Previously: Two days before the body of a woman is found in the library of the Winters’ Family home in California, Mrs. Miranda Forrest, sister-in-law of Mrs. Kendal Forrest Winters, noticed Kendal’s odd behavior and commented to her husband, Commissioner Glenn Forrest, that things seemed odd around the Winter’s home. Meanwhile, Dr. Richard Dove, rushing to get work, inadvertently picked up an envelope containing photographs of his son Randy in a compromising position with Amanda Winters. Later, when Randy Dove asked Melissa Mustard if she had seen the envelope, Melissa realized that Richard must have grabbed it by mistake. Randy called Amanda at home and told her that his father had the envelope and worried that he would open it and see the incrementing photos. Randy’s fears were soon realized when his father opened the envelope and saw the photographs of Randy and Amanda kissing. Richard quickly called Reynard Winters and took the photos to Reynard’s office. Amanda Winters, in the meantime, came to the hospital to try and steal the photos back, not realizing that Richard had already seen them. In Richard’s office, Amanda didn’t find the envelope she was looking for, however she did find the patient file of Mrs. Elizabeth Peacock-Canary. Amanda couldn’t believe her eyes as she read Elizabeth’s file and learned that Vivienne Scarlet is not the biological child of Elizabeth Peacock-Canary and that Peacock-Canary had purchased Vivienne as an infant off of the black market. Amanda took the case file and quickly left Dove’s office. Melissa Mustard recalled her meeting with Private Investigator Perry Winkle and that she had told Winkle that her once good friend, the late Dr. Justin Olive had assisted Ryder Turchese in the kidnapping of her baby. At Onceblack Studios, Prince “Blanket” Onceblack returned to the soundstage utility closet where he was holding several people hostage. Bringing the hostages food and medical supplies, “Blanket” didn’t realize that his boyfriend Kevin Kale and prostitute Ginger had formulated a plan to ambush him. When the voice of Sister Mary Amethyst distracted “Blanket”, Kevin tackled him, causing “Blanket’s” gun to fire a shot. The sound of the gun shot startled Sister Amethyst, who was outside the utility room door. A few moments later, “Blanket” exited the utility closet and embraced his Aunt Mary. “Blanket” lied to her when she asked about the sound of the gunshot, but “Blanket” was unaware that Sister Amethyst saw some blood smeared on the handle of the utility closet door.

“All the Leaves are Brown, and the Sky is Grey”

FRIDAY 7:33 PM PST

As a dense fog begins to move in over the Los Angeles suburb of White Hill Estates, beams of light from a full moon reflect off of the lake just behind the home of the Winters Family. Inside the house, a lively party celebrating the christening of Reynard Winters and Kendal Winters’ first grandchild is in full swing. But the people attending the celebration have no idea of the horror that has taken place behind the door of the library. The dimly lit room has been temporarily transformed into a nursery with a crib set up in one corner. The crib, however, is empty. The French doors that lead out to the lake have been left open. A light breeze blows the silk curtains that hang on either side of the doors and a trail of muddy footprints lead outside. Across the room is a stone fireplace and the flames of the fire have almost burnt completely out. On an area rug in front of the fireplace is a metal fire poker. But this poker wasn’t used to tend the fire. On the floor next to the poker lies the lifeless body of woman. Clutched in the woman’s hand, is a small plastic bag that contains a fine white powder. On the floor next to the body is a Phantom of the Opera-style half-mask. On a nearby desk is a stack of photographs that show Randy Dove and Amanda Winters in a passionate kiss…

FLASHBACK: ONE DAY AGO 2:17 PM PST

In a hallway of an apartment building, Melissa Mustard waits outside a door. Knocking on the door, Melissa takes a deep breath. A moment later, the door opens and a handsome young man with dark hair answers. “Hello, Andrew.” Melissa says to the man.

“Melissa?” The surprised man says.

“I know you are surprised to see me.” She says. “Can I come in?”

“Uh, yeah sure.” Andrew Olive says. He steps aside and lets Melissa into the apartment.

“How have you been?” Melissa asks as Andrew closes the door.

“Not bad.” He says. “How are you?” Andrew seems a bit nervous.

