Scene XIII

The scene opens at the Cottonwood mansion where Bertie and Spook are sitting together on a couch.
Bertie: Now Deputy what is this all about?
Deputy: This is very difficult for me to tell you... (not really showing any signs of remorse) but earlier this evening Mr. Cottonwood was found dead in the library.
Bertie: (shocked) What?
Angel: (cutting in and still drunk) You guys have obviously got your information wrong, nothing can kill that man, believe me I've tried.
Bertie: mother! (flabbergasted, but then attempts to forget the comment, and in turn while shaking her head in disbelief addresses the Deputy) Are you sure there is no mistake officer?
Deputy: No, none, your maid found him while cleaning the house, I'm very sorry miss Cottonwood
Bertie: (tears now streaming down her face) How? How did this happen?
Deputy: We're not quite certain at the moment, we'll know in a day or two what the cause of death was.
Bertie: (very softly) thank you Deputy, you may leave now, I have some business to attend to...
Deputy: Right away ma'am, and like I said we are both very sorry for your loss
The camera zooms into Bertie silently and mindlessly nodding her head in response, the camera then change to the dining room of The Maine Yacht Club. Genevieve Woodlark is sitting alone at a table for two, with an impatient air she sips on a drink and occasionally checks her watch. We see Dr. MacIntosh enter behind her and somewhat rush over to the table.Dr.
Mac: (hastily seating himself in the empty chair) I'm terribly sorry that I'm late.
Genevieve: (her face lighting up with a mischievous smile) I've almost come to expect a delay when waiting for Port Caron's most renowned doctor. I suppose your going to explain why now?
Dr. Mac: There was an emergency at the Cottonwood plantation.
Genevieve: (concerned) Oh dear, is every thing all right?
Dr. Mac: There wasn't much I could do, (pausing slightly but continuing before Genevieve can interrupt) Mr. Cottonwood died earlier tonight.
Genevieve: No! Oh my,
Just then the waiter comes up to the table.
Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Genevieve: (hastily, quite snarkily) Not yet, give us more time
The waiter silently nods and walks awayDr. Mac: It was all very odd, it seems as though he choked, but there’s no evidence of what he could have choked on.
Genevieve: That is odd, (there is a slight lull in the conversation)
Dr. Mac: Well enough of my dreary day, how was yours?
Genevieve: Promising! Amalgamation Makeup is making a proposal to Bunda Burns (Seeing Willy's questioning look) the aerobic coordinator on 'Burn those Buns'. Anyhow we're hoping she'll endorse our products.
Dr. Mac: Aye, that's something special, so you think she'll take the offer?
Genevieve: I think so, but I have a back up plan if she's leery at all
Dr. Mac: Back up plan? What’s that?
Genevieve: Well (leaning forward as if revealing some deep secret) I've found out that my mechanic, down at Rusty Parts, is close friends with Bunda Burns, strangely enough. So we may be able to use her to convince Bunda if ever the need should rise.
Dr. Mac: Now how do you plan on convincing Rusty to convince Bunda
Genevieve: Oh I don't know. I'll worry about that when and if it comes up. I'd probably say something about boosting the economy of Port Caron.
Dr. Mac: (smiling as if greatly humoured by her ambition) Sounds like you have it all worked out
Genevieve: We really want this endorsement, Willy; it would really help our company.
The camera pauses on the expression on Genevieve’s expression and then cuts to Hooch Central where we see Lady P, haughtily walking through the front door, which James has opened for her. She is carrying her precious poodle and looking around down the tip of her nose, wondering where the best place to eavesdrop would be. Lady P approaches the bar upon observing its attendants talking concernedly. Sparky Renfrew, a grease monkey who works at Rusty Parts and Maccabees Montgomery are having a discussion with Fred, Skye and Hooch.