Previously: Five days before the body of a woman is discovered in the library of the home of the Winter’s family, a prostitute named Ginger came back to her rundown apartment and found that her roommate and fellow prostitute, Sage had brought a customer home for the night. Ginger chastised Sage for bringing a customer back to their home and also told her that Kevin Kale had disappeared from his apartment across town. Sage tried to calm Ginger down, suggesting that perhaps Kevin went to work. But Ginger had found blood on the floor and worried that Kevin was injured or worse, murdered. Realizing that Kevin might have gone to work, she used his cell phone and discovered that Kevin works at Onceblack Studios. After getting the address, Sage and Ginger headed to the studio.

“Forgive Me Sister, For I Have Sinned”

FRIDAY, 7:33 PM PST

In the library of Winterswind, the fire in a stone fireplace has almost burnt completely out. On an area rug in front of the fireplace is the lifeless body of woman. On the floor next to the body are a metal fire poker and a white Phantom of the Opera-style half-mask. A trail of muddy footprints leads to the set of open French doors…

FLASHBACK: FIVE DAYS AGO, 7:54 AM PST

At the gates of Onceblack Studios, Ginger and Sage sit in Kevin Kale's car. They are outside a security guard station waiting on the guard to arrive. “It’s been almost half an hour, Ginger.” Sage grumbles. “I don’t think they are open on Sundays.”

“It’s almost eight, we will wait until then, and if nobody shows up, then we will go on to plan B.” Ginger says.

“And what is plan B exactly?” Sage asks.

“I hoped you’d have something in mind.” Ginger says.

“Going back home and getting some sleep sounds…” Sage starts to say, but Ginger raises her hand to quiet her.

“Here comes somebody.” Ginger whispers. A security guard raises an eyebrow at the women as he passes in front of the car and enters the security station. A moment later he opens a window and smiles. Ginger rolls down the car window.

“Can I help you?” The guard asks.

“We need to get into the studio.” Ginger says.

“And what’s this regarding?” The guard asks.

“I am a friend of Kevin Kale.” Ginger says. “He asked us to meet him this morning.”

“Is that right?” The guard asks. “One moment.” Ginger watches as the guard sorts through some papers and then looks over at them. Ginger smiles, nervously.

“This isn’t going to work.” Sage says. “He’s not going to let us in.”

“I am afraid I am not going to be able to let you ladies into the studio.” The guard says.

“Told ya.” Sage says.

“What? Why not?” Ginger asks the guard.

“I don’t have anything here stating that Mr. Kale was expecting guests today. I’m sorry.” He says.

“Well, couldn’t you make this one exception and let us in?” Ginger tries to flirt.

“No.” The guard says flatly. A car pulls up behind them.

“Mr. Kale will be very upset if you don’t let us through.” Sage says.

“Will he now?” The guard says.

“Sage, please I can handle this.” Ginger says.

“Ladies, I wish I could help you, but without the proper clearance, I can not let you into the backlot area.” The guard says.

“But we have proper clearance.” Ginger says.

“We do?” Sage asks. Ginger shoots her a dirty look.

“You do?” The guard asks. “You have visitor passes, then?”

“Yes,” Ginger says. “Of course we do.”

“Then may I see them?” The guard says, looking at the car that has pulled in behind them.

“Well, wouldn’t you know it; I left them in my other purse.” Ginger says.

“Don’t you just hate when that happens?” Sage laughs nervously. The guard is not amused.

“Ladies, I am sorry, but I can not let you in without visitor’s passes.” He says.

“Well, where do we get passes then?” Ginger asks.

“At the main office.” The guard points to a building nearby.

“Great, so if we go and get visitor passes then you will let us in?” Ginger asks.

“Well…” The guard says. “If you can get them, then yes.”

“What do you mean by ‘if’?” Sage asks.

“You need an employee of the studio to sign the passes out to you.” The guard says. “Now ladies, please.” He motions for them to leave, looking at the car behind them. In the car behind them, Jeffery Tan watches as the guard deals with the women. He rolls the window of his car down to try and get a better listen.

“Mister, I understand you have a job to do, but Kevin Kale asked us to meet him here today!” Ginger becomes desperate. “If you want to have your job tomorrow, then you better let us in!”

“Is that a threat?” The guard asks. Jeffery Tan opens up his car door and steps out. The guard sees him walking over to them.

“What can I do to prove that Kevin Kale asked us to meet him here?” Ginger says, as Jeffery Tan joins them.

“Is everything alright here?” Jeffery asks.

“Good morning, Mr. Tan.” The guard says. “I am sorry for the delay, but I am just trying to explain to these ladies that they can not enter the studio without proper clearance.”

