Previously: Officer Jake Summers mourned the loss of his girlfriend, Alva Vermillion, who was shot and killed during the Miss Blackport Beauty Contest. Summers, along with Alva’s devastated family, took little comfort in the fact that Alva’s alleged assailant, Channing Steele was also found dead the same night. Questions arose as to why Steele would want Alva dead and who would in turn murder Steele. At Mountain View Penitentiary, an unlikely trio formed. Misty Arugula, Sandra Sumac, and Catherine Grey had all been incarcerated for their various crimes and were planning an escape. As part of the plan to break out of their prison, Arugula made a close bond with Warden Trevor Whitehurst, even going as far as seducing him. Whitehurst, in the meantime, was at the Blackport Center for the Performing Arts attending the Blackport Founder’s Day Celebration with his wife, when all hell broke loose. After a net of balloons containing gifts and party favors was released onto the crowd, guests began to pop the balloons. But the excited guests got more than just gifts out of the balloons. Unbeknownst to them, the balloons had been filled with a toxic poison gas and as soon as the gas was released into the air, the guests at the Performing Arts Center began collapsing to the floor. Across town, the housekeeper of the Meadow-Brook Family, Rosa Roja, hadn’t intended on falling asleep. While the Meadow-Brooks were attending the Founder’s Day Celebration, Rosa climbed into bed to watch an old movie on television. Eventually she began to doze off. Rosa awoke at about 10:40 pm and realized that the Meadow-Brooks would be soon be returning from the party. As she hurried downstairs to prepare for the family’s arrival, Rosa was unaware that while she was asleep a stranger had broken into the house and was rummaging through a desk in the family room. Rosa went into the room to start a fire and was startled to find the stranger. Rosa demanded to know who the man was and what he wanted, but the man remained silent. Quickly grabbing a fire place poker, the man broke a sliding glass door in order to make his escape. The man made a hasty exit and on his way out he cut his arm on some broken glass. Rosa rushed to the phone and alerted police. In a board room high atop the Black Towers Hotel, the whole deadly scene at the Founder’s Day Celebration played out on a television monitor. The company behind the development of the deadly poison used in the balloons, PlantCorp, watched with glee as their plan went off without a hitch. Or had it? As the CEO of PlantCorp, Lady Su Sian Lavender, began collecting checks from investors, it became obvious that her plan had not worked out as she had hoped. Some guests at the Founder’s Day Celebration began to wake up.

“Oh, What a Night” Part 2

At Blackport Police Headquarters, Capt. Armand Grigio is sitting at his desk with his head in his hands. A police detective sticks his head in the door of the office and knocks. “Captain.” The detective says. Capt. Grigio looks up at the detective.

“Yeah.” Grigio says gruffly.

“I know it’s been a tough night, with the Founder’s Day mess and all, but I thought you’d like to know that forensics sent up the report on the Vermillion murder.” The detective holds up a folder.

“Just leave it.” Grigio says. The detective enters the office and puts the file on the desk.

“Sir.” The detective says.

“Just leave the report.” Grigio says.

“Yes sir.” The detective turns and leaves the Captain’s office. Grigio looks at the folder.

“I need coffee.” The captain says to himself. He gets up and leaves the office. Outside in the main area of the police station, the detective who brought the file to the captain is talking to a female police officer.

“Grigio’s had it.” The detective says. “I was just in there giving him the Vermillion forensics report and he looked like he was about to cry.”

“It’s been a bad week.” The officer says.

“Yeah, but if he can’t handle the stress…” The detective says, just as Captain Grigio walks up behind him.

“Detective.” Grigio says. The detective’s face turns white. “I would think that with as much crap that is happening in this town tonight you wouldn’t have much time to gossip.”

“I was only…” The detective says.

“I don’t care what you were doing, go to dispatch and see if they can find you something to do with your time.” Grigio growls. “Now.”

“Yes Captain.” The detective says. The police officer mouths the words I'm sorry to him as he leaves.

“Officer Iris, don’t apologize to him.” Grigio says. “And for the record, I wasn’t about to cry.” The captain turns and walks over to a coffee machine. Officer Iris walks over to her desk and sits down. She is greeted by Officer Jacob Summers.

“Hey Iris.” Summers says.

“Summers? What are you doing here?” Iris asks.

“I heard over my scanner about what was going on. With the break-in at the Meadow-Brook place and the Performing Arts Center disaster, I figured you guys could use some help.” Jake says. “I am surprised you aren’t out there.”

“Jake are you sure you should be here. I thought Commissioner Forrest told you to take some time off.”

“He did, but sitting at home was driving me crazy.” Summers says. “I figure there is enough stuff going on here to keep my mind off of what happened to Alva.”

“I never gave you my condolences. I am really sorry.” Iris says. “Alva was a sweet girl.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.” Summers says.

