"Blue Plate Special"

As a late lunch rush at Jojo's Diner comes to an end, Alphonse Brunette and Mindy Mint sit a table waiting on their food. Nurse Pearl Ivory enters the diner and joins them at the table. “Hey.” Mindy says as Ivory takes a seat.

“How did it go with your mom?” Nurse Ivory asks.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Mindy says, taking a sip from her soda.

“Uh oh.” Ivory looks at Brunette.

“Mindy’s mother used all of the money in Mindy’s trust fund to pay her defense lawyers.” Brunette tells Ivory.

“A lot of good that did.” Mindy says.

“Oh, Mindy, I am sorry.” Ivory says.

“So how was your day?” Mindy shrugs.

“Alright. I went to my mother’s and got filled in on what has been going on since I’ve been gone.” She says.

“Was she happy to see you?” Brunette asks.

“Yes, but I hated having to lie to her about where I have been and why I haven’t been in contact.” Ivory says.

“Can I get you something?” Jojo Summers says approaching the table.

“Yes, may I have a cheeseburger with the works?” Ivory says. “And a chocolate shake.”

“Coming right up.” Jojo says. “You’re order should be ready in a few minutes.” She tells Mindy and Brunette.

“So Mindy, are you going to tell Pearl the news?” Brunette asks a depressed Mindy.

“What news?” Ivory asks.

“Mindy is going to be in the Miss Blackport Contest.” Brunette says. Mindy rolls her eyes.

“You are?” Ivory asks. “That sounds fun!”

“Oh jeeze, not you too.” Mindy says.

“She’s not too keen on the whole idea, yet.” Brunette says. “But when you win that ten grand, your mood will change.”

“Ten grand?” Ivory asks. “When I was in that thing, the prize was only five hundred dollars.”

“You were in the Miss Blackport pageant?” Mindy asks, sitting up in her chair. Jojo comes over with Mindy and Brunette’s plates and puts them on the table.

“Yep.” Ivory says as she takes a French fry from Mindy’s plate. “When I was a teenager, about your age actually.”

“I am sorry to interrupt,” Jojo says, “but my niece Audrey is a contestant in the Miss Blackport Contest.” She points to Audrey who is sitting at the counter chatting with Officer Vermillion. “It is a great opportunity for the young women in the community.”

“Thank you.” Brunette says to Jojo. She leaves them.

“So you don’t seem too excited about it, Mindy.” Ivory says.

“I just think it is lame.” Mindy says. Brunette takes a bite of his sandwich and when he looks up he sees the young maid from the Pine Cone Inn enter the diner, pushing her child in a stroller. Brunette watches as she goes over to a table, sits down and takes the little boy from the stroller.

“Al will agree with me.” Ivory says. “Right Al?” But Brunette isn’t paying attention. “Al, did you hear me?”

“Oh,” Brunette says, “right.” Ivory notices that he is distracted by the young woman and child.

“Ok, who is she?” Pearl asks.

“Who is who?” Brunette plays dumb.

“Hey! That is the same woman we saw outside the prison.” Mindy says.

“Mindy.” Brunette says, shaking his head.

“So what’s the story, Al?” Nurse Ivory asks.

“There is no story.” He says.

“I don’t buy it.” Ivory says.

“He’s been acting weird ever since we saw her today.” Mindy says.

“So?” Ivory says.

“So what?” Brunette asks.

“Who is that girl?” Ivory insists.

“No one.” Brunette says. “I wish you both would just leave it alone.” He says, standing up from the table and walking away.

“I think she must be an ex-girlfriend or something.” Mindy says.

“Well there is one way to find out.” Ivory says, getting up from the table.

“You aren’t going over to talk to her?” Mindy says.

“Wanna watch?” Ivory smiles. She leaves Mindy and goes over to the young woman.

Meanwhile, at the Black Towers Hotel, Kirby Canary, Alva Vermillion and Gavin Gold are at the concierge desk, discussing Rhoit and his odd behavior. “We think that Rhoit is in some kind of trouble.” Gavin says.

“Gavin!” Kirby says.

“C’mon Kirby, you won’t tell the police or your mom, we have to tell someone.” Gavin says.

“Tell me what? What kind of trouble is Rhoit in?” Alva says.

“We aren’t sure, Alva, so I wouldn’t get too stressed out about it.” Kirby says.

“If it caused him to quit his job without any warning…” Alva says.

“Rhoit kidnapped Kirby last night and held her hostage in a room at the Pine Cone Inn.” Gavin interrupts.

“Gavin!” Kirby says.

“Kirby?” A voice says from behind them. Kirby turns to see her mother standing behind them.

“Thanks Gavin, thanks a whole lot.” Kirby says. “Mother. There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” She takes her mother by the arm and escorts her away, giving Gavin a dirty look.

“Well, here I am darling.” Corrine Canary says.

“Have you heard anything about my dress for the Miss Blackport Contest? It is tomorrow, you know.” Kirby says, trying to distract her mother.