“And I have been trying to tell you that Kevin Kale asked us to meet him here this morning!” Ginger shouts. “I mean we are in his car for goodness sakes!” Sage’s eyes widen. Ginger looks over at her and bites her lip.

“This is Mr. Kale’s car.” Jeffery says to the guard.

“Indeed it is.” The guard says. “But they still need someone to authorize passesfor them. Otherwise, I can’t let them.” Ginger sighs.

“It’s ok, Joe.” Jeffery says. “He’s just doing his job.” He says to Ginger and Sage.

“I wish I could help you.” The guard says.

“Yeah.” Ginger says, she turns on the engine of the car. “Thanks anyway.” Jeffery hurries back to his car and backs out so that the Ginger and Sage can back out. Jeffery pulls over to the curb as Ginger backs out onto the main street.

“Now what?” Sage asks.

“I don’t know.” Ginger says. She is about to drive off, when she notices Jeffery waving to her. Ginger pulls her car over to the curb, and Jeffery gets out and hurries over to them.

“I can get you in to the studio.” Jeffery says.

“You can?” Ginger asks. “You would do that for us?”

“I will, as long as you are honest with me.” Jeffery says.

“Why would we lie?” Sage smiles.

“Well, first off, I know for a fact that Mr. Kale isn’t due into the studio this morning.” Jeffery tells them.

“He isn’t?” Ginger gulps.

“No.” He says. “And secondly, I know that Mr. Kale wouldn’t lend his car to anyone. He loves this thing.” Ginger smiles nervously. “So tell me why you have his car and what you are really doing here and I might get you passes.”

“You might as well tell him.” Sage shrugs.

“Alright, I will tell you, but will you answer something for me first?” Ginger asks.

“I guess.” Jeffery says.

“Who are you and how do you know so much about Kevin?” She asks.

“Oh, I am Prince Onceblack's personal assistant.” Jeffery says, showing them his I.D. badge. Ginger looks over at Sage and frowns.

“Now what?” Ginger whispers to Sage.

Meanwhile, inside a huge soundstage, Prince “Blanket” Onceblack closes a door behind him and exits the soundstage into the bright California sun. “Blanket” then takes out his cell phone and takes a deep breath. Pressing a button, he places the phone to his ear.

Three thousand miles across the United States, in Rhode Island, a phone begins to ring. A chubby nun hurries to answer it. “Sisters of Mercy.” The nun says. “Yes. Yes, of course. Just a moment.” The nun puts the receiver of the phone down and hurries up some stone stairs. In a dimly lit room, Sister Mary Amethyst sits on the edge of a bed. In her hands she holds a Bible. A knock on the door startles her.

“Come in.” Sister Amethyst says. The door opens and the portly nun enters the room. “Sister,” she says, “You have a telephone call.”

“Do I?” Sister Amethyst asks. She stands, puts the Bible onto a table and follows the sister out of the room. Back downstairs, the two women cross to the telephone. The chubby nun picks up the receiver and hands it to Sister Amethyst. “Thank you, Sister.” She says. She puts the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

“Aunt Mary.” “Blanket” Onceblack says.

“Is that you “Blanket”?” Sister Amethyst asks.

“Yes.” “Blanket” says.

“Gracious child, it has been weeks since I’ve heard from you.” Sister Amethyst says.

“I know. I’ve been a busy.” “Blanket” says. “Aunt Mary, I need your guidance.” Sister Amethyst looks over at the chubby nun. She puts her hand over the voice piece of the phone. “I need a moment, Sister.” She tells the nun.

“Of course.” The chubby nun says. She leaves Sister Amethyst alone.

“Aunt Mary, are you there?” “Blanket” asks.

“Yes, “Blanket”. I am here.” She says. “Now tell me, what has gotten you sounding so upset?”

“It’s just all gotten out of control.” “Blanket” says, his voice beginning to quiver. “I’ve done some awful things, and I’ve hurt some people, people who are the closet to my heart. Oh, Aunt Mary, I don’t know what to do next.”

“Calm down, my child.” Sister Amethyst says. “Now tell me what you have done.”

“I don’t want this to turn into me confessing my sins. I just need your advice on what to do.” “Blanket” says. He goes over to a bench and sits down.

Back at the main office outside the studio gates, Jeffery Tan comes out and waves Ginger and Sage over to him. “Here are the visitor passes.” Jeffery says. He hands them each a badge. “Put them on.” The women clip on the small cardboard ID cards.

“Thank you for doing this.” Ginger says.

“I am not only doing this for you. If something has happened to Mr. Kale, Mr. Onceblack will be devastated.” Jeffery says.

“What? Why do you say that?” Ginger asks.

