Episode 9 – “A Night to Remember” Part I
Previously on the Memoirs of Mayfield: Scott and Jet Black inform their father, Dr. Hugh Black about who Scott thinks kidnapped him. Hugh seems to believe Scott, much to Jet’s annoyance. Hugh Black instructs his sons to go to their rooms and not come down at all during the party. Mrs. White has been instructed by Mr. Ash to turn the electricity off at 8 o’clock and shoot a revolver into the Dining Room. Mrs. White confronts Mrs. Black about it and Mrs. Black gives Mrs. White her diary, which contains the truth about Bryce Black. Mrs. Black tells Mrs. White that many people attending the party were at Tudor Close years ago when Bryce died. Mrs. White is led into the master bedroom where she sees an old toy chest, tied up and locked. Dr. Black tells Mrs. Black that he hired Sergeant Gray to keep an eye out in the Mansion. Mrs. Black motions to the chest and says that it is time to let Bryce rest for good. Mr. Green tells Dr. Black that he lied to Miles Meadow-Brook about the off shore account. In reality, Dr. Black is the owner of two-thirds, the money in the account. Mr. Green hands Dr. Black the note containing the numbers that Jane wrote down. In the Billiard Room the party guests enjoy themselves. Mrs. Black and Mrs. Meadow-Brook notice Miss Scarlet’s engagement ring. She tells them that she plans to announce it over dinner. At the Hospital, Chandler distracted himself when he saw Miss Peach crying the waiting room. It is hinted that Miss Peach is falling for Chandler…
-Friday, April 15, 1949-
-Evening-
In the Hall of Tudor Close, Mrs. White gently rings the gong hanging next to the Library door. The guests begin to cross the Hall to the Dining Room as Mrs. White scurries back to the Kitchen. Mr. Ash leads the group into the Dining Room.
“You’ll find your names beside your places.” Mr. Ash says, “Please be seated.”
Dr. Black takes the head of the table and Mrs. Black takes the other end. Jane Meadow-Brook, Miles Meadow-Brook, Mrs. Peacock, Miss Scarlet, and Mr. Green all take their seats around the Dining Room table.
“I expected a better turn out of guests.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Maybe some are still on their way.” Mr. Green suggests as Mr. Ash begins pouring the wine. Mrs. White begins to serve salad.
“Shouldn’t we wait for the other guests?” Mr. Meadow-Brook asks
“I’ll keep some plates warmed in the oven.” Mrs. White says
“Chandler is on his way.” Miss Scarlet says
“You’ve spoke with him?” Mrs. Peacock asks with a raised eyebrow
“No,” Miss Scarlet admits, “I just know he’ll be here.”
“I’m surprised that Colonel Mustard wasn’t more prompt.” Dr. Black says, “He being a military man and all.”
“You’ve met the colonel before?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“Old family friend.” Dr. Black says
“I keep forgetting he used to live around here. It has been so long and he never really got around often.” Mrs. Peacock remembers
Dr. Black says, “He attended a certain party years ago if you remember.”
Indeed she did. Mrs. Peacock, Miss Scarlet, and Mr. Green all distinctly remembered that night…
-FLASHBACK- AUGUST 29, 1934-
Mr. Thallo Green, Colonel Algernon Mustard, Mrs. Penelope Peacock, seven-year-old Cynthia Scarlet, and Mrs. Peacock’s brother Professor Gregory Plum all sit around the Dining Room table as Mrs. Blanche White walks with a tray of desserts. Dr. Hugh Black sits at the head of the table a look of optimism and happiness. At the other end of the table, Mrs. Sylvia Black smiles peacefully. Two-year-old Bryce Black sits to Mrs. Black’s left. He eats from his height chair without a care in the world.
“So,” Professor Plum continues his story to Dr. Black, “I was going over my recent findings from my last dig and found several priceless coins that you may be interested in adding to your collection.”
“I do have quite a nice coin collection.” Dr. Black says, “How very thoughtful of you.”
