The solemn residents of Tudor Manor were temporarily cheered by the return of Vivienne Scarlet. The good feeling didn’t last long as John Boddy sadly informed Vivienne about the death of Emily Peach. Later, Vivienne confided in Kevin Kale that she could not break the news of her not being Hugh Black’s daughter to the family, feeling that they were already suffering over the loss of Emily. Scarlet also commented to Kevin that telling the family that “Blanket” Onceblack was the person who tried to have her killed and that he was not Mrs. White’s son would equally destroy them. Scarlet didn’t realize, however, that Coral Black was outside the lounge listening to them. Coral then came to Scarlet, who quickly realized that Coral had overheard her talking to Kevin. Coral promised Scarlet that she would not tell the family what she had heard and left Scarlet with a cryptic message. Coral suggested that before Scarlet tells them that she is not a member of the Black family, she should do a little research. When Scarlet questioned Coral as to where to begin, Coral told Scarlet to look in the mirror and start there. Scarlet, confused as to what she was to be looking at, spotted a portrait of Hugh Black’s mother, Priscilla. Scarlet then realized that she must somehow be a member of the Black family, because she looks exactly like Priscilla. Coral, in the meantime, returned to her room and placed a mysterious phone call. Coral told the person on the phone, presumably Vivienne’s biological mother, that Scarlet was well aware that Hugh Black was not her father and that Elizabeth Peacock had purchased her off of the black market when she was an infant. Coral then reassured the person that she would be reunited with Vivienne very soon. At the Pine Cone Inn, Jonathan Green, Alphonse Brunette and Mindy Mint were left in shock when Sally Browning-Fallow arrived with Officer Iris and took Sepia. When Mindy questioned how Sally knew where Sepia was, Brunette naturally assumed that Allison Amber informed the police that he had taken Sepia from the boarding house. At Blackport Memorial Hospital, Heather Grey was woken by Patrick Plum standing over her. Patrick then told Heather that he saw Peter and Nurse Pearl Ivory in the hall and that Peter had kissed her. Suddenly, Heather began having pains in her stomach and yelled for Patrick to get a doctor. Later, Peter, Patrick and Heather’s mother, Argent Silver waited as doctors performed an emergency C-section on Heather. Across town, at Kim Brown’s cabin, Tiffany Aubergine was brutally murdered in the bathtub. Kim Brown returned home to find the killer still in the house. The killer chased Kim to the gates of the Mayor’s Mansion on Rainbow Mountain, where Kimberly was brutally attacked.

“Premonition”

The residents of Blackport wake up to yet another shocking headline in the Blackport Journal. Two young women were found murdered - Kimberly Brown was found outside the gates of the Mayor’s Mansion on Rainbow Mountain and Tiffany Aubergine was found dead in the bathroom of Kim’s home. At Tudor Manor, the news of the young women’s deaths rattles the already frayed nerves of the Black Family.

“Hasn’t this town suffered enough?” Coral Black asks, throwing the morning edition of the Blackport Journal onto a table in the hall.

“It’s just dreadful.” Blanche White says as she is unpacking a box of Christmas ornaments. Reginald Ash joins the women in the hall. He is carrying several more boxes of Christmas decorations.

“Where would you like these, Miss Black?” Ash asks.

“Oh, just put them anywhere, Reggie.” Coral says. “I am not much in the mood to decorate the tree right now.” Ash puts the boxes down near the large Christmas tree that is set up in the hall.

“Good morning.” Kevin Kale greets them as he descends the stairs.

“Good morning, Mr. Kale.” Blanche says. “There is fresh coffee and bagels set up in the dining room.”

“Thank you, Mrs. White.” Kevin says. He crosses the hall to the dining room, where John Boddy, Vivienne Scarlet and Ginger have gathered.

“The police seem to think that this is the work of a serial killer.” John Boddy says, putting the newspaper down onto the table.

“Good morning.” Kevin says as he enters.

“Morning.” Vivienne smiles. Kevin goes over to the sideboard and gets a bagel.

“Do you want some coffee?” Ginger asks.

