“Tension, Money, and Old Burns”
~~~ Jonquil Ave. - 9:34 am~~~
The morning sun shines boringly on this special, eventful day… only the people that will be taking part in this day don’t realize the things that will happen…
In between the Peacock Residence and the Alabaster Hall small streams of thin black smoke seep between the ruins of the Rose Estate. Books are burnt up and lying where the Library once was. The structure that was once a beautiful wood staircase is now a crumbled pile of wood. Where the chimneys once were now stands single four feet tall brick piles. A fire truck is parked outside the waist-high gates and fences around the Rose Estate. Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Alabaster are the closest people to the area. John Boddy’s car pulls up to the area. Victor Plum, Beryl White, and John Boddy exit. Mr. Boddy goes over to Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Alabaster.
“What happened here?” asks John
“Last night the Rose Estate when up in flames.” A fireman says coming over to him, “Dr. Rose is in recovery… last night he was injured while trying to save his wife… He couldn’t find her and rushed out, only for the stove to explode and a pipe to hit him.”
“Oh my God!” Mr. Boddy says
“We think it was arson and will be questioning each of you neighbors.” The fireman says
“Yes of course.” Mr. Boddy says, “Did Dr. Rose give much of an account on the things going on last night?”
“He did.” The fireman says, “Last night him and his wife decided to go to bed early since his sister wasn’t due back until the morning. Mrs. Rose remembered she left the library light on and soon the hall was on fire. It is unknown if the arsonist murdered Mrs. Rose before starting the fire…”
~~~ Green Estate- Library - 9:39 am~~~
“Señor,” Mr. Green says, “You understand the plan?”
“Oh yes.” The Spanish man says with a slight accent
“Excellent.” Mr. Green says, “Make sure you are able to convince Victor to help you.”
“Sir, I’ve practiced safe ‘fatal’ car accidents many times.” Señor Juan Guava says
“Make certain you do.” Mr. Green says, “Oh, and Juan, do be careful.”
“Of course.” Señor Guava says
~~~ Van Tealle Manor- Dining Room - 9:56 am~~~
Twins Chloe and Brooke Van Tealle sits at the large dining table in the equally large Dining Room of their parent’s humble home.
Dr. Shaun Van Tealle sits at the head of the table reading the news paper.
“So this is the final game of the season?” asks Dr. Van Tealle
“Yes.” Chloe says
“Are you two going back next year?” Dr. Van Tealle asks as he sips his coffee
“Daddy, we have to.” Brooke says, “That damn coach will take everything out from under us… our home, our money…”
“I thought you told me you resolved that?” Dr. Van Tealle drops the news paper and stares sternly into his daughter’s eyes
Brooke looks over at Chloe.
“He slapped me and told me that my offer was useless.” Chloe says, “He threw the money back at me.”
“$70,000?” Dr. Van Tealle looks at his daughters, “How can a mediocre, lower class coach refuse $70,000?”
“Dad, he knows that we have twenty times that.” Brooke says, “He obviously thinks that if he can blackmail us he feels in control of our lives…”
“Isn’t he?” asks Dr. Van Tealle, “I mean… I don’t understand how that despicable man found out about my embezzlement… but really! This has been going on for three years now! I gave the money to you to pay him off thinking our problems were finally behind us…”
“I’m sorry daddy…” Brooke says
“Well, I’m not putting up with it!” Dr. Van Tealle stands up, “We are going down there now! I will tell him that I am sick and tired of this and I will pay for the best attorney in order to have him put in jail!”
“For what charge?” asks Chloe
“Abuse to my daughters.” Dr. Van Tealle says, “I already have enough evidence that there is a sexual affair going on between him and another team member and I will not risk having that greedy pig lay his filthy hands on my daughters!”
“But what if he carries out the blackmail threat?” asks Brooke, “We’ll lose everything!”
“And what do you think is going on now?” Dr. Tealle asks, “We’ve already paid $50,000 to keep our secret and then I risk having my girls hurt…”
Dr. Van Tealle grabs his over coat and opens the front door for his daughters. They exit with their bags and get in Dr. Van Tealle’s convertible…
~~~ Michael Reese- Mrs. Peacock’s Recovery Room - 10:08 am~~~
The sound of a heart monitor fills the room. Vera Scarlet enters to see her mother lying in bed, thick bandages around her wrists.
“Mom…” Vera sits in the chair next to her bedside
“Vera…” Mrs. Peacock says weakly
“I need you to tell me why you did this.” Miss Scarlet asks
“I thought you would leave me?” Mrs. Peacock says, “I can’t be left alone… you know that.”
