Episode 2.07 “The Color of Murder” Part 3
The sound of a train whistle pierces the evening air. The smell of the ocean is still strong on Prince Azure’s nostrils. His adviser, Mr. Saffron stands by his side instructing a small local boy to help them with their many suitcases. Mr. Saffron tips the boy generously and the two embark upon the loading platform. Any bystanders stare silently at Prince Azure and his air of importance. Handsome, worldly, and well educated, the royal Azure is admired by the gaggle of people at the loading doc. The two gentlemen make their way into the train and to their private compartments. Prince Azure sits down and instantly lights a cigar from the complimentary cigar box.
“The smell in here is foul.” Prince Azure observes, tasting the cigar with disappointment
“Shall I fetch you a cigar and brandy from our luggage?” asks Mr. Saffron
Prince Azure shakes his hand, motioning for Mr. Saffron to sit down.
“I instructed Mr. Green to keep an eye on Captain Brown.” Mr. Saffron says, “We made good timing. If Mr. Green’s loyalty is truly with us, then we have nothing to fear.”
Prince Azure looks out the window at the evening countryside, “Do you suppose we will make it to Blackwell Grange before dusk?”
“Perhaps, though I would think the darkness might be our friend.” Mr. Saffron says truthfully, “We haven’t much further to go. If we weren’t already out at sea when we got word of Dr. Black’s death we would have taken a train and been there for the memorial. The transcontinental express has only a few stops.”
“Istanbul.” Prince Azure smiles with fond memories, “We would have had a lovely layover in Istanbul.”
“I don’t mind those layovers.” Mr. Saffron says, “The restaurants are stocked with the finest liquors.”
“You always seemed interested in the cocktail lounges and the local women who made you feel like a king.” Prince Azure points out
“What’s the harm in a little pretending.” Mr. Saffron says, “Back home in Tangiers everyone knows who we are and are disappointed with us for the most part.”
Prince Azure closes his eyes, “Once we follow through with our promise…”
“It was not our promise, it was your promise.” Mr. Saffron corrects, “I never agreed to make certain that your rival family’s name dies with that ugly old mansion. Hugh Black was dangerous. If Hugh didn’t have any real children, we have nothing to worry about.”
“A good friend informed me that Hugh Black has both an adult daughter and an infant boy.” Prince Azure says, “We need to find them both and stop them from breeding and spreading their blood-lust, insanity, and homicidal tendencies throughout the world.”
“If I might point something out,” Mr. Saffron clears his throat, “The feud between the Boddy’s, Black’s, Azure’s, Lavender’s, and Masque’s are filled with so much passion that I think you have forgotten how the feud started.”
“Hugh Black raped and killed my parlor-maid and then denied the mutilation of my poor, sick mother.”
“Her majesty, Queen Azure, may she rest in peace, will forever live in our hearts.” Mr. Saffron lowers his head in respect
“My mother,” Prince Azure’s eyes fill with tears, “She was the kindest, most devoted and loving human on this entire world…” he composes his sorrow and turns it to vicious anger, “But then Dr. Black stirred up her brains with a needle through her eye.”
“The practice of lobotomy has shown some remarkable results.” Mr. Saffron says
“But they are far and few between.” Prince Azure says, “If she wasn’t put out of her misery she would be staring off blindly, dying but living.”
“Your father gave everything he could to seek out answers.” Mr. Saffron says
“My father was a goddamn diplomat.” Prince Azure says, “He wanted answers and reasons. He didn’t get reasons. He got murdered in the night while visiting Blackwell Grange.”
“Are you sure you aren’t just projecting the anger and resentment of your beloved wife?” asks Mr. Saffron
“Do not bring up my wife.” Prince Azure says, “She knows them all better than anyone and she has been nothing but truthful with me since we rescued her from her abusive past.”
“I cannot speak for your wife,” Mr. Saffron takes his pocket watch and looks at the time, “But I can tell you that she is a member of the Black family none-the-less.”
Aboard Sekhmet’s Tears, Mr. Green looks over the marina they are docked at. Many of the locals are gathered around looking at the ridiculous wooden display that Prince Azure has brought out to show off.
“It makes us seem so old fashioned.” Mr. Green chuckles with a deckhand, “I should whip out my pistol and show them all the works of a modern cannon.”
“Killing innocent bystanders is beneath you.” The deckhand walks away, not amused by Mr. Green’s odd humor.
Mr. Green shrugs and makes his way up to the wheel where Captain Brown swallows an absurd amount of rum in one large swig.
“Careful,” Mr. Green says, laughing at the wobbly old man
“We’re here at port,” Captain Brown slurs, “What’s the big fucking deal?”
“Goodness,” Mr. Green laughs, “You are damn well rude when you are drunk.” Mr. Green says, taking a swig from Captain Brown’s nearly empty bottle, “I like you this way.”
“Who doesn’t love a good old clumsy drunk?” Captain Brown leans against the railing and slides down to the wooden floor.
The sound of splashing water and seagulls begin to irritate Mr. Green, “Suppose we do get off this ship, where would we go.”
“I thought you were meant to keep me captive here.” Captain Brown says
“Eh,” Mr. Green hums, “I get bored following other people’s orders. Besides, I do not really wish to be tied up to Blackwell Grange or anyone related to Blackwell Grange. My uncle only reluctantly went there to help a friend in need.”
“So do your loyalties stand with Prince Azure or Mr. Saffron?” asks Captain Brown
“Mr. Saffron, and I are still going to be on good terms,” Mr. Green says, “Prince Azure and I, however… Well, let’s just say, Prince Azure has both a powerful lineage and a knack for screwing things up due to long-standing feuds, poor planning, or misgiven information.”
“Where does that leave me?” asks Captain Brown
“We wait three hours and board the next train to Burma.” Mr. Green says, “My uncle knows a girl who is all too familiar with scams in Rangoon and I might be able to get some work out there.”
“I thought you made it perfectly clear that you weren’t on my side.” Captain Brown says
“I’m not.” Mr. Green points at him, “So don’t expect me to be there for you when trouble comes. But I could use the company until that trouble rolls around, so what’ll it be?”
At Blackwell Grange, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, and Mr. Ash all wait in the Hallway outside of Miss Scarlet’s bedroom. The air is heavy and warm.
“I’ll kill the bastard who did this to her.” Mrs. Peacock says, holding back tears. She keeps fidgeting with the broach on her chest. Mrs. White offers a handkerchief to Mrs. Peacock. Mrs. Peacock takes it, locking eyes with Mrs. White. There is obvious tension between the two.