Miss Scarlet eats elegantly for a seven year old, obviously under strict instructions of her step-mother.
Mrs. Peacock’s beauty is admired by Colonel Mustard, Mr. Green, and Dr. Black. Even though she subtly tries to be oblivious, she can tell they are admiring her body in that tight little blue cocktail dress.
“Well,” Mr. Green says, “That was delicious. Shall we gentlemen adjourn to the Billiard’s Room?”
“Sounds lovely.” Dr. Black says
“Sir,” Mr. Ash says entering the Dining Room, “Your sister is here.”
“Claire!” Hugh Black says excitedly, “Oh I didn’t think she was due back from Bolivia till next week. This is a wonderful treat! We should bust open the 1908 bottle!”
“It’s Estelle, not Claire.” Mr. Ash says
Mrs. Black becomes alarmed.
“I’ll take care of this, dear,” Dr. Black assures his wife
“Just like you did the last time?” Mrs. Black says, “By giving her a couple thousand?”
“Dear, you are making our guests uncomfortable.” Dr. Black says quietly to his wife
“Mrs. White,” Mrs. Black says, “Watch Bryce. I apologize ladies and gentlemen; we will only be a moment. This is just a small family crisis.”
-END OF FLASHBACK-
At the Hospital, Miss Peach sleepily rests her head on Chandler’s shoulder. A tall blonde haired nurse enters the waiting room with a clip board.
“Emily Peach?” the nurse says
“Yes,” She sits up quickly, her heart raising at a rapid speed.
“You can go in and see him now.” The nurse says with a smile. Miss Peach stands up quickly but pauses to look back at Chandler.
“I’ll wait here for you.” Chandler says
Miss Peach smiles and enters the hospital room. Colonel Mustard lays on the hospital bed as she enters.
“Apparently,” Colonel Mustard says weakly, “I forgot to take my medicine this morning. I’m certain I did, but with my age, only the good Lord can remember what I do.”
“Dad,” Miss Peach says holding his hand, “I am so sorry for the trouble I caused…”
“No,” Colonel Mustard shakes his head, “It wasn’t you. I’m just a stubborn old man that needs to come close to death before he realizes what he has in front of him.”
Miss Peach smiles as he squeezes her hand tightly.
“When will you be released?” asks Miss Peach
“Tomorrow morning.” Colonel Mustard says, “They want to keep me under observation. I told them I’m fine.”
“They just want to be sure.” Miss Peach says
“Listen, pumpkin,” Colonel Mustard says, “I want you to move in with me.”
“What?” Miss Peach is taken back
“I am getting old and weary. I know you want to get to know your father and I’ve got some dazzling stories to share with you.” Colonel Mustard says, “Also the nurses told me I shouldn’t live alone for a few weeks. I think it would do the both of us a world of good!”
“I’d be happy to.” Miss Peach says
“The keys to the house are in my right pocket. Make yourself at home. I am sure you can find the guest bedroom.” Colonel Mustard motions to his coat that hangs on a peg near the door.
“Now go to Tudor Close and let everyone know I’m okay.” Colonel Mustard says
“I wasn’t invited.” Miss Peach says
“They are kind, considerate people.” Colonel Mustard says, “They will understand.”
Even as Colonel Mustard says this, he doesn’t believe it.
-FLASHBACK- AUGUST 29, 1934-
Colonel Mustard walks past the study door to hear Dr. Black and Sylvia Black shouting at each other.
“How could you let her stay here?” Sylvia shouts
“She doesn’t have anywhere else to go!” Dr. Black says
“She could find a nice cozy spot on the streets with the other alcoholics and drug users!” Sylvia says
“Estelle is not a street junkie!” Dr. Black says, “She’s just confused and needs help.”
“Her arms are covered in needle scars! She is pumping heroin into her body.” Sylvia says, “God, Hugh, you are as stupid as she is.”
Colonel Mustard hears a slap.