“And I know I shouldn’t be telling you this, but Captain Grigio just got the forensics report on Alva.” She says.

“Really?” Summers asks, he looks over at Captain Grigio’s office door.

Across town at the Pine Cone Inn, Sienna is sitting outside smoking a cigarette when a car quickly pulls into the parking lot. The car pulls into a spot and Alphonse Brunette jumps out. Sienna puts out her cigarette as Brunette rushes by her on the way to his room. Brunette stops at the door of his room and searches in his pockets for the key. “Where’s the fire?” Sienna asks.

“What?” Brunette snaps. He keeps searching for his key. “Damn it.”

“Lose something?” Sienna asks. She gets up and walks over to him.

“My damned room key.” Brunette says. “I know I had it when I left.”

“Maybe it’s in the car.” Sienna says, motioning to the car.

“Maybe.” Brunette says. He turns to face her. “What are you doing out here so late?”

“I just got the baby to sleep and was having a quick smoke.” She says. “You look like you could use a drag yourself.”

“No thanks.” Brunette says. “I just really need to find my damn key.” He turns to go back to the car.

“Your arm.” Sienna says.

“What?” Brunette asks.

“Your arm, you’re bleeding.” Sienna says.

“Oh, it’s nothing.” Brunette says.

“Let me take a look at that, you are losing a lot of blood.” She says. “Take off your coat.” Brunette reluctantly removes his jacket revealing a badly cut arm.

“My god. I think you might need stitches. What happened?” Sienna says.

“I got into a fight.” Brunette says. “You should see the other guy.” He smiles.

“Come on.” Sienna says.

“Where are we going?” Brunette says.

“To clean up that cut.” Sienna says. She pulls him down to her room.

“You really don’t have to do this.” Brunette says.

“It’s ok. I wasn’t doing anything else anyway.” She smiles. They go into her room and close the door.

At the Blackport Center for the Performing Arts, medics, firemen and police are still dealing with the injured people. Kelley Meadow-Brook paces back and forth, waiting for her brother Hunter to come back outside. “Something is wrong.” Kelley says to her mother. “Hunter said he would bring Matthew right out.” She begins to head back into the building.

“Kelley, where are you going?” Jane Meadow-Brook shouts. “John, please stop her.” She yells to John Boddy. Boddy runs to catch up with Kelley as she is about to go inside.

“Kelley, wait.” John says. Kelley stops as she reaches the door. The door opens and Patricia and Rachel Peacock come out. “Mrs. Peacock, where is Matthew?” Peacock doesn’t respond. She slowly walks down the stairs. “Rachel?” Kelley says to Miss Peacock. “What happened? Where is Matthew?”

“He’s dead.” Rachel says matter-of-factly. Kelley collapses into John Boddy’s arms.

“Oh god, no.” Kelley begins to cry. Mrs. Meadow-Brook hurries up the stairs to get to her daughter, just as Hunter comes out of the building.

“Oh, Hunter.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says sadly. She goes over and takes Kelley into her arms.

“It’s my fault!” Kelley cries. “I made Matt come here tonight. If he would have just stayed at home he would still be alive!” She sobs into her mother’s shoulder.

“Hunter, where is Carrie?” Boddy asks.

“They are bringing her out now. She’s not doing well.” Hunter says. John puts his hand on Hunter’s shoulder.

On the lawn, Detective Shauna Garnet is surveying the injured. “The mayor is still inside?” She asks a medic.

“I am afraid so, detective. Everyone else that is inside is dead.” The medic tells her. Garnet swallows hard.

“Winfield.” Garnet whispers, referring to Inspector Winfield Brown. Garnet slowly walks across the lawn, passing Mrs. Peacock and Rachel. Garnet then goes over to the steps of the building as Jane Meadow-Brook helps a distraught Kelley come down. They are followed by medics carrying an unconscious Carrie Bluebell. Garnet climbs the stairs and meets John and Hunter on the landing.

“Detective, I wouldn’t go in there if I were you.” John says.

“I have to.” Garnet says.

“Then we’ll go in with you.” Boddy says. He turns to Hunter. “Hunter, are you alright?” Hunter leans up against a wall. “You look pale.” John says to him.

“I’m ok. I just am a little dizzy.” Hunter says.

“You should probably go with Carrie to the hospital and get yourself checked out.” John says.

“Yeah, I think I will.” Hunter says. He struggles to make it to the steps.

“Do you need help?” John asks.

“No, I will be alright, go inside with the detective.” Hunter says. He grabs the stair railing and slowly goes down the stairs.

“He doesn’t look good.” Garnet says. Hunter recovers and makes his way to the lawn.

“They just took Carrie in an ambulance, Hunter.” Mrs. Meadow-Brook says. “I will take Kelley and meet you at the hospital.”