“Sure, thanks.” Kevin smiles as he spreads cream cheese onto his bagel.

“John, do you think that whoever killed those two young women, is also the person who killed Emily?” Vivienne asks.

“The thought had crossed my mind. I am going to call and set up a meeting with Detective Garnet for later today.” John says, just as his cell phone begins to ring. “John Boddy.” John answers his phone. “Yes Mayor Jasper.” John gets up from the table and steps out of the room.

“John is friends with the mayor?” Ginger asks. Vivienne nods.

At Meadow-Brook Commons, Kelley Meadow-Brook is sitting at a table in the kitchen, reading the newspaper. Hunter Meadow-Brook enters. “Did you see today’s paper?” Kelley asks.

“Yeah.” Hunter says.

“What the heck is going on in this town?” Kelley asks. “I mean first Founder’s Day and now a serial killer.”

“I know, it’s scary.” Hunter says. He takes a seat next to her. “The mayor is going to be issuing a mandatory curfew until the person doing this is caught.”

“A curfew?” Kelley asks. “Is it that serious?”

“I think Mayor Jasper just wants to make sure no one else gets murdered. By forcing people to be indoors after sundown, it helps protect people.” Hunter says. “Have you seen mom this morning?”

“Yeah, she just went down to the cellar.” Kelley says.

“What? Why is she down there?” Hunter jumps to his feet.

“She said something about Rosa keeping a turkey for Christmas dinner in the freezer down there.” Kelley tells him. “What’s the big deal?”

“It’s not a big deal.” Hunter says, hurrying out of the kitchen. Kelley shrugs. In the cellar, Jane Meadow-Brook is rummaging through a refrigerator. Hunter dashes down the stairs.

“Mom!” Hunter shouts. Jane jumps at the sound of her son’s voice.

“Hunter! Good heavens, you startled me.” She says.

“What are you doing down here?” He asks.

“I am trying to make a list of things I need to get for Christmas dinner.” She says, closing the refrigerator door. “I really wish Rosa was here, she would know what we need.”

“You still haven’t gotten in touch with her?” Hunter asks.

“No.” Jane shakes her head. “The number I have for her sister has been disconnected.” She walks over to a large chest freezer. “I think we have a turkey in here.” She says reaching for the freezer’s handle.

“You know, I bet you I could get the new number for Rosa’s sister.” Hunter says. Jane turns to face him.

“You could?” She asks.

“Sure.” Hunter smiles. “Why don’t we go see what I can find out?”

“Right now?” Jane asks. “But I was just about to…”

“I can finish this.” Hunter takes a paper from his mother’s hand.

“You want to make the shopping list?” Jane asks.

“Sure.” Hunter smiles. “Let’s see.” He begins to look over the list. “I will check the freezer for the turkey. You go to the dry goods and see what we have there.”

“Oh, alright.” Jane says. She crosses the cellar and goes to a pantry, as Hunter turns to the freezer. Hunter slowly opens the lid of freezer, all the while watching his mother over his shoulder. Inside the freezer, the body of Rosa Roja is wrapped in plastic, lying next to a large frozen turkey. “Do you see the turkey in there?” Jane asks.

“Sure do!” Hunter says. He quickly closes the lid. Jane rejoins him by the freezer.

“Well?” She asks.

“Well what?” Hunter asks.

“Aren’t you going to get it out and bring it upstairs to thaw out?” She questions.

“I will do that later. I think we should go and see if we can get the number for Rosa’s sister.” He smiles. He gently pushes his mother away from the freezer towards the cellar stairs. “I am really worried about her.” He says, looking back at the freezer.

Across town, at the Foxglove Mansion, real estate agent Lydia Appleby is outside the entrance of the mansion talking on her cell phone. Inside the mansion, Catherine Grey is standing by the window listening to Miss Appleby’s conversation. Misty Arugula comes down the stairs and sees Catherine. “What are you doing?” Arugula asks.

“Shhh!” Grey says.

“What’s going on?” Arugula joins her by the window.

“Apparently, the home inspector is coming today to inspect the place.” Grey says. The women walk away from the window.

“You’re not serious?” Arugula asks.

