Loose Ends Tied

 Zenobia goes to Windu Acres, hoping to speak with Rose-Grace, and is pleasantly surprised to meet Candy in the driveway. 

Zenobia: You're out of the hospital? Already? 

Candy: Oh, yeah.  My quick reflexes saved me from most major damage.  The knee's probably busted for life and I feel like a truck hit me, but otherwise... (laughs) Gee, I wonder why I feel like a truck hit me?  

Zenobia: I don't even know if I should be talking to you.  I think I'm a suspect. 

Candy: I think we're okay as long as we don't talk about the incident.  Are you looking for the boys?  Tanner's helping Mace and Finnick took the little ones to watch the parade.  They should be back soon, if you want to wait. 

Zenobia: I'm actually looking for Rose-Grace.  I need to talk to her about a project I was doing.  

Rose-Grace arrives as they're talking, on horseback.  She dismounts and starts removing the tack from Ka-Gae while they talk. 

Zenobia: I know I told you I'd put together something for Pride Week this year, but with everything going on...  

Rose-Grace: You've been working alone?  I thought you had a group working with you. 

Zenobia: Well, I don't.  I don't even get a chance to explain your definition of family-friendly before people yell about discrimination.  So I gave up looking for help and put something together on my own.

Candy: Sad to say, most of them yelling have a point.  My boys and their girlfriends get away with way more PDA than Ken and Peter do. 

Rose-Grace:  Peeta, not Peter.  (to Zenobia) Look, I know a festival for a marginalized community is best planned by that community, but use the allies you have.  You've got a lot of straight friends who totally support this.  Whole houseful of us right here. 

Candy: Hell, I'll sign up right now.  

Zenobia:  You can't.  A vehicle registered under my name ran over you, remember?  

Candy: Excuse me, young lady, but it only tried to run over me and failed miserably.

******

Across town:

Lynch: Helena was struck sometime that evening and not found until morning, and neither man can prove where they were for the entire night.  James Potter was at home with several witnesses when Charlie was hit, and with a patient when Candy was.  We have no idea where Paris Malfoy was either time.  Both mornings, he claims to have been in his office at the college, but no one saw him there.  

Carol: I think we should wait until we find the vehicle, have CSI go over it, and... 

Lynch: And get a few more of my citizens killed or injured?  No.  I'm bringing Malfoy in. 

Carol: You're going to regret it. 

Zenobia's Interview

Zenobia meets Lynch and Carol at the police station. 

Lynch: The vehicle used in the attacks is registered to Zenobia F. Malfoy, at The Tor.  

Zenobia: I had a green van.  Sorry, SUV.  When I graduated, my parents gifted me with a lot of money.  It was intended to be for college.  Mom told me that if I wasn't going to college, I should invest it in something career-related.  I used it to buy equipment for my band, including the SUV to drive to shows.

Carol: The band being Sarcastic Fringehead? 

Zenobia: It was a heavy metal group called Vagina Dentata.  We were going to be the next Metallica or Megadeth.  Anyway, Dad had a fit.  We had a huge fight and that was when I left.  I got a place of my own and the SUV was stolen shortly after that.  

Lynch: You never reported it stolen.

Zenobia: I did.  I can probably find my copy of the police report.   

Lynch: Against Agent Danvers's advice, I want to show you the video in question.  

Zenobia (horrified): You want me to watch someone being hit by a car?  The same car that killed my mother?  Oh, my god.  Someone killed Mom with my car?! 

Carol: The only reason you aren't under arrest right now is that video.  The driver is obviously not a petite blue-haired woman.  

Lynch: Will you at least look at a still from the video?  

Zenobia (tearful): Just the still, please.  

Zenobia (gasps): Is that Dad?  What is going on? 

Lynch: Is there any reason he'd want to harm these women?  And use your vehicle to do it?  

Zenobia: Oh, he's not liked me from the moment I came out of Mom without a penis.  Add bisexuality and a total lack of ambition.  Hell, he could have had the car stolen and then bribed the idiot who was mayor before Rose-Grace to make the report vanish.  Just to punish me for not being, well, Draco. 

