Chapter 2 - The Investigation

Mrs. Sprocket turns her attention toward Sky, her friendly smile intact as she wipes her paw and extends it for a handshake. "I'm Mrs. Sprocket, and Mr. Filmon has me tinkering around the manor," she cheerfully declares. Gesturing discreetly to the pumpkin-wearing mouse, she lowers her voice, "That's Pumpkin Jack, an artist who doesn't like to be bothered while he's working."

Turning back to the grandfather clock, Mrs. Sprocket places her paws on her hips, a sign of evident frustration. "This clock's been my puzzle for a full day now, and I'm stuck in a rut," she laments, looking back at Sky with a wide smile. "Can you believe it?"

As Sky inspects the inner workings of the grandfather clock, she discerns a medallion fragment intricately affixed to the gears. It appears someone attempted to utilize the fragment's weight as a makeshift counterbalance at some point in time.

Pumpkin Jack abruptly shifts his attention to Mrs. Sprocket and Sky, and in a rather loud and impolite manner, he issues a resounding "Shhhh!" with an exaggerated gesture, indicating a desire for silence.

Hazel
Hazel descends the stone stairs, the thick fog shrouding everything in an eerie ambiance. The air carries a distinct odor of dampness and decay as she moves forward into the obscured depths. Soon, a murky pool materializes before her, occupying the heart of the room. The pool's wall rises to her waist, and the room's length remains elusive due to the enveloping fog. Despite the limited visibility, the space appears no larger than an average-sized bedroom, suggesting the pool isn't overly expansive.

Uncertain of the pool's depth, Hazel observes the slick sides adorned with glistening green algae. Positioned at the right side of the pool, barely visible through the mist, are skeletal fingers—a hidden secret hinting at the unfortunate fate of another soul. Hazel stands at a crossroads, with the option to navigate around the pool to the left or right.

Sky
Mrs. Sprocket beams in response, "Oh, what a lovely idea! I reckon it's almost dinner time, and a bit of freshening up wouldn't hurt." With that, she leaves her tools in the room and gracefully departs.

Hazel
The pool exhibits a foreboding dark green hue, its depths shrouded in mystery, making it impossible to discern without the aid of a tool or a long pole.

As Hazel gazes at the skeletal hand, she notices it lacks any rings or jewelry. Should she wish to delve deeper into the investigation or attempt to retrieve it, she must traverse to the right around the pool instead of opting for the left path.

Bay
Bay locates Mr. Filmon in the dining room, immersed in final preparations for dinner. Upon spotting Bay, he offers a warm welcome, "Oh, what impeccable timing! I'm on the verge of ringing the dinner bell for our esteemed guests. After that, I usually take a stroll around the manor to ensure everyone is aware that the meal is ready."

A recollection surfaces in Bay's mind—Hazel had mentioned something about exploring the courtyard. The thought crosses Bay's mind that it wouldn't bode well if Mr. Filmon were to discover her in that area, especially given his earlier warning.

Bay
Dining Room
Mr. Filmon strides over to a sizable gong and gives it a resounding strike, the sound echoing through the entirety of the manor, capturing everyone's attention. He welcomes Bay to accompany him, engaging in conversation as they stroll around the first floor.

In the course of their talk, Bay discerns that Mr. Filmon is purposefully emphasizing the spooky elements to draw guests to the hotel, crafting an image that revolves more around the mysterious allure of the surroundings than the manor itself.

"You know, the tales of ghostly whispers in these halls, the flickering shadows in the corners—just the kind of ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable stay. People love a bit of mystery, don't you think?"

The Courtyard
Mr. Filmon pivots towards the courtyard, a subtle hesitation lingering in his glance at Bay, as if contemplating whether to permit entrance. Nevertheless, he strides into the courtyard, swiftly redirecting Bay's attention to the raspberry bush. Despite the attempt to engage Bay, there's a discernible unease in Mr. Filmon's demeanor, suggesting a reluctance to enter the woodshed in Bay's presence.

Pretending nonchalance, Mr. Filmon remarks, "Odd, I could have sworn I left the woodshed locked. Well, it's about time to replace that old rusted lock anyway." He produces a gleaming new lock, securing the shed door with a decisive click. He and Bay then leave the courtyard.

Hazel
A distant gong echoes through the air, signaling the commencement of dinner.As Hazel bends down to dislodge the spear from the skeleton's grasp, an unexpected occurrence transpires. The skeletal figure's head abruptly jerks upright, emanating a crimson glow from its eye sockets. Its gaze fixates on Hazel, sending an ominous chill down her spine. Simultaneously, she becomes aware of imminent danger. To add to the peril, the sound of the second skeleton emerging from the water behind her becomes increasingly audible.

Sky
A distant gong echoes through the air, signaling the commencement of dinner.

A sudden miracle unfolds as Sky tightens the screw, causing the previously inactive clock to resume its rhythmic ticking. Pumpkin Jack, visibly frustrated, emits an exasperated sigh at the unmistakable return of the pendulum's swing.

In response to Sky's inquiry, Pumpkin Jack, his voice laced with arrogance, retorts, "Clocks and machines are beneath me, tasks for mice of lesser stature. I stumbled upon a small fragment, seemingly fit for some contraption, and nonchalantly discarded it out my window. Perhaps some child has taken it for play outside." With a dismissive wave, he adds, "Now, if you don't mind, I HAVE IMPORTANT WORK," swiftly redirecting his focus to the ongoing painting.

With an exasperated sigh, Pumpkin Jack reluctantly sets down his paintbrush. "Fine, I suppose I might as well eat since I can get nothing else done. Oh, and about that fragment, I tossed it out near a circle of mushrooms," he states, clearly irritated, before rising from his seat and making his way to the dining room.

Sky and Bay
As Sky leaves the living room, she unexpectedly collides with Bay and Mr. Filmon, who are just concluding their rounds. Mr. Filmon greets her, "Oh, hello. Dinner is now served in the dining room. I hope you will join us. Everyone is accounted for except your other companion. What was her name again? Hazel?" After a brief pause, he recollects and adds, "Oh, and of course, Count Gregory. He does not join us for meals."