Scene 4
(Scenery, Melissa’s house; Briar, Police Officer 1, Police Officer 2, Victor, Extra officers casually searching the area, some are talking to each other about last nights game, some are just lazing about; Victor is off-stage R, Briar is ordering Officer 1 and Officer 2 to search different things)
*Police are taking pictures*
Briar
Did you find any fingerprints on the gas valve?
Police Officer 1
Nothing but the victims.
Briar
What about that cup we found sitting on the rug? Anything strange with that?
Police Officer 2
Only that it was half full, she probably was passing out when she put it on the floor, unfinished.
Briar
We will need a sample of the contents to test for any drugs or toxins
(Police Officer 2 hands Briar the cup with napkin, she pours some of the contents into a container and puts cup in bag)
Briar
Hmm… What about the… (hopefully) the door over there?
Police Officer 1
It’s stuck
Briar
Well, break it open! We aren’t going to get anywhere by pussyfooting around!
(Police officer 2 breaks down door, second half of stage dimly lights up)
Police Officer 1
It’s really dark in here…
Briar
Well, obviously the lights are off. Someone find the light switch and turn the lights on!
(Police officer 2 fumbles for light switch, bathe the half of stage in red light)
Briar
Hmm…. (emphasis on why and so) Why is it so stark in here?
Police Officer 2
Well, this room is rather bland. There is only a table. I guess I hurt my shoulder for nothing.
Briar
What do you mean nothing? There are many clues in here, one of them being that there is nothing in this room aside from a table and a light!
(Victor comes in from R, Enters the room)
Victor
… Looks like another open and shut suicide to me. (During that sentence, he opens his arms in a shrug pose, stating the fact that he doesn’t care about what Briar said)
Briar
Please don’t just disregard my observations like that. (Everyone stares at Briar) What?
Police Officer 1
It’s his call, after all he is the lead detective ...
Briar
What it we’re missing something here, and you just want to pass it off as a suicide. Just so you can get home early to watch tonights game. Don’t we owe her enough consideration to take the investigation seriously?
Victor
I'm sorry Briar, but can you find any evidence that leads you to a possible murder? If so, please show me. I would hate to see someone's death... (Grins) unavenged.
(Briar’s eyes narrow, she brushes past Victor and leaves the secret room)
Victor
Remember, any evidence you find passes my desk first. I don’t know why are you so intent on making this a murder case? What makes you think it’s anything more than death by carbon monoxide?
Briar
(narrows eyes) Because something about this doesn’t seem right. And when something doesn’t seem right, I will investigate as thoroughly as I can to find the truth. No one deserves to have their death treated lightly, especially if they are a victim of murder.
Victor
Why suddenly so serious?
Briar
Just forget it. Perhaps you are right about the whole suicide thing, it’s probably just a misguided hunch I have. Nevertheless, I’m going to look into who she was back at the station.
Victor
Heh. Good luck with that. Come on guys, lets head back to the station. I want to see what happens when she sees who this lady was.
(everybody walk off R)
