John Boddy and Coral Black arrived at Blackport Memorial Hospital and learned that Emily Peach passed away. Coral demanded to see her daughter and Dr. Mandarin reluctantly complied with her wishes. Mandarin then informed John that the police would be around soon to question him about the circumstances surrounding John’s discovery of Emily in the swimming pool. Confused, John tells Mandarin that he found Emily floating face-down in the pool and pulled her out and he assumed that she must have fallen and hit her head. Mandarin explained to John that Emily didn’t die from drowning and that she was strangled and her body was placed in the pool after she was already dead. At Ivory’s Boarding House, C.J. Ivory found his sister, Pearl in their late mother’s bedroom rummaging through her belongings. Pearl explained that she was looking for her mother’s wedding ring and that she wanted to bury the ring with their mother. Pearl then told him that she and her mother had a bit of an argument when, after the death of their father years earlier, their mother stopped wearing the wedding ring. C.J. upset his sister when he suggested that perhaps their mother would not want to be buried with the ring. Pearl stormed out of the room, leaving C.J. to look for the ring. In a box, C.J. found their father’s pocket watch and mother’s wedding ring and later he went to comfort his sister and gave her the ring. Meanwhile, Gavin Gold was driving Kimberly Brown back to her house when Kimberly remembered that she had promised to help her friend Tiffany Aubergine move out of the Mayor’s Mansion. Tiffany’s parents, Mayor Aubergine and his wife, were also victims of the Founder’s Day Massacre. Gavin agreed to take Kim to help Tiffany. At the Mayor’s Mansion, Tiffany was grateful to have Kim and Gavin’s help, but was sad to be leaving the luxurious mansion. Hearing that Tiffany would be moving into a suite at the Black Towers Hotel, Kim offered to let Tiffany move into her house. Later, Pearl Ivory went to meet Alphonse Brunette for coffee at Jojo’s Diner. Brunette tried to explain why he had kept the fact that Inspector Winfield Brown was his half-brother a secret, but struggled with the words to do so. Then Brunette told Ivory that for the first time in his life he felt like he needed to be honest with someone, namely her. Brunette told Pearl she could ask him anything and he would answer with complete honesty. Ivory, knowing that Brunette would struggle with his answer, immediately questioned him on his relationship with Sienna Fallow. Brunette became defensive and told Pearl he would tell her all she wanted to know about his relationship with Sienna, but that he needed time to do so because he was still coping with the fact that Sienna had recently died. Ivory told Brunette to take all the time he needed and left him at the diner, devastated. Brunette then received a call from Mindy Mint, asking him if he had considered her mother’s offer of helping them with a mysterious get-rich-quick plan. Brunette, still reeling from Ivory’s departure, agreed to help them. Back at Blackport Memorial, John Boddy went to bid farewell to Emily Peach. Fighting back tears, John vowed to find the person who murdered her and make them pay, not realizing that Allison Amber was outside listening.

“The Cold November Rain”

A light rain has started to fall over Blackport. Kimberly Brown, dressed in a black blouse and skirt, is in her living room watching news coverage of the swearing in of Blackport’s new mayor. She looks over at a clock on the wall. She then stands up and goes to the bottom of the stairs. “Tiffany, hurry up. We are going to be late for the funeral.”

“I’ll be right down.” Tiffany Aubergine yells from the upstairs bathroom. Kim walks back into the living room and watches as the new mayor gives a speech. “Ok,” Tiffany says as she comes down the stairs. “I’m all set.” She joins Kim in the living room and sees the news coverage. “Wow.” Tiffany says. “Look how happy he is.”

“I shouldn’t have been watching this…” Kim says.

“No, it’s alright.” Tiffany says, slipping on an overcoat. “I have to get used to the fact that Mr. Jasper is the new mayor. His family looks so happy.” Tiffany looks away from the TV and wipes a tear from her eye.

“Hey, it’s alright.” Kim walks over to her and puts her hand on her shoulder.

“Where’s Gavin?” Tiffany asks, changing the subject.

“He got held up at the police station. He said he would meet us at the cemetery.” Kim says.

“He’s at the police station? Last night, you guys said the police wouldn’t do anything until Jessie had been missing for twenty-four hours.” Tiffany says.

“We didn’t believe that.” Kim says, turning off the TV. “That’s why Gavin went to the police station first thing this morning, to get them to do something.” She picks up an umbrella. “Looks like we are going to need this.”

