Previously: In the strange parallel time, John Boddy arrived just in time to save Vivienne Scarlet from his evil counterpart by hitting him in the head with a crowbar. John checked the evil John’s pulse and saw that he was dead. Just then, John heard voices outside the gate house. Hurrying to the window, John looked out and saw the estate caretaker, Rusty talking to another man. Fearing that the men would enter the gate house, John quickly stepped outside, surprising the men. Rusty introduced John to the man he was with as being the contractor Hugh Black hired to remodel the gate house. The contractor gives John his condolences over the death of Coral Black. Boddy, shocked at hearing that Coral has died, had to cover his obvious faux pas. Meanwhile, at Tudor Manor, Kasandra Scarlet entered the lounge and met with her mother, Elizabeth Peacock. Kasandra demanded to know why Elizabeth was there and if she is trying to “ruin everything”. Back outside the gate house, the contractor left, and Rusty commented to John that being engaged to Kasandra Scarlet has turned John into a new man. When Boddy questioned Rusty as to what he meant, Rusty says he’s never seen Boddy dressed in the type of clothes he is in and that he likes John’s shorter hairstyle. Rusty then proceeded to go to the door of the gate house to do some painting, but John stops him. John lied and said that the paint they have selected for the gate house walls is not the right color choice, and Rusty agreed. Relived when Rusty decides to go to work in the tool shed, John re-entered the gate house where he found Vivienne Scarlet had regained consciousness. John tried to calm the upset Vivienne and explained that he killed the evil John Boddy to stop him from hurting her. They then agree that they need to clean up the mess. They moved the body to a spare bedroom and begin to clean up the blood when Rusty enters. Rusty, shocked to see them cleaning blood off of the floor threatened to call Hugh Black and alert him of the situation. When John tried to convince Rusty not to call Hugh, Rusty tells them that Hugh had asked him to keep an eye on John. Vivienne, in an effort to stop Rusty from making the call blurted out that John is not the John that Rusty was to be keeping an eye on. Confused, Rusty put the phone down. Feeling that they had no other choice, Vivienne and John tell Rusty that the other John Boddy is dead and his body is in the spare room. Rusty was shocked when he went to the room and saw the corpse. Vivienne then explained that both she and John are from a different time and Rusty’s reaction to their confession surprises them. Rusty tells them he knows exactly who they are. He explains that the late Coral Black knew of the time portal in her room and kept a detailed journal about the strange occurrences that she had witnessed over the years. Rusty also tells them that the Coral’s journal is also the reason why she is dead. Rusty explains that Coral was murdered so that her knowledge of the mysterious time portal would not get out. Vivienne then realized that whoever murdered Coral must know that she is from the alternate time and had ordered the evil John to kidnap her. John and Vivienne ask Rusty to help them in getting back to their time so that they don’t end up dead like Coral. Rusty agreed to help them. John then tells Vivienne that she cannot return to Tudor Manor. John explains that she needs to remain “kidnapped” and Rusty says that the safest place for her to hide is in the tool shed. Rusty then comments that people will begin to worry when the deceased John Boddy doesn’t show up. John then tells them that he will assume the identity of the other John and try to discover who murdered Coral. John says that Vivienne and Rusty will have to tell him everything they know about the Black Family. In the lounge, the Black Family joined Kasandra and Elizabeth and it is apparent that they are not too happy that Elizabeth has come to town. When Georgia Peach spoke up and asked why Elizabeth was there, Kendal Forrest-Black stopped her and said that Elizabeth is a guest in her house and she will not tolerate Georgia or anyone being rude to Elizabeth. Kendal then turned to Elizabeth and welcomed her to Blackport.

“Minding the Gaps”

As storm clouds begin to move in over Blackport, Vivienne Scarlet looks out of the window of the gate house of the Black Estate. She then turns from the window and faces Rusty Nayler, the estate’s caretaker. “Do you really think that John will be able to pull this off?” She asks.

“He’ll have to if you two are to get safely back to your own time.” Rusty tells her. The door of the spare room opens and John Boddy comes out, dressed in the clothes of his evil counterpart.

“Luckily, most of the blood got on the floor and not on the clothes.” John says as he slips on a leather jacket.

