Previously: In Blackport’s Rose Grove Cemetery, friends and family of Alva Vermillion gathered to mourn her passing. Alva was killed at the Miss Blackport Pageant and forensic evidence showed that the bullet that killed her was fired from the gun of her fiancé, Officer Jake Summers. During Alva’s funeral, Audrey Summers spotted Jake watching the funeral from afar. Audrey went to talk to Jake, who begged her to not to tell anyone he was there. Audrey agreed, but was unaware that Police Captain Armand Grigio saw them talking. Meanwhile, Kim Brown and Tiffany Aubergine noticed that Gavin Gold was not at Alva’s funeral. Gavin was at the Blackport Police Station, filing a missing persons report on Jessie Sumac. Sumac had disappeared several days earlier from Kim Brown’s cabin, but unbeknownst to Gavin, Jessie had been kidnapped by Misty Arugula and Catherine Grey. Jonathan Green came to Tudor Manor to visits Coral Black after hearing the news of the murder of his niece, Emily Peach. The Black Family and Green were stunned when Mindy Mint and Alphonse Brunette, who was disguised as lawyer Donald Cherry, arrived with some shocking news. Mindy and Brunette claimed that Mindy’s mother, Misty Arugula, sent Mindy a letter stating that Mindy was the product of an affair Arugula had with Hugh Black some eighteen years earlier. John Boddy and Coral Black then ordered Dr. Paul Mandarin to run a DNA test on Mindy to determine if she was really Hugh Black’s daughter.

“Sins of the Mother” Part 1

On a plane bound for Blackport, Vivienne Scarlet gazes out of a window, watching the clouds float by. A flight attendant makes an announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have started our descent into Blackport. Please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position and please make sure your seat belt is securely fastened. Thank you.” Vivienne looks over at Kevin Kale who is sitting next to her. Ginger has her head resting on Kevin’s shoulder. Vivienne smiles as Kevin reaches over and pats her hand.

“How you doin’?” Kevin asks.

“Alright.” Vivienne says.

“Glad to be almost home, I bet.” Kevin says. Vivienne shrugs. “You’ve had a tough couple of weeks.” Vivienne nods as her mind flashes back to when she was on the movie set and a light came crashing down on her and Prince “Blanket” Onceblack.

FLASHBACK
ONCEBLACK STUDIOS SOUNDSTAGE, HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA

“I did you a favor by casting you in this role!” Onceblack shouts at Vivienne Scarlet who is sitting at a dressing table offset.

“A favor!” Scarlet stands up. “You consider casting me in this low-budget crapfest a favor?” She throws a script at him and walks to the center of the soundstage that is set up as a luxurious living room.

“You are impossible!” Onceblack shouts. “I can’t believe we even share a father!” Scarlet turns slowly.

“What did you just say?” She asks. Her fists tighten. Onceblack, knowing he crossed a line, stays by the dressing table.

“I-I-I.” He stutters.

“You have some nerve. You were the one who begged, no, make that pleaded, with me not to mention anything about our father!” She shouts. “I knew I could get this stupid role on my own merit, and not by your being my bastard brother!”

“If that’s not the pot calling the kettle black, I don’t know what is.” Onceblack says.

“Come here and say that to my face!” Scarlet shouts. Onceblack throws down the script and stomps onto the set. He gets up close to Vivienne’s face, and shouts at the top of his lungs.

“Pot, meet kettle!” He shouts. Just as the words echo in the soundstage a light fixture falls from above the set and lands on top of Vivienne and Onceblack, knocking them to the floor.

END FLASHBACK

“You can say that again.” Vivienne says.

“Have thought about how you are going to tell your family about what happened?” Kevin asks.

“I’ve rehearsed what I’m going to say over and over in my head, but it still doesn’t get any easier.” Scarlet says. “They are going to be so hurt and confused…especially Mrs. White.” Vivienne’s mind flashes back again.

FLASHBACK
WINTERS’ FAMILY GUEST HOUSE, WHITE HILLS ESTATES, CALIFORNIA

Kevin Kale, Ginger, Maralyn Mauve and Sister Mary Amethyst are met by Vivienne in the living room of the Winters family’s guest house. “Kevin?” Vivienne says, surprised.

