Previously: As Copper Smith headed out of the Masquerade party to get his truck so he and Alva Vermillion could go and look for Kirby Canary, Alva was stopped by Madame Puce. Puce forced Alva to take to the stage and be introduced along with the other contestants of the Miss Blackport Beauty Contest. Meanwhile, a concerned Corrine Canary convinced Baron Arthur Bronze to leave the party and look for Kirby as well. Bronze however, did not let Corrine know that he was well aware that Rhoit Saffron had mistakenly kidnapped Kirby and taken her to a room at the Pine Cone Inn. In the motel room, Kirby, who was tied up on a bed, was shocked when her kidnapper removed his ski mask and showed his face. Kirby begged Rhoit to let her go, but Rhoit refused. Outside, in the stolen limo, chauffeur Gavin Gold came to after Rhoit had chloroformed him. Confused as to why he was at the Pine Cone Inn, Gavin walked around the perimeter of the motel to try and clear his head. As Gavin passed by the room where Kirby was being held against her will, Kirby tried to attract Gavin’s attention to no avail. When Rhoit went outside to smoke, Gavin heard Rhoit’s cell phone and overheard Rhoit talking to Baron Bronze. Once Rhoit returned to the room, Gavin peered through the window and saw Kirby tied up on the bed. Gavin tried to reassure Kirby that he was going to rescue her. Kirby, trying to get Rhoit out of the room, begged him to go and get her a soda. After a few moments, Rhoit complied and left Kirby alone. As soon as it was safe, Gavin went into the room and untied Kirby, but the rescue attempt was halted with the return of Rhoit. Gavin hid in the closet, while Rhoit helped Kirby take a drink from the soda. Gavin, seizing the opportunity, hit Rhoit on the head with a heavy clothes iron and he and Kirby escaped to the limo outside. Just as they were about to leave, Baron Arthur Bronze arrived at the motel, causing Kirby and Gavin to have to hide in the front seat of the limo. As Bronze went into the motel room, Gavin made sure the coast was clear, then tore out of the parking lot. While inside the room, Bronze was stunned to find Rhoit unconscious on the bed. Realizing the mistake Rhoit had made could cost him and his partners everything they had worked for, Bronze put a gun to Rhoit’s head pulled the trigger, killing Rhoit instantly. Making the scene look like a suicide, Bronze then called Lady Lavender and let her know that Kirby had escaped and that Rhoit was dead.

“Helping Hands”

The next morning as the town of Blackport recovers from the night of partying at the Mayor’s Mansion on Rainbow Mountain, Kirby Canary sleeps silently in her suite at the Black Tower’s Hotel. Nearby, her mother, Corrine Canary sits, watching her daughter sleep. Corrine gets up from her chair and crosses to her daughter’s bed. Leaning over her, Corrine kisses Kirby’s forehead. “I am so glad you are safe.” Corrine whispers, when there is a knock on the door. Corrine crosses the bedroom and closes the door behind her. Making her way to the door of the suite, Corrine answers it.

“Good morning, Mrs. Canary.” Gavin Gold says.

“Mr. Gold.” Corrine smiles. “Please come in.”

“How is she?” Gavin asks about Kirby.

“She is sleeping.” Corrine says. “I am glad you stopped by, Mr. Gold.” Corrine says, offering him a seat. Gavin smiles and takes a seat on a couch in the center of the living area. “I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am to you for taking care of Kirby last night.”

“I am sure anyone else would have done the same thing.” Gold says.

“When Kirby told me that the limo broke down on the way to the Masquerade Ball and that you two had to walk all the way down Rainbow Mountain…” Corrine says.

“The limo?” Gavin cuts her off.

“Why yes.” Corrine says, reaching into her pocket. “Here is some money. Kirby told me that whatever was wrong with the car would be very expensive to repair, so I would like to cover the costs, as a way to say thank you.” She says, handing him some money.

“Well, I think maybe Kirby left out a few details…” Gavin says, looking at the five-hundred dollars in his hand. “Five-hundred dollars.”

“It’s not enough, is it?” Corrine says.

“No, it’s not the money, Mrs. Canary.” Gavin says. “I just think that you need to hear the truth as to what happened last night.”

