With a flick of her tail, Wolf walked to the front. "There's a network of relationships behind this whole mystery," she began. "Layana was Caudata's sister, the smart and studious child of the family to Caudata's wild partying personality. The two cared for each other, but weren't always on the same page. This lead to arguing and tension, but overall Layana is too mild to murder someone. It wasn't her.

"Caudata met Sibrica in school, and the two became close friends, practically sisters. There were bumps in the road, but there always are, including a disagreement over a man. Sibrica was going out with Utah, but Caudata realized that he would ruin Sibrica's life, since she was sincere, but he wasn't looking for serious, long-term commitment. Caudata stepped in and pulled Utah away, going out with him herself instead. Sibrica was hurt, but she eventually forgave her best friend. She is practically a member of the Marmota family -- and even is officially, now. We've seen her looking after Mr. Marmota while he was in a coma, and he had told her to call him Father. She wouldn't murder Caudata.

"Utah liked Caudata, but she only was dating him to cut Sibrica loose. He was a fun date for a while, as she wrote in her diary, but it didn't last, and she broke up with him. Here there was some suspicious behavior, as Utah lied about that matter, and even claimed she wanted him back when really that was how he felt. Still, when Caudata needed him, he was there for her. Again, not a killer.

"Ironically, it was Woodrow, who confirmed Utah's alibi, that Caudata next dated. He apparently helps out Bacina, Caudata's cousin.

"Then there's Tamias. He believes he is Caudata's long time friend, and acts as her protector and not-so-secret admirer. However, we found a note in her journal that indicates she met him in the hospital. She persuaded her father to give him a job, and a place to live on the grounds here. He keeps an eye on her, and saw the Professor hanging around her on several occasions."

Jean spoke again. "This isn't yet enough to accuse the Professor, but there is still more. Cin, if you would be so kind?"

Scratching the stubble on his chin Cinderrin stood from his comfortable sitting room chair and cleared his throat. “Alright, here we go.” Stamping out what was left of the cigarette he had been smoking in a nearby ashtray he resisted the urge to stand on the chair to be better heard over the crowd. “After careful examination of all the evidence collected, we have deduced that Sciurus was having an affair with Layana.” He paused to take mental note of the gasps that were uttered of both shock and sarcasm from different places in the room. “Caudata used the knowledge of this affair to blackmail Layana and possibly even Sciurus into helping her achieve better grades in her science classes.” Lifting a brow at the Professor, Cin watched his every agitated twitch with cold eyes. “After we learned about Professor Sciurus’s volatile nature, his tendency to get drunk often, and the way he would become violent when things were not going his way… We could see why he would be compelled to end the life of Miss Marmota over such a matter. During the investigation the evidence collected against the Professor made it painfully clear to us that he was not a man afraid of harming another individual physically. He needed to be in control. As long as Caudata knew about his forbidden relationship she had the upper hand. She had the power to destroy his reputation and his marriage at any given moment. This was ultimately something he could not live with and so decided to put an end to the threat.” Daring a glance in Layana's direction, Cin couldn't help feeling somewhat disappointed in the young woman. Being labeled the plane-jane sister was no excuse for remaining in such an obviously abusive relationship. Maybe now, with a little push she would finally gain the courage to speak up against her abuser.

"So how did he accomplish the deed?" Jean asked. She turned to Quercus, the expert tracker, who was best at constructing a story from the traces left behind.

