Hangman: A Case of Murder

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons or situations, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental.



HANGMAN
"A Case of Murder"



FADE IN:
INT. RURAL ROAD DAY
PRIVATE DETECTIVE HENRY DAVID and DEJA SIPHER are in a car traveling along a rural road.

INT. INSIDE HENRY DAVID’S CAR DAY
Henry David and Deja Sipher are in the car. Henry is driving. It is daytime, but it looks like rain.

DEJA SIPHER
Well, Henry, I certainly am interested. That’s for sure. (looking out the window) Oh, dear, I do hope this storm passes us by. Eight years, did you say?

HENRY DAVID
More like ten to fifteen now that I’ve had time to think about it. I vaguely remember running in to him at a club once about eight years ago. Just saw him long enough to say hello. But it’s been a lot longer since we’ve actually had a conversation. (looks out the window with concern) We could use the rain; it’s been so dry lately. But, I do hope it holds out.

DEJA SIPHER
Well, it was certainly nice of them to invite you to dinner after all this time. Oh, New York state is so pretty in the spring. And, I must admit that I’m curious to see what their house is like. It must be a mansion with the way the papers talk about the fortune the Gardeners have made in big city real estate.

HENRY DAVID
(smiles) I’ll admit I’m curious, Aunt Deja. Is that what you’re trying to get me to say?

DEJA SIPHER
(laughs) Well, I have been waiting.

INT. LONG NARROW PAVED TREE-LINED DRIVE DAY
The car turns right onto a narrow paved drive. The entrance is marked by a sign as PRIVATE PROPERTY.

HENRY DAVID (V.O.)
Shouldn’t be much further now.

INT. INSIDE HENRY DAVID’S CAR DAY
Henry David and Deja Sipher are in the car.

DEJA SIPHER
Surely, they’ll be good hosts and give us a tour before the rain sets in.

HENRY DAVID
Aunt Deja.

DEJA SIPHER
I’m just saying… (pause) So, what happened that you two lost contact?

HENRY DAVID
Usual, I guess. Alexander and Penelope were raising a family; I was in the middle of one of my divorces. Our businesses were taking off in separate directions. We didn’t cross paths much. Life got in the way, I guess. I wonder if anyone else is coming?

DEJA SIPHER
We’ll find out soon enough, Henry. Now, (claps her hands twice) look sharp!

INT. PARKING AREA AT GARDNER HOUSE DAY
The car enters an open area where the house is seen. Henry parks the car next to two others on a paved parking area. The house is huge and made of stone, but appears ominous under the darkening sky. To the right of the property is a mausoleum, made of stone but appearing uncared for. Belladonna plants and weeds grow wild around the mausoleum, but the rest of the lawn appears tended to and well kept. Henry exits the car and then opens the door for Deja; Deja exits the car. Deja studies the house, the mausoleum and the Belladonna.

DEJA SIPHER
(toward the mausoleum) How very strange.

HENRY DAVID
(quietly) Well, Aunt Deja, I’m sure they have a very good reason.

Deja gives Henry an expression of disbelief as they walk along the pavement toward the house.

DEJA SIPHER
(quietly) This isn’t quite what I expected. This looks like something out of a horror movie.

HENRY DAVID
(quietly) I guess everyone has their own style.

INT. FRON PORCH OF GARDNER HOUSE DAY
Henry and Deja approach the front door, using an old-fashioned knocker to knock on the door three times. HARRISON, the butler, opens the door. Harrison is dressed in a black suit.

HARRISON
Detective Henry David and Deja Sipher, I presume?

DEJA SIPHER
(smiles) Why, yes,

HARRISON
This way please.

Harrison opens the door further and motions them inside.

INT. INSIDE THE GARDNER HOUSE (MAIN HALLWAY) DAY
Harrison, Henry, and Deja are just inside the entrance to the grand house. Before them is a long hallway of dark panel covered in fine art.

HARRISON
May I take your things?

DEJA SIPHER
Certainly. Thank you.

Deja removes her coat and hands Harrison her coat and purse. Henry removes his hat and coat and hands them to Harrison. Harrison takes the items to a nearby room as ALEXANDER AND PENELOPE GARDNER come down the hall to greet them.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Henry! Nice to see you again, old chap. How’s it going?

HENRY DAVID
Well, thank you, Alex. Penelope, looking beautiful as always? And, this is my lovely aunt, Dejanira Sipher.

DEJA SIPHER
Everyone calls me Deja. It’s so nice to meet you.

PENELOPE GARDNER
I’m so glad you could come. (begins leading everyone down the hall) I’m so sorry we didn’t greet you at the door, but I was trying to put the finishing touches on this dinner party. I hope you’ll tell me what you think of everything.

DEJA SIPHER
So, there will be others joining us?

PENELOPE GARDNER
As long as this weather holds out. It’s just a few people we know. There should be eight of us at dinner. I think you’ll find everyone quite interesting, Deja. Some of them have led rather adventurous lives. (shows her a sculpture in the hallway of a mother holding a newborn)

DEJA SIPHER
Sounds delightful.

PENELOPE GARDNER
I’ve got to tell you about this sculpture, Deja. Alexander and I were touring Italy a few years ago and came across an artist chipping away at this piece of stone. I had to stop and watch him work; I just couldn’t seem to help myself. It took him all day, but when he was through this wonderful piece of art had emerged. It was almost as though he knew it was living within that piece of stone the entire time.

HENRY DAVID
Wonderful detail work.

DEJA SIPHER
What a marvelous tribute to mothers everywhere.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Penelope considers herself quite the collector of art.

PENELOPE GARDNER
Look, you can almost see the love this mother has for her child in her eyes. It’s amazing work.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Come on, old chap. (slaps Henry on the shoulder) Let’s leave the women to their art and we can enjoy the drawing room until the other guests arrive.

Henry and Alexander leave the main hall for a nearby room as Harrison makes his way back up the hall toward Deja and Penelope.

PENELOPE GARDNER
Oh, Harrison, will you please check with Lars and see how dinner’s coming. I’d like for dinner to be served precisely at five.

HARRISON
Yes, Mrs. Gardner. (he begins to leave)

PENELOPE GARDNER
Oh, and make sure that the table is completed. I don’t want any details missing.

HARRISON
Yes, Mrs. Gardner. (he leaves the hallway)

DEJA SIPHER
So, who else will be joining us for dinner, Penelope?

PENELOPE GARDNER
Just some acquaintances. The Jacksons, Albert and Anabelle, will be coming. We invited them both although they’ve been divorced for years. Anabelle had a little affair. Anyway, Albert is an architect. He’s designed some of the most famous skyscrapers in the country. He’s worked from time to time with Alex. Oh, and Dorothea Ithica will be coming.

DEJA SIPHER
(surprised) The opera singer!

PENELOPE GARDNER
That’s the one. We know her because she’s been known to invest some of her royalties in real estate from time to time.

DEJA SIPHER
That’s only seven, dear. Who’s the eighth guest?

PENELOPE GARDNER
(disgusted) Uh, the devil himself, William Brody.

DEJA SIPHER
Of Brody Industries, the New York company that buys and sells stock, real estate, and owns billions of dollars worth of investments? That Brody Industries?

PENELOPE GARDNER
Is that what they’re calling Hell these days? Oh, forgive me. Yes, Deja, of Brody Industries. He’s the type that gives men a bad name. He’s bedded more wives that weren’t his own than Henry The Eighth and he’s got more sides than a chameleon. He’ll turn on you in a second, and you never see it coming. He and Alex were business partners at one time. But that was years ago. Rumor has it that he’s so cold that he’s thrown his own house staff out in the streets just for eating some leftovers and that he’s used his flair with the ladies to con maids across the country to spy on their employers just so William can get inside information on his competitors. They say that that’s how William has risen to the top of the fortune five hundred so quickly.