“I am doing pretty well.” Melissa says, scanning the apartment’s living area.

“So what are you doing back in L.A.?” Andrew asks. “The last I heard you were living on the East Coast.”

“Yeah, I was. I mean, I am.” Melissa says. She sees a photo of Andrew’s brother, the late Justin Olive on the mantle over the fireplace. “I had some loose ends here that I needed to tie up.”

“Right.” Andrew says. “I wish I could invite you to sit down, but I was just about to give mother her lunch.”

“Oh, of course. How is she?” Melissa asks.

“She’s still bedridden, but we’re coping. Naturally, Justin’s suicide didn’t help things.” Andrew says. He looks over at the photo of his brother.

“I am so sorry for your loss.” Melissa says.

“Well thanks, we appreciate that.” Andrew says. “So how long will you be in town?”

“I am not really sure. It all depends.” Melissa says.

“Depends?” Andrew says nervously. “On what?”

“On how long it takes for me to tie up those pesky loose ends.” Melissa smiles.

“Ah. I see.” Andrew says. “You will forgive me, but I have to get mother her lunch.”

“Of course.” Melissa says.

“Maybe we could get together before you leave.” He says.

“That would be nice.” Melissa smiles. Andrew walks her to the door. “Thanks.” She says as he opens it. “Tell your mother that I wish her the best.”

“I will.” Andrew smiles. “Take care, Melissa.”

“You too.” She turns and walks out of the door. Andrew closes the door behind her. Melissa gets to the stairwell, looks back at the door of the Olive’s apartment, and then goes down the stairs. When she reaches the first floor, she takes out her cell phone and dials a number. An answering machine picks up.

“You have reached Perry Winkle Private Eye. Leave a message and we will get back to you.” The message says.

“Mr. Winkle, this is Melissa Mustard. I know you told me at lunch yesterday to let you take care of things, but I let my curiosity get the best of me and I paid a visit to Justin’s mother’s apartment. I talked with Justin’s brother, Andrew, who acted just as nervous as you said he did when you were there. I have the feeling that Andrew knows where Ryder is, or he’s letting him stay there. Call me back when you get this.” Melissa hangs up. In Perry Winkle’s office, a hand reaches out to the answering machine and presses the delete button. In a chair in the center of the office, Perry Winkle is bound and gagged.

“So, are you still going to deny that you were hired by Melissa to find me?” Ryder Turchese says to the frightened Private Investigator. “You don’t have to answer that.” Ryder walks behind the chair and puts a knife to Perry’s throat. Perry tries to beg for his life through the gag. “Now, we can handle this one of two ways.” Ryder says. “I can slit your throat now and you won’t have the chance to tell Melissa anything.” Perry shakes his head. Or you can call Melissa and tell her you’ve reached a dead end and are closing the case.” Perry nods. “I thought you would choose that one.” Ryder takes the knife and cuts the gag off of Perry’s mouth. “Now, listen very carefully, I will tell you exactly what to tell Melissa.” Ryder says.

In his office at Los Angeles County Hospital, Reynard Winters is sitting at his desk. Spread out across the desk are photos of his daughter-in-law, Amanda and his best friend’s son, Randy Dove in a passionate kiss. Reynard’s mind flashes back to the day before when his best friend, Dr. Richard Dove came to his office with the photographs.

FLASHBACK: THE DAY BEFORE
REYNARD WINTER’S OFFICE

Dr. Richard Dove opens the door of Reynard’s office and enters. “Richard?” Reynard says. “What the hell is going on?”

“Here, this should explain a lot.” Richard says, he tosses the envelope of photographs onto Reynard’s desk.

“What’s this?” Reynard asks as he picks up the envelope and opens it. Taking out the photos, Reynard is stunned when he sees Amanda and Randy kissing in the hallway of the Dove’s apartment. “Oh hell.” Reynard says. He tosses the photos onto the desk and sits back in his chair.

“So I take it by your reaction that you didn’t know this was going on.” Richard says, taking a seat across from Reynard.

“Of course I didn’t. Are you crazy?” Reynard says.

“Well, then if you aren’t the one who hired the P.I…” Richard says.

“Jason.” Reynard interrupts.