"Let's start with the wine." Quercus spoke up as she ran through the events in her mind. She fixed her gaze on the Professor. "According to Layana, you know a good vintage when you see one. Caudata liked a good wine too. Even if it was given to her by someone she didn't like, she'd still drink it. What better way to introduce something to her system? So you acquired a surgical needle and some flunitrazepam, not hard considering your profession and the number of creatures around here who use it, and add it to the wine. Caudata is now out for a nice long nap. You go to dinner with Mr. Marmot and chat while you wait. You leave and no one sees where you go. It’s late now; even the ever present Tamias is gone to rest, believing that there is no further danger, since Caudata has locked herself in her room. You slip passed his shed and find the rope ladder he uses for higher work. You place the ladder and climb the tree that allows you to scramble to the window. Who ever heard of a squirrel who couldn’t climb a tree after all? The widow is no problem and Caudata is fast asleep and helpless in her chair. There are any number of ways to remove her and suffocation leaves no messy finger prints or signs that might give you away. You move her -- it's difficult for someone like you, but she's a small woman, and it's not impossible."

"I should add something about the method of murder," Jean adds, gesturing to Quercus to pause for a moment. "We did some reseach into death by asphyxiation, and there were a pair of serial killers that came up with a very clever method that leaves no trace on the body. They would sit on the chest of their victim, and use one hand to keep the jaw shut and the other to cover nose and mouth. It's called "burking" after the last name of one of those men, and I believe that's essentially the technique used here." She nodded at Quercus to continue.

"Caudata cannot even struggle. You wait as the minutes tick by to be certain your problem is gone for good. It’s simple to leave Layana's bracelet where it will be found and a small piece of fur oh so conveniently placed will lead the police to the one creature who will not say a word, in order to protect you. With Caudata dead and the evidence planted, you slip out the window, place the ladder back and go home where everyone is alseep and cannot say how long it was between when you left Mr. Marmot and when you got home.” She paused as she ran over everything in her mind, trying to spot anything she might have missed. Her gaze never left the Professor. "And that's what happened, isn't it?" The group's eyes were fixed on the unfortunate man, waiting for an answer.

Leaf frowned to himself. He was a ranger, not a detective. How had he ever let himself get involved in this?? Then a glance toward Jenna told him why. Shaking his head, he read over the notes the group had pieced together again. It was a bit like tracking after all, the elf reasoned.

Amdir strongly resembled Velma as she hunched over the paper on the table. Her mind was whirling as she tried to make heads or tails out of the clues. Suddenly she began to giggle. As the others looked at her, she said, “What if it’s the Prof? And…” she snickered again, “he did it because he’s really a cross-dresser and Caudata knew about it and planned to reveal it to the world?”

Jenna looked at her friend as if she was crazy but Anna began to giggle as well. “Wouldn’t that be something?” Anna asked the group as a whole. “He’s abusive to women, but then wants to dress as one?”

“It would explain the heel marks in the ground, when no one seems to have heels on,” Amdir said. “He could have drugged Caudata and then smothered her. Of course with Layanna under his control, he could have taken her bracelet and framed her because she knew as well. It would get both the girls out of the way.”

“It’s an original idea for sure,” Juana said. “I’d still like to get that jerk alone though.” She glared over at Eichhorn.

“Easy, Juana,” Jenna reined in her group mate. “And yes it is an original idea. But is it the right answer?”

The group all shrugged and returned to the notes, questions and discussion coming fast and furious as they tried to settle on an answer. Juana believed that it was two people involved, only in typical fashion, she couldn’t settle on which two.

“I think the slimeball, aka Professor, drugged her,” Juana said. “and I think the murder was done out of jealousy. But which one did it? Was it Layana, because the Prof. apparently wanted a fling with Caudata too, or Bacina, because of Woody. Utah hinted that Woody was Caudata’s new squeeze.”

“I don’t think it was Layana,” Amdir said and Leaf nodded in agreement. “She seems to be a victim in this too.”

“What about the professor’s wife?” Jenna tossed out. “She was here that night. The maid said the professor and his wife stayed the night. It would explain the heel marks in the ground, and the motive would still be jealousy.”

Leaf had remained quiet and thoughtful until this point, turning the matter over in his mind, again and again. The sheer fact that the Professor was such a blatant scumbag was enough to have the elf ready to blame him and a part of him still leaned in that direction. But there was a small bit of doubt caused by the answers they had received from the suspects during the Misfits’ investigation, not to mention the new developments that had come to light.

