Previously: Five days before the body of a woman is discovered in the library of the home of the Winters Family, Taylor Winters asked her boyfriend, Randy Dove to do her a favor. Taylor had overheard her brother Jason on the phone making plans to meet secretly with someone at a local country club. So Taylor, knowing that Randy would be at the country club with Jason, asked him to follow Jason and see who he was meeting with. Reluctantly, Randy agreed to follow Jason, and at the country club, Randy watched as Jason met with a private investigator. The P.I. gave Jason an envelope containing photographic evidence that Jason’s wife, Amanda, was cheating on him. But before Jason could open the envelope and see the photographs, Randy distracted him. Jason put the envelope in his car and him and Randy went to play a game of golf with their fathers. But Dr. Dove sensed that Randy would rather be anywhere else but on the course, and allowed Randy to leave early. Reynard Winters also noticed that Jason was distracted and told Jason it was ok for him to leave the game as well. When Jason returned to his car he found the envelope from the P.I. gone. While outside the club, Randy told Taylor that he had indeed followed Jason and that he had the envelope that the P.I. had given Jason. Meanwhile, at Onceblack Studios, Jeffery Tan was surprised to see Maralyn Mauve leaving “Blanket” Onceblack’s office. Miss Mauve was visibly upset, and when Jeffery asked her what happened, Mauve explained that “Blanket” had yet to pay her for a role in a film that was completed a few years ago. Miss Mauve also told Jeffery that“Blanket” was bankrupt and was going to sell the studio. Jeffery was shocked at not only learning that Onceblack was broke, but that he was also somewhere on the studio back lot. In “Blanket’s” office, Jeffery discovered a gun that “Blanket” kept in a drawer missing. Fearing the worst, Jeffery, Miss Mauve, Ginger and Sage went to the soundstage to look for “Blanket”. When a gunshot rang out, Jeffery suggested that they call the police, but before they could, “Blanket” emerged from a utility closet with the gun pointed at them.

“Claustrophobia”

FRIDAY, 7:33 PM PST

In the library of the Winters’ home, a light breeze blows the silk curtains that hang on either side of a set of French doors. Nearby, the lifeless body of a woman lies in front of a stone fireplace. The flames of the fire have almost burnt completely out. From the next room, the sound of partygoers can be heard. But the people attending the celebration have no idea of the horror that has taken place behind the library’s door…

FLASHBACK: FOUR DAYS AGO, 9:49 AM PST

Mr. Reynard Winters, who is dressed in a suit, is running late. He hurries down the stairs and heads to the kitchen. On the counter are several bags of groceries and a note. Reynard picks up the note and reads it. “Dad, here is the stuff you asked me to get together. Don’t worry, Mom was already gone by the time I came downstairs. Tyler.” Reynard picks up the bags of groceries and struggles to the door. Opening the door, Reynard glimpses a clock on the wall. “I’m coming, Kendal.” He says as he closes the door. Reynard hurries across the side yard and goes to the guest house, unaware that his daughter-in-law, Amanda is watching from an upstairs window. Reynard enters the guest house and closes the door. “Miss Scarlet.” Reynard calls out as he enters the guest house. “I’ve brought you some supplies.” He says. He places the bags on the kitchen counter. “Miss Scarlet?” He calls out again, but the guest house is deathly silent. “Where are you?” He crosses to the bedroom and knocks on the door. “Miss Scarlet, I can’t stay long, I am running late.” He waits a second for a response, but doesn’t get one. “Vivienne?” He says as he opens the bedroom door. Looking into the room, Reynard sees that the bed has not been slept in. “Oh no. Don’t do this to me. Not today.” He says. Amanda is still standing at the window in her bedroom looking down on the guest house when she sees Reynard come out and hurry off towards the lake that is behind the house.

“Uh oh. Daddy looks upset.” Amanda says. She turns from the window and grabs a sweater off of the foot of the bed. “I wonder what’s going on in that guest house.” Reynard has made his way along the shore of the lake. He is on his cell phone.

“I am just filling out some paper work, dear.” Kendal Winters tells her husband. “I haven’t even seen the doctor yet.”

“I promise I will be there before they start your treatment.” Reynard assures her. “I am just running a little behind schedule.”

“It’s alright, Reynard.” Kendal says, trying to be brave.

“I will see you soon.” Reynard says. They hang up. Kendal is sitting in a waiting room of the hospital. She is holding a clipboard with some insurance forms and a pamphlet that was given to her. She looks down at the cover of the pamphlet which reads, “Chemotherapy: A Guide for People with Cancer”. Kendal takes a deep breath.