“Should I go back out to the Garden inform the others what happened? I think people are starting to leave.” asks Mr. Ash, “Mr. and Mrs. Meadow-Brook, Sergeant Gray, Colonel Mustard, and Lady Lavender were the only ones who know of Miss Scarlet’s situation right now.”
“Sergeant Gray went to phone the police.” Professor Plum says, quite neutral about the whole ordeal, “I’m sure there will be an investigation with all the males present.”
“She said she couldn’t even see his face.” Mrs. Peacock puts the handkerchief over her mouth, “She was crushed under the boat while that filthy bastard used her.”
“It could have been any man here.” Mrs. White looks at both Mr. Ash and Professor Plum
“Don’t take offense, Professor,” Mr. Ash says, “We are all under equal suspicion. Even Sergeant Gray.”
Dr. Prussian comes from Miss Scarlet’s bedroom.
“Well?” Mrs. White impatiently takes Dr. Prussian by the arm and corrals him over to the small group.
“Aside from a few bruised ribs and some minor tears and lacerations,” Dr. Prussian takes a breath, “Physically she is going to be okay. But she is not doing well emotionally. She will hardly speak.”
“I’m going in to talk with her.” Mrs. Peacock pushes past Dr. Prussian.
“I suppose it’s time to let the others know?” Mrs. White turns to Mr. Ash
“No one protested when I suggested it.” Mr. Ash says
Professor Plum shrugs his shoulders and turns to the staircase, “If it isn’t one thing, it’s another thing around here.”
About fifteen minutes later, outside in the Garden, the sky is getting darker and darker by the minute. The air is still warm and clear, but the damp smell of rain is approaching. Colonel Mustard has taken control and is standing up on a concrete bench.
“We don’t know where Mr. Meadow-Brook is.” Colonel Mustard says, “We don’t know if Monsieur Brunette has returned.” He takes a moment to look around at the concerned faces, glowing in the light of lamps, candles, and flashlights, “What we do know is that Miss Scarlet was brutally assaulted and until we find Mr. Meadow-Brook and find out why he disappeared, we will search until morning.”
“He was very shaken up in the Billiard Room.” Lady Lavender calmly adds in
“I’m not sure I want to search around at night.” Miss Peach clings to Sergeant Gray’s arm
“You’ll be fine, Melba.” Sergeant Gray kisses her forehead
“Maybe you should rest inside.” Mrs. White comes to Miss Peach
“Yes,” Reverend Green steps forward, “You were nearly unconscious from sickness earlier.”
“Is Mrs. Peacock with Miss Scarlet right now?” asks Sir Benedict Black
“I should be with her!” Mr. Boddy stomps his foot angrily
“We need to focus on what Colonel Mustard has just said.” Dr. Prussian says, “There is someone dangerous out there.”
“Miles would never do that to anyone.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook defends her husband, “He may have a lot of issues, but he would never ever touch a girl in a bad way. He might be wicked in horrible other ways, but he would never do something that malicious.”
“Yet Miss Scarlet lies upstairs in agony.” Lord Gray says, “Colonel Mustard and Dr. Prussian are right. Let’s get started and find Mr. Meadow-Brook.”
“You mentioned Brunette.” Miss Peach steps forward in front of Colonel Mustard.
Colonel Mustard steps down off the bench and takes Miss Peach by the shoulders, “Maybe Mr. Ash and Reverend Green should take you to the Study to lie down.”
“Mr. Meadow-Brook said something today to me,” Miss Peach speaks loudly enough for everyone to listen, “He warned me at the memorial that I needed to get out of here.”
“Even more of a reason to find him and see what his aim in all of this is.” Dr. Prussian says forming around Miss Peach with Lord Gray and Colonel Mustard.
“No,” Miss Peach says, “I think we all need to go. Everyone who doesn’t live here needs to leave right now. Something isn’t right…”
“Let’s get you inside to the Study.” Sergeant Gray puts his arm around Miss Peach’s shoulder.
“Wisest thing you have said all day.” Lord Gray berates his son.
“No,” Miss Peach says shaking off Sergeant Gray, “Let go of me.”
“Melba,” Mrs. White says, “You are just upset.”
“Of course I am upset, no one is listening to me.” Miss Peach says as Reverend Green helps assist Sergeant Gray into leading Miss Peach to the house.
Mr. Ash follows behind, “I’ll make you a nice cup or herbal tea.”
Colonel Mustard walks with Dr. Prussian and Lord Gray over to Mrs. Meadow-Brook, who is consoling herself on Rusty’s shoulder.
“Shall we find your husband?” Colonel Mustard offers a hand, “I’ll take Rusty and Mrs. Meadow-Brook with me.”
Mrs. Meadow-Brook nods and her and Rusty stand with Colonel Mustard
“I suppose Dr. Prussian and I will go with Professor Plum and Lady Lavender.” Lord Gray says figuring out the grouping
“I can take Sir Benedict and Master Boddy.” Mrs. White offers, “We can look about around the Boat House and Rose Garden.”
“We’ll take the west side of the estate,” Colonel Mustard says, “Since Mrs. White is taking the north.”
“Then we’ll search the rest of the grounds.” Lord Gray says
Several minutes later, in the Garage, Dr. Prussian and Lord Gray open the large wooden doors, revealing Mrs. Peacock’s car. Dr. Prussian motions for someone to check underneath. Lady Lavender peeks under.
“I doubt Brunette is sitting around hiding.” Professor Plum says, “If he even was the sick bastard who did this, he’d be on the move by now.”
“I agree.” Lord Gray says, “This seems like a giant waste of time.”
“I think it’s fun.” Dr. Prussian opens up the door to the small storage closet inside the Garage, “We have the perfect opportunity to snoop through Blackwell Grange.”
“Well, when you put it that way it does sound enticing.” Lord Gray chuckles
“Excuse me,” Lady Lavender leaves the Garage
“Where are you going?” asks Dr. Prussian
“If you two are going to snoop around Mrs. Peacock’s car, I’m going to check the Stables to at least do a quick sweep of the estate. We could be wrong and Brunette could be here, after all.” Lady Lavender promptly leaves.
At the Gate House, Rusty finishes showing Colonel Mustard the upstairs servant’s quarters and the two make their way down to the main living area. Mrs. Meadow-Brook is looking through the cupboards.
“Mrs. White always keeps it nice and clean.” Rusty says opening the small closet near the window, “I don’t know what we’ll do if we find Brunette.”
“Bash the bastard’s skull in.” Colonel Mustard says
“That is the plan,” Rusty says, “However; we are waddling around Blackwell Grange in the dusk, hardly armed, against a madman who is now also a rapist.”