Straightening her glasses Amdir moved away from the table. "We have found a lot of crazy things over the past few days. Not the least of which is who killed Caudata and why, but we will get to that soon enough."

"The wine bottle in Caudata's room was laced with a drug that would point to someone not only familiar with the drug and its effects, but also to the one with a past history of giving gifts of a similar nature. That would be the Professor. He’s offered gifts of wine before. I'm sure it annoyed him that he couldn't intimidate Caudata the same way he bullied her sister. I suspect that he made another attempt that night after having dinner with Mr. Marmota, but the answer was no once again. However, Caudata obvious kept the wine and indulged in it. The drug did its work, but with her door locked and him on the outside, he was unable to take advantage of her as was his plan."

"Let's look at a few other clues,” Amdir continued. “The shawl and bracelet, both conveniently left behind by the killer. The bracelet was Layana’s, by her own admission. The pillbox contained flunitrazepam pills. Caudata was blackmailing Layana so she would do her school work for her after all, but Layana doesn't have the back bone to do away with her own sister I don’t think. Just look at the way she allows Eichhorn to abuse her.”

“Then there is Sibrica. Now that she is legally adopted, she stood to gain quite a bit should anything happen to Mr. Marmota’s natural daughters. Would the lure of more money than she could imagine serve as the motivation to kill Caudata and frame Layana?”

“But Sibrica is not trying to frame Layana,” Jenna pointed out. “She’s trying to comfort her and telling her that she knows she didn’t do it.”

“It could be just a ploy,” Juana put in. “After all, Layana jerked away from Sibrica.”

“True,” Jenna mused with a frown.

“This is all so confusing!” Anna lamented.

“I think I might have it,” Leaf spoke up. The others turned to look at the elf.

“Well? Don’t keep us in suspense,” Jenna said.

Leaf grinned. “I plan to tell my idea only once,” he responded. “Let’s rejoin the others and I’ll give my thoughts to the Inspector.”

Once everyone was gathered in the drawing room and seated, the Misfits stood ready to reveal everything they had uncovered. Aware that all eyes were on them now, Leaf cleared his throat and said, “Inspector, the Misfits believe that they have solved this mystery.” In a slightly childish gesture, Leaf crossed his fingers for luck, making sure his hand was hidden behind his back. Then he launched into his deductions.

“This has been a case as twisted as the vines growing on the trees back home, but as with the vines, there is usually a way to untangle them, or…” Leaf paused and glanced at Juana with a slight grin, “hack through them. Our group is unanimous on one thing; there is one suspect whom we believe to be innocent and that is Tamias.” The elf gave the young prairie dog a sympathetic look. “We feel that Tamias has been through enough in his life and only wanted to protect Caudata.”

“For all his faults and petty squabbles with his ex-girlfriend, it would seem after weighing the evidence that Utah is also not guilty of the crime. While he broke up with Caudata, a part of him still loved her and he was jealous that she had apparently moved on to another love interest. However, his offer to always try to help her leads us to believe that even with jealousy involved, his inner caring for her would not allow him to harm her.”

“We come now to Woodrow,” Leaf said, turning to the one in question. “While our team did not learn much about him, we can see no real reason he would have killed Caudata. After all, according to a hint from Utah, they were now dating. Though…Woody doesn’t seem the most faithful of boyfriends as his attentions have been on Sibrica the entire time. Perhaps he was being chased by the dazzling Caudata rather than the other way around. Simple tastes are sometimes the best.”

Addressing Inspector Brie, the elf said, “And speaking of Sibrica, I believe, Inspector, it is interesting to note the suspects’ reactions to the news of her adoption. Woodrow laughed, Utah gasped, Eichhorn sputtered, and Bacina dropped her wine glass…a very uncharacteristic move from one so suave and unshakable. Could it be because they all know something? Indeed it could be…and is.”