“Don’t ever talk like that again. She is my sister. She is family by blood, you are family by marriage.” Hugh says
“We both know the disgusting extents of love you share with that woman. I’m leaving.” Sylvia says, “I’m taking Jet and Bryce and I am getting out of this place before you destroy my life too!”
-END OF FLASHBACK-
In the Dining Room of Tudor Close, Miss Scarlet hears the sound of casual chatter. But that is all she hears. She doesn’t hear words. Her mind is somewhere else.
-FLASHBACK- AUGUST 29, 1934-
Young seven-year-old Miss Scarlet walks around the upstairs hall looking at the paintings that line the walls. She backs up against the wall out of sight as she hears shouting. She watches as Sylvia Black carries baby Jet Black in her arms while carrying a suitcase. At her side, Bryce Black walks with her. Behind her Estelle Black shouts at her.
“You can’t leave!” Estelle shouts
“Watch me!” Sylvia says
“Don’t take my brother’s children away from him! I will find you and bring them back to him!” Estelle threatens
“If you lay a hand on me or my children I’ll kill you before you even know what hit you!” Sylvia says dropping her suitcase
“Give him to me.” Estelle tries to grab Jet from Sylivia’s arms.
“Estelle stop!” Hugh Black shouts from the Hall below.
“Get off of me!” Sylvia says as Estelle wraps her arms around Jet who is now crying. Sylvia yanks Jet out of her grasp and shoves Estelle in face with her free hand. Estelle loses her balance and slips from the top landing of the stairs.
“No!” Hugh shouts in horror
Sylvia watches in satisfaction as Estelle tumbles down the stairs and bangs into the marble floor.
“Sylvia what have you done?” Dr. Black shouts as he rushes over to his sister
“You saw what she did! She is a sick, twisted woman.” Sylvia says
Dr. Black rolls Estelle over to see Bryce Black crumpled beneath her blood is pooling on the floor. Sylvia’s face goes white as she rushes down the stairs carrying Jet, “My baby!”
Hugh Black takes Jet from Sylvia as she cradles over Bryce’s non-responsive body. Young Cynthia Scarlet peers through the stair rails as blood begins to form under the two year old.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
Miss Scarlet is brought back to the present as she watches Sylvia suddenly get up from the Dining Room table.
“Are you alright?” asks Dr. Black
“Yes,” Mrs. Black says painfully, “I just need to use the restroom.” She exits the room covering her mouth. It is obvious she is about to cry.
“I’ll be right back.” Dr. Black says
“I hope she’s okay.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Yes,” Mr. Meadow-Brook says, “They seem a bit distant.”
“Would anyone like more salad?” Mrs. White asks
The guests politely decline.
In the Conservatory, Mrs. Black falls onto the arm of a wicker chair crying miserably. Dr. Black comes in and comforts her. He helps her sit down in the chair as he kneels in front of her, holding her hands.
“Darling, it’s going to be alright.” Dr. Black says
“I can’t believe we are finally going to put this behind us.” Mrs. Black says, “I know it is just a symbolic gesture, but something about it makes me feel like Bryce is gone forever.”
“Darling, it’ll be alright.” Dr. Black says, “I won’t let anything happen to you or the boys.”
“I thought we lost Scott.” Mrs. Black says, “And Jet, he’s so distant, he’s not the same. Him and Scott fight all the time. They used to love each other and get along so well.”
“We can’t shelter them forever.” Dr. Black says
“I know,” Mrs. Black says painfully, “But what happens if…”
“Sylvia,” Dr. Black places his finger to her lips, “Estelle is dead.”
“She’ll never be dead.” Mrs. Black says, “She has haunted my life since that night.”
“She can’t hurt us anymore.” Dr. Black embraces her.
“Who is doing this?” asks Mrs. Black, “Who is killing these people? Why did they want Scott?”
“Darling,” Dr. Black says, “I think I know who is doing this.”
“Who,” Mrs. Black asks desperately
“If I tell you, you are in grave danger. I need to talk one on one with that person tonight and maybe I can fix everything.” Dr. Black says, “I have everything under control. A police officer is hiding around the mansion and will arrest anyone under suspicious activity. Everything will be alright.”
