Hello, everyone! Here it is, the moment we have all been waiting for! After many months of speculation, clues and red herrings, the true identity of the Viper will finally be revealed, so hang onto your hats!
The Viper sat at Ratigan's throne, sipping wine. Though calm and collected on the outside, on the inside their heart was pounding as though they were riding some sort of transportation going at 100 miles an hour.
The elderly hooded mouse was standing beside his boss. ''You can't fool me, master,'' he said in a voice of concern, taking the Viper's wine glass and replacing it with a glass of water. ''I know how excited you are, but keep this up my invention won't be enough to sustain you.''
''I appreciate you concern, but I will be just fine.''
The elderly hooded figure sighed and began to massage his boss's shoulders in a fatherly fashion. ''I do hope you are not angry with me, master.''
The Viper giggled. ''I could never be angry at you,'' they said in a surprisingly gently tone. ''You know you are one of the three rodents I actually love.''
''I am fully aware of that.'' He looked at Fidget, who was at standing at the far end of the barrel drinking some Rodent's Delight (Butch had brought some back for him). ''I meant to say something earlier, master, but do you think it was wise to leave Fidget here all alone? I don't know why, but I just have this funny feeling about him …''
The Viper shrugged arrogantly. ''What could he do? That imbecilic runt is scared of his own shadow – and that's down to having worked for both dear Padraic and myself who knocked it into him – he would know better than to disobey me, for if he did –'' The Viper slid a finger across their throat to indicate Fidget would cease to exist. ''If he didn't, he's even more brainless that I thought.''
''You know best, master,'' the hooded mouse said, doing his best not to sound reluctant. ''I am just worried about anything that might ruin your plan at the last minute.''
The Viper nodded and patted his hand. ''I know, I know.''
Fidget then held up his empty cup and told his boss he was going to throw it in the bin, which the Viper obliged. True to his word, Fidget hobbled around the lair until he found the bin and discarded the empty Rodents Delight cup. He grinned to himself. Fidget had to admit, a part of him had been worried the Viper was onto him, so it was a huge relief for him when he had returned to find the lair still empty when he had left. With that in mind, he had been taking massive gamble by going to Basil, but he was no longer the scaredy-bat he once was. He had even placed the journal back on the shelf in the exact same position it had been before; it he hadn't, it would definitely had aroused the boss's suspicions. Fooling his boss had been rather easy, easier than he had dared hope, but with the plan almost complete (or so the Viper thought) the Viper was simply too blinded by their self-confidence and arrogance to realise it. After all, as he and Basil both knew, the Viper's biggest flaw was their conceitedness.
Fidget puffed out his chest as though he was some muscular strong man, feeling pleased with himself for helping out Basil and his team. He remembered something Fredrick had once said: ''Always let your conscience be your guide.''
Indeed I have, the bat thought. Always let your conscience be your guide.
''Attaboy, Fidget!''
Fidget jumped at the unknown voice. He looked down at the floor and saw what appeared to be a cricket giving him the thumbs up. The cricket was wearing a black coat, a blue top hat and a solid gold badge that said ''Official Conscience.'' Fidget rubbed his eyes in disbelief and when he opened them the cricket was gone. Had he been hallucinating things?
The bat snapped out of it when he heard footsteps and turned around. ''Oh, it's only you.''
In the barrel, the Viper was now taking whiff of their gold cigarette holder. ''Boss! Boss!''
Everyone looked up to see Fidget, followed by Butch, who was holding a rolled-up newspaper in one hand and removing his hood with the other.
''Ah, Butch,'' said the Viper happily, standing up and tucking away his cigarette holder in his pocket. ''You have it? The Evening paper?''
''Here you go.''
The Viper snatched the newspaper from Butch. He let out an excited gasp and the group could see the Viper form a big smile under the hood. ''Master,'' said the elderly hooded figure slowly, ''does this mean…?''
''Yes!'' the Viper exclaimed happily. ''My plan has worked like a charm! Look at this, boys! King Edward is no more!''