“Mother,” Vera smiles, “I won’t leave you until…
“Until?” Mrs. Peacock cuts her off, “What? When?” her heart monitor speeds up
“Mother calm down!” Vera says
Mrs. Peacock tries to relax, the heart monitor’s beeping goes back to normal, “What do you mean ‘until’.”
“Well, I know you have a soft spot for men…” Vera says, “I am willing to stay in the house with you until you find another husband…”
“Husband?” Mrs. Peacock laughs, “Vera, I’ve buried three of my husbands, my first one I buried just a month ago after thinking he was dead…”
“I know.” Vera says, “But I know how you and Sir Black get along…”
“Darling, Sir Black almost murdered you.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Mom…” Vera’s eyes well up with tears, “I… I tried to kill daddy.”
“What?” Mrs. Peacock looks shocked
“I stabbed daddy and then Sir Black came in to finish the work. He feared I would slip up so he hit me… it was an accident.” Miss Scarlet puts her hand on her mother’s
“Darling, I don’t know if I can love the man that tried to murder you.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Mom, I’m okay with it.” Miss Scarlet says, “Sir Black and I have talked and he feels deeply sorry for it.”
“But aren’t the police still looking for him?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“I mislead them.” Miss Scarlet says, “I told them that Sir Black fought off Captain Mist, who murdered James. Then I told them that Captain Mist hit me… Sir Black punched the sea captain unconscious and then he fled, fearing he’d be blamed for my ‘murder’.” Miss Scarlet says, “I came up with that all on my own.”
“Very clever dear.” Mrs. Peacock says, “And the police believe it?”
“Oh yes, I even covered up for that Rose women who murdered Evelyne and the captain. I told the police he came back to kill me and I killed him. Madame Rose covered for me as well and told her friends that she murdered all three.”
“Uh…” Mrs. Peacock, “Tell me again why I haven’t found a husband… for you?”
“Because you have a severe case of monophobia.” Vera says
“Ah, that’s right.” Mrs. Peacock smiles
A shadow casts over Vera; she turns around to see Mrs. Greys-Cale standing in the doorway.
“Vera, can we have some time alone?” asks Anna Greys-Cale
“Oh course.” Vera smiles, standing and exiting.
Down the Hall in Dr. Rose’s recovery room a teenage brunette sits in a chair next to him. She is crying.
“Daddy.” She says, “Why couldn’t you have saved mom?”
“I already told you sweetheart, the house caught fire and the house was in flames after a minute. I almost died.” He says
“But the fire chief said that it was arson…” the young woman, Kimberly Rose says
“I know.” He says, “I just hope Mary didn’t feel any pain…”
~~~ The Drake- Suite 165 - 10:14 am~~~
Mary Rose comes out of the bedroom to see Professor Plum sitting in the sofa bed with his laptop on his lap.
“Sleep well?” asks Professor Plum
“Every time I woke up I feared that Carl knows where I am.” Mrs. Rose says
“I got a call this morning.” Professor Plum says, “The house was burnt to the ground and Carl is in recovery…”
“Oh thank God!” Mrs. Rose says
“I don’t understand?” asks Professor Plum
“Call the hospital and tell them you will be picking up Carl.” Mrs. Rose says
“Okay?” Professor Plum looks confused
“By the time we get the phone call we will be out of the states!” Mrs. Rose says
“I see.” Professor Plum smiles, “But I thought you were staying with your relatives.”
“Knowing Carl, since he thinks I’m dead already, he’ll probably tell the family that I died in the fire.”
“Yes but what about your kids?” asks Professor Plum
“I can’t come forth as being alive yet…” Mrs. Rose says, “What if they are with Carl and the moment they hear my voice they shriek ‘Mom’s alive!’?” Mrs. Rose says
“Still, do you want to put your kids through a fear they will have to live twice?” asks Professor Plum
“I don’t follow.” Mrs. Rose says
“Your kids are mourning over your alleged death. How will they react if you come back to them only to die later? They’ll be devastated. It’s either now or never.” Professor Plum says
“Then I choose never.” Mrs. Rose says
“How can you say that?” asks Professor Plum
“I can’t risk having Carl come after me!” Mrs. Rose says
“He’s in recovery; it isn’t like he will spring out of bed the moment he hears you are okay. The nurse told me the extents of his injury. He is not due to be discharged from the hospital for quite some time. Why not tell your kids and they can flee to wherever we are heading…”
“It’s not that simple.” Mrs. Rose says, “There is a blackmail threat…”
“Blackmail?” Professor Plum sighs, “Oh now what?”
