Secrets of the Vineyard
EXT. ROSHILL VINEYARD - DAY
Establishing shot of the vineyard. Workers can be seen tending to the grapevines. The atmosphere is serene and peaceful.
INT. VINEYARD ESTATE - DAY
JESSICA FLETCHER, a mystery writer and amateur sleuth, is admiring the paintings in the lavish estate. She is accompanied by her hosts, VINEYARD OWNER AUGUSTUS ROSHILL and his wife EMELIA.
AUGUSTUS: I'm glad you could make it to our vineyard, Mrs. Fletcher. I hope our humble abode provides the perfect retreat for a writer of your stature.
JESSICA: (smiling) On the contrary, Mr. Roshill, the place is stunning. Thank you for your gracious invitation.
EMELIA: We're fans of your work. The way you solve your murders is truly fascinating. We thought you would find inspiration among the grapevines.
JESSICA: I'm sure I will.
The butler, THOMAS, approaches the group.
THOMAS: Excuse me, Mr. Roshill, there's an urgent call for you.
AUGUSTUS: (irritated) Thank you, Thomas. I'll be right back, Mrs. Fletcher.
Augustus exits.
EMELIA: Please, follow me. Let me show you our wine library.
As they walk, Jessica notices a portrait of a MYSTERIOUS WOMAN on the wall.
JESSICA: Who is the woman in this portrait?
EMELIA: (hesitating) That’s my husband's late sister, Victoria. She passed away under mysterious circumstances.
JESSICA: (intrigued) Oh, I'm sorry. When did this happen?
EMELIA: About 5 years ago. We don't know how she died, and her body was never found.
Augustus returns, looking agitated.
AUGUSTUS: Everything is under control. Emelia, it's time to prepare for tonight's wine tasting party, we have guests to entertain after all.
EMELIA: (nodding) Of course, dear.
JESSICA: I'll retire to my room and freshen up. It was a long journey.
AUGUSTUS: Please do, Mrs. Fletcher, and make yourself at home.
INT. JESSICA'S GUEST ROOM - DAY
Jessica unpacks her suitcase and places her typewriter on a desk near a window with a picturesque view of the vineyard.
INT. VINEYARD ESTATE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The wine tasting party is in full swing, with various GUESTS mingling and enjoying the evening.
Jessica is speaking with Augustus when EMELIA rushes in, distraught.
EMELIA: Augustus, please come quickly! Thomas found a body in the wine cellar!
GUESTS gasp and whisper among themselves.
JESSICA: (calmly) Stay where you are, everyone. Augustus, let's take a look.
INT. WINE CELLAR - NIGHT
Jessica, Augustus, and Emelia enter the wine cellar. THOMAS is guarding the entrance to the restricted area. They approach the body - a man in his 40's, lying in a pool of blood.
AUGUSTUS: (shaken) That's Steven, our master winemaker!
JESSICA: (examining the body) It looks like a blunt force trauma to the head.
EMELIA: Who could've done this?
JESSICA: Let's get the authorities and not touch the scene. It's time to uncover this vineyard's secrets.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Lighthouse Mystery
INT. CABOT COVE - DAY
Note: This episode takes place in Cabot Cove, the fictional Maine town where Jessica Fletcher lives.
EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY
Jessica Fletcher is riding her bicycle through the picturesque town square. She waves to familiar faces such as FLOYD, the barber, and ETHEL, the cashier at the local general store.
JESSICA: Good morning, Ethel. Beautiful day for a ride.
ETHEL: Sure is, Jessica. Have you heard about the new lighthouse keeper?
JESSICA: No, I haven't. What's the story?
ETHEL: Apparently, he's a bit of a recluse. Hardly ever comes into town.
JESSICA: That's interesting. Maybe I'll take a trip out there and introduce myself.
EXT. LIGHTHOUSE - DAY
Jessica cycles up to the lighthouse, dismounts, and looks up at the tall structure.
INT. LIGHTHOUSE - DAY
CLAIRE, a young and nervous woman, answers the door.
CLAIRE: Mrs. Fletcher! What brings you here?
JESSICA: Hello, Claire. I heard your family has a new lighthouse keeper. I thought I'd drop by and say hello.
CLAIRE: Oh, he's not my family, just a friend of my father's. He's upstairs. I'll take you to him.
