Previously: After escaping from Mountain View Penitentiary, Misty Arugula and Catherine Grey fled to a deserted house on an island across Blackport harbor. While at Blackport Memorial Hospital, Marina Popov was in the emergency room waiting for Ian Masque to come from visiting his assistant, Diane Gwen. Popov grew tired of waiting and told a nurse to let Ian know she was leaving. Popov went outside, but was stopped by Patrick Plum, who offered her a ride. Popov reluctantly agreed, but as they were about to leave, Darcy Puce rushed out of the emergency room and told Patrick that her sister, Kelsey had died. Marina Popov went back into the hospital to call a cab when a nurse told her that she had gone to Diane Gwen’s room to relay the message to Ian, but he was not there. The nurse told Marina that Masque had never even gone to Diane’s room to see her. The next morning, Emily Peach awoke in her hospital bed to an odd clicking sound. Emily was surprised to see a woman sitting by a window, playing with a heart-shaped locket around her neck. Emily immediately recognized the woman as being Amber Amber, a former classmate that had been found murdered several years earlier. The woman explained that she was not Amber, but she was in fact, Amber’s sister, Allison. Allison explained to Emily that she had come to town to investigate the events that led to the death of her sister and the investigation brought her to Emily. Across town, at the Pine Cone Inn, Alphonse Brunette received a call from Pearl Ivory. Ivory told Brunette that Sienna and her baby had shown up at Ivory’s Boarding House the night before. Later, at the boarding house, Sienna explained to Brunette that her boyfriend had escaped from prison and was going to take her and the baby on the run with him. Knowing that being on the run was no life for her child Sienna fled her room at the motel and came to the boarding house. Pearl Ivory shocked Alphonse Brunette when she offered to let Sienna and her son stay there. Brunette’s shock soon turned to concern when he saw another tenant of the boarding house come down the stairs. Allison Amber, joined them in the living room, and commented to Pearl how kind Pearl’s mother, Opal had been to give her a room. Brunette immediately recognized her as Amber’s sister. Allison then expressed her condolences over the loss of Opal Ivory in the Founder’s Day Massacre. Pearl introduced Allison to Sienna. But before she could introduce Alphonse, he interrupted and introduced himself as “Al”, which confused both Sienna and Pearl. Brunette then asked Allison what had brought her to Blackport, and without hesitation, Allison said she had come to town looking for answers.

“Breathtaking Views and Alarming News”

As a crisp morning air blows, Ian Masque stands on the docks looking out across Blackport Harbor. Directly across the water from him is a desolate structure situated on a small island. “Magnificent, isn’t it?” A woman says to Ian.

“Absolutely breathtaking.” He responds. He turns and smiles at the woman.

“Mr. Masque?” The woman asks.

“Miss Appleby?” He asks.

“Yes.” She responds.

“Please, call me Ian.” He says. He turns his attention back to the house across the harbor. The woman steps up next to him.

“The launch is just over there.” Lydia Appleby says, motioning to a small motorboat.

“Fantastic.” Ian smiles. “I can’t wait to see it up close.” They walk over to the boat launch.

“Before we head over to the island, I want to remind you that the Foxglove family hasn’t lived in the house for quite sometime.” She says.

“I’ve done my research on the property, Miss Appleby.” Masque says.

“Have you?” She asks. “Well, I just wanted to make sure that you know that the house hasn’t been tended to for years.” Ian climbs into the motorboat and extends his hand to help Lydia.

“I understand.” He smiles. Miss Appleby steps into the boat.

At the same time, inside the deserted Foxglove mansion, Misty Arugula is asleep on a red velvet sofa. Next to her on a dusty end table is the envelope Sandra Sumac gave her. “This place is incredible.” Catherine Grey says as she descends an ornate staircase. Arugula opens her eyes. “I didn’t mean to wake you.” Grey says as she joins Arugula.

“It’s alright.” Misty says, sitting up on the couch. “What time is it?” She asks.

“About ten thirty.” Catherine says. “I can’t believe you slept down here. You realize that there are at least seven bedrooms up there, right?”

“Yeah.” Arugula says. “And I see you raided someone’s closet.”

“You should see the clothes that are up there.” Grey says. “Designer dresses and shoes. Whoever lived here sure had money.” She walks over to a window and pulls back the curtain.

“I could do with a change of clothes myself. This prison orange just isn’t my color.” Arugula says. She stands up.

“Look at this view. It’s beautiful. And it’s even better from the second floor.” Grey says.

“I am glad you like it. This place is the perfect hideout for us. At least it is until I figure out the next step.” Arugula says. “It’s desolate and remote. And by the looks of things, no one has been here for ages.”

“Until now.” Grey says. “Seems we’re about to have company.”

“What?” Arugula says, hurrying over to the window. They see the motorboat with Ian Masque and Miss Appleby pulling up to the dock. “Who the hell is that?”

