Episode 14 “The Smoking Gun”
FLASHBACK – THE NIGHT OF THE MURDER
In the Study, the room is lit by and oil lamp on the desk, and a Candlestick in Professor Plum’s hand.
“How could you lie to me about my father being dead?” Professor Plum grinds his teeth menacingly
“It wasn’t to stump you out of your inheritance if that is what you are so worked up over.” Dr. Black says pouring himself a brandy at the dark bar.
“To hell with the damn inheritance, my father… our father is still alive!” Professor Plum says, “People mourned for him. People prayed for the family. You have had him alive in a spare room in the attic this whole time. My own father, always under the same roof as me, but I never knew.”
“Quit being so theatrical,” Dr. Black quickly gulps down the brandy he has poured.
“I grieved for his death!” Professor Plum slams the Candlestick on the desk, spilling wax from the candle.
“And you have been paid justly and will now bond with our shared father and keep the damn secret.” Dr. Black says touching his forehead, “It’s already going to cost a bit to pay off the people here that found out when Mr. Green had his little outburst.”
“Is this all you care about?” Professor Plum asks, “The damn money?”
“Professor,” Dr. Black says, taking the Candlestick from his shaking grasp, “Do something useful for once and think of other people. This is a deal far bigger than you can begin to try comprehending.”
Professor Plum fumes angrily and grabs the Candlestick from Dr. Black. Dr. Black is taken back by his sudden movement. Professor Plum swings the Candlestick at full force towards Dr. Black’s head.
Dr. Black stumbles to the floor of the Study with a crippling thud.
END OF FLASHBACK
Morning fog begins to lift higher and higher off the Lake behind Blackwell Grange. There is a peaceful atmosphere that encloses the exterior of the strong mansion, yet inside the mansion, there is nothing but turmoil.
“Out of my way! Out of my way!” Madame Rose clamors down the Hall staircase, her arms barely being able to keep hold of her many suitcases.
“Madame Rose,” Mr. Ash steps out of the Kitchen, upon hearing the commotion.
“I’m leaving this place for good.” Madame Rose says
“What has you upset this time?” asks Mr. Ash with a long sigh
“The grinning face of Brunette!” Madame Rose says, “I saw him in my bedroom mirror. He was staring back at me with those hallow, longing eyes! He was hungry for blood!”
“We’ve been over this before.” Mr. Ash says, interrupting the hysterical woman, “You must have just had a lot of things on your mind and started imagining things.”
“Death is here once again to claim someone after the funeral of my poor, dear brother.” Madame Rose shakily sets the suitcases down, “Not to mention that poor suicide! Justly served but still cruel to our hearts.”
“Madame Rose, I think you are getting a little too worked up over this.” Mr. Ash says
“Was I right about my brother?” asks Madame Rose with a stern look in her eyes
“Well at least you’ve packed luggage this time.” Mr. Ash rolls his eyes, “I’m on my way to the hardware store. If you’d like I can take you to a nearby hotel.”
“I would like to see Miss Dove and her young son.” Madame Rose says
“Seafront Terrace is quite a long drive away.” Mr. Ash says with hesitation, “If you insist.”
“I do!” Madame Rose says, “And I won’t be coming back this time.”
“Does your daughter know where you are heading?” asks Mr. Ash
“You mustn’t tell Melba.” Madame Rose says, “I need to get to the bottom of things, once and for all.”
“Madame Rose,” Mr. Ash sighs, “Are you sure you aren’t over thinking things?”
“We must make haste.” Madame Rose says, “I’ll take the luggage to the Garage.”
“Very well.” Mr. Ash says, “I’ll inform Rusty of my delay to the hardware store.”
In the Billiard Room, Colonel Mustard removes the triangle from around the billiard balls as Mr. Boddy enters the room.
“Care to make it interesting, old chap?” Mr. Boddy crosses his arms
“I don’t particularly take interest in the likes of you.” Colonel Mustard says, “I’d rather have the room to myself.”
“Colonel,” Mr. Boddy shakes his head, “In light of my Uncle Hugh’s passing, I think I have found the peace to let bygones be bygones.”
Colonel Mustard eye’s the young aristocrat with narrow eyes, “Am I supposed to take that as an apology for the years of verbal abuse?”
“I was a child,” Mr. Boddy says, “Missing my mother and father, but now I am a man.”
“Really?” Colonel Mustard can’t help but laugh, “What brought on the change?”
“I found out that I am the heir to Blackwell Grange.” Mr. Boddy beams, “It’s quite exciting, isn’t it?”
“When?” asks Colonel Mustard, “How? What happened? Who told you?”
“Slow down, Colonel,” Mr. Boddy says with a chuckle, “Last night, before Miss Dove left, Grandfather and I managed to get into Uncle Hugh’s safe with Mr. Green’s help.”
“You are seventeen.” Colonel Mustard protests, “You cannot run this house! I should hardly think Hugh would leave this vast estate to a child!”
“Uncle Hugh thought that through.” Mr. Boddy says, ignoring the anger in Colonel Mustard’s voice, “So he made someone else full beneficiary until my eighteenth birthday this winter.”
“So there is a temporary owner?” Colonel Mustard pauses, “Your birthday is before Christmas?”
“The week of Christmas.” Mr. Boddy says, “In a way it feels like Uncle Hugh’s finale Christmas present to me.”
“Who is the temporary owner of Blackwell Grange?” asks Colonel Mustard, his mind racing a mile a minute.