“Oh thank God.” Mrs. Black says
“Darling,” Dr. Black says
“I know,” Mrs. Black smiles, “Everything will be alright.”
“No,” Dr. Black says becoming alarmed
“What is it?” Mrs. Black says becoming concerned
“Darling, I can’t breathe.” Dr. Black begins to wheeze.
“Oh my God!” Mrs. Black grabs her husband’s hands. Dr. Black collapses onto the Conservatory floor.
Outside by the bushes around the Patio, Sergeant Gray lays in the grass with a rust-covered Wrench is tosses casually to his side.
Chandler Weiss and Miss Peach hurry from the driveway to the Mansion, not noticing the body of the officer in the rain.
-Friday, April 15, 1949-
-Evening-
In the Hall of Tudor Close, Mrs. White gently rings the gong hanging next to the Library door. The guests begin to cross the Hall to the Dining Room as Mrs. White scurries back to the Kitchen. Mr. Ash leads the group into the Dining Room.
“You’ll find your names beside your places.” Mr. Ash says, “Please be seated.”
Dr. Black takes the head of the table and Mrs. Black takes the other end. Jane Meadow-Brook, Miles Meadow-Brook, Mrs. Peacock, Miss Scarlet, and Mr. Green all take their seats around the Dining Room table.
“I expected a better turn out of guests.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Maybe some are still on their way.” Mr. Green suggests as Mr. Ash begins pouring the wine. Mrs. White begins to serve salad.
“Shouldn’t we wait for the other guests?” Mr. Meadow-Brook asks
“I’ll keep some plates warmed in the oven.” Mrs. White says
“Chandler is on his way.” Miss Scarlet says
“You’ve spoke with him?” Mrs. Peacock asks with a raised eyebrow
“No,” Miss Scarlet admits, “I just know he’ll be here.”
“I’m surprised that Colonel Mustard wasn’t more prompt.” Dr. Black says, “He being a military man and all.”
“You’ve met the colonel before?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“Old family friend.” Dr. Black says
“I keep forgetting he used to live around here. It has been so long and he never really got around often.” Mrs. Peacock remembers
Dr. Black says, “He attended a certain party years ago if you remember.”
Indeed she did. Mrs. Peacock, Miss Scarlet, and Mr. Green all distinctly remembered that night…
-FLASHBACK- AUGUST 29, 1934-
Mr. Thallo Green, Colonel Algernon Mustard, Mrs. Penelope Peacock, seven-year-old Cynthia Scarlet, and Mrs. Peacock’s brother Professor Gregory Plum all sit around the Dining Room table as Mrs. Blanche White walks with a tray of desserts. Dr. Hugh Black sits at the head of the table a look of optimism and happiness. At the other end of the table, Mrs. Sylvia Black smiles peacefully. Two-year-old Bryce Black sits to Mrs. Black’s left. He eats from his height chair without a care in the world.
“So,” Professor Plum continues his story to Dr. Black, “I was going over my recent findings from my last dig and found several priceless coins that you may be interested in adding to your collection.”
“I do have quite a nice coin collection.” Dr. Black says, “How very thoughtful of you.”
Miss Scarlet eats elegantly for a seven year old, obviously under strict instructions of her step-mother.
Mrs. Peacock’s beauty is admired by Colonel Mustard, Mr. Green, and Dr. Black. Even though she subtly tries to be oblivious, she can tell they are admiring her body in that tight little blue cocktail dress.
“Well,” Mr. Green says, “That was delicious. Shall we gentlemen adjourn to the Billiard’s Room?”
“Sounds lovely.” Dr. Black says
“Sir,” Mr. Ash says entering the Dining Room, “Your sister is here.”
“Claire!” Hugh Black says excitedly, “Oh I didn’t think she was due back from Bolivia till next week. This is a wonderful treat! We should bust open the 1908 bottle!”
“It’s Estelle, not Claire.” Mr. Ash says
Mrs. Black becomes alarmed.