Deja begins to say something, but is stopped when there is a knock at the door. Penelope looks toward the door, but doesn’t move.

DEJA SIPHER
Aren’t you going to get that?

PENELOPE GARDNER
Dear, that’s what we have Harrison for. Let me show you this piece of art from France (begins walking her down the hall). It’s over five hundred years old.

Harrison walks down the hall toward the door and opens it. DOROTHEA ITHICA has arrived. Dorothea walks in as soon as the door opens and immediately gives Harrison her coat and purse as she enters.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Harrison, take these, will you. They’re such a bother, but it looks like rain.

HARRISON
Welcome, Ms. Ithica.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Oh, don’t bother with the formalities. (waves off Harrison as she walks toward Penelope and Deja) No need for that.

INT. DRAWING ROOM DAY
Henry and Alex stand before a mounted lion’s head that sits above the fireplace. On either side of the lion’s head are antique guns and swords. They both are drinking from small, clear glasses.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
But, hunting, now that’s truly a man’s sport. Out in the wild, back to nature, just man against beast. I tell you, no computer can help a man hit that kind of moving target. (chuckles) I got that one in Africa. I’ve been on safaris and hunting trips all over the world. But, that lion, well, I consider him my greatest prize so far.

Alex goes to a wooden box and obtains a cigar.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
(continuing)
Cigar, Henry?

Henry shakes his head no.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
(continuing)
I couldn’t recall if you smoked or not. It’s been quite a long time.

HENRY DAVID
I don’t mean to sound unappreciative, Alex, but I was a bit surprised at the invitation.

Alexander lights his cigar with a match and sits in a large leather chair. He motions for Henry to sit across from him and Henry sits.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Please. Matches, Henry. (tosses the match into an ashtray) They say it enhances the taste of the cigar instead of making it smell like lighter fluid. (pause) I’m sure you were surprised at the invitation, but I wanted you here tonight. You, specifically.

HENRY DAVID
Why?

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Do you remember when we were younger, still in college, our entire future ahead of us. We had big dreams and big plans and no fear. No fear, Henry. Do you remember what that was like? No fear. We didn’t worry about failure or money.

HENRY DAVID
As I recall, we had none.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
(laughs quietly) We thought we had nothing and were headed for everything. Sometimes, I think we were looking at it backwards.

HENRY DAVID
Doesn’t look like you’ve done so bad for yourself.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
I’ve learned over the years that the things one accumulates in a lifetime isn’t the value of a man’s life. I’ve made a lot of money, but I’ve never really done anything with any meaning. But you, you do something worthwhile, you make a difference. I admire that. I think I was able to recognize the differences between us even back then. You and your sleuthing abilities. (laughs) Do you remember when you caught me cheating on that calculus test and you turned me in? I knew you’d do the right thing. Back then, Henry, I wanted you to do the right thing. If the same thing had happened a few years later, if you had caught me in some wrong, I would’ve done anything to keep you from doing the right thing. Sometimes, a man seems to get lost between what exactly is the right thing and the wrong thing, just a big gray area emerges. That’s why I invited you here tonight, Henry. So, you could do the right thing.

Henry appears perplexed at Alex’s statement, taking a drink from his glass and turning his attention to the fireplace.

INT. MAIN HALLWAY DAY
Dorothea comes to Penelope, kisses her on both cheeks. Deja is nearby.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Penelope, dear, where have you just gotten back from lately?

PENELOPE GARDNER
Dorothea, darling! This is Deja Sipher.

DEJA SIPHER
Hello.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
(elbowing Deja) I can’t wait for dinner. Can you? Lars is one of the best chefs in the world. I know because he used to work for me. Oh, but that was another day and time. Now, I always look forward to visiting here. Wish I could say I was anxious to see the rest of the guests.

DEJA SIPHER
If I may be so bold, Ms. Ithica, it’s so nice to meet you. I’ve enjoyed many of your performances over the years.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
They don’t call me the Queen of the Stage for nothing! But, thank you. It’s always nice to know someone appreciates this voice. I’ve worked hard for it even though I’ve not had an opportunity to use it lately. Seems like I’ve spent more time in my herb garden then I have on the stage.

PENELOPE GARDNER
Why don’t you have someone do that for you?

DEJA
It’s a relaxing labor of love.

DOROTHEA
Exactly. There’s something about having your hands in the soil and watching those plants grow. I love it. I grow the typical basil, parsley types, but the last few years I’ve begun to grow rarer breeds, particularly wild varieties that I learned about while touring Europe over the years. It’s something different, you know. Lately, that little herb garden has become the darling of the occultists of the stage.

A knock is at the door. Harrison passes the three women and goes to the door. Dorothea leans in to Penelope and whispers very quietly.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Is everything ready?

Harrison opens the door. ALBERT AND ANABELLA JACKSON enter the home. Harrison takes their coats and then takes the coats to another room.

PENELOPE GARDNER
(whispers to Dorothea) Hush. (to the Jacksons) Anabella, Albert, welcome! (walks toward them)

Deja and Dorothea follow Penelope toward the Jacksons.

ALBERT JACKSON
That wind is really picking up out there. Looks like we might be in for a storm.

ANABELLE JACKSON
Dorothea, you made it! (hugs Dorothea)

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Wouldn’t miss it! Lars is cooking up quite a feast. I even brought him fresh herbs from my garden yesterday just for the sauces. My mouth has been watering all day. Can’t wait to see the reaction to all those beautiful ladies.

ANABELLE JACKSON
Sounds delicious.

ALBERT JACKSON
Isn’t Alexander joining us?

PENELOPE GARDNER
He’s in the drawing room with Henry David. This is Henry’s aunt, Deja Sipher.

ALBERT JACKSON
Ms. Sipher, so, Henry did come after all. Good. Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I believe I’ll join the gentlemen in the drawing room. (begins to leave, nods to the ladies)

PENELOPE GARDNER
Sure.

ANABELLE JACKSON
(smiles to Albert) Later.

DEJA SIPHER
Of course.

Harrison returns to the hallway.

HARRISON
Mrs. Gardner, if there’ll be nothing else, I’ll go assist Lars with dinner.

PENELOPE GARDNER
Fine, Harrison.

ANABELLE JACKSON
Well, now, what shall we talk about?

INT. DRAWING ROOM DAY
Henry David and Alexander Gardner sit in their chairs as Albert Jackson walks in. Albert greets them both (Alex first) by shaking hands, he then fixes himself a drink at the liquor cabinet, and then sits in chair near the others.

ALBERT JACKSON
Alex, I was nearly stranded in the hallway with the women. Come to think of it, maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Unless you care to listen to all that talk about fashion and jewelry. Albert Jackson, Henry David. Henry is the private detective I mentioned to you Al.

ALBERT JACKSON
Oh, yes, yes, I remember. Nice to make your acquaintance. I don’t know about fashion and jewelry, but I think art and travel was the topic of conversation when Anabelle, uh, that’s my wife, well, ex-wife, got here.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Well you know Penelope. She’s got to talk about all the pieces of art she’s bought all over the world, then she’ll talk fashion. I was just telling Henry about this lion I caught in Africa.

ALBERT JACKSON
I don’t recall you traveling anywhere recently?

ALEXANDER GARDNER
No, it’s probably been a few years now since I’ve been out of the country. But, you just wait, next time I do, I’ll bring home another big cat just like that one!

Henry looks about the room at the guns and swords decorating the walls.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
(continuing)
I was just telling Henry earlier. Hunting is a true man’s sport. There’s just nothing else like capturing wild prey, the truest wild hunters, removing its skin and its flesh and truly becoming one with life and death, feeling the battle, the whole circle of life thing, the hunter becomes the prey.

ALBERT JACKSON
(grimacing) Speaking of which, what are we having for dinner?

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Duck. Fresh from the butcher.

