Previously: John Boddy received a call from his cousin Vivienne Scarlet. Scarlet told John she was returning to Blackport the next day and asked if he could send a car to pick her up from the airport. John was excited to hear his cousin would be returning home from L.A. Meanwhile, another of John’s cousins, Emily Peach also returned home. Dr. Paul Mandarin drove Emily back to Tudor Manor after she was released from Blackport Memorial Hospital. Emily’s mother Coral was delighted to have her daughter back home safe and sound. Outside her family’s house, Pearl Ivory was investigating the strange clicking sound she had heard coming from behind the garage, unaware that Sienna Fallow was inside the garage just steps away struggling to live. Sienna had been overtaken by exhaust fumes while she was waiting for Allison Amber to drive her to the Pine Cone Inn. At the same time, Alphonse Brunette was down the street talking on his cell phone to his daughter, Yvette. Yvette told Brunette that her mother Corrine had arranged for her to meet with a mysterious group of people. Yvette was concerned that Corrine had an involvement in the Founder’s Day Massacre. When Brunette returned to Ivory’s Boarding House, he was shocked when Allison Amber told him that Sienna had been locked in the garage in the running car. Brunette then helped Pearl rescue Sienna from the car. Pearl started to perform CPR on Sienna who was barely breathing. Hunter Meadow-Brook came home and slipped a fake letter from his mother’s housekeeper Rosa into a stack of mail. Jane Meadow-Brook got the phony letter stating that Rosa had gone to Spain to care for her ailing sister. When Jane suggested that she try giving Rosa’s sister a call in Spain, Hunter panicked. To try and cover his deceit, Hunter convinced Jane to wait a while before calling. Alphonse, Pearl, Allison and Mindy Mint, waited nervously as paramedics worked on Sienna, who did not survive. They were devastated to learn that Sienna had died from inhalation of carbon monoxide. When Allison explained to Alphonse why she had left Sienna in the garage, Alphonse blamed Allison for Sienna’s death. Meanwhile, Yvette Brunette met with her mother outside the west gate of the Black Estate. Corrine told Yvette that they needed to wait for a signal before it was safe to enter the compound. Once they got the signal, Yvette followed her mother to the Black Family Mausoleum where the women traveled down a secret passage to a room deep below the estate. Once inside, Corrine introduced Yvette to Veronica Sable, who thanked Yvette for her help in saving the lives of many people at the Founder’s Day Party. The women were then joined by François Sarcelle, Ian Masque and Marina Popov.

“The Cryptic Meeting” Part 2

A constant, steady dripping noise echoes through a dungeon-like room. In a dark corner of the cold and damp prison sits Jessie Sumac, her hands tied together behind her back. Across town, in a similar room deep below the Black Estate, Yvette Brunette, Corrine Canary, Veronica Sable, Ian Masque, François Sarcelle and Marina Popov have assembled around a large table. Sarcelle looks at his watch.

“How much longer should we wait?” Sarcelle asks Veronica Sable.

“We’re all not here yet.” Sable says.

“Well, I think we should just get started without the others.” Sarcelle says. “I know Miss Brunette has a lot of questions.” He smiles at Yvette.

“I don’t think starting before everyone else gets here would be a good idea.” Ian Masque says.

“I agree.” Marina Popov says.

“Are you cold?” Sarcelle asks Yvette.

“I am fine.” She says. “Just nervous.”

“There is nothing to be nervous about.” Sarcelle assures her. “Everything will be explained soon.”

Meanwhile, Allison Amber has just entered Blackport Memorial Hospital. She quickly walks past an information desk. “Excuse me.” The woman behind the desk says. “Ma’am. Excuse me.” Allison stops. “I’m sorry, but visiting hours are over. You can’t go upstairs.” The woman tells her.

“I understand you have rules, but someone just passed away and I need to see my friend.” Allison says as the elevator doors open and Jonathan Green steps out. He listens as the woman and Allison talk.

“I’m sorry, but no visitors are allowed after 8 p.m.” The woman says. Allison walks over to the desk, all the while she is fidgeting with the locket around her neck.

“Please, Emily is the only person I know in town. Her family’s name is on the damn hospital!” Allison shouts. Jonathan comes over to them.

“I am sorry about your loss, but I am afraid I cannot let you upstairs.” The woman insists.

