“An Arrest is Intimate”
~~~Peacock Residence Grounds-Croquet Field -8:15 am~~~
An orange glow is cast of the colorful balls lying in the croquet field. The grass is damp, the air is cool. A croquet mallet hits a yellow ball with an echoing thud. Inspector Silverson straightens his back as Miss Scarlet takes her mallet and slams it against the red ball.
“So your mother and the Colonel argued last night?” asks Inspector Silverson. Officer Turquoise writes notes from a bench within earshot.
“And she confronted me she left with him.” She says, “The shouting didn’t stop until nearly midnight.”
“And you fell asleep?” asks Inspector Silverson
“Yes.” Miss Scarlet says
Inspector Silverson cracks the mallet against his ball. Miss Scarlet pulls her fur wrap around her shoulders. She is wearing a red sleeveless shirt and black pants. Inspector Silverson puts the mallet down as Mrs. Copper comes out from the Drawing Room doors.
“Breakfast is being served in the Dining Room.” Mrs. Copper says
“Thank you, Mrs. Copper.” Inspector Silverson says, “Is Mrs. White alright? I wanted to tell her that Rolf Malachite’s badge was taken from him… and some other matters regarding him.”
“She went back to Boddy Mansion shortly after you left.” Mrs. Copper says, “She is Master Boddy’s housekeeper.”
“Ah yes, I remember.” Inspector Silverson says, “I’m afraid I won’t be staying for breakfast. Maybe Boddy Mansion will be serving brunch.”
“Perhaps.” Mrs. Copper says
Miss Scarlet smiles flirtatiously as she enters the Drawing Room doors.
Inspector Silverson and Officer Turquoise walk towards the driveway.
“Do you have any hunches?” asks Officer Turquoise
“As of now, one,” Inspector Silverson says, “I need to talk with John Boddy. Several people claim to have heard John and Evelyne have an argument in the Library.”
“So you think John killed Evelyne?” asks Officer Turquoise
“It seems too obvious.” Inspector Silverson says, “But still, it seems worth a shot.”
“I suppose.” Officer Turquoise says, “But why would John Boddy have killed Ms. Maraschino and Captain Mist?”
“I think that Ms. Maraschino found out about John killing Evelyne. After all, we had a warrant for Chelsea Maraschino’s arrest.” Inspector Silverson says, “As for the sea captain, Captain Mist, maybe Boddy thought Mist was an intruder. Just wait until Detective Pine recovers!”
“Recovers?” asks Turquoise
“It’s a deadly secret. No one is supposed to know he’s alive…”
~~~Peacock Residence -Dining Room -8:19 am~~~
Miss Scarlet enters and takes her seat. Colonel Mustard breaks the silence by clearing his throat. Mrs. Peacock stares at Miss Scarlet who pays no attention.
Mr. Tenné enters with Senator Peacock.
“Robin, how long will you be staying?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“The police told me I can return to Bluewood anytime.” Senator Peacock responds, “Evelyne’s funeral is in three days. I am leaving at noon.”
“So soon?” asks Miss Scarlet
“I’d like to say I enjoyed the stay, but I can’t…” Senator Peacock says, “Multiple murder, including my wife.” He begins to cry again.
“Robin, I am so sorry.” Mrs. Peacock glances at Miss Scarlet, “I hope the police find who did this!”
~~~Boddy Mansion -Hall -8:49 am~~~
Inspector Silverson and Officer Turquoise enter the long, large Hall. Mr. Ash stands before them after closing the doors.
“Master Boddy is not home at the moment.” Mr. Ash says
“When will he get back?” asks Inspector Silverson
“He and Mrs. White went to discuss things over Mr. White’s unfortunate demise.” Mr. Ash says
“Yes I heard, how awful.” Inspector Silverson says, “That is one of the reasons I am here. My late partner, Benjamin Pine died last night at Peacock Residence…”
“I heard about the awful deeds committed there last night.” Mr. Ash sighs, “Mr. Boddy has been around quite a few murders.”
