Previously: Alva Vermillion rushed to Blackport Memorial when she got word that her boyfriend, Jake Summers was undergoing surgery after having been in a near-fatal car accident. By the time Alva reached the hospital, Jake had already come out of surgery and was in the recovery room. When Jake’s Aunt Jojo came from visiting him, Alva was surprised that Jake asked to see his sister Audrey instead of her. In the recovery room, Jake told Audrey that he had lost the expensive engagement ring that he had bought to give to Alva in the accident and begged her to go to the police station to find it. To keep Jake calm, Audrey reluctantly agreed to look for the ring. Down the hall, John Boddy and Coral Black kept vigil at Emily Peach’s hospital bedside. Emily, who had been shot by her brother, Anthony, had just made it through a delicate surgery when Emily’s adopted parents, Frank and Melba Peach arrived at the hospital to see her. Mr. Ash told John that he was the one who had called the Peach’s and alerted them of Emily’s precarious medical situation. Meanwhile, contestants of the Miss Blackport Beauty Contest gathered at Madame Puce’s estate to dress for the Founder’s Day Masquerade Ball. Kirby Canary panicked when she realized she had left the ticket for her date at the Black Towers Hotel and quickly left the estate to go and retrieve it. On the way to the hotel, Kirby got a flat tire and when she arrived she asked her mother, Corrine if she could ride to the ball with her and Baron Bronze. When Corrine informed Kirby that Bronze’s car was a two-seated sports car, Kirby didn’t think her night could get any worse. Kirby soon realized her night could and would get worse when Alva Vermillion arrived at the hotel dressed in the exact same ball gown and mask. Alva told Kirby that she had asked Gavin Gold to take her to the ball in Mrs. Peacock-Canary’s limo. So to make up for buying the same dress and avoid potentially embarrassing Kirby, Alva allowed Kirby to take the limo in her place. Little did Alva and Kirby know that Rhoit Saffron had ambushed Gavin Gold and gotten behind the wheel of the limo, waiting to kidnap Alva in an effort to stop Alva from revealing that she had overheard Baron Bronze and Lady Lavender’s evil plan to kill the citizen’s of Blackport on Founder’s Day. Kirby, rushing to get to the ball on time, did not realize that Rhoit, not Gold, was driving the limo, and in turn, Rhoit was unaware that he had kidnapped Kirby instead of Alva. Rhoit phoned Baron Bronze and told him that he would be in contact as soon as they arrived at the Pine Cone Inn.

“Masquerade Mix-Up” Part 2

The limo carrying Kirby Canary and driven by Rhoit Saffron slowly pulls into the parking lot of the Pine Cone Inn, on the outskirts of town. Kirby looks out the window and realizes that she should be arriving at the Mayor’s Mansion on Rainbow Mountain, not a run-down motel. Picking up the skirt of her ball gown, Kirby struggles to the rear-facing seat of the limo and taps on the tinted glass that separates her from Rhoit. “Gavin!” Kirby shouts, “Why the hell are we at this god-forsaken motel? You know I have to get to the ball.” But Rhoit ignores her muffled questions. Glancing at a gun lying on the seat next to him, Rhoit takes a black ski mask from his pocket and pulls the car into a parking spot. Turning off the engine, Rhoit takes the gun from the seat and exits the car. Kirby struggles to find the handle to open the back door and when she does, she is shocked to see the barrel of the gun inches from her face. “Gavin?” Kirby asks, realizing that the person standing before her in a ski mask is not Gavin Gold. “Oh god.” She says. Rhoit reaches into the back of the car and grabs Kirby’s arm. Pulling her out, Kirby tries to resist, but he is too strong. “Please don’t hurt me.” Kirby whimpers. Rhoit drags Kirby up some steps and to the door of a room at the motel without saying a word. “Please, I will give you whatever you want. I have money.” Pressing the gun into her back, Rhoit then realizes that the voice of the scared young woman is not that of Alva Vermillion. Opening the door of the motel room, Rhoit pushes Kirby inside and closes the door behind them. Across town on top of Rainbow Mountain, a line of cars has formed on the road leading to Mayor Aubergine's mansion. Bright search lights cascade across the cloudless sky as Blackport’s finest pull their cars up to the main entrance of the mansion. In a car halfway down the road, Alva Vermillion nervously looks at her diamond wrist watch.

“I am going to be in so much trouble.” Alva says to her mother.

“I am sure Madame Puce will understand why you are late.” Ramona Vermillion says.

A few cars behind them, Arthur Bronze and Corrine Canary chat in Bronze’s sports car. “Wow. It looks like most of the town is going to be here tonight.” Mrs. Canary says.

“Yes, I am sure the Mayor and the city officials will be pleased with the turnout.” Bronze smiles.

At the entrance of the Mayor’s Mansion a Hummer limousine comes to a stop and a valet opens the door. Madame Puce steps out and walks a few steps. At the stairs leading to the front door, Mayor Aubergine and his wife wait to greet their guests.

“Here is Madame Puce now.” Mrs. Madalyn Aubergine says to her husband.