At the Swimming Pool, with a cup of tea in his hand, Professor Plum stares aimlessly at the blue water. His eyes find a small green leaf. He watches the leaf’s small journey, ignoring the outside world as much as possible.
“You look tense.” Mrs. Peacock exits the mansion through the Kitchen’s back door. She makes her way down the gravel pathway to the marble landing which surrounds the elegant pool. Tall greek pillars, marble statues, and ornate marble archways surround and extend over the long, blue swimming pool.
“I just have a lot on my mind.” Professor Plum says keeping his focus on the leaf.
“As do I.” Mrs. Peacock sighs, “Mrs. White called me a faded rose last night when the photographs were brought up.”
“You are still beautiful.” Professor Plum says glancing up at her for a moment, then returning to the water.
“In a grandmotherly way?” Mrs. Peacock laughs, “Perhaps I should retire my cleavage and stick to turtle-necks and pearls.”
“You are beautiful in the way women should be beautiful.” Professor Plum says, “Classy, strong, independent, and you always know what to wear.”
“You are still schtuping that French Maid.” Mrs. Peacock says, “It’s rather clear where your tastes in beauty end.”
“Fair enough,” Professor Plum says, “I personally find Yvette titillating. The way she moves, the way she walks, the way her bosom can barely be contained inside her lace rimmed maid’s uniform…”
“I was wondering,” Mrs. Peacock interrupts Professor Plum’s sexual conquest, “Do you think it is possible to make peace with your family?”
“Now is not the time for this discussion!” Professor Plum says as his eyes resume to the leaf, floating lazily in the pool.
“Then may I be frank?” asks Mrs. Peacock as she straightens the wrinkles out of her skirt.
“If it will hurry you along,” Professor Plum turns and walks to a table where a champagne bottle sits in a Metal Bucket.
“The Black’s are known for two things,” Mrs. Peacock says, “Secrets and insanity.”
“Insanity.” Professor Plum clucks in disgust as he takes two champagne flutes from the towel behind the Metal Bucket, “Rose was never mentally challenged until my father locked his own daughter away with those slobbering, filthy maniacs.”
“Hugh wasn’t always the best,” Mrs. Peacock says, “I know that’s a shock coming from me.”
“You always treated Hugh like he was perfect.” Professor Plum says popping the cork of the champagne bottle, letting it fly into the pool, “Your obsession with him alone can prove that.”
“I loved him for his imperfections.” Mrs. Peacock says staring off into the puffy white clouds, “I loved the way he would get angry if he didn’t get his way. I loved the way he acted like a child when he wasn’t in control of a situation. I found his control-freak tendencies to be empowering and exhausting at the same time.”
“Hugh had control issues,” Professor Plum agrees pouring the first glass of champagne, “That doesn’t make him insane.”
“I was heartbroken when I found out the truth.” Mrs. Peacock goes on, “That Benedict was alive and Hugh was actually the sick bastard that mutilated those poor women for Brunette.”
“I suppose that changed your tears of love into tears of hate.” Professor Plum says as he finishes pouring the second glass.
“Can I share a secret with you?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“If you must.” Professor Plum says hands her a glass, “Though at this rate, what is the promise of a secret even worth?”
“I rigged the Shotgun in the Study to kill Hugh.” Mrs. Peacock says darkly, “I also planned on murdering Miss Dove.”
Professor Plum plucks the leaf from the water, “But you didn’t kill either.”
“But I could have.” Mrs. Peacock insists sipping the champagne
“But you didn’t.” Professor Plum shakes the wet leaf from his fingers and into the grass.
“Did you?” asks Mrs. Peacock after a moment of silence
“I don’t know if I did.” Professor Plum says pulling the cork from the swimming pool.
“Did you have memory loss?” Mrs. Peacock sits on a pool chair and takes off her high heels.
“No!” Professor Plum says with a tone of offense, “I bashed his head in with a bloody Candlestick in his Study. But I never moved the body.”
“Perhaps it was Brunette?” asks Mrs. Peacock as she takes a sip
“I’m not sure.” Professor Plum says taking his glass from the table and standing at the edge of the pool
“Mr. Green said he was in the Study when the gunshot was heard.” Mrs. Peacock says, “Do you suppose he moved it?”
“I have a feeling Hugh was already out of the Study by that point.” Professor Plum says, “Someone moved him. But why?”
Presently Sir Benedict Black and Mr. Green walk from the sidewalk leading to the Garden.
“I wonder what your father has to say,” Mrs. Peacock retrieves a pair of sunglasses from her small purse and puts them on.
“I’ll pour two more glasses.” Professor Plum says walking back over to the Metal Bucket
“Patricia,” Sir Benedict nods to her as he walks over and sits down on the pool chair next to her. He places his cane over his lap.
“How are you feeling this morning?” Mrs. Peacock asks, “Your son is fixing us all some champagne.”
“Well we definitely have something worth celebrating.” Mr. Green chuckles
“Oh?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“I’m afraid I have some rather important news.” Sir Benedict says leaning forward towards Mrs. Peacock
“You might want to sit down for this.” Mr. Green says to Professor Plum as he takes the glasses from him
“What’s the matter?” asks Professor Plum
“You are the heir to Blackwell Grange.” Sir Benedict says to Mrs. Peacock
Professor Plum’s champagne glass slips from his fingers and shatters on the marble ground. Everyone looks up at him.
“Wonderful news!” Professor Plum switches to a cheerful tone, “Let me fetch myself another champagne glass and we will toast to Mrs. Peacock’s glorious inheritance.”
Professor Plum rushes over to the Metal Bucket. As soon as he back is to them his face drops into anger and he grinds his teeth.
