Get a Clue: Epilogue
Dawn was rising in Mountain Lake as Charlie and the Inspector discussed their encounter with the Reaper. Meeting Death face to face sure gave life new meaning!
Charlie: I think we just had a very close call. I'm still shaking!
Gray: Charlie, you've behaved admirably throughout this whole crisis. If it hadn't been for your clear thinking and quick actions, that villain might have escaped us completely.
Charlie: Well, he certainly didn't escape Death!
Gray: True enough, son. True enough. But at least we know what happened to everyone.
Charlie: Uh, what exactly DID happen?
Gray: It's clear that Death was the real killer. But John Green assisted with the arrangements and made Grim's claims to those souls possible. Green lied to the victims, made accusations, and fed their fears. He set them up for the clutches of Death and led them straight to their bitter ends.
Charlie: So what happens now, Inspector?
Gray: Now we gather everyone together and tie up lose ends. That's how it's done when closing a case.
Charlie: I've been thinking. That gypsy who helped Boddy? The one who gave him back partial life? I met her granddaughter when I had my fortune told. Mayra likes me. I bet she could help some of those who died.
Gray: We need to keep this mess under wraps, Charlie. The less said, the better. Can you really trust this girl? Why not ask the old woman instead since she's already involved?
Charlie: Gran Caran's not too fond of me, sir. She doesn't trust townies. But Mayra's got the Gift. She can do this!
Gray: All right, son. You've proven yourself so far. In fact, I'm going to make some recommendations to your counselor. I believe you are ready to live on your own now.
Charlie: Wow! Did you hear that, Tittle? We proved ourselves! You and me and Tattle Bear, we make a great team!
Tittle: Chit, chit! Chatter chat!
_____
Inspector Gray and Charlie cleaned themselves up and headed back to the manor. Butler and Josephine met them once more in the gazebo. The Inspector reported the events which occurred at the cemetery, and they arranged to call the household together. Then Josephine pulled Charlie aside for a quick word.
Josephine: You've been so kind, Charlie, a true friend. But I miss Michael so much! Sometimes I can't even stand it!
Charlie: I'm so sorry we couldn't stop his death, Josey. But maybe I can help in another way.
Charlie had already called Mayra Caran and told her about the murders. He asked if she could help those who'd died. Mayra agreed and soon arrived at the manor. Charlie told her about the meeting.
Mayra: Oh, Charlie, this will be a challenge. But I'll try my best! Gran uses a potion made with special herbs. I found all the plants I need, and the fresh herbs should work as well as the elixirs. I've watched Gran perform the incantation, so I really believe I can do this!
Mayra: Give me a few minutes alone at the graves. I need to scatter the herbs first and prepare the ground for the resurrection spell. Then everyone can join me. Their presence will strengthen the incantation.
While Mayra prepared the grave sites, Charlie retrieved Tattle Bear from his hiding place. He even found his clown outfit washed and set aside for him by Blanche. He pulled it on to give him more confidence.
In the library, Inspector Gray addressed the group. Blanche and Boddy were a little wary, and Josephine hadn't wanted to leave her room, but Butler convinced her she should.
Gray: I know Mr Didit has told you all what happened with John Green. Not only was he stealing Mr Black's family treasures, he was blackmailing almost everyone. But worst of all, he had made a bargain with Death to trap five souls from Mountain Lake village.
Gray: His first sacrifice was Boddy Black, a rich eccentric. His murder took place at a huge party he had thrown for all the townspeople. If not for the old gypsy who found Boddy in the woods, Mr Black would still be underground.
Gray: Then Boddy decided to invite certain guests back to his manor. These guests, those here now and those lying in their graves in back, were guests Boddy suspected held dark secrets.
Boddy: I thought I would that find my killer was one of them. They each had acted suspiciously at the party.
Gray: When Carie the Mascot showed up uninvited, Green quickly took advantage of her appearance by arranging for another death--hers. Later, Butler suggested kidnapping Charlie in order to keep Carie's death a secret. Green went along with the plan. The Frosty Dreams Clown would make a perfect victim.
Boddy: I think I have the other deaths figured out. Charlie revealed Peter Plum's true identity as the corrupt Doctor Prune. Then I think Peter went snooping, and John had to get rid of him. He took advantage of the fight to do so.
Gray: Quite right.
Boddy: Patricia was being blackmailed into helping John steal and spy on the others. But she couldn't deal with the murders and was becoming a liability. She had to go. And then, Colonel Mustard's misplaced guilt made him another easy mark.
Blanche: That's when John tried his getaway! But Death never intended to let John go. John's soul was darker than any of the others! He was ripe for Reaping!
Charlie: But some of the others shouldn't be left in Grim's hands. They deserve a second chance, just like Boddy here. ... Mayra, are you ready to try the incantation?
Mayra: Yes, the graves have been prepared and blessed. But I need all your help. Just being present when I cast the spell--providing energy and faith--it will make a big difference!
_____
Everyone gathered around the tombstones where Carie, Peter, Patricia, Michael, and John were buried. Mayra commanded Death to release the spirits he'd stolen.
Mayra: These souls do not belong to you, Reaper! Their time has not come! Give them back, in the name of all that is true and good. In the name of Life!
Mayra: Life and Love, reclaim what is yours. Give your souls breath again. Return to them what was taken. Grant them their chance to serve and bring well-being to this world.
Mayra: Dear lost souls, listen to me! Those who care about you, your friends and loved ones, have gathered beside you here and now. We call out to you. We beseech you, come home! Come back to us!
Mayra: Deserving souls, take up your gravestones and walk! We welcome you again to the living!