ALBERT JACKSON
I guess I’m just more of a chess-kind-of-guy myself.(looking around) Alex, what did you do with the Van Gogh I sold you a couple of years ago? It used to hang in this room, didn’t it? (to Henry) It was an original, you know. Anabelle bought it at some artistic auction or something or the other.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
It did. I, uh, sold it a year or so back. I got a good offer on it. Couldn’t refuse.

HENRY DAVID
An original Van Gogh? Penelope let you sell an original Van Gogh?

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Um, yes, she did.

Henry appears surprised as he takes another sip from the glass.

INT. MAIN HALLWAY DAY
The women, together, walk down the hallway away from the door.

PENELOPE GARDNER
Switzerland. I never equated fine china with Switzerland, but they had some of the most beautiful pieces.

DEJA SIPHER
And, you, Annabelle. Do you travel?

ANNABELLE JACKSON
Not really. I traveled some when I was younger. But, since then, especially since the divorce, I usually spend my time a bit more quietly, volunteering at the food bank or the hospital, helping organizations to raise funds.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
If you’ve ever seen one of those donation drives on TV, Deja, you’ve probably seen Annabelle praying to people’s better side. Annie has quite the heart. She’s part of the only divorced couple I know that gets along with her ex.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
We get along fine as long as we stay away from one particular subject.

DEJA SIPHER
What’s that?

The knocker at the door sounds five times. The ladies turn around and face the door as Harrison passes them on his way towards the door.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
William Brody, no doubt.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
(quietly) Well, let’s all go greet the rat.

Harrison opens the door and WILLIAM BRODY steps in, sees the women and addresses them.

WILLIAM BRODY
Ladies, ladies, ladies. What a (pause) surprise.

William gives his coat and hat to Harrison who takes them to another room. Penelope, Annabelle, and Dorothea smirk and sneer at William. William approaches them.

WILLIAM BRODY
(continuing)
To what do I owe this pleasure? (takes and kisses Penelope’s hand)

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Might want to tend to that Penny. Skunks carry diseases.

WILLIAM BRODY
Dorothea. Well, well, now. It has been a long time. I guess time doesn’t always heal all wounds, hey? Am I really that hard to get over?
(sees Deja, is surprised) Do I know you?

DEJA SIPHER
Deja, Mr. uh…

WILLIAM BRODY
William Brody, ma’am. William, please.

DEJA SIPHER
William, then, it’s nice to meet you. I’m simply the aunt of one of the guests, Henry David.

WILLIAM BRODY
I don’t recall his name either. What’s your line of business?

DEJA SIPHER
Well Henry’s a private investigator and I help him out as a secretary. Between the two of us, we manage to keep the office running somewhat smoothly.

WILLIAM BRODY
Interesting. (offers his arm to Deja) Perhaps, then, you’ll accompany me to dinner. (to Penelope) That is, if dinner’s ready, Penelope. You did say five, did you not?

PENELOPE GARDNER
If you’ll go on to the dining room, everyone, the place cards will show each of you the sitting arrangement. And, I’ll have Harrison notify the men of dinner.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
Right this way, Deja. (gives William an angry glance)

Annabelle and Dorothea walk toward the dining room. Deja and William follow her. Penelope heads toward the drawing room.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
I’ll be there in a moment. I need to wash my hands.

Dorothea stands momentarily.

INT. DINING ROOM DAY
All parties are seated in an elaborate, formal dining room that is decorated extravagantly. Harrison is circling the table with a thin broth-like soup, scooping a ladle of soup into the bowl before each party. When he has completed this task, he stands as if in attention at the end of the room, near a swinging door that enters into the kitchen. At the table, William is seated at the end of the table furthest away from the swinging kitchen door. Alex is seated at the end of the table nearest the swinging kitchen door. At William’s left is Deja, then Henry, then Annabelle. At William’s right is Dorothea, then Albert, then Penelope (who is by Alexander).

DEJA SIPHER
It smells wonderful.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Everything Lars cooks smells delicious.

DEJA SIPHER
And, it’s such a beautiful table, Penelope.

PENELOPE GARDNER
Just a few tricks and a bit of style I’ve learned over the years.

DEJA SIPHER
So, Mr. Brody.

WILLIAM BRODY
William, please.

DEJA SIPHER
Forgive me. I had forgotten already. The ladies have been telling me of their wonderful travels about the globe. Have you traveled much?

DOROTHEA ITHICA
(tastes the soup) Um. Lars did always make the best carrot soup.

PENELOPE GARDNER
We knew it was one of your favorites, Dorothea. So, we asked him to make it tonight for one of the courses.

WILLIAM BRODY
Mostly, I travel as part of my work. I have clients and real estate all over the world. But, if you’re referring to vacation travel, I don’t get a chance to do that very often.

DEJA SIPHER
No one special to take to some exotic location?

Dorothea gives a sly, angry look towards Albert in reaction to Deja’s question.

WILLIAM BRODY
Why do I have a feeling the ladies have been talking?

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Women, Deja, are William’s second occupation. He’s always taking some woman somewhere. Aren’t you, Willie?

Annabelle and Albert exchange uneasy glances.

WILLIAM BRODY
Temper, temper, Dottie. You always were the jealous type.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, dear, I didn’t realize I was opening up an inappropriate subject. Perhaps we should choose another. Henry?

Henry appears stunned at the request and everyone laughs as they see his response.

ALBERT JACKSON
How is it we men can never predict a woman?

ANNABELLE JACKSON
And take all the curiosity out of life?

DEJA SIPHER
I am sorry for bringing up the topic.

PENELOPE GARDNER
It’s quite alright, Deja. It can be difficult to know what to talk about amongst new people.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
I went on a hunting trip in Australia once.

PENELOPE GARDNER
No, dear, not over dinner.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Just trying to help out, dear.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Henry, can you tell us about one of your cases?

HENRY DAVID
That might be better after-dinner conversation as well.

DEJA SIPHER
Henry is one of the best investigators in Boston, but his cases usually involve murder.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
We know! That’s why we thought he’d be the perfect dinner guest. But, I understand how those work stories might not be suitable for the dinner table.

Penelope motions Harrison to the table; he comes and leans over her shoulder.

PENELOPE GARDNER
Go make certain that Lars has the next course prepared. We’ll be ready for it soon.

Harrison goes through the swinging door into the kitchen.

ALBERT JACKSON
Alex says we’re having duck tonight?

PENELOPE GARDNER
Indeed. A wonderful roast duck with a light herb sauce. Lars’ specialty.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Deja, it will melt in your mouth.

DEJA SIPHER
I can’t wait.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
(pats her mouth with her napkin) If you’ll excuse me, I just need a moment to freshen up.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
Probably a good idea. I think I’ll join her.

The men rise as Dorothea and Annabelle rise from their chairs, sitting after the women leave the room through a side door.

INT. KITCHEN COUNTER DAY
Plates filled with the roasted duck and covered in herb sauce with tiny fragments of green leaves floating throughout the sauce are seen sitting atop the counter. Tiny fragments of green leaves are seen falling upon one plate that sits off to the side, separated by a bit of counter from the other plates.

INT. DINING ROOM DAY
The thunder, lightning, and rain have begun outside and are heard in the dining room. All parties sit around the table again. Harrison is placing a plate of duck with herb sauce in front of each party.

DEJA SIPHER
That sounds like quite a storm.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
(laughs) Sounds like the beginning of a play. They were gathered around the table when the storm began. Who could have known… and so on and so forth. (the plate is placed in front of her) Thank you, Harrison. I’ve been waiting for this all day!

William is the last to be served. Harrison then returns to standing at the end of the room near the swinging door.

DEJA SIPHER
So, William, if your company is buying and selling real estate as well as building new structures, what is there to make of the rumors that Brody Industries is about to purchase the New York East Hospital, tear it down, and create a new condominium development on the property?

