Previously: As citizens of Blackport made their way to Mayor Aubergine’s Mansion high on top of Rainbow Mountain to attend the Founder’s Day Masquerade Ball, Kirby Canary found herself across town at the Pine Cone Inn in the back of a stolen limousine. Kirby’s frustration at being late for the ball quickly turned to fear when she found herself staring at the barrel of a gun. Rhoit Saffron, who had kidnapped Kirby, mistaking her for Alva Vermillion, dragged the frightened young woman to a room at the run-down motel and tied her up. While outside in the front seat of the limo, Gavin Gold, who Rhoit had chloroformed in order to steal the limo, began to stir. Meanwhile, the contestants of the Miss Blackport Beauty Contest arrived at the Mayor’s Mansion and waited to greet the Mayor and his wife. Rachel Peacock, embarrassed that her mother Patricia had escorted her to the ball, became frustrated when Patricia told her that Rachel’s half-brother, Matthew Steele was also going to be keeping an eye on her throughout the evening. Patricia explained to Rachel that she was only looking out for her best interest, since Ryder Turchese, the man who had brutally stabbed Rachel, was still on the loose. Once Alva Vermillion and her mother, Officer Ramona Vermillion had arrived at the ball, Alva became concerned when Madame Puce told her that Kirby had yet to arrive. Alva found Kirby’s date, Copper Smith and asked him if he had heard from Kirby. Copper told Alva that he had been trying to reach Kirby on her cell phone but got no answer. With Kirby bound and gagged, Rhoit called Baron Arthur Bronze and informed him that the wrong person had been kidnapped. Bronze, realizing how costly Rhoit’s mistake could be, watched from across the room as Copper and Alva informed Kirby’s mother, Corrine, that Kirby had yet to make it to the mansion. Concerned that something might have happened to her daughter, Corrine rushed to Baron Bronze, who comforted the distraught woman, all the while keeping his eyes focused on Alva.

“Masquerade Mix-Up” Part 3

As the sound of music from the big band era wafts through the Great Hall of the Mansion of Mayor Aubergine, Alva Vermillion tries to remain calm when she notices Arthur Bronze staring coldly at her from across the room. “Copper, I think we should go and look for Kirby and Gavin.” Alva says, turning away from Bronze’s stare.

“Yeah, I think you are right.” Copper says. “I will go and get my truck.” Copper crosses the Great Hall and exits through the front entrance.

“Jessie, do you have your phone with you?” Alva asks Jessie Sumac.

“It’s in my purse.” Jessie says.

“Good, I need you to keep trying Kirby, and if you get her I need you to find out exactly where she is and then call me on my cell and let me know.” Alva says.

“You really don’t think something happened, do you?” Jessie asks.

“I hope not.” Alva says. “Call me if you get in touch with Kirby.” Jessie nods and goes back to her table to get her cell phone. As Alva turns around, she finds herself face-to-face with Madame Puce. “Oh, Madame Puce.” Alva says, startled.

“I am glad I found you, I need you to join the rest of the girls at the side of the stage. I am going to announce you as contestants in the Miss Blackport Contest as soon as the Mayor has finished welcoming everyone.” Puce says.

“Oh, I…” Alva stutters, she sees Baron Bronze is still watching her. “Alrgiht.” Alva sighs.

“Alright, Arthur, I am ready.” Corrine Canary says, holding her fur coat. “I really appreciate you cutting our evening short, but this is so not like Kirby.”

“It is fine, Corrine.” Bronze says, helping her with her coat, “Your daughter’s well-being should be your biggest concern.” They cross the Great Hall to the main entrance, where Mayor Aubergine and his wife have just entered.

“Mrs. Canary?” Mrs. Madalyn Aubergine says, “You aren’t leaving?”

“I do apologize.” Mrs. Canary says. She looks back at Bronze.

“An important business meeting slipped my mind.” Bronze lies.

“Oh, well I am sorry you can’t stay.” Mayor Aubergine says. Bronze looks back across the room at Alva.

“Yes, so are we.” Bronze says. “Corrine.” He says, putting his hand on her back. “Shall we.”

“Please accept my sincerest apologies, Mayor.” Mrs. Canary says.

“Of course.” The Mayor says. Bronze and Corrine exit the mansion and go to Bronze’s sports car. Copper Smith sits in his truck, waiting for Alva to come out.

“Come on, Alva.” He says, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel.

Back inside the mansion, the contestants of the Miss Blackport Contest gather at the side of the stage as Mayor and Mrs. Aubergine welcome their guests.

“Madalyn and I would like to thank you all for coming tonight.” Mayor Aubergine says. “As you all know, tonight is the kick-off event of our town’s Founder’s Day celebration.” The crowd applauds. At the back of the room, Matthew Steele surveys the crowd, looking for Ryder Turchese.