The Viper showed the gang the front page of the newspaper: on the front page was a large picture of King Edward with the headline and article displaying details of Edward's untimely death. ''I knew my plan wouldn't fail! It says here there will be a private mourning, but this evening a few important individuals will receive a personal invitation – including yours truly, obviously! And royal officials will read out Edward's will – most unusual for a monarch since there is already an heir, but that was precisely the whole point of my manipulation, and that will is the key thing to my plan being sealed. Perfect. We will definitely not want to miss that, my own coronation.''
''I am pleased for you master,'' said the elderly hooded figure, hugging the Viper. ''I shall accompany you.''
The Viper patted his shoulder and pulled out his gold pocket watch. ''And tomorrow, I shall finally reveal my true identity to all of those idiots of all of Mousedom. Oh, I can't wait see the look on their faces when they realise they have been fooled for all these years.'' The criminal mastermind chuckled. ''Of course, I would have revealed all nine years ago, if that runt Basil of Baker Street hadn't messed up mine and my dear Padraic's plan! But no matter, he has not prevailed this time, and once I am officially made ruler, my first act will be to execute that pest.''
Everyone laughed and sneered. Suddenly, a loud muffled scream was heard from one of the other barrels.
''Poor thing,'' the Viper cooed in a fake sad tone, tapping the barrel with a fist. ''It's a shame he'll starve to death in there, but it's the best option. Can't have him be openly murdered or let back to the palace, might risk it being traced back to me. Even if they do find his corpse here, there will be no proof my civilian self was responsible.''
''Your intelligence never ceases to amaze me, boss,'' Butch said in admiration, before looking as though he was seeing a two-headed creature. ''Do I still need to finish what you asked me to do and do in Olivia Flaversham and her father?'' he added in a small voice.
''Why?'' the Viper asked in amusement, laughing. ''You really are scared of her, aren't you, Butch? I noticed that at the party.''
''Yes I am! Twice she has beaten me to a pulp! She's not one to mess with! She's lioness-fierce! Man, she's proof that ladies are scary!''
''Oh really?'' the Viper asked, sounding annoyed for some reason. ''Is she scarier than me?''
''Of course not, boss, no-one is scarier than you, apart from Ratigan.''
''At least you know how to answer,'' the Viper said, now more cheerful, ''and to answer your question: no, I don't. While Basil is my primary adversary, I want Olivia to suffer just as much, so I will be the one to murder her … or perhaps let him do whatever he wants with her. I haven't decided yet.'' The Viper laughed and coughed. ''Now, Butch, Fidget, since my plan is more or less complete, and since I am in such a good mood, I think it's time I showed you two who I really am,'' the villain added pleasantly, talking as though they were performing on stage.
The Viper slowly removed the hood and Butch and Fidget's eyes widened and jaws dropped. Fidget, of course, already knew, so he was merely feigning surprise, and doing a very convincing job at it, which pleased him.
Butch spluttered, eyes bulged out, as though he was choking on some food. ''You! Tha-that's – I mean – no way! You mean all this time the Viper has been –''
''Yes, Butch,'' said the Viper, laughing and grinning. ''Surprise!''
After recovering from the initial shock, Butch coughed and said awkwardly: ''Well, uh, that explains a lot.''
The next day, it was a very sombre and quiet morning on the streets of the mouse world of London, as though the world had frozen. All rodent and bats had fallen silent to mourn the loss of their monarch, Edward.
Around afternoon, at 221½ Baker Street, the famed mouse detective, William Basil, was standing in in front of his mirror, adjusting his black tie that accompanied his black jacket, trousers and white shirt. Olivia, wearing a black dress, squeezed his hand as they nodded at each other. Hiram and Helen were also wearing black.
''Good luck,'' said Mrs Judson, unable to say anything else.
Just then, the phone rang and Olivia answered. ''Hello?''
''Hello, Olivia.''
It was Dawson.
''Hello, doctor.''
''Well, today's the day,'' Dawson said. ''I hope it goes well.''
Olivia swallowed. ''I hope it does, too.'' She smiled slightly. ''In fact, I know it will.''
''I just wish I could be there, but I need Pauline by my side at all times and I can't risk taking her there. I'm sure the king would understand, but I send my regards.''