“I don’t know, but I think they are coming in.” Grey says, stepping away from the window.

“We have to hide.” Arugula says. She grabs a dusty sheet from an armchair. “Help me with this.” Grey hurries over and helps her recover the couch. “Come on.” Arugula says. The women hurry to a door under the staircase.

“Where are we going?” Grey asks.

“Looks like a basement.” Arugula says. The women step into the door and close it, just as the front door of the house opens.

“Here we are.” Lydia Appleby says. She lets Ian Masque enter before her. “Feel free to look around.”

“I will thanks.” Ian says. He crosses the foyer and enters the dining hall. Miss Appleby follows him inside.

“I have information on the house here in my briefcase.” Lydia says, walking over to the dusty dining table. She puts the briefcase onto the table and opens it. “All of the furnishings are included.”

“Fantastic.” Masque says. He goes over to a china hutch and looks at the decade’s old china still encased in the hutch. “It’s almost like time here has been standing still.”

“I have some information you might find interesting.” Miss Appleby says, taking a sheet from her briefcase. “In 1873, the Foxgloves rebuilt the original Baroque-style 18th-century mansion as a harmoniously proportioned Romantic palace. A new two-storey wing was erected to which a tower was joined. The Foxglove coat of arms is featured on the mansion’s facade just above the main entrance. The walls and ceiling of the hall are covered with carved wooden paneling. The chandeliers and the fireplaces are also original to the house.” She reads. In the stairwell that leads to the basement, Catherine and Misty try to listen.

“I think that man is going to by this place.” Grey says. She cracks open the door to try and get a better listen.

“Careful.” Arugula whispers.

“Would you like to see the upstairs?” Miss Appleby asks Ian.

“Definetly.” He says. They step out of the dining hall and into the foyer.

“There are nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms.” Appleby says as they go upstairs.

“What now?” Grey asks Arugula.

“We can’t risk going out there.” She says. “We’ll just have to wait until they leave…Oh no.”

“What? What’s wrong?” Grey asks.

“The envelope Sandra gave me to give to her daughter.” Arugula says.

“What about it?” Grey asks.

“I left it on the table by the couch.” Arugula says.

Meanwhile, across the country in White Hills Estates, California, Blackport’s Police Commissioner Glenn Forrest is standing in the driveway of Winterswind talking to a police detective. Yellow crime scene tape has been stretched out around the perimeter of the house. Miranda Forrest, is at the gate of Winterswind, trying to get a police officer to let her inside. “Thank you detective.” Commissioner Forrest says to the detective. He sees his wife talking to the officer. “It’s alright.” Forrest tells the officer. The officer lifts the tape and allows Miranda to enter.

“This is a nightmare.” Miranda says.

“I know.” Forrest says. “Did you get the kids settled at the hotel?”

“Yes, they are resting, and later they are going to go to the pool.” Miranda says. “Do the police have any idea who killed Amanda?” She asks.

“Not yet.” He tells her.

“And what about J.R.?” Miranda asks.

“They have no idea. They’ve issued an AMBER Alert.” Forrest says solemnly.

“I can’t imagine what Jason is feeling. I can’t imagine what it must be like to lose a child.” Miranda says, just as Forrest’s cell phone begins to ring. He takes the cell phone from his belt and looks at the display. “It’s Jennifer.” He says. “Hello.”

“Dad.” Jennifer Forrest Redmond, Glenn and Miranda’s daughter says.

“Hey, sweetie.” Forrest says.

“Dad, is Mom with you?” Jennifer says.

“She’s right here.” Forrest says, noticing that Jennifer sounds upset. “What’s wrong?” He asks. Miranda comes closer to him.

“You haven’t seen the news, have you?” Jennifer asks.

“No, we’ve got some things going on here…” Forrest says.

“Dad, last night at the Performing Arts Center, during the Founder’s Day party, there was an attack.” Jennifer says.

“An attack?” Forrest says. Miranda’s eyes widen.

“They aren’t calling it a terrorist attack yet, but Dad, a lot of people died.” Jennifer says.

“Oh God.” Forrest says.

“Dad, Wayne is gone.” She says, starting to cry. Forrest grabs Miranda’s hand. “We were all at the Performing Arts Center, Walter,Wayne and I. And Wayne didn’t make it.” Jennifer cries. Forrest’s face turns white.

“Glenn what is it?” Miranda asks. “What’s happened?” Forrest lowers his cell phone.

“Wayne. He’s gone.” Forrest tells Miranda.

“What?” She asks. “Gone?”

“He died last night.” Forrest says.

“No.” Miranda says. She collapses into her husband’s arms.

Back in Blackport, at Ivory’s Boarding House, Sienna expresses her gratitude for being able to stay at the boarding house. “Thank you!” Sienna says. “Thank you so much.” Alphonse Brunette sees Allison Amber walking down the stairs.

