Previously: Five days before the body of a woman is discovered in the library of Winterswind, Sage and Ginger were at the gates of Onceblack Studios, battling with a security guard who was reluctant to let them. Jeffery Tan arrived and saw that the women were in Kevin Kale’s car. Jeffery agreed to get the women into the studio, but made them tell him why they were there in Kevin’s car. Meanwhile, a remorseful “Blanket” Onceblack left Kevin bound and gagged in a utility closet of a soundstage. “Blanket” then called Sister Mary Amethyst in Rhode Island and confessed to his recent evil doings. Once inside the studio back lot, Jeffery, Ginger and Sage saw that “Blanket’s” car was in the parking lot. They realized that in order to find Kevin, they would need to tell “Blanket” that Kevin is missing. Sister Amethyst went to a train station in Rhode Island and boarded a train bound for Blackport. At Winterswind, Jason Winters got a call from the Private Investigator he had hired to follow his wife Amanda. The P.I. told Jason he had obtained some photos and they planned to meet at a country club, where Jason would be playing golf with his father. Jason was unaware, however, that his sister Taylor was listening in on the conversation. Dr. Melissa Mustard told her uncle, Colonel Mustard, that she was in Los Angeles, and that a woman had called her and told her that Ryder Turchese was in California and that if she wanted to find her missing child, she would need to find Ryder.

“Heir Apparent?”

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, BLACKPORT, NH, 1:30 PM EST

At Sunnybrook Sanitarium, Sister Mary Amethyst walks down a long, cold corridor, following behind a security guard. The guard comes to a stop at a door. “I am afraid he may not do a lot of talking.” The guard says to Sister Amethyst.

“I just want to sit with him.” She says. The guard nods solemnly and takes a key ring from his belt. As he unlocks the metal door, Sister Amethyst takes a deep breath. The guard opens the door and lets the nun enter.

“I will be right outside if you need anything, Sister.” The guard says. Sister Amethyst turns and smiles.

“Bless you.” She says. The guard closes and locks the door behind her. The sound of a breathing machine and the beeping of a heart monitor fill the room. For a moment, Sister Amethyst stands in silence before crossing the room to a hospital bed. “Hello, brother.” She says in a somber tone.

LOS ANGELES, 10:37 AM PST

Jeffery Tan is in the center of a large soundstage. Ginger and Sage join him. “No luck?” Jeffery asks.

“No.” Ginger says.

“I’ve tried calling his cell phone, but he won’t answer.” Jeffery says. “I left him a voice mail.”

“Well, we know he is here.” Sage says. “His car was in the parking lot.”

“He has to be here somewhere.” Ginger says.

“The back lot isn’t that big.” Sage says. “It’s almost like he doesn’t want to be found.”

“I just had an awful thought.” Ginger says.

“What?” Jeffery asks.

“What if whoever ambushed Kevin got Onceblack too.” Ginger says.

In the utility closet, Kevin Kale is still on the floor, bound and gagged. “Blanket” Onceblack paces nervously back and forth. “I am usually much better at coming up with ideas than this.” He says. “But of course, you know that better than anyone, don’t you?” He walks over to Kevin and crouches down. “I wish you hadn’t been so nosey and gotten involved…I hate seeing you like this.” Kevin begins to stir. He slowly opens his eyes. Kevin is shocked to see “Blanket” crouched over him. “Good morning.” “Blanket” smiles. Kevin tries to move his hands, but quickly realizes that they are tied together. He tries to talk, but the gag in his mouth muffles the words. “I know. I know.” “Blanket” says. “Believe me it’s in your best interest.” Kevin tries to get up. “There’s no use in trying to get untied. I hadn’t tied knots like those since I was in the Scouts.” “Blanket” smiles. He takes a seat on the floor next to Kevin. “Did I ever tell you that I was in the Boy Scouts? When my brother and I were kids our dad was big on group activities. Little did he know that our Troop leader was gay. Bet you dear ole’ Dad regrets letting me go on those overnight camping trips now. It wasn’t exactly the type of group activities he had in mind.”

In Blackport, Sister Amethyst sits at the bedside of King Onceblack, holding his hand. “If I would have known it would have come to this, I would have never gone along with your plan.” She says. King Onceblack opens his eyes.

“Mary?” He says weakly.

“Hello.” She says.

“Why are you here?” He asks her.

“Can’t a woman visit her younger brother without a good reason?” She asks, smiling.

“Of course, but after the trial I made sure I’d never see you again.” Onceblack says.

“Shhh.” Sister Amethyst says.

“Mary, I see that poor girl’s face each time I close my eyes.” Onceblack says remorsefully.

“Just lie still.” Sister Amethyst says.

“I will never forgive myself for the pain I caused you, Blanche White, the Cobalt family, and my dear “Blanket”.” His eyes well up with tears. “How is “Blanket”?” Sister Amethyst doesn’t answer. She stands up from the bed and walks over to a barred window. “Mary. Has something happened to “Blanket”?”