Oliva nodded. ''After all, Pauline and the baby are more important.''
''I've got several clubs at hand, just in case Mitchell or anyone else unsavoury comes here,'' Dawson. ''You and Basil will be fine, but I still want a full report late, my dear.''
''Certainly.''
Basil took the phone from his love. ''But if anything does happen, old chap, ring Mrs Judson.''
''And I will be right over,'' the housekeeper added into the mouth piece. ''I may not be as young as I was once was, but I'm still a tough.''
The good doctor chuckled in agreement and said he would, before hanging up.
Basil wrapped his arm around Olivia's shoulder and pulled out of his pocket the envelope which contained the invitation to the mourning.
''Let's go,'' Hiram said.
In the wine cellar lair, everyone was standing near the large movable mirror in the far corner of the lair, all wearing black clothing. Butch had one brown mask with a white middle, as did Spike and Cliff. Fidget had on a white bat mask along with large white wings fitting over his real ones like gloves. The elderly hooded mouse finally had his face shown, though like everyone else was also wearing a mask so his real face was still a mystery.
Butch was standing in front of the mirror as the Viper added the last finishing touches to his disguise, putting make-up on his hands to match his mask. His boss was the only one still in their cloak, hood up.
''Aren't you going to get ready as well, boss?'' Butch asked.
''Of course, I just need my boys to be ready first. I am the most skilled in disguises and make-up, after all. Not to mention, I cannot simply get myself ready with you lot all watching now, can I?''
The Viper pinched Butch's cheek.
Butch blushed and coughed, desperate to change the subject. ''Say, uh, boss, since your plan is almost complete, aren't you going to sing?''
''Sing? Now why would do that?'' the Viper scoffed, though their tone was one of amusement. ''This is the real world, Butch, not some fairy-tale realm where princesses or some pathetic nobody express how the world is against them and what their hopes and dreams are through musical lyrics, and then by magic it comes true. In order to reach your dreams, you have to work hard and push yourself, as Padraic and I both did, so there is no point in wishing upon a star.''
''You have a point, boss. It's just Fidget told me that Ratigan would sing.''
''Yes, he did,'' the Viper sighed blissfully. ''Of course, that was different, because if villains sing about anything, it's about how magnificent they are, why they are the most incredible person ever and deserve everyone's respect.''
''I agree,'' Fidget piped up. ''That's all Ratigan would ever sing about, and if we didn't sing praise to him, we would… you know…''
The bat curled up small, afraid to anymore.
''Be Princes Felicia's food, I know, no-one dares not sing praise about The Viper and Professor Ratigan, the two worlds greatest criminal minds.''
''The title of the professor's song,'' Fidget added, sounding nervous, as he really did when he remembered anything about his old boss.
''In that case, will you sing when you become supreme ruler?'' Butch asked. ''I would very much like to hear you sing in your real voice.''
''I would,'' the Viper said, actually sounding embarrassed, ''only I'm tone-deaf.''
Liar, Fidget thought. You sing perfectly. Trying to hide one of your best talents for a little longer, aren't you? Make sense, since it's related to your voice, the ability you take most pride in.
The Viper coughed. ''Before I make myself look presentable, I have a sudden urge to give my greatest foes one final monologue.''
Saying no more, the Viper walked into the biggest barrel, over to the shelf and picked the Basil doll. ''Poor Basil of Baker Street,'' the Viper cooed. ''You may have brains, but you are really are an idiot, a scrawny, pathetic runt who has never managed to outsmart me. Heck, you have been blinded by both of my red herrings for all these years, just like everyone else. Why? Because I am the most gifted mouse in all of Mousedom, besides my dear Padraic, that's why! Not to mention, rodents like me have always been underestimated, which made my ruse all the more easy.'' The Viper replaced the Basil doll and picked up the Olivia doll. ''Same to you, Miss Flaversham. Although I despise you as much as Basil, in a way we are on the same team, and while I admire your determination,'' the Viper let out a fake regretful sigh, ''I'm afraid it's not enough to exterminate you alongside your lover.''