“Please,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook cringes, “Can we not use that word.”
“Rusty,” Colonel Mustard puts his large, heavy hand on Rusty’s boney, scrawny shoulder, “I am a dignified war hero with excellent tracking skills. If Brunette is here we will know.”
“You forget,” Rusty says, “I knew you before you began your mediocre military career.”
Colonel Mustard pulls his hand away from Rusty’s shoulder, “I am just having some financial trouble.”
“Mrs. White says creditors have been hounding after you.” Rusty holds up his hands defensively, “I’m not trying to disrespect you, I am merely pointing out that you tend to talk and boast a great deal about your military career, whereas I was one of the few who knew your father.”
“I suppose that slipped my mind.” Colonel Mustard narrows his eyes, “You aren’t much older than me.”
“I’ve got at least ten years on you.” Rusty chuckles
“Will you two just focus to the task at hand.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “Whether or not my husband hurt Miss Scarlet is uncertain, but we do know that he is missing.”
“Miss Dove showed up just fine without us looking for her.” Rusty says
Colonel Mustard clears his throat and begins bumbling around Mr. Ash’s bedroom while Rusty looks out the windows.
In the Rose Garden, Mrs. White, Sir Benedict Black, and Mr. Boddy all walk casually through the old, overgrown, former Rose Garden. The carved stone and bricks that enclose and ornate the Rose Garden have mossed over in some areas. Ivy grows thickly over a large stone archway.
“I haven’t come through here in ages.” Mrs. White says, “The air is so still.”
“I’d rather not be here.” Sir Benedict says staring into the dried, cracked, empty, stone fountains that line the brick walls around them.
“It’s just a dead courtyard, nothing more.” Mr. Boddy says, “Brunette could be hiding around any one of these columns, statues, or in the thicket.”
Mrs. White looks carefully through the old trees in the Rose Garden. The trees that once blossomed with beautiful fruits and leave are now bone dry and with gray bark. Mrs. White notices a random Horseshoe lying on the grass directly in front of a part of the brick wall that is covered with branches and ivy.
Mrs. White and Sir Benedict walk over to it while Mr. Boddy looks around aimlessly at the statues.
“You don’t think that someone…” Mrs. White bends over and picks it up
“Someone clearly was here.” Sir Benedict says
“Brunette?” asks Mrs. White
“It doesn’t matter if it was Brunette, Mrs. Peacock, or Reverend Green.” Sir Benedict says with a clenched jaw, his teeth straining, “Someone was here recently.”
Mrs. White places her boney, wrinkled hand over the ivy and branches that conceal the door to the Blackwell Grange Crypt.
“We should tell Master Boddy.” Mrs. White says
“I’ll splatter your brains against the edge of that Horseshoe if you even hint that you are going to speak about it.” Sir Benedict leans on his walking cane
In the Study, Miss Peach is escorted over to the red chaise lounge by Sergeant Gray. She is very tense and shakey. Mr. Ash has begun to fix the tea. Reverend Green flips through his bible.
“Perhaps if I read some Scripture that will help us all calm down.” Reverend Green sits on the piano stool near the window that looks over the Tennis Courts.
“I don’t have time for this.” Miss Peach sighs, “Stuart, please, let me go.”
“I don’t want you to be alone, especially after what happened to Miss Scarlet.” Sergeant Gray runs his hand through her hair
“I need to know that you are on my side.” Miss Peach takes his hand firmly
“I am.” Sergeant Gray says without hestitation
“Then let me leave Blackwell Grange.” Miss Peach says, “I can’t be here right now. Something doesn’t feel right.”
Mr. Ash brings Reverend Green his tea.
“That is nonsense,” Reverend Green sips the tea, “There is nothing wrong with Blackwell Grange.”
“It isn’t the house.” Miss Peach lowers herself slowly onto the red chaise lounge.
“It’s the people.” Sergeant Gray comes down to one knee so that he and Miss Peach are at the same eye-level, “We can leave this place as soon as the backup that I called arrives. I will not force you to stay here if you are set on leaving.”
Miss Peach nods slowly, “Thank you.”
Sergeant Gray smiles uneasily, “Watch over her Reverend.”
“Of course,” Reverend Green says smiling up at Sergeant Gray, open Bible in his lap.
“You aren’t staying?” Miss Peach asks
“I need to make sure that Colonel Mustard’s expedition around Blackwell Grange is going well.”
“No doubt they will be tripping over each other the second they get startled.” Mr. Ash hands Miss Peach her tea, slipping her a note with the cup.
Miss Peach’s eyes widen as she grips the note, keeping it hidden from both Reverend Green and Sergeant Gray.
“Shall we read from the Book of Luke?” asks Reverend Green
Miss Peach sips her tea anxiously, her mind on the note.
In the Hall of Blackwell Grange, Lady Lavender walks the length of it, lighting the lamp on the mail table as she passes it. Mr. Ash steps into the Hall quietly from the Study, where he leaves Miss Peach and Reverend Green together.
“You look worried.” Mr. Ash says to her
“Are you sure Reverend Green can handle this?” asks Lady Lavender
“He is reading scripture to Miss Peach to calm her nerves.” Mr. Ash says
“I’m talking about saving your wife’s life.” Lady Lavender says
“If Masque loves her as much as he claims to, he will not hurt her.” Mr. Ash says
“You don’t know Masque like I do.” Lady Lavender says
“I met him before.” Mr. Ash says, “He was charming, funny, and adored by everyone.”
“What else do you remember?” asks Lady Lavender
“He always had that cheeky grin and those piercing blue eyes that could see straight through you.” Mr. Ash says, “He would do anything for an excuse to gamble.”
“That’s how we all remember him.” Lady Lavender says, “He is different now.”
“He took my wife.” Mr. Ash says, “Whether he is different or not does not concern me.”
“I don’t think Reverend Green is prepared for this type of thing.” Lady Lavender says, “His nephew seems more able-bodied in my opinion.”
“I don’t think you are ready to work with Lyman Green.” Mr. Ash lets out a snort-laugh
“Why do you say that?” Lady Lavender is offended
“You seem to have an edge about you…” Mr. Ash chooses his words carefully, “You tend to be very theatrical in your espionage conquests.”
“Over-the-top, is what you mean to say.” Lady Lavender crosses her arms
“Mr. Green is quick to pull the trigger and doesn’t like a lengthy performance, unless he is the one performing it.” Mr. Ash says
“It sounds to me like Mr. Green is full of himself and needs to be knocked down off his high horse.” Lady Lavender says,
“We would be a perfect pair. I could work on him while we both save your wife.”