Amdir grinned to herself. Leaf was really warming up to this now. She had had enough experience with the elf to know that once he started telling a story of any type the listener could count on being there a while. Elves in general, and Leaf in particular, were detailed and what Juana would call ‘long winded’.

“Let’s look at the remaining suspects,” Leaf said and went over to the sofa where Sibrica and Layana were sitting. “Sibrica, newest member of the Marmota household. Are you all that you seem? Innocent and caring? Or conniving and manipulative? Are you driven by the lure of wealth or…” he looked around the room, careful not to linger too long on any individual, “do those things describe another in our midst? It is the opinion of the Misfits that you are not playing a part and that in fact you are innocent and concerned about the well-being of the family who has helped you though so much.”

“And you, Layana, forever living in Caudata’s shadow. How hard that must have been. Even now it’s all about her. Would the suppressed anger and hurt over that lead you to take your own sister’s life?” Leaf shook his head. “We think not. It is obvious that you, Miss Marmota, have been framed. But by who?”

Whirling, Leaf called in a hard tone, “Eichhorn Sciurus!” As the squirrel looked startled and began to respond, the elf held up his hand. “Save it,” he said coldly. “I don’t want to hear it. You are an abusive, lecherous old coot who should be treated as you have done Layana, your wife, and who knows how many others. And then…” Leaf eyed the squirrel, “someone should remove your desire driven member…permanently!” As Eichhorn sputtered and others nodded and a few even cheered and applauded at the elf’s words, Leaf continued, “Someone who would treat females of any species the way you do has nothing but my contempt…even though you aren’t the murderer.”

There were a few gasps and looks exchanged. Bacina’s eyes widened as she realized that she was the only one left.

“I knew it was her,” Amdir whispered. “She’s so like Miss Scarlet on the Clue game…suave and rich, even has the fancy cigarette holder. And Miss Scarlet nearly always seems to be the killer.”

“Yes, Bacina, that leaves you,” Leaf said. “Quite a convincing little act you put on, coming to Nutsy for help. It would have been easy enough for him to look past certain evidence and focus on how you dress and move, and you had counted on that. But there were many things you didn’t plan for such as Nutsy asking all of us for help with this case. Not to mention other mistakes in your plan.” Keeping an eye on Bacina, Leaf walked back and forth as he revealed the evidence the Misfits had come up with. “First, there was your arrival; unplanned, unannounced, and the reason unknown. But you did bring quite a lot of baggage, as though you planned to stay a long period…dare we say forever?”

“But why Caudata and why now? The answer is simple. Greed and jealousy. Woodrow and Caudata were seeing each other and you couldn’t stand the thought of him being with anyone but you…even though he obviously has no interest in you. Also it would be far easier to frame quiet and plain Layana than the flamboyant Caudata. And to get your hands on the Marmota millions both the girls had to go. Layana was already trapped in an abusive relationship with Eichhorn, but refusing to say a word against him…you knew that she would take the blame for you as well. She has that sort of personality. So you took Layana’s bracelet, which she had left in the bathroom, exchanged one of the Tyenol with a flunitrazepam pill to make it appear that she had drugged her sister and then killed her. In fact Caudata was drugged…by Eichhorn’s wine, but you were the one who moved in for the kill. You hid in her room, which is why Tamias was lamenting not checking more thoroughly before Caudata locked herself in for the night. When the coast was clear, you came out and took advantage of Caudata’s drug induced stupor to smother her with the heavy shawl, leaving it and the bracelet behind to incriminate Layana. I believe you might have also even pulled out some of your own fur…possibly hidden under that low bun of yours...to make it seem as though someone else did the deed. However, Layana’s fur is not the same color as yours. I’m sure it was a mere oversight on your part, but a costly one.”