The villain stuck to more needle into the pair and the dolls resumed their position on the shelf. Everyone clapped and cheered for their boss's ranting, and the Viper bowed. ''Thank you, thank you. That felt so good. Now, my dearest friend, shall we proceed to my wardrobe?''
''Yes, master,'' said the elderly mouse, bowing, and the two made their way to the barrel that served as the Viper's bedroom. As they walked, the Viper pulled out a Ratigan doll from their pocket. ''Almost there, my dear. This time, Basil of Baker Street will meet his end.''
Later, at Buckingham Place, the few important individuals that had ties with the royal family piled in, the guards at the door with a list. Basil, Olivia, Hiram and Helen included.
The group turned a corner and saw Regina and Charlie up ahead, waving at them. Regina was wearing an elegant black dress, black gloves and a black hat and carrying a bag. As always, she wore lots of heavy make-up on her face, obscuring her fur. Charlie was also wearing black.
''Hello, Mrs Radcliffe,'' said Basil, bowing. ''I'm not surprised you were invited; I know you and the king were good friends due the connection to your uncle Ronald.''
''Yes,'' Regina sighed in a sad tone. ''The king even told me the last time we spoke was that he was considering knighting me for my successful clothes business. I was deeply shocked and saddened when I heard.''
''Aunt Regina was working late when they called,'' Charlie piped up. ''She wept and cried for hours.''
''You haven't had any more notes from the Viper have you, my dear?'' Hiram asked, having been kept up to date.
''Thank goodness, no,'' Regina said, and looked around. ''Despite everything, I didn't ask the king for protection the end, didn't want them to waste their time. Where is Doctor Dawson? I thought he would be here, given he is your assistant, Mr Basil?''
''His wife hasn't been feeling very well lately,'' Basil invented, his voice steady, still determined to keep Pauline's pregnancy a secret.
''So it was best he stayed home and looked after her,'' Hiram added. ''After all, he is a doctor.''
''Very true,'' Regina agreed. ''It's good to hear. I used to look after Elsie a lot when she was sick.''
''Mr Basil?''
Everyone looked around to see Victor and Priscilla making their way towards them, Victor's hands firmly on Emmett's shoulders. Victor and Priscilla were looking furious. ''Mr Basil, Miss Flaversham,'' said Victor, ''I owe you my utmost apologies. Emmett here told me something this morning –''
''It's alright, Victor,'' Basil interrupted, holding up a hand. ''We know about Emmett's scrapbook of Olivia.''
''We found it when we were at your manor the other day looking for clues,'' Oliva added. ''In fact, we burnt it.''
''It was one of the most disturbing things I had ever seen,'' Helen said, glaring at Emmett.
''Yes, and I don't appreciate it very much,'' Hiram said stiffly, holding his daughter close, having been informed about this earlier. ''What you did to my daughter makes me ill. If I was any other kind of mouse, I would do something untoward, young man.''
''Scrapbook of Olivia?'' Regina repeated, and Victor and Priscilla informed the clothes designer of the situation. ''That's impertinent! I do hope you've learned your lesson, Emmett.''
Charlie hung his head and his aunt looked at him sharply. ''Charlie, you knew?''
''Yes,'' Charlie said weakly. ''Emmett told me, but he is truly sorry.''
''I am ashamed of you, Charlie, I thought I taught you better. You know I hate it when rodents don't do as they are told.''
''Sorry, Aunt Regina.''
Charlie hugged his arms around himself, wincing slightly as though he has just pulled a muscle, and Basil and Olivia both noticed.
''I am, too, again,'' Emmett said mournfully, looking right at Olivia.
''I'm glad you are,'' Victor said to his brother.
''I assure you, Mr Basil, Miss Olivia, we will make sure nothing like this happens again,'' Priscilla added.
''Now, let's get back to the audience chamber,'' Victor said, pulling out a gold pocket watch. ''Juliet, Marianne and Mother are waiting.''
''Vera's here?'' Olivia repeated, and Victor said his mother had finally had the will go venture outside, and not just out of respect for Edward. Olivia smiled, happy to hear she was improving.
Basil, meanwhile, was looking at the gold watch.