“I was planning on calling the seamstress later this afternoon.” Corrine says

“Ok, good.” Kirby smiles. She looks over at Gavin and Alva and gives them a smile. “Madame Puce said she wants us in the Grand Ballroom no later than two-thirty tomorrow afternoon.”

“Then I better go and call the seamstress now.” Corrine says.

“Thank you, mother.” Kirby says, kissing her mother’s cheek. Corrine leaves and Kirby rejoins Gavin and Alva. Kirby hits Gavin’s arm. “That was close. Too close.”

“I’m sorry, Kirby.” Gavin says.

“I just can’t believe that Rhoit would do that to you, Kirby. Are you alright?” Alva asks.

“Yes, I am fine.” Kirby says. “But I think we need to go back to the Pine Cone Inn and see if we can talk some sense into Rhoit.”

“You really want to go back there?” Alva asks.

“If you two come with me, it should be alright.” Kirby says. Baron Arthur Bronze and Channing Steele step off of the elevator.

“Kirby.” Gavin says when he sees Bronze. “Isn’t that the guy who went into Rhoit’s room at the motel after we escaped?” Kirby turns and sees the men.

“It sure looks like him.” Kirby says.

“That can’t be.” Alva says.

“Why not?” Gavin asks.

“Don’t you know who that is?” Alva asks.

“No? Should we?” Kirby asks.

“Well, I would think that you would know him, Kirby. He knows your mother. After all, he went with her to the masquerade ball last night.” Alva says.

“He did?” Gavin and Kirby say at the same time.

“Yeah, he is a powerful oil baron from Canada. He is here with a group of people from PlantCorp.” Alva says.

“I swear that he is the same guy that went into Rhoit’s room at the motel.” Gavin says.

“We should definitely go to the Pine Cone Inn and talk to Rhoit.” Kirby says. They hurry to the front entrance of the hotel.

In the lobby, Channing Steele and Baron Bronze watch as they leave. “I wonder what that was about.” Steele says.

“You know how young people are.” Bronze says.

“Well, those two girls will be more trouble than they are worth if they tell anyone what they know.” Steele says.

“Now Channing, the wrinkles in your forehead are showing.” Bronze says. “Let’s go get a bite to eat.”

“I am in the mood for something greasy.” Steele says. “The time away from the States has me craving an all-American burger.”

“You Yanks sure have interesting eating habits.” Bronze jokes. “I think there is a diner on the corner of Main Street, if you are up for the walk.” They cross to the main entrance of the hotel while nearby Corrine Canary watches them. She is on her cell phone.

“Yes, the Pine Cone Inn.” Corrine tells the person on the phone. “I can’t believe she didn’t tell me that she was kidnapped. This is getting out of hand. Yes, I know you are working on it, but we are running out of time. Fine, I will keep playing dumb. But if anything happens to Kirby, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.” Corrine closes her cell phone.

Outside the hotel, as Channing Steele and Baron Bronze exit, a limo pulls up to the curb. The driver gets out and goes around and opens the door. The passenger steps out. “I say,” Baron Bronze says, “isn’t that Veronica Sable?” Channing turns and looks at the woman who has just gotten out of the limo.

“I think you are right.” Steele says. They walk over to her.

“Veronica.” Bronze calls to the woman. The woman turns and smiles, her brown hair blowing in the wind.

“Arthur.” She says. They hug.

“We were wondering if you were going to make it.” He says. “You remember Channing Steele?”

“Yes, of course.” Miss Sable says.

“Lovely to see you again, Miss Sable.” He says. They shake hands.

“I am sorry that I missed the meeting this morning.” Miss Sable says. “My flight was delayed.”

“It’s alright.” Steele says. “All you missed was Lady Lavender's exciting overview of the company’s history.”

“The real fun starts tomorrow.” Bronze says, winking at Steele, who nods.

“Indeed.” Steele smirks.

Back at Jojo’s Diner, Audrey Summers stands up from her seat at the counter. “Alright, Aunt Jojo, I am going to go visit Jake at the hospital.”

“Hang on, I’ve baked him some cookies, just let me get them from the kitchen.” Jojo says.

“Will you tell Jake that I will be by later to visit?” Officer Vermillion asks Audrey.

“Sure.” Audrey smiles. Vermillion leaves. Jojo comes from the kitchen carrying a plate.

“Here.” She hands the plate to Audrey and looks her in the eye. “Remember what I said, Audrey.” Jojo says. “You shouldn’t let Jake know you found the engagement ring at the station, at least not yet.”

“I know.” Audrey says. “Don’t worry, I know Jake’s health is most important.” She kisses Jojo’s cheek and leaves. Meanwhile, Nurse Ivory is still at the young woman’s table talking to her when Brunette comes out of the bathroom. He joins Mindy at their table.

“What the hell is she doing?” Brunette asks Mindy.

“She’s curious, Al.” Mindy says. “I think Nurse Ivory likes you.”

“She has no business bothering that young woman.” Brunette says. Ivory comes back over to their table. “I can’t believe you.” He says to her.

“What?” Ivory asks.