“Alright, mom.” Hunter says. He grabs his head.

“Are you alright, dear?” She asks.

“Yeah, I will see you at the hospital.” Hunter says. Mrs. Meadow-Brook and Kelley walk to the parking lot.

In the parking lot, the bald man who helped Hunter and John rescue people is talking on his cell phone. “Jules, it’s me.”

“Thank heavens, Ian, are you alright?” Dr. Julia Kell asks.

“I am fine.” Ian Masque says.

“I was so worried when I heard what happened there.” Kell says. “When are you coming home?”

“I am not sure.” Masque tells her. “I still have a lot of unfinished business here.”

“You’re really not keeping to that ridiculous plan of yours are you? You could have died tonight, Ian!” Kell says.

“I have too much left to do.” Ian says. “I have to go.”

“Ian, please reconsider. You don’t have to do this.” Kell says. Marina Popov joins Ian in the parking lot.

“Marina and I have to get to the hospital, they took Diane by ambulance.” Ian says.

“Diane?” Kell says. “Diane Gwen, what the hell is she doing there?”

“She’s my assistant, Jules, I really don’t have time for this.” Ian says. “I will call you later.”

“Ian!” Kell shouts, as Ian hangs up the phone.

“Are you alright?” Ian says to Marina Popov.

“A little shaken up.” Popov says.

“We all are.” He puts his arm around her. “Let’s get to the hospital.” They walk across the parking lot.

Inside the Performing Arts Center, Detective Garnet and John Boddy walk around the auditorium. Garnet says. Medics have covered hundreds of bodies with sheets while hundreds more lie uncovered. “It’s absolutely horrible.”

“Just an hour ago, this room was so full of life.” John says. “It’s a nightmare.”

“Where was the mayor’s table?” Garnet asks.

“Near the stage.” Boddy says. “Over there.” Garnet walks over to the table and sees the body of the Mrs. Madalyn Aubergine.

“Detective, we don’t have to do this.” Boddy says. “Identifying the victims doesn’t have to happen right now.”

“I have to make sure that he’s…” She says. She walks around the table, stepping over balloons and over-turned chairs. “Mayor Aubergine.” She says sadly.

“Mrs. Whitehurst was rushed to Blackport Memorial.” John tells her as she walks over to another table. “Mr. Whitehurst went with her.” Garnet slides a chair out of the way and stops and sees Inspector Brown’s wife lying on the floor. “Janice.” She says. “Oh no, Brown.” She crouches down to the body of her friend and colleague, Inspector Brown. John watches as Garnet closes the Inspector’s eyes. “I swear whoever is responsible for this will pay. I will see to it.” Garnet promises Brown. Boddy looks up at the stage and sees two medics loading Dame Beatrice Mellon’s body into a body bag.

“Now she sings with the angels.” Boddy says solemnly.

Meanwhile, at the Blackport Police Headquarters, Captain Grigio leaves his office in a hurry. He passes Officers Iris and Summers on his way out. “Uh oh. That can’t be good.”

“He just got word that Inspector Brown and Mayor Aubergine are both dead.” A detective says.

“What?” Officer Iris says. A few other officers gather around Iris’ desk. Jake gets up and walks over to Captain Grigio’s office. He looks in and sees the forensic report lying on the captain’s desk. Officer Iris watches him from her desk. Jake looks around and then goes inside the office. He walks over to the desk and picks up the folder. He sees Alva’s name written on the file. Taking a deep breath, he is about to open the file. “What do you think you are doing?” Officer Iris says. Jake turns to see her standing at the door.

“I was just going to take a quick peek.” Jake says.

“I don’t think so.” Iris says. She looks back into the main area of the department and quickly steps in and closes the door behind her. She walks over to Jake and grabs the folder.

“What are you doing?” Jake says. “Give me that.”

“You are not even supposed to be here. If anyone sees you in the captain’s office, you are going to get into trouble.” She says. She opens the folder.

“What are you doing?” Jake says.

“I am going to read it.” She says. She begins flipping through the report. She stops and begins scanning a page.

“Well?” Jake says impatiently.

“Go stand by the door.” Iris says.

“What?” Summers asks.

“In case someone comes.” She says.

“Oh, right.” He crosses the office to the door and keeps an ear out. “Hurry up.”

“Shhhh.” Iris says. She continues flipping pages. Then she stops. “Oh no.”

“What does it say?” Summers asks. Iris looks over at him and then quickly closes the file and puts it back on the desk.

“Let’s go, Jake.” She says. She joins him by the door.

“Iris, what did the report say?” Jake demands.

“It was inconclusive.” She lies.

“You’re lying.” He says. He pushes her aside and goes to the desk.

“Jake, wait.” She says.

“Well then tell me what the report says.” He says reaching out to pick up the file.

