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Arden stood on her balcony and looked out at the ocean. The temperature outside had dropped and storm clouds were forming over the ocean. She shivered slightly and wrapped her arms around herself.
Out in the hall, someone was laughing.
Savannah probably, Arden thought as she readjusted the straps of her evening gown. She glanced down at the lilac colored silk dress, loving the way it felt. She had planned on wearing a light pink blouse and khaki pants she had brought, but Savannah had insisted they dress up for dinner again.
When they returned to the second floor from the attic earlier that day, Savannah had discovered another box lying in front of her door, containing another Sunny Sutton dress. A knockout red velvet dress, very similar but not the exact same one she had worn for a Christmas episode long ago. Not that Savannah cared that it wasn’t the same dress. She was just thrilled to receive another gift and happily modeled it for her and Paige before rummaging through her suitcases in order to find something suitable for them to wear.
Arden listened as the laughter faded away, leaving only the sound of the ocean.
Savannah had been in good spirits all afternoon. There were flashes—little moments—where Arden thought she had convinced her there was something wrong, but then Savannah would shake her head, laugh, and insist that everything was going according to plan.
What that plan was, she couldn’t say, but her trust in Zeke was too strong to be swayed by a few strange conversations. They were playing a murder mystery game, she pointed out. Discovering past murders and learning disturbing things about the other players were to be expected. To prove her point, she enlisted Kevin’s help and they both took great delight in describing all the games Zeke had devised during their show.
Arden could barely keep up as they bounced from one half formed memory to another. Names of complete strangers in faraway places were bandied about, one after another, in the midst of peels of uncontrollable laughter as the two old friends reminisced about the good ole days.
By the time that they broke to dress for dinner, Arden was almost convinced everything was fine.
Almost.
Within a few minutes of entering her room, the doubts began to return. As she dressed, she replayed their conversation in her mind, comparing former games to this one. In almost every way, this game was vastly different from any of the others they had played.
For one, they had never had so few players before. In all the other games, almost the entire cast, crew and their families took part in the games.
For another, the games had never been in such a remote place like Cliff House before. Bigger was always better in Zeke’s world. His favorite theme was international intrigue and he enjoyed throwing lavish parties in big cities around the world.
The games of yesteryear also tended to be on the longer side, stretching in some cases over an entire week. It was unusual for one to last only a weekend, and if it did, it was usually because something went wrong.
Lastly and most importantly to Arden’s mind, Zeke had never completely disappeared before. In all the other games, he had been around. Maybe, he didn't participate, but, but he was present nonetheless. They’d see him at the hotel, taking his morning walks, getting coffee at whatever local coffee shop that was nearby, drinking the night away at some nearby bar, but always watching them from afar with a big grin on his face as they raced around trying to solve his mystery.
When Arden pointed out no one had seen him since the game began, Savannah just smiled and said, it hadn’t even been a full twenty-four hours since they last saw him. He’ll show up eventually, she assured Arden. He always does.
Arden unclenched her fist and wiggled her fingers. Perhaps, Savannah was right. Maybe she was letting her imagination run away with her.
She glanced over at the gargoyle sitting on the balcony watching the dark storm clouds approaching.
She snorted lightly. This was silly. She was just letting the atmosphere of the mansion play with her mind. They were playing a game. A silly little murder mystery game and nothing more. No one has died and no one is going to die. Not in real life, at least.
The two old men at the gas station came to mind.
Someone had died.
She shook her head. Zeke was probably waiting for them in the banquet hall at that very minute, hopefully in a better mood than last night.
Taking one last look at the storm clouds, she turned and stepped back into her room. Her gaze automatically went to the wide-open door across the room.
Her breath caught in her throat and her heart began to beat fast.
Why was her bedroom door open?
She was sure she closed it when she walked into the bathroom to change for dinner. She was also sure it had still been closed when she walked out and then onto the balcony sometime later. So, who came into her room unannounced?
Her gaze swept over one end of the room to the other. Nothing seemed out of place. She tiptoed forward toward the hallway, listening intently but not venturing out. Everything was quiet now. The only thing she could hear was the roar of the waves crashing on the rocks behind her and the distant rumble of thunder.
A feeling of unease pricked her skin and she rubbed her hands up and down her bare arms as she looked from the bathroom door to the hallway.
Had someone come and left while she was on the balcony? Were they still here? Hiding maybe? Waiting for her back to be turned? She glanced at the bathroom, taking a half step toward the hallway.
Get a grip, Arden, she scolded herself.
It’s just a game. That’s all it is.
She jerked her head towards the hallway.
Someone was walking down the hallway. She could hear their shoes striking the floor, coming closer.
Arden reached out and gripped the bedpost, not sure which way to run. Heart beating fast, she waited until...