INT. LIGHTHOUSE - TOP ROOM - DAY
Claire leads Jessica up the winding staircase to the top room of the lighthouse. Inside, RAYMOND (the new lighthouse keeper) is hunched over a mysterious-looking piece of equipment.
RAYMOND: Jessica Fletcher! I've heard so much about you. What can I do for you?
JESSICA: I thought I'd welcome you to Cabot Cove.
RAYMOND: Thank you, but I do prefer my solitude. I hope you understand.
JESSICA: Of course. I couldn't help but notice this interesting equipment. What is it?
RAYMOND: Just a hobby of mine. Radio communication with other lighthouses. Nothing sinister, I assure you.
Their conversation is interrupted by a faint knock on the lighthouse door.
CLAIRE: Excuse me, I'll see who it is.
Claire goes downstairs to check the door.
RAYMOND: A pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Fletcher. Please, do enjoy the rest of your day.
JESSICA: You too, Raymond. Have a good day.
INT. LIGHTHOUSE - BOTTOM FLOOR - DAY
As Jessica descends the stairs, she hears raised voices echoing from the bottom floor. She pauses to listen, concern on her face.
EXT. LIGHTHOUSE - DAY
DR. SETH HAZLITT, Jessica's close friend, and the town's doctor has arrived.
SETH: Jessica! Just the person I was looking for. There's been an emergency at the clinic. Can we talk later?
JESSICA: Of course, Seth. I'll see you later.
Seth leaves while Jessica watches with a puzzled expression.
INT. JESSICA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Jessica and her friend EVE, are having dinner.
EVE: So what do you think about our mysterious lighthouse keeper, Jessica?
JESSICA: I'm not sure, but I do know there's more to the story than he's letting on.
Suddenly, the phone rings. Jessica answers it and listens intently.
JESSICA: Oh my God. That's terrible. Yes, I'll be right there.
EVE: What happened?
JESSICA: There's been an accident at the lighthouse. Claire and Raymond are both dead.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Final Encore
INT. CABOT COVE HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM - NIGHT
The curtains rise on the stage, and the audience applauds as the first scene of the school's production of a murder mystery play begins.
INT. AUDITORIUM - BACKSTAGE - NIGHT
A frantic CHORUS GIRL runs up to the DIRECTOR, looking nervous.
CHORUS GIRL: M-Mr. Wainwright, have you seen Jessica? She was supposed to help with the costumes!
DIRECTOR: (impatient) No, I haven't. She probably got caught up in one of her investigations. Just find someone else to help.
INT. CABOT COVE HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - NIGHT
JESSICA FLETCHER is examining a poster for the play while walking down the hallway, when suddenly, she hears a strange noise coming from the stage. She heads towards the sound.
INT. AUDITORIUM - ON STAGE - NIGHT
The actors are performing their roles perfectly. The LEAD ACTOR dramatically falls to the ground, mimicking his character's death.
INT. AUDITORIUM - BACKSTAGE - NIGHT
Jessica enters, just in time to see a MASKED FIGURE slip out the door. On the table next to her, the prop knife is missing.
INT. AUDITORIUM - ON STAGE - NIGHT
The audience applauds as the lights go down, marking the end of the first act. Actors begin to exit.
INT. AUDITORIUM - BACKSTAGE - NIGHT
MAYOR SAM BOOTH approaches the director.
MAYOR BOOTH: Wainwright! Excellent first act. Strong performances all around.
DIRECTOR: (beaming) Thank you, Mayor Booth! It can only get better from here.
INT. AUDITORIUM - ON STAGE - NIGHT
As the stage crew rearranges the scene for the next act, Jessica walks onto the stage and kneels beside the Lead Actor, not yet realizing he's lifeless.
JESSICA: (smiling) Wonderful job so far!
Jessica's smile fades as she notices blood. She touches it and realizes it's real.
JESSICA: (alarmed) Call an ambulance! He's been stabbed!
The room erupts in chaos as everyone scrambles for their phones.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Murder Through The Looking Glass
FADE IN:
EXT. SIDEWALK CAFE - DAY
A quaint, bustling cafe with patrons enjoying their meals. The weather is perfect. JESSICA FLETCHER sits at a table, sipping tea and intently reading a book. Her nephew, GRADY FLETCHER, joins her.
GRADY:
(catching his breath)
Aunt Jess, you will not believe who I just ran into! Evelyn Lauder! You know, the famous mystery author!
JESSICA:
(smiling)
Oh, really? That's wonderful, Grady. Is she in town for a book signing?