“I don’t think Ryder is here.” A voice says from behind Matt. Matt turns to see Melissa Mustard.

“Melissa.” Matt says.

Back on stage, Mayor Aubergine finishes his speech. “So once again, thank you all for coming and we hope you have a wonderful time!” The crowd applauds. “I would now like to introduce to you Madame Lillian Puce.” Madame Puce smiles as she crosses the stage and takes the microphone from the Mayor.

“Thank you, Mayor.” Madame Puce says. “Good evening everyone. I must say, you all look simply stunning.” The crowd applauds. “But I do believe I have the most stunning group of young women, here with me on stage.” The young women smile nervously. “It is my pleasure to introduce to you the contestants for the annual Miss Blackport Beauty Contest.” Madame Puce says. The crowd roars with excitement. Madame Puce looks down at a card in her hand and begins to introduce the young women. “Kelley Meadow-Brook.” Kelley walks across the stage, a bit embarrassed and waves to the crowd. Chad Moss and Hunter Meadow-Brook whistle from their table as she crosses the stage. “Miss Mai Le Cho.” Mai Le smiles and crosses the stage and takes a place next to Kelley. “Miss Rachel Peacock.” Matt and Melissa applaud as Rachel walks across the stage.

“She looks like she’s doing alright.” Melissa says to Matt.

“Yeah, Rachel is a strong girl.” He says.

“Miss Carrie Bluebell.” Madame Puce continues to call the contestants onto the stage. Carrie smiles and waves to the crowd. Hunter whistles, and claps his hands. Chad looks at him. Hunter shrugs.

“What? She’s hot.” Hunter smiles.

“Miss Audrey Summers.” Madame Puce says. Audrey walks over and takes her place next to Carrie. Madame Puce sees that the next name on her list is Kirby, so she quickly looks at the remaining girls and sees that Kirby is still not there. “Miss Jessica Sumac.” Madame Puce says, skipping to the next name on her card.

“That’s my girlfriend!” Chad Moss shouts from his table. Hunter hits him on the back and they laugh. Jessie crosses the stage and stands next to Audrey.

“Miss Darcy Puce.” Madame Puce says proudly. Darcy smiles and crosses the stage, as Copper enters the Great Hall.

“And finally, Miss Alva Vermillion.” Madame Puce says. Copper makes his way toward the stage as Alva crosses. She sees Copper in the crowd and he gives her a confused look. Alva shrugs as she smiles and takes her place next to Darcy. “Ladies and Gentlemen, these lovely young ladies will be vying for the title of Miss Blackport 2008.” The audience roars with applause. “The contest will be held the day after tomorrow at the Ballroom at the Black Towers Hotel.” Madame Puce says. “We hope to see you all there.”

Across town at the Pine Cone Inn, Gavin Gold sits up in the front seat of the limo, holding his head. “What the hell?” He says to himself. Opening the car door, Gavin struggles to get out, and then realizes where he is. “The Pine Cone Motel?” He says. “What is going on?” Inside the motel room, Rhoit Saffron nervously paces while Kirby remains tied up on the bed.

“I can’t believe this.” Rhoit says. “Bronze is gonna have my head.” He says. He looks over at Kirby, whose face is stained with mascara. “I gotta get out of here.” Rhoit says, realizing that Bronze and Lady Lavender are going to make him pay for his mistake. Rhoit crosses the room, goes into the bathroom, takes off the ski mask and splashes some water on his face, while outside Gavin Gold tries to clear his head and figure out what is going on. He walks around the side of the motel and passes the window to the room where Kirby is tied up. Kirby sees him walk past the window and tries to attract his attention. Gavin doesn’t see Kirby and continues walking around behind the motel. Rhoit comes out of the bathroom, drying his face. Kirby sees that it is him.

“Rhoit?” Kirby says. “Why are you doing this? I thought we were friends.” RHoit turns and faces her.

“Yeah right.” He says. “You sure act like my friend when you prance around the hotel acting all high and mighty. Give me a break.”

“I don’t mean to act like that.” Kirby says. “Please, just let me go, whoever it is that is making you do this, they will understand. Let me help you.”

“You, help me?” Rhoit says. “I have worked for everything I have ever gotten, while you, you have been handed everything. From where I am standing, you look like the one that needs the help.” He goes to the door of the room and opens it. “I need some air.” Outside, Rhoit takes out a cigarette and lights it. Suddenly his cell phone rings. “Oh crap.” He says. Around the side of the motel, Gavin hears the phone and quietly comes to the corner to try and get a better listen. “Yes, sir.” Rhoit says, answering the phone. “No, I haven’t touched her. Yes, sir. I understand. I just want to say how sorry I am. Yes, sir. I know, but it was an honest mistake. Yes, Baron Bronze.” Rhoit closes his phone.