Carol: How was your parents' marriage, Zenobia?  Did your father have problems with either of the other two victims? 

Zenobia: Everyone has wanted to run over Charlie Lake with a large vehicle.  But he probably doesn't know Candy exists.  (pause) Mom used to joke that the only way he could get out of the marriage with anything but the shirt on his back (starts crying) would be to kill her.  

After Zenobia leaves, Carol and Lynch discuss what they've learned.

Lynch: Zenobia's whole world is caving in around her and you're playing Good Cop Bad Cop?  

Carol: I'm not playing anything.  She wasn't driving, but there are so many holes in her story.  Daddy bribed the mayor?  She hasn't known where the vehicle was all this time?  

Lynch: You don't know the former mayor or Paris Malfoy.  

Carol: That's the problem with you small-town cops.  You know everyone and you let that influence your investigation.  Have you forgotten that driver could easily be James Potter?  That Zenobia could have hired someone who has a passing resemblance to her father?  Maybe she's framing him. 

****

At Lakeshore Townhomes.

 

Zenobia: Good, you're still up.  We need to talk. 

Jessie: Tris called, told me the cops were looking for you.  Was it about your mom?

Zenobia: Very about Mom.  But I don't wanna talk about that and maybe mess up the investigation.  The thing is, it's starting to look like a very real possibility that I'll have to move back to The Tor.  Or I might go to prison.  Either way, you need to know you could lose a roomie.  

Jessie: Wait, you might go to prison?  What is going on?  

The Video

 Barbieville Police Department

Lynch: Adding Candy Pike skews our victim profile.  She's only got two of these things in common, and one of them just barely. And she was nowhere near water, so we can ignore that little side note. 

Carol: She wasn't college educated or "a strong personality".  Is that code for something? 

Lynch: Absolutely.  (chuckles) Helena was a nice enough lady until you wronged her, but Charlie was a total bitch.  Candy, on the other hand, is very mellow.  She has made something of a name for herself in the photojournalism field, so she's a professional, but since she's free-lance, she doesn't really have an office or any of the trappings.  And she's a mother.  

Carol: And we have a connection between her sons and one of Helena Malfoy's daughters. They're in a band, correct? 

Midge (from across the room): Alright, ladies, the lab's sent over the go-pro footage.  Shall we see what we've got? 

Lynch: I hope we can see the tag.  Candy remembered the FCP part because that's two of her boys' initials, but she didn't get the number.  A partial is better than nothing, but still... 

Midge: A good look at the driver would be nice, too.  

Carol: Let's not get our hopes up. (Midge starts the video, then pauses before Lynch can ask.)  There's your tag.  

Lynch: FCP 409, Doll County.  Got it.  (She gestures for Midge to continue, winces as the video continues.)  Was that the windshield?  Did Candy actually look the guy in the face? 

After a few tries, Midge manages to stop the video on the split-second Carol noticed.  

Midge: Well, Agent Danvers, what were you saying about getting our hopes up? It's blurry, but who does that look like to you? 

Lynch: Paris Malfoy

Carol: James Potter

******

Later, as the crew closes Sunburst for the night

RM: Sure you don't wanna come home with us?   Daddy Jimin won't be home to poop on our party. 

Zenobia: I'm exhausted.  Everyone in the state decided to eat here!  

Tris: I have a husband. 

V: No one propositioned you, Tris.  You can have Four meet us there, if that'll...  (A sports car comes careening into the lot and the driver jumps out.) 

Zenobia:  Boo?  Boo, what's going on?

V: I don't know she had a boo.  I thought she was footloose and fancy-free. 

Tris: That's her sister.  Boudicca.  

RM: Damn.  Do all the Malfoy girls look that good? 

Boudicca: You've got to get out of town, Zen.  Take my car. 

Zenobia: Calm down.  It can't be that bad.  

Boudicca: The cops are at the house.  That van that hit Mom, they got the plate number.  It comes back to you!  

Zenobia: That's nuts.  I don't even have a car, I haven't since... (realization) ... oh, shit. 

