers for a moment, “Eight suspects.”
“Seven.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says
“Eight!” Miss Ecru corrects her, “Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Rusty, and you.”\
“You think I killed Miles?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook asks
“If you did I would be on my knees thanking you.” Miss Ecru says, “The world is better without that abhorrent man!”
“Well if you really do wish to pay your respects to the person who killed Miles…” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says with hesitation, “I will tell you everything that happened that day, leading up to me watching his body his the ground.”
Across the Lake behind Tudor Close, Blanche White walks outside towards the doors of the Cabin. She enters to see Rusty Naylor holding a half empty bottle of champagne.
“Where did you find that?” Mrs. White asks paying no regard to Jessica Meadow-Brook who is bound in the corner of the Cabin.
“I stole it from the Gazebo.” Rusty says, “It fell into the shrubs after the explosion. It was the only good source of booze I could find.”
“I could bring you something better from the wine cellar.” Mrs. White says sitting down at his Kitchenette table.
“That won’t be necessary, Mrs. White.” Rusty says
“What’s your need for good booze?” Mrs. White asks imitating the way he worded it
“Miles Meadow-Brook’s murder.” Rusty says distantly
Mrs. White glances over at Jessica
“Don’t worry Mrs. White, I’ve been rattling on about it for most of the morning.” Rusty says, “Besides, with Miss Popov on the way it won’t be long before we can start recreating everything the girl knows.”
“Have you started working on a timeline of her new memories?” asks Mrs. White
“I’ve been a little preoccupied.” Rusty says
“You have nothing to worry about.” Mrs. White says, “The police know nothing about his death.”
“And when they do they will begin to inspect the grounds of the mansion for clues and it won’t be long before they find Jessica here.” Rusty says, “I wonder who they’ll pin the murder on? Probably both of us…”
“You have nothing to worry about Rusty!” Mrs. White says, “No one is getting any wiser about any of this.”
“I hope you are right.” Rusty says, “Still I can’t help feel like something very bad is about to happen.”
“Any worse than Sylvia, Scott, and Mr. Ash being taking hostage somewhere?” Mrs. White asks
“I just feel very uneasy about this.” Rusty says motioning to Jessica
“Keep yourself under control,” Mrs. White says, “I need to help back to the mansion before anyone notices I was gone. Rose and Boddy are already suspicious of me.”
Mrs. White leaves the Cabin and begins heading back around the Lake to Tudor Close. She passes by the Garage and hears a sound of leaves rustling near the Stables. She turns her head quickly to see a figure standing in the shadows next to the building. She tries to squint to make out who the person is, but is unable to. She turns around and makes haste back to the mansion, feeling rather uneasy. She passes by the Tennis Courts and glances back to see the figure is no longer there. She stops and leans against the Tennis Court hedges to catch her breath. She begins breathing at a normal rate and turns back to the path to Tudor Close. The evening darkness creates an eerie shadow over the once beautiful gardens of Tudor Close. She reaches the foot of the stairs leading up to the Terrace when she is attacked from behind with a metal Water Bucket. She slumps to the ground.