“The bullet that killed Alva…” Iris pauses.

“Yeah, what about it?” Jake asks. Iris remains quiet. “Iris! What does it say about the bullet that killed Alva?”

“It says the bullet came from your gun.” Iris says.

“What?” Jake says. He opens the file and begins flipping through the pages. “That can’t be right.”

“Come on, we need to get out of here before Grigio comes back.” Iris says as Jake continues flipping through the pages. He reaches the page containing the information on the bullet found in Alva’s body.

“Oh my god!” Jake says. He drops the report on the floor. “The bullet that killed Alva came from my gun. I killed her!” Jake’s mind flashes back to the night of the Miss Blackport Contest.

FLASHBACK
BLACK TOWERS HOTEL

“Here they are, the contestants vying for the title of Miss Blackport 2008.” Commissioner Forrest can be heard saying from the ballroom. Jake hurries over to the door of the ballroom. He sees the steps that lead up to the balconies. Slowly he climbs the stairs up to the balcony, where Channing Steele readies his gun. As Alva goes to the center of the stage and takes a seat at a piano, Channing takes aim.

“Damn it.” Steele says, realizing that the piano is blocking him from getting a shot at her. As Alva begins her performance, Jake quietly watches from the back of the balcony. Alva finishes her performance and Kirby Canary takes the stage. Jake and Channing both hear the voice of Matthew Steele at the bottom of the balcony stairs. “Damn it.” Steele says. He steps away from the railing of the balcony, missing his chance to take a shot at Kirby, and still unaware that he is not alone. Channing and Jake both listen as Matt has a conversation with Hunter Meadow-Brook. On stage, Kirby finishes her performance and the audience applauds. Jake quietly makes his way closer to Channing Steele, who has positioned himself back at the balcony railing. On stage, Commissioner Forrest begins revealing the results of the Miss Blackport contest.

“Ladies and gentlemen, here are your top three contestants, one of whom will be crowned Miss Blackport 2008! Contestant number four, Miss Mindy Mint. Contestant number eight, Miss Alva Vermillion, and contestant number ten, Miss Kirby Canary.” The audience goes wild. Channing Steele stares at Alva and Kirby intently from the balcony railing. “Alright, Miss Vermillion, please step forward.” Forrest says to Alva. Alva swallows hard and steps forward. Contest judge Paul Mandarin begins to ask Alva why she believes she would make the best choice for Miss Blackport. Alva answers the question and the audience applauds as Channing Steele places his finger on the trigger of his gun. “The judges have reached a decision.” Forrest says, taking the envelope from Warden Whitehurst. “Thank you, sir.” Forrest takes his place onstage as the three young women hold hands, waiting for the results. “And now, I will reveal the name of our second runner-up.” He opens the envelope. “Second runner-up is contestant number four Miss Mindy Mint!” The audience applauds as Mindy is given flowers and escorted of stage. Jake takes out his gun and watches from over Steele’s shoulder, keeping an eye on Steele’s finger on the trigger. “And now, for the winner. Just remember, ladies, first runner-up has a very important duty. If, for any reason the winner can not fulfill her duties as Miss Blackport, the first-runner up will assume the title.” Alva and Kirby hold each other's hands. Channing Steels is about to pull the trigger when Jake ambushes him, knocking the gun from his hand. They begin to struggle. “The first-runner up is…” Forrest says just as Jake’s gun fires a shot. On the stage Alva collapses and someone in the audience screams. Jake sees Alva fall to the stage and Steele sucker punches. Jake hits the floor, a diamond engagement ring falls out of his pocket. Jake struggles to his feet and sees that Steele has recovered his gun. Jake runs to the back of the balcony as Steele fires a shot at him. Jake quickly runs down the stairs. He has just reached the bottom of the stairs when he hears another shot from up in the balcony. Jake runs across the empty lobby of the hotel and out of the main entrance.

END FLASHBACK

“Summers!” Officer Iris shouts. “We have to get out of here.” She opens the door of the office and leaves Jake. A devastated Jake sees Captain Grigio heading back to his office. Jake runs across the office, leaving the report scattered on the floor. Captain Grigio is stopped by Iris so that Jake can get out of the building. “Captain, is it true that Inspector Brown is dead?” Iris asks.

“I am afraid so.” The captain sadly reports. He turns and goes to his office. He sees the papers scattered on the floor. “What the?” He bends down to pick them up. He is just about finished gathering the papers when an officer enters the office.

“Sir.” The officer says.

“What is it now?” Captain Grigio asks.

“I hate to have to tell you this, but there has been a prison break at Mountain View Penitentiary.” The officer says. “Two guards are dead and four prisoners have escaped.”

“Holy hell.” Captain Grigio says. “Could this night get any worse?”

TO BE CONTINUED…