Previously: Baron Arthur Bronze arrived at the Black Towers Hotel to attend a board meeting with other members on the board of directors of PlantCorp. In the lobby of the hotel, Bronze reunited with Corrine Canary, who invited Bronze to be her escort to the kick-off event of Blackport’s Founder’s Day celebration, a masquerade ball at the Mayor’s Mansion. Kirby Canary, unable to obtain tickets to the ball, asked her mother if she could get tickets for her and Corrine agreed. Meanwhile, Alva Vermillion became worried because she had not heard from her boyfriend, Office Jake Summers. Jake, unbeknownst to Alva, had been in an accident the night before and was rushed to Black Memorial Hospital. Later, in his suite, Baron Bronze and Lady Lavender discussed the PlantCorp board meeting, not realizing Alva had come into the suite to deliver one of Bronze’s bags. Lavender confided in Bronze that she was concerned that the Lavender Lynx diamond would remain in the hands of Alphonse Brunette, thus hindering PlantCorp’s ability to gain new investors. Lavender told Bronze that the Lavender Lynx contains an additive needed to complete a formula that is imperative to a demonstration planned to take place at the Blackport Performing Arts Center. The demonstration, Lavender explained, would somehow bring the town of Blackport to its knees and prove to the new investors how powerful PlantCorp could become. Shocked at hearing Lavender’s plan, Alva’s cell phone rang revealing her presence in the suite and that she had overheard everything Lavender and Bronze had discussed.

“A Traitor Among Us”

In the elevator, an out of breath Alva Vermillion leans against a wall, nervously watching the numbers of the elevator go down. When the elevator reaches the second floor it stops and the doors open. Rhoit Saffron, a bellhop at the hotel, enters the elevator and sees Alva is on edge.

“Alva? Are you alright?” Rhoit asks. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“You won’t believe it, Rhoit.” Alva says, still clutching her cell phone.

“What is it?” Rhoit asks.

“I was just up in 533. And I overheard something.” She says.

“533?” Rhoit says. “Isn’t that the suite of that rich oil baron? What were you doing up there?”

“I snuck in to return one of his bags. That’s not the point.” Alva says. The elevator stops on the Lobby level and they get out.

“You snuck into a guest’s suite?” Rhoit asks.

“Shhh!” Alva says, “Not so loud. Come on, I’ve gotta tell you something.” She pulls him into the hotel office.

“Mrs. Peacock-Canary would freak out if she knew you were using your pass key to sneak into wealthy guest’s suites, Alva.” He says, disapprovingly.

“Rhoit, will just forget that I snuck in?” Alva says, closing the office door. “When I was in there, I overheard Bronze and a woman talking.”

“You mean not only did you sneak into a guest’s suite, but you eavesdropped on them too?” Rhoit says.

“Yes, I mean, no.” Alva says. “I mean, yeah, but it wasn’t like I did it on purpose. But just listen, I heard them talking and they are planning something.”

“Planning something, what do you mean?” Rhoit asks.

“I can’t be sure, but I think they are going to kill alot of people.” She says.

“What?” Rhoit says, his eyes widen. “You can’t be serious. Maybe you misunderstood.”

“I didn’t misunderstand!” She shouts.

“Ok, Alva, it’s alright. Just calm down.” Rhoit says. “Tell me exactly what you heard them say.”

“I heard the woman say that she has spent the last few years in search of some diamond. I can’t remember what she called it, but that some other guy has the diamond and that she needs to get it back, because the diamond contains some kind of ingredient.” Alva explains.

“Ingredient?” Rhoit says.

“I don’t know, but she seems desperate to get that diamond. She told Baron Bronze that the Performing Arts Center is set up with cameras, and that when the investors that are coming see what happens, they will be so impressed they will basically give her tons of money.” Alva says.

“Cameras? At the Performing Arts Center? Are you sure?” He asks.

“Yes, she said that whatever it is they are planning will bring the town to its knees. Her words, not mine.” Alva says.

“What else did you hear them say?” Rhoit asks.

“Nothing, my cell phone rang and I had to get out of there.” She says.

“Did they see you?” Rhoit asks.

“I am not sure, but I think Baron Bronze saw me and he knows that I overheard what they are planning.” She says, starting to get upset.

“Alright, it’s ok.” Rhoit says, he hugs her. “You aren’t sure that they know you heard anything, don’t get too upset.”

“Well, I have to tell the police. A lot of people will be at the Performing Arts Center on Founder’s Day.” She says, pulling away from him.

“Yeah, I know.” Rhoit says. “But what are you going to tell the police? They will think you are crazy.”

“Do you think I am crazy?” She asks, tears in her eyes.

“No, no. I believe you. I just have to think.” He says.

“I don’t know what to do.” Alva says.