“Vivienne.” Kevin says. “Thank god we got here before “Blanket” did.”

“You didn’t? “Blanket” just left.” Vivienne says.

“He did?” Miss Mauve asks.

“Or so you thought.” “Blanket” says. He comes out of the kitchen, holding the gun on them. “Close the door.” He orders. Kevin closes the door.

“Oh, “Blanket”, why?” Sister Amethyst asks.

“You know why, Aunt Mary.” He says.

“I can’t believe this, “Blanket”. This isn’t you.” Kevin says.

“Shut up!” Onceblack shouts.

“But Kevin is right. This isn’t the “Blanket” I’ve come to know and love.” Vivienne says. “Why are you holding us at gunpoint?”

“Because he’s crazy.” Maralyn Mauve says.

“Shut up, Maralyn!” “Blanket” shouts.

“Now, I want all of you to get on the couch. You too, Vivienne.” “Blanket” says.

“You don’t have to do this! There is another way.” Sister Amethyst says.

“I am afraid there isn’t.” “Blanket” says. “I tried to kill her once, and look where it got me.” He says.

“You. You were the one who tried to kill me?” Vivienne asks. “Why?”

“I said sit on the couch!” “Blanket” shouts.

“We better do as he says.” Sister Amethyst says. They slowly move over to the couch and sit down.

“Aren’t you going to at least tell me why you tried to have me killed?” Vivienne says.

“Vivienne…” Kevin says, trying to hush her.

“You honestly don’t get it, do you?” Onceblack says, walking over to her and pointing the gun at her face. “Are you really that dense?”

“No, I don’t get it.” Vivienne says. “I know we’ve had our issues in the past, but nothing that I can think of would warrant you wanting me dead!”

“Can’t you see he is out of his mind? Why are you arguing with him?” Maralyn Mauve asks.

“Maralyn, I’ve warned you once…so help me if you don’t shut that big mouth of yours, I will shut it for you!” Onceblack shouts.

“Why are you so angry, “Blanket”?” Vivienne asks. “Please, help me understand.”

“It’s a little late for that now, isn’t it?” “Blanket” says. “Now shut up! I need to think.”

“Maybe I can help.” Sister Mary Amethyst says. She stands up.

“What is she doing?” Maralyn whispers to Ginger. “Crazy must be in their genes.”

“Please, “Blanket”.” Amethyst says, walking over to him. “Put the gun away.”

“I am sorry, Aunt Mary, but if I am going to get all that I deserve, this is the only way.” He says.

“All that you deserve?” Maralyn asks. “What you deserve is to be put behind bars!”

“Maralyn, stop.” Kevin says.

“What is it that you feel that you deserve, “Blanket”?” Scarlet asks.

“That’s perfect!” Onceblack shouts. “Is it that hard for you to figure out?”

“He wants what you have, Vivienne.” Kevin says.

“What I have?” Scarlet asks. “And what is it exactly that you think I have that you don’t, “Blanket”? Money, family, a career?”

“Ding! Ding! Ding! Finally, the light has come on!” Onceblack says.

“So you did this because you want Hugh Black’s money?” Kevin asks.

“It is partly about the money. Why should she get all of it? I am as much Hugh Black’s heir as she is! But, it’s not just about the money.” “Blanket” says.

“Then what else is it about?” Vivienne asks.

“I never even got a chance to know him.” “Blanket” says. Suddenly, they hear a blood-curdling scream coming from the main house on the Winters’ Estate.

“Did you hear that?” Maralyn asks.

“Don’t move!” “Blanket” says. He hurries over to a window and looks out.

“What do you see, what’s going on?” Scarlet asks.

“There is some kind of commotion over at that house.” “Blanket” says. He then sees a woman running down the driveway with a baby in her arms. He turns back to the group.

“There are a lot of people over there having a party, “Blanket”. I don’t know how long you can hold us here without getting caught.” Scarlet says.