WILLIAM BRODY
It’s partially true. We are buying the property and we do have plans to build a new structure, but we’re looking at a high rise, an office building to be more specific. There’s more stability in offices. Real estate values worry potential condo buyers. (takes a bite of the duck) Besides, one company can usually rent out an entire floor of a building. It saves us from having to worry about selling each individual condo. It’s more profitable to be quite frank about it.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
And, the goal of Brody Industries has always been to make a profit, no matter who gets stepped on in the process.

Albert gives Annabelle a watchful expression.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
(continuing)
Did you ever stop to think that a new office building on that property will leave an entire segment of the city without a nearby hospital? Some of those people will have to drive over twenty miles of city streets, through traffic jams and construction to get to the nearest hospital if they have an emergency.

William swallows a bite of duck, grimaces, puts his fork down. Alexander watches him closely.

WILLIAM BRODY
(slowly) Progress, Annabelle. New York East was outdated at best. Even you would have to admit that it didn’t properly serve the community. I’m doing them all a favor. (he puts his two middle fingers to his lips)

DEJA SIPHER
William, are you alright?

WILLIAM BRODY
(clears his throat) Yes, thank you. I believe so. My lips and tongue feel slightly numb. Perhaps a reaction to this fine food. (puts his fingers down, but pursing his lips for feeling)

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Well at least the ladies will be safe tonight.

DEJA SIPHER
Can I get you anything? (puts her hand on his arm)

WILLIAM BRODY
Thank you, but no. (clears his throat again) It seems to be passing. (pause) So, Henry, you’re a private investigator, you say?

HENRY DAVID
Yes, but I work quite frequently with the Boston Police Department. We’re often on the same cases. We help each other out from time to time.

WILLIAM BRODY
(pushes his plate away) Who knows. Perhaps, you’ll be able to share your extensive abilities of detection with those here tonight.

Penelope nods to Harrison. Harrison walks to William.

HARRISON
May I get something else for you, sir, before dessert?

WILLIAM BRODY
I think I’ll just enjoy my wine until then.

Harrison takes the plate away. William takes a sip of wine.

INT. KITCHEN COUNTER DAY
Crusts are rolled and placed into tart pans, a variety of berries are added, but particularly black berries, along with a red liquid mixture that is poured over the berries. A tray filled with the tarts is placed in the oven.

INT. DINING ROOM DAY
The duck dishes have been removed from the table. Penelope motions for Harrison to come to her at the table.

PENELOPE GARDNER
Harrison, will you please tell Lars that we will be ready for dessert in about ten minutes.

HARRISON
Yes, Mrs. Gardner.

Harrison leaves, going into the kitchen.

DEJA SIPHER
My compliments to the chef, Penelope. That was scrumptious.

PENELOPE GARDNER
And, for dessert will be fresh berry tarts. I don’t know what magic Lars uses to make them, but they are heavenly. (dots her mouth with her napkin) Actually, if you’ll excuse me, I need a quick moment before we begin dessert.

The gentlemen rise from their seats as Penelope rises from her seat, sitting again when Penelope leaves the room through a side door.

INT. KITCHEN COUNTER DAY
The tarts sit upon the counter, but one is placed a bit apart from the others. Over the tart sitting somewhat alone, a few additional black berries are dropped upon the tart.

INT. DINING ROOM DAY
All parties sit again at the table. Harrison is serving the tarts, placing the tart in front of William last. Then, everyone begins to eat. Harrison stands again at the side of the room.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
So, there I was, singing Juliet’s aria in an open arena when the wind rose up and part of my wig starts flying around and then it decides to try to fly down my throat. For a second there, somewhere between Romeo and Where For Art Thou, I was sure my obituary would say that the opera singer, Dorothea Ithica, died today when she choked on her own hair.

The parties laugh.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, my.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Safe to say, I never performed in an open arena again without wearing enough hairpins and hairspray to choke a horse. (turns to William, happily reminiscing) Do you remember that, Will? That was the one time I ever remember you looking worried about anything.

WILLIAM BRODY
(smiles) I remember.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Boy, those were the days. Young and daring, young and in love. We weren’t afraid to try anything at least once. Sometimes I wonder whatever happened to those days.

William clears his throat and puts his hand to his stomach.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
(continuing)
Deja, why do we have to grow old so fast?

DEJA SIPHER
Dorothea, life isn’t about growing old it’s merely about growing.

Dorothea shakes her head in agreement. William pushes his plate away.

DEJA SIPHER
What’s the matter, William?

WILLIAM BRODY
Nothing, really. Something simply disagreed with me. How odd.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Will, here, usually has an iron stomach.

Harrison takes the plate away from William and takes it to the kitchen.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Well, hang in there. When we’re through with dessert, we men shall retire to the drawing room for brandy and cigars and we’ll let the women, here, have the parlor. Surely you’ll join us, William.

WILLIAM BRODY
Nothing could tear me away.

INT. DRAWING ROOM EVENING
William, Henry, Albert, and Alexander are in the drawing room. All but William are smoking cigars. All sit, except William who casually walks about the room studying the weapons on the wall and periodically looking at his watch. One sword that was there earlier in the evening is missing from the wall. Alex then hands a cigar to William. All have brandy glasses in their hands except for William. Albert moves from the liquor cabinet to William and hands William a glass of brandy.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Here you are, William. The best of the best.

WILLIAM BRODY
Quite a collection here, Alex. African, the orient. All originals, I suppose.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Of course, Will. You know I know my weapons. Only the best will do.

WILLIAM BRODY
And do you make use of them or do they just hang on these walls like Penelope’s paintings?

ALEXANDER GARDNER
(uncomfortable) You already know the answer to that. (sips his brandy, his eyes to his drink)

WILLIAM BRODY
(sadistically)(rubs his finger along the rim of his glass) Yes, I do. That’s always been your problem, Gardner, you’ve always been better at knowing information than putting it to use.

ALBERT JACKSON
(interjecting) Let it go, William.

WILLIAM BRODY
(laughs) So, you’ve decided to have a voice after all, Jackson? Well, it’s about time. And, by the way, how is that beautiful wife of yours? Or, should I say ex-wife? (thunder strikes) Does she still prefer having a real man in her bed as opposed to you?

Albert stands and walks toward the fireplace, leaning against it as he faces it.

HENRY DAVID
(uncomfortable) So, have any of you been keeping up with the new baseball season? I’ve been keeping up with Boston, of course, but not so much with the other teams. Except for that new rookie that the Cards have. What’s his name, uh, Patiki or something?

WILLIAM BRODY
Nice try, Detective. Really. And, in other company, it might even work. But, have you stopped to wonder why a detective has been invited to a dinner party consisting of business professionals, or should I say one business professional and a host of used-to-be’s? (looks at his watch) Let me give you the cliff notes version. Alex Gardner, your host for this evening, used to be my business partner. He could have been good, but he didn’t have the stomach to make the really big deals, take the serious risks. This house, all his pretty little things, just a façade. He’s on the verge of bankruptcy if he’s not there already. And, Albert Jackson, there. Albert has an eye for design, one of the best, most creative architects I’ve ever worked with. But, he doesn’t have the fighting spirit a man needs to really make it in business. He also lacked a good attorney. I had him for breakfast in a lawsuit a few years back. But he did try. I have to give him that much. He did try. And, while he was trying, he left that pretty little wife of his at home alone and bored from being with a man who found lines and angles of blueprints more interesting than her.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
William!

ALBERT JACKSON
(to William) Shut-up!

WILLIAM BRODY
To be quite frank, I was the reason for their divorce, and probably also the reason why they manage to get along most of the time since then. Common enemy, I suppose.