“Yes.” Inspector Silverson ignores his last statement, “Mrs. White was escorted out of the mansion by Detective Pine and was later found to be unconscious. Mrs. White claims her innocence, but later she hit an officer with a tea kettle, claiming he tried to force himself on her.”
“I heard about that.” Mr. Ash says, “Is that man behind bars?”
“He would have been.” Inspector Silverson says, “He passed out last night in the interrogation room. We assume it was a panic attack.”
“Is he alright?” asks the butler opening the Library doors and letting them in.
“I’m afraid he died last night.” Inspector Silverson says
Mr. Ash closes the Library door, “And you think Mrs. White did it deliberately?”
“It seems so.” Inspector Silverson says
~~~Peacock Residence -Drive Way -9:02 am~~~
Miss Peach and Professor Plum step out of Professor Plum’s sports car. They go to the front doors as Mrs. Peacock exits.
“Oh, Emily, Greg, I’m not sure if you saw…” Mrs. Peacock points to the crime scene tape near the gates.
“We saw…” said Miss Peach, “We drove around it.”
“What happened?” asks Professor Plum
“Murder.” Mrs. Peacock says, “Several people died last night.”
“Goodness, I’m glad we stayed at the hotel.” Professor Plum chuckles
Miss Scarlet comes out and sees Professor Plum.
“Professor?” asks Miss Scarlet
“Vera?” Professor Plum looks at her, “How are you?”
“Fine.” She says, “What exactly are you doing here?” she looks over towards Miss Peach
“I came with the Professor…” she says, “Would anyone care to explain what happened last night?”
“Yes, of course.” Mrs. Peacock says, “If you’d kindly follow me to the Drawing Room we can discuss it over some tea perhaps….”
~~~Green Estate -Dining Room -9:09 am~~~
The room is deathly silent. Forest picks at his plate with a fork. Thallo sits at the head of the table staring angrily into his breakfast.
“It seems almost like Chelsea was recognized by someone.” Forest breaks the silence
“Hmmm.” Thallo grunts
“Whoever murder Chelsea was either protecting Vera, or defending their own lives.” Forest says
“Vera needs to be taken care of!” Thallo says, “If it is not done by tonight, then this entire project will be put on hold.”
“Why?” asks Forest
“Forest, my boy do you understand what scheme the Peacock’s and the Green’s have working with for the past twenty years?” asks Thallo
Forest looks blankly at his father.
“We are trying to make the world even better than it is already. Spas, grand banquet halls, elegant restaurants, mansions, neighborhoods…”
“But all for the people of an upper class.” Forest says
“Forest, people in upper class deserve to be separated from lower class.” Thallo says, “We work hard for our money while they are begging in the streets!”
“So what are you going to do? Lock them up in a lower class prison?” asks Forest
“I am making the suburbs of Chicago so elegant that even the smartest beggar couldn’t find a way to breath near us. Lower class people are always hounding us for money; it’s time that we put out guards and cameras that watch for those…”
“Dad, this is insane!” Forest says, “I thought you were building this Spa for a relaxation center! I didn’t know you were using it as a step up to the highest authority.”
“South Cicero is hardly worth loosing sleep over!” Thallo says becoming angry
“What’s this have to do with Vera?”
“She’s a slut that prances around Chicago like a beggar!” Thallo says, “Once she finds out that rich men will be coming to this spa, she’ll be selling her trade outside the front doors.”
“So you’re going to slay every beggar and prostitute you find?” Forest asks in disgust
“Vera is mainly our target because she’s rich enough to afford a week at the spa resort, not to mention the trouble she’ll cause in the lobby!” Thallo stands up, “This conversation is over, Forest! Vera will die one way or another.” Thallo heads to the door of the dining room
Forest angrily slams his hand on the table, “I’m sorry dad.” He says
“Sorry is hardly acceptable!” Thallo enters the Hall. Forest follows after him.