“You know, seeing you dressed like him, I get the feeling this may just work afterall.” Vivienne says.

“You’ll have to explain the haircut.” Rusty reminds John.

“Did you go through his pockets?” Vivienne asks.

“Well,” John says reaching a hand into his back pocket, his wallet is here.” Then he puts his hands into the pockets of the jacket. “And here are his car keys.”

“Boddy parks his BMW in the garage.” Rusty says. John then reaches into the pockets of his jeans and finds the small key that the evil John stole from Hugh Black’s desk.

“Any idea what this goes to?” He asks Rusty, holding up the key.

“No idea.” Rusty shrugs. John slips the key back into the pocket of his jeans.

“Well, I better hang onto it, just in case.” John says. “Now, I am surprised he didn’t have a cell phone on him.”

“He didn’t?” Rusty asks. “I know for a fact that Mr. Boddy never went anywhere without his cell phone. Odd.”

“I guess we better go over some details of his life.” John says. They take a seat on the couch. “So, what can you tell me about John and his family?”

“Where to begin?” Rusty smiles. “I’ve known the Black Family for years. I came to work for them after I retired from the Army. I actually didn’t know John very well until just recently. He and his fiancée, Kasandra Scarlet came to live at Tudor Manor just a few months ago. Up until then, I had only met John when he would come with his parents for visits at the holidays and in the summer.”

“Are his parents still alive?” John asks.

“Well sadly, his father Samuel Boddy died about eight years ago.” Rusty says. “He worked as a journalist in Massachusetts where the family resided. I know that before his death, Samuel inherited acres of land and that those acres of land then went to John when Samuel died.”

“And what about John’s mother?” John asks.

“Poor Margaret. She’s had a hard time over the last few years of her life.” Rusty says.

“She is still alive?” John asks.

“If you want to call it that.” Rusty says.

“What do you mean?” John asks.

“Margaret has been in a mental institution for the past five years.” Rusty says.

“Oh my goodness. Why?” Vivienne asks.

“I don’t know the full story, but from what I gather, Margaret was privy to some dark family secret and keeping this information to herself drove her mad.” Rusty says.

“That’s horrible!” Vivienne says.

“I know that Coral would go and visit with Margaret regularly, but now that Coral is gone, I don’t know if anyone from the family has been to see her.” Rusty says.

“Alright, on to Hugh.” John says, changing the subject. Vivienne can see that talk of Margaret and her fragile mental state is bothering John.

“Well, Dr. Black is retired, and he is married to his college sweetheart, Kendal Forrest.” Rusty says. “Hugh and Kendal have one son, Mason.”

“Cousin, Mason.” John says, making a mental note.

“Yes.” Rusty nods.

“What was John’s relationship with Mason like? Did they get along?” John asks.

“I’ve never heard of them not getting along. I know John had issues with his other cousin, Coral’s daughter, Georgia Peach.” Rusty says.

“Georgia. That must have been who I saw in the mirror before I came through the time portal. She looks just like my cousin Emily.” John says.

“She may look like Emily, but Georgia is nothing like Emily.” Vivienne speaks up. “That is the biggest problem I’ve had since I came here. Seeing people who look exactly like people I know, but their personalities and lives are completely different. Dear old John in there is a prime example. He looked exactly like you, but he could not have been more different. There was just an intense evil in that man.”

“Hey,” John says, taking her hand, “it is ok. He’s not going to hurt you anymore.”

“So you say that Georgia and John had issues, anything specific?” John asks Rusty.

“The two had a bitter rivalry, it is almost like they were jealous of what the other one had.” Rusty says. “Georgia also thinks that Kasandra is only marrying John for his money.”

“Really?” John says.

“But they did put their differences aside and agree to a double wedding. Mainly for the family's sake. Georgia is engaged to Eric White and they were going to marry in a double wedding ceremony with John and Kasandra. But since Coral’s death, the wedding has been postponed, indefinitely.” Rusty says.

“Eric White.” John says. “He is Mrs. White’s son?”

“Yes.” Rusty nods. “Blanche and her husband Winslow have worked here at Tudor Manor for almost thirty years. Blanche is the head maid and Winslow is Hugh’s…”

“Chauffeur.” John says, cutting Rusty off.

