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The Night of the Missing Pillow
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It was a restless night. A night of betrayal, of anarchy, and of suspicion. There was no way of knowing who was friend and who was foe. No one knew the horrors that lay ahead, what challenges of strength and of will shall be cast upon them.
The night was still young, music echoed through the halls, accompanied by a symphony of banter and laughter. After all, a masquerade was taking place, the theme being bright colors, furthering the joyous atmosphere. There were lords and ladies in attires of golden yellows, fresh greens, blazing oranges, royal purples, blacks deep as the night, and whites like fresh snow. Who stood out the most was one man, lavished in a crimson so pure, it put fresh spilled blood to shame.
He was a quiet man, not drawing too much attention to himself, contrary to his appearance. When a woman clothed in black asked him for his name, he simply replied, “Benjamin Red.”
The woman was adorned with fine black lace with obsidian and pale moonstone gems shimmering throughout her flowing dress. Despite the quality of her outfit, her appearance was simple, nothing extravagant.
“Benjamin is quite the fine name, sir. You are the host of this ball, no?” She inquired. “If I may, I’m Gabriella Black.” Gabriella spoke as smooth as moonlight, it was almost bewitching.
Benjamin replied with a small, unimpressed “huh.”
After the two began chatting for a bit, the other guests had joined in with them to make acquaintance with the host. They were all wealthy business owners, so many of them haven’t met one another before
Soon, Benjamin began to feel fatigued, for he was not used to this much conversation at once. He excused himself and proceeded to head to his chambers. When he opened the brunette door, gazing into the ebony room, he was met with a disastrous sight. His garnet red pillow, that sat elegantly upon the head of his bed, was missing. Such a crime couldn’t go without a thorough investigation for the identity of the theft. Sir Benjamin Red, a man so usually calm and withdrawn, was enraged. His only servant had the day off today, so the only possible suspects were his guests. This party was meant to form alliances and friendships between the entrepreneurs, but this treason had shattered any chance of negotiation with them. He must get to the bottom of this.
He rushed back to the main hall, slamming the doors open, immediately silencing the previous merriment.
“My guests,” He spoke, voice overflowed with rage and authority, “A great crime has been committed against me. Someone has robbed me of something most important to me and I believe that the imposter is among us!” A deafening silence loomed in the room, for no one has ever heard the poised man so full of emotion. Benjamin continued, “Whoever performed such an act, that you will be found, and persecuted properly. I believe it is the right course of action to conduct an investigation, and find this imposter ourselves.”
He beckoned for the others to follow him to his chambers so that they may see this crime for themselves. As they walked, hushed whispers scattered throughout the guests, all wondering what was going on. When they all entered Benjamin’s onyx chamber, they saw the same horrid sight. The pillow was gone. Nothing but a void lay where the cardinal pillow once stood. Gasps and screams of horror escaped everyone’s mouth.
“Who could have done such a thing?!” Exclaimed Scott Yellow.
“How will Mr. Red rest soundly if he is without the support of a pillow?” Asked Elizabeth Blue.
“I can’t imagine ever sleeping again if my pillow were to be stolen!” Added Julia Orange.
“Whoever did this shall be ejected from the premises immediately!” Announced Jason Purple.
Questions like these sprung up among the guests, no one having an answer to any of them. Soon, accusations sprung up within the company.
“I saw Miss Blue leave for quite some time, surely no one needs to use the restroom for a full 15 minutes-”
“I BEG YOUR PARDON?!! Sir William Green, have you no class? It is not your place to question a woman in that respect!”
“Miss, with all due respect, there is a pillow that has been robbed, we must take everything into account.”
“I see you do have a point there.”
Conversations like this rippled through the group, until a certain woman in black said, “Well, I have reason to suspect our host, Mr. Red!”
Benjamin was immediately appalled by the accusation. “What, pray tell, are these reasons I would sacrifice my own health?”
“We are all owners of businesses that have been rivals for generations, and you suddenly wish to seek negotiations? It’s more likely that you set this whole thing up so that you may weaken our morale and further this antagonism, and you pinning the blame on someone else, you will be the hero and your business will flourish, since your ‘perfect’ plan worked so flawlessly. Of course a Red would come up with something so cunning.” Gabriella’s claims resonated with the others, they all seemed to agree with her.
“That’s right! Your family is nothing but liars!” Agreed Jason Purple.
Elizabeth Blue added, “I had my suspicions from the start, but nothing like this!”
Benjamin however, knew he’d never do such a thing. “Miss Gabriella, that is absurd. I would never stoop so low as to give up something so vital to live, just to make a few extra dollars.”
Gabriella replied, “That's exactly what someone in your position would say, thus your rebuttal is pointless! Besides, you Reds have always been the type to come up with such elaborate schemes, of course you would go so far as to hide your beloved red pillow in order to make your subpar company have at least a chance-”
“Hold up!” Benjamin interjected, “How would you have known that my pillow was red? I never stated it’s color!”
The woman was too stunned to speak, “W-what? Of course your pillow would b-be red!”
A wave of shock and realization crashed through the guests. He was right! The rest of the room was ebony, the only red in the room was the burgundy of the fireplace mantle! Without the pillow being there, one would only assume that the pillow was white to match the bedding!
“It appears that your plans have been foiled, what you falsely accused me of doing, you were planning to do all along!” Exclaimed Benjamin. All the other guests could only gaze at Gabriella Black with looks of hurt and betrayal. She had been so kind to all of them earlier, making merry banter and having such a joyous aura around her. Was all that a façade to trick all of them?
“Return my pillow to me instantly, and leave my abode. You and your kin are banned from entering my property from now on. To think I was ready to befriend you, witch.” Benjamin scowled.
Gabriella bowed her head in shame. She had just ruined her family name, and now has made powerful enemies.
After everyone had left, Mr. Benjamin Red was purely exhausted. It took some time, but his pillow was returned to him so now he may settle down, knowing that this case has been put to rest.