Episode 1.04

Pinõn Hallow Police Department

Siobhan sat at her desk, going over the statements she and other officers had collected the night before. So far she knew it was arson according to the fire department, it appeared that someone had poured Vodka all over the room, or another clear liquor and threw a match, setting the blaze and killing Brighton Simpson. She also knew now that Bethany McKay was his sister—twin sister to be exact. From the sounds of it she was not happy about her brother being anywhere near her, but even less happy about him being dead. One thing puzzled her more than anything else, the package he had sent over to Adel Davis earlier that day. She had called Adel first thing this morning to ask about it and she had no clue. That damn delivery boy had said that Chad Davis, signed for the package.

Letting this information run through her mind she picked up her coffee cup, and started putting some of the pieces together, when a street cop came in.

“Detective Lane, one of the maids from the Davis Estate brought this over.” He said to her as he placed a picture on the desk.

Siobhan put her coffee cup down and picked up the picture of Chad Davis kissing Brighton Simpson. “There’s his motive.” She said aloud before dropping the picture back on her desk.

The Java Jet

It was a slow morning in the mall, a lot of the locals were off on their own vacations. At least the ones who wouldn’t need to be at work, and the tourists were off enjoying the river and mountain trails the area provided. Pam was still on a emotional high after her dinner date with Kip the night before. He had been the most amazing man in the world in her dreams, and now he was proving to be so in reality. When he kissed her good night, she felt as though she were floating on air.

“Hey Pam.” Said the delivery boy as he came up to the Java Jet with a package, “Looks like your secret admire strikes again.” He said putting the box down and taking out a clip board.

“It looks like it, though Kip really doesn’t need to be secret anymore. I know its him. Though if this is what he wants to do I won’t stop him.” She said as she signed her name and then opened the box revealing a silver charm bracelet, “its spectacular!”

“Yeah, Silver is defiantly your color.” He said as he let his pen hit the coffee mug charm. “Whoever this guy is, he definitely plans on spoiling you in someway.”

“Yeah he definitely does.” She said as she studied the other charm, her high school letters.

Film Magic

Conner sat on the stool behind the counter. The television to his left was playing a romantic comedy. He was replaying the events of the night before in his head. He had an amazing date with Maggie, and when he kissed her, he felt as though he was reborn. But then, after he said goodnight to her at her apartment, things changed.

As he walked down the hall Conner had an uneasy feeling. Maybe something was wrong with his daughter. As he turned the corner he stopped when he saw her. Bethany was sitting in front of his door, crying. Part of him felt as though he should run away from his own apartment. Leaving him the ability to pretend he never saw Bethany. He knew he couldn’t do that though, it wouldn’t be fair to her, him, or their child.

Slowly walking closer he finally spoke, “Bethany, what are you doing here?” He asked her as she looked up.

Streaks from her eye make-up were all over her face, “Oh Conner!” She declared before throwing her arms around him. “Someone murdered Brighton tonight at the Hallow Hotel.”

“Bethany, what? None of this is making any sense.” He said as he held her at a distance.

“I came back to town today, I wanted to see you and our daughter.” She said between gasps for breath, “I checked into the Hallow Hotel, and Brighton was a guest their as well. I left to go to dinner and when I came back the police and fire department were there. Someone murdered my brother tonight.”

Conner pulled Bethany closer, letting her lean on him and cry. “I’m so sorry Beth. I know how much you really loved him, no matter what happened between him and that nutty group he was a part of.” Conner told his wife.

“I just can’t believe he’s gone.”

“Conner? Earth to Conner?” Maggie said as she stood in front the counter, “what’s wrong?”

He looked up, and gave Maggie a small, tentative smile, “Hey Maggie.”

“What’s wrong McKay?”

Pinõn Hallow Country Club

Bethany entered the country club, she had only been here once before for her senior prom. She looked around for Adel Davis and spotted her. Yes her brother had died but she had things to do, and she couldn’t let them fall in the wayside. Besides most people had no idea she was related to Brighton Simpson.

Holding her head up high she walked over to Adel’s table, “Mrs. Davis, I’m Bethany McKay.”

Adel looked Bethany up and down, “Yes, I can see that. What is it you would like to discuss with me Mrs. McKay?”

“Have you ever heard of Lady Agatha Covington?” Bethany asked.

“No,” Adel said, “Should I have?”