“I am sorry to interrupt, but were you here to visit Emily Peach?” Jonathan asks Allison.

“Yes, but this woman won’t let me upstairs.” Allison says.

“It is past visiting hours and only relatives can stay with patients.” The woman says. Allison gives her a dirty look.

“If it helps, Emily was released this afternoon. She isn’t here anymore.” Green says.

“She’s gone?” Allison says.

“”Yes, Paul Mandarin took her back to Tudor Manor a little while ago.” Jonathan says.

“Tudor Manor?” Allison asks. “Thank you.” Allison hurries out of the hospital.

On a private plane, a flight attendant pours a glass of wine for Lady Su Sian Lavender who is talking on an airplane telephone to Mai Le. “So you still have not heard from Arthur?” Lavender asks Mai Le.

“Not a peep.” Mai Le says. “And all of the investors have checked out of the Black Towers.”

“I wonder where the hell Bronze could be. It is just like him to leave me to do damage control.” Lavender says.

“I wish you would have let me come to New York with you.” Mai Le says.

“No, you need to stay there. It would look suspicious if you missed Alva's funeral. And we don’t need any more questions being raised.” Lavender says.

“I guess you’re right.” Mai Le says.

“Will you let me know if you see or hear from Arthur?” Lavender asks.

“Sure.” Mai Le says. They hang up. Lavender reaches over to the seat next to her and picks up a box. She opens the box and reveals the Lavender Lynx Diamond.

“I don’t understand how it could have gone so wrong. No one was supposed to survive the demonstration.” She says. “At least I still have you.” She says referring to the Lavender Lynx.

In the room deep below the Black Estate, François Sarcelle has started to pace. “François come and sit down.” Marina Popov says.

“This is ridiculous.” Sarcelle says, just as part of a wall opens up. “Finally.” Sarcelle says.

“Sorry, I am late.” Gavin Gold says.

“It’s about time.” Sarcelle says. “Where have you been?”

“It’s a long story.” Gavin says. “What are they doing here?” He asks, referring to Yvette and Corrine.

“Miss Brunette had some questions and concerns.” Sarcelle says.

“Oh yeah?” Gavin says. “So when I had questions and concerns, I was just told to shut up, but the pretty girl has questions and is all of a sudden invited to a meeting?”

“Miss Brunette helped us immensely.” Veronica Sable says.

“Like I didn’t?” Gavin says.

“No one is saying that, Gavin.” Ian Masque says.

“Not in so many words maybe.” Gavin says.

“Gavin, please, just come and sit down.” Marina Popov says. “You too François.” Gavin and Sarcelle take seats at the table.

“So, where’s the big man?” Gavin asks.

“He’s not here yet either.” Sarcelle says.

“Well, I can’t stay long.” Gavin says.

“Oh can’t you?” Veronica Sable asks.

“As a matter of fact, no I can’t.” Gold says.

“And what is so pressing that you have to run off before he gets here?” Veronica Sable asks.

“Well if you must know, Jessica Sumac disappeared.” Gavin says. “And Kimberly Brown is freaking out. She’s already trying to cope with the deaths of Rhoit Saffron, Alva and her parents. And I told her I would help her look for Jessie.”

“I understand you wanting to help the Brown girl…” Veronica Sable says.

“If you say that those people’s deaths were a necessary part of this whole thing, I am leaving.” Gavin says.

“That’s enough!” A voice echoes into the room. They all turn to see Arthur Bronze has joined them.

“Arthur.” Veronica Sable says. “Thank goodness. Maybe you can talk some sense into this boy.”

“Who are you calling a boy?” Gavin shouts.

“Gavin that is enough!” Bronze says. He comes over and places a box on the table.

“You know as well as I do that we could have done more to prevent any of this from happening.” Gavin says.

“We did everything we could do. Our resources are limited.” Bronze says.

“You don’t have to explain anything to him.” Veronica Sable says.

“Oh that’s right. I forgot that the only person who deserves any kind of explanation is the bimbo over there.” Gavin says.

“Hey!” Corrine Canary shouts at Gavin.

“Mom, it’s alright, he’s just upset.” Yvette says.

“Gavin apologize to Mrs. Canary and Miss Brunette immediately.” Bronze demands.

“Fine and then I am leaving.” Gavin stands up from the table. “I am sorry you’re daughter is a bimbo.”