Reynard stops at the edge of the lake and looks out, the sun reflecting off of the water. “This is crazy. I should be with my wife, not out here worrying over a complete stranger.” He says to himself. He turns and is about to walk back to the car when he notices the door of the boat house is open. Inside the boat house, Vivienne Scarlet is asleep in a rowboat. Reynard enters the boat house. “Hello.” He says. Vivienne wakes up and sits up in the rowboat. “Miss Scarlet?” Reynard says when he sees her. “What are you doing here? Did you stay here all night?”

Across town at Onceblack Studios, Prince "Blanket" Onceblack walks out of the soundstage past the security guard station. The guard waves and smiles, but “Blanket” is too preoccupied to notice. Inside the soundstage utility closet, Maralyn Mauve is banging on the door.

“You’ve been at that for over an hour.” Sage says.

“I don’t think anyone can hear you.” Ginger adds.

“Well, I’ve got to do more than just sit around and wait for “Blanket” to come back and kill us!” Maralyn shouts.

“Maralyn, just come over here and sit down.” Kevin Kale says.

“How’s your head?” Ginger asks Kevin.

“It’s alright.” Kevin says. “I am really sorry I got you all involved in this.”

“This isn’t your fault.” Ginger says.

“Of course it’s not.” Jeffery Tan says. “None of us knew that Mr. Onceblack was capable of anything like this.” Maralyn continues to bang on the door.

“Help! We’re trapped!” Maralyn shouts. “Help!”

“You’re wasting your time, Maralyn.” Kevin says. “There is no one out there.”

“I can’t believe you are all just going to sit back and let “Blanket” hold us hostage in here.” Maralyn says. “It’s unbelievable.”

“C’mon, Miss Mauve.” Jeffery says. “Let’s go and sit down.”

“But that man is bleeding all over the place.” Maralyn says.

“Damn it.” Jeffery says. He hurries over to the janitor that “Blanket” shot. “Miguel. Miguel.” Jeffery says, shaking the janitor. “Miguel, wake up. You’re bleeding through the bandage.” The janitor opens his eyes. “We need to change your bandage.” Jeffery says, but Miguel doesn’t understand. “Your bandage, your arm.” Jeffery points to the man’s arm.

“Si.” Miguel says.

“Ginger, can you grab some of that gauze.” Jeffery says. “We’ve got to keep his arm from bleeding as much as we can.”

“I don’t how you all can be so calm.” Maralyn Mauve says. “He has obviously lost his mind.”

“He has not.” Kevin says.

“He shot that man, Kevin!” Maralyn says. “He hit you over the head and dragged you out of your apartment for God’s sake!”

“Kevin, how can you defend him, knowing everything that he has done? Have you forgotten about Miss Scarlet?” Ginger asks.

“No, of course I haven’t.” Kevin says.

“I think it’s time you realize, Mr. Kale, that Mr. Onceblack needs some serious help.” Jeffery says.

“And I don’t know about you, but I want to get out of here before he gets back.” Maralyn Mauve says, returning to the door. She begins banging on it again. “Help us!” She shouts.

“Where do you think he went anyway?” Ginger asks. “Blanket” is in his office when his cell phone.

“Hello Elizabeth.” He answers.

“My goodness, “Blanket”, I was beginning to wonder what happened to you.” Elizabeth Peacock-Canary says. “Have you heard anything about Vivienne?”

“No, I am afraid not.” “Blanket” says.

“Well, I was thinking we should go out and look for her again.” Elizabeth says. “It’s obvious the police aren’t doing enough.”

“I’m sorry Elizabeth, but I can’t. I’ve got a full plate at the studio.” “Blanket” tells her.

“A full plate?” Elizabeth says. “Can you please tell me what could be more important than finding my daughter?”

“I’m sorry, but I am sure the police are doing their best.” “Blanket” says. “I need to go.”

“Please, “Blanket”, don’t go.” Elizabeth pleads.

“I’m sorry.” “Blanket” says. He hangs up.

Back at the boat house at Winterswind, Reynard continues to question Miss Scarlet. “I don’t understand.” He says, lending her a hand. Vivienne steps out of the rowboat.

“I didn’t know where else to go.” She says.

“Why didn’t you just stay in the guest house like we planned?” Reynard asks.

“Oh no. You can’t do that.” Miss Scarlet says.

“Do what?” Reynard asks. “Ask you why you are acting this way? Do you want my help or not?”

“Your help?” Vivienne shouts. “I haven’t heard from you in days, Mr. Winters!”

“I know and I am sorry about that. But Kendal was getting suspicious. Not to mention Amanda.” He says.

“Yeah, Tyler filled me in on your nosey daughter-in-law.” Scarlet says. She reaches inside the rowboat and takes out the half-mask that Tyler gave her. She puts the mask on to cover her scared face.

“Where did you get that thing?” Reynard asks.

“Tyler gave it to me.” She says, matter-of-factly. She walks out of the boat house.

