The Royal Romance - The Valtoria Diaries

Who goes first?

"Okay, everyone," Hana said, her eyes bright. "I'm pleased to announce that I am the murder victim tonight, for Jen's murder mystery birthday party!"

"That doesn't sound like a good thing," Rick observed, with a wry smile in Drake's direction.

"It is, because it means that I know who did it and why, and you lot all have to work it out for yourselves, with my help!" Hana was wearing a smart blazer with a tight top underneath, and a pencil skirt. It was not her usual attire by any stretch of the imagination, but it strangely suited her. "Now, outfits are of course compulsory, and I have suitable costumes for all of you in the boutique, but first of all, let me fill you all in on who I am."

Maxwell raised a hand. "How come you get to be in charge? This was my idea!"

Hana tutted. "Because I was the only one here who thought to put some time into preparing the murder mystery! These things don't happen by themselves, you know.."

"Because Hana can do anything," Jones explained. "I'm sure you would have done a great job though, babe. And I reckon your talents might be put to better use later."

"Yeah?" Maxwell pulled her close flamboyantly.

"Yeah. We'll want a disco at the end, won't we guys?"

Maxwell did a little triumphant shuffle. "It's gonna be so on...."

Drake rolled his eyes. "Anyway, Hana. Please continue."

Hana smiled softly. "The headmistress of Cordonia's most ordinary primary school, Mrs Sterner," She did a little curtsey. "Has been found dead in her office. There are six main suspects, three local couples who between them all could have had a reason for wanting her dead. You need to work out who did it. You will be given an information sheet about yourselves to read so you can play your role. Then you will all talk to each other and mingle, over a few drinks if you wish, and you will all get one guess as to who you think the murderer is. You can make this guess at any time, but if you're wrong, you don't get another guess!"

"This is going to be fun," Jones chimed, rubbing her hands together.

"So does the murderer know they're the murderer?" Olivia asked. "It's hard to get into character unless they know."

"Only I know," Hana said. "You might suspect you are the murderer; you can accuse yourself if you like."

Olivia groaned. "This is stupid."

"I for one think this will be a fun exercise," Bertrand declared. "It's been a while since I indulged in such intelligent games."

"Makes a change from peekaboo," Jones giggled.

"When I say a while, I mean a long while," Bertrand sighed. "Your husband struggles with the concept of anything more intellectual than Monopoly..."

Maxwell made out like he was offended. "Hey, don't diss Monopoly. I'm pretty good at that.."

"I love Monopoly, babe. We'll have to play it some time." Jones said soothingly. "Hey, do you have a Cordonia version?"

"Ohmygod you're a genius, Jen. I'll get on to Hasbro first thing on Monday!"

"Well the palace will have to be Boardwalk. Where would we put Valtoria?"

"Ooh, it would have to be Park Place.."

Drake groaned. "Right. So who goes first?"