“I guess your son’s not as naïve as we thought.” Richard says.

“I guess not.” Reynard says. “I wonder how long this has been going on.”

“Who knows? I mean, I will admit that there has been a few times that I knew Randy was “entertaining” in his room. I just had no idea it was Amanda.” Richard says. Reynard sits up and begins to gather the photographs. “What are you doing? Don’t you think we better destroy those?”

“Destroy them?” Reynard asks. “Why the hell would we do that?”

“Well, you aren’t going to give them to Jason, are you?” Richard asks.

“He paid the detective to take them, they’re his.” Reynard says.

“Reynard, you can’t give those photos to Jason.” Richard says.

“Why not. Why shouldn’t I want my son to know that he is married to an adulteress?” Reynard asks.

“I understand you want Amanda out of your family, but you can’t show Jason those photographs.” Richard says again.

“Why the hell not?” Reynard asks.

“Are you forgetting that the man that Amanda is making out with in those pictures is my son?” Richard asks. “If you show those to Jason, he will beat Randy to a pulp.”

“Jason isn’t a violent person, Richard, you know that.” Reynard says.

“True, but how do you think Jason will react when he sees his wife all over Randy?” Richard asks. “Think of what you would do to the guy if you ever caught Kendal kissing another man.”

“Good point.” Reynard says. He sits back in his chair.

“You should probably just give them to me, and I will take care of them.” Richard says.

“I don’t think so.” Reynard says.

“Reynard, be reasonable. There is no point in you keeping these pictures. I mean, you know you can’t show them to Jason, so what other reason do you have for not letting me burn them?” Richard asks. A smile comes over Reynard’s face. “Reynard?” Richard asks. “Reynard, what are you thinking? Why are you smiling that way?”

“I think these photographs are just the thing we need to end this nightmare once and for all.” Reynard says.

“I don’t follow.” Richard says.

“Think about it, Richard.” Reynard says. “The last thing Amanda would want is for Jason to see these photos. I mean they are all the evidence he needs to divorce her and he would not have to pay her a single red cent in alimony.”

“So you are going to blackmail Amanda with them.” Richard smiles.

“But that is not the only upside to having these.” Reynard says.

“It isn’t?” Richard asks.

“Of course not.” Reynard says. “I am sure Randy wouldn’t want Taylor to lay her pretty blue eyes on these either.”

“You’re not suggesting…” Richard says.

“My daughter my not have to be shipped across country after all.” Reynard says. “I am sure if we sat Randy down and told him we had these in our possession, he would be more than willing to end his relationship with Taylor.” Reynard says.

“I am not going to blackmail my own son, Reynard.” Richard says.

“So you are willing to let Randy continue to unknowingly have an incestuous relationship with his younger sister?” Reynard asks. Richard’s shoulders drop. “I didn’t think so.”

END FLASHBACK

Reynard’s mind comes back to the present and he looks over the photographs spread out on his desk. He gathers the photographs into a stack and puts them into the envelope. Grabbing a coat from the back of his chair, Reynard takes the envelope and leaves his office.

As rain clouds begin to roll in over Los Angeles, Sister Mary Amethyst comes out of the spare bedroom of Prince “Blanket” Onceblack's apartment. She enters the dining area and sees a note from “Blanket” on the dining room table. She picks up the note and reads it. “Dear Aunt Mary, I am headed to the funeral parlor to finalize Dad’s burial and I didn’t want to wake you. I should be back in a few hours. “Blanket”.” Amethyst puts the note on the table and turns to go to the kitchen when there is a knock on the door. Sister Amethyst crosses the living room and goes to the door. Opening the door, she is surprised to see an Asian woman standing at the door soaking wet and crying.

“Is Mr. Onceblack here?” The woman asks.

“No, I am afraid he’s not.” Sister Amethyst says. The woman begins to cry harder. “My goodness, are you alright?”

“I’m sorry.” The woman says. “My name is Jun Tan. My brother, Jeffery, is Mr. Onceblack’s assistant.”

“Come in, come in.” Sister Amethyst says. Miss Tan enters the apartment, wiping her cheeks.

“Do you expect Mr. Onceblack soon?” She asks.