“Well, what is the truth, Mr. Gold, if it isn’t what Kirby told me?” She asks.

“Yes, Gavin. What is the truth?” A voice says from across the living area. Gavin turns to see Kirby standing at the doorway of her bedroom, wearing a yellow night gown.

In the lobby of the Black Towers Hotel, Alva Vermillion enters, carrying a coffee cup. “Good morning.” She says to a clerk at the front desk.

“Good morning, Alva.” The clerk replies. “I have some messages for you.” She says, handing Alva a few slips of pink paper.

“Thanks. I will read theses after my coffee.” Alva sighs.

“I think you may want to read the top one, now.” The clerk says.

“Uh oh.” Alva says, looking down at the pink paper.

“Is everything ok?” Jessie Sumac says as she comes behind the front desk. The girls watch as Alva reads the message.

“Rhoit quit.” The clerk says.

“What?” Jessie asks.

“His mother called this morning and said he wouldn’t be coming back to work.” The clerk continues.

“Are you serious? Did she say what was wrong?” Jessie asks.

“No, but she told me to tell Alva not to try and contact him.” She says, shrugging.

“That doesn’t make any sense.” Jessie says. The phone rings and the clerk turns to answer it.

“Good Morning, Front Desk.” She says. “Yes, Lady Lavender. Yes, ma’am. I understand. You’re Welcome.” She hangs up the phone.

“I can’t believe it.” Jessie says. “I can’t believe he just quit like that. Something must be wrong.” The clerk shrugs, as they watch Alva cross the Lobby to the office. “I’ll be back.” Jessie says. As Jessie hurries from behind the front desk, Channing Steele enters the hotel’s main entrance. He is carrying a black suitcase.

“Good morning, sir.” The clerk smiles. “Welcome to the Black Towers.”

“Good morning.” Channing smiles. “My name is Channing Steele, and I have a reservation.”

“Yes, Mr. Steele, just a moment.” She turns to a computer and begins typing. “Yes, we have a block of rooms reserved for you and other members of the Board of Directors of PlantCorp.”

“Lovely.” Steele says.

“In fact, Lady Lavender just called.” She tells him.

“Oh?” Steele asks.

“Yes, she wanted me to let you know that she is in Arthur Bronze's suite and she would like for you to meet her up there as soon as you arrived.” The clerk says.

“Yes, of course.” Steele says.

“One moment and I will get the key for your suite.” She smiles.

“Thank you.” Steele smiles.

In the hotel office, Alva Vermillion tries to get Rhoit on his cell phone. “Damn it.” Alva says, hanging up. Jessie Sumac knocks on the door and opens it at the same time.

“Alva.” Jessie says.

“Jessie, I am in the middle of something, I can’t talk right now.” Alva says, thumbing through a pile of papers. “I know I have Rhoit’s mother’s number here somewhere.”

“Alva, I think I know why Rhoit quit.” Jessie says. Alva stops looking through the papers and looks up at Jessie.

“You do?” She asks.

Upstairs in Baron Bronze’s suite, Lady Su Sian Lavender paces nervously. “You are going to wear a hole in the carpet, Su.” Bronze says. “Come and have some coffee.”

“I don’t know how you can be so calm, Arthur. If that girl that overheard us talking reveals our plan for Founder’s Day to anyone, all we have worked for will go up in smoke.” Lavender says. “And where is Channing? He should have been here an hour ago. I am calling the front desk again.” She goes over to a phone as Channing Steele opens the door of the suite. “Well, it’s about time.” Lavender says when she sees him, she hangs up the phone.

“Lovely to see you again, too, Lady Lavender.” Steele says. “Arthur.” He nods at Bronze.

“We have no time for that, Channing, where is the Lavender Lynx Diamond?” Lavender says.

“It is right her.” He says, handing her the suitcase. “No worries.”

“No worries?” Lavender says, snatching the bag from him. She takes the suitcase to a table and carefully puts it down. “I have waited so long…” She says as she opens the locks on the case. Slowly, Lady Lavender opens the case to reveal the Lavender Lynx Diamond.

“My word, it is huge, isn’t it.” Bronze says from across the room.