A Lucky Break?

 Note: COVID masks are invisible to readers.  The hospital allows up to two people to be in the ER waiting room if they're with an ER patient. 

After Pike and Rose-Grace leave in a hurry, Mace gathers the kids. 

Fred: Sumpin bad happened!  Maybe somebody got dead! 

Mace: It's Candy.  That mad bastard who's running over people hit her, but she is alive. 

Stacie:  Mom?  Why would anyone want to runover Mom?

Tanner: Me and Finnick need to go.  Mom said, since we're adults now, she was going to change the paperwork so Dad's not POA any more. 

Whitney: We can't invade the ER.  That'd be bad even if there wasn't a pandemic on.  

Taylor: Yeah, if you go, everyone's gonna want to.  And don't start with how you'd stop us.  You know damn well you wouldn't argue if we managed to get into the car before you got it started. 

Finnick: She might not have done it yet, though.  You know how she procrastinates stuff like that.  

Nakoma: She's a tough woman.  I bet she's gonna be fine. 

Finnick: I just need to sit tight.

*****

At the hospital.

Pike: They've got medical students working the front desk?  

Boudicca: I help out everywhere, at least until my actual residency starts.  (Goes over the file, updating information as needed.)  This says her maiden name was Barr?  Candy Barr? 

Rose-Grace:  That's one of the reasons she kept Pike's name after they divorced.  Her parents were easily amused.  

Boudicca: All right, then.  It does say that the twins are listed as POA, but I don't think we need to contact them until Dr. Eaton makes a determination on her condition.  I'll be around if you need anything and someone will update you ASAP. 

Pike:  She'll be fine, honey.  She's survived worse.  

Rose-Grace: Are you trying to convince me or yourself? 

Pike:  I'm not sure.  This guy going after Candy makes me wonder if she was working the case.  But don't the cops have their own photographers? 

Rose-Grace: She could have been working on a story about the case.  Probably with someone from the Journal or WDLC.   I can make some calls if you want.

Pike: Maybe later.  Right now, I just need my wife.  Not the mayor. 

*****

When Gabriella and Claudia hear the news, they rush to their best friends' sides.  

Taylor: When they got the call, Mom and Grandpa were giving Dad a hard time for being racially insensitive.  He told me the exact same thing he told the twins - you know, those white boys!  I thought it was great that he treated me equal to them, but no.  They gotta ride him for his word choice.  

Gabriella: Well, it's tricky.  Maybe his word choice could be better, but his heart's definitely in the right place.  He's been such a great dad for you and Nikki.  

Taylor: Candy's been awesome, too.  Oh, Gabriella, I hope she's okay! 

Claudia: Not knowing what's going on is the worst.  

Nikki: Is it weird to be this worried about her?  I mean, she's just my... what... stepdad's ex? 

Claudia: I think of her kind of as your aunt or something.  Would it be weird to worry about Morgan? 

Whitney: I was so mad at you about Esper, and now this.  You could lose your mother. 

Tanner: Hey, Mom getting hurt has nothing to do with that.  You have every right to be mad at me. Even if you're wrong.

Nakoma: Because Esperanza is a meddling drama queen.  Sorry, Whit, I'm with the guys on this one. 

*****

Finally, after an eternity....

Marcus:  Candy's stabilized, but still unconsious.  I've called in a specialist for one of her legs - her knee took the brunt of the impact and is pretty much shattered.  Her vitals look good, all things considered.  

Rose-Grace: That's all?  This guy killed the others. 

Marcus (chuckles):  The others didn't see him coming and jump onto his hood.  By the way, I let the federal agent take Candy's go-pro.  Might be some useful footage on it. 

More Plots and Plans

 

Nakoma: What are you doing?  Isn't this your brother's job?

Finnick: I told him I would do this so he could talk to Whitney.  She's pretty mad about us plotting against Esper.  Barely got any rehearsal in, which sucks because our schedules are so hard to coordinate anymore. 

Nakoma: I told you not to mention it to Whitney.  She's convinced if she rocks the boat, it'll break her mom and Brent up. 