GRADY:
I'm not sure. She mentioned attending a charity event tonight at the old Victorian mansion on the hill.
JESSICA:
(confused)
That's odd, I thought that place had been vacant for years. Maybe it's been renovated and turned into a venue.
EXT. VICTORIAN MANSION - NIGHT
The old Victorian mansion is now lit up and decorated for the charity event. Valets park cars, and GUESTS mingle about in cocktail attire. Jessica and Grady approach the entrance.
INT. VICTORIAN MANSION - NIGHT
The party is in full swing. A live band plays, and waiters serve hors d'oeuvres. Grady and Jessica enter, looking around in awe of the decor.
GRADY:
Aunt Jess, there's Evelyn Lauder! Let's go say hello!
JESSICA:
(smiling)
All right, Grady. Lead the way.
Jessica and Grady introduce themselves to EVELYN. Evelyn is delighted to meet Jessica, having been a long-time fan of her work.
EVELYN:
Jessica, I've read all your books! You're a true inspiration! I never thought I'd get the chance to meet you in person.
JESSICA:
(flattered)
Thank you, Evelyn. That means a lot coming from a successful author like you.
As they chat, Jessica can't help but observe the partygoers. She notices a MAN in a dark suit, sunglasses, and a fedora hat lurking in the shadows, observing the guests.
EVELYN:
(confidentially)
Jessica, there's something odd going on in this mansion. I noticed strange noises and movements in the house's mirrors.
GRADY:
(skeptical)
Maybe it's just your imagination, Evelyn.
JESSICA:
(indulging her hunch)
Well, I always say there's no harm in doing a little investigating. Come on, let's take a look around.
INT. VICTORIAN MANSION - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - NIGHT
Jessica, Grady, and Evelyn ascend the grand staircase and begin exploring the upper floors.
EVELYN:
(recounting)
The strangest thing happened in the room right over here, Jessica. It was as if someone was watching me through the mirror.
INT. VICTORIAN MANSION - MIRROR ROOM - NIGHT
Jessica, Grady, and Evelyn enter a dimly lit room filled with antique mirrors. As they investigate, they suddenly hear a loud crash coming from another room.
EVELYN:
(startled)
What was that?! Let's see what happened!
INT. VICTORIAN MANSION - ANOTHER ROOM - NIGHT
They enter a second room, discovering the body of the man in the dark suit, sunglasses, and fedora on the floor, fatally stabbed.
JESSICA:
(alarmed)
Good heavens! We've stumbled upon a murder!
GRADY:
Aunt Jess, do you think the murderer is still here?
JESSICA:
(taking charge)
I think it's best we alert the authorities and make sure everyone stays put. No one leaves this mansion without being questioned.
TO BE CONTINUED
Murder in the Mirror Maze
INT. CABOT COVE - DAY
We open on a wide shot of CABOT COVE, highlighting the unique village charm. JESSICA FLETCHER exits her house and starts walking towards FRANKLIN'S GENERAL STORE.
INT. FRANKLIN'S GENERAL STORE - DAY
JESSICA enters FRANKLIN'S store, spotting SHERIFF AMOS TUPPER as soon as she walks in. She approaches him with excitement.
JESSICA: Amos, you'll never guess who I heard is coming to town this week!
SHERIFF TUPPER: (smiling) You got me, Jessica. Who's the lucky celebrity?
JESSICA: Paul Norris! The acclaimed artist!
SHERIFF TUPPER: (whistles) Well, I'll be. That's quite a big deal! Why exactly is he coming here?
JESSICA: Apparently, he's unveiling his latest work, a mirror maze installation, right here in Cabot Cove!
SHERIFF TUPPER: Sounds exciting. But, I bet it could be a bit of a headache for me with all the tourists coming to town.
JESSICA: (laughs) Oh, Amos! It'll be a nice change of pace for our humble little town.
EXT. CABOT COVE MIRROR MAZE - DAY
We see a mirror maze setup surrounded by a crowd of excited CABOT COVE RESIDENTS. PAUL NORRIS, a charismatic man in his 50s, takes the stage to unveil the maze.
PAUL NORRIS: Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Cabot Cove, I proudly present...the Norris Mirror Maze of Illusions!
With a grand flourish, PAUL unveils the entrance to the mirror maze. The crowd applauds and begins to line up for their turn. JESSICA and SHERIFF TUPPER stand a bit farther, watching the fanfare.