Victor saw where Basil looking and put the watch away in a hurry. ''Oh, you like it, Mr Basil?'' he asked, looking a bit uncomfortable for some reason. ''It's been in the family for generations, but I rarely ever show it on display in case it gets lost or stolen. That reminds me,'' he added thoughtfully, turning to Regina, ''I didn't mean to spy, Mrs Radcliffe, but I thought I saw you with a gold pocket when you visited the other day?''
Regina looked horrified. ''I – I – I didn't – that is – I mean –'' she stammered and very reluctantly, reaching her shaking right hand into her dress pocket and pulled out her own gold watch.
''Mr Basil seems to like pocket watches so why don't you show it to him and – ?''
''NO!'' Regina burst out, which surprised everyone, holding the watch close to her chest. The clothes designer was looking as though a bucket of water had been chucked over her. ''I-I'm sorry,'' she whispered after calming down. ''I didn't mean to snap; it's just, like Victor, I don't really like showing my watch to anyone. It's very precious to me. It belonged to Tim, you see, and I don't want to risk losing it.''
She lovingly kissed the ruby red stone on her ring.
''As you well know, Aunt Regina is private,'' Charlie piped up, and everyone agreed.
''Of course,'' Helen. ''We understand.''
Basil nodded, still looking at Victor's watch. ''Perhaps even more so than Ronald was …''
Regina put away the watch and coughed. ''Now, I don't mean to be rude, but I must go and find Prince George.'' She held up the bag. ''I have some things I wanted to show him, that could be used to respect his father.''
''How kind of you. Carry on, Mrs Radcliffe,'' Basil said, gesturing with his arm like a gentleman, and Regina disappeared around the corner, her prosthetic tail trailing behind her as though it was the real thing. Charlie abruptly leant forward and kissed Olivia's cheek, making her shudder, and Basil and Hiram both placed an arm around her, the former doing his best not to growl at the young man, bitterly regretting he could not make a scene given the circumstances. Future father and son-in-law glared after the young man as he followed after his aunt.
''Same goes for us, Mr Basil,'' said Victor. ''We will see you in the audience chamber.''
When Victor, Priscilla, and Emmett also disappeared, a royal guard approached Basil's group. Basil gave the guard the thumbs up.
Basil's group arrived at the audience chamber, to the sound of mournful music playing. The group entered and looked around at all of the other select few who had been invited, all of whom they recognised from the party, all wearing black mourning clothes. The group caught sight of Priscilla, Vera and Emmett in one corner, comforting Juliet and Marianne, who were both in tears. The three older members were trying to be strong, but it was evident they, too were saddened. Emmett caught sight of them and waved them over.
Basil, Olivia, Hiram and Helen made their way to the five Richmond mice. ''Olivia!'' Marianne sobbed, and Olivia hugged her in a big sister fashion. Juliet and Helen joined the group hug.
''It's just so sad, isn't it?'' Juliet said quietly.
Hiram placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, as he, Basil, Olivia and Helen looked at one another. They felt really bad for keeping their friends out of the loop, but there hadn't been enough time to tell them and, although they could be trusted, they couldn't take any risks with too many people involved. Hopefully they would understand.
''By the way, where is your father?'' Helen asked.
''He said he wanted to speak to one of the oldest royal officials with whom his father was friends when he worked here,'' Priscilla said. ''He should arrive soon.''
Basil and Olivia looked at each other.
''What's going to happen now?'' Emmett asked.
''Well,'' Vera told her son, ''I imagine a royal official is going to appear and give a speech about King Edward and announce that Prince George will step into his shoes.''
Once the last of the invited rodents entered the room the doors closed. Basil looked and saw two guards against the door. The detective smiled.
''I'm glad to see you, Vera,'' Olivia said the older woman, ''even if it is a sad occasion.''
''You are certainly improving, my dear,'' Basil added, smiling.
Vera held Basil and Olivia's hands. ''I couldn't stay cooped up in the house forever, dear,'' she said to Olivia. ''Your words of encouragement made me realise that. Not to mention, my Victor worked for the royal family for years so it only seemed right I come here to honour King Edward.''
Olivia smiled sadly.