Meanwhile at Tudor Manor, Mrs. White enters the lounge pushing a coffee cart. John Boddy is sitting on a sofa with his assistant Tawny Drabb and Dr. Paul Mandarin. They are watching Mayor Jasper on the TV. “Even though I was dreading it, I wish I was at Town Hall right know congratulating Mayor Jasper. How is Aunt Coral ?” He asks Mrs. White.

“She is still sleeping.” Mrs. White says, as she comes over to him with a cup of coffee.

“And I promise I will do my best to carry on Mayor Aubergine’s work.” Mayor Jasper says from the steps of Blackport’s Town Hall. “Mayor and Mrs. Aubergine loved Blackport and invested their hearts and souls into making sure that our town prospers. It is my sincere hope that I can represent you, the citizens, to the best of my ability.”

“Turn it off.” A voice says from the door of the lounge. John, Mrs. White and Tawny look up to see Mr. Ash has shown in Jonathan Green. “How does that man expect this town to prosper when innocent people become victims of violent crimes every week?” Green questions.

“Jonathan…” John stands up. Tawny turns off the TV.

“John, I only came here to check on Coral.” Green says. “I don’t want to get into a verbal sparring match with you.”

“Jonathan, believe me, I feel the same way. The last couple of weeks have been horrifying, no one is denying that. Please, come in and sit down.” Dr. Mandarin gets up.

“Coffee, Mr. Green?” Mrs. White says. Jonathan enters the lounge and takes a seat in an overstuffed arm chair.

“I just can’t wrap my head around it, any of it.” Green says. “Who would want to kill Emily?” Mrs. White pours him some coffee. “Thank you.”

“We are all in shock.” Mandarin says, going over to a window and looking out.

“First we lost my brother and now my lovely niece.” Green says. “It’s all too much.”

Across town at Rose Grove Cemetery, Diego Ladrillo helps Ramona Vermillion, out of a car. Ramona’s daughter, Solana opens an umbrella and holds it over her mother. “Thank you.” Ramona says to Diego. Several others, including Jojo and Audrey Summers, Mai Le Lavender, Kirby and Corrine Canary, Lillian and Darcy Puce, Françoise Sarcelle, Kimberly Brown, Tiffany Aubergine, Officer Iris, Capt. Armand Grigio, and Black Towers Hotel doorman Greyson Hill have gathered under umbrellas at the gravesite of Alva Vermillion.

“They’re here.” Audrey whispers to Jojo.

“And still no sign of Jake.” Jojo says. Ramona, Solana and Diego take their place along side Alva’s casket and are greeted by a priest.

“I am so sorry for your loss.” The priest says, taking Ramona’s hand.

“Thank you, Reverend.” Ramona says. The priest shakes Solana and Diego’s hands and then takes his place under an umbrella. A bell begins to toll as the priest welcomes the mourners.

“May the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, guard your hearts and your minds and remain with you always. Amen.” The priest says. “Alva Vermillion was indeed a giving, kind and loving soul. Her greatest pleasure was sharing that gentleness of life with all who knew her. When others called, she willingly answered, and she, herself has now been called to another world. A world, I trust, that is far better than the one she leaves behind. For those of you who don’t know, the name Alva means the white one, and I do believe that Alva is aglow in Heaven’s love. I christened Alva when she was a baby, and watched her grow up with her loving parents and sister. And when Alva’s father was killed, Alva came to me for guidance. I hope and pray that I somehow helped her get through that difficult time. Solana, Alva’s dear sister would like to say a few words.” Solana steps over to the priest, joining him under his umbrella.

“Thank you all for coming today.” Solana says. “I look around and see the faces of people that meant the world to my sister. Sadly, one person is not with us today, and that is Alva’s fiancé, Jake. Or should I say Blake.” She smiles. Audrey Summers grabs her Aunt Jojo’s hand. “When Alva was little, about five or six, she met Jake and chased him around the playground. But, my sister had a speech impediment, and when she would call after him, it came out as “Blake”. So as they grew up, and even though Alva overcame her speech problem, the nickname stuck. I know that Jake is having a really difficult time right now and I am sure that if he were here, he would tell Alva how much he loved her and how happy he was to be her “Blake”.” Jojo squeezes Audrey’s hand. Audrey wipes away a tear and looks over towards some trees in the distance. There in the trees, stands Jake Summers, watching the funeral. Audrey lets go of Jojo’s hand and as the others begin to place flowers on Alva’s casket, Audrey slips away. Captain Grigio watches as she hurries across the cemetery. Jake sees his sister heading towards him and ducks behind a tree.