“Are you decent?” Savannah swept into the room with a giant smile on her face. “Oh my, how pretty. That dress looks great on you.” She held up a light purple silk wrap. “Here, this goes with it.”
A feeling of relief washed over Arden. “Were you just in here?”
Savannah looked at her in confusion. “I beg your pardon?”
“Were you just in my room?”
“No,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve been with Paige for the last thirty minutes. She can’t decide between the yellow chiffon and the blue sequins. Personally...”
“Someone was in my room,” Arden said striding towards the bathroom, suddenly feeling more courageous now that Savannah was in the room with her.
Savannah’s blue eyes lit up in excitement. “Ah, the Executioner must have paid you a little visit. Did you get a good look at him? Or her?”
Arden frowned as she peeked into the closet. “No.”
“Oh,” she said with a pout, “that’s disappointing.” She rushed forward and closed the balcony doors just as raindrops began striking the windows. “Oh well, it’s about time for dinner. I say we get down there early and see if we can do a little sleuthing.”
Shutting the closet door with a sigh, Arden picked up the rhinestone-studded clutch she had borrowed from Savannah and followed the other woman out the door and down the stairs.
Haskell was standing in the foyer staring up at them, watching their—or rather Savannah’s every move as she descended the staircase. If Savannah noticed his rather intense stare, she gave no indication of it, greeting him warmly as she approached. “I’m absolutely famished. What’s on the menu tonight, Haskell?”
“Pumpkin Ratatouille.”
Savannah’s expression changed from mild curiosity to euphoric ecstasy in the blink of an eye. “Get out! I haven’t had that since I left Hollywood.” She turned to Arden. “There was this little restaurant near my apartment that served the best pumpkin ratatouille. I loved that place.”
Haskell’s intense blue eyes glittered under the light as he stared down at Savannah. “I hope you like it.”
“Oh, I’m sure I will,” Savannah said as she walked towards the banquet hall. “You know the very last meal I ate in Hollywood was pumpkin ratatouille.”
Arden arched an eyebrow at Savannah’s back. Was her friend being purposely obtuse? Shaking her head, she turned to Haskell. “Is Yvette back?”
Without taking his eyes off Savannah, the butler shook his head. “No, madam. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just go to the kitchen to make sure everything is ready.”
After checking over her shoulder to make sure the butler was far enough away so as not to overhear, Arden asked, “You don’t think that’s a little strange? How did he know you love pumpkin ratatouille? That’s not exactly a common dish.”
Savannah laughed. “You are so suspicious. Zeke probably told him what my favorite foods are. Why did you want to know if Yvette is back?”
“I wanted to ask her about Brad Anderson’s murder.” Arden sighed. “I tried looking him up on my phone an hour ago, but I couldn’t get a good signal from my room. It just kept saying no service.”
“I’ve been having problems too,” Savannah said as they entered the banquet hall. “I think it’s the weather.” She came to a sudden stop. A look of sadness crossed her face. “Oh no.”
“What’s wrong?”
Unable to speak, Savannah stretched out her arm and pointed to the giant picture set on top of an easel at the far end of the room.
Savannah let out a small note of distress as she neared the picture of the cast standing or kneeling next to a prone Kevin and a broken chandelier. The happy façade that Savannah had been keeping up since they arrived suddenly cracked. Her face crumbled as tears began to form in her eyes. “I don’t understand why he’s doing this?”
“Who? Zeke?”
She merely nodded. “This must have been taken a few minutes after Kevin was hurt.” She took a shaky breath. “I don’t know why Zeke would keep this picture. Or why he’d display it.”
“I think he’s trying to tell us something,” Arden said.
“What?”
“I’m not sure.”
They glanced behind them as Dennis walked in. He took one look at the picture and then bellowed out Haskell’s name.
The butler arrived in seconds.
Dennis pointed to the picture. “Did my brother put that there?”
“It appeared an hour ago, sir. I do not know who put it there.”
“This is in very poor taste, Dennis,” Savannah said. “I don’t want Kevin seeing this.”
“I agree.” Dennis wearily waved his hand toward the butler. “Haskell, take it out of here.”
Haskell, in his usual quick and efficient manner, picked up the picture and easel, tucking them each under his arm and quickly exited the room.
Kevin barely noticed him or the picture as they entered the banquet hall. Reese, on the other hand, gave the picture a double take. He threw a questioning glance at the others before turning to stare at Kevin with a concerned look on his face.
Paige also noticed the picture and within seconds, her detective notebook was out and she was scribbling inside it.
There wasn’t much talk as everyone turned to the table and took their seats.