SHERIFF TUPPER: (sighs) Alright, Jessica, I'll admit it. This might be good for the town after all.
JESSICA: I told you so, Amos.
As the guests enter the maze, we see an MYSTERIOUS FIGURE in a black hat, entering the maze undetected.
INT. MIRROR MAZE - DAY
JESSICA and SHERIFF TUPPER navigate their way through the mirror maze, enjoying the disorienting sensation.
SHERIFF TUPPER: (laughs) This is quite an experience, huh, Jessica?
JESSICA: It certainly is, Amos!
Suddenly, a loud thud echoes in the maze, followed by terrified screams.
SHERIFF TUPPER: (serious) Something's not right, Jessica. I need to check it out.
INT. MIRROR MAZE - DEEPER INSIDE - DAY
As JESSICA and SHERIFF TUPPER rush through the maze in the direction of the screams, they find PAUL NORRIS's body, lying lifeless amidst the mirrors.
TO BE CONTINUED
Murder at the Writer's Retreat
INT. CABOT COVE LIVING ROOM - DAY
Jessica Fletcher sits at her typewriter, struggling with writer's block. Her PHONE BEEPS.
JESSICA
Oh, a text message.
She checks the phone, reads the message, and smiles.
JESSICA (CONT'D)
(excited)
A writer's retreat, how delightful!
INT. MAINE COAST WRITER'S RETREAT - DAY
Jessica arrives at the door, greeted by the retreat host, MARTIN.
MARTIN
(smiling)
Ah, Mrs. Fletcher, it's an honor to have you here.
JESSICA
(cheerful)
Thank you, Martin. I'm looking forward to an inspiring week.
INT. MAINE COAST WRITER'S RETREAT-KITCHEN - NIGHT
Guests gather around a table, chatting. Jessica meets the other writers.
MARTIN
(to Jessica)
Let me introduce you to one of our teachers, DINA BLACKWOOD, a mystery writer, and a former detective.
JESSICA
(approaching Dina)
It's lovely to meet you, Dina. I've read your work, and it's brilliant.
DINA
(on edge)
Thank you...You know, you look familiar. Have we met?
JESSICA
I don't think so, but I've seen you on TV.
Dina looks around, analyzing everyone.
INT. MAINE COAST WRITER'S RETREAT-LOUNGE - NIGHT
Jessica and Dina find themselves alone. Dina eyes the door, makes sure they are not being watched.
DINA
(whispering)
Mrs. Fletcher, I have the feeling that we're being watched.
JESSICA
(surprised)
Do you mean stalked?
DINA
(quietly)
Yes. It started at my home, and now here. I don't want to alarm anyone, but I thought you should know.
INT. MAINE COAST WRITER'S RETREAT-DINA'S ROOM - DAY
Dina opens the door; the room is ransacked. Jessica joins her.
JESSICA
(shocked)
Oh, my goodness! Do you think this has anything to do with the past cases you've worked on?
DINA
(nervous)
I don't know, Jessica. I've placed myself in this situation by writing those books.
INT. MAINE COAST WRITER'S RETREAT-LIBRARY - DAY
The retreat participants are gathered for a discussion. A SCREAM comes out from the hallway.
JESSICA
Something happened. Let's take a look.
INT. MAINE COAST WRITER'S RETREAT-HALLWAY - DAY
A retreat guest, LUCY, stands in shock. The doors to a pantry room are wide open, revealing the body of the retreat's janitor, GEORGE.
JESSICA
(serious)
Quickly, call the police.
Jessica looks around, attempting to piece together the crime. Dina joins her, looking scared.
TO BE CONTINUED
Murder, She Brewed
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
JESSICA FLETCHER prepares a cup of tea. A phone rings in the background. She answers it.
JESSICA: Hello?
LUCAS: (frantic) Jessica, it's Lucas. I need your help. I think I might be in trouble.
JESSICA: What's wrong? Are you alright?
LUCAS: I don't know. It's just... my friend Paula was found dead last night, and I think I might be a suspect.
JESSICA: Okay, let's take this one step at a time. Where are you now?
LUCAS: I'm at the Lambert Inn, in Maine. Room 212.
JESSICA: I'm on my way. Just stay put and don't do anything suspicious.
LUCAST: (sighs) I knew I could count on you, Jessica.
INT. LAMBERT INN LOBBY - DAY
Jessica enters the historic wooden lobby. The INNKEEPER, a way-too-friendly middle-aged woman, greets her.