“Someone is bound to get suspicious about all the activity over here. And now with all the noise that is coming from over there…” Kevin says.

“Ha.” “Blanket” says. “If you think it’s going to end that easily, think again.” He walks over to Scarlet and puts the gun to her head. “All this means is that I have to do what I intended to do quicker.”

“You’re not Hugh Black’s son!” Sister Amethyst shouts.

“What?” Onceblack turns to Sister Amethyst.

“Hugh Black wasn’t your father.” She says.

“You’re lying!” He shouts at her. “You are just trying to save her life!”

“It’s the truth, “Blanket”!” Amethyst says. “It was all a lie. I promised King on his deathbed that I would tell you the truth. I just never thought it would have to be this way.”

“What are you saying, Aunt Mary?” “Blanket” asks, lowering the gun.

“I am so sorry that we lied to you. You are not the result of an affair Hugh Black had with his maid.” She says, tearfully.

“Blanche White isn’t my real mother?” “Blanket” asks.

“No.” Amethyst says, clinching her hands in front of her. “I am.”

END FLASHBACK

Vivienne’s mind comes back to the present as the flight attendant makes another announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land at Blackport Airport. Please make sure one last time your seat belt is securely fastened.” Vivienne looks out the window and can see Rainbow Mountain. She takes a deep breathe and leans back in her seat. Meanwhile, in the airport terminal, Mr. Ash is waiting near the baggage claim area. Nearby, a frazzled looking woman is struggling to get her suitcase off of a luggage carousel.

“Could I help you with that?” Mr. Ash asks, going over to the woman.

“Thank you so much.” The woman says with a Southern accent. She runs her hand through her white hair. Mr. Ash takes her suitcase off of the carousel and puts in on the floor next to her.

“Do you have anymore bags coming ‘round?” Ash asks.

“No, that’s all, I’m travelin’ light.” She says.

“So, you’re only passing through our fair town?” Ash smiles.

“Actually, I am here to gather my grandson. My daughter passed away this week and I am here to take him back home with me.” She says.

“I am very sorry about your loss.” Ash says.

“Thanks again for your help.” The woman says.

“You’re very welcome.” Ash smiles. The woman picks up her bag and is about to leave the terminal when she stops.

“Before I go, I wouldn’t guess you would be able to tell me how to get to the Pine Cone Inn?” She asks.

“The Pine Cone, you say?” Ash asks.

“Yes, my daughter lived and worked as a housekeeper there.” The woman says.

“If you could spare the time, I would be able to drop you off at the Pine Cone.” Ash says. He looks up at a television monitor listing the status of arriving flights. “The flight carrying the people I am here to pick up has just landed.”

“No, no. I can just get a taxi cab.” The woman says.

“Very well, then. The Pine Cone is just off Green Pine Road.” Ash says. “It isn’t far at all. The taxi driver will know where it is.”

“Thanks again for helping me with my luggage.” The woman says.

“My pleasure, Miss…” Ash says.

“It’s Missus, actually. Mrs. Sally Browning-Fallow.” She says.

“Well, Mrs. Browning-Fallow, it was nice to meet you.” Ash smiles. Sally smiles back and then leaves, as Vivienne, Kevin and Ginger step off an escalator.

“There’s Ash.” Scarlet says to Kevin.

“Miss Scarlet.” Mr. Ash says. “It’s so good to have you back home.”

“Thank you, Mr. Ash.” Scarlet says. “You remember, Kevin.”

“Of course.” Ash smiles. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Kale.”

“And this is Ginger.” Scarlet says.

“Charmed.” Mr. Ash says, extending his hand. Ginger smiles.

At Tudor Manor, Jonathan Green apologizes to John Boddy. “I am very sorry about all of this, John.” Green says. John puts his hand on Green’s shoulder.

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Jonathan.” John says. “Mindy’s revelation affects you just as much as it does our family.”

“I appreciate that. And don’t worry I am going to get to the bottom of this.” Green promises. Outside on the porch, Mindy is waiting for Green with Alphonse Brunette, who is in disguise as her lawyer, Donald Cherry. A taxi cab pulls up to the house.