On the Balcony, on the second floor, Miss Scarlet looks out over the Lake and Gazebo as the sound of insects and birds fill the morning air. A persistent bird continually catches her attention, though she can’t seem to place where the bird is at.
“Vivienne,” Nurse Silver exits onto the Balcony holding a crumpled note in her hand, “I got your letter. You said you wanted to see me?”
“Why did you dig up those pictures?” asks Miss Scarlet, “They could have stayed dead and buried with Hugh Black.”
Nurse Silver is silent.
“Was it because you are infatuated with Mr. Clay?” asks Miss Scarlet, “Was it because you hoped that digging up a little dirt would suddenly make Mr. Clay feel differently about me?”
“Mr. Clay has been polite to me since the day he arrived.” Nurse Silver says, “Nothing more than common kindness.”
“Let me tell you a little something about Mr. Clay,” Miss Scarlet says, “He will always be Mr. Clay to you, but to me he will be my darling Chandler.”
“You would know a lot about kindness.” Miss Scarlet says
“I beg your pardon?” Nurse Silver holds out the note for Miss Scarlet
Miss Scarlet snatches it back, “I know about you and Hugh.”
“Dr. Black has a way with women.” Nurse Silver says with a hint of pride.
“Tell me,” Miss Scarlet says, “Am I the only woman he hasn’t fucked?”
Nurse Silver becomes upset, “Please, Vivienne, I feel uneasy discussing this.”
“I never let Hugh touch me.” Miss Scarlet says, “But I know he’s been inside of you, my mother, that French maid, Miss Dove, and Colonel Mustard, if the rumors are correct.”
“I cannot speak for Dr. Black’s actions.” Nurse Silver says
“Did you sleep with Mr. Clay?” asks Miss Scarlet
“You don’t trust him, do you?” asks Nurse Silver, “This doesn’t have anything to do with him and your stepmother having an intimate conversation in the Garden yesterday, does it?”
“Shut up!” Miss Scarlet shoves her
“Don’t touch me!” Nurse Silver shouts, “Mr. Clay is a handsome, charming man. You should be grateful you have him while you still do. If you squeeze him too tight, he’ll turn to dust.”
Miss Scarlet shoves Nurse Silver with all her force, knocking her to the tiled floor of the Balcony.
“Get out of here!” Miss Scarlet says, “You have no reason to be here. Sir Benedict is alive and well, Fivel is never coming back, and Dr. Black isn’t here to defend you.”
“Why are you so cruel?” asks Nurse Silver
“Because I know the type of person you are.” Miss Scarlet says, “You act innocent. You use your polite, friendly, and innocent charm to lure men to their death, like a spider with flies.”
Nurse Silver stands up, “At least I have a personality that men like. The only way you can get men to notice you are if your breasts are being squeezed out of your tight little red dresses.”
Nurse Silver stands proud, knowing all too well that Miss Scarlet would strike her again. Miss Scarlet swings her hand, striking Nurse Silver in the face with a painful sting. Nurse Silver takes a step back, and in her error, she slips on a loose tile and falls into an even looser metal railing.
Miss Scarlet’s eyes widen in horror as Nurse Silver hits the grassy lawn, two floors below.
“Oh my god!” Miss Scarlet shouts as she hurries back in through the upstairs Hallway. She runs along, nearly knocking over Mrs. White, who is carrying fresh linens from the linen closet.
“Good heavens!” Mrs. White drops the fresh linens in freight.
Miss Scarlet doesn’t stop. She reaches the top of the stairs and descends into the Hall. She rushes into the Conservatory, past where Sergeant Gray and Miss Peach are engaging in flirtatious chatter, and finally out the back door where she finds the grassy lawn empty.
“Constantine!” Miss Scarlet shouts out into the empty yard.
In the Lounge, Mr. Clay sits at the piano, looking through the sheet music that is laid out on the music stand.
“I didn’t know you could play.” Rusty says as he enters the room.
“I haven’t since I was eleven.” Mr. Clay says, “My governess always corrected my form.”
“You were raised with a governess?” asks Rusty
“My mother was a wealthy society patron.” Mr. Clay says, “Tennis was my passion.”
“Perhaps the new owner of Blackwell Grange could use a tennis coach and a pianist.” Rusty chuckles
“That would be a fairly easy job.” Mr. Clay laughs, “I’m not sure if I could leave Mrs. Peacock and Miss Scarlet.”
“Loyalty is an admirable trait.” Rusty smiles, “Your mother raised you well.”
“Do you think I could burden you with a question?” asks Mr. Clay
“It’ll be no burden.” Rusty sits down on the window bench.
“Do you suppose I will ever be able to look past what Dr. Black made Vivienne do?” asks Mr. Clay
“The photographs?” asks Rusty, “I would be too beaten up over that. It was years ago.”
“I suppose it does make it better that Dr. Black never slept with her.” Mr. Clay says, “But still, a man of Dr. Black’s age.”
“Age does not play a part in our beastly desires.” Rusty says, “I am old and still find the likes of that French maid arousing.”
“But Vivienne was so young and innocent.” Mr. Clay says
“Think of what we know about Vivienne.” Rusty says, “She lost her innocence a long time ago. You should be more concerned with what Dr. Black did to repay her.”
“What do you mean?” asks Mr. Clay
“You don’t get something for nothing.” Rusty says, “What did Dr. Black do in order for Miss Scarlet to repay him with her little modeling session.”