“You planned with both Caudata and Layana out of the way to continue to ‘nurse’ Mr. Marmota by giving him flunitrazepam until it proved lethal and then as next of kin you would stand to inherit everything. However, there was one other thing you weren’t aware of and that was the fact that Mr. Marmota had adopted Sibrica. That is why you were so uncharacteristically startled into dropping your glass earlier when it was announced. It is also why Woody was laughing because he knew that your plan was going to fail now. And now, everyone knows your true colors, Bacina, and that you are a greedy, conniving, murderer!”

Bacina gave a squeal of rage as the guards moved over to her at a nod from Inspector Brie. “Nooo!! My plan was perfect! I would have succeeded if it hadn’t been for you meddling misfits…and your ‘dog’!"

As she made her way to the front of the room, Babs swung her hips to and fro as if she was at a high society fashion show. She tapped a spoon on her glass of Cabernet, secretly smug that the rich red color in her wineglass a perfect match to her "almost too short" dress.

"Can I have your attention please?" She tried to speak above the noise of the crowd. There is no response. Babs clears her throat and again attempted to draw the attention of the room. "I said.... CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE?" This time, silence traveled across the room like a wave.

"I am Babette Brady." She spoke confidently, but was trying hard to hide her nervousness. "My team and I"-- she motions the Meddlesome Madam's seated near the back of the room and off to her left-- "would like to start by thanking everyone for coming and for your cooperation during this sorrowful time."

"As I sure you are all aware, Ms. Caudata Marmota's untimely death has raised many suspicions, and a great unrest at the mansion," Babs continued, "not to mention a torrid web of lies and deceit.

You can rest assured and feel at ease, everyone, for the Meddlesome Madams have worked diligently to reveal the real truth about what happened to the poor young marmot, Caudata."

Deana addresses Inspector Brie and Deputy Kandace first: " Inspector, Deputy. The Madams would like to start by presenting our conclusion on Suspect Tamais Odawa. " She turns to face the suspects.

"Tamais and Caudata met at a Charity Event. Caudata was taken by his charm and :convinced her father to hire Tamais about four months ago as a handy man.

He became something of a stalker and many of the people in the mansion thought he acted oddly.

On the evening of the Murder, Tamais was spying on Caudata and saw her preparing for bed. He left and went back to his home at this time and had a few drinks.

At first, we were suspicious. Why did he accuse the professor so adamantly? How did he know who had been in her room? Was he jealous of Caudata's other men...enough to kill her so no one else could have her?

We know that he was prescribed medicine for his mental imbalance and that he was not taking them. Could this have made him act without actually realizing the consequences?

In the end, we weighed all the evidence pertaining to Tamais and concluded that while not mentally stable and showing definite signs of being a stalker, what Tamais did was to the best of his understanding for Caudata's good.

He knew the Professor was not a good man and did not trust him. "

Deanna turned to Tamais. "We know that you believed that you loved Caudata and wanted to protect her from the man you felt wanted to harm her."

"Inspector Brie, We believe that Tamais is innocent. He is not the murderer."

Not one to mince words, Aicha did not even introduce herself or greet the the Inspector and Kandace. All business this girl, she jumped right to her conclusion and addressed Utah directly.

"Utah, you seemed like an obvious suspect from the beginning." Aicha stated, turning her gaze to him. "You were Caudata's ex-boyfriend. You claim that she had been 'putting a lot of pressure on you' and that you 'had to pull the plug' and, in terms of your last relationship with Sibrica you claimed to have 'dumped her for Caudata: those are you exact words."

Aicha pauses and looks coldly at Utah who cowers a little in his seat.

"However, both Sibrica and the recently deceased Caudata's diary contradict these statements. When she gave her statement, Sibrica worded it as follows: 'everyone knows she took Utah away from me'. That's an odd way to word it if you dumped Sibrica for Caudata, it rather sounds as if Caudata was the one who approached you."

Aicha explained, pacing slightly. "Caudata's diary contained her thoughts on your 'break-up': it too paints a rather different picture than your statements. I quote: 'I am so tired of Utah begging me to take him back!'."