Back at Onceblack Studios, a shiny sports car pulls into the back lot parking area and into the spot belonging to Maralyn Mauve. A moment later, the door of the car opens and Maralyn steps out, wearing oversized sun glasses. She closes the door of the car and walks to Onceblack’s office. Outside the soundstage, Ginger, Sage, and Jeffery Tan try to decide what to do next in their search for Kevin and “Blanket”. While inside the soundstage, “Blanket” comes out of the utility room and closes the door behind him. As soon as he does, his cell phone vibrates, alerting him that he has voice messages. “I guess we better do one last look around.” Jeffery says to Ginger and Sage. They leave the soundstage just at “Blanket” opens the door and comes outside. With his cell phone pressed to his ear, “Blanket” walks to the parking area. Listening to his voice messages, “Blanket” sees Maralyn Mauve’s car.

“What is she doing here?” “Blanket” asks, just as the next voice message begins.

“Darling, this Maralyn.” The voice of Maralyn Mauve says. “I am coming over to the studio to see you. I will be there in twenty minutes.” “Blanket” flips closed his phone.

“Great.” “Blanket” says.

Across town, in his hotel suite, Michael Mustard is on the phone. “Yes, I will hold.” Mustard says. “Thank you.” As he waits, the voice of his niece, Melissa Mustard echoes in his mind.

“Out of nowhere I get a call from this woman, who says she knows who was behind my baby’s kidnapping and that I needed to find Ryder.” Melissa says.

In Blackport, at the Puce Estate, Darcy Puce is sitting in the drawing room with her sister, Kelsey as a maid enters. “Miss Darcy.” The maid says. “You have a phone call.”

“Thank you.” Darcy says. She stands up and crosses the room to the phone. “This is Darcy Puce.” She answers.

“Hello, Miss Puce.” Colonel Mustard says. Darcy’s face turns white as a sheet.

“Well, well hello.” Darcy stutters upon hearing Musatrd’s voice.

“Surprised to hear from me?” Mustard asks.

“Yes, to be honest…” Darcy says.

“Well think of how surprised I was when my niece told me she had received a phone call from a woman informing her that if she wanted to locate the person who plotted the kidnapping of her son that she needed to find Ryder Turchese. I, myself, was bloody surprised.” Mustard says. Darcy puts her hand over the receiver and whispers to Kelsey.

“Can you give me a minute?” She asks.

“Is everything alright, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Kelsey says.

“I am fine, I just need a minute.” Darcy says. Kelsey smiles and leaves the drawing room.

“Well, Miss Puce, do you deny that you are the woman who so kindly called Melissa and told her what she needed to do in order to track me down?” Mustard asks.

“No.” Darcy says. “I didn’t call Melissa. I didn’t even know where you. I mean you left me high and dry in Mexico.”

“High and dry?” Mustard begins to laugh. “I hardly consider sixty grand high and dry.”

“The money was very generous of you…” Darcy says.

“But obviously it wasn’t enough.” Mustard says.

“No, it was.” Darcy says.

“I thought I could trust you, Miss Puce.” Mustard says. “Your mother recommended you very highly. If it turns out that you were in fact the woman who called my niece, you will be very sorry that you did.”

“I loved that little boy like he was my own!” Darcy shouts. “I didn’t call Melissa and tell her a thing, I swear.”

“Very well, Miss Puce.” Colonel Mustard says. He hangs up. Shaken, Darcy hangs up the phone as the maid enters the drawing room.

“Are you alright Miss Darcy?” She asks.

“Yes, just nervous about the Miss Blackport contest.” Darcy lies. She looks down at a framed photograph of her sister and her mother.

“Is there anything I can get for you?” The maid asks. Darcy picks up the photograph. “The truth would be nice.” She says under her breath.

“Miss?” The maid says.

“No, I am fine.” Darcy fakes a smile. “Thank you.”

Sister Amethyst stands at the window in King Onceblack’s room at Sunnybrook Sanitarium. “Mary, there is something you’re not telling me.” King Onceblack says. Sister Amethyst turns slowly to face her ailing brother. “You’re crying. Mary, what is it? What’s happening?”

“He called me this morning.” Sister Amethyst says.

“You heard from “Blanket”?” He asks. “Is he alright?”

“Physically he is fine, but mentally…” She walks over to the bed and sits down. “I am afraid he has slipped over the edge.”

“What has he done?” Onceblack asks.

“I shouldn’t have come here.” Sister Amethyst says. “You are in no condition to be burdened by this.”

“Mary, please.” Onceblack says, his voice getting weaker. “Tell me what “Blanket” has done that has you so concerned.”

“I should leave and come back when you are stronger.” She says. She walks to the door of the room.

“Mary, please.” King Onceblack says. “Please don’t leave.” Sister Amethyst stops and walks back to the bedside. “What is it? Tell me.” He pleads. “Please.”

“I don’t know how to tell you this,” she says. “But “Blanket” put a hit out on Vivienne Scarlet's life.”