“Yep, it seems that the man who is buying this place is eager to move in.” Grey says.

“Great.” Arugula says. “What the hell are we going to do with our guest in the cellar?”

“Well, I would say leave that to me, but I have to be at the hospital. The DNA test on Mindy is today.” Grey says.

“Do you really think you will be able to switch Mindy’s sample with the sample you took from Jessie Sumac?” Arugula asks.

“Please. I know that hospital like the back of my hand.” Grey says. “I can be in and out of the lab before anyone sees me.”

“What I am going to about Jessie?” Arugula walks over to another window and looks out.

“Can’t you just leave her down there?” Grey asks, slipping on a coat.

“Oh yeah, of course.” Arugula says sarcastically. “Don’t you think that inspector is going to go over this place with a fine tooth comb? He is bound to find a girl chained to a wall in the cellar.”

“Well, whatever you decide to do, you need to do it fast.” Grey leaves Arugula alone staring out the window. Arugula can see that across the harbor is a lighthouse.

“Hmmm.” She says. “The lighthouse.”

Meanwhile, at Blackport Memorial Hospital, Mrs. Argent Silver and Peter Plum are sitting in the waiting room watching a news report on the discovery of Tiffany Aubergine’s and Kim Brown’s bodies. “How awful.” Argent says.

“Those poor girls.” Peter says. Nurse Pearl Ivory enters the waiting room.

“Good morning.” Pearl says.

“Hi.” Peter says, sitting up in his chair.

“I just checked in on Heather and she is stable.” Pearl says.

“Thank you, Pearl.” Peter says.

“Is there anything I can do for you, Mrs. Silver?” Pearl asks. Argent ignores her.

“I’m sorry.” Peter says.

“It’s alright.” Pearl says. “I know she must be out of her mind with worry.” Argent looks up and sees her ex-husband Alfred Grey and a much younger woman enter the room.

“Alfred.” Argent stands up.

“Darling, Argent.” Grey says. They embrace. “How are Heather and the baby?”

“They are still in ICU.” Argent tells him.

“Argent, you remember Lady Oakwood.” Grey says, motioning towards the woman who accompanied him.

“Yes, of course.” Argent smiles.

“Peter, how are you holding up, old man?” Lord Grey asks.

“I’m ok, sir.” Peter says.

“Peter, this is Lady Regina Oakwood, my fiancée.” Grey says.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Peter says.

“Charmed.” Lady Oakwood smiles.

“Well, I better get back to work.” Pearl Ivory says.

“I will walk you out.” Peter says. They leave the waiting room.

“I really want to apologize for the way Mrs. Silver is acting towards you.” Peter says.

“Peter, you don’t have to apologize.” Pearl says. “Heather’s family is a lot different from the kind you and I grew up with.”

“You can say that again.” Peter says, lowering his head.

“Hey, it’s alright.” Ivory smiles. “You are going to be a great dad to that little girl.”

“Thanks, Pearl.” Peter says. “I better get back in there.”

“I will check in on Heather in a few hours and give you an update.” She says. In the waiting room, Lord Grey is talking with Mrs. Silver about the fact that the police contacted him soon after his sister, Catherine Grey escaped from prison.

“And I told them, I hadn’t heard from Catherine.” Alfred says as Peter rejoins them.

“I don’t know what Catherine is thinking.” Argent says.

“My sister, Catherine, can be a little unpredictable.” Alfred tells Lady Oakwood, who smiles. A few floors down, Mindy Mint sits in a waiting room, nervously waiting for her name to be called.

“You will be fine.” Alphonse Brunette says to her.

“I appreciate you coming with me.” Mindy says.

“I told you I would help you with this little scheme.” Brunette says. Jonathan Green and Dr. Paul Mandarin walk over to them.

“Good morning.” Dr. Mandarin says.

“Hello.” Mindy says.

“Aww, Mindy, you aren’t nervous, are you?” Mr. Green asks.

“Just a little.” Mindy says.

“There is nothing to be nervous about.” Green reassures her. “Is there, Paul?”

“No, I should say not.” Dr. Mandarin smiles. A nurse opens a door.