Finnick: Brent's sister's kid is the one rocking the boat.  

Nakoma: Put down the... whatever that is.  I'll help you after I get you calmed down. 

A bit later, Finnick asks what Pocahontas said about the Overlook renovation. 

Nakoma: I think she's too much like Mom to admit she liked the changes, but she gave me the go-ahead to plan a grand event.  Once the windows are installed, it'll be all but ready.  

Finnick: Make it formal.  I wanna see you all done up like a princess, you're so beautiful.  

Nakoma: You know what, I've got an idea.  We can get Esper without a huge plot.  Just a little one. 

****

Inside, Pike just opened his mouth and inserted his foot. 

Mace (laughing): Oh, man.  You're lucky I know you're just ignorant.  I'd hate to have to beat you down in front of these babies. 

Rose-Grace: You told Taylor to do what?! 

Pike: Umm... is this a black thing or a girl thing? 

Rose-Grace:  Both, actually.  We've been getting told to keep our heads down and be on our best behavior forever!   (sighs)  What have I told you is the go-to line when dealing with racists or misogynists? 

Pike: But Snape's not a racist or a misogynist.  He did the same thing to the twins.

Rose-Grace: Snape's a classist, and he's stereotyping our children.  The line applies here. 

Pike: Rise above and prove him wrong.  But isn't that the same thing? 

Mace (still laughing): You told Taylor to know her place.  Toe the line.  Be a good little -- 

One of the phones on the table goes off.  Rose-Grace grabs it, annoyed at the interruption. 

Rose-Grace: This is a really bad time, Lynch.  (pause) Okay, but... (pause)  Is she all right?! 

Plots and Plans

 The entire band has the day off, so a rehearsal is held.  Whitney is the last to arrive at Windu Acres, and when she enters the basement studio, silence falls over the rest. 

Whitney: I know what that means.  Y'all were talking about me. 

Zenobia: Sort of.  We're plotting to teach Esperanza to mind her own business.  

Whitney: I should have known this was going to happen.  (To Tanner) I can handle her.  

Tanner: You aren't handling her.  You're letting her get under your skin. 

Finnick: Besides, yours ain't the only business she's been getting into.  Nakoma's about ready to smack her upside the head.   (To Zenobia) Get out of in front of the speaker.  Your dumb chair is behind the kettledrum.

Tanner: We figure if we make her think... 

Whitney: She already thinks whatever it is.  And shame on you, dragging Zenobia into this with everything else going on.  

Tanner: It was Zenobia's idea!  

Zenobia:  Whitney, I could use a distraction.  Dad expects me to step into Mom's shoes because I'm the oldest and he's driving me bonkers.  Won't let me do the very things he asks me to!  

Whitney: You know how girls talk.  It's nothing. 

Zenobia: Please.  I have been slut-shamed by the best, and she's doing whatever the opposite of slut-shaming is.  She's probably not doing it on purpose, but she's undermining your self-esteem, and none of your friends are going to let that happen.

Whitney: So who else is in on this? 

******

At Witch's Cove 

Nakoma: Welcome to the new and improved Overlook Event Venue!  Besides the glass doors we just came in through, all these striped places will be windows, so lots of daylight can get in.  Remember how gloomy it used to be in here? 

Pocahontas: Gloomy seems to fit the witch theme better. 

Nakoma: Now you're just being contrary.  Our cove was settled by nice witches and I'll fight anyone who says different.  The pink is, of course, for Mom.  Weird that Cash had a thing for women who like pink, isn't it? 

Pocahontas: Don't ruin my day by mentioning Deadbeat Dad.   (She looks around and nods) It is a very Mom color.  So far, I approve.  Let's see the rest. 

Pocahontas: What's with this goofy window?  

Nakoma: Joe said this is a load-bearing wall.  He took out as much as he could without the place falling in on our heads.  This window's just a decorative feature, really.  Wall looks boring otherwise. 

Nakoma: And across the dance floor is another sitting area.  The dance floor can also serve as the central hall for things like weddings, and the furniture will be mostly seating and small tables.  