“Or what did he know…” Mr. Clay says
“You are starting to catch on fairly well to the type of person Dr. Black was.” Rusty nods
“Did he blackmail others?” asks Mr. Clay
“That is not my story to tell.” Rusty says, “Ask around. You’ll be sure to find out some thrilling tales.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Clay nods to Rusty as he pulls the piano lid over the keys and scoots the bench underneath the piano.
The Billiard Room is silent and dim. The morning sunlight is shut out from the thick curtains. Suddenly, the French doors swing open and Monsieur Brunette enters, dragging a shaking and terrified Nurse Silver by the hair.
“Please stop!” Nurse Silver shrieks in pain as Monsieur Brunette tosses her violently against the bar. He pulls the noosed rope from the coil around his shoulder and tosses the long end of the Rope over the wood beam that holds the snooker table’s light. Nurse Silver weakly watches Monsieur Brunette tie the end of the rope to the leg of the table, leaving a dangling noose. Nurse Silver takes the opportunity and stumbles towards the Library door. It’s locked.
“Dammit.” Nurse Silver weakly turns her bleeding head to the other door, but Monsieur Brunette blocks her way.
“Not another step.” Yvette says from the door to the Hall. She is pointing Mr. Green’s revolver at Monsieur Brunette’s face.
“You aren’t going to shoot me, little girl.” Monsieur Brunette says
“Why not?” Yvette says
“Because you are not a killer.” Monsieur Brunette says
“I killed Dr. Black and I’ll kill again.” Yvette shouts, shooting Monsieur Brunette in the shoulder. Monsieur Brunette falls to the floor in a heap as blood begins to seep from his wound. Nurse Silver stares up at Yvette with tears in her eyes.
“Go.” Yvette says pointing the Revolver at Brunette, she lends one hand to Nurse Silver, who refuses it, “Get Inspector Brown. Get Sergeant Gray. Go now.”
Nurse Silver stands up with the help of the bar and limps out of the Billiard Room, taking one last glance as Monsieur Brunette, who lies on the floor bleeding. She puts her hand to her bleeding head and with fresh tears streaming down her face, she exits the blood-stained Billiard Room with the weighted news that Yvette left on her.
“You are just like your mother,” Monsieur Brunette says, wincing in pain, but even while wincing he can still manage an evil smirk, “You are such a goddamn fighter. But you are a foolish girl. Don’t you remember our little deal the night Hugh Black was found at the foot of those cellar stairs? I put him there for you. There was no way you could have dragged him from that hearth rug to the Cellar.” Monsieur Brunette begins to laugh
Yvette pulls the trigger, ending the laughter and sending Brunette limp onto the floor of the Billiard Room. With the gun still smoking in her hand, Yvette calmly slips the noose around her neck. She stares as Brunette’s motionless body and tightens the noose. She falls limp as the Rope asphyxiates her. Her convulsions are weak and short.
Inspector Brown and Sergeant Gray enter the room with Nurse Silver to find Yvette’s staring up at the ceiling with a twisted, swollen face. Nurse Silver points to the floor and clutches Inspector Brown in horror. Blood spots leads away from the area where Brunette was laying and out the French doors to the Terrace. Brunette is nowhere to be found. Sergeant Gray pulls Yvette down from the ceiling and begins to perform mouth to mouth.
“Brunette is getting away!” Inspector Brown shouts
“Help me with her.” Sergeant Gray demands
Nurse Silver falls to her knees next to Yvette as Inspector Brown picks up the Revolver and races out the Terrace.
FLASHBACK – THE NIGHT OF THE MURDER –
Yvette gasps in terror as the Library window opens. The curtains blow in the breeze and Monsieur Brunette enters the Library and stares at Yvette in the dim lighting.
“Poor girl.” Monsieur Brunette says, “You have gotten yourself into a lot of trouble.”
“I’ll kill you.” Yvette says gripping her hands firmly around the Fireplace Poker
“I can help you.” Monsieur Brunette says
“I hate you.” Yvette says, tears welling up in her eyes
“I need the help of as many servants here as I can get.” Monsieur Brunette says, “My patience is wearing thin.”
“You killed my mother.” Yvette says, her limbs trembling in fear and anxiousness
“Does it matter who killed who?” asks Monsieur Brunette, “You live amongst killers. Blackwell Grange is nothing but evil and you fit perfectly into these walls with me. I want to be freely accepted amongst these people again. I want my name to be anticipated, not feared. I want to play Billiards with Colonel Mustard, I want to have tea in the Conservatory with Mrs. Peacock. I want to play this little game we are all stuck inside of.”
“What game?” asks Yvette
“The game where we pretend to be normal people, drinking our martinis, playing croquet, yachting in the Mediterranean, playing roulette in Monte Carlo,” Monsieur Brunette takes a deep breath, “Every one of these people are as wicked as me, yet I’m the only one they fear.”
“What do you want from me?” asks Yvette, lowering the Fireplace Poker
“I want to know if we have a deal?” asks Monsieur Brunette
Yvette slowly nods, her eyes moving down to the floor, where Dr. Hugh Black lays on the hearth rug with the Fireplace Poker sticking out of his back.
END OF FLASHBACK
Inspector Brown races out into the yard behind Blackwell Grange, flailing the Revolver about.
“Brunette!” Inspector Brown barks in the empty yard. He circles around behind the Conservatory and large Ballroom windows until he finds himself at the servant’s entrance. He sees Sir Benedict, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, and Mr. Green standing around the Swimming Pool.
“Inspector?” Mr. Green calls out, “Is everything alright?”
“Dammit Alphonse!” Inspector Brown stares out into the forest around Blackwell Grange.