INNKEEPER: Hello, ma'am! Welcome to the Lambert Inn. How can I assist you today?
JESSICA: I'm here to see Mr. Lucas Dawson. He's in Room 212.
INNKEEPER: Oh, you must be the friend he mentioned. He's been a bit shaken up recently. Go right ahead!
INT. LUCAS' ROOM - DAY
Jessica enters and finds Lucas pacing the room.
JESSICA: Alright, Lucas, start from the beginning. Tell me what happened.
LUCAS: Paula and I were supposed to meet for dinner last night, but she never showed up. This morning they found her...
TO BE CONTINUED
Murder at Twin Pines
INT. CABOT COVE HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
JESSICA FLETCHER, 60s, a mystery writer and amateur sleuth, visits her old high school to give a talk to aspiring young writers.
Jessica stands at a podium, addressing a group of STUDENTS seated in the auditorium.
JESSICA
And always remember, it's not about the grammar or the structure, it's about the story. Let your imagination soar!
The students erupt in applause, as JENNY, a young aspiring writer, approaches Jessica.
JENNY
Mrs. Fletcher, your talk was amazing! I'd love to show you some of my stories if you don't mind.
JESSICA
(smiling)
That would be wonderful, dear.
Sheriff AMOS TUPPER, 50s, Cabot Cove's chief of police, enters the auditorium, an urgent expression on his face. Jessica spots him and walks over.
JESSICA
Amos, what's the matter?
AMOS
(sighs)
There's been a murder at the Twin Pines Mall. The victim is Emma Nelson, the owner of the antique shop there.
Jessica looks concerned.
INT. TWIN PINES MALL - DAY
The scene is crawling with detectives and forensic experts. Emma's lifeless body lies on the floor, with bloody antique scissors beside her. Amos and Jessica approach the scene.
JESSICA
(whispers)
Dear god… Emma.
Amos shakes his head sadly. Jessica observes the scene, squints at the scissors.
JESSICA
Any suspects?
AMOS
Nothing concrete. But Paul Crane, her business partner, was seen leaving the scene.
Jessica's gaze shifts focus to an ominous, dark figure watching the scene from a balcony. She squints but the figure disappears.
INT. TWIN PINES MALL - ANTIQUE SHOP - DAY
Jessica, Amos, and PAUL CRANE, 40s, Emma's tall and distinguished business partner, stand inside the cluttered antique shop.
JESSICA
Paul, can you tell us what happened?
PAUL
(worried)
I left the shop to make a call. When I returned, I found Emma lying on the ground... I panicked and left.
Jessica slowly inspects the area, her eyes falling on an unfamiliar object.
JESSICA
This doesn't belong here...
Holding up an exquisite ornate brooch, she turns to Paul.
JESSICA
Paul, do you recognize this brooch?
Paul looks shocked.
PAUL
No, I've never seen it before.
Jessica nods, deep in thought.
EXT. TWIN PINES MALL - DAY
Jessica and Amos stand outside the mall as forensics haul Emma's body away.
JESSICA
The brooch didn't belong to Emma... someone must have planted it after killing her.
Amos sighs, perplexed.
AMOS
But why?
JESSICA
(patting Amos on the back)
That's what we need to find out, Amos.
Jessica spots the dark figure from earlier lurking in the distance. She's determined to uncover the truth.
FADE TO black: TO BE CONTINUED
The Final Curtain
INT. KABANA THEATRE - NIGHT
The Kabana Theatre is filled with excitement for the opening night of the play 'The Final Curtain'. The stage is dressed with impressive set pieces, the audience whispers in anticipation, and the performers are anxiously waiting behind the scenes.
INT. KABANA THEATRE - BACKSTAGE - NIGHT
JESSICA FLETCHER, a famous mystery writer and amateur detective, stands in the shadows, her intelligent eyes watching her niece, PAMELA BAXTER, the leading lady, peek out onto the stage. Other actors and stagehands hustle around them.
PAMELA
(whispering)
Aunt Jess, I can't remember the last time I was this nervous.
JESSICA
(smiling reassuredly)
You're going to be wonderful, Pamela. Just take a deep breath and remember how hard you've worked to get here.
Suddenly, the theatre door opens, and the DIRECTOR, SCOTT PRESTON, walks in, a stern look on his face.
