"That went fairly well, don't you think, Sprouts?" Bruce grinned as he placed the phone back on the receiver and looked over at Alfalfa who was tied up in his chair.
"Mmph!" Alfalfa tried to talk through the gag in his mouth. His hands were uncomfortably tied up behind him, and the harder he struggled, the more pain he caused himself. His wrists were already cut and bleeding from the tightly knotted rope.
Bruce laughed, "Don't worry, my dear Sprouts, I'm sure she'll listen to reason. No need to worry. We'll have you out of here in no time. Until then, just relax and enjoy the scenery."
"Some scenery," Alfalfa thought as he watched Bruce exit the room through a tiny doorway and into a lighted hallway beyond. "It's more like a prison cell."
Except for not having bars, Alfalfa's assessment of the room was pretty accurate. It was a small, square room with no windows and only one door. There was no carpeting on the ground, just cement, and the musty air made Alfalfa feel like he was in a basement of some sort. There was almost no light, save for a little from a dusty lamp hanging from the ceiling, and as Alfalfa looked around he couldn't make out any other furniture beyond the hard, wooden chair he was obliged to sit in.
Alfalfa groaned and scolded himself for being so careless. He should have known better than to close his eyes while Bruce was around, even if he was tied up. Because he hadn't been more vigilant, he was stuck here and Lilith was in trouble. That's the absolute last thing Alfalfa wanted. Even though being around Lilith was never easy, Alfalfa had chosen to stay with her out of devotion and love. He was careful never to let on about his feelings toward her, as she would surely laugh at him, but he had those feelings nonetheless.
Alfalfa could feel his anger swelling up inside him as he let out a muffled
scream and tried yet again to break the ropes holding him done. The pain
was searing in his wrists but he didn't care, he had to get out of there
before Bruce could bring anymore pain and hardship down upon Lilith. He
continued his struggle as tears streamed down his face.
Scene: 2
"Welcome to our home, Wiley," Ted exclaimed as he stepped through the doorway. Behind him came Renee followed by his young cousin, Wiley. Wiley could at best be described as a fish out of water and at worst, a total geek. He was short of stature, with straight red hair and freckles all over his face. He had a way about him that immediately screamed dork, but underneath it all, Wiley's heart was in the right place.
"Yes Wiley," Renee purred, "make yourself at home. After all, you will be staying with us the next 6 months while your parents are away in Australia on that museum grant. I know you're basically old enough to stay by yourself, but your parents thought you would be more comfortable here with us."
"All right," Wiley said with a grin on his face. "I think I can handle it here. I mean, it's not Cincinnati, but I think I can hang here. Of course I'll miss all my friends, I was pretty popular back home you know, but I think this could be fun."
"I'm glad to see that you're already feeling good about your time here with us," Ted said as he set down two large suitcases next to the couch.
"Yes," Renee gushed, "very glad indeed. When I heard that Ted's favorite aunt and her husband were going to be out of the country for 6 months, I told Ted that we absolutely have to have you come here and stay with us."
"Besides, having you around will be really helpful in the coming months, seeing as how Renee is pregnant," Ted added.
"Fine," Wiley said, looking around at the house, "as long as you know I don't do diapers."
"You're going to be staying in the guest room, right through that door there and down the stairs," Ted pointed to a doorway. "I hope you don't mind, but we converted the basement into a new room. We have all the baby stuff in the other guest room."
"Not a problem," Wiley replied.
"And feel free to decorate the room anyway you would like," Renee said, "after all, it will be your home for the next six months."
"So, Wiley," Ted asked as he sat down on the couch, "what sorts of things do you like to do? We have a lot of sports activities around town for you to involve yourself in."
"Yes," Renee agreed, "Ted could even take you down to the beach and teach you how to surf!"
"You call surfing a sport?" Wiley asked flabbergasted. "Surfing's not a sport. You want a real man's sport, try hockey."
"Oh!," Renee gasped, "you play hockey? That's wonderful, but isn't that dangerous?"
"Dangerous, yes," Wiley answered melodramatically, "but I'm a professional. I eat, breathe and sleep hockey. In fact, I come from a hockey family. My dad drives a zamboni, you know."
"Well, I think Chris, Ryan and Dean play a little hockey," Ted answered. "I'm sure they would love to include you in their game. We should ask them when we see them tonight at the seance."
"Tonight?" Wiley gulped. "I didn't think anybody out here played hockey, I mean it's always so warm that I didn't think their would be any ice to play on."
"We have some really nice indoor rinks around here," Ted replied. "It's really becoming the all the rage. I'm sure the guys would love to pick up any pointers they can from you."
"Uh, sure," Wiley stammered, "I guess I could show them how the guys up in Cincinnati play the sport. But I will remind you that we may play it differently than you guys out here."
