Balthazar sat in his study, contently reading the newspaper and sipping on his brandy. Morticia had left over an hour ago to visit her mother, at least that's what she told Balthazar. He would have never known that she was lying if boredom had not taken hold of him. Balthazar grew tired of his comfortable position, and began to wander through his house inspecting the various rooms. As he walked down the hallway, he could see the sun spilling in from an opened door. The light baited him, bringing him into its warmth. Balthazar found himself standing in the middle of the music room, a place he very rarely frequented. A small smile crept onto his face as he noticed the sheet music at the harpsichord, evidence of Morticia. She had made the room her own over the past months, spending hours within its walls. Sometimes he would hear her playing the harpsichord or singing, other times she would retreat with her knitting to sit by the window. He glanced around the room, a few golden vases were filled with thorns, there were sketches on small canvases laying on the floor, and an open antique chest full of beheaded dolls. Feeling like an intruder, Balthazar turned to leave, and that's when he noticed a crumpled ball of paper hiding under the rose-colored chaise longue. Curiosity compelled him to pick up the forgotten wad.
His eyes roamed over the wrinkled paper, recognizing the delicate handwriting as his wife's. As the words jumped from the page to his mind, he felt his anger growing. At first, he thought it was a letter to him, but he soon realized that he was very, very wrong. Obsessing over her words, he read and reread the letter until he had memorized each amorous phrase.
Furious, he ripped the letter to shreds. He was determined to find out who her mysterious paramour was. Morticia had used many pet names, but never once addressed her lover by his actual name. Balthazar was tormented by her recollection of intimate moments that this man shared with his wife. To add to his ridicule, she had suggested meeting times to continue their affair.
Balthazar flew out of the house and jumped into his car, headed for the home of Hester Frump. A drive that should have taken an hour, took half that time. His car was barely turned off before he had exited, leaving the door wide open. Barging through the door he began to yell.
"Morticia!"
He repeated her name over and over, Hester rushed from the living room startled at the sudden noise.
"Balthazar?"
"Where is she?" he barked.
"Who?"
"Don't play with me old hag. Where is Morticia?"
"How dare you barge into my house and insult me! Get out, Balthazar! You are not welcome until you've calmed down and apologized." Hester was a stern woman, unfazed by Balthazar's angry demeanor. Rage burned within him as he focused his anger on Morticia's mother. He advanced on her, but she stood her ground with her head held high.
"I am not in the mood, Hester. Bring Morticia to me at once!"
"She's not here."
Balthazar punched the wall next to Hester. She clasped her hand to her chest, startled.
"Balthazar!"
Uncle Fester appeared from the other room.
"What is going on!?" Both Fester and Hester waited for an explanation.
"Tell me where that whore daughter of yours is, now!"
"Don't you dare speak about my daughter that way!"
"Your daughter is worse than a common prostitute! Now tell me where the little bitch is hiding!"
"You need to leave, Balthazar." Fester was pushing him out the door.
"I will not leave until I get some answers." He shoved Fester away. "Tell me where Morticia is!"
"How should we know? She's your wife." Uncle Fester quipped back.
"Yes, she is, and I think we all need a reminder of that." As abruptly as he had come, he left, leaving behind two flustered people and a hole in the wall.
"What was that about?" Hester asked as they watched Balthazar speed away. Fester didn't answer her, his mind replaying Balthazar's crude remarks about his niece.
"Fester, I'm worried about Morticia. I don't trust that man around her, look what he did to the wall."
"You're right, we can't let him find her."
"How can we stop him?"
"We'll just have to find her first." Hester stared at her brother in law, curious as to how Fester expected to go through with that. "I think I know where she is."