“Jake.” Audrey calls out. “Where are you?” Jake doesn’t answer. Audrey walks a little further. “Jake, I know you can hear me.” She walks past a tree and sees her brother, soaking wet, leaning on a tree.

“Audrey, go back to the funeral.” Jake says.

“Not until I know why you are out here and not at the funeral. What’s going on? No one has heard from you in days.” Audrey says.

“I can’t explain. Not here. Not now.” Jake says. “And no one can know I was here. Promise me you won’t tell anyone that you saw me.”

“Of course I won’t tell anyone, but I don’t understand. Where have you been staying?” Audrey asks.

“I’m sorry, I have to go. I love you.” Jake takes off into the forest behind the cemetery. Audrey takes a deep breath and turns to go back to the funeral, but runs into Capt. Grigio, who has just walked up behind her.

“Captain.” Audrey says, startled.

“Miss Summers.” He says. “Are you alright?”

“Yes. I’m fine. I just needed to get away for a moment.” She looks back at the forest her brother ran into.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” He asks again.

“I am much better, thank you.” She smiles. “We better get back. I don’t like the look of those dark clouds. It looks like it’s about to pour.” She hurries back across the cemetery, leaving the Captain staring off into the forest. The mourners, in the meantime, are making their way back to their cars.

“I hate funerals.” Tiffany Aubergine says to Kim Brown.

“I do too.” Kim says.

“I was surprised that Gavin didn’t make it.” Tiffany points out.

“Me too.” Kim says. “I can only hope that means he is making headway with the police.”

At Blackport Police Headquarters, Gavin Gold is pacing around. “Mr. Gold, please, as I’ve told you, we are doing all we can. Miss Sumac’s name has been added to the National Crime Information Center database as well as the local database. There really isn’t much more we can do.” A detective tells him.

“I’m sorry, but I am going crazy here.” Gavin says.

“I know it’s hard, sir, but our department is not going to actively search for an individual unless there is some extreme circumstance that dictates a search. This usually involves some physical evidence of foul play. And according to your own statement, there is no such evidence.” The detective says.

“But Jessie would not just leave without telling anyone. She would not miss Alva’s funeral. Oh no, the funeral.” Gavin says, realizing he missed Alva’s funeral. “I have to go, but please if you hear anything…”

“We will call you.” The detective says.

“Thanks,” Gavin says, walking to the door, “for nothing.” Gavin goes outside the Police Station and sees that it has started to rain. “Great.” He mutters as he runs out into the rain and to his car. Once inside, Gavin grabs his cell phone from the console between the seats and sees that he has missed several calls from Kimberly. Kimberly and Tiffany are sitting in Tiffany’s car at the cemetery when Kim’s phone rings.

“It’s Gavin.” Kim says when she looks at the display on her phone. “Gavin, where are you?” She answers.

“I am so sorry, I completely lost track of the time.” Gavin says. “I am just leaving the Police Station.”

“What did they say?” Kim asks.

“A whole lot of nothing.” Gavin says. “Do you want to meet for coffee? I can tell you how utterly useless the police are.”

“Sure, we are just leaving Alva’s funeral.” She says. “If you wait for me at the Police Station, I can have Tiffany drop me off there.”

“Ok, great. See you in a minute.” Gavin says. They hang up.

“You don’t mind dropping me off at the Blackport Police Department, do you?” Kim asks Tiffany.

“Not at all. What did the police say?” Tiffany asks.

“Well, Gavin says they weren’t that big of a help. He told me he would tell me more over coffee.” Kim says, taking a compact out of her purse and flipping it open.

“So you and Gavin…” Tiffany says as Kim checks her makeup in the mirror.

“It’s not like that.” Kim blushes. “He’s just a friend.”

Back at Tudor Manor, Mrs. White is in the kitchen. All the cupboards are open, as well as the pantry door. She is frantically going through the kitchen, all the while jotting things down on a small notepad. Mr. Ash enters and sees Mrs. White’s somewhat odd behavior. “Blanche?” He says, walking cautiously over to her. “What are you doing in here?”

“Can’t you see you daft man? I am making a shopping list.” She snaps.

“A shopping list?” Mr. Ash questions.

“Of course, have you forgotten that Thanksgiving is Thursday?” She asks.

“No, I haven’t forgotten, but with all that has happened…” He says.

“Do you think the family would want both turkey and ham?” She asks, throwing the refrigerator door open.

“I don’t…” Ash tries to answer, but White cuts him off.