“I will explain it once we are inside.” He says. “We’ll take my car.” They hurry over to Jeffery’s car and get in. The security guard at the gate is surprised to see Ginger and Sage in the car with Mr. Tan. “Joe, please open the gate.” Jeffery says. The guard looks in and sees Ginger and Sage’s visitor badges.

“Yes, sir.” The guard says. He quickly presses the button and a gate opens, allowing them to enter. Once inside the studio, Jeffery drives to a row of parking spaces.

“What is he doing here so early?” Jeffery says when he sees “Blanket’s” car is parked nearby. They get out of the car and walk past the parking spaces. Ginger reads signs that are on the wall. The signs have the name of the person each space is reserved for. She reads “Reserved for Maralyn Mauve.” The next sign reads “Reserved for Kevin Kale.” Underneath is a smaller sign that reads “Don’t even think about parking here.” Ginger smiles. The last spot has a car parked in it and has a sign that says “Reserved for Mr. Prince Onceblack.” “He’s not going to be happy that I’m late.” Jeffery says as they walk past “Blanket’s” car. They turn a corner and come to a door. Jeffery takes out a key and unlocks the door. “Doesn’t look like he’s been here yet.” Jeffery says, flipping on a light in an office. “Ladies.” Ginger and Sage enter the office, followed by Jeffery.

Back on the bench outside the soundstage, “Blanket” dries his eyes. “Thank you, Aunt Mary.” He says. He closes his cell phone and goes back into the massive soundstage. The sound of the door closing behind him echoes throughout the soundstage. “Blanket” crosses the soundstage and goes to a door that is marked “Utility Room. Keep Out.” He opens the door and enters. “I really am sorry about this.” He says as the door closes behind him. On the floor of the utility room lies an unconscious Kevin Kale, bound and gagged. “You know I love you.” “Blanket” says as he walks over to Kevin. He crouches down and feels to see if Kevin is still breathing. “I will make this up to you. I promise.”

In Rhode Island, the chubby nun rejoins Sister Amethyst by the phone. “Is everything alright, Sister?” The nun asks.

“I need you to book a train ticket for me.” Sister Amethyst says.

“What?” The nun asks. “Where are you going?”

“New Hampshire.” Sister Amethyst says. She hurries up the stairs.

“Oh Lord.” The chubby nun says. She grabs the rosary from around her neck and kisses it.

Back inside the office of Onceblack Studios, Ginger nervously paces around. “Will you please come and sit down.” Sage says. Sage is sitting on a desk, looking at a framed picture of a Hollywood starlet. “She’s not even that pretty.”

“Hey.” Jeffery Tan says. “She’s my sister.”

“Oh, sorry.” Sage puts the photo back onto the desk.

“This is really great that you two can sit here and get to know each other, but have you forgotten that Kevin is missing? He could be hurt, or worse.” Ginger shouts.

“I am sure he is fine, Ginger.” Sage says, looking at Jeffery for reassurance. “Right?”

“We should probably look for Mr. Onceblack and see if he has heard from Kevin.” Jeffery says.

“Speaking of…” Sage says. “You said outside that Mr. Onceblack would be devastated if something bad happened to Kevin.”

“Mr. Kale is one of Mr. Onecblack’s biggest box office draws.” Jeffery says.

“B.S.” Ginger says. Sage and Jeffery look at her in shock. “Kevin and “Blanket” are lovers.” Jeffery puts his hand on his head, while Sage’s mouth drops open.

“Is that true?” Sage turns to Jeffery.

“Of course it’s not true!” Jeffery says. “And if you two ever tell anyone that, I will find you and kill you myself.” He plops down on the desk next to Sage.

“So Kevin and Onceblack are boyfriends.” Sage says. “Wow, this is getting good.”

“Sage, shut up.” Ginger says. “It’s alright, Jeffery. Sage and I know how to keep secrets.”

“We sure do!” Sage winks.

“It’s just we don’t talk about it here.” Jeffery says. “If word got out that Mr. Kale is a homosexual and is romantically involved with Mr. Onceblack, their careers would be ruined.”

“But this is Hollywood.” Sage says.

“Yes, but Mr. Kale has this reputation of being a ladies’ man.” Jeffery says. “Most of the people who go to see his movies are women. If it came out that he is gay, his movies would bomb and bring the whole studio down with them. He is the biggest star this studio has.”

“Then we need to see if we can find Onceblack.” Sage says. “Maybe he knows where Kevin is.”

At a train depot in Rhode Island, a taxi cab has just dropped Sister Mary Amethyst off. She crosses to an attendant, who takes her suitcase. “Bless you.” She says to the attendant. She looks at the train waiting on the track and sighs. “Oh brother, I fear your son has more of you in him than we would care to admit.” She says to herself.

TO BE CONTINUED…