“You have some nerve!” Brunette shouts. He storms out of the diner.

“Wow.” Mindy says. Ivory sits down at the table, a little shaken. “Well?” Mindy prompts her.

“Well what?” Ivory asks.

“What did she say?” Mindy asks.

“Oh,” Ivory says as the young woman packs up her child in the stroller and leaves the diner. “Her name is Sienna, and she claims that she doesn’t know Alphonse.”

“Really?” Mindy asks.

“But by his reaction, I think she is lying.” Ivory says.

Outside the diner, Alphonse paces back and forth smoking a cigarette. He sees Sienna come out of the diner, pushing the stroller. Taking one last puff from the cigarette, he flicks it in to the gutter. Sienna, sees Alphonse but tries not to make eye contact. “Hey!” Alphonse shouts as she walks down the sidewalk. He hurries to catch up to her. “Aren’t you even going to say hello?” He asks.

“Hello.” Sienna says without stopping.

“Don’t you remember me?” Alphonse asks her. She doesn’t respond. “C’mon, I know you remember me. I have never forgotten about you.” Sienna stops.

“Oh?” She asks.

“Yes, of course. And I never got the chance to apologize.” Brunette says.

“Apologize?” Sienna asks.

“Yes, of course. I am so sorry about what happened that day in the motel room.” Brunette says.

“You mean you are sorry for seducing me, and lying to your wife.” She says.

“Amber wasn’t my wife.” Brunette says.

“Well, you could have fooled me.” Sienna says. “Do you know how humiliating that was for me?”

“I know, and I feel awful.” Brunette says. “But you have nothing to be embarrassed about. The brief time we spent together was great. And you don’t have to worry about Amber, she is out of the picture.”

“Well, I am sorry if things didn’t work out between you two.” Sienna says. “Now I really have to go. I have to get my son to the sitter’s.”

“Your son?” Brunette looks at the little boy in the stroller. “He is charming.”

“Thank you.” Sienna says. “Now I really should get going.”

“Of course.” Brunette says. “But before I let you go, would you at least let me make up for what I did?”

“I really can’t.” Sienna says.

“Alright.” Brunette says, defeated. Sienna begins walking, pushing her son in the stroller. “It was nice to see you again.” He says. Sienna doesn’t respond, but is visibly shaken.

Back inside the diner, Ivory and Mindy are finishing up their meals when Baron Bronze and Channing Steele enter. “Let’s sit over there.” Steele says, pointing to a table in the corner. They walk past Ivory and Mindy. Ivory recognizes Channing Steele immediately. And he recognizes her and nods.

“Mindy.” Ivory says in a low voice. “Isn’t that the man that gave us a ride back from the Palace in Angola? Don’t look.” Ivory says. “What is he doing here?” Mindy almost turns to try and see him, “I said don’t look.” Ivory snaps.

“Well how am I supposed to see him if I don’t look?” Mindy asks.

“Ok, look but don’t stare.” Ivory says. Mindy looks over her shoulder then quickly turns back to Ivory.

“Yeah that’s him.” Mindy nods.

“What the hell is he doing in Blackport?” Ivory asks.

At their table, Baron Bronze and Channing Steele look at menus, but Steele’s mind is on anything but the items listed.

FLASHBACK
OUTSIDE A HOTEL, ANGOLA, AFRICA
OCTOBER 2007

Channing Steele’s car comes to a stop. “Well ladies, here we are.” He smiles. Mindy Mint and Pearl Ivory get out of the car. “I am surprised that your director is putting you up in such a low-rate hotel.”

“Well, it was the only place that had any vacancies.” Mindy lies. “Come on, Pearl.”

“Right.” Pearl says. She clutches the bag with the jewel in it close to her. “Thanks for the ride, Mr. Steele.”

“It was my pleasure, Miss…I don’t think I got your last name.” He says.

“Oh, my name is…” Ivory starts to say.

“Pearl. I am going to the room without you.” Mindy says.

“I better go.” Ivory smiles. “Thanks again.”

“Safe travels, Pearl.” Mr. Steele says. Pearl backs away from the car and watches as he pulls off.

“What are you doing?” Mindy says to her from the door of the hotel lobby.

“What a charming man.” Nurse Ivory says.

“Charming, maybe, but how long do you think it will be before that charming man compares notes with his good buddyPrince Azure?” Mindy says. “We can’t stay here long.”

“But what about Alphonse, shouldn’t we go back for him?” Pearl says.

“Alphonse is a resourceful guy, he will turn up, trust me.” Mindy says. And with that Mindy turns and enters the hotel, leaving Nurse Ivory in the hotel parking lot, staring down the dark road. In his car, Channing Steele takes out his cell phone and dials a number.

“It’s Channing.” He says. “I’ve just dropped them off at Hotel Angola. I am sure the blonde has the jewel with her.” Steele’s mind comes back to the present.

“See anything that interests you?” Bronze asks him. Steele looks over at Ivory and Mindy.

“Oh yes.” He smiles.

TO BE CONTINUED...