“Twists and Turns”
~~~Green Estate-Library-5:20 pm (the same day)~~~
Inspector Silverson sits in a leather chair in front of the fireplace. Mr. Thallo Green is in the other one. Detective Pine stands nearby.
“You know the Black’s rather well?” Inspector Silverson asks
“I hope Al didn’t say any contrary thing.” Thallo says lighting his cigar. He opens the box to Inspector Silverson, offering a cigar.
“No thank you.” He says
Mr. Green offers one to Detective Pine who also refuses.
“How long have you known the Black’s?” asks Inspector Silverson
“About twenty years.” Mr. Green says
“And your age is?”
“Fifty-six.” Mr. Green says, “Al is six years younger than I.”
“I see.” Inspector Silverson says, “How often have you been to the Black Estate?”
“I go every weekend.” Thallo says, “I probably know the layout better than the architect himself!”
Detective Pine’s eyes widen.
“Very interesting indeed.” Inspector Silverson says, “Did you know James Scarlet?”
“We gambled together on several occasions. He was a passionate gambler.” Thallo says, reminiscing some good moments.
“Did you know him outside of the casino?” asks Inspector Silverson
“He was a scientist.” Thallo says
“Nuclear physics?” asks Inspector Silverson
“Yes.” Thallo says
The door opens and Mr. Yale enters.
“Oh, sorry.” He says, “I was just wondering where Forest is?”
“Forest Green?” asks Detective Pine
“Yes.” Mr. Yale says looking nervously at Thallo
“He’s at Boddy Mansion.” Inspector Silverson says
“Ah.” Mr. Yale says, “A party?”
“A small garden party.” Detective Pine says, “I’m sure you’re welcomed to go.”
“Alright.” Mr. Yale says leaving
“And who was that?” asks Inspector Silverson
“Donald Yale, my son’s colleague.” Thallo says
“Interesting family you have.” Inspector Silverson says, “Let’s get down to business. You are a notorious stock broker and have a friendly reputation with the police.”
“That’s a matter of opinion.” Thallo says
“I think you should answer in the most congenial way and maybe, just maybe your résumé will be cleared of your devious deeds…”
~~~Boddy Mansion-Garden-5:40 pm~~~
An elderly butler walks around the nearly empty garden, carrying a tray with hors d'oeuvres on it.
Mr. Boddy takes a cracker off the tray, “Thank you, Mr. Ash.” He says. The butler, Mr. Ash nods and continues to mill about the garden.
On another side of the garden Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard talk.
“The Inspector is actually giving the impression that I am involved in James’ death!” Mrs. Peacock says
“Well, you were involved in Phillip Whyte’s murder.” Colonel Mustard says
“Don’t be smart with me, Michael!” Mrs. Peacock says sternly, “If the police found out about your little accident with my late husband… well, we all know what will become of you.”
~~~ Arlington Heights Police Station-Inspector Silverson’s Office-6:56 pm~~~
Inspector Silverson enters with Detective Pine. Clarence Silverson takes a seat behind his desk. Detective Pine sits in a chair in front of his desk.
“Well, Thallo Green, despite his reputation, he is telling the truth.” Inspector Silverson says, “Though no one can alibi his whereabouts the night of James Scarlet’s murder, it is true he was suppose to meet with his lawyer.”
“Have you got a killer yet?” asks Detective Pine
“Oh, I’ve had a killer since I’ve talked to Miles Meadow-Brooke.” Inspector Silverson says
“You do?” asks Detective Pine
“Oh, yes.” Inspector Silverson says, “And tomorrow, I’ll have the killer behind bars.”
“Well who is it?” asks Detective Pine
“I’m surprised you don’t know.” Inspector Silverson says, “It’s the simple matter of inconsistency.”
Detective Pine is puzzled.
“While talking to Sir Black he said…” Inspector Silverson flips through his notebook, “And I quote, ‘We set a meeting with my accountant, I'm sure he'll concur…’ And when talking to Mr. Meadow-Brooke in the gazebo he said, and I quote, ‘We were simply setting a meeting with his lawyer’, meaning Sir Black.”
“I see…” Detective Pine says, “But how do you know that either of them is the murderer?”
“Sir Black claims to have been in the secret passages all day, he claims they are furnished. I saw the room, it’s passable. But I opened my cell phone and I have no signal. The concrete above blocked out the signal.” Inspector Silverson says
“And you believe that Sir Black killed James Scarlet?” asks Detective Pine
“I have evidence pointing to him. One, Sir Black’s glasses were found on the table. Two, James Scarlet’s blood is on the candlestick, along with Sir Black’s finger prints. Four, the dagger that is supposedly in his room, rather than the Dining Room, we never found it. Thus being the first weapon attack. And Fifth, Sir Black has no one to consistently give him an alibi.”
“It seems too simple.” Detective Pine says
“That’s what makes it so believable.” Inspector Pine puts his note book on his desk. On the notebook Sir Black’s name is circle several times.
~~~Black Estate-Drawing Room-7:33 pm~~~
Sir Black sips a cocktail, Miss Peach and Professor Plum sit on the other side of the room.
“Uncle Al…” Miss Peach says
“Quiet!” Sir Black says, “I’ve got a headache over this whole ordeal!”
“Maybe we should go back to the hotel.” Professor Plum says
Miss Peach and Professor Plum stand up to leave… expecting Sir Black to protest… he does not. They exit the room. Several minutes pass and Miss Scarlet enters.
“Al, I don’t know how I can thank you!” she says
“I can think of a couple ways.” He says, a lustful look in his eyes
“Anything, you’ve cleared my conscious of stabbing my father.” Miss Scarlet says
“The police aren’t buying the fact that I was in the secret passage during your father’s murder.” Sir Black says, “I need you to say that you were down there with me.”
“I can’t.” Miss Scarlet sighs, “Both my mother and Mrs. Meadow-Brooke saw me around the time you killed him.”
“Well, what’s one more murder?” Sir Black says glancing at the blazing fire
TO BE CONTINUED