“Reverend Green is already here and the plan has been set into motion.” Mr. Ash says, “On top of all that, no one knows where Mr. Green is.”
Inside Prince Azure’s Parlor, aboard Sekhmet’s Tears, Mr. Green crosses the large room to where the Sabre used to kill Monsieur Brunette hangs on the wall. Mr. Green reaches for it but finds that he is too short. Agitated, he grabs a chair from against the wall to help him retrieve the Sabre. The sound of ice hitting the bottom of glass startles him. Mr. Green turns around and swallows hard.
“I did not expect to see you.” Mr. Green says, dropping the Sabre.
Miss Amelia Dove pours whiskey into the glass full of ice, fully ignoring Mr. Green.
“What are you doing here?” asks Mr. Green, trying to decide whether to stay back or to approach her.
“The Seafront Terrace isn’t far from here.” Miss Dove takes a steady sip and then puts the glass down next to the ice bucket and icepick.
“Is Fivel here?” ask Mr. Green
“Do you think I would bring my son around with you-know-who onboard.” Miss Dove says
“Prince Azure and Mr. Saffron left for Blackwell Grange.” Mr. Green says, “I figured we all have free reign. I did not expect you to be tied with the royal nuisance.”
“Funny,” Miss Dove smiles a bit, “Fortunately I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Prince Azure in the flesh. I am merely here to speak with my mother about the god-awful this she made me do.”
Mr. Green closes his eyes from a moment, “Should I just leave now, or do I need to hear the rest of your long-planned out betrayal?”
“Betrayal?” Miss Dove calmly picks up her drink again. She swirls the ice cubes around, “If anyone knows anything about betrayal it would be you. No one ever really knows whose side you are on, Lyman.”
“Maybe I am not on anyone’s side.” Mr. Green says, “Maybe I am just looking out for myself.”
“With organized crime?” Miss Dove swallows the drink, leaving only ice.
“Why is it, no matter how long we have gone without hearing from each other, we always fight the minute we see each other?” Mr. Green picks up the Sabre and walks towards the door.
“Because we both don’t trust each other and it is terrifying,” Miss Dove says, “But at the same time exciting.”
Mr. Green stops and turns around, “Is that what it is?” he laughs
“Do you remember when we had sex and I got pregnant with Fivel?” asks Miss Dove
“How can I forget?” Mr. Green smirks, “I still have the cigarette burn on my leg to remember.”
“It turns me on to hear a man scream in pain.” Miss Dove says, sneaking the icepick into her hand, “Tell me, why are you so scared around me?”
“Because your husband was beating you and we both know you have the strength to take down more than an alcoholic.” Mr. Green says
“Perhaps,” Miss Dove strides closer to Mr. Green, “Or maybe I just needed someone to look out for me.”
“Well,” Mr. Green says, “Either way, what is done is done. I don’t really care to know what you are doing here, who your mother is, or why you are even trying to drag me into this.” He grips the Sabre, “I’m taking this because it killed a man that I admired, resented, yet respected. I am taking that man’s father with me. I will most likely throw him to the wolves the minute trouble arises, so I would suggest letting Azure know to look out for Brown’s body if he wants to track me down.”
“I always forget your silly sense of humor.” Miss Dove says, “You aren’t going anywhere, you are already involved, and my mother is standing directly behind you with a small black pistol.”
Mr. Green chuckles and turns around to see the long-thought dead Margaret Black-Boddy standing with a pistol to Mr. Green.
“Hello, Lyman.” Mrs. Black-Boddy smiles, “It’s so good to see you after all these years.”
“Margaret,” Mr. Green nods casually, maintaining his sarcastic, unshaken front.
“I see you have met my lovely daughter.” Mrs. Black-Boddy says
“Yes,” Mr. Green chuckles, “I have a few burning questions about that one. For starters, how?”
“Easy,” Mrs. Black-Boddy says, “I never loved Samuel.”
“That’s not what I meant, but we’ll talk about that later.” Mr. Green turns to Miss Dove, “You slept with Hugh Black?”
“I held off as long as I could,” Miss Dove drops the icepick and pours herself another drink, “But we did… consummate our love on a couple occasions.”
“Incest at its finest.” Mr. Green claps his hands, “Tell me, Amelia, did you know Hugh Black was your uncle the whole time?”
“I’ve known Hugh Black and hated him since birth.” Miss Dove says
“Where were you raised?” asks Mr. Green
“Blackwell Grange, where else would I raise my daughter?” asks Mrs. Black-Boddy, “The place is huge and Hugh was always so fond of his experiments that I was able to raise my special girl.”
“I even interviewed to be Hugh Black’s maid at one point.” Miss Dove pours another drink, “But he didn’t notice me. He didn’t pay attention to me until I became a mature, attractive young woman. But by then we had already rewritten my past.”
“Is Fivel part of this?” asks Mr. Green
“Fivel will never be part of this!” Miss Dove says
“You already brought him to Blackwell Grange. He was there when Hugh was murdered.” Mr. Green says
“That is why we are no longer at Blackwell Grange.” Miss Dove says, “Why else do you think Madame Rose ran off to the same hotel as my son and I went to.”
“Rose knows who you actually are?” Mr. Green has the Sabre taken from him by Miss Dove’s tipsy, shaky hands.
“My older sister was always wise.” Mrs. Black-Boddy says, “No doubt she has the gift of prophecy and communication with the death.”
“I always thought she was a fraud looking to earn some money with her palm readings and séances.” Mr. Green shrugs, fully unarmed.
“When my father sent her to the asylum it screwed up her sense of reality.” Mrs. Black-Boddy grips the pistol with anger,
“My father and brother ruined the lives of so many people.”
“Then what is your game in all of this?” asks Mr. Green
“The same as my dear, sweet husband, Prince Philippe,” Mrs. Black-Boddy holds up her left hand, showing the ornate wedding ring, “I want to kill the Black-Boddy legacy and make sure that there are no future heirs.”
“What about John?” asks Mr. Green, “Are you going to let your son fall victim?”
“He’s been exposed to them.” Mrs. Black-Boddy says, “He is corrupted. He takes after his father that way. Poor Samuel only ever cared about his needs, his desires, his lusts, his passions… it was only ever about him.”
“What about me?” asks Mr. Green
“If you want to ever see Fivel again,” Miss Dove speaks carefully and painfully, “You will kill every last Boddy and Black.”