“Where are you going?” Reynard says, hurrying to catch up with her. “You know it’s not a good idea for you to be walking around out here. Someone could see you.” Scarlet doesn’t respond. “Are you going to at least explain to me why you left the guest house and slept out in the boat house?” Scarlet stops and slowly turns.

“Sure, I will explain. While you were out having a wonderful day with your family, the police paid a visit to your house.” Scarlet says.

“The police?” Reynard says.

“Yes, I watched them pull up outside of your front gate, walk to the front door and ring the bell.” She says. “Luckily, no one was home.”

“Lucky is right.” Reynard says.

“I got scared.” She says. They continue walking. “I didn’t know where else to go.”

“I’m really sorry, Miss Scarlet.” Reynard says.

“And who knows how long it will be before they come back.” Scarlet says. They enter the guest house. “Do you think that someone called the police and told them I was here?” Scarlet says, taking a seat on the couch.

“I don’t think so. Tyler and I are the only ones that know you are here.” Reynard says. “Unless Tyler told…”

“Tyler wouldn’t tell anyone.” Scarlet says. “He’s a good kid.”

“Yeah.” Reynard says, taking a seat next to her. “If only you knew.”

“Well, I just know that he saw how this thing on my face has affected me.” Scarlet says. “And he gave me this mask so I wouldn’t have to see it in the mirror everyday.”

“That explains why all the mirrors are covered up.” Reynard says, looking around the room.

“If it wasn’t for Tyler, I probably wouldn’t have made it in here all by myself.” She says.

“You are obviously a very strong woman, Miss Scarlet.” Reynard says, touching her hand.

“Call me, Vivienne.” She smiles.

“Alright, fine, you certainly have shown a lot of strength, Vivienne.” Reynard says.

“But that’s just it. I am not strong.” She says.

“How can you say that, after all you have been through? You are very brave.” Reynard says.

“Brave?” Scarlet says. “If anything, I am a coward.”

“A coward?” Reynard asks. “Nonsense. Where is all of this coming from?”

“Almost being killed has had a very interesting effect on how I look at my life. I guess being cooped up in here has given me a lot of time to think about the things I have done and the people I have hurt.” She says.

“We all make mistakes, Vivienne.” Reynard says. “It’s human nature.”

“I’ve been in the business of making mistakes since I was a child.” Vivienne says sadly.

“Some of us start earlier than others. Tyler is a great example of that. Kendal and I have given him the best of everything, and yet he still goes out and does things…” Reynard says.

“I bet Tyler has never killed someone and framed their own mother.” Scarlet says.

In his office, “Blanket” is pacing back and forth. “Think. Think.” He says, hitting himself in the head with the gun. “Now you’ve got…” he begins counting, “one, two three, four, five, six. Six people locked in that room. And you shot one of them. This is a nightmare. Think!” He takes a seat behind his desk. “If only that idiot would have killed Vivienne like he was supposed to, then Kevin and I would be on an island somewhere drinking Mai Tai’s and flirting with cabana boys.” He puts his head down on his desk. “Vivienne, where the hell are you?” He asks himself. Suddenly, a cell phone begins to ring. “Blanket” lifts his head and sees that it isn’t his cell phone that is ringing. “That’s Kevin’s phone.” He says, his mind flashing back to when he put Ginger and the others into the closet.

FLASHBACK: THE NIGHT BEFORE
SOUNDSTAGE UTILTIY CLOSET

“Blanket” has gathered the group and forced them at gunpoint into the utility closet with Kevin Kale and the injured janitor. “I’ve got some people here to keep you company, Kevin.” “Blanket” says.

“Please, don’t do this.” Maralyn Mauve says.

“I’m sorry Maralyn.” “Blanket” says. “But I have no other choice.”

“Mr. Onceblack, I am sure there is some other way.” Jeffery Tan says.

“Oh, Jeffery, always the level headed one.” “Blanket” says, shoving the gun into Jeffery’s face. “Now if you want to be able to keep that level head, shut up!”

“Stop!” Ginger shouts.

“Oh my, and we must be the outspoken one?” Onceblack says, walking over to Ginger. He puts the gun in her face.

“Stop “Blanket”.” Kevin Kale says. “Ginger hasn’t done anything.”

“Ginger is it?” “Blanket” says. “Well, if I didn’t know any better, I would say that Kevin has a soft spot for you, Miss Ginger. Or is it a hard one?”

“Seriously, “Blanket”.” Kevin says.

“And if I squint and hold my head just so, I guess I can see how he could be attracted to you.” “Blanket” says, reaching a hand down to her stocking. “What do we have here?” “Blanket” says removing Kevin’s cell phone from the elastic of Ginger’s stocking. “You won’t need this anymore.”