“Don’t worry, I will think of something. I just don’t think you should tell the police, yet. Founder’s Day is still five days away.” Rhoit says. “If you tell them now, you will cause the town to panic.”

“If those people are planning on killing a lot of people, I have to do something to try and stop it.” Alva says.

“I know, we will.” Rhoit says. A knock at the office door interrupts them.

“Come in.” Alva says, pulling herself together.

“Sorry.” Jessie Sumac says as she enters. “Am I interrupting?”

“No, Jessie, its fine.” Rhoit says.

“What do you need?” Alva says.

“I just talked to Kirby and she told me she got us all tickets for the masquerade ball.” Jessie says, excitedly.

“Masquerade Ball?” Alva says.

“Yeah, at the Mayor’s Mansion.” Jessie says. “Kirby’s mom got us the tickets. Isn’t that cool?”

“You aren’t really going to go are you?” Rhoit asks.

“Of course, and Kirby got you and Mai Le tickets too.” Jessie says.

“Oh no. I have no desire to get all dressed up to go to a ball with all of those rich, stuck-up snobs. All they do is congratulate themselves on how much money they made in a day.” Rhoit rolls his eyes.

“Oh come on, Rhoit.” Jessie says. “It will be fun to pretend we are rich for one night.” She turns to Alva, “Kirby got tickets for you and Jake, too.”

“Really?” Alva says.

“Yeah. And I know Jake will go if you tell him you want to.” Jessie says.

“I don’t know, Jess.” Alva says. “Blake doesn’t like to hob-knob with rich people.”

“But Kirby’s mom went to a lot of trouble to get us the tickets.” Jessie says.

“Is Mrs. Canary even going herself?” Rhoit asks.

“Yes, of course she is. In fact, Kirby told me that her mom is going with some rich Canadian Oil Baron.” Jessie says.

“Canadian Oil Baron?” Alva swallows.

“Yeah, come on guys, how many chances will we get to go inside the mayor’s house?” Jessie asks.

“It might be fun.” Rhoit says. “I’ve never met an Oil Baron before.” He looks at Alva. “I bet he’s got a lot of great stories.”

“So you are gonna go?” Jessie asks.

“I’m game!” Rhoit says. He looks at Alva. “I bet an oil baron could answer a lot of questions we might have.”

“Cool!” Jessie goes to the door of the office. “I am going to call Chad and then go and get a dress and mask. Do you wanna go shopping with me?” She asks Alva.

“I haven’t even talked to Blake yet.” Alva says. “But yeah, I will go with you. I’ll meet you in the lobby in a few minutes.” Jessie leaves.

“Do you think it is a good idea for us to go to the ball, with Baron Bronze going?” Alva asks Rhoit.

“We have to try and get more information before we go to the police.” Rhoit says.

“Yeah, but he knows I heard them talking.” Alva says.

“He wouldn’t try anything with all those people there.” Rhoit assures her.

“I hope you are right.” Alva says. “I gotta call Blake and see what he thinks about going.”

“But you can’t mention anything about what you heard.” Rhoit says. “Not yet, anyway.”

“I know.” Alva says.

In the Lobby of the hotel, Jessie excitedly talks to Chad Moss on her cell phone, while nearby a group of women meets in the sitting area.

“Ladies, please, may I have your attention.” A woman says, trying to get the excited group of young ladies to quiet down. “As you all know tonight at the masquerade ball, I will take the stage and announce each of you as contestants in the Miss Blackport Pageant.” The young women begin to talk again. “Ladies,” the woman raises her hand, “I do have some rather unfortunate news, however.” They quiet down. “Emily Peach, as you know, was also going to compete, but she was rushed to the hospital last night. She is undergoing surgery as we speak and will be unable to participate.”

“Her brother escaped from police custody and went to Tudor Manor and shot her.” Carrie Bluebell reports. The young women begin to talk again.

“Thank you, Miss Bluebell.” The woman says. “Ladies, please.” The group quiets down again, “Also, Heather Grey called me this morning to let me know that she will not be able to participate in the competition as well.”

“Two less people to stand in my way.” Kirby Canary says.

“Madame Puce, is Heather alright?” Mai Le asks.

“Yes, she is fine. She has just gotten word that she is pregnant.” Madame Puce says.

“Oh wow.” Kelley Meadow-Brook says.

“So we have two openings for contestants.” Darcy Puce says, joining the group.

“Darcy, darling.” Madame Puce smiles. “I am so glad you are back.”

“Hello, mother. Everyone.” Darcy says. They begin to talk again.

“Ladies.” Madame Puce says, “Most of you have your gowns and masks for tonight’s ball at my house, and I need you all to be there no later than six p.m.”

Across the lobby, Alva joins Jessie Sumac. “All ready to go?” Jessie asks. “Chad is excited about the ball.”

“Is he?” Alva says. She sees the women gathered in the sitting area.

“Yeah.” Jessie says.