A journal is generally a private thing where you write down your thoughts; it's generally not a place to write fabrications or lies. I am inclined to believed, based on this, that Caudata dumped you and you're lying about it to save face...or perhaps to cover your tracks." Aicha snapped "I tend to find this rather...incriminating, however this opinion is not shared among my fellow Madams.

Your one redemption was the footage snapped by a fellow student. It proved your alibi and showed that while you may be a self centered rodent and a liar about your relationships, you did still have a soft side for Caudata and possibly weren't smart enough to figure out how to complicate a crime even if you had wanted to commit it."

"It is with reluctance that I state that we have determined you are not responsible for Caudata's death." Aicha sighed and glared at Utah one more time, showing how little she respected him.

"There is, of course, still the matter of you, Woodrow." Aicha started. "Utah used you as an alibi to his whereabouts, yet you too had connections to this family.

You and Caudata may have had a small fling. I doubt even Utah knows this. Some friend you are, after all.

The Madams have reason to believe that you were the one who brought Caudata wine and pushed yourself on her--trying to get her to take you.

Nevertheless, the video footage provided shows you went with Utah to the library as he said. You were with Utah during the time of the murder, thus you too are innocent." Aicha finished.

"Here, I thought you might need this to cool off. And I thought while we were here, we might be able to talk." Sibrica nods and then proceeds to take the glass from Celeste's hands and takes a few sips.

“You know doubt are aware that there has been some whispering suspicions about the sudden news of your adoption and how it came about.

I, for one have my own, considering poor Mr. Marmota suffered a heart attack after the news of his daughter and your best friend, Caudata's passing.

Though, through evidence of Caudata's Journal Entry , it is clear that Caudata was aware and in support of your adoption into the family. And I am fairly certain that if asked Mr. Hoppy would confirm that Mr. Marmota began the adoption proceedings long before the passing of Caudata.

"It is also no secret that there was a bitter sweet love triangle that took place between Utah, Caudata and yourself."

Celeste paused to study the expression of sorrow and loss built upon Sibrica's face. "And it left you broken hearted to see your best friend with the guy that you thought was "the one".

A tear swells up in Celeste’s right eye and is swiftly swept with the dab of her wrist She continues "Heartbreak, my dear Sibrica, lead you down a deep dark path.

That path unfortunately was an attempt on your very precious life.

When we questioned you as to why you tried to end your life, your answer was very vague. One does not attempt to take their own life without reason, dear child."

Celeste takes a few brisk steps pacing forward and backwards on her toes. "Oddly enough you've said enough strange things to rattle our cage and question your stability. As you stated during your first statement that was taken and during your questioning you said and I quote: “Caudata was my best friend. I can't believe its happened. & If only she'd screamed. I would have done anything to save her!" My team and I believe this to be true. You WOULD have saved Caudata if you could have.

But to add insult to injury and to make you look like a prime suspect, you have admitted to doing ghastly things to get by. And you even have a prescription of flunitrazepam. This is the very drug that put your best friend in harms way. She was out cold for undisclosed amount time prior to her actual death and she could not have screamed for help if she had tried.

Sibrica, the Madams talked long over you and whether or not you were capable of the crime."

Celeste hesitates and abruptly goes silent for a moment. All eyes are on her waiting for her verdict on behalf of Sibrica Cynomys. And she sternly projects what they've been so patiently awaiting to hear.

"While many things do not add up with your odd statements, the fact that you were quick to protect Layana, who's removal from the family would have left you sole heiress to the wealth and a few other bits of information that just didn't add up to you being Caudata's murder save you. It is with a heavy heart that I, Celeste Blessing on behalf of the Meddlesome Madams, find that, you Sibrica also NOT guilty of the murder of Caudata Marmota."

Feeling a bit sorry for the poor girl, Celeste gently pats Sibrica's shoulder before quickly returning to her group.

Inspector Brie clears his throat and pauses in front of Layana.