"I'm sure they'd love to learn anything you can teach them," Renee replied and then looked at her watch. "Oh my, it's getting late and we are supposed to be over at the Conrad's house tonight for that seance. You are most welcome to join us Wiley. It would give you a good chance to meet some of the lovely people in town."
"A seance? On a Friday night?" Wiley asked. "Well, all right, but there better be some awesome looking babes at this seance. I mean the Wileyman could have his choice of women to date on a Friday night and I was looking forward to cruising the town."
"Well, there is Shannon," Ted answered. "She and her sister just moved in a few weeks ago. I know she's had an awful time meeting someone. I'm sure she would be delighted to meet you Wiley. But if you don't want to go..."
"No!" Wiley piped up. "Actually it does sound like a nice, relaxing way to spend the evening. Besides, I think this Shannon chick could use a nice evening with the Wileyman."
"That's great!" Ted exclaimed. "I'm sure the Conrad’s would love to have you."
"Well, now that that's all settled," Renee said, "I'm going to go make
dinner. Ted, why don't you show Wiley our photo album? I just put the
pictures in from last week and I know there are a few of Shannon in there."
Scene: 3
Lilith slammed down the phone in disgust. "I can't believe that bastard kidnapped Alfalfa!" she hissed. She slapped her fist down on the table, "And damn that stupid Alfalfa for getting himself kidnapped. How the in the hell did that happen anyway? Bruce was tied up on the couch! Alfalfa, sometimes you really screw up. I should probably just let you stew in your own pot for a while, but if I do, Bruce will find some way to frame me for your death."
Lilith let out a frustrated sigh and picked up the phone. It looked like she had no choice but to do what Bruce wanted. Alfalfa may not have been the smartest personal assistant she ever had, and certainly not the bravest, but he was fiercely loyal to her and that was rare to find these days. "
"Besides, I'd kind of miss the big lug if he weren't around," she mused, although she would never let Alfalfa know that.
She dialed a number on the phone and waited a couple of rings before a young woman answered. "Angela McInnes' office, this is Tracey, how may I help you?"
"Yes, hi Tracey, I'd like to speak with Angela please," Lilith replied. "Tell her this is Lilith calling."
"Certainly," the young woman said, "it will be just a moment."
Lilith started to tap her fingers impatiently on the table as the woman put her on hold and a horrid muzak version of the BeeGee's "Staying Alive" started playing. Lilith absentmindedly started to sing along until she heard someone pick up the phone on the other side.
“Lilith?! Lilith Alamain? My god, it's been years!" Angela gushed into the phone. "What are you up to?"
"Angela," Lilith replied as cheerfully as she could, "it has been too long. I was calling to see if you wanted to get together for lunch."
"I'm free tomorrow," Angela answered. "Why don't we meet here at the hospital around 1 p.m.? I know this great little Italian restaurant around the corner."
"That would be great," Lilith replied. "Alfalfa has taken a leave of absence and I am at a loss for something to do. Honestly, I just sit around the apartment all day with no one but the plants for company." Lilith gave an overdramatised sigh.
"Well," Angela said, "that job here at the hospital is still available if you want it. It would give you something to do during the day and we could work together. Doesn't that sound wonderful?"
"That's a delightful idea," Lilith agreed. "We can talk about it tomorrow during lunch."
"Okay," Angela responded, "I'll see you then. Bye!"
"Goodbye dear," Lilith answered and then hung up the phone. Her plan had worked perfectly so far. She needed access to the hospital computer database and file room and this job was the perfect way to get that access.
"Too bad I have to put up with that annoying, bubbly Angela to get it," she murmured. She had never really liked Angela, but hadn't broken ties with her because she felt Angela's position at the hospital could come in handy one day. She gritted her teeth in anger at Bruce for putting her in this position. One day she would get her revenge on him. She was determined to have the last laugh.
Suddenly, an idea occurred to her and she picked up the phone again. "Jett, this is Lilith. Listen, I need a really big favor."
Scene: 4
It was very busy at the Conrad house, as people arrived and got ready for the seance. Shannon was over by the dining room table, setting up candles. Wiley, who had arrived with Ted and Renee, kept looking over at her. Dean took a moment to speak with him.
"Hey, are you Shannon's new boyfriend?" Dean asked.
"I wish!" Wiley exclaimed excitedly, but then caught himself. “Uh, I mean, I have lots of choices and it wouldn’t be fair to tie the Wileyman down to just one woman. But she is a great looking chick. I might give her a spin around the old Wiley block.”
"You should ask her out. She'd definitely go out with you." Dean stated as he rolled his eyes.