“Ladies.” Madame Puce calls to them. “Excuse, but do you have a minute?”

“Sure.” Jessie says.

“We have just had two spaces open up for the Miss Blackport Pageant, and I was wondering if either of you would be interested. I know it is last minute.”

“A beauty pageant?” Alva says.

“It’s a chance for young women to show their community what Blackport means to them.” Madame Puce says.

“I’ll pass.” Alva says.

“Oh, come one, Alva.” Jessie says. “Mai is in it, and Kelley and Carrie.”

“I don’t think so.” Alva says.

“Well, I understand, Miss Vermillion.” Madame Puce says. “But what about you Miss Sumac?”

“I would love to!” Jessie says.

“Wonderful.” Madame Puce says. “Tonight at the masquerade ball, the girls will be announced on stage as contestants. So you will need to get a gown and mask.”

“We were just on our way.” Jessie says.

“And you will be reimbursed for the money you spend on the gown and accessories.” Madame Puce says.

“Oh really, that’s great, I really didn’t want to spend a lot on a dress.” Jessie says.

“So the contestants get their dress money back?” Alva says.

“Would you like to reconsider, Miss Vermillion?” Madame Puce says.

“Come on, Alva, do it!” Jessie says.

“I guess I could.” Alva says.

“Wonderful!” Madame Puce says. “I need you to be at my house no later than six p.m. And Alva, Miss Summers didn’t attend the meeting here today, if you see her, will you let her know?”

“Audrey is in the pageant too?” Alva asks.

“Yes, she is.” Madame Puce says. “See you ladies tonight.” Madame Puce walks away.

“I wonder why Audrey didn’t come to the meeting if she is in the contest.” Alva says, just as her phone rings. Alva looks at her cell phone and sees it is her mother calling.

“Hi Mom.” Alva says as she answers the phone.

“Alva, I have been trying to reach you all morning.” Ramona Vermillion says.

“I’ve been busy here at work.” Alva says. “Is everything alright?”

“Alva, last night there was an accident. Jake is in surgery.” She tells her.

“What? Oh god, what happened?” Alva asks.

“The van we were transporting a prisoner in crashed and Jake was hurt. I am here at Blackport Memorial with Audrey and Joyce.” Ramona says.

“Oh no.” Alva says. “I am on my way.” She hangs up the phone.

“What’s wrong?” Jessie asks.

“Blake was in an accident, he’s in surgery.” Alva says. “I have to get to the hospital. My mother and Audrey and Blake’s Aunt are there.”

“Oh no, Alva, I’m so sorry.” Jessie says. “I will go with you.”

“No, you have to get a dress for the ball, I will be ok.” She says.

“Well keep me posted.” Jessie says. They hug. Alva hurries across the Lobby and out the front entrance of the hotel.

Meanwhile, upstairs in suite 533, Baron Arthur Bronze is just finishing up a phone conversation. “Well that is good news, Channing.” Bronze says. “I expect to hear from you soon.” He hangs up the phone.

“Well?” Lady Lavender asks nervously. “Did he get the diamond?” Bronze goes over to a small bar and pours two glasses of brandy.

“Channing said it wasn’t easy,” Bronze walks over to her, and hands her a glass, “but he has it!” A smile comes over his lips.

“He does?” Lavender says. “How did he manage to get it?”

“I didn’t get the details, Su, but Channing reassured me that he has the Lavender Lynx and that Brunette is none the wiser.” He raises his glass.

“And he is bringing it here to Blackport?” Lavender asks.

“Yes, he is heading for the airport now.” Bronze says. They toast.

“I have to alert the laboratory, they will need to extract the additive from the diamond as soon as it arrives.” She puts the glass down. “Five long years, Arthur.” She smiles. There is a knock on the door of the suite. “I am going to call the lab, you see who that is.” She exits to her suite and closes the door that joins the two rooms. Bronze goes over to the door of his suite and opens it to find Rhoit Saffron standing there.

“What are you doing here?” Bronze asks Rhoit. “I thought we told you it was imperative that no one sees you anywhere near our suites.”

“Yes sir, you did, but we have a problem.” Rhoit says. Bronze looks out into the hall to make sure no one sees him enter the suite. He stands aside and allows Rhoit to enter.

“Make it fast.” Bronze says, closing the door.

“Alva was in your suite and she overheard you and Lady Lavender discussing the demonstration. She wants to go to the police.” Rhoit reports.

“She can’t do that. She has to be stopped.” Bronze says.

“I have convinced her to wait on telling anyone.” Rhoit says, “But I don’t know how long she will wait. Alva and some of her friends are going to the masquerade ball tonight. She may use the ball as an opportunity to warn them.”

“Rhoit, my boy, she won’t have the chance to tell anyone what she knows.” Bronze says taking a drink from his glass. “I can assure you.”

TO BE CONTNUED…