“That’s right.” Rusty says.

“Isn’t it weird how some things are the same as they are at home, yet some things are totally different?” John asks Vivienne.

“I know what you mean.” Vivienne says.

“Mrs. White is the maid here, just as she was in our time, and Winslow is Hugh’s driver, but here Winslow never died.” John says. “And my father died when I was very young, but here he lived until just a few years ago.”

“And Coral is still alive in our time, but here she is dead.” Vivienne says.

“And Georgia Peach, who looks just like Emily is Coral’s daughter. But wait.” John turns to Rusty. “Who is Georgia Peach’s father?”

“Ah, it is somewhat complicated.” Rusty says. “Georgia is the product of an affair Coral had.”

“An affair?” Vivienne asks.

“Yes, it was quite the scandal, from what I can recall.” Rusty says. “Coral was going to marry another man, but slept with a man called Jeremiah Green and became pregnant. The man Coral was to marry was so devastated by the affair that he hung himself in the conservatory of Tudor Manor. After his death, Coral discovered she was pregnant and Hugh ordered Coral to leave Blackport. Coral moved to rural Georgia where she met Franklyn Peach, whom she married. Franklyn adopted Coral’s daughter and raised her as his own.”

“Wow. So even though the circumstances around Georgia’s birth are different from Emily’s, Georgia still ended up being raised by Frank Peach, the man who, in our time, adopted Emily when she was young.” John says.

“So then that explains why the not bald Jonathan Green is here to attend Coral’s funeral. He is still Georgia’s uncle because her biological father was Jeremiah Green.” Vivienne says.

“Yes, Coral and Jonathan were very close. In fact, when Coral was banished from Blackport and moved to Georgia, she lived with the Green family until she gave birth.” Rusty says. Their conversation is interrupted by a crash of thunder. “My word, I know we have a lot of ground to cover, but I need to go move my tools into the shed before it starts to rain.”

“Of course, go ahead.” John says. “I think I’ve got enough to get me started.” Rusty stands up.

“Please be wary, sir. I know that these people look like people you know, but you must not forget that is not the case.” Rusty says.

“I won’t forget.” John says. Rusty goes across the room to the door.

“I will do my best to fix up the tool shed so you will be comfortable, Miss.” He says.

“Thank you.” Vivienne smiles. Rusty leaves. “The tool shed!” She shouts.

“Come on, Vivienne, it is the only place on this entire estate that no one goes to except for Rusty.” John says.

“I know, I know.” She sighs. John sits down next to her. “Do you think you can pull this off?”

“I am going to try my best.” John says. “Has it really been difficult for you when you see people that you recognize, but then you realize you don’t know them at all?”

“Extremely.” She says. “But talking with Rusty about the family has me wondering about some things.”

“Like what?” John asks.

“Well, it seems that everyone we know back in our time has someone here who looks exactly like them.” Scarlet says.

“Yeah…” John says.

“So if, for example, Coral slept with Jeremiah Green and gave birth to his daughter who is Georgia Peach, the spitting image of our cousin Emily…” She says.

“And Margaret and Sam Boddy are the parents of Johnny boy in there, just like they were my parents in our time…” John says.

“Then I must have a counterpart here too!” Vivienne says.

“I know where you are going with this, Viv.” John says.

“If I can find my counterpart from this time, then I will be able to find out who my real parents are in our time.” Vivienne says.

“But maybe it doesn’t work like that, Viv.” John says.

“Why not? You have John, Emily has Georgia, Hugh is married to his college sweetheart Kendal Forrest.” Vivienne says. “Who looks just like Kendal Forrest Winters who lives in California in our time. Hold on…” Vivienne stands up.

“What, what is it?” John asks.

“Hugh Black in this time is married to Kendal Forrest, and they have a son Mason. And Kendal Forrest Winters in our time is married to Reynard Winters and they have a son, Jason Winters.” Vivienne says.

“Yeah, so?” John says.

“Mason Black and Jason Winters are each other’s counterparts!” Vivienne says excitedly.

“But wait, that can’t be right. You said that Jason Winters is the son of Kendal and her husband Reynard, but here, Mason is Kendal’s son with…” John stops. “Uh oh.”