"Really?" Wiley grinned. “Uh, I mean, of course she would. I’m a real man. There aren’t too many of us real men out here, are there Dean old buddy?”
“Oh brother,” Dean mumbled. "No, I can personally say that I’ve never met anyone who is quite the man you are. Now, here’s a tip for Shannon, just buy her dinner and she's all yours. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go. My woman awaits!" Dean motioned to Angela. "She's a doctor," he said as he walked away.
Wiley thought for a moment, then went over to Shannon. "Hi!"
"Hi." Shannon said non enthusiastic.
"I'm Wiley!" He announced.
"Um, ok." Shannon said, obvious that she didn't care.
"And you're Shannon! I've heard all about you!" Wiley winked at her.
"Oh really?" Shannon said, finding the candles a lot more interesting.
"Yep, from Ted and Renee!" Wiley started setting up candles also.
Shannon realized this guy was not going to give up and frantically looked around for someone to interrupt their conversation and to take her away from this weirdo. But who? Her sister! Of course! Nicole wouldn't leave her with this dork!
"Um, Nicole...?" Shannon motioned for her sister to come save her, but Nicole was with Chris who had his arms around her, and she didn't even notice her sister's voice.
"Maybe you'd like to go out sometime?" Wiley asked.
"Um, no thanks." Shannon answered.
"Why not?" Wiley said confused. "Ted and Renee said you're single! And so am I! We're a perfect match!"
"Um..." Shannon said in a frightened tone. "NICOLE!" She yelled once more at her sister.
Nicole didn't notice, again too engrossed in Chris, but he did. He glared at Shannon. "Baby, I'll be right back ok?" He said and kissed Nicole.
Shannon walked towards him. "Chris please, this--"
"What are you doing?" Chris interrupted.
"I need to talk to my sister." Shannon answered.
"You just don't give up do you?" Chris replied in an annoyed and angry tone.
"What? No please Chris this is serious!" Shannon exclaimed.
"You may as well quit trying to keep us apart Shannon because it's not going to work." Chris glared.
"But I'm not trying to keep you apart! That guy keeps bothering me!" Shannon pointed to Wiley. He had a candle holder in his hand and waved.
"I thought you liked it when guys were all over you?" Chris said, finding this quite amusing.
"Not him!" Shannon shrieked.
"Sorry can't help ya!" Chris chuckled and went back to Nicole.
Shannon sighed in despair and Wiley walked back over to her. "That's your sister's boyfriend right?"
"Yes." Shannon growled, looking over at them being so mushy it made her sick.
"They look really happy. I think we could be that happy too!"
Shannon glared at him. "No."
"Why not? I'll buy you dinner!" Wiley exclaimed.
"What?" Shannon asked totally lost.
"Well that guy said, well...will you please go out with me?" Wiley rephrased.
"No!" Shannon said in a very firm voice and started to walk away.
Wiley followed her and proceeded his pleading. "But why not? Ted and Renee said we'd be good for each other!"
"Because I said no!" Shannon snapped.
"Please? One date?" Wiley continued to beg.
"No, now leave me alone!" Shannon yelled loudly.
"Come on at least get to know me!" Wiley wasn't giving up.
"No! Leave me alone!" Shannon screamed at the top of her lungs.
Just then Ryan and Alexis arrived. Ryan immediately ran over, seeing that Shannon was being harassed by an annoying little guy. Alexis tried to follow, not wanting Ryan over by Shannon, but Twanky saw her and immediately began going on about something Twankyish.
"Hey she said to leave her alone ok?" Ryan said very directly and sternly to Wiley.
Wiley got a frightened look on his face. "Um...um...I think I heard Ted calling me, bye!" He said and ran away.
Shannon looked at Ryan and smiled a bit. "Thank you."
He looked back at her. "You're welcome."
"I really appreciate it." Shannon said softly staring into his eyes.
"If he bothers you again, you just let me know ok?" Ryan stared back.
"I will." Shannon smiled bigger this time.
Alexis broke away from Twanky and ran over. "Ryan! Come on there's something I want to show you." She took his arm and led him away.
Shannon slumped sadly into a chair as Renee came her way. "Hi Shannon, have you met Wiley yet?"
Scene: 5
Hudson was standing in the park looking around impatiently.
"Where the hell is he?" she muttered. "He said over the phone that he would be here at eight."
She shrugged and walked over to a park bench with one lone figure on it. It looked to her as if he were an old man who had come to the park to feed pigeons and had merely fallen asleep. At least he didn't appear to be moving to her. She hoped he wasn't actually dead, and was relieved when she heard that he was still breathing. She sat down next to him, all the while scanning the area for any other sign of life.
"He'd better show," she said quietly to herself, "because I'm not one to play games."
