“Interesting Leads”
~~~Boddy Mansion Grounds-Formal Gardens-1:30 pm (the same day)~~~
Mr. John Boddy walks the side walk of his beautiful garden. Some of the bushes are red and gold from the autumn season. He walks on the bridge that stretches over a stream. Miss Scarlet and Forest Green are talking on the other side of it. John observes around him. Inspector Silverson is talking with Miles Meadow-Brooke in the Gazebo. Mrs. Meadow-Brooke is talking with Mrs. Peacock at a table in the garden. Sir Black and Colonel Mustard are talking next a flower bed. Miss Peach and Professor Plum sit at a table near Peacock and Mrs. Meadow-Brooke. There is food set out on some tables. A basic garden party. Mr. Boddy makes eye contact with Detective Pine, who is standing on the other side of the creek near the Gazebo.
~~~Boddy Mansion Grounds-Gazebo-1:32 pm~~~
Mr. Meadow-Brooke is sitting in a wicker chair, across from Inspector Silverson.
“I was talking to Black on the phone at the time of the murder.” Mr. Meadow-Brooke says, “We were simply setting a meeting with his lawyer.”
“I see.” Inspector Silverson says, “And you claim never to have seen Mr. Scarlet in your life?”
“Never.” Mr. Meadow-Brooke says, “Inspector, have you questioned Mrs. Peacock yet?”
“Pardon?” Inspector Silverson closes his notebook
“Well, she did go through three husbands, all of which left her a great sum of money.” Mr. Meadow-Brooke says, “It’s possible that she might have become frightened once she realized that her first husband was alive.”
“Thank you for that.” Inspector Silverson says, “And would you thank John once again. It was a great idea to have a garden party while I interrogate.”
“Will do.” Mr. Meadow-Brooke says walking down the steps.
Detective Pine comes up to Silverson.
“He didn’t do it.” Inspector Silverson says, “But I think I already know who did.”
~~~Boddy Mansion Grounds- Formal Gardens-1:35 pm~~~
Miss Scarlet throws her cigarette in the stream and watches it get carried towards the Boat House.
“I’m just in shock that you are so sentimental over a death you thought happened years ago.” Forest Green says
“Well, it’s just a big shock.” Vera Scarlet says, “I mean, once you hear about a death, you don’t want to believe it. And then when you find out that the person is… was alive, it tears apart your inside.”
“Vera, did you ever think that the police might have gotten the body mixed up like they did the last time you thought your father was dead?”
“I checked the body at the morgue.” She says, “He has the Scarlet Family Crest tattoo on his chest.” Vera says, they begin walking off the bridge and through the garden.
“My mother died when I was very young.” Forest says, “I never got to know her.”
“Is that suppose to comfort me?” asks Vera
“Well, no. I just thought I’d share with you a little Green family history.” Forest says
“As much as I appreciate all that you’ve done to help out my family, I believe it’s time to forget about it and go back to our normal lives. I mean, the Peacock’s aren’t the friendliest to the Green’s.” Vera smirks
“More like rivals.” Forest says, Vera chuckles
“You don’t even know that half of it.” She says
“Don’t I?” Mr. Green turns to her, “Vera, I’ve admired you from afar too long.” He pulls her to him and they fall into a passionate kiss.
~~~Boddy Mansion Grounds-Gazebo-1:35 pm
Mrs. Peacock sits in the wicker chair.
“James was your first husband, correct?” Inspector Silverson asks
“Yes.” Mrs. Peacock says
“And you believed he died 16 years ago?” Inspector Silverson asks
“Yes.” Mrs. Peacock sighs
“How did he allegedly die?” Inspector Silverson makes a note in his book
“His body was found in a junk yard, his throat had been slit with a sickle.” Mrs. Peacock begins to cry.
“And he survived?” Inspector Silverson asks in disgust
“No! It wasn’t him. It was his co-worker that died.” Mrs. Peacock says, “They both had the same facial features. At the funeral we had a closed casket. No one saw him after he died.”
“I see.” Inspector Silverson says, “This may seem like a blatant question, but, did you benefit from what you thought was his death?”
“Yes, I inherited twenty-seven million dollars.” Mrs. Peacock says. Inspector Silverson whistles
“What did he do for a living?” Inspector Silverson asks
“He was a scientist. Nuclear physics.” Mrs. Peacock says, “And a compulsive gambler. He was very good at gambling, that’s how he became a millionaire.”
“I see.” Inspector Silverson says, “And your marital relationship at the time?”
“He was cheating on me.” Mrs. Peacock says, “I threatened to kill him. I meant it. But I didn’t kill James.”
“No you didn’t kill James.” Inspector Silverson says, “But you killed the co-worker.”
“You have no stable grounds to accuse me of a horrid deed like that. I knew James so well that if I did kill the co-worker I would have realized he wasn’t James.”
“Correct.” Inspector Silverson says, “Unless you deliberately killed the co-worker, making it look like an accident.”
Mrs. Peacock is flabbergasted.
“The co-worker’s name was Phillip Whyte.” Inspector Silverson says, “He was an under cover PI. He had been dating you for a while and even put up with the affairs you had, to make him seem blameless.”
“These accusations are irrelevant!” Mrs. Peacock shouts, “I did not kill James or this Philip Whyte whom you are talking about!”
“No…” Inspector Silverson says, “But you know who did!”
“Inspector, I swear, if you throw out another extraneous accusation, you’ll be lying in a grave next to James.” Mrs. Peacock says
“Just one more question Mrs. Peacock.” Inspector Silverson says, “Were you or were you not having a relationship with Sir Black?”
“No.” Mrs. Peacock says gravely
“Then you are free to go back to the gardens. Have a great day.” Inspector Silverson says
Detective Pine passes Mrs. Peacock as he comes up to Inspector Silverson. Inspector Silverson stands up.
“Well?” asks Detective Pine, “Any leads?”
“Ben, we are going to have a killer within two days.” Inspector Silverson smiles
TO BE CONTINUED