“And of course I will be sure to make Master John’s favorite casserole.” She says as she leans into the refrigerator. “And I can’t forget Miss Emily’s favorite peach pie.” She then stands up straight.

“Blanche.” Ash says, walking over to her. Mrs. White stands motionless in front of the open refrigerator. Ash stands next to her and puts his hand on her back. Mrs. White’s face is lit by the glow of the refrigerator light and Ash can see her tears running down her cheeks.

“How ever will we manage without a peach pie?” She sniffles.

“Now, now.” Ash says pulling her into an embrace. Mrs. White begins to sob into his shoulder. Outside, a taxi cab pulls up to the main gate of the estate. Inside, Mindy Mint nervously chews a piece of chewing gum, next to her sits Alphonse Brunette, who is disguised as lawyer Donald Cherry.

“Do you have to do that?” Brunette asks.

“Do what?” Mindy asks, popping her chewing gum.

“Pop your gum like that.” He says.

“Sorry.” She says, swallowing the gum. The gate to the estate opens and the taxi turns onto the driveway. Mindy sits up and looks out the front window at Tudor Manor. “I haven’t been here since I was a kid.” She says. “Aren’t you nervous?” She asks. Brunette doesn’t answer. “Of course you aren’t nervous.” She lets out a nervous giggle.

“Are you sure you are going to be able to handle this?” Brunette looks over at her. The car comes to a stop in front of the house.

“Who is the professional actor in this car?” Mindy spits. Brunette opens the car door.

“Pay the driver.” He says, slamming the car door. Back inside, Mr. Ash comes out of the kitchen as the doorbell rings. He crosses the hall and goes to the front door. On the porch, Mindy takes her place next to Brunette. Mindy takes a deep breath. Mr. Ash opens the door.

“May I help you?” Ash asks.

“Indeed you can my good man.” Brunette says, pushing his way past Ash and into the house. Mindy follows close behind. “My name is Donald Cherry and I represent Miss Mint, here.” Mindy smiles at Mr. Ash. Ash closes the door. “Is Mr. Boddy at home?”

“Now isn’t a very good time…” Ash says.

“Well, I am sorry, but it is very important that we speak with Mr. Boddy.” Brunette says.

“Very well. Would you be kind enough to wait in the study while I go and alert Mr. Boddy of your arrival?” Ash asks.

“Sure.” Brunette says. “Miss Mint.” He motions for Mindy to go ahead of him.

“This way.” Ash says, showing them across the hall to the study. In the lounge, Mr. Green, Tawny, Dr. Mandarin and John are drinking coffee.

“I am still undecided as to whether or not we should have Thanksgiving dinner.” John says, putting his coffee cup back on the coffee tray.

“If Emily were here, I am sure she would insist that the family go ahead with their holiday plans.” Mandarin says.

“Jonathan, would you like to join us on Thursday?” Boddy asks just as Mr. Ash enters the lounge.

“Excuse me, Mr. Boddy, but may I speak to you for a moment?” Mr. Ash says.

“Is something wrong, Ash?” Boddy asks.

“I don’t really know.” Ash says, looking over his shoulder and out across the hall to the study.

“Please excuse me for a moment.” John says. “Jonathan, please consider my invitation.” John follows Ash out to the hall. Ash closes the lounge door behind them.

“I wonder what that is about.” Tawny says. In the hall, Mr. Ash has explained that Mindy and her lawyer are waiting for him in the study.

“I really don’t have time for this.” Boddy says.

“I tried to explain that to him, sir. But he insisted on speaking with you.” Ash says. They cross the hall to the study. John opens the study door and enters.

“Thank you, Ash.” He says to the butler. John closes the study door and turns to Brunette and Mindy.

“Mr. Boddy.” Brunette says. “My name is Donald Cherry. My client Miss Mint and I have some very important business to discuss with you.”

“Mr. Cherry, I understand that you feel your business is very important, but we have just had a death in the family…” John says.

“Who died?” Mindy asks.

“Well…” John hesitates. “I hate to be the one to have to tell you this, Mindy, but your cousin Emily was killed.”

“Emily.” Brunette says.

“Yes, my cousin Emily Peach. Did you know her Mr. Cherry?” Boddy asks.

“Um, no. No, I didn’t not. I am very sorry for your loss.” Brunette says.

“So you understand this is clearly a difficult time for us.” Boddy says. “In fact, Mindy, your father is here.”

“My dad? He’s here?” Mindy asks.