“Not many people outside of Europe know of her, but she had a very valuable locket. She was the mistress of Prince Jeremiah of Yorkshire. It was once a small island off the coast of Greenland. His wife Princess Alexandria, supposedly was a witch and when she discovered that Jeremiah would be giving this handcrafted Locket to Agatha, its said she put a curse on it and then killed Jeremiah. Though its just a silly old tale, that does help with the value of the item.” Bethany explained.

Adel yawned very openly, “What does this have to do with me Mrs. McKay?”

“I have the locket.” Bethany declared, “and it’s the most stunning piece I have seen in all my travels around the globe.”

“Mrs. McKay, I’m still not sure what this has to do with me.” Adel said as she drummed her fingers on the table.

Bethany took out a box and revealed the locket, “Does this interest you Mrs. Davis?”

Hallow Hills

Siobhan knocked on the door of the large estate. One of the maids opened the door, “May I help you?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m detective Lane from the PHPD.” She said flashing her badge. “I’d like to speak with Mr. Chad Davis if he’s at home.”

“Right away miss.” Said the maid as she left the room and a moment later Chad walked down the stairs.

“Chad Davis?” Siobhan asked, even though she knew the answer.

“Yes, you would be?”

“I’m Detective Lane from the PHPD. I have some questions for you regarding Brighton Simpson.” She said.

“What about him?” he asked

Siobhan took a deep breath, “where were you last night when he was murdered?”

Chad went pale and looked at Siobhan, “He was murdered? How?”

“Arson from the looks of it but we could be wrong. Where were you at about eight pm last night?” she asked.

“I was at the movies, I went and saw Charlie’s Angels.” He said as he went to the closet and took out his coat and removed the ticket stub. “See for yourself.” He said handing it to her.

“I’ll have to check up on this.” She said, “Oh and I think this belongs to you.” She removed the picture of Chad and Brighton kissing.

“How did you get this?” Chad asked, feeling his world crumble.

“One of your Maid’s brought it into the station this morning.”

He shook his head, “Its not what it actually looks like.” He looked down at the marble floor, “I was a member of a cult as most would call it. A all male cult, where we were convinced to believe that the Greek way of life shall we say was what God intended. Thankfully several of my friends got me out and deprogrammed from the brainwashing I had been through. Brighton was my husband when I was in there.”

Film Magic

“Well Conner, what’s wrong?” Maggie asked.

“Mags, something happened when I got home last night.” He said to her, as he looked down at the counter that was plastered with movie posters.

She looked at him confused, “Conner what is it?”

He took a long, staggering breath, “Bethany showed up at my doorstep last night when I got home from our date.”

“Your wife. . .” Maggie said letting it hit her.

Conner simply nodded, “I don’t know what she wants, and I’m not to sure she knows. I think the only reason she showed up on my door because of what happened at the motel.”

Maggie appeared even more confused, “You mean the fire at Hallow Hotel, where some guy named Brighton Simpson died?”

“Brighton is. . . was Bethany’s twin brother.” Conner informed her.

“Oh wow. Um, I better get back to the shop. We’ll talk later Conner. Bye.” Maggie said getting out of there as quickly as possible.

Pinõn Hallow Country Club

Adel took hold of the locket and studied it, “It is an exquisite piece. You were actually right about that Mrs. McKay. However I do not feel I have any reason to acquire this piece from you at this time. Perhaps later on or you might find a better buyer.” She informed Bethany as she placed the locket back in the velvet covered box.

“Mrs. Davis, are you sure about this?” Bethany asked.

“Mrs. McKay,” Adel said as she rose, “I am always sure about my actions.”

Bethany looked down and covered the box, “Thank you for your time.” She told Adel before walking she left the dining room.

Maggie’s Apartment

Maggie swung her door open and then slammed it shut behind her. She finally has something starting with Conner and his wife shows up. She threw her bag down on the couch, her anger and hurt boiling inside of her. Going into the kitchen she took out a pint of coffee ice cream and three chocolate bars. “This would happen.” She said aloud before she picked up the remote to her television and turned it on.

“The Pinõn Hallow Fire Department reports this afternoon that the fire at Hallow Hotel was indeed arson. The Police are looking into suspects, for the murder of Brighton Simpson.” Announced the reporter before Maggie turned the TV off and sank down on a stool eating away her depression.

Digging into the carton she started to relax before someone knocked on her door. Taking the carton with her to the door she opened it and came face to face with Bethany McKay.