“Small Party with a Smaller Temper”
~~~ Peacock Residence-Study- 4:12 pm~~~
“Alice? Did you hear me?” Mrs. Greys-Cale asks. Mrs. Peacock remains silent after hearing the last sentence Anna said, “Alice?”
“Yes, I heard you.” Mrs. Peacock says, “I’m just unsure what to think…”
~~~ Meadow-Brooke Close-Dining Room- 4:25 pm~~~
Jayne sits at the head of the table as a bottle of champagne is popped. The butler pours Mrs. Meadow-Brooke a tall glass.
“Thank you.” She smiles.
He pours one for Mrs. Lilac and Ms. Rivers. Shane looks down at his plate and sighs. Mrs. Meadow-Brooke smiles with her usual delighted grin as the butler places a dish of salad on the golden plate. He does the same to Pamela, Lucy, Shane, and Jacob.
“So how was your flight?” asks Mrs. Meadow-Brooke as she sprinkles cheese, bacon bits, and croutons on her salad.
“Mother,” Pamela says, “We told you in the library, remember?”
“Oh, yes.” She says, “My mind it elsewhere.”
“So when is dad coming home?” asks Jacob
“He will be coming home next week.” Jayne says sipping her champagne
“How are you two getting along?” asks Pamela
“Pam, your father and I are getting along fine!” Mrs. Meadow-Brooke says, “There are no problems in our marriage.”
“Is that what you told Sir Black?” asks Jacob
“Jake, please!” Pam says, trying to prevent an argument
“Sir Black and I are merely friends, we go over to the Peacock Residence and play croquet and have tea.” Mrs. Meadow-Brooke says
“So he’s a faerie?” Jacob says bluntly
“Jacob!” Jayne says in awe, “There is nothing wrong with playing croquet and having tea! I find it most civilized… especially for men! It is a way to calm down and relax without holding a quail gun!”
“So you, Alice and Sir Black have a jolly time?” Pam asks trying to keep Jacob quiet, “Marvelous salad. More champagne?” she holds her glass up for the butler to pour more in the glass. The butler obliges.
~~~ The Drake-Outside Suite #1208- 4:46 pm~~~
Miss Scarlet leaves Colonel Mustard suite and leans against the wall, she sighs… little does she realize, not one, not two, but three babies have already begun growing inside of her…
~~~ Jonquil Ave.-Outside Peacock Residence- 4:49 pm~~~
Mr. Green and Ms. Magenta walk down the road as Mr. Plum’s car pulls out.
Mr. Green pulls out his cell phone and dials a number, “Maple, he left. He’s on his way.” Mr. Green hangs up
“I hope this plan works and the neighbors across the street don’t see anything…” Ms. Magenta says
“They are in Italy for the week.” Mr. Green says, “We won’t have a problem with any nosy neighbors.”
~~~ Boddy Mansion Grounds-Gates- 4:52 pm~~~
Victor’s car pulls up. The porter recognizes him and allows him to enter the gates. Victor parks his car in the port cochere…
~~~ Boddy Mansion-Hall- continuous~~~
The chime of the doorbell echoes down the hall. Mr. Ash comes from the Library and answers it. Victor enters.
“Mr. Plum.” Mr. Ash nods to Victor
“Hello Mr. Ash, is Uncle John home?” he asks
“I’m afraid he was arrested.” Mr. Ash says
“What?” Victor gasps
“But he’ll be home tonight after disusing some things with his lawyer over the phone…” Mr. Ash says
“Oh…” Victor says, “When will he be back?”
“Around 5:30…” Mr. Ash says
“Do you mind if I stick around until he gets back?” asks Victor
“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.” Mr. Ash says, “We are having a small dinner party tonight. Mrs. Peacock, Miss Scarlet, Mr. Rose, and Colonel Mustard are to attend…”
“I see…” Victor says, “And you are sure he won’t mind me staying for dinner?”
“He doesn’t even know the Colonel, Alice, Vera, and Carl are coming…” Mr. Ash says, “We’ll just pretend you were invited.”
“Great.” Victor smiles, “How has Uncle John been since his Uncle Al was arrested for murder?”
“I believe you are mistaken, Sir Black hasn’t been arrested, in fact, he’s been running from the law. He is currently residing here.” Mr. Ash frowns
“Will he be making an appearance at the dinner party?” asks Mr. Plum
“I wouldn’t put it past him…” Mr. Ash says, “Dress casual, it will be a simple dinner of steak and a baked potato. Afterwards we will be playing bridge in the Library. Perhaps a game of snooker in the Billiard Room…”
“Sounds wonderful.” Mr. Plum smiles, “I’ll wait in the Lounge until some guest start arriving…”
“Very well…” Mr. Ash says
~~~ Golden Courts-Volleyball Court- 4:59 pm~~~
“Come on girls!” a coach shouts as a small timid girl falls to the ground. She quickly stands up, but not before Coach Golden has yanked the pony tale on her head, “Alright, Monique, you’ve done nothing but slip around the floor all day! If you like being so close to the floor why don’t you get a job as a maid!” he shouts, saliva spraying in her father
“But, monsieur…” she begs in a French accent
“Less talk!” he shoves her back out to the court and walks over to the bleachers. He picks up a bottle of beer and finishes it.