Arden pulled out the chair next to Dennis, frowning as something heavy dropped to the floor with a thump. She tried inclining her head to the side and discreetly looking under the table for whatever had fallen, but she couldn’t see anything but the large thick table legs from beneath the lace tablecloth. It appeared to her that unless she wanted to get on her hands and knees, whatever it was that fell was just going to remain hidden.
She glanced at the floor, then at her beautiful gown, and promptly sat down. She could always look after dinner.
To her delight, Kevin sat down next to her and immediately turned his attention to her, smiling at her and engaging her in conversation.
For a moment, she happily sat there enjoying the attention he lavished on her, forgetting for a moment that things were not as they seemed.
The food was excellent, the company was pleasant, and it was nice to sit and relax for a while.
It was only when Kevin turned his attention to Reese, who was happily regaling the table with stories about himself, that worry began to take hold once again.
While everyone seemed in good spirits, Arden noticed a current of unease among the people seated at the table. Every so often, one or another would turn their attention from the others towards the window, their brows furrowed, their expressions, for a moment, filled with concern and even fear at times. Even Savannah seemed ill at ease, despite her quick smile and devil may care attitude. More than once, Arden caught her nervously glancing over her shoulder towards the door.
Loud booming thunder crashed overhead causing more than one person to jump. A nervous laughter rippled among those gathered at the table, but conversation ceased after that and an unnerving silence descended on the room.
For a moment, the only sounds in the room were the sound of rain lashing out against the window and that nerve wracking squeaky wheel as Haskell pushed the dessert cart forward.
Nervous smiles were slowly replaced by frowns as they sat there looking from one to another.
Reese glanced around. “Has anyone seen Walter?”
Haskell leaned over her as he placed her plate in front of her. “Mr. Elmore requested that you continue without him.”
“I’m surprised Yvette’s not back by now,” Savannah said over the sound of thunder.
Dennis nodded. “She probably got held up by the rain.” He chuckled nervously. “She hates to drive in the rain. Refuses to do it.”
He glanced at the window as lightning lit up the sky, then another rumble of thunder shook the house.
They settled into an uneasy quiet as they ate their dessert, only speaking to remark on the ever-increasing storm hovering over them.
Ten minutes later an angry and wet Walter strode in. He came to stand next to Dennis. “Where’s Yvette?”
Dennis looked up at him with an irritated expression. “In town.”
“She was supposed to be back by now,” Walter snapped, his fist clenching and unclenching as rivulets of rainwater dripped from his clothes to the floor. “I’ve been waiting for her all day.”
Reese laughed. “Why have you been waiting for her outside?”
Walter glared at the actor for a moment before saying, “She’s not answering her cell phone.”
Dennis made a dismissive gesture toward the window. “That’s not surprising. Reception here is lousy when it rains.”
Walter pursed his lips together, and with angry motions, he dragged out the chair next to Reese and sat down.
Everyone glanced up as the lights flickered.
“I guess we better get the candles out again,” Reese said with a sigh. “Does anyone know how long this storm is supposed to...”
Walter propped his elbow on the table, disturbing the china next to him as he turned to Dennis. “When was the last time you talked to Yvette?”
A vein in Dennis’ jaw began to throb. “Around noon. Said something about going shopping and that she’d be back by dinner, but with the weather like it is...we’ll be lucky to see her tonight. She’s not exactly a fan of this place.”
“I think you need to give her a call.” Scowling, Walter stabbed at the table with his finger. “Right now. Something’s wrong and you know it, so call her.”
Dennis’ hand shook as he reached into the inside of his jacket. “She hates driving in the rain. Scared to death of it. She’s probably holed up at the inn making reservations as we speak.”
Kevin twisted around in his seat to stare out the window behind them. There was a sound as his foot collided with something underneath the table. Grunting, he scooted his chair back, lifted up the lace tablecloth, and then bent over. Arden watched as his head and shoulders disappeared underneath the table. “Hey, look at that!” he said.
Arden tried to peer underneath the table to see what had captured Kevin’s attention, but he moved just then blocking her view.
No one else seemed that interested in whatever Kevin had found. They all watched Dennis who was patting his pockets. “Zeke’s probably in town too. I bet he’s at that new hotel by the interstate.” His frown deepened as he leaned back and stuck his hands in his trouser pockets. “I have a feeling he’s talking to his lawyer trying to put a stop to our movie plans.”
Kevin’s head popped up suddenly and with a note of dismay said, “I hope not.”
“Now, don’t worry,” Dennis said quickly. “You know how temperamental he can be. I probably said something wrong—as usual—and he’s decided to make me pay for it. Once he’s calmed down, he’ll come around.”
“Good,” Kevin said disappearing under the table again. “I’ve already told my family that I'm going to be acting again.”
Dennis made a face as he dug his hand into another pocket. “You weren’t supposed to tell anyone yet.”
“Oh sorry,” Kevin said, reappearing with a doll in his hands.