“It is one of the world’s largest.” Lavender says. “I must get it to the laboratory. The investors will be arriving this afternoon.”

“So I take it that the plan is still in order?” Steele says, pouring himself some coffee.

“Well, yes.” Bronze says.

“With one minor flaw.” Lavender says, closing the diamond back in the case.

“Flaw?” Steele says, taking a sip from his coffee.

“It seems that one of the employees here at the hotel has gotten wind of our little scheme.” Bronze says.

“So?” Channing says, taking another sip from his coffee.

“So, if she opens her big mouth, the entire plan will be ruined.” Lavender says.

“So we eliminate her.” Steele says.

“We’ve tried that.” Bronze says. “There was a little mix-up.”

“What sort of mix-up?” Steele asks.

“We kidnapped Albert Canary's daughter by mistake.” Lavender says.

“You’re joking.” Steele says, he turns to Bronze. “Tell me she’s joking, Arthur.”

“I wish I was.” Lavender says.

“Our operative kidnapped the wrong girl. They were wearing the same masquerade costume…” Bronze explains. Steele chuckles.

“What kind of amateurs have you got working in this town?” Steele asks.

“It was an honest mistake, Channing.” Lavender says.

“I bet. So what’s happened to Canary’s daughter?” He asks.

“Well, she escaped.” Bronze says.

“Oh that’s rich.” Steele says. “And the fool that kidnapped her?”

“He’s been taken out.” Lavender says.

“Oh really?” Steele says.

“Yes, I killed him, myself.” Bronze says.

“With your dislike of firearms, Arthur? I am in awe.” Steele says.

“Channing, please.” Lady Lavender says.

“Su, you of all people must see the seriousness of the inadequacy of the people you have working for you. Or do you want to lose it all?” Steele asks.

“Of course I don’t.” Lavender says.

“Well, then what is your plan for the girl who overheard you two talking?” He asks.

“We are going to kill her.” Bronze says.

“And Canary’s daughter?” Steele asks.

“She is an innocent victim, Channing.” Lady Lavender says.

“But you do realize that she has to be dealt with.” He says. Lavender looks at Bronze, who shrugs.

“Yes, I realize we can’t take any chances.” Lavender says. “I have to get this to the lab.” She says, referring to the diamond. She crosses the room to the door.

“Su,” Steele says. Lady Lavender stops and turns. “Leave the young ladies to me.”

Across town at the Pine Cone Inn, Alphonse Brunette sits in a room with his head in his hands. Mindy Mint enters the room, carrying some suitcases. “It would be nice if you gave me a hand with these.” Mindy says, throwing the bags down. Brunette doesn’t respond. “Oh come on, Al.” Mindy says. “You haven’t said more that three words since we left Africa.” She goes over to him. “I know you are upset, but maybe if you talk about it…” She puts her hand on his shoulder. Slowly, Brunette looks up at her, with a death stare. “Alright, you don’t wanna talk, I get it.” She quickly pulls her hand away.

“I searched for years for that damned jewel.” Brunette whispers.

“I know, and we will get it back.” Mindy says.

“You really think that whoever took it is just going to give it back?” Brunette says sarcastically.

“Well, no, but I mean…” Mindy hushes herself. “You can’t blame yourself for losing it, Alphonse. Some serious badasses wanted that thing.”

“Mindy, I think you should leave.” Brunette says.

“But I don’t want to leave you alone, not like this.” She says. “Besides, where am I going to go?”

“I don’t care where you go.” Brunette says, getting up from his chair.

“I know you don’t mean that, Alphonse.” She says.

“Oh, don’t I?” He asks. “Without that diamond, I can’t even afford one night in this hellhole.” He slams his fist on the table. “I don’t know what I am going to do.”

“You know what? I think I have an idea.” Mindy says. “I will be eighteen in a few months.”

“So what, you want me to throw you a big birthday bash?” Brunette says, rolling his eyes.

“No, but when I turn eighteen, I gain access to my trust fund.” She says. Brunette perks up at the mention of the words trust fund. “Maybe I can convince my dad to let me have my money early.”

“When you say trust fund…” Brunette says.

“All the money I made when I was an actress was put into it.” She tells him.

“Do you think that your father would let you dip into it?” Brunette asks.