END FLASHBACK

“Blanket’s” mind comes back to the present and Kevin’s cell phone is still ringing. He picks up the phone and sees the name Detective Oleander displayed. “The police?” He says. He flips open the phone. “Kevin Kale here.” He says, answering the phone.

“Mr. Kale, this is Detective Oleander.” The detective says.

“Yes, Detective.” “Blanket” says.

“I just wanted to give you an update. We sent two officers over to that address in White Hills Estates, but no one was at home.” The detective says. “I am heading over there myself this afternoon, and if we still can’t catch anyone at home, I am going to go to Mr. Winter’s office at L.A. County Hospital.”

“Mr. Winters?” “Blanket” asks.

“Yes, Reynard Winters, the owner of the car that Miss Scarlet got into the night she disappeared. Didn’t your assistant tell you that we got an ID on the owner of the car?” He asks.

“Yes, yes of course.” “Blanket” says, scribbling on a piece of paper. “I’ve just been so overwhelmed it slipped my mind.”

“Of course, I understand. Just know that we are doing everything we can to locate Miss Scarlet and get her back to you safe and sound.” The detective says.

“Thank you very much Detective.” “Blanket” says. He hangs up. He looks down at the paper he scribbled on. “Reynard Winters. L.A. County Hospital.”

In the utility closet, Maralyn is still banging on the door. “Give it a rest!” Sage shouts. “You’re giving me a headache.”

“I will give you more than a headache!” Maralyn yells.

“Stop it!” Ginger shouts.

“This bickering isn’t helping anyone.” Kevin Kale says.

“If we don’t get Miguel out of here and to a hospital soon, he’s not going to make it.” Jeffery Tan says. “He’s losing a lot of blood.”

“Well, it seems like I am the only one who is trying to get us out of here.” Maralyn says.

“Banging on a door and shouting at the top of your lungs is not helping!” Sage says.

“Sage.” Ginger says. “Please.”

“If we all just calm down, maybe we can think of a way to get out of here.” Kevin says.

“Does anyone have any ideas?” Ginger asks.

“Well, whatever you come up with, you need to do it quick.” Maralyn says, she begins to breath heavy and her face begins to turn red.

“What’s wrong with her now?” Sage asks Kevin.

“She’s claustrophobic.” Kevin says.

Back at the Winters’ Guest House, Vivienne dries her eyes. “It sounds to me like your step-father had it coming to him.” Reynard says.

“I admit that Ernest Zaffer was a monster, but that doesn’t mean that he deserved to die that way. And my poor mother, she was just as much a victim as I was.” Scarlet says. “I knew when I planted her earring on his body that it was wrong, but I was so angry that she would let him do those horrible things.”

“Hey. It’s alright.” Reynard says. “It’s all in the past.”

“But if that jury would have found her guilty…” Scarlet says.

“They didn’t. And she is fine.” Reynard says. “And you will be too.” He hugs her.

“I am sorry.” She sniffles.

“Sorry?” Reynard asks. “For what?”

“For being such a burden.” Scarlet says.

“Trust me you are no burden, Vivienne.” He smiles. “But I really need to be going.”

“Oh.” Scarlet says sadly. “Well thank you for listening to me.” She walks him to the door.

“Promise me one thing.” He says.

“What’s that?” She asks.

“That no matter what happens that you will stay here in the guest house.” He says.

“I will as long as you promise me something.” She says.

“Sure, what is it?” He asks.

“That you will come back and see me later tonight.” She says. Reynard smiles.

“I will try my best.” He opens the door and leaves. Vivienne closes the door and smiles. She then turns around and is shocked to see Amanda Winters standing in the living room.

“What are you doing here?” Scarlet asks.

“Me?” Amanda asks. “I was going to ask you the same question.”

“I, I am a friend of Mr. Winters. He’s letting me stay here.” She says.

“Oh is that right?” Amanda asks.

“Yes.” Vivienne says.

“So if I went to Mrs. Winters and told her that you were staying here…” Amanda threatens.

“No! You can’t.” Scarlet says.

“Oh, can’t I?” Amanda says.

“Mr. Winters and Tyler have been very kind to me.” Vivienne says.

“Then I am sure Kendal wouldn’t mind if she knew you were here. Why the big secret?” Amanda asks.

“There is no secret.” Scarlet says.

“Well, from what I heard you are just full of secrets.” Amanda says.

“You were listening to my conversation with Mr. Winters?” Scarlet asks.

“Yeah, I heard everything.” Amanda says. “How do you think your poor mother would react if she knew that you threw her husband off of a balcony and framed her in the process?”

“You bitch!” Scarlet shouts.

“Hey!” Amanda shouts back. “There is no need for name calling. And to think I was going to try and strike a deal with you.”

“A deal?” Scarlet says. “What kind of deal?”

“A deal that will be mutually beneficial.” Amanda smiles.

TO BE CONTINUED…