“You son of a…” Corrine says.

“Mrs. Canary, please.” Baron Bronze says.

“I’m out of here.” Gavin turns and walks toward the door leading to a passage way. He turns back to Yvette. “I hope you get all the answers you are looking for.” He says to Yvette. He then turns and runs into a man standing in the dark passage way. Gold backs up and swallows hard. “Sorry.”

“Take a seat, Mr. Gold.” The man says.

“Who is that?” Yvette whispers to Corrine.

“The leader of this happy group.” Corrine says. Gavin quickly turns and takes a seat at the table. The man enters the room and steps into the light. Yvette can’t believe her eyes when she sees the man’s face.

“You’re the one behind all of this?” Yvette asks the man.

“Hello, Yvette.” Reginald Cyngen Ash says.

In her room at Tudor Manor, Emily Peach is standing at the window looking out at Rainbow Lake, when there is a knock on the door. “Come in.” Emily says. The door opens and John Boddy enters.

“Hey.” John says. Emily turns from the window and smiles. “How are you feeling?”

“John.” Emily says. “I am alright.” They embrace. “Glad to be home.” Emily goes over and sits on the bed. “How are you holding up?”

“Me?” John asks. He comes and takes a seat next to her on the bed.

“Yes, you.” Emily says. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard about what happened last week. You had put so much work into Founder’s Day too. Does anybody have any idea who would do such a thing?”

“The federal government has agents here in town, but honestly, Em, I don’t think they will find out who is behind it.” John says.

“You have to have faith, John.” Emily says, grabbing his hand. John smiles.

“I am so glad you’re home.” John says.

Outside the main gate of Tudor Manor, Alphonse Brunette is sitting in his car playing with his cigarette lighter.

Click…Click…Click…Click

He watches as Allison Amber gets out of a taxi cab and hurries up the driveway. At the Black Towers Hotel, Kim Brown is sitting in the lobby with her cell phone up to her ear. “Come on, Gavin, pick up.” She says.

Back at Tudor Manor, Blanche White is sitting in the lounge having some tea when the doorbell rings. “Who in the world could that be?” She exits the lounge and crosses the hall to the front door. Opening the door, Mrs. White sees Allison. “May I help you?”

“Hello. Is Emily here?” Allison asks.

“Yes, but she has just come home after a long stay in hospital. She is resting in her room.” Mrs. White says.

“May I see her?” Allison asks.

“My daughter is just getting settled.” Coral Black says from the hall. “You will have to come back tomorrow.”

“I am sorry.” Mrs. White says. She closes the door, leaving Allison standing on the doorstep. “I am going to see Emily one way or another.” Allison says to herself. She begins to open and close the locket around her neck.

CLICK…CLICK…CLICK…CLICK

“Who was that young woman, Blanche?” Coral asks.

“I don’t know Miss Black.” Mrs. White says. “She just said she wanted to see Emily.”

At the table in the room under the Black’s Mausoleum, Gavin Gold’s cell phone rings. “Turn it off.” Arthur Bronze says to Gavin. Gavin reaches into his pocket and silences his phone.

“I am sorry I kept you all waiting, but I had a hard time getting away from the manor.” Mr. Ash says. “I am glad you all could make it.” He reaches down under the table and picks up a briefcase. He puts the briefcase next to the box Arthur Bronze put on the table earlier. Ash opens the briefcase and takes out a stack of folders. “The main reason I called this meeting was because Miss Brunette here was confused and concerned about our mission. Here is some information that you may find useful.” Ash hands the stack of folders to Veronica Sable. “Veronica will you please pass those out?” Sable nods and begins to pass out the folders. “Thank you.” Yvette takes a folder and sees that it is labeled “G.E.N. Revised 11/08 - The PlantCorp Files”. “The information in these files is very detailed and sensitive. I would be a fool if I didn’t warn you to guard the information in them with your lives.” Yvette opens the folder and begins to skim through. “Miss Brunette.” Ash says. “Now we would like to address your questions and concerns.” Yvette closes the folder and sits up in her chair.

“Alright.” Yvette says. “Where do I start?”

“What is the biggest question you have for us?” Ash asks.

“Oh that’s easy.” Yvette says. “What the hell is going on?”

“Arthur, would you like to address that one?” Ash asks.

“I can try.” Bronze says. “The people assembled here tonight, as well as a few others who are not in Blackport, are members of an organization known as G.E.N.”