“Minus the present company, of course.” Mrs. Black-Boddy chuckles, holding the gun tight, “What do you say.”
Mr. Green locks eyes with Margaret Black-Boddy for a very long time before speaking.
“I will kill every last Black and Boddy on the face of the Earth.” Mr. Green says, maintaining his eye-contact.
To Be Continued…
“The smell in here is foul.” Prince Azure observes, tasting the cigar with disappointment
“Shall I fetch you a cigar and brandy from our luggage?” asks Mr. Saffron
Prince Azure shakes his hand, motioning for Mr. Saffron to sit down.
“I instructed Mr. Green to keep an eye on Captain Brown.” Mr. Saffron says, “We made good timing. If Mr. Green’s loyalty is truly with us, then we have nothing to fear.”
Prince Azure looks out the window at the evening countryside, “Do you suppose we will make it to Blackwell Grange before dusk?”
“Perhaps, though I would think the darkness might be our friend.” Mr. Saffron says truthfully, “We haven’t much further to go. If we weren’t already out at sea when we got word of Dr. Black’s death we would have taken a train and been there for the memorial. The transcontinental express has only a few stops.”
“Istanbul.” Prince Azure smiles with fond memories, “We would have had a lovely layover in Istanbul.”
“I don’t mind those layovers.” Mr. Saffron says, “The restaurants are stocked with the finest liquors.”
“You always seemed interested in the cocktail lounges and the local women who made you feel like a king.” Prince Azure points out
“What’s the harm in a little pretending.” Mr. Saffron says, “Back home in Tangiers everyone knows who we are and are disappointed with us for the most part.”
Prince Azure closes his eyes, “Once we follow through with our promise…”
“It was not our promise, it was your promise.” Mr. Saffron corrects, “I never agreed to make certain that your rival family’s name dies with that ugly old mansion. Hugh Black was dangerous. If Hugh didn’t have any real children, we have nothing to worry about.”
“A good friend informed me that Hugh Black has both an adult daughter and an infant boy.” Prince Azure says, “We need to find them both and stop them from breeding and spreading their blood-lust, insanity, and homicidal tendencies throughout the world.”
“If I might point something out,” Mr. Saffron clears his throat, “The feud between the Boddy’s, Black’s, Azure’s, Lavender’s, and Masque’s are filled with so much passion that I think you have forgotten how the feud started.”
“Hugh Black raped and killed my parlor-maid and then denied the mutilation of my poor, sick mother.”
“Her majesty, Queen Azure, may she rest in peace, will forever live in our hearts.” Mr. Saffron lowers his head in respect
“My mother,” Prince Azure’s eyes fill with tears, “She was the kindest, most devoted and loving human on this entire world…” he composes his sorrow and turns it to vicious anger, “But then Dr. Black stirred up her brains with a needle through her eye.”
“The practice of lobotomy has shown some remarkable results.” Mr. Saffron says
“But they are far and few between.” Prince Azure says, “If she wasn’t put out of her misery she would be staring off blindly, dying but living.”
“Your father gave everything he could to seek out answers.” Mr. Saffron says
“My father was a goddamn diplomat.” Prince Azure says, “He wanted answers and reasons. He didn’t get reasons. He got murdered in the night while visiting Blackwell Grange.”
“Are you sure you aren’t just projecting the anger and resentment of your beloved wife?” asks Mr. Saffron
“Do not bring up my wife.” Prince Azure says, “She knows them all better than anyone and she has been nothing but truthful with me since we rescued her from her abusive past.”
“I cannot speak for your wife,” Mr. Saffron takes his pocket watch and looks at the time, “But I can tell you that she is a member of the Black family none-the-less.”
Aboard Sekhmet’s Tears, Mr. Green looks over the marina they are docked at. Many of the locals are gathered around looking at the ridiculous wooden display that Prince Azure has brought out to show off.
“It makes us seem so old fashioned.” Mr. Green chuckles with a deckhand, “I should whip out my pistol and show them all the works of a modern cannon.”
“Killing innocent bystanders is beneath you.” The deckhand walks away, not amused by Mr. Green’s odd humor.
Mr. Green shrugs and makes his way up to the wheel where Captain Brown swallows an absurd amount of rum in one large swig.
“Careful,” Mr. Green says, laughing at the wobbly old man
“We’re here at port,” Captain Brown slurs, “What’s the big fucking deal?”
“Goodness,” Mr. Green laughs, “You are damn well rude when you are drunk.” Mr. Green says, taking a swig from Captain Brown’s nearly empty bottle, “I like you this way.”
“Who doesn’t love a good old clumsy drunk?” Captain Brown leans against the railing and slides down to the wooden floor.
The sound of splashing water and seagulls begin to irritate Mr. Green, “Suppose we do get off this ship, where would we go.”
“I thought you were meant to keep me captive here.” Captain Brown says
“Eh,” Mr. Green hums, “I get bored following other people’s orders. Besides, I do not really wish to be tied up to Blackwell Grange or anyone related to Blackwell Grange. My uncle only reluctantly went there to help a friend in need.”
“So do your loyalties stand with Prince Azure or Mr. Saffron?” asks Captain Brown
“Mr. Saffron, and I are still going to be on good terms,” Mr. Green says, “Prince Azure and I, however… Well, let’s just say, Prince Azure has both a powerful lineage and a knack for screwing things up due to long-standing feuds, poor planning, or misgiven information.”
“Where does that leave me?” asks Captain Brown
“We wait three hours and board the next train to Burma.” Mr. Green says, “My uncle knows a girl who is all too familiar with scams in Rangoon and I might be able to get some work out there.”
“I thought you made it perfectly clear that you weren’t on my side.” Captain Brown says
“I’m not.” Mr. Green points at him, “So don’t expect me to be there for you when trouble comes. But I could use the company until that trouble rolls around, so what’ll it be?”
At Blackwell Grange, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, and Mr. Ash all wait in the Hallway outside of Miss Scarlet’s bedroom. The air is heavy and warm.
“I’ll kill the bastard who did this to her.” Mrs. Peacock says, holding back tears. She keeps fidgeting with the broach on her chest. Mrs. White offers a handkerchief to Mrs. Peacock. Mrs. Peacock takes it, locking eyes with Mrs. White. There is obvious tension between the two.
“Should I go back out to the Garden inform the others what happened? I think people are starting to leave.” asks Mr. Ash, “Mr. and Mrs. Meadow-Brook, Sergeant Gray, Colonel Mustard, and Lady Lavender were the only ones who know of Miss Scarlet’s situation right now.”