“Bronze?” Gavin whispers to himself. He watches as Rhoit puts out his cigarette and goes back inside the motel room. “Oh Rhoit, what have you been up to?” Gavin quietly goes to the door and presses his ear to it, but can’t hear anything. Walking away, he goes around the side of the building and looks in the window. He sees Kirby tied up on the bed. “Holy…” Gold says. He also sees Rhoit’s gun lying on the table. Kirby looks over at the window and sees Gavin looking in at her. He nods to her and points to himself, trying to tell her that he is going to rescue her.

“I am really thirsty.” Kirby says to Rhoit inside the room. Rhoit ignores her. “I really could use something to drink. I am sure there is a drink machine somewhere outside.” Rhoit looks over at her. “Come on, I haven’t done anything to deserve this.” She says. “Please, Rhoit. When my father was killed, you were so nice to me. Please get me a soda.”

“Fine.” Rhoit says. “It’s not like you are going to go anywhere.”

“Nope, I can’t move.” Kirby says. Rhoit crosses the room and gets the gun from the table.

“I will be right back.” He says, opening the door.

“Thank you.” Kirby says. As Rhoit closes the door and goes to look for a vending machine, Gavin watches from the corner of the building. As soon as Rhoit is a safe distance away, Gavin rushes to the door of the room and opens it.

“Are you alright?” Gavin asks Kirby as he begins to untie her the ropes that bind her hands.

“Yeah, I think so.” Kirby says. “But we have to hurry; he will be back any minute.”

“What the hell is going on?” Gavin asks. Outside, Rhoit is about to open the door of the room, when his cell phone rings.

“He’s back!’ Kirby whispers.

“What are we going to do?” Gavin asks.

“The closet.” Kirby says. Gavin runs across the room and goes into the closet and leaves the door cracked, just as Rhoit closes his cell phone and opens the door of the room.

“Here’s your soda.” He says crossing to Kirby, who has her freed hands behind her.

“Will you help me?” She asks.

“God, do you want me to drink it for you too?” Rhoit says. “Alright.” He puts the gun down on the bed next to her and opens the soda can. Gavin watches from the cracked door of the closet. “Here you go.” He puts the can up to Kirby’s pink lips and helps her drink it. Seizing the opportunity, Gavin sneaks out of the closet with a clothes iron in his hand. Raising the iron into the air, Gavin hits Rhoit on the back of the head, causing him to fall on top of Kirby.

“Let’s get out of here.” Gavin says, pushing Rhoit off of Kirby and helping her to her feet. Kirby hugs him.

“You saved my life.” Kirby says.

“You can thank me later.” Gavin smiles. “Do you know where he put the keys to my limo?”

“His things are over there.” She says, pointing to the table. Gavin runs over to the table and sees the keys to the limo.

“Got ‘em.” Gavin says. “Let’s go.” They exit, leaving Rhoit unconscious on the bed. Outside, they get to the limo and get in as Baron Bronze’s sports car pulls into the parking lot. “Duck.” Gavin says to Kirby as the car pulls into the parking spot next to them. They slide down the seat, trying not to be seen. Baron Bronze gets out of his car and goes to the door of the room. Kirby and Gavin watch from the front seat of the limo as Bronze knocks on the door. “As soon as he goes in, I am getting us out of here.” Gavin says, sitting up behind the wheel. “You stay down.” He puts the keys into the ignition as Bronze opens the door of the room. “One.” Gavin says as Bronze steps into the room. “Two.” He turns the key, as Bronze closes the door of the room. “Three.” Gavin starts the engine of the limo and backs out of the parking spot. Inside the motel room, Baron Bronze sees Rhoit and the gun lying on the bed, the spilled can of soda and the iron on the floor.

“Idiot.” Bronze says, going over to him. Taking out his cell phone, Bronze dials a number. “She got away.” Bronze says to the person on the other end of the phone. “I know what to do.” He hangs up and picks the gun up from the bed and puts it to Rhoit’s temple. “Such potential, wasted.” Bronze says. And without hesitation, Baron Bronze pulls the trigger, killing Rhoit instantly. Taking a handkerchief from the top pocket of his tuxedo jacket, Baron Bronze wipes his fingerprints from the gun and then puts the gun in Rhoit’s hand. “Such a pity, suicide.” Bronze says. He takes out his phone and dials a number. “It is done.” He tells the person on the other end. In the lobby of the Black Towers Hotel, Lady Lavender holds her cell phone to her ear and a smile comes across her lips.

“That is good news.” Lady Lavender says.

TO BE CONTINUED…