"But games are what make life exciting, don't you think?" the man on the other side of the bench replied with a slight Italian accent. "Chess is my particular favorite. Do you like to play chess?"
Startled, Hudson turned to look at the man and scowled. Now that she had a closer look at him, she realized that her original assessment couldn't have been more wrong. He was not an old man, in fact his physique was that of a much younger man. He was dressed in a trench coat, but she could see that underneath he was wearing dress slacks. A baseball cap and sunglasses hid his face from view, but even that couldn't hide his bushy beard and mustache. She thought it was a rather odd outfit to be wearing, especially given that it was such a warm night, but it didn't matter because he had no business listening to her private conversations anyway. Even if they were only with herself.
“Um, excuse me, but I don’t remember inviting you into my conversation,” she scowled at the man. “I think it would be in your best interest not to bother me.”
“And it would be in your best interest not to talk to me that way. After all, I did invite you here to chat with me.”
Hudson’s face revealed her shock. She was mad at herself for not recognizing his voice as he had such a peculiar accent. “Uh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that it was you.”
“That is all right, but I didn’t come here to discuss trivial things,” he began, “so let’s get down to business.”
“Good idea,” she agreed rather impatiently, “you never did tell me what this was about. I almost didn’t come out here to meet you, but it was when you said that you could get me what I truly wanted that I was intrigued enough to come anyway. What did you mean by that exactly?”
“Patience, my dear child,” he replied calmly, “all will be revealed in due time. It has come to my attention that you are having a little trouble in your personal life, and it just so happens that I can help you with the situation.”
“How in the hell do you know about my personal life?!” she stood up, raising her voices a few decibels.
“Please calm down, my dear,” he replied, “I happened to be in Alexandra’s shop the other day when I saw you come in. You must forgive me, but I couldn’t help but overhear. You are in love with this Willard, is that correct?"
“Uh, yes, but…” Hudson started.
“But he doesn’t return your affections, does he?” he mused. “What a pity. But I do know how I can help you.”
“Why would you want to help me and my love life?” she asked suspiciously. “What do you have to gain from this?”
“Is the satisfaction of two lovers finally getting together not enough for you?” he started to chuckle. “But you are right, there is something you can do for me in exchange.”
“I thought so. There is nothing benevolent in this world anymore,” she replied. “What do you have in mind?”
“Well, it’s nothing too difficult,” he replied, “and I’m sure someone with your skills will have no trouble pulling it off.”
Scene: 6
"Finally," Shannon thought to herself as she walked through the doorway in the kitchen that led to the basement, "a moment's peace."
Things had been getting hectic upstairs with the preparations for the seance and that Wiley character had been giving her the heebie-jeebies. She had wanted to come down into the basement last night to retrieve Uncle Sal's belongings, but she hadn't been left alone long enough to do that. Nicole had been in the living room or kitchen most of the evening and Shannon knew she wouldn't be able to explain where she was going or why she was lugging stuff up from the basement, so she decided it was best not to try.
Now, however, the curiosity was killing her. She knew she still couldn't lug the stuff up from the basement and get it to her room with no one noticing, seeing as how there were so many people upstairs to attend the seance, but she just had to at least look at what was down there.
"One little peek couldn't hurt," Shannon muttered. "Besides, if Nicole asks why I came down here, I'll tell her it was because she was absolutely no help in getting me away from Wiley. I could just kill her and Chris for leaving me high and dry like that. Not that I expected any help from Chris, but my own flesh and blood? How can she treat me like that? As soon as I'm done with this stupid seance business, I'm getting back to my plan to break those two apart."
Shannon smiled at the thought. She was sick and tired of the way they were always falling over each other. "It's sickening," she thought.
Shannon decided to push those thoughts, delightful as they were, aside for now and get to the business at hand. Looking around the basement to make sure she was alone, Shannon crept over to where Uncle Sal had told her the letters and other evidence would be.
Shannon located the correct panel on the wall and pressed it. She heard a lock pop and she reached over to another section of wall and slowly slid it open. She peered into the darkness and realized she forgot to bring her flashlight with her. She wasn't quite sure if there were any bugs crawling around inside the wall, but the thought that there might be filled her with disgust.
Curiosity overtook her fear, however, and she reached her hand into the darkness and felt around. Her hand touched a hard case which she ran her hand across looking for a handle with which to lift it out. Finally, she located the handle and lifted it out of it's chamber. It was dusty and Shannon coughed as she lifted it out and set it on the floor. Gingerly, she touched the latch on the case and it swung open.
"Here it is Uncle Sal," she whispered. "This is what you gave your life for."
She started to lift open the case when she became aware of someone standing behind her.
"Shannon," the male voice called out, "what on earth are you doing?"