“Mayor, Mrs. Aubergine, lovely to see you.” Madame Puce says as she approaches them. Behind her, the contestants of the Miss Blackport Beauty contest climb out of the limo. The young women form a line, waiting for their turn to greet the Mayor and his wife.

“Hello, Mayor.” Darcy Puce says, extending her hand.

“Miss Puce, thank you for coming.” The Mayor says. Darcy moves down to greet Mrs. Aubergine as Kelley Meadow-Brook greets the Mayor.

“Ah, Miss Meadow-Brook, your mother and brother just arrived a few moments ago. Thank you for coming.” The Mayor says.

“Thank you.” Kelley smiles. Behind her, Carrie Bluebell straightens her mask, waiting for her turn to greet the Mayor.”

“Miss Bluebell, I expect a glowing review of our little gala in tomorrow’s edition of The Journal.” Mayor Aubergine jokes.

“Of course.” Bluebell smiles. She shakes his hand and moves on to Mrs. Aubergine.

“Miss Bluebell, thank you so much for the piece you did on my work with the homeless.” Mrs. Abuergine says.

“The work you are doing to bring awareness to the plight of the homeless people of our town speaks louder than any words I could write, Mrs. Aubergine.” Carrie says. Behind her, Jessie Sumac rolls her eyes, almost being spotted by the Mayor.

“Hello, Miss.” Mayor Aubergine says. “I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of meeting you.”

“Jessica Sumac.” Jessie says, shaking his hand. The Mayor looks over at his wife.

“Oh yes, you work at the Black Towers Hotel.” Mayor Aubergine says.

“Yes, sir.” Jessie nods, getting the feeling that the Mayor is fully aware of who her mother is and that she is in jail for murdering Albert Canary.

“Well, thank you for coming.” He smiles. “Ah, Miss Summers.” He says turning to Audrey.

“Hello Mayor.” Audrey smiles.

“Be sure to tell your brother we at city hall wish him a speeding recovery.” He smiles.

“Thank you, sir.” Audrey shakes his hand. Behind Audrey, Patricia Peacock straightens her daughter Rachel's gown.

“Mother, please.” Rachel says. “I still can’t believe you rode with us from Madame Puce’s house. Will you stop embarrassing me? Please.”

“Darling,” Mrs. Peacock says, “I am just looking out for you. You just got out of the hospital. Or have you forgotten that you almost died?”

“I haven’t forgotten, mainly because you won’t let me.” Rachel says.

“The police still haven’t located that Ryder Turchese, and until they do, I am not letting you out of my site.” Mrs. Peacock says.

“And I see Matt is going to be watching me all night too.” Rachel motions to her half-brother Matthew Steele, standing a few feet away from them.

“I’ve asked Matthew to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspicious.” Patricia says. “You can’t blame me.”

“The only person who will be acting suspicious tonight is you, mother.” Rachel says as she approaches the Mayor. “Hello Mayor.” Rachel says, putting on a fake smile.

“Hello there Miss.” The Mayor smiles. He sees Patricia behind her straightening her gown.

“I am Rachel Peacock.” She says. Mrs. Peacock clears her throat. “Oh and this is my mother.” Mrs. Peacock smiles.

“Charmed, I’m sure.” Mrs. Peacock says extending her hand.

In the Great Hall of the Mansion, Blackport’s elite, dressed in masquerade masks, mingle as an orchestra plays from a large stage at the back of the room. Round tables, large enough for eight people, are set up along the walls of the Great Hall and in the center is an area for dancing. Waiters and waitresses stand at the ready, waiting to fulfill the needs of the guests. Jane Meadow-Brook, Hunter Meadow-Brook and Chad Moss are seated at a table near the stage.

“I don’t see Kelley, yet.” Jane says, stretching her neck

“I am sure she will be here shortly.” Hunter says. He looks over at Chad, who looks uncomfortable in his mask and tuxedo. “Only four more hours.” Hunter whispers. Chad laughs.

“I will be alright once Jessie gets here.” He says.

“You don’t think Kelley and Jessie will have a problem sitting at the same table?” Hunter asks. “Do you?”

“I sure hope not.” Chad says. He looks at the place cards on the table with the young women’s names and sees that they are seated next to each other. “But just in case…” He switches Jessie’s name card with his own.

“You do realize you just put yourself right in between the two of them.” Hunter says, just as the ladies join them.

“Kelley.” Jane says. “You look lovely!” Hunter and Chad stand up.

“Here you go, Jessie, this is your seat right here.” Chad says, pulling out her chair.

“Thanks, Chad.” She smiles. Kelley Meadow-Brook frowns.

“Ahem.” She clears her throat.

“Oh.” Hunter says. “Here you go, Kell.” He pulls out his sister’s chair.

“Thanks.” Kelley says, taking her seat.

“Where is that charming Mr. Steele?” Mrs. Meadow-Brook asks.

“He is over there with his mother.” Kelley says, pointing to the Foyer.

“I am amazed at how quickly his sister has recovered from her injuries.” Jane says.

In the Foyer, Rachel stands idly by as Matt and Mrs. Peacock survey the room. “This is ridiculous.” Rachel says.