ALBERT JACKSON
(throws his glass in the fireplace and faces William, points at William) Just shut it up, Brody, or I’ll…

WILLIAM BRODY
(laughs) Or you’ll what, Albert? Come on; you don’t have it in you. (takes a sip of Brandy) Although, I admit that I’ve been waiting for something to happen all night. After all, why was I invited to such a dinner party?

ALEXANDER GARDNER
It’d serve you right, Brody.

HENRY DAVID
(stands, holds up his arm) Now, gentlemen, please. I can’t say that I understand much of this, but let’s not do anything we’ll regret.

ALBERT JACKSON
William Brody doesn’t have the ability to regret.

William looks at his watch, goes to the window, pulls back the curtain, and sees that the rain has stopped.

WILLIAM BRODY
Don’t worry, Henry. I feel a need for some fresh air. I think I’ll just go for a brief walk. It’ll give these two an opportunity to cool off.

William walks toward the door, finishing his brandy and then setting his glass down on a table as he walks.

INT. PARLOR EVENING
Penelope, Deja, Annabelle, and Dorothea sit about the parlor, drinking mint juleps.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
A fiend is what he is. Nothing less.

DEJA SIPHER
Well, he doesn’t seem to be very popular.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
Oh, but he can be quite charming. When he wants to be. When there’s something in it for him. He probably knows more people and has more friends, if that’s the proper word, than any other man alive.

PENELOPE GARDNER
But he also has more enemies than any other person alive. Surprised he’s been alive this long.

DEJA SIPHER
And, you agree, Dorothea?

DOROTHEA ITHICA
If you ladies will excuse me, I need to go powder my nose. Maybe when I return, the topic of conversation will be something more (pause) titillating. (leaves the room)

PENELOPE GARDNER
William Brody is a difficult subject for her, Deja. He broke her heart. But I think she really loved him. And, I think she still does.

INT. DRAWING ROOM EVENING
Alexander, Albert, and Henry sit about in chairs, drinking their brandy and smoking cigars.

ALBERT JACKSON
I’m sorry for the outburst. Even after all these years, I can’t seem to handle him. He just seems to provoke everybody.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Make no mistake, Henry. William Brody enjoys getting under people’s skin, hurting people. It’s like it energizes him and then he just feeds off that energy. He lives for it.

ALBERT JACKSON
I’m surprised someone hasn’t put an end to his life. (pause, sighs) I’m sorry. That was out of line. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go study the art in the main hallway for a few moments. (he leaves the room)

INT. PARLOR EVENING
Deja, Penelope, Dorothea, and Annabelle are sitting drinking their mint juleps.

DEJA SIPHER
Marvelous mint julep. Just marvelous.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Another Lars specialty, I tell you!

DEJA SIPHER
Dorothea, if Lars worked for you, how did he come here to work for the Gardners?

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Well, that brings us back to Wayward Willie. Back a few years ago, Will encouraged me to put most of everything I had into some stock. I lost it all. I can’t prove it, but I’m pretty sure William knew that stock was going to go bust before he had me buy it because when the price went down to next-to-nothing, William bought it all up in one single drop. Within weeks, the stock was worth a fortune again, but it all belonged to Will. He left me about that same time. Like he had planned it all along. I couldn’t afford to pay Lars anymore, but he was a great chef, hard worker, good guy. He had worked for Will before Will and I got together; he had a long history as a personal chef. Luckily, the Gardners here needed a chef and they gave him a job.

DEJA SIPHER
You do have quite a history with Mr. Brody.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
Yeah.

PENELOPE GARDNER
(scoots to the end of her seat and places her drink on the table) Speaking of Lars, let me go ask him or Harrison to bring us some treats. Earlier, I asked them to prepare a wonderful tray of sweets.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
With the German wedding cookies?

PENELOPE GARDNER
Always! (stands, leaves the room)

INT. DRAWING ROOM EVENING
Albert, Henry, and Alexander sit in the drawing room with their brandy and cigars.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Yes, yes, it’s true. I don’t know how he knew about it. Little by little we’ve been selling some of the antiques. But, I’m trying to turn it around. I don’t think Penny would know how to live without people around to do everything for her.

HENRY DAVID
Well, anything I can do to help.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
You are the gentleman I remembered you to be, Henry. Oh, dear (stands and stretches) I think I need to make a short trip to the men’s room. Isn’t it strange? Men’s room. (begins to walk out) Penny prefers for me to call it that. Like bathroom is some disgusting word. (laughs)

INT. PARLOR EVENING
Deja, Dorothea, and Annabelle sit in the parlor.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
Catalogs, mostly, but there was one print ad for toothpaste. I was doing some modeling before I married, but hardly an international sensation. What little bit of modeling I do now is mostly just to draw attention to causes.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
I saw you in the community fashion show a few weeks ago, the one raising money for the animal shelter. I was so impressed I wrote a little check on the spot. You should have seen it, Deja. It was so funny. They had, you know, people who were known in the community walking the runway with their pets, and the pets wore the same outfits as the owners. (laughs) Out little Annabelle, here, and her snow white poodle both wore a long black evening dress with a tiara. It was adorable.

DEJA SIPHER
(laughs, then checks her watch) I wonder what could be keeping Penelope? Perhaps I should go check on her. (puts her drink down and begins to stand as Penelope walks in) Oh, there you are. I was beginning to worry.

Penelope walks in carrying a silver tray of bite-sized cookies. She places the tray on the table and takes her seat. The tray also contains four small plates and linen napkins. Some of the cookies are small, heavily powder sugared white balls. As Penelope sits, she takes a napkin and wipes the powdered sugar off her fingers.

PENELOPE GARDNER
They look divine, don’t they? Help yourself, ladies. Remember that calories consumed at dinner parties don’t count towards diets.

Deja stands, takes the plates and napkins and distributes them amongst the women, setting one aside for herself last. She then passes the tray to each lady.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
That’s why I try to attend as many dinner parties as possible.

INT. DRAWING ROOM EVENING
Albert and Henry sit in the drawing room, their cigars in hand but their glasses empty on the table.

HENRY DAVID
No, thanks, that’s enough for me.

ALBERT JACKSON
Yeah, I really need to quit for the night myself. (leans back and takes a puff) Good drink, brandy. My father always told me it was a man’s drink.

HENRY DAVID
Brandy was always the drink of choice in the early Hollywood detective movies.

ALBERT JACKSON
Is that what inspired you to be a private investigator?

HENRY DAVID
(smiles) Very perceptive of you! It was one of the reasons. My father was in law enforcement. I was headed in that same direction but then he was killed in the line of duty, he was shot during a foot race when he was after some minor thief.

ALBERT JACKSON
Oh, I’m sorry.

HENRY DAVID
No, no, he was all about the law. It was a tough job, but he loved it. He died trying to do the right thing. It’s the way he would have wanted it. But, it was just enough to help me decide to leave the police force even though I’d only been there a very short time. I’ve been in private investigations ever since.

ALBERT JACKSON
Married, Henry?

HENRY DAVID
No, but I’ve been divorced three times. So, I can relate.

The two men chuckle as they smoke their cigars as Alexander walks back in.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Much better. Hope you two haven’t lacked for conversation. Oh, let me refill your brandy.

HENRY DAVID
No, thank you.

ALBERT JACKSON
None for me, Alex.

HENRY DAVID
(looks at his watch) Alex, did you happen across William?

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Uh, no. Why?

HENRY DAVID
It’s just that he’s been gone quite a while and it’ll be dark soon.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Maybe he’s gone.

HENRY DAVID
I think I’ll take a stroll and just see if I can find him.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
If you must. (begins to stand) I’ll ask Harrison to get your coat and hat.

HENRY DAVID
No reason to bother. I saw where he put them when we came in. I can get it myself. (stands to leave)

INT. MAIN HALLWAY EVENING
Henry walks down the hall toward the door and the room with the coats. Deja then comes into the main hall. As Deja enters the main hall, Harrison opens a door at the back end of the hall, then quickly walks through a nearby door.