To Be Continued…
In the Study, the room is lit by and oil lamp on the desk, and a Candlestick in Professor Plum’s hand.
“How could you lie to me about my father being dead?” Professor Plum grinds his teeth menacingly
“It wasn’t to stump you out of your inheritance if that is what you are so worked up over.” Dr. Black says pouring himself a brandy at the dark bar.
“To hell with the damn inheritance, my father… our father is still alive!” Professor Plum says, “People mourned for him. People prayed for the family. You have had him alive in a spare room in the attic this whole time. My own father, always under the same roof as me, but I never knew.”
“Quit being so theatrical,” Dr. Black quickly gulps down the brandy he has poured.
“I grieved for his death!” Professor Plum slams the Candlestick on the desk, spilling wax from the candle.
“And you have been paid justly and will now bond with our shared father and keep the damn secret.” Dr. Black says touching his forehead, “It’s already going to cost a bit to pay off the people here that found out when Mr. Green had his little outburst.”
“Is this all you care about?” Professor Plum asks, “The damn money?”
“Professor,” Dr. Black says, taking the Candlestick from his shaking grasp, “Do something useful for once and think of other people. This is a deal far bigger than you can begin to try comprehending.”
Professor Plum fumes angrily and grabs the Candlestick from Dr. Black. Dr. Black is taken back by his sudden movement. Professor Plum swings the Candlestick at full force towards Dr. Black’s head.
Dr. Black stumbles to the floor of the Study with a crippling thud.
END OF FLASHBACK
Morning fog begins to lift higher and higher off the Lake behind Blackwell Grange. There is a peaceful atmosphere that encloses the exterior of the strong mansion, yet inside the mansion, there is nothing but turmoil.
“Out of my way! Out of my way!” Madame Rose clamors down the Hall staircase, her arms barely being able to keep hold of her many suitcases.
“Madame Rose,” Mr. Ash steps out of the Kitchen, upon hearing the commotion.
“I’m leaving this place for good.” Madame Rose says
“What has you upset this time?” asks Mr. Ash with a long sigh
“The grinning face of Brunette!” Madame Rose says, “I saw him in my bedroom mirror. He was staring back at me with those hallow, longing eyes! He was hungry for blood!”
“We’ve been over this before.” Mr. Ash says, interrupting the hysterical woman, “You must have just had a lot of things on your mind and started imagining things.”
“Death is here once again to claim someone after the funeral of my poor, dear brother.” Madame Rose shakily sets the suitcases down, “Not to mention that poor suicide! Justly served but still cruel to our hearts.”
“Madame Rose, I think you are getting a little too worked up over this.” Mr. Ash says
“Was I right about my brother?” asks Madame Rose with a stern look in her eyes
“Well at least you’ve packed luggage this time.” Mr. Ash rolls his eyes, “I’m on my way to the hardware store. If you’d like I can take you to a nearby hotel.”
“I would like to see Miss Dove and her young son.” Madame Rose says
“Seafront Terrace is quite a long drive away.” Mr. Ash says with hesitation, “If you insist.”
“I do!” Madame Rose says, “And I won’t be coming back this time.”
“Does your daughter know where you are heading?” asks Mr. Ash
“You mustn’t tell Melba.” Madame Rose says, “I need to get to the bottom of things, once and for all.”
“Madame Rose,” Mr. Ash sighs, “Are you sure you aren’t over thinking things?”
“We must make haste.” Madame Rose says, “I’ll take the luggage to the Garage.”
“Very well.” Mr. Ash says, “I’ll inform Rusty of my delay to the hardware store.”
In the Billiard Room, Colonel Mustard removes the triangle from around the billiard balls as Mr. Boddy enters the room.
“Care to make it interesting, old chap?” Mr. Boddy crosses his arms
“I don’t particularly take interest in the likes of you.” Colonel Mustard says, “I’d rather have the room to myself.”
“Colonel,” Mr. Boddy shakes his head, “In light of my Uncle Hugh’s passing, I think I have found the peace to let bygones be bygones.”
Colonel Mustard eye’s the young aristocrat with narrow eyes, “Am I supposed to take that as an apology for the years of verbal abuse?”
“I was a child,” Mr. Boddy says, “Missing my mother and father, but now I am a man.”
“Really?” Colonel Mustard can’t help but laugh, “What brought on the change?”
“I found out that I am the heir to Blackwell Grange.” Mr. Boddy beams, “It’s quite exciting, isn’t it?”
“When?” asks Colonel Mustard, “How? What happened? Who told you?”
“Slow down, Colonel,” Mr. Boddy says with a chuckle, “Last night, before Miss Dove left, Grandfather and I managed to get into Uncle Hugh’s safe with Mr. Green’s help.”
“You are seventeen.” Colonel Mustard protests, “You cannot run this house! I should hardly think Hugh would leave this vast estate to a child!”
“Uncle Hugh thought that through.” Mr. Boddy says, ignoring the anger in Colonel Mustard’s voice, “So he made someone else full beneficiary until my eighteenth birthday this winter.”
“So there is a temporary owner?” Colonel Mustard pauses, “Your birthday is before Christmas?”
“The week of Christmas.” Mr. Boddy says, “In a way it feels like Uncle Hugh’s finale Christmas present to me.”
“Who is the temporary owner of Blackwell Grange?” asks Colonel Mustard, his mind racing a mile a minute.
At the Swimming Pool, with a cup of tea in his hand, Professor Plum stares aimlessly at the blue water. His eyes find a small green leaf. He watches the leaf’s small journey, ignoring the outside world as much as possible.