“That went well.” Brunette says, puffing on a cigarette.

“I really wish I would have known my dad was going to be here.” Mindy says. “I almost blew it a couple of times.”

“I wonder what he wants to talk to you about.” Brunette says, flicking a cigarette off of the porch. He waves to the cab driver.

“I am sure it’s not going to be pretty.” Mindy says.

“Well, whatever he says to you, you can not let him know the truth.” Brunette warns.

“I know.” Mindy says. Brunette steps off of the porch.

“I will give you and daddy dear some time alone at the room.” Brunette says.

“Where are you going?” Mindy asks.

“I have something important to take care of.” He says. He gets into the cab. The front door of Tudor Manor opens just as the cab pulls off. Green comes out with John and they join Mindy on the porch.

“I will let you know about Thanksgiving.” Green says to John. “Tell Coral she is in my thoughts.”

“I will.” John says. Boddy goes back inside, closing the door behind him.

“I am glad you waited for me.” Green says, looking out and seeing the taxi pulling out of the main gate.

“Dad…” Mindy says.

“Don’t.” Green says.

“I was just going to say I am sorry.” Mindy says.

“I know you were. But you don’t have to.” Green says. “I don’t blame you, Mindy.”

“You don’t?” She questions.

“Of course.” Green says. “There is only one person responsible for this deceit.” Mindy hugs her father. “Now let me take you back to the Pine Cone Inn.”

“I’d like that.” Mindy says.

Across town, Tiffany Aubergine is driving back to Kimberly Brown’s cabin, having just dropped Kimberly off at the Black Towers Hotel to meet with Gavin Gold. Tiffany turns off of Rainbow Road as the rain begins to fall harder. Up ahead, she sees a man, soaking wet, walking along the side of the road. Tiffany pulls her car alongside the man and rolls down the passenger side window. “Hey, do you need a ride?” Tiffany yells to the man. The man stops walking, looks over at her and Tiffany immediately recognizes him as Jake Summers. “Jake?” She asks. “Jake, what are you doing out here? Why weren’t you at Alva’s funeral?” Jake doesn’t answer her and begins walking again. “Hey, where are you going?” Tiffany yells after him. She slowly follows him in her car. “Jake, where are you going? You have got to be freezing. Please, get in the car.” Jake still doesn’t respond and then takes off into a wooded area. “Jake!” Tiffany yells. “What’s his problem?” Tiffany says, rolling up the window. She watches until Jake is out of site. She continues driving, all the while glancing in her rearview mirror in case Jake reappears on the side of the road. Making her way down the street, Tiffany passes a boarded up house that was supposed to be abandoned. Inside the run-down house a radio blares Chicano rock music, while a man is on a mattress on the floor having sex with a dark-haired woman. Nearby, on a torn up couch, Rodrigo Roja is smoking a joint and watching them.

“Apúrate cabrón! I want a turn!” Rodrigo shouts.

“Cállate! I can’t concentrate with all your yelling!” The man says. “Estoy casi allí.” He whispers to the woman, who moans. Tiffany Aubergine, in the meantime, has arrived at the Brown family’s cabin. She opens her umbrella and gets out of the car. She hurries up the walk to the door and goes inside. Once inside, Tiffany shakes the umbrella off and leaves it outside by the front door. She closes the door and then takes off her coat. Tossing her coat on the couch, she heads upstairs. Back at the run-down house, Rodrigo leaves as the other man has sex with the woman. Rodrigo opens the door and steps outside. The man lifts his head and calls after him. “Where are you going? I thought you wanted to watch! Culero!” Rodrigo goes outside and walks to the middle of the street. He looks down the street and sees the Brown family’s cabin nestled at the end of the cul-de-sac. Rodrigo flicks the joint into the street and begins to walk towards the Brown’s cabin. Inside the Brown’s bathroom, Tiffany has slipped into a bathrobe and is running water in the bathtub.

Meanwhile, at Ivory’s Boarding House, Allison Amber is sitting on the couch when there is a knock on the door. “I’ll get it Pearl.” She says. Allison goes to the door and answers it.

