DAY 1 – BELTANE – PART 2
"Six o'clock in front of Pitstop mansion" signified: Velma getting out of Uber at a quarter to six and Daphne parking her car in front of the manor's majestic iron gate at a quarter past six. Daphne obviously forgot the front door´s key and both girls had to return to get it, so actually "six o'clock in front of Pitstop mansion" signified "six forty entering Pitstop mansion´s hall". Daphne was impatient due to her date with Fred at seven o'clock, and that annoyed Velma, after all, the delay was Daphne´s fault.
Daphne: Well, here is the main room, you can go to any room from there… on the ground floor you will find the social rooms, offices, library, living room, dining room, game room, kitchen… and the servants´ bedrooms, which is where you'll sleep... second floor are my uncles' rooms, don´t go there... and the third floor is Penelope's, don´t go there either… oh, the crime took place in the last room on the third floor, at the end of the corridor, sooo… I would´nt go there either… well, I think that´s it… good luck!
Velma: Thank you for your patience Daphne, if I need further information I'll put the mansion´s name on Waze and the app's voice will show me the way more calmly and with more patience... after all, it must be very easy to walk through a house with more than fifty rooms…
Daphne glared angrily at Velma, but she didn't say anything because she wasn't sure if that phrase was sarcasm or not. Velma's mocking laugh confirmed, so Daphne sighed and introduced the mansion more calmly, room by room, until she came across a locked door.
Daphne: This is a guest room... but Penny must have locked it because the room has a double bed and she thought you would bring Shaggy...
Velma: Excuse me? My relationship with Norville is not like your disgusting relationship with Fred!
Daphne: But it should be... after all, you're in your last year of high school...
Before Velma could retort, they came across yet another locked door.
Daphne: Here's the pantry... and Penny obviously locked it because she was sure you'd bring Shaggy...
Velma rolled her eyes and sighed impatiently.
Velma: So my job is watch locked doors? Does she think I'm a thief or something...?
Daphne: No, not at all! Penny is just a little jealous of her stuff... I´m sorry for that anyway...
Velma made a gesture with her hand to show that she wasn't offended and Daphne started handing her a lot of things she'd brought in a backpack. Among those things, a neck protector that made Velma look at her questioningly. Daphne smiled awkwardly and tried to explain herself.
Daphne: Uhh… everyone who stays here… including Penny… says… uhhh… that during the night, they feel someone … uh… trying to strangle them … so I brought this to…
The revelation sent shivers down Velma´s spine, but she didn't want to show she was afraid.
Velma: I appreciate your concern, Daphne, but we both know ghosts don't exist.
Velma's verdict made Daphne give up talking, but she continued handing Velma the objects
Daphne: I also brought some incense sticks and a rosary that mom brought me when she visited Vatican, in case you…
Velma: I appreciate it, Daphne, but I´ve already told you this story has no sense at all! Ghosts don´t exist! All these phenomena occur by suggestion, people heard the news and all they heard suggested them to feel that…
Daphne: Okay…but promise me you'll be okay…
Velma: Of course I will!
Daphne: If you need anything, the doorman and night watchman are on-hand…
Velma: Thank you.
Daphne: And if you need help, you can call me or Fred…
Velma: Thanks, I'll be fine...
Daphne: But only call us if it's really important, okay? Otherwise, don't call, we'll be busy d…
Velma: I love you too, Daphne, and thanks for not sharing with me what you both will be doing.
Daphne kissed the top of Velma's head – a gesture that she hates, as it highlights how short she is compared to Daphne – and left. Velma watched her friend through the big window, when the red-haired image of Daphne disappeared into the mansion's gates, Velma turned on all the lights she could find in the main room and cowered in an armchair.
Velma: Well, all the geniuses of humanity have made huge sacrifices in the name of science… this is your sacrifice, Velma…