“You look tense.” Mrs. Peacock exits the mansion through the Kitchen’s back door. She makes her way down the gravel pathway to the marble landing which surrounds the elegant pool. Tall greek pillars, marble statues, and ornate marble archways surround and extend over the long, blue swimming pool.
“I just have a lot on my mind.” Professor Plum says keeping his focus on the leaf.
“As do I.” Mrs. Peacock sighs, “Mrs. White called me a faded rose last night when the photographs were brought up.”
“You are still beautiful.” Professor Plum says glancing up at her for a moment, then returning to the water.
“In a grandmotherly way?” Mrs. Peacock laughs, “Perhaps I should retire my cleavage and stick to turtle-necks and pearls.”
“You are beautiful in the way women should be beautiful.” Professor Plum says, “Classy, strong, independent, and you always know what to wear.”
“You are still schtuping that French Maid.” Mrs. Peacock says, “It’s rather clear where your tastes in beauty end.”
“Fair enough,” Professor Plum says, “I personally find Yvette titillating. The way she moves, the way she walks, the way her bosom can barely be contained inside her lace rimmed maid’s uniform…”
“I was wondering,” Mrs. Peacock interrupts Professor Plum’s sexual conquest, “Do you think it is possible to make peace with your family?”
“Now is not the time for this discussion!” Professor Plum says as his eyes resume to the leaf, floating lazily in the pool.
“Then may I be frank?” asks Mrs. Peacock as she straightens the wrinkles out of her skirt.
“If it will hurry you along,” Professor Plum turns and walks to a table where a champagne bottle sits in a Metal Bucket.
“The Black’s are known for two things,” Mrs. Peacock says, “Secrets and insanity.”
“Insanity.” Professor Plum clucks in disgust as he takes two champagne flutes from the towel behind the Metal Bucket, “Rose was never mentally challenged until my father locked his own daughter away with those slobbering, filthy maniacs.”
“Hugh wasn’t always the best,” Mrs. Peacock says, “I know that’s a shock coming from me.”
“You always treated Hugh like he was perfect.” Professor Plum says popping the cork of the champagne bottle, letting it fly into the pool, “Your obsession with him alone can prove that.”
“I loved him for his imperfections.” Mrs. Peacock says staring off into the puffy white clouds, “I loved the way he would get angry if he didn’t get his way. I loved the way he acted like a child when he wasn’t in control of a situation. I found his control-freak tendencies to be empowering and exhausting at the same time.”
“Hugh had control issues,” Professor Plum agrees pouring the first glass of champagne, “That doesn’t make him insane.”
“I was heartbroken when I found out the truth.” Mrs. Peacock goes on, “That Benedict was alive and Hugh was actually the sick bastard that mutilated those poor women for Brunette.”
“I suppose that changed your tears of love into tears of hate.” Professor Plum says as he finishes pouring the second glass.
“Can I share a secret with you?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“If you must.” Professor Plum says hands her a glass, “Though at this rate, what is the promise of a secret even worth?”
“I rigged the Shotgun in the Study to kill Hugh.” Mrs. Peacock says darkly, “I also planned on murdering Miss Dove.”
Professor Plum plucks the leaf from the water, “But you didn’t kill either.”
“But I could have.” Mrs. Peacock insists sipping the champagne
“But you didn’t.” Professor Plum shakes the wet leaf from his fingers and into the grass.
“Did you?” asks Mrs. Peacock after a moment of silence
“I don’t know if I did.” Professor Plum says pulling the cork from the swimming pool.
“Did you have memory loss?” Mrs. Peacock sits on a pool chair and takes off her high heels.
“No!” Professor Plum says with a tone of offense, “I bashed his head in with a bloody Candlestick in his Study. But I never moved the body.”
“Perhaps it was Brunette?” asks Mrs. Peacock as she takes a sip
“I’m not sure.” Professor Plum says taking his glass from the table and standing at the edge of the pool
“Mr. Green said he was in the Study when the gunshot was heard.” Mrs. Peacock says, “Do you suppose he moved it?”
“I have a feeling Hugh was already out of the Study by that point.” Professor Plum says, “Someone moved him. But why?”
Presently Sir Benedict Black and Mr. Green walk from the sidewalk leading to the Garden.
“I wonder what your father has to say,” Mrs. Peacock retrieves a pair of sunglasses from her small purse and puts them on.
“I’ll pour two more glasses.” Professor Plum says walking back over to the Metal Bucket
“Patricia,” Sir Benedict nods to her as he walks over and sits down on the pool chair next to her. He places his cane over his lap.
“How are you feeling this morning?” Mrs. Peacock asks, “Your son is fixing us all some champagne.”
“Well we definitely have something worth celebrating.” Mr. Green chuckles
“Oh?” asks Mrs. Peacock
“I’m afraid I have some rather important news.” Sir Benedict says leaning forward towards Mrs. Peacock
“You might want to sit down for this.” Mr. Green says to Professor Plum as he takes the glasses from him
“What’s the matter?” asks Professor Plum
“You are the heir to Blackwell Grange.” Sir Benedict says to Mrs. Peacock
Professor Plum’s champagne glass slips from his fingers and shatters on the marble ground. Everyone looks up at him.
“Wonderful news!” Professor Plum switches to a cheerful tone, “Let me fetch myself another champagne glass and we will toast to Mrs. Peacock’s glorious inheritance.”
Professor Plum rushes over to the Metal Bucket. As soon as he back is to them his face drops into anger and he grinds his teeth.