"You can take those off now, Ms. Marmota. I've seen all the reactions I needed, and it only confirmed my suspicions. Thank you for aiding in my ruse."

Layana slips out of the cuffs, and you realize they were never locked. Sibrica gives a little gasp of happiness. Layana regards her with some interest, although she still casts a sad glance at the Professor.

"Our murderer is quite clever, I must give credit in that respect. This was a carefully contrived crime with a good deal of knowledge about the probable behaviors of some rodents. The light of suspicion was carefully cast on two creatures there that night, in case the obvious frame against Layana Marmota failed, as it did," the Inspector continues.

"But before we proceed, let's look at some others of the cast of characters so artfully orchestrated. First the victim herself. Caudata Marmota, beautiful, spoiled, but not quite as vapid or selfish as others might expect. She had one person she truly loved enough to protect and nurture, the one person who was a confidante, who never judged her, and who was more of a sister than her own blood.

"That would be you, Ms. Sibrica. Of all the suspects, you were the only one who was truthful from the beginning. You did love Caudata and her death did break your heart. You also love her father, who is the only father figure you've ever known. You possess no artifice, making you so much odd-man-out that you made a wonderful suspect. Surely no one could be that innocent.

"But you were. So much so that Caudata went out to rescue you from a romance with someone who would, sooner or later, break your heart. Yes, that would be you, Utah. While you managed a little feeling for Caudata with all her beauty and riches, your only true interest is in the mirror. It's hard to say whether you or your friend Woody is shallower, but neither of you are prizes."

"Oh, come now!" snaps Utah.

"He's right, old man," Woody laughs, "and I admit it. I was delighted when Caudata, decorative as she was, turned out to be not pregnant."

"Of course you were," Bacina interrupts. "You belong to me!"

"Oh, dear girl, you are quite alluring, and a good pass time for a rainy night, but love you? Good lord, you're delusional."

Bacina sputters in shock, and sits fuming. Nutsy looks sympathetic.

"As I said," the Inspector continues, "shallow, but not murderers. You were exactly where you said, at the hanger, then the library, then out for drinks. In terms of my investigation, both boring."

Sibrica looks from one to the other, then at the Inspector and her mouth twists in a little smile. He winks at her.

"Which brings us to the one person beside her father and Sibrica who loved Caudata with all his heart. That would be you, Tamias. Oh, I'm aware she was never your childhood sweetheart, but that was your dream, and sometimes fantasy is better than reality."

Tamias nods, a single tear falling down his cheek. "I didn't protect her though," he whispers.

Inspector Brie lays a hand on his shoulder. "You couldn't have done more. You even repaired the ladder for her so she could escape from the Professor if he came to bother her again, and you watched when she threw him out of her room and locked the door. She indulged your affection for her, and you repaid her with all you could give."

Tamias is sobbing now. "She was my sweetheart in my dreams," he murmurs.

"And that sincerity, along with the fingerprints on the window sill you made no effort to cover and your cracked dry gloves that couldn't have smeared, removed you from my suspect list. Some obsessions can turn fatal. Yours wasn't that kind.

"So now, we arrive at the only two possible killers, both of which are criminals."

"WHAT!" shouts Eichhorn. "I demand my lawyer!"

"Oh, you may have one," Inspector Brie says pleasantly. "I have a lot to talk to you about down at the station, things such as this."

He reaches for the Layana's sleeve and pulls it up to reveal a patch of brown fur missing. "This is the same color as the patch found on the carpet, the one left by the actual killer, but not quite the same texture. Besides, this wound is older, and it's not the only wound, is it, Ms. Layana?"

Sadly, Layana shakes her head.

"You have many, and I think it's time you spoke up. I think maybe your wife might like to join her, Professor, if we provide the right encouragement."

Eichorn jumps to his feet. "This is preposterous! I'm leaving!"