“Sergeant Gray went to phone the police.” Professor Plum says, quite neutral about the whole ordeal, “I’m sure there will be an investigation with all the males present.”
“She said she couldn’t even see his face.” Mrs. Peacock puts the handkerchief over her mouth, “She was crushed under the boat while that filthy bastard used her.”
“It could have been any man here.” Mrs. White looks at both Mr. Ash and Professor Plum
“Don’t take offense, Professor,” Mr. Ash says, “We are all under equal suspicion. Even Sergeant Gray.”
Dr. Prussian comes from Miss Scarlet’s bedroom.
“Well?” Mrs. White impatiently takes Dr. Prussian by the arm and corrals him over to the small group.
“Aside from a few bruised ribs and some minor tears and lacerations,” Dr. Prussian takes a breath, “Physically she is going to be okay. But she is not doing well emotionally. She will hardly speak.”
“I’m going in to talk with her.” Mrs. Peacock pushes past Dr. Prussian.
“I suppose it’s time to let the others know?” Mrs. White turns to Mr. Ash
“No one protested when I suggested it.” Mr. Ash says
Professor Plum shrugs his shoulders and turns to the staircase, “If it isn’t one thing, it’s another thing around here.”
About fifteen minutes later, outside in the Garden, the sky is getting darker and darker by the minute. The air is still warm and clear, but the damp smell of rain is approaching. Colonel Mustard has taken control and is standing up on a concrete bench.
“We don’t know where Mr. Meadow-Brook is.” Colonel Mustard says, “We don’t know if Monsieur Brunette has returned.” He takes a moment to look around at the concerned faces, glowing in the light of lamps, candles, and flashlights, “What we do know is that Miss Scarlet was brutally assaulted and until we find Mr. Meadow-Brook and find out why he disappeared, we will search until morning.”
“He was very shaken up in the Billiard Room.” Lady Lavender calmly adds in
“I’m not sure I want to search around at night.” Miss Peach clings to Sergeant Gray’s arm
“You’ll be fine, Melba.” Sergeant Gray kisses her forehead
“Maybe you should rest inside.” Mrs. White comes to Miss Peach
“Yes,” Reverend Green steps forward, “You were nearly unconscious from sickness earlier.”
“Is Mrs. Peacock with Miss Scarlet right now?” asks Sir Benedict Black
“I should be with her!” Mr. Boddy stomps his foot angrily
“We need to focus on what Colonel Mustard has just said.” Dr. Prussian says, “There is someone dangerous out there.”
“Miles would never do that to anyone.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook defends her husband, “He may have a lot of issues, but he would never ever touch a girl in a bad way. He might be wicked in horrible other ways, but he would never do something that malicious.”
“Yet Miss Scarlet lies upstairs in agony.” Lord Gray says, “Colonel Mustard and Dr. Prussian are right. Let’s get started and find Mr. Meadow-Brook.”
“You mentioned Brunette.” Miss Peach steps forward in front of Colonel Mustard.
Colonel Mustard steps down off the bench and takes Miss Peach by the shoulders, “Maybe Mr. Ash and Reverend Green should take you to the Study to lie down.”
“Mr. Meadow-Brook said something today to me,” Miss Peach speaks loudly enough for everyone to listen, “He warned me at the memorial that I needed to get out of here.”
“Even more of a reason to find him and see what his aim in all of this is.” Dr. Prussian says forming around Miss Peach with Lord Gray and Colonel Mustard.
“No,” Miss Peach says, “I think we all need to go. Everyone who doesn’t live here needs to leave right now. Something isn’t right…”
“Let’s get you inside to the Study.” Sergeant Gray puts his arm around Miss Peach’s shoulder.
“Wisest thing you have said all day.” Lord Gray berates his son.
“No,” Miss Peach says shaking off Sergeant Gray, “Let go of me.”
“Melba,” Mrs. White says, “You are just upset.”
“Of course I am upset, no one is listening to me.” Miss Peach says as Reverend Green helps assist Sergeant Gray into leading Miss Peach to the house.
Mr. Ash follows behind, “I’ll make you a nice cup or herbal tea.”
Colonel Mustard walks with Dr. Prussian and Lord Gray over to Mrs. Meadow-Brook, who is consoling herself on Rusty’s shoulder.
“Shall we find your husband?” Colonel Mustard offers a hand, “I’ll take Rusty and Mrs. Meadow-Brook with me.”
Mrs. Meadow-Brook nods and her and Rusty stand with Colonel Mustard
“I suppose Dr. Prussian and I will go with Professor Plum and Lady Lavender.” Lord Gray says figuring out the grouping
“I can take Sir Benedict and Master Boddy.” Mrs. White offers, “We can look about around the Boat House and Rose Garden.”
“We’ll take the west side of the estate,” Colonel Mustard says, “Since Mrs. White is taking the north.”
“Then we’ll search the rest of the grounds.” Lord Gray says
Several minutes later, in the Garage, Dr. Prussian and Lord Gray open the large wooden doors, revealing Mrs. Peacock’s car. Dr. Prussian motions for someone to check underneath. Lady Lavender peeks under.
“I doubt Brunette is sitting around hiding.” Professor Plum says, “If he even was the sick bastard who did this, he’d be on the move by now.”
“I agree.” Lord Gray says, “This seems like a giant waste of time.”
“I think it’s fun.” Dr. Prussian opens up the door to the small storage closet inside the Garage, “We have the perfect opportunity to snoop through Blackwell Grange.”
“Well, when you put it that way it does sound enticing.” Lord Gray chuckles
“Excuse me,” Lady Lavender leaves the Garage
“Where are you going?” asks Dr. Prussian
“If you two are going to snoop around Mrs. Peacock’s car, I’m going to check the Stables to at least do a quick sweep of the estate. We could be wrong and Brunette could be here, after all.” Lady Lavender promptly leaves.
At the Gate House, Rusty finishes showing Colonel Mustard the upstairs servant’s quarters and the two make their way down to the main living area. Mrs. Meadow-Brook is looking through the cupboards.
“Mrs. White always keeps it nice and clean.” Rusty says opening the small closet near the window, “I don’t know what we’ll do if we find Brunette.”
“Bash the bastard’s skull in.” Colonel Mustard says
“That is the plan,” Rusty says, “However; we are waddling around Blackwell Grange in the dusk, hardly armed, against a madman who is now also a rapist.”
“Please,” Mrs. Meadow-Brook cringes, “Can we not use that word.”
“Rusty,” Colonel Mustard puts his large, heavy hand on Rusty’s boney, scrawny shoulder, “I am a dignified war hero with excellent tracking skills. If Brunette is here we will know.”