DEJA SIPHER
(calling to him quietly) Henry!

HENRY DAVID
Aunt Deja. Thought I’d take a little walk.

DEJA SIPHER
I think I’ll come along. I could use some fresh air and good company.

INT. COAT ROOM EVENING
Henry helps Deja into her coat in the coatroom. There is nothing in the room but a bar crossing the small room holding coats and umbrellas and a shelf above it holding purses and hats. The floor is empty of any debris.

INT. OUTSIDE OF THE GARDNER HOUSE (PORCH) SUNSET
Henry pulls the door shut as Deja waits for him on the porch. It is no longer raining, but the concrete is wet.

INT. OUTSIDE OF THE GARDNER HOUSE SUNSET
A BLUE IN WHITE is seen quickly rounding the left corner of the house (the side of the mausoleum). As Henry turns toward Deja, he pauses for a moment because he thinks he sees the blue in white.

DEJA SIPHER
What is it, dear? (looks toward the woods)

Henry quickly returns his gaze to Deja.

HENRY DAVID
Thought I saw something, but must have been my imagination. Not enjoying the party, Aunt Deja?

DEJA SIPHER
Well, it’s not that exactly. Between Penelope going on and on about all the “this and that” that she has and all the ladies complaining about that William Brody, (pause) whew!

They begin walking on the concrete toward the mausoleum.

HENRY DAVID
Not a nice word about William has been said in the drawing room either.

DEJA SIPHER
Yes, well, I don’t think it was a coincidence that you were invited to this particular dinner party, Henry. Nor do I think it’s a coincidence that William Brody happened to be invited to this very same party. My instincts are working overtime.

HENRY DAVID
William Brody seems to have a lot of enemies.

DEJA SIPHER
Umm, yes. And, why would someone so despised by everyone be invited to dinner? I just can’t understand it.

HENRY DAVID
And why would he come?

DEJA SIPHER
And, did you notice that everyone seemed to be very aware of whom the guests were going to be, and that William Brody was one of them?

HENRY DAVID
I did. Dorothea even knew what was going to be served. It’s like all of their lives are just webbed together tightly.

DEJA SIPHER
Something’s just not right, Henry. I’m worried.

They reach the mausoleum, looking at the overgrowth around the mausoleum and the belladonna.

HENRY DAVID
Why is this the only part of the property not tended? Such beautiful flowers. You’d think they’d weed a little more, take care of them and the mausoleum.

DEJA SIPHER
One would wonder why they would be here at all.

Henry squints towards the wooded area setting a short ways in back of the mausoleum, then goes to his car, and grabs a flashlight.

DEJA SIPHER
(continuing)
What’s that for, dear?

HENRY DAVID
Aunt Deja, I think you may have been right to be concerned. Stay here. (he begins to walk across the grass toward the edge of the wooded area)

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, no. You’re not leaving me alone at this place. (follows him through the wet grass)

Henry and Deja reach the wooded area. There is a tree stump just inside the tree line. William Brody’s body lies on the ground, face-up, near the tree stump. There is fresh blood on William’s chest. Henry kneels beside the body and feels the neck for a pulse. Brody’s clothes are dry, but dirty from being in the slightly muddy grass.

HENRY DAVID
He’s dead. (stands) But, it hasn’t been long, He’s still warm. Looks like he was stabbed in the heart.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, dear! Are you sure?

HENRY DAVID
Well, there is an open wound that appears to be made from a knife.

DEJA SIPHER
That’s very interesting, Henry.

HENRY DAVID
We’d better call somebody. (reaches in his pocket) Oh, Aunt Deja, I left my cell phone in the car.

DEJA SIPHER
I’ll take care of it. (turns and walks to the car)

Henry continues to look about the little area with the flash light. Something shiny catches the light a few feet away from the body, in the direction heading toward the house. Henry picks it up with a handkerchief from his pocket and looks at it. It’s a bloody butcher knife, and the blood is fresh. Henry holds on to the knife as he searches the ground with the light. He goes back toward the body and finds a partial single treaded shoeprint between the body and the tree stump, positioned as if it had been left by someone sitting on the tree stump. Deja then returns to Henry.

DEJA SIPHER
(returning to Henry) 911 said that they’ll send someone as soon as they can. They’re having problems with trees that have fallen across the roads from the storm.

Henry looks toward the ground with the flashlight, pointing out areas as he talks to Deja. The sun is still setting.

HENRY DAVID
The darkness is going to make it harder for them. Look at this, Aunt Deja. (shines the light on the footprint) It faces the body, but there’s only one. And, then, (raises the knife to show her) I found this over there near the trees.

DEJA SIPHER
That’s a butcher knife, Henry. Every house in the country probably has one. Just about every set of knives has a butcher knife as part of the set.

HENRY DAVID
Yes, Aunt Deja, but this one’s covered in blood.

DEJA SIPHER
Well, yes, dear, but what I meant is that anyone could have brought one or grabbed one from the kitchen. And, what do you think the odds are of that particular knife having any fingerprints on it?

HENRY DAVID
Slim to none.

DEJA SIPHER
No, Henry, our instincts were right. You were invited here tonight to solve this murder because someone knew it was going to happen. And, I’m convinced that the murderer is inside that house.

INT. DRAWING ROOM NIGHT
Deja, Henry, Harrison, Penelope and Alexander, Albert and Annabelle, and Dorothea are in the drawing room. Everyone is seated except Henry who stands near the fireplace looking toward the missing knife on the wall and Harrison who stands against the wall near the doorway.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
You’ll be searching for a long time if you’re searching in this room for anyone who’s sorry to hear that William Brody is dead.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
He had it coming to him. We all knew there would be somebody someday who would finally do in ol’ Willie boy. No big surprise. No big loss. Somebody probably did a lot of people a favor by knocking him off.

Henry picks a strand of wet grass off of his shoe and throws it into the fireplace. Deja watches him and then studies the shoes of the other guests, all of which are dry and clean.

DEJA SIPHER
Dorothea, I understand your feelings toward Mr. Brody, but someone murdered a man tonight.

HENRY DAVID
Someone here tonight.

ALBERT JACKSON
Oh, come now, Henry. We may all share a hatred of William Brody, but do any of us really strike you as murderers?

PENELOPE GARDNER
We do have reputations to protect.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
So is this when the detective says that no one’s leaving the property until we find out whom the killer is?

HENRY DAVID
I don’t have that kind of power. Anyone who wishes to leave has the right to do so. But, I have the obligation to notify law enforcement when they arrive of everyone who was here tonight. So, if you’d like to explain to them why you left the property before they arrived, go ahead. (pause) Alex, what happened to the knife that was hanging here earlier?

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Huh?

HENRY DAVID
This place on the wall where the swords and other knives were hanging. They were all there earlier. One’s missing now.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
(casually) Maybe one of the others took it down to look at it. Maybe Harrison was cleaning it. What does it matter?

DEJA SIPHER
Well, Mr. Brody was stabbed to death.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
(surprised) Stabbed?

Alexander appears equally surprised, exchanging glances with Dorothea.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
I suppose it would be inappropriate of me to search for it now, but it must be in the house somewhere. Harrison.

HARRISON
I’ve neither seen it nor removed it for cleaning, Mr. Gardner.

Albert looks to Alexander and shakes his head no.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
I’ve not removed it either, Henry. I don’t know where it could be.

HENRY DAVID
I would have thought you’d be more concerned about misplacing one of these priceless artifacts.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
That particular piece was a reproduction. I had it made by a local artist so that the collection would appear complete. The original was one of the pieces I sold.

PENELOPE GARDNER
Alex!

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Penny didn’t know. Sorry you found out this way, dear. I didn’t realize that Will was stabbed to death, Henry. But, I wouldn’t expect anyone here to do such a thing. Though I will admit that everyone in this room had cause to want to see William dead.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, that’s been quite clear since we arrived.