“It isn’t out of my hands to take over this business.” Forest says
“Is that so?” asks Thallo, “Then shoot me now and take over.” He opens up is shirt, exposing his bare chest, “Aim nice and good.” He points to his heart. Forest looks down.
“Just like your mother.” Thallo says, “Too weak to understand what I can do!” Thallo chuckles and climbs the stairs. Forest goes to a mail table and opens the drawer. In the draw lays a shining revolver. He grabs it and points it at his father.
“Oh no, dad, I’m not that weak.” Forest says. He pulls the trigger……
~~~Peacock Residence -Drawing Room -continuous~~~
A champagne bottle pops. Mr. Tenné pours it into several glasses on the tray.
“Thank you, Daniel.” Mrs. Peacock says as he hands her a glass, “Now as I was saying, I was terrified last night when we found Evelyne dead!”
“Must have been awful.” Professor Plum says in sympathy
“And that’s not the worst of it!” Mrs. Peacock says, “The only authorized detective here fell down the stairs in a dizzy spell.”
“Did he live?” asks Miss Peach
“The police later told us he died.” Mrs. Peacock says taking a sip, “It was even worse when one of the officers tried to force himself on poor Mrs. White, John’s maid.”
“What a night.” Miss Peach sighs, “It’s good Greg and I weren’t there.”
“As my father, Victor, always tells me, ‘at the first sign of trouble, it’s always followed by more’.” Professor Plum says using a British accent
“And what trouble did you run in to?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“I think I should head back to the hotel.” Miss Peach says, “Perhaps someone can drive Gregory back.”
“Of course.” Miss Scarlet says, adjusting her red feather boa around her neck.
Miss Peach hurries out.
“What was that about?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“Emily’s mother was found dead last night.” Gregory says
“Oh, my.” Mrs. Peacock says
“She was apparently murdered.” Professor Plum says
“Do the police know who might have done this?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“Probably a street mugger.” Professor Plum says
“I’m so sorry.” Mrs. Peacock says
“She’s a strong girl.” Professor Plum says
“I’m sure.” Miss Scarlet says flirtatiously
“If you’ll excuse me.” Mrs. Peacock says, “I have some calls to make in my Study.”
Mrs. Peacock leaves the room.
“So Gregory, are you and Emily… close?” Miss Scarlet asks
“We are very good friends.” Professor Plum responds
“So Emily wouldn’t mind if I did this?” Miss Scarlet pulls Professor Plum towards her and kisses him passionately. Professor Plum pulls away, “Something wrong?” asks Vera
“No…” he says, “Not at all….”
~~~The Drake -Lobby -9:29 am~~~
Miss Peach rushes in the lobby. She is very upset. An elderly woman is talking at the front desk. Miss Peach passes the woman and heads to the elevators. The woman stops talking and follows.
“Emily?” she calls, “Emily Peach?”
Miss Peach continues to walk. She presses the up button on the wall.
“Emily? Is that you?” the old woman asks
“I’m sorry, what?” Miss Peach dries her eyes
“It’s me, Emily!” the woman says
“I’m sorry, I don’t know you.” The elevator doors open and Miss Peach steps in
“It’s Bernadette!” she says, “Bernadette Palmer! Don’t you remember? I use to babysit you when you were younger?”
Miss Peach is almost delighted when the elevator doors begin to separate them… but the woman steps inside.
“How is your dear mother doing?” asks Mrs. Palmer
“My mother is dead.” She says bluntly
“Oh? I’m terribly sorry.” Mrs. Palmer says
The rest of the ride up to the 12th floor is quiet. Miss Peach steps out as the elevator doors open. Mrs. Palmer follows.