Suddenly, the music stopped. The doors opened again and stepped in Prince George and a senior royal official, who made their way to the stage. George coughed and addressed the crowd, looking as though he was going to be sick. ''Well,'' he began nervously, ''thank you all for coming here … Forgive me, I'm not used to speaking like this … I expect that …'' he swallowed, ''… you are all wondering at will happen … now that my father has passed.'' The prince turned to the royal official, who nodded. ''There is one person who can tell you that better than I can.''
In the crowd, someone smirked to themselves. Any moment now, George was going to call their name –
''Bring him in,'' George said, turning to his left where the guards stood by the door, puzzling the person. The guards opened the doors dramatically and everyone gasped loudly, as though they had seen a ghost. Stepping into the room, walking to stand with George, was a very much alive King Edward!
''The king's alive!'
''But I thought he was dead!''
''Is this some kind of sick joke?''
''Hello, everyone,'' Edward said apologetically. ''No, I'm not a ghost. It's me, the king. My sincerest apologies about deceiving all of you like this, but it was the only way we could trap the Viper.''
There were more gasps and murmurs. Even the Richmonds couldn't believe it. The certain someone hissed under their breathe: ''They tricked me?!''
''Mr Basil,'' said the king, ''if you and your team would like to step forward, please, so you can explain things to everyone.''
More murmurs emerged as Basil, Olivia, Hiram and Helen stepped out, joined Edward and George and faced the small audience. In his usual dramatic fashion, Basil shed his mourning clothes to reveal his detective outfit, just like he did all those years ago after he and Dawson had escaped Ratigan's trap.
''How did you do that?'' Helen asked in astonishment.
''Top secret, Helen,'' Basil said as he put on his deerstalker cap, grinning, and turned to the crowd. ''Don't even think about trying to slip out, Viper, you are staying here and going to listen to your humiliation,'' Basil called out to the crowd, and smirked when he heard a faint growl. ''Don't worry, everyone, the Viper won't hurt you,'' the detective added to the horrified crowd, as half-a-dozen guards stationed themselves at the back of the audience, indicating the Viper was near there. Basil heard a quiet huff again. ''That scoundrel knows better than to make a scene.''
Edward kindly offered the few individuals in the audience to leave if they wanted, if they didn't feel comfortable being the same room as the infamous Viper, and either go home or be escorted to the other room where they had prepared a spread. ''Had to make it look as realistic as possible,'' the king said. ''Also, some food might take your mind off that monster. Don't worry, the paper will have the whole story of our plan later if you don't want to hear it now.''
About four rodents took the king up on his offer; two went home while the other two went to eat the spread. Everyone else stayed, curious to find out who the Viper really was.
''A few nights ago,'' Edward began pleasantly, ''I received an urgent call from Mr Basil here, telling me he had figured out the Viper's true identity, and that that scoundrel was intending to finish what Ratigan started nine years ago and become supreme ruler of all of Mousedom.''
''And that, of course, indicated the Viper was planning King Edward's demise, just like Ratigan attempted to do to his mother,'' Olivia added.
''As to how,'' Hiram said, ''I will ask you all one thing: in Shakespeare's Hamlet, how did Claudius kill his brother?''
''He poisoned him,'' said a male mouse.
Basil nodded. ''Correct. As we all know, Ratigan played Claudius on stage many years ago when he was a theatre actor, before he became a professor, and the Viper was planning to mimic Claudius for their own little scheme.''
''As to how my death would result in the Viper becoming the next ruler,'' Edward continued, ''that villain, in possession of the knowledge of the situation thanks to me informing them, took advantage of the fact that my son here,'' he nodded to George, who looked ashamed, ''was too scared to take up my mantle as heir, and attempted to manipulate me into writing a will that would ensure the Viper's civilian counterpart would rule instead when my time was up. 'Everyone's problems will be solved,' the Viper said, in that sweet, charming voice. I had actually just written out that will when Mr Basil rung me.''
''When I first told His Majesty about the Viper's plan,'' Basil said, ''we thought up our own elaborate plan to lure the Viper out to us, as letting that villain believe the plan was working in their favour was the only way. After all, I knew the Viper would be too blinded by self-confidence, just like Ratigan, to suspect it was too easy.''