HENRY DAVID
And, you do know how to wield a knife, Alex.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
(angry) Are you accusing me of murder!

HENRY DAVID
You invited me to do the right thing, Alex. Why?

ALEXANDER GARDNER
I have laid awake nights over the years thinking of ways that I might be able to make William Brody pay for all he’s done to me, to my family. But, I did not stab him to death. Do you hear me, Henry. You’re headed in the wrong direction. I didn’t do it.

HENRY DAVID
But, one of you did. William Brody was alive in this very room after dinner. Each one of you left either the drawing room or the parlor during that time, meaning that each of you had an opportunity to murder Brody.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
Why would one of us have gone out after dark in the rain to find him? Besides, if he were stabbed wouldn’t the killer have blood on their clothes or something?

HENRY DAVID
We all wore coats this evening because of the chance of rain, Annabelle. So, blood splatters may not be on the clothing. And, muddy shoes could have been removed. (pause) It’s a big house. It’s better if we just wait here as a group so we can account for each other and let law enforcement do their job. Otherwise, it could look like evidence tampering.

PENELOPE GARDNER
Oh, this is ridiculous. Anyone for a drink?

Penelope goes toward the liquor cabinet and beings putting ice in small, clear glasses.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
I’ll take one.

DOROTHEA ITHICA
So will I. A double. (pause)(confused) What was that about muddy shoes?

DEJA SIPHER
Mr. Brody was found out by the wooded area.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
That’s wonderful. Then, there should be all sorts of footprints. We’re cleared!

Penelope distributes the drinks and then takes her seat.

HENRY DAVID
No, not really. There was a partial print, but remember that it’s been really dry lately. So, it wasn’t very muddy out there, especially under the trees. I can’t be certain that that partial print was even caused tonight. It could have been caused before the murder, before the rain ever came. And I found the knife that was used, I’ve hidden it away until law enforcement gets here.

ALBERT JACKSON
So, we’re still cleared. They’ll just check for fingerprints and we’ll know the real killer.

HENRY DAVID
It’s possible but doubtful. That’s only a sure fire way to determine the murderer in the movies.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
(leans forward) Was it my knife from the wall, Henry?

HENRY DAVID
No. No, Alex, it wasn’t. (goes to the window and looks outs toward the mausoleum)

ALEXANDER GARDNER
(leans backward with relief) That’s a relief.

DEJA SIPHER
No, Alex, it was a knife that anyone here tonight could have had access to.

HENRY DAVID
(looking out the window) He’s just lying out there on the ground. I didn’t cover him up because it would interfere with evidence collection. But, if it starts to rain again before anyone gets here, more evidence could be lost.

PENELOPE GARDNER
Oh, I don’t want to talk about it anymore. I’m just glad he’s dead. (raises her glass) To whoever it was that killed the lying, cheating, thief. (takes a drink)

Deja goes to Henry at the window, whispering to him.

DEJA SIPHER
Henry, dear, are you alright?

HENRY DAVID
I remember now why we didn’t remain friends, Alex and I. He had a rather unique sense of what was right and wrong.

DEJA SIPHER
Seems that they all do. But, I think that they’re telling the truth when they claim they didn’t stab William Brody.

HENRY DAVID
How can you be sure?

DEJA SIPHER
The knife wouldn’t have been dropped unless someone was in a hurry. I’d say that whoever stabbed Mr. Brody was surprised when they heard us come outside, made a rUn for it, and dropped the knife in the process. But, the others were already back in the drawing room and the parlor by then.

HENRY DAVID
What are you thinking, Aunt Deja?

DEJA SIPHER
I’m thinking this is all much more complicated than we’ve been led to believe.

A hard rain begins falling again.

ALBERT JACKSON
Looks like the storm’s started back. You do have a generator for the lights, don’t you?

ALEXANDER GARDNER
(smiles) Of course. Don’t worry about the house going dark. That generator has powered the entire house before. The house is so far out that anytime there’s a major storm we lose power for a while. Once it was about three days. So, nothing to worry about.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
How long do you think it’ll be before the police arrive?

ALBERT JACKSON
No telling. Depends on the storm, I guess.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
It must have been lightning that knocked the trees down. That doesn’t usually happen unless we’ve had heavy rains for several days straight and the mud has loosened the grip between the roots of the trees.

DEJA SIPHER
There is strength in the intertwining of those roots, isn’t there Alexander?

ALEXANDER GARDNER
It has been said that people standing together, one arm locked into another, is a force that’s harder to break through than a bunch of individuals simply standing in a group, but alone and unsupported.

Deja and Henry walk back to the group. Henry sits, but Deja casually paces before the fireplace.

DEJA SIPHER
Something like that. It refers to the power of teamwork. Coaches often use an example to help their players bond, think of the team first and the individuals second. And, I believe that’s what you all had in mind this evening.

ALBERT JACKSON
What do you mean?

DEJA SIPHER
I mean you are all guilty of killing William Brody. It was planned that way. You simply didn’t expect him to be stabbed. I don’t think you expected him to go for a walk on the property, either. But, I may be wrong about that. All of you came together as a team, the whole that is stronger than the sum of its parts, with only one goal in mind.

PENELOPE GARDNER
That’s…

ALBERT JACKSON
(raises his finger) Wait, Penelope. I’d like to hear what Deja has to say.

DEJA SIPHER
It took me a while to figure it out. Why Henry would suddenly be invited to dinner after all these years without any contact with Alexander; Why a man as hated as all of you hated William Brody would be invited to dinner at all. But, it was right before my eyes the entire time.

ALBERT JACKSON
What?

DEJA SIPHER
Henry has developed quite a reputation for his detective work, his knack for noticing details, his thoroughness, and, most importantly, his desire to be an honest man who can be depended on in his cases and in court to accurately represent what happened without adding or eliminating information that might sway the appearance of what happened in anyone’s favor. He’s gained a lot of recognition by local officials, but the newspapers have been fascinated with him as well. I imagine, Alexander, it was one of those articles that reminded you of your past with Henry and convinced you that he was the key to your success tonight.

ALEXANDER GARDNER
Don’t be silly. I invited Henry because he’s an old buddy of mine.

DEJA SIPHER
That you’ve barely spoken to in a decade or two, and you just happen to invite to your home on the same night a murder occurs. No, I don’t think so. Henry was invited to be the alibi for all of you.

ALBERT JACKSON
How?

DEJA SIPHER
Henry can account for Mr. Brody’s whereabouts and his being alive up until William Brody went for a walk because he was always in Henry’s sight. First, there was dinner. Then, the drinks and cigars in the drawing room. But, I don’t think any of you expected William to go for a walk, at least not a walk outside. That was a surprise for you, but your work had been done by then so you didn’t think much of it. From the time William Brody went for a walk until the time he was found dead, Henry and I, together, can account for everyone else’s whereabouts, except for brief periods where each of you left the room. But, not one of you was gone long enough to go outside to the crime scene, stab Mr. Brody, come back inside the house and change from wet clothes and shoes to dry ones.

Everyone begins to look toward each other’s footwear.

DEJA SIPHER
(continuing)
Yes. All of you are wearing the very same shoes you were wearing when you arrived. None of them show any signs of having been out in the wet grass. When Henry and I got out coats from the coatroom before we went outside, there were no signs of wet feet or any wet shoes on the floor. No coats that seemed awkwardly hung or hung in a rush. No, Harrison did a fine and orderly job of hanging everyone’s coat and neatly positioning the purses above. Besides, as I said before, none of you was gone long enough to have made it outside, commit the murder, then make it back in.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
But, he was murdered. He was stabbed.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, yes, this is true. Stabbed, in the chest, outside near the wooded area, near the mausoleum, near a tree stump with a partial footprint, a partial treaded footprint. As in the type of tread on work shoes, shoes worn to prevent falls or slips. Now, Henry’s right, with the way the rain just bounced off of the ground because the soil has been so dry, there’s no way to tell when the print was left there by the stump. But, the print really isn’t the important clue just yet.