“What is G.E.N.?” Yvette asks.

“The Guardian Elixir Network.” Bronze says. “The Guardian Elixir is the antidote to the deadly poison that was released onto the citizens of Blackport at the Founder’s Day Celebration last weekend. Mr. Sarcelle.”

“The antidote was mixed into bottles of champagne that you and several others served to a specific number of guests at the party.” Sarcelle says. “The antidote is also what kept those of us who were working at the party alive.”

“You have the Guardian Elixir to thank for saving everyone who survived.” Ash says.

“The Guardian Elixir was created from the same source that was used to create PlantCorp’s deadly poison: The Lavender Lynx Diamond.” Bronze opens the box on the table and reveals the Lavender Lynx Diamond.

“It’s beautiful.” Corrine Canary says.

“For years, PlantCorp had been searching for the Lavender Lynx. They finally discovered its whereabouts in 2006.” Bronze says. “And in an odd coincidence, it was your father that led them to the diamond.”

“My father?” Yvette asks. She looks over at Corrine, who nods.

“Your father had discovered that the Lavender Lynx was hidden in a cell below the palace of Prince Philippe Azure.” Bronze explains. “I even tried my best to get the jewel from him…”

“But Arthur hates guns.” Veronica Sable smiles.

“Right.” Bronze says. “So, your dear old dad outsmarted me. He escaped with the diamond, only to have it be stolen by Channing Steele.”

“But G.E.N. had a back-up plan in case Steele got the diamond before we could.” Sarcelle says.

“I had already insinuated myself into PlantCorp pretty well.” Bronze says. “If I do say so myself.”

“In fact, you were almost Lady Lavender’s right-hand-guy, weren’t you?” Gavin Gold says. “If it wasn’t for Steele, maybe she would have let you steer the ship too.”

“Gavin.” Ash admonishes him.

“I apologize for Mr. Gold’s attitude.” Bronze says. “It still amazes me that we trusted you to work for us as a mole. How is it that you never got busted?”

“’Cuz I am good.” Gold smiles.

“So, after Steele got the Lavender Lynx from your father, he brought it to PlantCorp. PlantCorp needed an ingredient found only in the diamond to complete the formula for their poison.” Ash continues for Bronze. “The antidote we created also needed this same ingredient for it to be effective. So once the diamond was given to the chemists at PlantCorp and they had extracted the ingredient, one of our double agents, who was working in the laboratory, switched the real diamond with a fake one. And the fake diamond was then returned to Lady Lavender.” Ash explains.

“I know this is a lot to take in, Yvette.” Veronica Sable says.

“It is, but I am really glad you are telling me this.” Yvette says. “I have to admit, I was concerned that you all were behind the massacre. I am relieved to hear that you tried to stop it.”

“If only we could have done more.” Ash says. “We had very little time to complete the antidote, and even then we had no real indication that it would actually save anyone.”

“It’s getting late.” Corrine says. “Now that Yvette’s concerns are addressed and she sees that G.E.N. is not the bad guy, can we adjourn?”

“Of course.” Ash says. “Unless you have any more concerns, the information in the folder should answer the rest of your questions.”

“Well, I am concerned about something.” Yvette says.

“What is it my dear?” Veronica Sable asks.

“Is PlantCorp going to get away with murdering all of those innocent people?” She asks. Sable looks over at Ash.

“Sadly, it looks as though they will.” Ash says.

“But don’t worry.” Bronze speaks up. “I am still considered very loyal to Lady Lavender and I will be relaying any information back to G.E.N.”

“Can I go?” Gavin asks. Bronze looks at Sable, and then at Ash. Ash nods. “Thanks.” Gold says. He quickly leaves.

“That young man is a loose cannon.” Ian Masque says.

“Gavin will not falter.” Ash says.

“How can you be so sure?” Masque asks. Ash doesn’t respond.

“My head is spinning.” Yvette says.

“I know it is a lot to hear.” Corrine says. “And now you see why I couldn’t just tell you.”

“I think I understand.” Yvette says. They stand up.

“Can I walk you out, ladies?” Mr. Sarcelle asks.

“Actually, François, I need you and the others to stay here for a few minutes. Miss Brunette, Mrs. Canary and Miss Popov, you may go.” Ash says. “Miss Brunette, we look forward to working with you. And we are very grateful for the tremendous effort you put in at the Founder’s Day Party. You saved a lot of people’s lives that night.” Yvette smiles.