In the crowd, someone gritted their teeth, growling, and a hand was placed on their shoulder, with words of comfort whispered. Basil heard this and chuckled.
''And that plan?'' Olivia asked. ''The king had to continue to act as though he was still ignorant to the Viper's true identity, and then tell the Viper he was planning a private dinner, the ideal opportunity for the Viper have him killed. We knew the Viper would be too cocky and arrogant to attend in person and send a henchman to do the dirty work.''
''After I told the Viper the will was ready and official, we put the dinner plan into action. I notified only a few members of staff of the situation, including our head chef, Mr Walker, who left the palace under the pretence we needed some bread – we knew the Viper's lackey would be nearby waiting for the right moment – and he deliberately let himself get chloroformed so said lackey would disguise himself as him. When the two guards stationed at the door saw him, they knew right away it had worked. When 'Mr Walker' first entered the kitchen, one of our guards acted as though 'Mr Walker's' bottle was another blueberry juice, forcing the imposter to hand it over to him, and poured both bottles down the sink, saying that George had changed his mind about having it.''
''I just love Mrs Judson's blueberry juice,'' George told Basil, ''so I wanted some at the dinner. Who knew it would turn out to be more useful than I thought? Father told me everything after it was all over.''
Edward patted his son's shoulder, smiling. ''The waiters tasted it beforehand, just in case, and there was no harm done. We were then going to apprehend 'Mr Walker', but …'' Edward sighed.
''Ah, that'll be Buckingham Palace,'' Basil said, walking over to the phone. ''Oh, hello! Yes, I thought it was you. Any news?''
The voice on the other end coughed. ''Well, uh …''
Basil noted the hesitancy in his voice and turned pale, looking down at the floor as though it had disappeared. Had the Viper outsmarted them once again?
''What's happened?'' he asked, starting to panic. ''Has the king –?''
''The king is fine, Mr Basil, I assure you,'' the official assured him. ''We used a blueberry juice bottle to trick the imposter, and that and the poison were poured down the sink and thrown in the bin.''
''That's good to know,'' Basil sighed in relief, now more relaxed. ''Blueberry juice? You mean the one Mrs Judson makes? I do recall her giving His Majesty the recipe.''
''The very same.''
''So what has happened then? Is it the lackey the Viper sent?''
The official coughed. ''Yes, it is. We couldn't arrest him like you wanted, Mr Basil, since, uh, it turned out there was a tiny drop of poison left in the bottle, and of course he fished out the wrong bottle and … suffice it to say, we will never be able to question him.''
Basil nodded stiffly. ''I see …''
''After removing the body,'' Edward concluded, ''the royal officials rung the papers to tell them I had died so the Viper would believe it had worked and come here.''
''What an elaborate plan indeed, Your Majesty!'' said a woman. ''But what happened to the real Mr Walker?''
Edward's and George's smiles vanished. ''Unfortunately, there is still no word from him so his fate is uncertain,'' George answered. ''But Mr Walker was prepared to take the risk, if it meant saving my father.'' The prince turned to his father with a serious look. ''Father, I am so sorry. I can't help but feel this whole mess is partly my fault. After what has happened, I am no longer afraid to take up your mantle when the time is right. I will try to be a good king when the time comes.''
Edward placed his hands on his son's shoulders. ''It wasn't your fault, son. As I told you before, I felt the same when Mother and I discussed it. I think every heir feels like that, but it takes real courage to face your fears. I did it and so will you, my son. I am so proud of you.''
Father and son hugged, resulting in ''Awwwwes'' from the audience while the certain someone looked away so no-one could hear them make vomit noises.
Removing himself from his son, Edward placed his hand on Basil's shoulder. ''Mr Basil, nine years ago you saved my mother from that monster Ratigan and now you have saved me from the Viper. The royal family will forever be thankful to your family for many generations. Now, if you please, could you point out the Viper?''
''Certainly, Your Majesty,'' Basil said, walking into the crowd and scanning the area. ''The Viper,'' the detective said dramatically, pointing a finger, ''is right there!''
