Chapter Text
One hand squeezed the other as all the letters left to be delivered.
"Are we doing the right thing?"
A simple question.
A simple answer.
"Morally? Legally?"
"... For our family."
A ghost of a smile. No one involved in the planning of this cared about the morality or legality, of course. Wadsworth didn't know why they had asked.
"Absolutely."
***
Professors Plum and Prune frowned at their letter, unsure of why it was sent.
Miss Scarlett frowned at hers.
Colonel Mustard hid his, unsure of how he would go alone.
Mrs. Peacock immediately started to plan how she would go, and how to stop the mystery from being solved.
Mrs. White raised an eyebrow at hers.
Mr. Green tilted his head at his.
Dr. Orchid snorted at his, thinking it to be a prank.
Director Black scowled at his, already planning the death of the one who dared to blackmail him.
***
When Colonel Mustard got there, he startled slightly at the magic coating him. Wadsworth smiled sympathetically.
"Apologies. My employer insists that everyone be disguised."
"Hence the pseudonyms." Colonel Mustard nodded. "I understand."
"This way." Wadsworth gestured for him to follow. "The others are already here." Colonel Mustard nodded again and followed.
"So, you're a magic user?"
"I am."
"No powers then?"
"None to speak of."
Colonel Mustard let out a breath of judgmental air through his nose. When they got to the library, everyone was already mingling.
"Everyone, may I introduce Colonel Mustard. He is our final guest. Our host, Mr. Boddy, will arrive during dinner." Wadsworth told them. He gave a bow before leaving.
"Hello!" One of the men dressed in purple said. "I'm Professor Plum. Are you a real colonel?"
Colonel Mustard snorted. "No, are you a real professor?"
"I am, actually." He said, grinning. "Oh, they have champagne over here." He lead the other man to the refreshments.
"This is Dr. Orchid and Mrs. White." Professor Plum said as he grabbed a glass for himself.
"Yo." Dr. Orchid said. "They've also got brandy." Mrs. White scrunched her nose.
"I don't understand why you like that stuff. Champagne is much better."
Colonel Mustard laughed softly.
"You two remind of my wife and me. We have the same debate at parties. Personally, I prefer the brandy. How long have you two been together?"
"Oh, we don't know each other." Dr. Orchid said with a shrug.
"Besides, I'm already married." Mrs. White said, blushing deeply.
"Oh, I see. My apologies. So, what are you two here for?"
"Same as you." Mrs. White said. "Blackmail."
"Ah. How did you manage to come without your husband?"
Mrs. White raised an eyebrow.
"My spouse already had plans for this evening."
"Yo, same." Dr. Orchid said. "I just made up some excuse about a puzzle convention. My roommate wanted nothing to do with that, ha."
"You like puzzles, Dr. Orchid?" Colonel Mustard asked.
"Oh, yes. I specialize in escape rooms, actually."
"Really? I quite enjoy those every so often."
Mrs. White rolled her eyes.
"Ugh. Puzzle nerds. Professor, shall we?"
"Oh, I actually-" But Mrs. White didn't give him a choice, already linking their arms and walking over to Director Black.
"Ah, hello, Mrs. White, Professor Plum. Come to watch the show?" Director Black asked.
Mrs. White grinned.
"They're still arguing?"
"Still going at it politely." He said before taking a sip of his champagne.
Professor Prune and Mrs. Peacock were having what appeared to be a polite conversation about the F.A, but they kept sending subtle digs at each other. Miss Scarlett wasn't helping with her 'helpful' commentary.
When Wadsworth returned to retrieve everyone for dinner, Colonel Mustard and Dr. Orchid were having a passionate conversation about their favorite films, Mrs. White and Director Black were keeping Professor Plum from stopping the brewing fight between Mrs. Peacock and Professor Prune, and Miss Scarlett was helping to instigate said brewing fight.
"Ahem! Might I have everyone's attention? Please follow me for dinner. Once everyone is seated, I will introduce Mr. Boddy."
It felt like they had been sitting for hours. Of course, it had been merely ten minutes, however the silence was beginning to stretch. Even with the minimal clinking of dishes as they ate their appetizer.
"So! Mr. Green, you haven't said a thing all night." Mrs. Peacock said.
"Maybe I haven't a thing to say." He said with a smirk.
"Or maybe he hasn't had a thing to say to you." Miss Scarlett added, matching his smirk.
Mrs. Peacock took a deep breath and smiled politely.
"Well, you don't have to be rude about it."
"Says the woman who picked a fight at the blackmailed party." Colonel Mustard said, rolling his eyes.
"I did not. Professor Prune is the one with no respect for the F.A."
"And why should I respect them?" Professor Prune said, gearing up for a rant. "They-" He paused and tilted his head. "Do you hear footsteps?"
The table went silent again, this time listening.
"I do, actually." Colonel Mustard said.
"That must be our host." Mr. Green said.
"Knock, knock!" A voice called. And in walked a blonde man with icy blue eyes. "I'm not too, too late, am I?"
Colonel Mustard choked on his drink. Mrs. Peacock dropped her spoon. Mr. Green beamed. Miss Scarlett looked away. Director Black, the professors, and Mrs. White all gave a small wave.
Dr. Orchid tilted his head, "Wait. I know you. You're one of my tenants."
Mr. Green stood excitedly.
"You're the lead singer of The Handcuffs!"
"This is Mr. Boddy." Wadsworth said. "And, as some of you may have guessed, he's the one who's blackmailing you all."