Arden gasped, drawing his attention to her.
Grinning from ear to ear, Kevin turned the doll around. “Kind of looks like Yvette, doesn’t it?” He plucked at the doll’s business suit. “Dresses like her too.”
“Aren’t you too old to be playing with dolls?” Walter snapped.
Kevin’s smile fell as he placed the doll next to his plate.
Throwing up his hands, Dennis said, “I can’t find my phone. I must have left it upstairs.” He held out his hand towards Reese. “Let me borrow your phone.”
Reese reached into his pocket, then with a frown, reached into another pocket.
Arden, whose attention was still focused on the doll, said in a horrified whisper, “What’s that around the doll’s neck?”
“Just a piece of red string,” Kevin said with a shrug as he held the doll up by the string. It dangled from his fingers spinning around and around.
Reese’s angry voice drew Arden’s attention past the doll and towards him. “I can’t find it.”
Dennis snapped his fingers at Kevin. “Give me your phone.”
Kevin set the doll back down on the table. “No can do. I lost it this morning when I almost died.” He shrugged as he turned his attention back to the doll.
Dennis, Reese and Walter looked at him strangely for a moment before shaking their heads or muttering something unintelligible under their breath and then turning their attention towards Arden, Paige, and Savannah.
Arden reached for her clutch by her feet. She popped it open and looked inside. Her heart dropped. “My phone’s missing too.”
She looked at Paige next who shook her head. “I haven’t seen mine since this afternoon.”
A muscle in Walter’s jaw began to work. “I noticed mine was gone thirty minutes ago,” he said gravely. “I tore my room up looking for it. Never did find it.”
Everyone turned to Savannah then with a questioning look.
She simply held out her arms gesturing to her figure hugging dress. “Where would I put it?”
“Someone was in my room earlier,” Arden announced. “I was out on the balcony and when I turned around, my door was open. Whoever it was must have taken my phone then.”
No one responded at first. At least not in words but one by one, their heads turned and they fixed their eyes on Walter.
Walter’s temper exploded. “What are you looking at me for?”
“Just give us back the phones, Walter,” Dennis said wearily.
His face reddening, Walter stood. “I didn’t take them. Why don’t you go ask your crazy brother where they are?”
Dennis sprung to his feet, anger and fury bubbling over. “Don’t you ever call Zeke crazy.”
Kevin stood and quickly backed as far away from the table as he could as the two enraged men faced off.
“He’s crazy!” Walter shouted coming towards Dennis. “You know it. I know it.”
Dennis balled his hands into fists. “Shut up, Walter!”
Reese stood and grabbed Walter’s arm, pulling him back. Savannah did the same to Dennis.
“Now we’re trapped here,” Walter shouted, “with no way out, no way to call for help, waiting to see what your crazy brother is going to do to all of us.”
Panic creeped into their voices as they all began speaking at once, their frightened angry voices rising in an effort to be heard over everyone else. Arden could barely keep track of who was talking, momentarily overwhelmed by the emotion and fear in the room and the storm raging outside the window.
“We’re trapped! I knew this was going to happen.”
“It’s not, Zeke, it’s Walter whose doing this to us!”
“Let’s all calm down and think rationally.”
“Don’t put this on me! I’m not the crazy one.”
Kevin lifted his arms in the air. “Everyone, calm down. This is just part of the game! There’s nothing to be afraid of. Everything is okay.”
Haskell entered the room and loudly cleared his throat. When that failed to quiet them, he brought his fingers up to his mouth and let out an ear-splitting whistle. Once they were all quiet, he said, “Begging your pardon, sirs, and madams, the landline is working. Shall I call the police?”
Just like that, a palpable feeling of relief descended on the room. They weren’t cut off from the outside. There was still a way out.
Dennis breathing heavily took a step back away from Walter. “No, that won’t be necessary. Walter’s going to return the phones.”
“Like hell I am,” Walter declared. “Call the police. I’ve got nothing to hide.”
Reese tugged on his arm. “Would you shut up,” he hissed as he dragged Walter out of the room.
“Call the police, Dennis,” Walter shouted. “I dare you.”
Kevin frowned. “Why is everyone getting upset? You all know when we play the mystery that everything is fair game.” He smiled. “Remember that time Savannah played the killer and stole everyone’s shoes? We all laughed. It was fun.” His smile fell. “Why is everyone freaking out? It’s just part of the game.”
Arden picked up the doll and examined the noose around its neck. “I think maybe you should call the police. Something’s very wrong here.”
“I agree,” Savannah said gravely. “In fact, I think we should just call this whole thing off and go home.”
Paige who had been diligently writing in her detective notebook taking down every word that was spoken looked up suddenly with a frown. “But it was just getting good.”