“I will see you back at the hotel, Ian.” Marina says.

“Thank you ladies.” Mr. Ash says. Corrine, Yvette and Marina leave Veronica Sable, Sarcelle, Ian Masque and Arthur Bronze alone with Ash.

In the Kitchen at Tudor Manor, Emily Peach is sitting at the table. “I should be asleep.” She says to herself. “Maybe the night air will help me relax.” She gets up and goes to the back door. Opening the door, the crisp night air hits her face. Emily takes a deep breath. She pulls her sweater closed and walks out into the night air.

In the corridor leading back to the Mausoleum, Corrine, Marina and Yvette are climbing the stairs. Once they reach the main room of the Mausoleum, Marina stops. “Mrs. Canary, may I speak to you a moment?”

“Alright.” Corrine says.

“Alone.” Popov says.

“I will meet you at the car.” Yvette says.

“I won’t be long.” Corrine says. Yvette moves the stone door of the Mausoleum and steps out. As she is walking back she hears an odd clicking sound. She stops, grasping the folder close to her chest.

Click...Click…Click…Click

Meanwhile, Gavin Gold is making his way back to his car that is parked near the east gate of the estate when his cell phone rings. “Hello.” Gavin answers.

“Gavin, where are you?” Kimberly Brown asks. “I waited at the hotel for you forever.”

“I know, I am sorry.” Gavin says.

“Did you find Jessie?” Kim asks.

“Not yet.” Gavin says. “I am on my way to the hotel now.”

“Don’t bother, I already left.” Kim says.

“You did?” Gavin asks. “Where are you now?”

“I am on Rainbow Road, near the park.” She says. “Where are you?”

“I am at the Black Estate.” He says.

“What are you doing there?” Kim asks.

“It’s not important.” Gavin says.

“I will just meet you there then.” Kim says.

“No, you don’t have to come here. I will meet you at the park.” Gavin says.

“I am already on my way. I will see you in a few minutes.” Kim says.

“Kim, wait…don’t come here.” Gavin says, but she’s already hung up. “Damn it.”

Emily Peach, in the meantime, has made her way to the edge of Rainbow Lake and is staring out into the distance. “It really is peaceful here.” She says, taking a deep breath. She walks away as the strange clicking sound begins.

Click…Click…Click…Click

Corrine Canary has exited the Mausoleum without Marina Popov and is walking back to the west gate when she sees a car’s headlights pull up outside the gate. Corrine hides behind a tree as Kim Brown gets out of the car and enters the gate. Kim takes out her cell phone and dials Gavin Gold.

“Kim, where are you?” Gavin asks.

“I am on the Black Estate. I am near the lake.” She says.

“Well, stay there. I will be there in a few minutes.” Gavin says. They hang up. Kim stops and looks out across the lake. She then hears the clicking sound.

Click…Click…Click…Click

“Is someone there?” Kim calls out. She heads off following the sound.

At Tudor Manor, John Boddy comes out of the study, just as Mr. Ash comes out of the kitchen. “Ash?” Boddy calls out. “Is everything ok?”

“Mr. Boddy, sir.” Ash says, surprised to see him. “Yes, yes I was just doing a last minute check of things, before I headed to my quarters.”

“Oh, alright.” John smiles. He puts his hand on Ash’s shoulder. “It’s good to know that some things never change.”

“And they never will, sir.” Ash says. “Can I walk you out?”

“No, I will be going back to Boddy Mansion in a minute. I just wanted to steal a piece of Mrs. White’s apple pie from the kitchen first.” John says.

“Very well. Good night, sir.” Ash says. He walks to the front door as John heads to the kitchen. In the kitchen, John is about to get a piece of pie when notices a draft and then he notices the backdoor is open. John walks over to the back door and looks out.

“I thought Ash said he checked this door.” John shrugs. He proceeds to go out and closes the door behind him. Walking down the path, John comes to the swimming pool area. The moonlight is reflected off of the pool and shining on the side of the house. John notices that the light that is being reflected is moving very quickly so he walks over to the edge of the swimming pool.

“Oh god!” John shouts when he sees the body of a blonde woman floating face down in the pool.

TO BE CONTINUED…