The Inspector waves his hand in a signal, and two officers arrive to escort the Professor out. "I agree that you should. Take him and book him for attempted rape, assault with an illegally used substance and intent to rape, and repeated gender abuse--yes on that last, Ms. Marmota, since he was willing to let you serve life in prison before he admitted he went up to you instead of his wife that night, after failing in an attempt to drug your sister with an injected wine bottle?"

Layana gives a few choking sobs of grief, disbelief, and shame, but Sibrica grabs her. "Say you will, Layana. I'll be there for you, and I know Father will, too!"

"Really?" Layana looks at Sibrica with the eyes of a small wounded child. "Rica, you will?"

Sibrica gathers Layana into her arms, and looks at Inspector Brie. "Take the bastard out of here! I'll bring my sister as soon as this is over!"

Brie nods, and the Professor is taken away, shouting threats.

"Now that things are more quiet, let's look at this crime," the Inspector continues,walking slowly over to Bacina, and lifting the bun on the back of her neck to reveal a missing patch of fur carefully covered with makeup. "Shall we speak of murder, Ms. Bacina?"

"Really? It has been a night for you, hasn't it, Inspector? I wasn't even here, remember. I arrived the next day." Bacina looks up at him and scoffs.

"No, I'm afraid you did not. Your shuttle arrived the next day, but you were not aboard it. You arrived that night, relying on Woody, with his daredevil ways, to fly you in as cargo in a trunk."

"AH, HA!" exclaims Woody. "I knew I wasn't that weak! You stowed away! You're a ton of lard for a fashion icon, dear girl!"

Bacina shrugs. "So ludicrous! I even hired detectives to solve this!"

"Yes, and a number of them, even new to the game, proved to be even clever than you." The Inspector taps the document in his hand. "The weight logs from the port reflect a difference. You knew the schedules, and you planned this very carefully. You suspected the Professor would try to have his way with Caudata sooner or later, and, when you saw him buying an expensive bottle of wine and smiling to himself the day before, it gave you the opportunity you had wanted for a long time. You took a chance and headed in that night, assuming he wouldn't wait to make use of it, and your hunch paid off.

"You didn't know Tamias had fixed the ladder, but that didn't matter. Stiletto heels are handy as climbing tools, and who would ever examine a tree branch to see the holes when a ladder was already attached to the window? As soon as Caudata threw the Professor out, and looked as though she was heading to bed, Tamias, being a gentleman, climbed down and left, assuming his 'sweetheart' was safe.

"That was your cue. Up you went and then you just waited for her to be unable to resist that wine. Oh, you did know the family and the household so well. Caudata drank, and it didn't take long before she stumbled for the bed. The drug was too strong, though, so she fell on the rug. It didn't matter in terms of what you were about to do, so you climbed over the sill, sliding one glove too hard and leaving a scrape, but preventing fingerprints. Then you found that shawl she liked and suffocated her with it. How fitting from someone who dotes on clothes.

"Now it was simple to unlock the door when you knew the maid would be elsewhere by her schedule, and find something to incriminate Layana. There was a small snag there when she wasn't alone, and most definitely not asleep, but it must have seemed heaven sent when the bathroom floor yielded her favorite bracelet.

"Your frame was complete, and, since you didn't know that Sibrica had been adopted, the entire Marmota fortune would be yours!"

"You old fool!" Bacina hisses. "It wasn't the money! She had stolen the man I love, the man who loves me! He does, until SHE came along. I have money; I need Woodrow! Do you think I wouldn't do it again? That slut and her sister who lives to be abused by a pervert. What are they worth against my happiness? How was I to know that fool of a squirrel who drooled at me would hire anyone who wasn't a bumbler? I'd do it again, I tell you! Again!"

Kandace grabs Bacina and secures the handcuffs this time, as Inspector Brie pats his hands together as if shuffling off dirt. Bacina pulls herself out and walks out proudly while everyone stares on in shock.

Then there is a loud plopping sound, and Francine runs for a water glass. Nutsy has fainted dead away.