“He should be back in a few hours; he is making preparations for his father’s funeral.” Sister Amethyst says. Hearing this sends Miss Tan into hysterics. “My heavens. Come and sit down.” Sister Amethyst helps her to the couch.

“Please forgive me.” Miss Tan says

“What is the matter, my dear?” Sister Amethyst says.

“It’s my brother, Jeffery. He’s been missing for days. I was hoping Mr. Onceblack had seen or heard from him.” Miss Tan says.

“Your brother is missing?” Sister Amethyst asks.

“Yes, he’s disappeared without a trace. It is so unlike Jeffery. My family and I are worried sick.” She says.

At Winterswind, Amanda Winters grabs an umbrella from a stand near the front entrance and quickly exits the house. She crosses the yard to the guest house and unlocks the door. Inside, Vivienne Scarlet is in the shower. Amanda lets herself into the guest house, shakes of the umbrella, puts it by the door and goes to the bathroom. “You know, I am surprised you are still here.” Amanda announces as she enters the steam-filled bathroom.

“Holy crap!” Vivienne shouts. “Amanda? Is that you? You scared me half to death.” She peaks out from behind the shower curtain. “What the are you doing here?”

“I have something I need to talk to you about.” Amanda says.

“Well, can it wait until I am out of the shower?” Scarlet asks.

“It’s been almost thirty years. I guess a few more minutes won’t matter.” Amanda mutters.

“What?” Scarlet asks.

“Hurry up. I will be in living room.” Amanda says.

“Great.” Scarlet says. She rinses off her body and turns off the water. In the living room, Amanda takes a seat on the couch. A minute later, Vivienne comes out of the bathroom, dressed in a red bathrobe. “So, what do you want, Amanda?”

“Hey, what’s with the attitude?” Amanda asks.

“I did what you wanted me to do.” Scarlet says. “I don’t see why you have to keep coming here and bothering me.”

“Oh, I am so sorry that I am bothering you. Maybe you would like for Kendal to be the one in here bothering you. Why is she letting you stay here anyway?” Amanda asks.

“She isn’t.” Vivienne says. “Reynard told her I was just some random girl that Jason was hooking up with in here. Kendal still doesn’t know that I’ve been staying here. And I’d like to keep it that way, if you don’t mind.”

“Just how long are you planning on staying here, anyway? Amanda asks.

“I haven’t really thought about it.” Scarlet says.

“So you are just going to stay here mooching off of Reynard and his money?” Amanda says.

“According to Tyler, that’s what you’ve been doing for years.” Scarlet smiles.

“Very funny.” Amanda says.

“Is this really all you wanted, Amanda? To sit here and ask me how long I am planning on staying here?” Scarlet asks.

“Not really. In fact, I was also wondering if you knew that your mother was seeing a shrink.” Amanda says.

“What?” Scarlet asks. “What are you talking about?”

“Apparently, your mother is a patient of a local psychiatrist.” Amanda says.

“And how do you know that?” Scarlet asks.

“How I found out isn’t important. What I found out is the important part.” Amanda says.

“And what is it that you found out?” Vivienne asks.

“I guess I could tell you.” Amanda says. “Or I could just let you read it for yourself.” She reaches inside her trench coat and takes out Elizabeth Peacock-Canary's file from Dr. Richard Dove’s office. “Here.” Vivienne suspiciously takes the file from Amanda.

“How did you get this?” Vivienne asks.

“I went to Dr. Dove’s office looking for something when I stumbled across it.” Amanda says. “I should probably leave you alone so you can read it. It’s really quite fascinating.” Amanda stands up from the couch, as Vivienne looks down at the file in her hand. “Enjoy.” Amanda says. She walks to the door and grabs the umbrella. Opening the door, Amanda is surprised that Reynard Winters is standing outside the door.

“Amanda?” Reynard asks. “What are you doing here?”

“Actually, I was just leaving.” She says. She opens the umbrella and pushes her way past Reynard. Reynard watches as she runs across the yard and back into the house.

“Are you alright?” Reynard asks Miss Scarlet, as he closes the door.

“Yeah, I am fine.” Scarlet says. Reynard takes off his wet coat and puts it over a chair.

“What did she want?” Reynard asks.