“Mindy Mint.” The nurse says.

“Oh boy.” Mindy says.

“Do you want me to go with you?” Green asks. Mindy looks at Brunette.

“No, dad, I will be alright.” She says. She slowly stands up.

“Mindy Mint.” The nurse calls again.

“I’m coming!” Mindy snaps. She slowly walks over to the nurse and looks back at the men. Alphonse gives her the thumbs up. Mindy sticks her tongue out at him.

“You and my daughter have a very interesting relationship.” Green says, taking a seat next to Brunette. Brunette looks at him, but doesn’t say a word. “Not that there is anything inappropriate going on.” Green adds. Brunette raises an eyebrow.

“She’s a child.” Brunette says, standing up. He walks over to a television set. A news report about the murder of Kim Brown is on. Brunette sees the picture of Kim on the screen.

“Brown, worked as a front desk clerk at The Black Towers Hotel.” A news reporter says. “Her father, Police Inspector Winfield Brown died on Founder’s Day. Kimberly Brown was eighteen.”

“Oh god.” Brunette says.

At Black Towers Hotel, Gavin Gold is sitting in the lounge having a drink. “Bartender, keep it coming.” Gavin says as he chugs the drink.

“Isn’t it a little early to be drinking?” A voice calls out. Gavin looks up and sees Elizabeth Peacock-Canary.

“Mrs. Peacock, er, Canary.” Gavin says, standing up.

“Hello, Gavin.” Peacock-Canary smiles. “Please, don’t stand up.” She takes a seat on the bar stool next to him. Gavin sits down. “So, are you going to tell me why you are in here drinking at half-past eleven in the morning?”

“I’d rather just buy you a drink.” Gavin says.

“That’ll work, too.” Elizabeth smiles. Gavin raises two fingers at the bartender. “Make mine a double.” Elizabeth says.

In a corridor at Blackport Memorial Hospital, an orderly stands by the door of a supply closet. Catherine Grey steps out, dressed in a doctor’s coat. The orderly hands her a doctor’s badge with her photo on it. Grey quickly clips the badge to the coat. “It looks great.” She says to the orderly.

“Some of my best work.” He smiles at her.

“Save it.” Grey says. “I have to get to the lab.”

“The girl just got finished.” The orderly says. “Her blood should be going to the lab within twenty minutes. Dr. Mandarin put a rush on her results.”

“Then I better hurry.” Grey says. She looks down the corridor.

“Before you go…” The orderly says.

“Alright, but make it quick.” Catherine says. He pulls her to him and they kiss. “Ok, that’s enough, Milo.” Grey pulls away. “That’ll just have to hold you over until later.”

“So I get to see you later?” The excited orderly asks.

“If this works, I’ll want to celebrate.” Grey says, “So you may get to see me later.” The orderly smiles as Catherine hurries down the corridor. She goes past the waiting room where her brother Lord Alfred Grey and Argent Silver are. Grey sees her hurry past the door.

“Catherine?” Lord Grey says, jumping to his feet. He hurries to the door of the waiting room and looks out into the corridor, but Catherine is gone.

“Alfred, what is it?” Argent asks.

“I think the stress must be getting to me.” Alfred says, returning to his chair. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear I just saw my sister rush by.”

In the lounge of The Black Towers, Elizabeth and Gavin are still sitting at the bar. “You poor thing.” Elizabeth says.

“Not to be rude, Mrs. P., but I don’t want your pity.” Gavin says, taking a drink. He raises his finger for the bartender to pour him another.

“I don’t pity you, Gavin.” Elizabeth says. “I just wish you weren’t going through such an awful time.” She sips her drink.

“Like you care.” Gavin says.

“I guess I deserve that.” Peacock-Canary says.

“You guess?” Gavin says.

“I know I wasn’t the easiest person to work for.” She says.

“No, you weren’t. You were demanding, impatient, coarse…” Gavin stops.

“No, don’t stop.” She says.

“And a real pain in my ass.” Gavin says, he takes a chug of the drink the bartender has just poured. Elizabeth sits back.