Everyone turned to see where Basil was pointing and gasped escaped once more. The finger pointed to Victor Richmond!
''Me?'' Victor asked incredulously, holding his hand over his chest. ''That's mad!''
''Seize him!'' shouted a royal guard, and he and several of his fellow guards grabbed hold of Victor.
''Let me go, please! I'm not the Viper!''
''Tell it to the judge!'' one guard snapped.
''But-but it can't be!'' Priscilla gasped, crying. ''After what you told me last night! There must be some mistake!''
''You mean you killed our own brother?'' Emmett asked angrily.
''Mother's right! It must be a mistake!'' Marianne shouted, but her voice kept catching her throat.
Juliet hugged her sister. ''I don't want to believe it either, sis.'' Even though she hadn't heard anything, seeing what was happening filled in the picture for her.
Seeing Vera look as though she was going to pass out, Olivia rushed over to hold her and quickly interjected: ''Hold it! You've got it wrong! Victor is innocent!''
''Olivia is right,'' Basil agreed calmly. ''Victor Richmond is not our culprit.''
''Thank you!'' Victor and Marianne sighed in relief.
Edward ordered the guards to release the Richmond matriarch.
Victor hugged his family in relief. ''Oh, I knew you were innocent, Daddy, I just knew it!'' Marianne cried happily.
''I believed it myself until Basil and Olivia told me the truth this morning,'' Helen said guiltily. ''I'm sorry, Mr Richmond, Juliet, Marianne,'' she said to Victor. ''Please forgive me. I hope we're still friends.''
Marianne hugged her told indicate she did and they were while Juliet, having made out the words ''forgive me'', gave her the thumbs up.
''Don't apologise, Miss Baker,'' Victor said, shaking his head. ''I understand that my secretive behaviour made me look suspicious.''
''But before you reveal what you were really up to,'' Helen added, ''we need to have the real Viper apprehended.''
''She's right,'' a guard agreed. ''If it's not Mr Richmond then who and where is he, Mr Basil?''
Basil bit his lip and grinned. ''That is where you are wrong, where we have all been wrong for these many years. Even I was wrong until recently. Due to a certain voice talent, and using the right amount of fingers, the Viper has been fooling everyone all this time, which is why that villain has never been discovered – until now. And I wasn't even pointing at Victor, I was pointing behind him,'' the detective said, pointing his dramatic finger once more, past Victor, and everyone's jaw dropped when they saw the rodent to whom it was pointing. ''Tell me I'm wrong … Mrs Radcliffe …''
At long last, the Viper has been revealed – Regina Radcliffe, which means the Viper has been a woman all along! If you suspected it, well done. That was the big twist I had planned from the start. There were some clues throughout the story, did you spot them, detectives? Now you understand why I said to read the Viper's scenes carefully. The Viper has been fooling everyone by using her talent for imitating voices, as Basil said. It was finding that balance, not making it obvious from the word go, yet at the same time when it's revealed not making it feel as though it's come from nowhere. Like Prospector in Toy Story 2, Jude Doom in Roger Rabbit and Bellweather in Zootopia.
Any confusion you have over Regina will be cleared up in the next chapter, and there will also be one more big twist. By the way, if you've always wondered about the Viper's elderly father-figure, his identity will also be revealed next chapter.
The mix up with the poison and the Mr Walker imposter drinking it instead was another reference to Hamlet, and the blueberry juice was inspired by the climax of Zootopia. By the way, are you excited for Zootopia 2?
It also appears the Viper has taken a leaf out of Chief Bogo's book.
Before you ask, yes, there was a cameo by a certain cricket we all know. What does it mean? I'll let you guys decide.
Time to answer some reviews:
MillenniumPrincess: I understand your concerns about Fidget and I addressed them at the start of the chapter. The Viper is a genius, but as Basil and Olivia said she was simply too blinded by her arrogance and confidence, her biggest flaw, to realise Fidget's betrayal.
Next time, how will the Viper/Regina handle her humiliation that she has finally been outsmarted? And what has Victor been hiding?
See you soon!