“Oh you know Amanda, she just wanted to come in here, exchange insults, ask me how long I am planning on living off of your kindness and give me this.” Scarlet says.

“What’s that?” Reynard asks.

“Apparently, my mother has been seeing a psychiatrist while she’s been here. Amanda somehow got her file from the doctor’s office.” She tells Reynard.

“Can I see that?” Reynard asks.

“Sure.” She hands him the file. “I am going to get dressed.” She gets up from the couch and leaves the room. Reynard looks at the file and immediately recognizes Dr. Richard Dove’s name.

“Amanda stole this from Richard’s office.” Reynard says.

Back at “Blanket’s” apartment, Sister Mary Amethyst has made Jun Tan a cup of tea. The two women are sitting on the couch when there is another knock on the door. “Excuse me.” Sister Amethyst says. She gets up and goes to the door. Opening the door, Sister Amethyst is surprised to see two police officers and a woman in a brown suit standing at the door. “May I help you?” Sister Amethyst asks.

“I am Detective Russet with the Los Angeles Police Department. Is Prince Onceblack here?” The woman says.

“No, I am afraid not, detective.” Sister Amethyst says. “Is there something wrong?”

“May we come in?” Detective Russet asks.

“Yes, of course.” Sister Amethyst says. She lets the detective and the two officers enter the apartment.

“And you are?” Detective Russet asks Sister Amethyst.

“Mary Amethyst.” She answers. “I am “Blanket’s”, er, Prince’s aunt.”

“Are you expecting Mr. Onceblack anytime soon?” The detective asks. Sister Amethyst looks over at Miss Tan.

“Well, I can’t be sure. He left early this morning.” Amethyst says.

“You told me he would be back in a few hours.” Miss Tan stands up.

“And you are?” Detective Russet asks Miss Tan.

“Jun Tan.” Miss Tan says. “My brother, Jeffery works for Mr. Onceblack at the studio.”

“Detective, forgive me, but has Prince done something wrong?” Sister Amethyst asks.

“That’s why we are here. My partner, Detective Oleander was found shot to death outside a local hospital late yesterday.” Russet says.

“Oh my heavens.” Mary Amethyst says. “I am so sorry. But I don’t see what that has to do with my nephew.”

“My partner was working on the case of a missing woman, a Miss Vivienne Scarlet.” The detective says.

“Vivienne is missing?” Sister Amethyst asks. “Gracious me.”

“We know that Miss Scarlet and Mr. Onceblack are half-siblings. We just really need to speak to Mr. Onceblack.” Detective Russet says.

“I can try calling him on his mobile phone. It will take a moment for me to find the number.” Amethyst says.

“That would be helpful. Thank you.” Detective Russet says. Sister Amethyst leaves to go and call “Blanket”, leaving the detective and Miss Tan alone.

“Detective, you said that Mr. Onceblack’s sister is missing.” Miss Tan says.

“Yes, that is correct.” She says.

“My brother, Jeffery is also missing, no one has heard from him in days.” Miss Tan says.

“I am sorry, Miss Tan.” The detective says. She turns away from her and goes to one of the officers. “Put an APB out on Mr. Onceblack.” The officer nods. Miss Tan overhears and begins to cry again.

Outside, as the rain pummels the streets, “Blanket” Onceblack pulls up in front of his apartment building. He sees two police cars parked nearby. “Oh no.” “Blanket” says, as his phone rings. “Hello.” He answers quickly.

“Where are you?” Sister Amethyst asks.

“Aunt Mary? Didn’t you get my note?” “Blanket” says, trying to act calm.

“Don’t give me that “Blanket”.” She whispers. “There is a detective and two officers here looking for you. The detective said her partner was found murdered outside a hospital yesterday.”

“He died?” “Blanket” asks.

“What have you done, “Blanket”?” Sister Amethyst asks.

“Nothing, I swear.” “Blanket” lies.

“Well, I hope for your sake you are telling the truth and this is some big misunderstanding. They are asking questions about Vivienne and your assistant’s sister is here.” Amethyst tells him.

“What is she doing there?” He asks.

“Right now, she is telling them that her brother has been missing for days.” Sister Amethyst says.

TO BE CONTINUED…