“I could call and ask him. I am pretty convincing when I need to be, Al.” Mindy smiles.

“Well.” Brunette says.

“Well what?” Mindy asks.

“What are you waiting for?” Brunette says. “Call the old man.”

Meanwhile at the Blackport Police Station, Audrey Summers wanders around the corridors looking for the evidence room. The sound of her brother Jake's voice fills her head. “When they recover things from accidents they put the things in a room. The evidence room.” Jake’s says.

“Can I help you, Miss?” Detective Shauna Garnet says as she passes Audrey in the hall.

“Well, I don’t know.” Audrey says. “My name is Audrey Summers. My brother is an officer on the force.”

“Oh, you mean Jake. We were relieved to here is going to be alright.” Detective Garnet says.

“Thank you.” Audrey smiles.

“So how can I help you?” Garnet asks.

“Well, I don’t know if you will be able to.” Audrey says. “My brother told me that after an accident, anything that is found at the accident scene is brought here and put into a room.”

“Yes, that’s correct. Any evidence that is collected goes into the evidence room to be logged.” Garnet explains.

“Well, before the accident, Jake had purchased a very expensive engagement ring for his girlfriend, and he seems to think that it was lost in the accident.” Audrey says.

“Well, I am sorry to hear that.” Detective Garnet says.

“Well, Jake sent me here to see if the ring was recovered from the accident site and put into evidence.” Audrey tells the detective.

“Well, as I told you, Miss Summers, if the ring was recovered it would be placed into evidence and put in the evidence room to be logged as such.” She nods.

“Do you think that you could show me where the evidence room is and I could look for the ring? My brother would be so grateful.” Audrey says. Detective Garnet begins to laugh, but soon realizes that Audrey isn’t kidding.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Garnet says.

“Yes, ma’am.” Audrey says.

“Miss Summers, I am very sorry, but there is no way that I can show you where the evidence room is, let alone allow you to enter and rummage through the various articles that are there.” She says. Audrey’s face drops.

“Oh.” Audrey says, sadly.

“But, if you were to somehow get lost and wander into the room that is behind the last door on the left…” Garnet smiles.

“On the left.” Audrey looks down the hall. “Thank you so much, Detective Garnet.”

“Tell Jake I wish him well.” Detective Garnet says.

“I will. Thanks!” Audrey hurries down the hall to the evidence room. She looks down the hall to make sure no one is around, and then she quickly enters, closing the door behind her.

Back at the room at the Pine Cone Motel, Mindy Mint hangs up the phone as Alphonse Brunette comes out of the bathroom. “Well, what did daddy dearest say?” He asks.

“Well…” Mindy flops down on the bed.

“Uh oh.” Brunette says. “No trust fund?”

“Well, daddy said it isn’t up to him whether I can have access to my money or not.” Mindy says as she twirls her long dark hair.

“Oh no?” Brunette says. “Then who says you can have it?”

“Daddy said that my mother is in charge.” Mindy says.

“I thought you told me that your mother was in prison.” Brunette says.

“She is.” Mindy says. “Daddy said that if I want to cash in my trust fund, I have to go and get my mom’s permission, and that she has to sign some papers and stuff.”

“Ok.” Brunette says.

“Ok?” Mindy sits up.

“So we go and visit your mom and have her sign some papers and stuff.” He smiles.

“Daddy says I need to talk to mom’s lawyer. I don’t think it’s going to work.” Mindy sighs.

“Lawyer, huh?” Brunette says with a twinkle in his eye. “Hello Mrs. Arugula.” Brunette says in a southern accent. “My name is Donald Cherry, and I represent the law offices of Copper, Merigold and Moss…” Mindy’s eyes widen.

“That is amazing how you do that.” Mindy says.

“Now tell me, Miss Mint, just how much is your trust fund worth?” Brunette says, keeping with the southern accent.

“Oh, I declare, Mr. Cherry,” Mindy says, in her own southern accent, “I wouldn’t dare venture a guess as to how much money I made as a starvin’ little actress.” She giggles.

“You’re not half bad, yourself.” Brunette says. “Let’s just hope your mother takes a liking to Mr. Donald Cherry.”

TO BE CONTINUED…