On the Balcony, on the second floor, Miss Scarlet looks out over the Lake and Gazebo as the sound of insects and birds fill the morning air. A persistent bird continually catches her attention, though she can’t seem to place where the bird is at.
“Vivienne,” Nurse Silver exits onto the Balcony holding a crumpled note in her hand, “I got your letter. You said you wanted to see me?”
“Why did you dig up those pictures?” asks Miss Scarlet, “They could have stayed dead and buried with Hugh Black.”
Nurse Silver is silent.
“Was it because you are infatuated with Mr. Clay?” asks Miss Scarlet, “Was it because you hoped that digging up a little dirt would suddenly make Mr. Clay feel differently about me?”
“Mr. Clay has been polite to me since the day he arrived.” Nurse Silver says, “Nothing more than common kindness.”
“Let me tell you a little something about Mr. Clay,” Miss Scarlet says, “He will always be Mr. Clay to you, but to me he will be my darling Chandler.”
“You would know a lot about kindness.” Miss Scarlet says
“I beg your pardon?” Nurse Silver holds out the note for Miss Scarlet
Miss Scarlet snatches it back, “I know about you and Hugh.”
“Dr. Black has a way with women.” Nurse Silver says with a hint of pride.
“Tell me,” Miss Scarlet says, “Am I the only woman he hasn’t fucked?”
Nurse Silver becomes upset, “Please, Vivienne, I feel uneasy discussing this.”
“I never let Hugh touch me.” Miss Scarlet says, “But I know he’s been inside of you, my mother, that French maid, Miss Dove, and Colonel Mustard, if the rumors are correct.”
“I cannot speak for Dr. Black’s actions.” Nurse Silver says
“Did you sleep with Mr. Clay?” asks Miss Scarlet
“You don’t trust him, do you?” asks Nurse Silver, “This doesn’t have anything to do with him and your stepmother having an intimate conversation in the Garden yesterday, does it?”
“Shut up!” Miss Scarlet shoves her
“Don’t touch me!” Nurse Silver shouts, “Mr. Clay is a handsome, charming man. You should be grateful you have him while you still do. If you squeeze him too tight, he’ll turn to dust.”
Miss Scarlet shoves Nurse Silver with all her force, knocking her to the tiled floor of the Balcony.
“Get out of here!” Miss Scarlet says, “You have no reason to be here. Sir Benedict is alive and well, Fivel is never coming back, and Dr. Black isn’t here to defend you.”
“Why are you so cruel?” asks Nurse Silver
“Because I know the type of person you are.” Miss Scarlet says, “You act innocent. You use your polite, friendly, and innocent charm to lure men to their death, like a spider with flies.”
Nurse Silver stands up, “At least I have a personality that men like. The only way you can get men to notice you are if your breasts are being squeezed out of your tight little red dresses.”
Nurse Silver stands proud, knowing all too well that Miss Scarlet would strike her again. Miss Scarlet swings her hand, striking Nurse Silver in the face with a painful sting. Nurse Silver takes a step back, and in her error, she slips on a loose tile and falls into an even looser metal railing.
Miss Scarlet’s eyes widen in horror as Nurse Silver hits the grassy lawn, two floors below.
“Oh my god!” Miss Scarlet shouts as she hurries back in through the upstairs Hallway. She runs along, nearly knocking over Mrs. White, who is carrying fresh linens from the linen closet.
“Good heavens!” Mrs. White drops the fresh linens in freight.
Miss Scarlet doesn’t stop. She reaches the top of the stairs and descends into the Hall. She rushes into the Conservatory, past where Sergeant Gray and Miss Peach are engaging in flirtatious chatter, and finally out the back door where she finds the grassy lawn empty.
“Constantine!” Miss Scarlet shouts out into the empty yard.
In the Lounge, Mr. Clay sits at the piano, looking through the sheet music that is laid out on the music stand.
“I didn’t know you could play.” Rusty says as he enters the room.
“I haven’t since I was eleven.” Mr. Clay says, “My governess always corrected my form.”
“You were raised with a governess?” asks Rusty
“My mother was a wealthy society patron.” Mr. Clay says, “Tennis was my passion.”
“Perhaps the new owner of Blackwell Grange could use a tennis coach and a pianist.” Rusty chuckles
“That would be a fairly easy job.” Mr. Clay laughs, “I’m not sure if I could leave Mrs. Peacock and Miss Scarlet.”
“Loyalty is an admirable trait.” Rusty smiles, “Your mother raised you well.”
“Do you think I could burden you with a question?” asks Mr. Clay
“It’ll be no burden.” Rusty sits down on the window bench.
“Do you suppose I will ever be able to look past what Dr. Black made Vivienne do?” asks Mr. Clay
“The photographs?” asks Rusty, “I would be too beaten up over that. It was years ago.”
“I suppose it does make it better that Dr. Black never slept with her.” Mr. Clay says, “But still, a man of Dr. Black’s age.”
“Age does not play a part in our beastly desires.” Rusty says, “I am old and still find the likes of that French maid arousing.”
“But Vivienne was so young and innocent.” Mr. Clay says
“Think of what we know about Vivienne.” Rusty says, “She lost her innocence a long time ago. You should be more concerned with what Dr. Black did to repay her.”
“What do you mean?” asks Mr. Clay
“You don’t get something for nothing.” Rusty says, “What did Dr. Black do in order for Miss Scarlet to repay him with her little modeling session.”