“Yes, I guess I was.” She says.

“But now, something is different. Maybe it’s because we’ve finished off a bottle of whiskey, but you seem more mellow or something.” Gavin says.

“Hmmm.” She says.

“What?” Gavin asks.

“I never thought I would hear someone say that I was mellow.” She laughs. “You know, I have a full bar up in my suite.”

“Yeah, so.” Gavin says.

“Well, I mean, it’s a shame to think we are down here drinking these cheap spirits when I have a higher quality of booze upstairs.” She says.

“Mrs. P., are you inviting me up to your suite?” Gavin asks.

“Yes, I think I am.” She says. Gavin downs the rest of his drink.

“Bartender, check please.” Gavin says. Elizabeth smiles.

In her room at Ivory’s Boarding House, Allison Amber is sitting at a desk looking at the photo that is in the locket that usually hangs around her neck when there is a knock on the door. “Come in.” Allison says, slipping the locket around her neck. The door opens and C.J. Ivory enters.

“I’m not disturbing you am I?” C.J. asks.

“No, not at all.” She says.

“I just wanted to make sure you are alright.” C.J. walks over to her.

“Sure, why wouldn’t I be?” Allison asks.

“Well, I heard you come home really late last night.” He says.

“Oh.” Allison stands up.

“I mean, I wasn’t waiting up for you, I just happened to be up and I heard you come in.” He explains. “And with everything that is going on around here…”

“That’s sweet.” Allison smiles.

“I guess you heard about those girls that were murdered.” C.J. says.

“Yes, I read about it in the paper.” Allison says.

“Yeah, it’s awful. And when I heard about it this morning, I immediately thought about you being out so late last night, and then I thought that you could have been one of those girls that got killed.” He says.

“C.J., I am fine.” Allison says. “I can take care of myself.”

“I know. I wasn’t implying that you couldn’t.” He says. Suddenly the doorbell rings.

“It’s very nice of you to worry about me.” The doorbell rings again.

“I better go see who that is.” C.J. says. He leaves. Allison begins to open and close the locket.

CLICK…CLICK…CLICK…CLICK

Downstairs, C.J. answers the front door. “Is Allison here?” Alphonse Brunette asks.

“Yeah, she’s upstairs.” C.J. says.

“Can I talk to her?” Brunette asks.

“I don’t know if that is such a good idea.” C.J. says.

“It’s alright.” Allison says from the top of the stairs. C.J. steps aside and Brunette enters.

“If you need anything, I will be in the kitchen.” C.J. tells Allison, who comes down stairs.

“Thanks, C.J.” Allison says. C.J. goes into the kitchen and Brunette closes the front door.

“What do you want to talk to me about?” Allison asks, taking a seat on the couch.

“I want to know where you get off telling the cops and Sienna’s mother that I took Sepia with me back to the Pine Cone Inn.” Brunette says.

“What are you talking about?” Allison asks.

“They came to my room at the Pine Cone Inn and took Sepia.” He says.

“Took him where?” Allison asks.

“Don’t act all concerned now. It’s your fault they took him.” Brunette says.

“My fault?” She asks.

“You are just like your sister. She didn’t know how to keep her mouth shut either!” Brunette shouts.

“Hey!” C.J. comes out of the kitchen.

“Stay out of this!” Brunette shouts.

“I am not going to have you come into my house and talk to Allison like that!” C.J. shouts.

“You are good, I’ll give you that.” Alphonse says to Allison.

“What?” Allison questions.

“Now you have C.J. defending you.” Brunette says.

“You need to leave.” C.J. says.

“I am not leaving until she tells me why she told the police and Sally Browning-Fallow that Sepia was with me at the Pine Cone Inn.” Brunette says.

“Allison didn’t tell them that you took Sepia.” C.J. says.

“C.J. You don’t have to…” Allison says.

“There was no way that Allison was the one who told them where Sepia was. She wasn’t even here when they called and asked.” C.J. says.

“Well, if it wasn’t Allison, then who told them where they could find him?” Brunette asks.

“I told them.” C.J. says, matter-of-factly.