“What are you still doing here?” Alphonse Brunette asks. Pearl comes out of the kitchen, dressed in hospital scrubs. She sees Brunette standing at the door.

“Alphonse, I don’t have time for this.” Pearl says.

“I will be upstairs.” Allison says. She hurries up the stairs, but listens from the hallway.

“Are you going back to work at the hospital?” Brunette asks, coming inside.

“Yes.” Pearl says, going to a closet and getting her coat.

“Do you think that is a good idea? Your mother just…” Brunette says.

“Do you want something, Alphonse?” Pearl asks.

“Yes, I want to know what the hell that woman is still doing here!” He shouts.

“Stop yelling, you will wake up Sepia.” Pearl says.

“Why are you letting Allison stay here, Pearl?” He asks.

“She lives here, Alphonse. This is her home, now.” Pearl says, slipping on her coat. “I need to go.”

“You aren’t really going to let that woman stay here with Sepia while you are at the hospital?” He asks.

“Allison is more than capable of taking care of the baby, at least until we figure out what we are going to do.” Pearl says.

“Pearl, Allison is the reason Sienna is dead!” Alphonse shouts.

“Here we go again. Alphonse, Sienna’s death was an accident. A horrible accident. Allison is no more to blame than you or I are.” Pearl says. “Now, please. Leave.”

“Pearl, that woman is dangerous.” He says. Pearl begins to laugh. Upstairs, Allison seethes with anger. “Why are you laughing?” Brunette asks Pearl.

“Allison is not dangerous, Alphonse. I don’t know why you have this ridiculous vendetta against her and frankly, I don’t care. But, it needs to stop, for all of our sakes.” Pearl says, showing him to the door. Allison begins to play with the locket on the chain around her neck.

CLICK…CLICK…CLICK

“I am not letting you leave that woman here alone with Sepia.” Alphonse says, grabbing Pearl’s arm.

“Alphonse, you are hurting me.” Pearl says.

Outside the Brown’s cabin, Rodrigo Roja stands on the street looking up at the house. Inside, Tiffany walks past a window, wearing only her underwear. Rodrigo sees her and licks his lips. Tiffany goes to Kim’s room and grabs a portable radio. She takes the radio back to the bathroom with her and puts it on the sink. She then flips the radio on. A radio announcer’s voice fills the bathroom.

“And as the town tries to recover from the horrors of the Founder’s Day Massacre, members of the town council and other prominent citizens will be gathering tonight at the Mayor’s Mansion for the Inauguration Ball of newly appointed Mayor Carlton Jasper, who is replacing the late Mayor Floyd Aubergine. As you know, Mayor Aubergine and his wife, Madalyn died on Founder’s Day.” The announcer says. Tiffany turns a dial from the announcement to some music. She looks at her reflection in the mirror as a tear streams down her cheek.

Back at the boarding house, C.J. Ivory sees Alphonse grabbing his sister. “Hey!” C.J. shouts, bounding down the stairs. Brunette lets go of Ivory. “What the hell is going on?” C.J. asks.

“You need to leave, now.” Ivory says to Brunette. She opens the door and pushes him out.

“Pearl…” Brunette says. “Please, I am just concerned for the well-being of that little boy.”

“You need to leave.” C.J. says to Brunette.

“I can handle this, C.J.” Ivory says. She looks at her arm where Brunette grabbed it and sees her watch. “I am going to be so late for my first day back at the hospital.” Pearl and Brunette go outside.

“Why are you going back? I am sure the hospital would understand if you took some time to deal with your mother’s death.” Brunette takes out a cigarette and lighter.

“They do, it was my idea to come back now.” She says.

“Your idea, but why?” Brunette asks. He lights the cigarette as they walk down the stairs of the porch.

“It will help keep my mind off of things.” Pearl says. She walks to her car. “Please don’t come back here without calling first.” Ivory gets into her car, leaving Brunette standing in the yard. He looks up at the house and sees Allison at the window looking down at him. Brunette begins to open and close his cigarette lighter.

Click…Click…Click

TO BE CONTINUED…