And suddenly, three of the departed souls were once more free from Grim's realm. Carie, Michael, and Patricia. They walked unbound just as Boddy was able to do. In all their hearts, they nurtured a hope that some day, somehow, they would be able to fully exist as flesh and blood.
_____
But two of the souls were not called forth to life, not even in ghostly form. Peter and John. For now, they could only haunt the living for brief moments before Death pulled them back to their graves.
Yet, all these spirits had lessons to learn, no matter what they'd done. Life would be what they each made of it.
_____
The same was true of those still living too. Charlie felt braver than ever after he saw the souls return. He even got up enough courage to talk to Mayra. Well, Tattle Bear was there to help things along.
Charlie: Mayra, you were wonderful! You did a great thing today! And ... Tattle wants to ask you something.
Mayra: Hey there, Tattle! What's up, little guy?
Tattle: Charlie and me want to be your friends! Do you think we could hang out sometime?
Mayra: Of course! I'd love to be friends with you and Charlie. You're both so darn cute in your clown suits!
_____
Inspector Gray left Charlie's house to live at Boddy Mansion. And Mr Black invited the other guests to remain in the manor as well. But the Inspector visited Charlie all the time, making sure his young ward was doing ok.
Charlie and Josey spent time together too. They were best friends even though Josey still loved to flirt with Charlie.
Charlie's boss hadn't been happy about the Frosty Dreams van getting abandoned in the woods, so Charlie lost his job over that. Still, the van was recovered and the boss let Charlie keep his clown costume!
But most important of all, Charlie and Mayra became very close. She really liked being with him. And one day, Mayra even moved out of Gran Caran's cabin and came to live at Charlie's place. Yep, things were certainly looking up for Charlie these days!
Dawn was rising in Mountain Lake as Charlie and the Inspector discussed their encounter with the Reaper. Meeting Death face to face sure gave life new meaning!
Charlie: I think we just had a very close call. I'm still shaking!
Gray: Charlie, you've behaved admirably throughout this whole crisis. If it hadn't been for your clear thinking and quick actions, that villain might have escaped us completely.
Charlie: Well, he certainly didn't escape Death!
Gray: True enough, son. True enough. But at least we know what happened to everyone.
Charlie: Uh, what exactly DID happen?
Charlie: So what happens now, Inspector?
Gray: Now we gather everyone together and tie up lose ends. That's how it's done when closing a case.
Gray: We need to keep this mess under wraps, Charlie. The less said, the better. Can you really trust this girl? Why not ask the old woman instead since she's already involved?
Charlie: Gran Caran's not too fond of me, sir. She doesn't trust townies. But Mayra's got the Gift. She can do this!
Gray: All right, son. You've proven yourself so far. In fact, I'm going to make some recommendations to your counselor. I believe you are ready to live on your own now.
Tittle: Chit, chit! Chatter chat!
Inspector Gray and Charlie cleaned themselves up and headed back to the manor. Butler and Josephine met them once more in the gazebo. The Inspector reported the events which occurred at the cemetery, and they arranged to call the household together. Then Josephine pulled Charlie aside for a quick word.
Josephine: You've been so kind, Charlie, a true friend. But I miss Michael so much! Sometimes I can't even stand it!
Charlie: I'm so sorry we couldn't stop his death, Josey. But maybe I can help in another way.
Mayra: Give me a few minutes alone at the graves. I need to scatter the herbs first and prepare the ground for the resurrection spell. Then everyone can join me. Their presence will strengthen the incantation.
Gray: I know Mr Didit has told you all what happened with John Green. Not only was he stealing Mr Black's family treasures, he was blackmailing almost everyone. But worst of all, he had made a bargain with Death to trap five souls from Mountain Lake village.
Gray: His first sacrifice was Boddy Black, a rich eccentric. His murder took place at a huge party he had thrown for all the townspeople. If not for the old gypsy who found Boddy in the woods, Mr Black would still be underground.
Boddy: I thought I would that find my killer was one of them. They each had acted suspiciously at the party.
Gray: When Carie the Mascot showed up uninvited, Green quickly took advantage of her appearance by arranging for another death--hers. Later, Butler suggested kidnapping Charlie in order to keep Carie's death a secret. Green went along with the plan. The Frosty Dreams Clown would make a perfect victim.
Gray: Quite right.
Boddy: Patricia was being blackmailed into helping John steal and spy on the others. But she couldn't deal with the murders and was becoming a liability. She had to go. And then, Colonel Mustard's misplaced guilt made him another easy mark.
Charlie: But some of the others shouldn't be left in Grim's hands. They deserve a second chance, just like Boddy here. ... Mayra, are you ready to try the incantation?
Mayra: Yes, the graves have been prepared and blessed. But I need all your help. Just being present when I cast the spell--providing energy and faith--it will make a big difference!
Everyone gathered around the tombstones where Carie, Peter, Patricia, Michael, and John were buried. Mayra commanded Death to release the spirits he'd stolen.
Mayra: These souls do not belong to you, Reaper! Their time has not come! Give them back, in the name of all that is true and good. In the name of Life!
But two of the souls were not called forth to life, not even in ghostly form. Peter and John. For now, they could only haunt the living for brief moments before Death pulled them back to their graves.
The same was true of those still living too. Charlie felt braver than ever after he saw the souls return. He even got up enough courage to talk to Mayra. Well, Tattle Bear was there to help things along.
Charlie: Mayra, you were wonderful! You did a great thing today! And ... Tattle wants to ask you something.
Mayra: Hey there, Tattle! What's up, little guy?
Mayra: Of course! I'd love to be friends with you and Charlie. You're both so darn cute in your clown suits!
Inspector Gray left Charlie's house to live at Boddy Mansion. And Mr Black invited the other guests to remain in the manor as well. But the Inspector visited Charlie all the time, making sure his young ward was doing ok.