Another girl hits the ball and it slams into the net.
“Oh, come on!” the coach gets up and staggers over to her, “Look, Chloe, just because your dad is rich doesn’t mean you can slack.”
“I’m sorry…” she says
“Enough!” the coach shouts, “I don’t want to her it.” He walks back to his seat at the bleachers
A tall blonde girl hits the ball but falls on her knees. Coach Golden gets up and rushes over to the teenager.
“Oh, princess, are you alright?” he coos helping his daughter to her feet.
“I’m fine, thanks dad.” She brushes off her yellow uniform.
“See girls, my Vikki can get up without a bruise, why is it that all of you have to stall and waste time?” Coach Golden shouts, “Get your heads in the game!”
~~~Brutalement Street - Outside Golden Courts - continuous~~~
Ms. Magenta quickly gets out of her car and enters the building…
~~~ Boddy Mansion-Lounge- 5:02 pm~~~
Mrs. Peacock and Miss Scarlet enter the Lounge to see Mr. Plum and Mr. Rose conversing…
“Hello, Carl, Victor.” Mrs. Peacock says, “It’s good to see you Victor; I heard you stopped by to use my phone…”
“Yes, I seem to have lost my cell phone.” Victor chuckles nervously.
“Oh, well I hope you find it.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Yeah, me too.” Victor sighs
~~~ Green Estate Grounds-Front Driveway- 5:05 pm~~~
Mr. Green comes out with Nurse Tennre, “You are absolutely certain that he didn’t pass by?”
“Yes.” Nurse Tennre says, “Not a single car passed by, which can only mean he is still in this neighborhood…”
“True.” Mr. Green says, “Madeline went to volleyball practice, when she calls me after practice I’ll tell her to look around for the car, meanwhile we need to wait incase he comes by.”
“I’m getting hungry.” Nurse Tennre says
“We’ll order a pizza…” Mr. Green says, “We won’t need to move from street view.”
“Alright, but what if the car is to pass as the pizza guy delivers?” asks Nurse Tennre
“Then we’ll get a free pizza.” Mr. Green pats his gun.
Nurse Tennre smiles and turns to the house… She sees something light up in the bushes. She rushes over to see Victor’s cell phone vibrating…
~~~ Golden Courts-Volleyball Court- 5:09 pm~~~
Ms. Magenta comes out to the court, Coach Golden stands up.
“Where have you been?” he shouts, “I have a strict rule about late team members.”
“I’m sorry, I had some things to tie up.” Ms. Magenta says
Miss Emily Peach throws the ball to Madeline.
“Thanks.” Madeline rolls her eyes. She hits the ball over hand and it bounces off the net.
“No!” Coach Golden shouts, “What is wrong with you girls!”
“I’m sorry,” Madeline steps aside, “I’ve just…”
“I don’t want to hear your excuses; you either get out there or are going to have to pay more to be on this team!” Coach Golden says
“I could just quit!” Madeline says
“Oh, you certainly will not!” Coach Golden grabs her arm
“Let go of me!” Madeline tugs away
“I’ve had a really tough day, and if I feel like it your secret will be revealed.” He lowers his voice, “Now if you leave this court I will tell the police about you working with the Green Mob and then you will go to prison for multiple murder! The only way you can escape this is stay on this team, pay me, and encourage other young women to join.” He chuckles
Ms. Magenta looks in the coach’s devious eyes, “Fine.”
“Now get out there!” He shouts shoving her towards the court.
~~~ Golden Courts-Changing Room- 5:37 pm~~~
“Hey!” Emily Peach calls out to Madeline, who is fixing her pink top.
“Yeah?” asks Madeline
“Are you alright? The coach sure shouted at you back there.” Emily says
“I’m use to it.” Madeline says, “Besides, what choice do I really have, he is blackmailing or threatening the girls to stay on the team…”
“I now…” Emily sighs, “But just remember, I’ll always be there for you if you ever need…”
“It’s ok, Emily.” Madeline says, “I’m fine.”
A young brunette woman comes over to them, “Did joo ‘ere zee news?” asks the young girl, Monique Brunette
“What is it?” asks Madeline
“My father eez going to talk to zee coach, perhaps this vill put an end to all of this…” Mlle. Brunette says
“Monique, is it wise getting your father involved in all of this?” asks Ms. Magenta
“Oui, I believe ‘e vill be able to talk some sense into zee coach…” Monique says
~~~ Boddy Mansion-Lounge- 5:40 pm~~~
Colonel Mustard is lead into the Lounge by Mr. Ash.