“You forget,” Rusty says, “I knew you before you began your mediocre military career.”
Colonel Mustard pulls his hand away from Rusty’s shoulder, “I am just having some financial trouble.”
“Mrs. White says creditors have been hounding after you.” Rusty holds up his hands defensively, “I’m not trying to disrespect you, I am merely pointing out that you tend to talk and boast a great deal about your military career, whereas I was one of the few who knew your father.”
“I suppose that slipped my mind.” Colonel Mustard narrows his eyes, “You aren’t much older than me.”
“I’ve got at least ten years on you.” Rusty chuckles
“Will you two just focus to the task at hand.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says, “Whether or not my husband hurt Miss Scarlet is uncertain, but we do know that he is missing.”
“Miss Dove showed up just fine without us looking for her.” Rusty says
Colonel Mustard clears his throat and begins bumbling around Mr. Ash’s bedroom while Rusty looks out the windows.
In the Rose Garden, Mrs. White, Sir Benedict Black, and Mr. Boddy all walk casually through the old, overgrown, former Rose Garden. The carved stone and bricks that enclose and ornate the Rose Garden have mossed over in some areas. Ivy grows thickly over a large stone archway.
“I haven’t come through here in ages.” Mrs. White says, “The air is so still.”
“I’d rather not be here.” Sir Benedict says staring into the dried, cracked, empty, stone fountains that line the brick walls around them.
“It’s just a dead courtyard, nothing more.” Mr. Boddy says, “Brunette could be hiding around any one of these columns, statues, or in the thicket.”
Mrs. White looks carefully through the old trees in the Rose Garden. The trees that once blossomed with beautiful fruits and leave are now bone dry and with gray bark. Mrs. White notices a random Horseshoe lying on the grass directly in front of a part of the brick wall that is covered with branches and ivy.
Mrs. White and Sir Benedict walk over to it while Mr. Boddy looks around aimlessly at the statues.
“You don’t think that someone…” Mrs. White bends over and picks it up
“Someone clearly was here.” Sir Benedict says
“Brunette?” asks Mrs. White
“It doesn’t matter if it was Brunette, Mrs. Peacock, or Reverend Green.” Sir Benedict says with a clenched jaw, his teeth straining, “Someone was here recently.”
Mrs. White places her boney, wrinkled hand over the ivy and branches that conceal the door to the Blackwell Grange Crypt.
“We should tell Master Boddy.” Mrs. White says
“I’ll splatter your brains against the edge of that Horseshoe if you even hint that you are going to speak about it.” Sir Benedict leans on his walking cane
In the Study, Miss Peach is escorted over to the red chaise lounge by Sergeant Gray. She is very tense and shakey. Mr. Ash has begun to fix the tea. Reverend Green flips through his bible.
“Perhaps if I read some Scripture that will help us all calm down.” Reverend Green sits on the piano stool near the window that looks over the Tennis Courts.
“I don’t have time for this.” Miss Peach sighs, “Stuart, please, let me go.”
“I don’t want you to be alone, especially after what happened to Miss Scarlet.” Sergeant Gray runs his hand through her hair
“I need to know that you are on my side.” Miss Peach takes his hand firmly
“I am.” Sergeant Gray says without hestitation
“Then let me leave Blackwell Grange.” Miss Peach says, “I can’t be here right now. Something doesn’t feel right.”
Mr. Ash brings Reverend Green his tea.
“That is nonsense,” Reverend Green sips the tea, “There is nothing wrong with Blackwell Grange.”
“It isn’t the house.” Miss Peach lowers herself slowly onto the red chaise lounge.
“It’s the people.” Sergeant Gray comes down to one knee so that he and Miss Peach are at the same eye-level, “We can leave this place as soon as the backup that I called arrives. I will not force you to stay here if you are set on leaving.”
Miss Peach nods slowly, “Thank you.”
Sergeant Gray smiles uneasily, “Watch over her Reverend.”
“Of course,” Reverend Green says smiling up at Sergeant Gray, open Bible in his lap.
“You aren’t staying?” Miss Peach asks
“I need to make sure that Colonel Mustard’s expedition around Blackwell Grange is going well.”
“No doubt they will be tripping over each other the second they get startled.” Mr. Ash hands Miss Peach her tea, slipping her a note with the cup.
Miss Peach’s eyes widen as she grips the note, keeping it hidden from both Reverend Green and Sergeant Gray.
“Shall we read from the Book of Luke?” asks Reverend Green
Miss Peach sips her tea anxiously, her mind on the note.
In the Hall of Blackwell Grange, Lady Lavender walks the length of it, lighting the lamp on the mail table as she passes it. Mr. Ash steps into the Hall quietly from the Study, where he leaves Miss Peach and Reverend Green together.
“You look worried.” Mr. Ash says to her
“Are you sure Reverend Green can handle this?” asks Lady Lavender
“He is reading scripture to Miss Peach to calm her nerves.” Mr. Ash says
“I’m talking about saving your wife’s life.” Lady Lavender says
“If Masque loves her as much as he claims to, he will not hurt her.” Mr. Ash says
“You don’t know Masque like I do.” Lady Lavender says
“I met him before.” Mr. Ash says, “He was charming, funny, and adored by everyone.”
“What else do you remember?” asks Lady Lavender
“He always had that cheeky grin and those piercing blue eyes that could see straight through you.” Mr. Ash says, “He would do anything for an excuse to gamble.”
“That’s how we all remember him.” Lady Lavender says, “He is different now.”
“He took my wife.” Mr. Ash says, “Whether he is different or not does not concern me.”
“I don’t think Reverend Green is prepared for this type of thing.” Lady Lavender says, “His nephew seems more able-bodied in my opinion.”
“I don’t think you are ready to work with Lyman Green.” Mr. Ash lets out a snort-laugh
“Why do you say that?” Lady Lavender is offended
“You seem to have an edge about you…” Mr. Ash chooses his words carefully, “You tend to be very theatrical in your espionage conquests.”
“Over-the-top, is what you mean to say.” Lady Lavender crosses her arms
“Mr. Green is quick to pull the trigger and doesn’t like a lengthy performance, unless he is the one performing it.” Mr. Ash says
“It sounds to me like Mr. Green is full of himself and needs to be knocked down off his high horse.” Lady Lavender says,
“We would be a perfect pair. I could work on him while we both save your wife.”
“Reverend Green is already here and the plan has been set into motion.” Mr. Ash says, “On top of all that, no one knows where Mr. Green is.”