“Apparently, Kimberly’s volleyball coach has found out about my husband’s involvement with these deaths and is pressing it against my daughter to stay on his team or he will spill it to the cops.”
“Then pull her out! Carl will be in prison and you and your children will be free forever! Especially if you tell them that you were bound and gagged by him!”
“It’s still not that simple.” Mrs. Rose says, “I would be charged for withholding evidence!”
“Then someone has to put a stop to this coach’s blackmailing…” Professor Plum says
~~~ Golden Courts-Volleyball Court- 10:21 am ~~~
Dr. Van Tealle enters the courts to see Coach Golden mopping the floor. Chloe and Brooke stop at the doorway.
“You can’t even accept the money?” Dr. Van Tealle shouts
“I know that you have that kind of money in pocket change.” Coach Golden says calmly
“What do you need? How much do you want? How about a nice new car? Or a house?” Dr. Van Tealle offers, “You can’t hold my daughters here against their will!”
“I don’t want your money!” Coach Golden shouts, “Because the money you are offering me isn’t yours! You embezzled the money and either your pretty little girls stay here or you are off to the big house!”
“Dare you raise your voice to me?” Dr. Van Tealle shouts, “I will get the best lawyer in Chicago and sue off the pants you are wearing if you don’t leave my girls alone!”
“Dr. Van Tealle I have this court bugged with speakers and cameras!” Coach Golden says, “I have all the evidence I need! More evidence than a grand jury can go up against. Your stolen money won’t get you anywhere but in prison! Try me! See how far you can get before the rug is yanked out from under your prefect live!”
“I see.” Dr. Van Tealle straightens out his jacket, “Well… I guess I will see you tonight.”
“You certainly will.” Coach Golden says, “And if you don’t mind me saying… Brooke is way better than Chloe.”
Dr. Van Tealle turns to Coach Golden and punches him in the mouth.
“Like I said,” Dr. Van Tealle says, “I’ll see you tonight… and you won’t forget it!”
Dr. Van Tealle leaves with his daughters. Coach Golden wipes his chin as Victoria Golden enters.
“Was it that ignorant rich man?” she rolls her eyes
“If he does one more thing to upset me, I dial 9-1-1 and belt out my soul to the police.” Coach Golden says confidently to his daughter.
TO BE CONTINUED
The morning sun shines boringly on this special, eventful day… only the people that will be taking part in this day don’t realize the things that will happen…
In between the Peacock Residence and the Alabaster Hall small streams of thin black smoke seep between the ruins of the Rose Estate. Books are burnt up and lying where the Library once was. The structure that was once a beautiful wood staircase is now a crumbled pile of wood. Where the chimneys once were now stands single four feet tall brick piles. A fire truck is parked outside the waist-high gates and fences around the Rose Estate. Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Alabaster are the closest people to the area. John Boddy’s car pulls up to the area. Victor Plum, Beryl White, and John Boddy exit. Mr. Boddy goes over to Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Alabaster.
“What happened here?” asks John
“Last night the Rose Estate when up in flames.” A fireman says coming over to him, “Dr. Rose is in recovery… last night he was injured while trying to save his wife… He couldn’t find her and rushed out, only for the stove to explode and a pipe to hit him.”
“Oh my God!” Mr. Boddy says
“We think it was arson and will be questioning each of you neighbors.” The fireman says
“Yes of course.” Mr. Boddy says, “Did Dr. Rose give much of an account on the things going on last night?”
“He did.” The fireman says, “Last night him and his wife decided to go to bed early since his sister wasn’t due back until the morning. Mrs. Rose remembered she left the library light on and soon the hall was on fire. It is unknown if the arsonist murdered Mrs. Rose before starting the fire…”
~~~ Green Estate- Library - 9:39 am~~~
“Señor,” Mr. Green says, “You understand the plan?”
“Oh yes.” The Spanish man says with a slight accent
“Excellent.” Mr. Green says, “Make sure you are able to convince Victor to help you.”
“Sir, I’ve practiced safe ‘fatal’ car accidents many times.” Señor Juan Guava says
“Make certain you do.” Mr. Green says, “Oh, and Juan, do be careful.”
“Of course.” Señor Guava says
~~~ Van Tealle Manor- Dining Room - 9:56 am~~~
Twins Chloe and Brooke Van Tealle sits at the large dining table in the equally large Dining Room of their parent’s humble home.
Dr. Shaun Van Tealle sits at the head of the table reading the news paper.