Back at Tudor Manor, Vivienne Scarlet, John Boddy, Kevin Kale, Tawny Drabb and Ginger are in the lounge helping Mrs. White and Coral Black decorate another Christmas tree. Margaret Black-Boddy sits nearby in her wheelchair. Mr. Ash enters the lounge. “I hate to interrupt, but Master Boddy you have a phone call.”

“Thanks, Reggie.” John says. He hands Vivienne an ornament. “I’ll be right back.” John leaves the lounge and goes to a phone in the hall. “John Boddy.” John says.

“John, it’s Paul Mandarin.” Dr. Mandarin says.

“Hello Paul, what can I do for you?” John asks.

“I just wanted to let you know that the DNA test on Mindy Mint has been completed and we should have the results by the beginning of next week.” Mandarin tells him.

“Oh, alright. Thanks for letting me know.” John says.

“I know it’s going to be a tough time waiting on the results.” Mandarin says.

“Yes, but we are trying to keep ourselves occupied.” John says. “Speaking of, I would like to invite you to join us for Christmas dinner next week.”

“Thank you, I would love to come.” Paul says.

“Great. I am sure Aunt Coral will be happy that you are going to be here.” John says.

“I will give you a call as soon as the results from the DNA test come back.” Mandarin says.

“Thank you, Paul. We appreciate your help.” John says. He hangs up the phone and goes back to the lounge as the doorbell rings. Mr. Ash comes out of the kitchen and crosses the hall to answer the door. Mr. Ash opens the door and greets the woman standing on the doorstep.

“Hello, miss. May I help you?” Ash asks.

“Yes, is John Boddy at home?” The woman asks. In the lounge, John is telling the others that the test on Mindy is done.

“Dr. Mandarin says the results should be in early next week.” John says.

“Just in time for Christmas.” Coral says, hanging an ornament on the tree. Mr. Ash once again enters the lounge.

“Excuse me for interrupting again, but we have a guest.” Mr. Ash says, stepping aside. Madame Tiponi Chartreuse enters the lounge.

“Madame Chartreuse?” John asks. “What are you doing here?”

“I am very sorry to intrude on your holiday festivities.” Madame Chartreuse says.

“You aren’t intruding, please come in.” John says. Madame Chartreuse smiles and walks over to the group. “Aunt Coral, everyone, this is Madame Chartreuse. We met when Emily and I traveled to Hungary to consult with Madame Rose. How is Madame Rose?”

“She is doing well, enjoying her retirement.” Madame Chartreuse says.

“Madame Rose retired?” Vivienne asks.

“Yes, she is living in the South of France.” Chartreuse says.

“Really.” Scarlet says.

“Does that surprise you?” Chartreuse asks.

“Well sort of. Can someone really retire from being a psychic?” Scarlet asks.

“Madame Chartreuse this is...” John is about to introduce Vivienne.

“Vivienne Scarlet.” Madame Chartreuse says.

“Yes, right.” John says. “Vivienne had a bit of an experience when we visited with Madame Rose.”

“I know all about Miss Scarlet’s experience at the séance.” She says.

“How do you know about that?” Scarlet asks. “Oh wait, you’re psychic, too.”

“Well, I prefer the term clairvoyant.” Madame Chartreuse says. “The Christmas tree is lovely.”

“Thank you.” John says.

“I wish I could tell you that the holiday is what brings me here.” She says.

“Why are you here?” Coral Black asks.

“I am very sorry about the loss of your daughter, Miss Black.” Chartreuse says. “And I know this must be a difficult time for all of you, but I am afraid the reason for my visit is most unpleasant.” Vivienne looks over at John.

“Mrs. White, perhaps you could help Aunt Coral and Mother to the dining room.” John asks.

“I’m not leaving.” Coral says. “Madame Chartreuse, what unpleasantness do you have to share with us?” Chartreuse looks at John.

“Go ahead, tell us.” John says.

“Very well. Yesterday, I received a vision.” She says.

“What did you see?” Vivienne asks.

“I hate to have to tell you this, but one of you in this room is going to be murdered.” Chartreuse says.

TO BE CONTINUED…