Inside Prince Azure’s Parlor, aboard Sekhmet’s Tears, Mr. Green crosses the large room to where the Sabre used to kill Monsieur Brunette hangs on the wall. Mr. Green reaches for it but finds that he is too short. Agitated, he grabs a chair from against the wall to help him retrieve the Sabre. The sound of ice hitting the bottom of glass startles him. Mr. Green turns around and swallows hard.
“I did not expect to see you.” Mr. Green says, dropping the Sabre.
Miss Amelia Dove pours whiskey into the glass full of ice, fully ignoring Mr. Green.
“What are you doing here?” asks Mr. Green, trying to decide whether to stay back or to approach her.
“The Seafront Terrace isn’t far from here.” Miss Dove takes a steady sip and then puts the glass down next to the ice bucket and icepick.
“Is Fivel here?” ask Mr. Green
“Do you think I would bring my son around with you-know-who onboard.” Miss Dove says
“Prince Azure and Mr. Saffron left for Blackwell Grange.” Mr. Green says, “I figured we all have free reign. I did not expect you to be tied with the royal nuisance.”
“Funny,” Miss Dove smiles a bit, “Fortunately I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Prince Azure in the flesh. I am merely here to speak with my mother about the god-awful this she made me do.”
Mr. Green closes his eyes from a moment, “Should I just leave now, or do I need to hear the rest of your long-planned out betrayal?”
“Betrayal?” Miss Dove calmly picks up her drink again. She swirls the ice cubes around, “If anyone knows anything about betrayal it would be you. No one ever really knows whose side you are on, Lyman.”
“Maybe I am not on anyone’s side.” Mr. Green says, “Maybe I am just looking out for myself.”
“With organized crime?” Miss Dove swallows the drink, leaving only ice.
“Why is it, no matter how long we have gone without hearing from each other, we always fight the minute we see each other?” Mr. Green picks up the Sabre and walks towards the door.
“Because we both don’t trust each other and it is terrifying,” Miss Dove says, “But at the same time exciting.”
Mr. Green stops and turns around, “Is that what it is?” he laughs
“Do you remember when we had sex and I got pregnant with Fivel?” asks Miss Dove
“How can I forget?” Mr. Green smirks, “I still have the cigarette burn on my leg to remember.”
“It turns me on to hear a man scream in pain.” Miss Dove says, sneaking the icepick into her hand, “Tell me, why are you so scared around me?”
“Because your husband was beating you and we both know you have the strength to take down more than an alcoholic.” Mr. Green says
“Perhaps,” Miss Dove strides closer to Mr. Green, “Or maybe I just needed someone to look out for me.”
“Well,” Mr. Green says, “Either way, what is done is done. I don’t really care to know what you are doing here, who your mother is, or why you are even trying to drag me into this.” He grips the Sabre, “I’m taking this because it killed a man that I admired, resented, yet respected. I am taking that man’s father with me. I will most likely throw him to the wolves the minute trouble arises, so I would suggest letting Azure know to look out for Brown’s body if he wants to track me down.”
“I always forget your silly sense of humor.” Miss Dove says, “You aren’t going anywhere, you are already involved, and my mother is standing directly behind you with a small black pistol.”
Mr. Green chuckles and turns around to see the long-thought dead Margaret Black-Boddy standing with a pistol to Mr. Green.
“Hello, Lyman.” Mrs. Black-Boddy smiles, “It’s so good to see you after all these years.”
“Margaret,” Mr. Green nods casually, maintaining his sarcastic, unshaken front.
“I see you have met my lovely daughter.” Mrs. Black-Boddy says
“Yes,” Mr. Green chuckles, “I have a few burning questions about that one. For starters, how?”
“Easy,” Mrs. Black-Boddy says, “I never loved Samuel.”
“That’s not what I meant, but we’ll talk about that later.” Mr. Green turns to Miss Dove, “You slept with Hugh Black?”
“I held off as long as I could,” Miss Dove drops the icepick and pours herself another drink, “But we did… consummate our love on a couple occasions.”
“Incest at its finest.” Mr. Green claps his hands, “Tell me, Amelia, did you know Hugh Black was your uncle the whole time?”
“I’ve known Hugh Black and hated him since birth.” Miss Dove says
“Where were you raised?” asks Mr. Green
“Blackwell Grange, where else would I raise my daughter?” asks Mrs. Black-Boddy, “The place is huge and Hugh was always so fond of his experiments that I was able to raise my special girl.”
“I even interviewed to be Hugh Black’s maid at one point.” Miss Dove pours another drink, “But he didn’t notice me. He didn’t pay attention to me until I became a mature, attractive young woman. But by then we had already rewritten my past.”
“Is Fivel part of this?” asks Mr. Green
“Fivel will never be part of this!” Miss Dove says
“You already brought him to Blackwell Grange. He was there when Hugh was murdered.” Mr. Green says
“That is why we are no longer at Blackwell Grange.” Miss Dove says, “Why else do you think Madame Rose ran off to the same hotel as my son and I went to.”
“Rose knows who you actually are?” Mr. Green has the Sabre taken from him by Miss Dove’s tipsy, shaky hands.
“My older sister was always wise.” Mrs. Black-Boddy says, “No doubt she has the gift of prophecy and communication with the death.”
“I always thought she was a fraud looking to earn some money with her palm readings and séances.” Mr. Green shrugs, fully unarmed.
“When my father sent her to the asylum it screwed up her sense of reality.” Mrs. Black-Boddy grips the pistol with anger,
“My father and brother ruined the lives of so many people.”
“Then what is your game in all of this?” asks Mr. Green
“The same as my dear, sweet husband, Prince Philippe,” Mrs. Black-Boddy holds up her left hand, showing the ornate wedding ring, “I want to kill the Black-Boddy legacy and make sure that there are no future heirs.”
“What about John?” asks Mr. Green, “Are you going to let your son fall victim?”
“He’s been exposed to them.” Mrs. Black-Boddy says, “He is corrupted. He takes after his father that way. Poor Samuel only ever cared about his needs, his desires, his lusts, his passions… it was only ever about him.”
“What about me?” asks Mr. Green
“If you want to ever see Fivel again,” Miss Dove speaks carefully and painfully, “You will kill every last Boddy and Black.”
“Minus the present company, of course.” Mrs. Black-Boddy chuckles, holding the gun tight, “What do you say.”
Mr. Green locks eyes with Margaret Black-Boddy for a very long time before speaking.
“I will kill every last Black and Boddy on the face of the Earth.” Mr. Green says, maintaining his eye-contact.
To Be Continued…