“What?” Onceblack asks. The heart monitor begins to beep faster.

“The attempt was unsuccessful, but I fear he won’t stop until she is dead.” Sister Amethyst says. “He believes he is the rightful heir to the Black’s fortune.” Suddenly, King Onceblack begins to gasp for air.

“No!” Sister Amethyst shouts. She hurries to the door of the room and bangs on it to alert the guard outside. “Please, someone help!” She shouts. The guard opens the door and several medical personnel enter the room. Sister Amethyst watches in fear as the doctor work on her brother.

At a Los Angeles Police Precinct, a detective is sitting at his desk reviewing some papers when another officer comes over to him. “Detective, we have an I.D. on the license plate from that car.” He hands the detective a folder.

“Thanks.” The detective says. He opens the folder and reads the address. “Reynard Winters, White Hills Estates.” He turns to the officer. “We need to get two guys over to this address A.S.A.P.”

Behind the soundstage at Onceblack Studios, Ginger and Sage are taking a break. “This is crazy.” Sage says. “Maybe we should call the cops.” Just as she says that, Kevin’s cell phone that Ginger has, begins to ring. Ginger looks at the display and sees the name Detective Oleander displayed.

“We don’t have to…” Ginger says holding up the phone. “They’re calling us.” The phone continues to ring in her hand.

“Answer it.” Jeffery Tan says as he joins them.

“Hello.” Ginger says meekly.

“This is Detective Oleander with the Los Angeles Police. May I speak to Mr. Kale?” The detective asks.

“Oh, I’m sorry, but Mr. Kale isn’t available at the moment.” Ginger says. “I am Mr. Kale’s personal secretary, er, assistant. Can I help you?”

“Let Mr. Kale know that we analyzed the videotape from the security camera from Hollywood Boulevard and we got a positive I.D. on the license plate of the vehicle. We will have officers dispatched to the address later this afternoon.” The detective says.

“That’s great news.” Ginger says. “Mr. Kale will be very happy to hear that. Thank you very much.” Ginger hangs up.

“What did he say?” Sage asks.

“They got the address of the guy who was driving the car that Miss Scarlet got into the other night.” Ginger says. “They are sending some cops over there later today. Now all we have to do is find Kevin and Mr. Onceblack and this nightmare will be over.”

At Winterswind, the Winters’ Family is gathered around the table eating brunch. “This is nice.” Reynard Winters says. “Having the whole family together for once.” Amanda Winters coughs and Taylor Winters rolls her eyes.

“So Amanda,” Kendal says, “I was thinking, since Jason and Reynard are going to the country club this afternoon, maybe you would like to go shopping for decorations for J.R.’s christening with Taylor and me.”

“That’s really nice, but…” Amanda says.

“C’mon, babe.” Jason says. “You should go.”

“It will be fun.” Kendal says. “Right Taylor?”

“Loads.” Taylor says. “Can you pass the orange juice?” Tyler Winters hands her a pitcher of orange juice and sticks his tongue out at her. “God, you are so immature sometimes!”

“Shut up!” Tyler says.

“Hey!” Reynard shouts. “We are having a nice meal and I won’t have any of that.” Taylor sticks her tongue out at Tyler.

“So, will you come shopping, Amanda?” Kendal asks.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Amanda says.

“Wonderful.” Kendal smiles.

In Blackport, Sister Mary Amethyst nervously waits outside King Onceblack’s room. A moment later, the door opens and the medical team exits. The doctor comes over to Sister Amethyst. “How is he, doctor?” She asks.

“He suffered another heart attack.” The doctor tells her.

“Oh no.” She says, bracing herself against the wall.

“We’ve done everything we can for him.” The doctor says.

“May I go in and see him?” Sister Amethyst asks.

“Yes, but only for a moment.” The doctor says. He nods to a guard. The guard opens the door and lets Sister Amethyst into the room. Walking slowly across the room, Sister Amethyst can hear the heart monitor beeping. She goes over to the side of Onceblack’s bed and sits down. She begins to pray. Onceblack opens his eyes and touches her hand. Sister Amethyst looks up at him, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“I am so sorry. If I hadn’t come here, you wouldn’t have gotten upset…” She says.

“Shhh.” Onceblack whispers. “Come close to me, Mary.” He says. Sister Amethyst gets up and leans close into her brother. “Forgive me for getting you involved in this.” He says.

“I do. I forgive you, King.” She says, wiping her tears.

“I only wanted the best for our family.” He says. “Please let “Blanket” know I am so sorry that I lied about...” Onceblack begins to cough.

“King, please, just rest.” Mary says.

“Please tell “Blanket” the truth so that he will stop this madness. He trusts you.” Onceblack says as the heart monitor beeping begins to slow down. Mary drops her head onto her brother’s chest and cries. “Tell him the truth.”Onceblack says. He takes one last deep breath and the heart monitor flat lines.

TO BE CONTINUED…