ANNABELLE JACKSON
So what is?

DEJA SIPHER
William Brody was already dying when he went outside for that walk. It would have only been a matter of time.

HENRY DAVID
Was he ill?

DEJA SIPHER
No, Henry, he was poisoned. (turns to Dorothea) Belladonna. A plant usually growing wild in the ruins in Europe and very, very deadly. I should have caught on, Dorothea, when you first arrived, talking about your unique herb garden and commenting about how you were wondering about the reaction William would have to the beautiful ladies at dinner. Belladonna means beautiful lady. Roots, leaves, flowers, the black berries that hang on it, all of it contain an alkaloid, atropine, I believe. And, the autopsy, when it’s performed, I’m sure will find substantial amounts of the poison in Mr. Brody’s system. It’s not a plant commonly found in the States unless it’s intentionally cultivated, and yet (turns to Penelope) Mrs. Gardner just happens to have Belladonna plants surrounding her mausoleum. It must be a horrible way to die, because it can cause cramps, hallucinations, and, quite often, paralysis. (to Henry) Exactly like the minor numbness Mr. Brody was experiencing in his mouth area during dinner. Had he not pushed away his plate of duck and his dessert, I would imagine that he would have died before he finished his first brandy. (to everyone) Penelope, Annabelle, and Dorothea all left just before a course was served, and you each had an opportunity and a motive to see that William’s food was seasoned with the Belladonna. That’s why William was always the last to be served. His plate was meant specifically for him. That’s why none of the rest of us became ill. But, that’s just the ladies. You men knew the plan. And, I suspect that if law enforcement tests for it that signs of Belladonna will also be found on Mr. Brody’s cigar or in his brandy glass.

Alex looks toward Albert. Albert casts his glance downward. Penelope takes another sip of her drink.

DEJA SIPHER
(continuing)
Henry was invited here to help clear you all of any wrongdoing. William Brody was invited here for murder. With the Belladonna outside, it would be rather easy to claim ignorance of how Mr. Brody died. You’d simply describe how he became ill, and presume to the police that William had gotten into the Belladonna plants outside for some reason before coming in the house. After all, those beautiful ladies are so poisonous, one need only touch one to be poisoned. You might even successfully deny that you knew what the plants were or explain that you’ve been trying to find a safe way to rid the property of them. In any case, it would be enough reasonable doubt to get all of you off the hook, especially since you were all at dinner together, sitting around the same table, eating the same food, when William began to fall ill.

PENELOPE GARDNER
But, he didn’t die from poisoning, he died from stabbing.

DEJA SIPHER
Well, what got to him first, we’ll leave for the medical examiner to decide. But, nevertheless, he was stabbed while he was still alive. We know this because he bled.

PENELOPE GARDNER
So, you have nothing.

DEJA SIPHER
Your lack of concern amazes me, Penelope.

ALBERT JACKSON
But, you said that you knew none of us stabbed him.

DEJA SIPHER
That’s correct.

ALBERT JACKSON
So, who then?

DEJA SIPHER
Henry told me that William kept checking his watch when the men were in the drawing room. At first, I thought nothing of it, just a sign of someone in an uncomfortable situation wondering if he had stayed long enough to leave without being rude. But, that wasn’t William Brody. From everyone’s account, Mr. Brody liked to get under people’s skin, liked to find out the dirt on people. And, here he was, drinking brandy and smoking cigars with a group of men to whom he had done exactly that. He was probably reveling in his success. Not a situation such a man is likely to leave willingly, even for a breath of fresh air. That is, unless he had an appointment to meet someone, an appointment that was arranged prior to his ever arriving for dinner. And, that is why he was checking his watch. And, that is why he was murdered by that old tree stump. That is where William Brody was due to meet someone. And, it is that person who stabbed William Brody.

ALBERT JACKSON
But who? (he looks to Harrison)

DEJA SIPHER
No, Albert, it wasn’t Harrison. When Henry and I went outside, Harrison was very briefly at the other end of the hall, going from one room to another. Although I’ll admit that it did cross my mind that Harrison was the murderer. But, no, his shoes as well were neat, tidy, polished, and completely dry. Besides, Harrison is dressed in black and when Henry and I were outside, Henry saw a brief blur of white running back past the side of the house. (to Penelope) You, Penelope, are quite the host. You talk about the art and the travels and the money in this house. You know your social status, and you don’t care to stray from it. You don’t care to do much for yourself. You always call Harrison to deliver messages or bring trays of cookies. That’s why I was so surprised when you brought the tray of cookies to the parlor for the ladies. It’s not something I would expect you to do. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say you probably think it’s beneath you. But, you were gone for so long you couldn’t have returned empty handed. That’s why I originally thought it was Harrison who had murdered Mr. Brody, because why else would you have carried in the tray yourself?

ALBERT JACKSON
So, it wasn’t Harrison?

DEJA SIPHER
No, Albert, it wasn’t. When Penelope brought in the tray, her fingers were covered in powdered sugar. Meaning she had placed the cookies on the tray herself, not the cook as would have been his responsibility. Why, you may ask. Because Lars wasn’t in the kitchen. Lars was outside murdering William Brody.

ALBERT JACKSON
You think it was Lars because of some powdered sugar?

DEJA SIPHER
Not entirely. Cooks traditionally wear white. And, although I’ve not met Lars, I’d say that Mrs. Gardner makes certain that her chef wears the appropriate uniform of white, the same color as the blur that Henry and I saw running past the house as we went outside. Then, there’s the knife, a butcher knife to be exact. A common knife for anyone to have in their kitchen. But, Lars would have had access to it at the time the murder was committed, and he would have had an appropriate alibi if his fingerprints were actually found on the knife because he could say he uses it often in his cooking duties here at the house. But, that wasn’t everything. When I arrived, I asked Penelope who was coming to dinner. She went through the list and, of course, had nothing positive to say about Mr. Brody. But, she did comment on how William Brody had fired his house staff for eating leftovers and how he would have the house staff of other people spy for him, give him inside information that members of a house staff often hear but are expected to ignore. Then, you, Dorothea, explained how Lars not only used to work for you, but had previously worked for William Brody. Quite a history. It’ll be hard to believe that Lars didn’t carry a harsh thought or two for Mr. Brody. I suspect that Lars has been spying for William Brody already, and that, Alexander, is how he knew that you were selling your antiques. William may have never realized that Lars was one of his former employees. The descriptions of William Brody don’t strike me as someone who takes notice of such people unless he has use for them. And, Lars knew this. Dinner tonight, people coming and going from the kitchen adding strange substances to the plate intended for William Brody, an arranged meeting to exchange information on the Gardners for money, it was all playing out perfectly for Lars to carry out his own plan and murder William Brody. (to Henry) Speaking of Lars, Henry, where is he?

PENELOPE GARDNER
So, he was stabbed. Lars did it. You still have nothing on the rest of us.

DEJA SIPHER
Wrong again, Penelope. They police will find Lars. But, all of you, even Harrison, were in on the poisoning. If not murder, they should find enough for attempted murder. And, if Harrison has any sense, he’ll talk freely to the police because carrying the poisoned plate coupled with a confession may not carry as harsh a penalty as actually putting the poison in the food.

Everyone looks toward Harrison, still standing near the door. Sirens begin to be heard. Henry goes to the window and sees the flashing lights of four squad cars coming down the drive.

DEJA SIPHER
(continuing)
They’ve arrived. This game of murder is over.

Henry continues to look out the window. Deja looks about at the faces of the others, their eyes now cast toward the floor.

THE END


written by Debra Phillips


This is a work of fiction.