SCOTT
(accessible tone)
Alright everyone, we're only a few minutes out. Take your places and to all my actors, I would like to raise this toast for all your efforts! Break a leg!
The actors raise their glasses and take a sip. Scott's eyes meet Jessica's, and he smiles.
SCOTT
(sincere)
Ms. Fletcher, I must say that it's been an absolute pleasure having you in the audience. Your mystery novels have been inspiring, and it feels like we're about to perform in front of a real-life hero.
JESSICA
(flattered)
Thank you, Mr. Preston. But tonight, the spotlight is on these talented performers, and I simply couldn't be prouder.
INT. KABANA THEATRE - STAGE - NIGHT
The play begins, with the actors delivering their lines flawlessly. The audience hangs on every word, entranced by the captivating story.
INT. KABANA THEATRE - BACKSTAGE - NIGHT
Jessica watches from the wings, focused on Pamela's compelling performance. Despite her nervousness, Pamela has found her groove and commands the stage. Suddenly, a LOUD THUMP echoes backstage.
JESSICA
(concerned)
What on earth was that?
SCOTT
(stern)
I'll go check. We can't have any distractions.
Scott hurries off. A few moments later, a blood-curdling SCREAM penetrates the air, stopping the play in its tracks. Jessica, worried, hurries behind the stage.
INT. KABANA THEATRE - PROP ROOM - NIGHT
Jessica discovers the lifeless body of the stage manager, KAREN MARTIN, sprawled on the floor. The room is in disarray, as if a struggle had occurred. Scott stands over the body, his face a mask of pure shock and horror.
SCOTT
(panicking)
I-I found her like this, Ms. Fletcher! What do we do?!
JESSICA
(grave)
The show must go on, Scott. Get everyone together, distract them from the scene. Give me a moment to examine the body and the surroundings. Then, call the authorities.
Scott hesitates, staring at Karen's lifeless body.
JESSICA
(firm)
Scott, I understand how you feel, but the most important thing right now is to keep the other actors and audience members from panicking. You must do your part.
Scott nods in agreement and rushes away. Jessica looks around the prop room, observing the chaos. She kneels down next to Karen, taking a closer look at her injuries. Something doesn't add up...
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Medium and The Message
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
JESSICA FLETCHER sits at the table with her breakfast coffee and a crossword puzzle, while on the radio a news reporter announces the upcoming Lunar Festival in Cabot Cove.
NEWS REPORTER (V.O.)
...and finally, preparations are underway for the Cabot Cove Lunar Festival, expected to draw large crowds of visitors and tourism revenue to our beloved town...
SETH HAZLITT enters the kitchen, carrying a newspaper.
SETH
Another festival! What's next, a Cabot Cove cheese-tasting day?
JESSICA (smirking)
Don't give them any ideas, Seth.
SETH (changing the topic)
By the way, Jessica, have you heard that a renowned medium is coming to town? Apparently she's gonna be conducting a seance during the festival.
Jessica looks interested and puts down her coffee.
JESSICA
A medium, you say? That could be interesting.
INT. LUNAR FESTIVAL TENT - DAY
A crowd has gathered inside a large tent filled with moon-themed decorations. At the front stands MADAME CERISE, an eccentric medium. Jessica, Seth, and a skeptical Sheriff MORT METZGER are among the audience members.
MADAME CERISE
Spirits of the beyond, I ask you to make your presence known...
The room grows eerily quiet as the crowd waits with bated breath. Suddenly, a loud BANG is heard off-screen, and a man in the crowd, MR. WILKINS, slumps dead in his seat.
MORT (springing into action)
Everybody stay calm! Get back and give him some space!
Jessica and Seth exchange worried glances.
JESSICA
I have a feeling this unfortunate man's death wasn't from natural causes.
SETH
You always have a knack for picking up on these things, Jessica.
INT. CABOT COVE POLICE STATION - DAY
Mort, Jessica, and Seth discuss the case in Mort's office.
MORT
Well, preliminary autopsy results confirm that Mr. Wilkins was poisoned, but how the poison was administered remains a mystery.
JESSICA
Hm, could it have been something he touched or ingested prior to the seance?
SETH
We found nothing at the scene or during our examination, Jessica.
Jessica thoughtfully looks at the crime scene photos.
JESSICA
There must be some clues we're missing... Perhaps the medium, Madame Cerise, could be a suspect. After all, she seemed to have everyone's attention at the exact moment Mr. Wilkins was poisoned...
TO BE CONTINUED