“I’ll take care of this, dear,” Dr. Black assures his wife
“Just like you did the last time?” Mrs. Black says, “By giving her a couple thousand?”
“Dear, you are making our guests uncomfortable.” Dr. Black says quietly to his wife
“Mrs. White,” Mrs. Black says, “Watch Bryce. I apologize ladies and gentlemen; we will only be a moment. This is just a small family crisis.”
-END OF FLASHBACK-
At the Hospital, Miss Peach sleepily rests her head on Chandler’s shoulder. A tall blonde haired nurse enters the waiting room with a clip board.
“Emily Peach?” the nurse says
“Yes,” She sits up quickly, her heart raising at a rapid speed.
“You can go in and see him now.” The nurse says with a smile. Miss Peach stands up quickly but pauses to look back at Chandler.
“I’ll wait here for you.” Chandler says
Miss Peach smiles and enters the hospital room. Colonel Mustard lays on the hospital bed as she enters.
“Apparently,” Colonel Mustard says weakly, “I forgot to take my medicine this morning. I’m certain I did, but with my age, only the good Lord can remember what I do.”
“Dad,” Miss Peach says holding his hand, “I am so sorry for the trouble I caused…”
“No,” Colonel Mustard shakes his head, “It wasn’t you. I’m just a stubborn old man that needs to come close to death before he realizes what he has in front of him.”
Miss Peach smiles as he squeezes her hand tightly.
“When will you be released?” asks Miss Peach
“Tomorrow morning.” Colonel Mustard says, “They want to keep me under observation. I told them I’m fine.”
“They just want to be sure.” Miss Peach says
“Listen, pumpkin,” Colonel Mustard says, “I want you to move in with me.”
“What?” Miss Peach is taken back
“I am getting old and weary. I know you want to get to know your father and I’ve got some dazzling stories to share with you.” Colonel Mustard says, “Also the nurses told me I shouldn’t live alone for a few weeks. I think it would do the both of us a world of good!”
“I’d be happy to.” Miss Peach says
“The keys to the house are in my right pocket. Make yourself at home. I am sure you can find the guest bedroom.” Colonel Mustard motions to his coat that hangs on a peg near the door.
“Now go to Tudor Close and let everyone know I’m okay.” Colonel Mustard says
“I wasn’t invited.” Miss Peach says
“They are kind, considerate people.” Colonel Mustard says, “They will understand.”
Even as Colonel Mustard says this, he doesn’t believe it.
-FLASHBACK- AUGUST 29, 1934-
Colonel Mustard walks past the study door to hear Dr. Black and Sylvia Black shouting at each other.
“How could you let her stay here?” Sylvia shouts
“She doesn’t have anywhere else to go!” Dr. Black says
“She could find a nice cozy spot on the streets with the other alcoholics and drug users!” Sylvia says
“Estelle is not a street junkie!” Dr. Black says, “She’s just confused and needs help.”
“Her arms are covered in needle scars! She is pumping heroin into her body.” Sylvia says, “God, Hugh, you are as stupid as she is.”
Colonel Mustard hears a slap.
“Don’t ever talk like that again. She is my sister. She is family by blood, you are family by marriage.” Hugh says
“We both know the disgusting extents of love you share with that woman. I’m leaving.” Sylvia says, “I’m taking Jet and Bryce and I am getting out of this place before you destroy my life too!”
-END OF FLASHBACK-
In the Dining Room of Tudor Close, Miss Scarlet hears the sound of casual chatter. But that is all she hears. She doesn’t hear words. Her mind is somewhere else.
-FLASHBACK- AUGUST 29, 1934-
Young seven-year-old Miss Scarlet walks around the upstairs hall looking at the paintings that line the walls. She backs up against the wall out of sight as she hears shouting. She watches as Sylvia Black carries baby Jet Black in her arms while carrying a suitcase. At her side, Bryce Black walks with her. Behind her Estelle Black shouts at her.