“Hello.” Allison smiles. “Miss Ivory, I saw today’s paper. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about the loss of your mother.”

“Thank you, Miss…I’m sorry, I forgot your name.” Pearl Ivory apologizes.

“Oh, I am Allison, Allison Amber.” She says.

“Right.” Pearl says. “Well, Allison, this is Sienna Fallow.”

“Hello.” Sienna says.

“Hello.” Allison smiles.

“And this is…” She is about to introduce Brunette when he interrupts.

“I’m Al.” Brunette says. Sienna and Ivory give Brunette a confused look.

“It’s nice to meet you, Al.” Allison says, extending her hand.

“Likewise.” He says.

“Have you been in Blackport long?” Sienna asks.

“Only a few days.” Allison says.

“And what brings you to our fair town?” Brunette asks.

“It’s complicated, but I am on a quest.” Allison says.

“A quest?” Sienna asks. “A quest for what?”

“Answers.” Allison says, looking straight at Brunette, just as the doorbell rings.

“I’ll get that.” Brunette says, turning quickly from Allison’s icy stare. He opens the door. “Mindy?” Brunette says upon seeing Mindy Mint on the doorstep. “What are you doing here?” He steps aside and lets the girl enter.

“Mindy are you alright?” Pearl asks her.

“I don’t really know.” Mindy says.

“Here come sit down.” Pearl says. “You’re shaking like a leaf.”

“What’s wrong, Mindy?” Brunette asks.

“This seems like a personal matter.” Allison says. “I will leave you alone.” She goes upstairs.

“Mindy.” Pearl says. “What’s going on?” Allison stands at the top of the stairs listening.

“After you left the motel Alphonse, the police came.” Mindy says.

“The police?” Pearl asks. She looks over at Brunette.

“What did they want?” Brunette asks.

“They are looking for my mom.” Mindy says.

“You’re mom?” Brunette says.

“Mindy isn’t your mother in Mountain View?” Pearl asks.

“She was.” Mindy says.

“What do you mean was?” Brunette asks.

“She and three other inmates broke out last night.” Mindy says. Pearl and Alphonse look at Sienna who is on the floor playing with her baby.

“Rodrigo and Mindy’s mother broke out of prison together?” Sienna asks.

“Who is Rodrigo?” Mindy asks.

“He’s my boyfriend. He was locked up in Mountain View too. He called me last night and told me he had escaped and was coming to the motel to get me and Sepia.” Sienna says.

“This is crazy.” Mindy says. “The police acted like I knew where my mom was and wasn’t telling them. I bet they even followed me here.” Brunette goes to the window and looks outside.

“It’s ok.” Pearl says, putting her hand on Mindy’s arm. “Alphonse, get away from that window. I am sure the police didn’t follow Mindy here.”

“I swear I have no idea where my mother is.” Mindy says putting her head on Pearl’s shoulder.

At the Foxglove mansion, Ian Masque and Lydia Appleby are in the living room. “So, what do you think?” Appleby asks. Catherine and Misty are listening from the cellar stair well.

“I love it.” Ian says. “I absolutely love it and I am prepared to make an offer.”

“Already?” Appleby asks, somewhat surprised.

“Yes. I must have this house.” Ian says looking up at the ceiling. “It is just perfect.”

“Well, I guess we better go back to my office and start on the paperwork.” She says.

“Great.” Ian says. Appleby grabs her briefcase and they cross the living room to the foyer. She opens the front door as Ian takes one last look and smiles.

“Ready?” She asks.

“Yes.” He says. They leave, closing the door behind them. Misty and Catherine carefully open the cellar door and step out. They can hear the sound of the boat’s motor fading away. Grey goes over to the window and looks out.

“They’re gone.” She says. Misty sits down on the couch, causing a cloud of dust to fly up from the dust covered sheet.

“That man is going to buy this place.” Misty says. “That doesn’t give us much time to figure out what we are going to do.”

“I wish I had money like that.” Grey says. “What do you figure a place like this would sell for?”

“I can’t even imagine.” Misty says. She sees the envelope lying on the table.

“Well without money, we aren’t going to get very far.” Catherine says. She heads to the staircase.

“Where are you going?” Misty asks.

“To take a nap.” Catherine says. She climbs the stairs. Misty leans back on the sofa and looks at the ornate chandelier hanging over her.

“And to think, I could have had a house like this at one time.” She says to herself. She reaches over and picks up the letter that Sandra Sumac gave her. “I wonder what this is all about.” She opens the envelope and takes out the letter Sumac wrote to her daughter Jessie and begins reading. “No freaking way.” Arugula says as she continues reading. “Oh Sandra.” She puts the letter down and sits for a moment. “I can’t believe this.” Folding the letter, Misty stands up and crosses the living room to the staircase. “Catherine, you’re never going to believe this.” She says as she climbs the stairs.

TO BE CONTINUED…