“Mother, Rachel’s right.” Matt says. “The police don’t even know for sure where the guy who stabbed Rachel is.”

“And even if they did, I don’t think he would show up here.” Rachel says walking away from them.

“Rachel!” Mrs. Peacock calls after. “Don’t just stand there, Matthew!”

“Oh good grief.” Matt says, rushing after his half-sister.

Back in the room at the Pine Cone Inn, Kirby Canary sits tied up on a bed, mascara staining her cheeks. “Please, whoever you are, if you let me go, I won’t tell anyone you did this.” Rhoit ignores her cries, pacing nervously back and forth. Rhoit takes out his cell phone and calls Baron Bronze. In his sports car, Baron Bronze feels his cell phone vibrate in his pocket. Seeing that his is the next car to reach the entrance of the mansion, he doesn’t answer. Rhoit flips closed his cell phone and puts it on a table. “Please, I am very rich, I will give you whatever you want if you just let me go.” Kirby says.

“Shut up!” Rhoit shouts, startling her. “I have to think.” Rhoit goes to a chair and sits down. Outside in the front seat of the limousine, Gavin Gold begins to stir. At the mansion, Corrine Canary is escorted out of Bronze’s car and waits for Bronze to join her.

“That is the Mayor and his wife.” Corrine whispers to Bronze. They walk up the path to where the Aubergines are.

“Mrs. Canary.” Mayor Aubergine says, extending his hand. “Thank you so much for coming.”

“Mayor, I would like to introduce Baron Arthur Bronze.” Canary says. Inside the Great Hall, Alva and her mother have just entered, when Madame Puce spots them.

“Alva.” Madame Puce calls to them. “I was wondering if you were going to make it.”

“I am so sorry that I am late, Madame Puce.” Alva says.

“Actually, you aren’t the last contestant to arrive. It appears that Miss Canary isn’t here yet.” Madame Puce says.

“Kirby? She isn’t here yet?” Alva says. She sees Copper , Kirby’s date, sitting at a table alone. “Madame Puce, mother, please excuse me a minute.” Alva makes her way over to Copper, who stands up when he see her coming towards him. “Copper, Madame Puce said Kirby isn’t here yet.”

“Yeah, I know. I am starting to get worried.” Copper says.

“I don’t get it, I let Kirby go in the limo, and Gavin should have had her here a while ago.” Alva says.

“Well, I tried calling her cell, but she isn’t answering. I had a hard time getting in without a ticket.” Copper says.

“It doesn’t make any sense. Kirby knows that Madame Puce wanted us here together. I hope they are alright.”

“There is Mrs. Canary.” Copper says pointing across the room to the main door. “Maybe she’s talked to Kirby.”

“I am going to try and call Gavin, you go and see if Mrs. Canary has heard from Kirby.” Alva says. Copper nods and crosses the room to Mrs. Canary. In the Foyer, Baron Bronze takes out his cell phone and calls Rhoit. In the room at the Pine Cone Motel, Rhoit gets his phone from the table and answers.

“I’ve been trying to call you.” Rhoit says. “We have a problem.”

“What sort of problem, Rhoit?” Bronze asks.

“I don’t know how this happened,” he says trying not to panic, “but I got the wrong girl.”

“What?” Bronze says, thinking he heard Rhoit incorrectly. “I thought you just said that you have the wrong girl.”

“That is exactly what I said, sir. I nabbed the wrong girl.” Rhoit scratches his head with the barrel of the gun, glancing at Kirby who is still tied up on the bed.

“Rhoit, so let me see if I understand you correctly.” Bronze says. “You don’t have Alva Vermillion?” He asks.

“No sir.” Rhoit reports. From the Foyer, Baron Bronze can see Corrine Canary talking to Copper.

“Then tell me this, Rhoit.” Bronze says. “If you don’t have Alva Vermillion there with you…” He sees Alva join Copper and Mrs. Canary at the doorway of the Great Hall. “Who do you have?” Rhoit pauses. “Rhoit, did you hear me? I asked you, who do you have in that room with you?”

“Um,” Rhoit struggles, “I, kidnapped Kirby Canary.” Rhoit says. Bronze’s eyes widen as Corrine Canary hurries over to him. He doesn’t respond to Rhoit. “Sir, did you hear me? I said I kidnapped Kirby Canary.” Rhoit repeats as Corrine joins Bronze.

“I heard what you said.” Bronze hangs up on Rhoit.

“Arthur, Kirby hasn’t arrived.” A concerned Corrine says. “I think something may have happened to her.” Bronze takes Corrine’s hand.

“Maybe she just got tied up, Corrine, I wouldn’t worry.” He forces a smile.

“I don’t know, Alva said that Kirby took Elizabeth Peacock’s car.” Corrine says, getting upset. “And Copper has tried calling her on her cell phone, but she won’t pick up.”

“Now, now.” Bronze says, pulling Corrine into a hug. “I am sure Kirby is safe.” He says, looking over her shoulder across the Foyer at Alva Vermillion who is talking to Copper and Jessie Sumac. Alva looks away from Copper and sees Baron Bronze staring coldly at her from across the room.

TO BE CONTINUED…