“Mike?” Mrs. Peacock stands up, “I didn’t know he was going to be here!”
“If you have a problem with me, then you should just come out and say it.” Colonel Mustard sits next to Miss Scarlet who puts her hand on his shoulder.
Mrs. Peacock looks at the Colonel in disgust and then over at Dr. Rose who is finding this humorous
“So how is your father?” Colonel Mustard asks Victor
“I don’t know, I haven’t been able to reach him on his cell phone.” Victor says, “I hope everything is okay.”
Dr. Rose smiles slightly.
~~~ Rose Estate-Library- continuous~~~
“I don’t know how he convinced me to stay here.” Professor Plum says to Mrs. Rose, who is bound to a wooden chair in the center of the library.
“Please, if you let me go I’ll help you!” Mrs. Rose says
“Help me?” Professor Plum says, “How can you help me?”
“We can turn in Carl for the devious man he is, then you’ll be safe from him.” Mrs. Rose pleads
“You don’t understand.” Professor Plum says, “I murdered Miss Curio! If the police investigate they will find three bodies, one I killed, one the colonel killed, and one your husband killed.”
“But I only have evidence on the one Carl killed.” Mrs. Rose begs, “The police won’t find anything on you…”
“But if they do!” Professor Plum says, “Like a hair or skin flakes on the basement floor…”
“Professor, please you’ve got to help me!” Mrs. Rose says, “My children are at my mother’s house for the week, when they return…”
“I can’t do anything,” Professor Plum sits on the sofa and puts his head in his hands, “I wish I’d never gotten involved in this.”
“As do I, but now I know!” Mrs. Rose says, “I understand!”
“How did you even get those pictures of your husband murdering that woman?” asks Professor Plum
“I had a feeling he was cheating on me so I had a security camera placed in the bedroom.” Mrs. Rose says, “Now, if you help me…”
“Shut up!” Professor Plum says, “I have to think!”
There is a moment of silence in the library. Professor Plum stands up and takes a sharp dagger from its display case.
“What are you doing?” she asks as he approaches you
“I am going to slice your arm.” Professor Plum says
“No! Are you crazy? Why?” asks Mrs. Rose
“The blood will make it look as if you are dead. You are to bandage up the wound, change into something black and give me the dress you are wearing now. I will carelessly through this in the furnace so that only part of it gets completely burnt; you will lie quietly in the back seat of my car. The darkness outside and your dark clothes will prevent you from being seen if he happens to glance in my car as I leave. I will take you to the hotel and you will stay with me until I am to leave for New York, you may either come with me or find some relatives you can trust.” Professor Plum says
“Oh, if you must…” Mrs. Rose squeezes her hand tightly
“It’s the only way I can complete the scenario.” Professor Plum says cutting the ropes that bound her to the chair.
Mrs. Rose grimaces as the professor lays the blade on her arm. She closes her eyes tightly. Professor Plum cuts her arm. Mrs. Rose screams slightly.
“Turn your arm slightly to the right.” Professor Plum says
She does so, allowing blood to splatter on the hard wood floors.
He gives her his hanky and she holds it over her arm and heads upstairs.
~~~ Boddy Mansion-Dining Room - 5:53 pm~~~
A champagne bottle pops as Mr. Ash pours a glass for Mr. Boddy, who happily sits at the head of the table.
“What a nice surprise!” Mr. Boddy says, “I love surprise.”
“Then you’ll love it when you hear your Uncle Al is staying here.” Mr. Ash says
“What?” Mr. Boddy shouts. The dining room falls silent.
Mr. Boddy stands up and smiles at the guests, “If you’ll excuse me, Mr. Ash and I will be in the hall for a minute.” Mr. Boddy pulls Mr. Ash into the hall. His voice is clearly heard from the dining room.
“Have you lost your mind?” Mr. Boddy shouts, “That man’s an escape convict!”
“He said he won’t be here for long.” Mr. Ash says timidly
“He’s damn right, he won’t!” Mr. Boddy shouts
“Sir, if you would let me handle it…”
“Let you handle it?” Mr. Boddy laughs nervously, “If I let you handle it, every escape convict would be boarding on the second floor of the mansion!”
“Sir, he wants to talk to you later in the Library.” Mr. Ash says
Mr. Boddy enters the dining room again, the guests act as if they hadn’t heard a thing.
“Sorry about that.” Mr. Boddy smiles, “It seems my Uncle Al is home! Isn’t that great news?”
Vera coughs politely, “Considering the fact that he is the man that nearly bashed my brains out with a fire andiron… ummm… nope, not too excited about his abrupt return.” She downs her champagne
Mrs. Peacock stares coldly at Colonel Mustard, who stares intently at Miss Scarlet, who looks at Victor with surprising interest. Victor nervously fingers the table cloth while Dr. Rose glances at his watch.
TO BE CONTINUED