“Or what did he know…” Mr. Clay says
“You are starting to catch on fairly well to the type of person Dr. Black was.” Rusty nods
“Did he blackmail others?” asks Mr. Clay
“That is not my story to tell.” Rusty says, “Ask around. You’ll be sure to find out some thrilling tales.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Clay nods to Rusty as he pulls the piano lid over the keys and scoots the bench underneath the piano.
The Billiard Room is silent and dim. The morning sunlight is shut out from the thick curtains. Suddenly, the French doors swing open and Monsieur Brunette enters, dragging a shaking and terrified Nurse Silver by the hair.
“Please stop!” Nurse Silver shrieks in pain as Monsieur Brunette tosses her violently against the bar. He pulls the noosed rope from the coil around his shoulder and tosses the long end of the Rope over the wood beam that holds the snooker table’s light. Nurse Silver weakly watches Monsieur Brunette tie the end of the rope to the leg of the table, leaving a dangling noose. Nurse Silver takes the opportunity and stumbles towards the Library door. It’s locked.
“Dammit.” Nurse Silver weakly turns her bleeding head to the other door, but Monsieur Brunette blocks her way.
“Not another step.” Yvette says from the door to the Hall. She is pointing Mr. Green’s revolver at Monsieur Brunette’s face.
“You aren’t going to shoot me, little girl.” Monsieur Brunette says
“Why not?” Yvette says
“Because you are not a killer.” Monsieur Brunette says
“I killed Dr. Black and I’ll kill again.” Yvette shouts, shooting Monsieur Brunette in the shoulder. Monsieur Brunette falls to the floor in a heap as blood begins to seep from his wound. Nurse Silver stares up at Yvette with tears in her eyes.
“Go.” Yvette says pointing the Revolver at Brunette, she lends one hand to Nurse Silver, who refuses it, “Get Inspector Brown. Get Sergeant Gray. Go now.”
Nurse Silver stands up with the help of the bar and limps out of the Billiard Room, taking one last glance as Monsieur Brunette, who lies on the floor bleeding. She puts her hand to her bleeding head and with fresh tears streaming down her face, she exits the blood-stained Billiard Room with the weighted news that Yvette left on her.
“You are just like your mother,” Monsieur Brunette says, wincing in pain, but even while wincing he can still manage an evil smirk, “You are such a goddamn fighter. But you are a foolish girl. Don’t you remember our little deal the night Hugh Black was found at the foot of those cellar stairs? I put him there for you. There was no way you could have dragged him from that hearth rug to the Cellar.” Monsieur Brunette begins to laugh
Yvette pulls the trigger, ending the laughter and sending Brunette limp onto the floor of the Billiard Room. With the gun still smoking in her hand, Yvette calmly slips the noose around her neck. She stares as Brunette’s motionless body and tightens the noose. She falls limp as the Rope asphyxiates her. Her convulsions are weak and short.
Inspector Brown and Sergeant Gray enter the room with Nurse Silver to find Yvette’s staring up at the ceiling with a twisted, swollen face. Nurse Silver points to the floor and clutches Inspector Brown in horror. Blood spots leads away from the area where Brunette was laying and out the French doors to the Terrace. Brunette is nowhere to be found. Sergeant Gray pulls Yvette down from the ceiling and begins to perform mouth to mouth.
“Brunette is getting away!” Inspector Brown shouts
“Help me with her.” Sergeant Gray demands
Nurse Silver falls to her knees next to Yvette as Inspector Brown picks up the Revolver and races out the Terrace.
FLASHBACK – THE NIGHT OF THE MURDER –
Yvette gasps in terror as the Library window opens. The curtains blow in the breeze and Monsieur Brunette enters the Library and stares at Yvette in the dim lighting.
“Poor girl.” Monsieur Brunette says, “You have gotten yourself into a lot of trouble.”
“I’ll kill you.” Yvette says gripping her hands firmly around the Fireplace Poker
“I can help you.” Monsieur Brunette says
“I hate you.” Yvette says, tears welling up in her eyes
“I need the help of as many servants here as I can get.” Monsieur Brunette says, “My patience is wearing thin.”
“You killed my mother.” Yvette says, her limbs trembling in fear and anxiousness
“Does it matter who killed who?” asks Monsieur Brunette, “You live amongst killers. Blackwell Grange is nothing but evil and you fit perfectly into these walls with me. I want to be freely accepted amongst these people again. I want my name to be anticipated, not feared. I want to play Billiards with Colonel Mustard, I want to have tea in the Conservatory with Mrs. Peacock. I want to play this little game we are all stuck inside of.”
“What game?” asks Yvette
“The game where we pretend to be normal people, drinking our martinis, playing croquet, yachting in the Mediterranean, playing roulette in Monte Carlo,” Monsieur Brunette takes a deep breath, “Every one of these people are as wicked as me, yet I’m the only one they fear.”
“What do you want from me?” asks Yvette, lowering the Fireplace Poker
“I want to know if we have a deal?” asks Monsieur Brunette
Yvette slowly nods, her eyes moving down to the floor, where Dr. Hugh Black lays on the hearth rug with the Fireplace Poker sticking out of his back.
END OF FLASHBACK
Inspector Brown races out into the yard behind Blackwell Grange, flailing the Revolver about.
“Brunette!” Inspector Brown barks in the empty yard. He circles around behind the Conservatory and large Ballroom windows until he finds himself at the servant’s entrance. He sees Sir Benedict, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, and Mr. Green standing around the Swimming Pool.
“Inspector?” Mr. Green calls out, “Is everything alright?”
“Dammit Alphonse!” Inspector Brown stares out into the forest around Blackwell Grange.
To Be Continued…