“So this is the final game of the season?” asks Dr. Van Tealle
“Yes.” Chloe says
“Are you two going back next year?” Dr. Van Tealle asks as he sips his coffee
“Daddy, we have to.” Brooke says, “That damn coach will take everything out from under us… our home, our money…”
“I thought you told me you resolved that?” Dr. Van Tealle drops the news paper and stares sternly into his daughter’s eyes
Brooke looks over at Chloe.
“He slapped me and told me that my offer was useless.” Chloe says, “He threw the money back at me.”
“$70,000?” Dr. Van Tealle looks at his daughters, “How can a mediocre, lower class coach refuse $70,000?”
“Dad, he knows that we have twenty times that.” Brooke says, “He obviously thinks that if he can blackmail us he feels in control of our lives…”
“Isn’t he?” asks Dr. Van Tealle, “I mean… I don’t understand how that despicable man found out about my embezzlement… but really! This has been going on for three years now! I gave the money to you to pay him off thinking our problems were finally behind us…”
“I’m sorry daddy…” Brooke says
“Well, I’m not putting up with it!” Dr. Van Tealle stands up, “We are going down there now! I will tell him that I am sick and tired of this and I will pay for the best attorney in order to have him put in jail!”
“For what charge?” asks Chloe
“Abuse to my daughters.” Dr. Van Tealle says, “I already have enough evidence that there is a sexual affair going on between him and another team member and I will not risk having that greedy pig lay his filthy hands on my daughters!”
“But what if he carries out the blackmail threat?” asks Brooke, “We’ll lose everything!”
“And what do you think is going on now?” Dr. Tealle asks, “We’ve already paid $50,000 to keep our secret and then I risk having my girls hurt…”
Dr. Van Tealle grabs his over coat and opens the front door for his daughters. They exit with their bags and get in Dr. Van Tealle’s convertible…
~~~ Michael Reese- Mrs. Peacock’s Recovery Room - 10:08 am~~~
The sound of a heart monitor fills the room. Vera Scarlet enters to see her mother lying in bed, thick bandages around her wrists.
“Mom…” Vera sits in the chair next to her bedside
“Vera…” Mrs. Peacock says weakly
“I need you to tell me why you did this.” Miss Scarlet asks
“I thought you would leave me?” Mrs. Peacock says, “I can’t be left alone… you know that.”
“Mother,” Vera smiles, “I won’t leave you until…
“Until?” Mrs. Peacock cuts her off, “What? When?” her heart monitor speeds up
“Mother calm down!” Vera says
Mrs. Peacock tries to relax, the heart monitor’s beeping goes back to normal, “What do you mean ‘until’.”
“Well, I know you have a soft spot for men…” Vera says, “I am willing to stay in the house with you until you find another husband…”
“Husband?” Mrs. Peacock laughs, “Vera, I’ve buried three of my husbands, my first one I buried just a month ago after thinking he was dead…”
“I know.” Vera says, “But I know how you and Sir Black get along…”
“Darling, Sir Black almost murdered you.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Mom…” Vera’s eyes well up with tears, “I… I tried to kill daddy.”
“What?” Mrs. Peacock looks shocked
“I stabbed daddy and then Sir Black came in to finish the work. He feared I would slip up so he hit me… it was an accident.” Miss Scarlet puts her hand on her mother’s
“Darling, I don’t know if I can love the man that tried to murder you.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Mom, I’m okay with it.” Miss Scarlet says, “Sir Black and I have talked and he feels deeply sorry for it.”
“But aren’t the police still looking for him?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“I mislead them.” Miss Scarlet says, “I told them that Sir Black fought off Captain Mist, who murdered James. Then I told them that Captain Mist hit me… Sir Black punched the sea captain unconscious and then he fled, fearing he’d be blamed for my ‘murder’.” Miss Scarlet says, “I came up with that all on my own.”
“Very clever dear.” Mrs. Peacock says, “And the police believe it?”
“Oh yes, I even covered up for that Rose women who murdered Evelyne and the captain. I told the police he came back to kill me and I killed him. Madame Rose covered for me as well and told her friends that she murdered all three.”
“Uh…” Mrs. Peacock, “Tell me again why I haven’t found a husband… for you?”
“Because you have a severe case of monophobia.” Vera says
“Ah, that’s right.” Mrs. Peacock smiles
A shadow casts over Vera; she turns around to see Mrs. Greys-Cale standing in the doorway.
“Vera, can we have some time alone?” asks Anna Greys-Cale
“Oh course.” Vera smiles, standing and exiting.
Down the Hall in Dr. Rose’s recovery room a teenage brunette sits in a chair next to him. She is crying.