“You can’t leave!” Estelle shouts
“Watch me!” Sylvia says
“Don’t take my brother’s children away from him! I will find you and bring them back to him!” Estelle threatens
“If you lay a hand on me or my children I’ll kill you before you even know what hit you!” Sylvia says dropping her suitcase
“Give him to me.” Estelle tries to grab Jet from Sylivia’s arms.
“Estelle stop!” Hugh Black shouts from the Hall below.
“Get off of me!” Sylvia says as Estelle wraps her arms around Jet who is now crying. Sylvia yanks Jet out of her grasp and shoves Estelle in face with her free hand. Estelle loses her balance and slips from the top landing of the stairs.
“No!” Hugh shouts in horror
Sylvia watches in satisfaction as Estelle tumbles down the stairs and bangs into the marble floor.
“Sylvia what have you done?” Dr. Black shouts as he rushes over to his sister
“You saw what she did! She is a sick, twisted woman.” Sylvia says
Dr. Black rolls Estelle over to see Bryce Black crumpled beneath her blood is pooling on the floor. Sylvia’s face goes white as she rushes down the stairs carrying Jet, “My baby!”
Hugh Black takes Jet from Sylvia as she cradles over Bryce’s non-responsive body. Young Cynthia Scarlet peers through the stair rails as blood begins to form under the two year old.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
Miss Scarlet is brought back to the present as she watches Sylvia suddenly get up from the Dining Room table.
“Are you alright?” asks Dr. Black
“Yes,” Mrs. Black says painfully, “I just need to use the restroom.” She exits the room covering her mouth. It is obvious she is about to cry.
“I’ll be right back.” Dr. Black says
“I hope she’s okay.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Yes,” Mr. Meadow-Brook says, “They seem a bit distant.”
“Would anyone like more salad?” Mrs. White asks
The guests politely decline.
In the Conservatory, Mrs. Black falls onto the arm of a wicker chair crying miserably. Dr. Black comes in and comforts her. He helps her sit down in the chair as he kneels in front of her, holding her hands.
“Darling, it’s going to be alright.” Dr. Black says
“I can’t believe we are finally going to put this behind us.” Mrs. Black says, “I know it is just a symbolic gesture, but something about it makes me feel like Bryce is gone forever.”
“Darling, it’ll be alright.” Dr. Black says, “I won’t let anything happen to you or the boys.”
“I thought we lost Scott.” Mrs. Black says, “And Jet, he’s so distant, he’s not the same. Him and Scott fight all the time. They used to love each other and get along so well.”
“We can’t shelter them forever.” Dr. Black says
“I know,” Mrs. Black says painfully, “But what happens if…”
“Sylvia,” Dr. Black places his finger to her lips, “Estelle is dead.”
“She’ll never be dead.” Mrs. Black says, “She has haunted my life since that night.”
“She can’t hurt us anymore.” Dr. Black embraces her.
“Who is doing this?” asks Mrs. Black, “Who is killing these people? Why did they want Scott?”
“Darling,” Dr. Black says, “I think I know who is doing this.”
“Who,” Mrs. Black asks desperately
“If I tell you, you are in grave danger. I need to talk one on one with that person tonight and maybe I can fix everything.” Dr. Black says, “I have everything under control. A police officer is hiding around the mansion and will arrest anyone under suspicious activity. Everything will be alright.”
“Oh thank God.” Mrs. Black says
“Darling,” Dr. Black says
“I know,” Mrs. Black smiles, “Everything will be alright.”
“No,” Dr. Black says becoming alarmed
“What is it?” Mrs. Black says becoming concerned
“Darling, I can’t breathe.” Dr. Black begins to wheeze.
“Oh my God!” Mrs. Black grabs her husband’s hands. Dr. Black collapses onto the Conservatory floor.
Outside by the bushes around the Patio, Sergeant Gray lays in the grass with a rust-covered Wrench is tosses casually to his side.
Chandler Weiss and Miss Peach hurry from the driveway to the Mansion, not noticing the body of the officer in the rain.