“Yes, he came by to check on my Aunt Coral.” Boddy says, going over to the door. “So if you don’t mind, I think it would be best that we reschedule…” Mindy hits Brunette’s arm.

“Ouch.” Brunette gives Mindy a dirty look. Boddy turns from the door. “I mean, no. I am afraid this can’t wait.” In the hall, Mrs. White and Mr. Ash are standing by the study door trying to listen to their conversation.

“Mr. Ash.” Tawny says as she comes out of the lounge. Mrs. White and Mr. Ash hurry away from the study door. “Are you two eavesdropping?”

“Eavesdropping?” Mrs. White asks. “Of course we aren’t eavesdropping. How absurd!”

“Is there something that you needed Miss Drabb?” Ash asks.

“Yes, it’s about time you make your way to the airport.” Tawny says. “Miss Scarlet’s flight should be landing soon.”

“Good heavens!” Mrs. White says. “Miss Scarlet’s bed is not made up!” She hurries to the laundry room.

“Is everything alright?” Tawny asks.

“I hope so.” Ash says. He goes to the cloak room and gets his coat and leaves. The study door opens and John steps out followed by Mindy and Brunette. John is holding a piece of paper in his hand.

“Tawny, this is Mr. Cherry and Mindy Mint.” John says.

“Hello.” Tawny says.

“Will you please go and get Aunt Coral and help her to the lounge.” John asks.

“Yes, of course, but isn’t she sleeping?” Tawny asks.

“Please just go and get her.” Boddy says.

“Yes, sir.” Tawny crosses the hall and hurries up the stairs. Mrs. White comes out of the kitchen with a stack of fresh linens.

“Mrs. White.” Boddy says. “I need you to stop whatever it is that you are doing and join us in the lounge.”

“But Master Boddy, I need to get these sheets on Miss Scarlet’s bed before she gets home.” White says.

“The sheets can wait.” Boddy says. Mrs. White puts the sheets down onto a bench in the hall. “This way.” Boddy says, showing them into the lounge. In the lounge, Mr. Green is shocked to see Mindy enter the room.

“Mindy, what are you doing here?” Green asks.

“Hi dad.” Mindy says.

“What’s this about?” Mrs. White asks, as Tawny and Coral join them.

“Aunt Coral, I am very sorry to have had to wake you.” John says. Tawny helps Coral to the sofa. “This is Donald Cherry.” Boddy says. “He is a lawyer representing Miss Mint.”

“Mindy, why do you need a lawyer?” Mr. Green asks. John raises his hand to hush him.

“According to Mindy, she received this letter from her mother, Misty Arugula.” John holds up the letter.

“Oh dear, not that wretched woman.” Mrs. White says.

“Mindy, what’s going on?” Green asks her.

“I’m sorry dad, I didn’t know you were going to be here.” Mindy says.

“According to Mrs. Arugula, Mindy here is the result of an affair she had eighteen years ago with my uncle, Hugh Black.” John says.

“Oh my god.” Mrs. White says.

“That’s impossible!” Jonathan Green says.

“I know this is a great shock to you all, but it is all there in black and white. Why would Mrs. Arugula lie?” Brunette asks.

“Maybe because she is a lunatic?” Mrs. White asks.

“Mrs. White, please.” Boddy says. “If this letter is to be believed, then Mindy here is Hugh Black’s daughter.”

“I would think you would need more proof than just a letter from a crazy woman.” White says.

“Well I do.” Green says, taking a seat.

“I think I may be able to help.” Dr. Mandarin says.

“Paul?” John questions.

“Mr. Cherry, would Mindy be willing to come to the hospital for a DNA test? That will prove once and for all if she is indeed a member of the Black family.” Mandarin asks.

“Mindy?” Brunette asks.

“Will it hurt?” Mindy asks.

“No dear, it is a very simple procedure.” Mandarin says.

“Very well then.” Mr. Cherry says.

“Can you make the arrangements, Paul?” Mr. Boddy asks.

“I will go and set it up.” Mandarin leaves the room. Mrs. White comes over and takes the letter from John and begins reading it.

“Dad, I am really sorry.” Mindy says, going over to her father.

“I can’t believe this.” Green says.

“Well, I don’t believe it.” Mrs. White says, handing the letter back to John.

“What is it that you find so hard to believe, Blanche?” Coral stands up. “You are the last person that should be surprised.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Mrs. White asks.

“Come now, we all know how Hugh was.” Coral says. “I am surprised more of his bastard children haven’t shown up before this.”

TO BE CONTINUED…