Pocahontas: Where will people eat?  Events generally have meals, you know. 

Nakoma: I made Albus clear the storage downstairs.  If you want to dance while everyone is still eating, you hop in the elevator and voila!  

Pocahontas: You mean to tell me the basement is a dining hall now?  I know Joe's good, but... 

Nakoma: Actually, that part was mostly Jessie.  She looked around and said "Challenge Accepted".  

Pocahontas:  I don't know why I'm surprised.  But I am.  Pleasantly. 

Nakoma: So, can we start planning a gala event to reopen the Overlook? 

Saturday at Windu Acres

 

Tanner is intent on the movie they're watching, but Whitney keeps stealing glances at him.  The things Esperanza has been saying are preying at her, even though she trusts Tanner completely.  She steels herself and makes her move.

Tanner: Hey, what are you doing?  Nothing inside the clothes, remember?

Whitney: Well, I've been thinking about that.  We aren't in high school anymore, you know.  We both want to and we've been together so long.

Tanner:  Wait, what?  Who the hell have you been talking to?

Whitney:  Esperanza says...

He pushes her away, gently, but she can tell he's angry.

Tanner: What's she been saying to you, to make you act so weird?  Well, weird-for-you. 

Whitney: Don't you ever get mad at me for making you wait?  I mean, you're a grown man and men... 

Tanner: Don't you dare say men have needs.  (Heavy sigh)  Whitney, I love you.  I think you've got good reasons for waiting.  Don't let anyone, even me, pressure you into it.  

Whitney: But most of my reasons are gone now.  We've graduated, you're working... 

Tanner: Back up a bit.  What has Esperanza been saying about this?  

*****

Taylor:  When you get to High School avoid taking his class.  

Nikki: It's a required class and he's the only teacher for it.  I kinda have no choice.  Besides, all he did was say some mean stuff.  I can ignore that. 

Taylor: It's different from a teacher, and I think he's grading my work unfairly.  I had almost word-for-word the same answers as Alex and she got a way higher grade. 

Candy: Let me guess.  Severus Snape? 

Taylor: You just stroll in like you own the place.  

Candy: I gave birth to about half the residents, so I can do that.  

Nikki: I wonder if he's a racist. 

Candy: He just assumes kids of privilege are going to expect special treatment. When the boys had his class, it was a constant stream of "Your dad married the mayor, that doesn't make you special".  It got so stupid, Pike had me going to conferences with that guy even though I'm not the custodial parent. 

Taylor: Oh, yeah, I remember that now.  Maybe he got bullied in school and now he takes it out on us.

Candy: As if that's an excuse. 

*****

One look at his twin tells Finnick volumes.  

Finnick: Kids, maybe you should wait to watch the movie... 

Stacie: No way!  You promised! 

Anakin: I've only got a couple of hours til I have to go home.

Tanner (grumbling):  It's okay.  Instead of little sister getting lost this time, I guess the big brothers can.  But you're coming with me, Fin.  I got some bitching to do. 

Finnick lets Tanner tells the entire story.  Esperanza's accusations that he's not really with Mace, the constant comparisons to other couples (including Finnick and Nakoma), even comments about Wilma. 

Finnick: Okay, first off, Wilma's beside the point.  You don't want what Wilma's father had because that was messed up.  When you're with Grandpa, you're at work.   Would she be saying that if you still worked at the Cove? 

Tanner: Probably.  You and Nakoma would be helping me cheat on Whitney. 

Finnick: So basically, Esperanza is convincing Whitney that unless y'all have sex, you're going to spilt. (chuckles) Isn't pressuring the girlfriend into sex the boyfriend's job?  

Tanner: I told Whitney it didn't hurt Four and Tris any to wait for marriage.  We can do the same if she wants.  She's terrified of getting pregnant again when she still lives with her mom. 

Finnick: Esperanza's got a problem.  Nakoma had to tell her off because she was always asking stuff like that about us.  Someone should teach her a lesson. 

Tanner: You up for some patented Pike Twins Shenanigans?