“Daddy.” She says, “Why couldn’t you have saved mom?”
“I already told you sweetheart, the house caught fire and the house was in flames after a minute. I almost died.” He says
“But the fire chief said that it was arson…” the young woman, Kimberly Rose says
“I know.” He says, “I just hope Mary didn’t feel any pain…”
~~~ The Drake- Suite 165 - 10:14 am~~~
Mary Rose comes out of the bedroom to see Professor Plum sitting in the sofa bed with his laptop on his lap.
“Sleep well?” asks Professor Plum
“Every time I woke up I feared that Carl knows where I am.” Mrs. Rose says
“I got a call this morning.” Professor Plum says, “The house was burnt to the ground and Carl is in recovery…”
“Oh thank God!” Mrs. Rose says
“I don’t understand?” asks Professor Plum
“Call the hospital and tell them you will be picking up Carl.” Mrs. Rose says
“Okay?” Professor Plum looks confused
“By the time we get the phone call we will be out of the states!” Mrs. Rose says
“I see.” Professor Plum smiles, “But I thought you were staying with your relatives.”
“Knowing Carl, since he thinks I’m dead already, he’ll probably tell the family that I died in the fire.”
“Yes but what about your kids?” asks Professor Plum
“I can’t come forth as being alive yet…” Mrs. Rose says, “What if they are with Carl and the moment they hear my voice they shriek ‘Mom’s alive!’?” Mrs. Rose says
“Still, do you want to put your kids through a fear they will have to live twice?” asks Professor Plum
“I don’t follow.” Mrs. Rose says
“Your kids are mourning over your alleged death. How will they react if you come back to them only to die later? They’ll be devastated. It’s either now or never.” Professor Plum says
“Then I choose never.” Mrs. Rose says
“How can you say that?” asks Professor Plum
“I can’t risk having Carl come after me!” Mrs. Rose says
“He’s in recovery; it isn’t like he will spring out of bed the moment he hears you are okay. The nurse told me the extents of his injury. He is not due to be discharged from the hospital for quite some time. Why not tell your kids and they can flee to wherever we are heading…”
“It’s not that simple.” Mrs. Rose says, “There is a blackmail threat…”
“Blackmail?” Professor Plum sighs, “Oh now what?”
“Apparently, Kimberly’s volleyball coach has found out about my husband’s involvement with these deaths and is pressing it against my daughter to stay on his team or he will spill it to the cops.”
“Then pull her out! Carl will be in prison and you and your children will be free forever! Especially if you tell them that you were bound and gagged by him!”
“It’s still not that simple.” Mrs. Rose says, “I would be charged for withholding evidence!”
“Then someone has to put a stop to this coach’s blackmailing…” Professor Plum says
~~~ Golden Courts-Volleyball Court- 10:21 am ~~~
Dr. Van Tealle enters the courts to see Coach Golden mopping the floor. Chloe and Brooke stop at the doorway.
“You can’t even accept the money?” Dr. Van Tealle shouts
“I know that you have that kind of money in pocket change.” Coach Golden says calmly
“What do you need? How much do you want? How about a nice new car? Or a house?” Dr. Van Tealle offers, “You can’t hold my daughters here against their will!”
“I don’t want your money!” Coach Golden shouts, “Because the money you are offering me isn’t yours! You embezzled the money and either your pretty little girls stay here or you are off to the big house!”
“Dare you raise your voice to me?” Dr. Van Tealle shouts, “I will get the best lawyer in Chicago and sue off the pants you are wearing if you don’t leave my girls alone!”
“Dr. Van Tealle I have this court bugged with speakers and cameras!” Coach Golden says, “I have all the evidence I need! More evidence than a grand jury can go up against. Your stolen money won’t get you anywhere but in prison! Try me! See how far you can get before the rug is yanked out from under your prefect live!”
“I see.” Dr. Van Tealle straightens out his jacket, “Well… I guess I will see you tonight.”
“You certainly will.” Coach Golden says, “And if you don’t mind me saying… Brooke is way better than Chloe.”
Dr. Van Tealle turns to Coach Golden and punches him in the mouth.
“Like I said,” Dr. Van Tealle says, “I’ll see you tonight… and you won’t forget it!”
Dr. Van Tealle leaves with his daughters. Coach Golden wipes his chin as Victoria Golden enters.
“Was it that ignorant rich man?” she rolls her eyes
“If he does one more thing to upset me, I dial 9-1-1 and belt out my soul to the police.” Coach Golden says confidently to his daughter.
TO BE CONTINUED