“Jason Winters has to be Hugh Black’s son, otherwise how could he look exactly like Mason Black?” Vivienne asks. Suddenly there is another crash of thunder.

“I don’t like this Vivienne.” John says, putting his head in his hands.

“And let’s not forget Eric White.” Vivienne says, she begins to pace.

“What about him?” John asks. “Don’t tell me Eric White looks like someone you know.”

“As a matter-of-fact…” Vivienne says.

“Who does Eric look like from back home?” John asks reluctantly.

“Kevin Kale.” Vivienne says.

“Are you joking?” John sits back on the couch.

“No.” Vivienne shakes her head.

“There is no way that Kevin Kale could be Eric White’s counterpart.” John says.

“Sure there is. If Kevin is our Blanche White’s son!” She says.

“Don’t say that!” John smirks.

“I know it sounds crazy!” Vivienne says.

“So are you telling me that you think that Kevin Kale is the son Mrs. White gave up all those years ago?” John asks. Vivienne begins to smile. “But that can’t be right.”

“Why can’t it?” Vivienne asks.

“Because here, Eric White is engaged to Georgia Peach.” John says.

“And? Just because Kevin is gay, doesn't mean Eric would be, too.” Vivienne says stopping next to the couch.

“That's not what I mean. Think about it.” John says. “If Kevin is the child Mrs. White had with Uncle Hugh and if in this time Eric White is Kevin’s counterpart, then Hugh Black and not Winslow White must be Eric’s father. There is no way that Hugh would allow his son to be engaged to Georgia who would be his own cousin.”

“Gross.” Vivienne says. She begins to pace again. “But what if…”

“Oh no.” John says. “Here it comes.”

“What if Winslow White is in fact the father of Eric White, then that means that the baby that Mrs. White gave away in our time was not Hugh Black’s son at all.” Vivienne says. John stands up. He walks over to the door of the gate house. “Where are you going?” She asks.

“This is giving me a headache, I need some air.” John says.

“It’s about to pour out there.” Vivienne says. John walks over to an umbrella stand and picks up an umbrella. “Well, if you are going to be wandering around out there, be careful!” Vivienne says. John leaves her alone. Vivienne flops down on the couch. “Everyone here has an equivalent to someone from back home. So now all I need to do is find mine.” She says to herself. Outside, John looks up at the foreboding sky. He takes a deep breath then walks across the driveway to the garage. He looks through the window of the garage and sees the evil John Boddy’s black BMW parked inside. He goes around to the side door of the garage and enters. Taking the keys from his pocket, he presses the keyless entry remote and unlocks the car. Opening the car door, he climbs in behind the wheel. Sitting on the passenger seat is a cell phone. John reaches over and picks up the phone. He sees that there are several missed calls and an unchecked voicemail message. John presses a button and dials the voicemail service. The recording asks for a password to be entered in order to hear the message. John thinks for a moment.

“Oh what the hell.” He says and then enters the password he uses for his own voicemail service. Strangely enough it works. “Well what do you know.” John puts the phone to his ear.

“You have one new voice message.” The recording says. “Hey, it’s me.” A woman’s voice says on the message. “I just wanted to give you a head’s up that Mason invited me over for dinner tonight. I know you said not to worry about it, but I didn’t want you to be surprised when you came to dinner and I was there. Anyway, being with you this morning was amazing, as usual. I guess I will see you at dinner.” The message ends. John hangs up.

“Oh Johnny, you’ve been a naughty boy.” John says. He pulls up the missed calls and sees that they are all from a number that is saved in the phonebook as “D”. John pulls up the number, takes a deep breath and hits send. The phone begins to dial the number and then begins to ring. A recorded voice answering service picks up.

“You’ve reached Darcy, leave me a message and I will call you back. Thanks.” The outgoing message says. John quickly hangs up.

“Darcy?” John asks. “That can’t be Darcy Puce.” He looks at the time. “They are going to be looking for me, I better go.” He opens the car door and gets out.

“What would you do if I told Kasandra what you’ve been up to?” A voice calls out to John as he closes the car door. John looks up and sees Winslow White standing at the door of the garage with a crowbar in his hand.

TO BE CONTINUED…