“Why are you following me?” Miss Peach asks
“Well I just felt you could use the company.” Mrs. Palmer says
“No.” Miss Peach says, “Look, I don’t want to sound harsh and all… you were hardly a nice person when I was younger. You always gossiped with my mom and her friends and then talked on the phone and watched your soap opera while ‘babysitting’. I suggest you go back to your suite and enjoy the rest of the day.” Miss Peach says
“I’m not staying here.” Mrs. Palmer says, “I live next to the Peacock Residence.”
“Figures.” Miss Peach says
“When my husband Fred died he left me enough money to move into a nice house. I bought out that fine manor. Did you hear about the murders yesterday?” asks Mrs. Palmer
“I was just over there.” Miss Peach says, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to change clothes and lie down.”
“Oh, alright.” Mrs. Palmer says.
Miss Peach leaves Mrs. Palmer in the hallway. Miss Peach reaches room 1203 and enters…
~~~The Drake -Lobby -9:35 am~~~
Mrs. Palmer comes back down and sees a young blonde woman enter the hotel lobby.
“Oh, Hello.” Mrs. Palmer says, “Aren’t you Jayne Meadow-Brooke’s daughter?”
“What?” the woman asks, “No, I believe you have me mistaken for someone…”
“Oh, well, sorry to disturb you.” Mrs. Palmer says, “You see, my husband Fred always would get his secretary mixed up with his sister, the two looked nothing alike, but had the same hair color.”
“Yes, that’s nice.” The woman says, “I’d like to check in…”
The woman leaves Mrs. Palmer in the lobby. The woman goes over to the desk.
She lowers her voice, “Hello, I’m Lucy Rivers… I have a reservation.”
~~~Boddy Mansion Grounds-Front Drive -9:48 am~~~
Mr. Boddy opens the passenger door and lets Mrs. White out of the passenger seat. They walk up to the front door when John’s cell phone begins to ring.
“Hello.” He answers, “Miles how are you. I heard about the incident at your daughter’s house.” There is a pause, “Are you sure?” there is a longer pause, “That’s not a lot of time!” Mrs. White is about to open the front door when she notices the concern in John’s voice, “I think I understand.” John says, “Fine.” He hangs up
“What’s wrong?” asks Mrs. White
“It seems that Miles Meadow-Brooke is planning on retiring…” John says as they enter. He is shocked to see Inspector Silverson and Officer Turquoise in the Hall.
“Hello, what are you two doing here?” asks Mr. Boddy
“John Boddy, you are under arrest for suspicion of murder.” Inspector Silverson says
Officer Turquoise hand cuffs him and reads him his rights as he leads him outside. Mrs. White looks at Inspector Silverson with concern.
“What?” Mrs. White looks shocked
“Oh, ma’am, Officer Malachite has been taken care of.” Inspector Silverson says
“That’s all very well, but why has John been arrested?” asks Mrs. White
“Please come with me…” he says motioning to the Library doors, “I’ll explain everything.”
~~~Peacock Residence -Library -9:52 am~~~
Colonel Mustard is in deep thought. Mrs. Peacock enters, “Hello Mike.”
“Ah, Alice.” He says standing, “I was just thinking about you.”
“Save it.” Mrs. Peacock holds up her hand
“I understand you are upset…” Colonel Mustard says
“I am very upset.” Mrs. Peacock says, “But I want you to know that I am placing your residence at a hotel.”
“Alice, must it end like this?” asks Colonel Mustard
“Mike, you know it is risky have you in the same room as I am in.” Mrs. Peacock says solemnly, “Ever since Matthew was killed falling from the bookshelf ladder; the police have been suspicious of a conspiracy between us.”
“And why shouldn’t they be?” asks Colonel Mustard
~~~Green Estate -Hall -9:56 am~~~
Forest enters from the back hall, he is on his cell phone, “The deed was done about an hour ago.” He walks into the Sitting Room… Lying in an awkward position on the stairs, Thallo Green lays; blood stains his light green shirt, which is unbuttoned in the front.
TO BE CONTINUED