by Ian Shimwell
(OLD TOM opens up the newspaper.)
OLD TOM: ‘The Mayflower Blossoms’ …very nice.
TRENCH: The headline was Sally-Anne’s idea… unfortunately.
OLD TOM: ‘Councilor Stonebridge has confirmed that the Mayflower Court flats are not only to remain, but to be fully refurbished and modernized - thanks to a campaign by the Stokeham Herald…’ They will not be refurbishing anything in here. I like it just the way it is.
TRENCH: Now, Old Tom, why doesn’t that surprise me?
(We hear OLD TOM fold the newspaper up and then throw it on the floor.)
TRENCH: By the way, I checked at the Station and Sergeant Strong confirmed that the inquiry, at the time of Jill’s father’s death was officially declared an accident, witnessed - along with Jenkins naturally - by the duty sergeant of the day and, surprisingly, the Chief Inspector. Something to do with a wet, slippery floor and a fall…
OLD TOM: A tragic accident? Simply far too convenient for Jill Masterson to ever believe…
TRENCH: But it seems that Jenkins was only guilty of greed…
OLD TOM: Strange that the Chief Inspector was there though… Unless he was there to dismiss Sergeant Jenkins as criminal allegations would have probably been building up against him by then.
TRENCH: Analytical deduction at its best… and I imagine you could be right.
OLD TOM: I am right… I think…
TRENCH: So, the Mayflower Mystery is finally over.
OLD TOM: You did quite well, my boy. You just required a little prodding in the right direction…
TRENCH: It’s been fun though, hasn’t it?
OLD TOM: Oh yes, I haven’t had to think like this for a long, long time…
TRENCH: Tell me more.
OLD TOM: That was all in the past. I only concern myself with the present.
TRENCH: Good for you. Well, I don’t think I’ll be calling on the Armchair Detective again, though. Goodbye Old Tom.
OLD TOM: If you ever need my help on any other mysteries you may stumble over - you know where I am.
TRENCH: I know where you are.
(TRENCH gets up to leave.)
OLD TOM: Just before you go, Trench - would you pass me my cup of tea?
TRENCH: All right. Hey, wait a minute, there are two cups here.
OLD TOM: Of course. One is for me… and one is for you.
TRENCH: But that’s the first time you have offered me anything.
OLD TOM: I know.
(We hear the slight clatter of crockery as the teas are passed.)
TRENCH: This tea is stone cold; do I have to drink it?
OLD TOM: It would be rude not to.
TRENCH: Here goes then… Ughh! This tea is dreadfully cold… but curiously pleasant.
CLOSING MYSTERY MUSIC
NEXT:
The Armchair Detective and the Manor-House Mystery
Could enigmatic aristocrat, and Sally-Anne’s current suitor, Marcus Dreadbury be somehow involved of the disappearance of his former fiancé? Trench and Old Tom investigate…
Read more…
Read The Mayflower Blossoms, a ‘sideways glance’ which is intended to accompany and compliment this script in an original and thought-provoking way.
Look out for PLAY OF THE MONTH at www.thearmchairdetective.moonfruit.com
www.thearmchairdetective.moonfruit.com