|
At the docks:
Kat *Feeling
restless, decides she should check up on her ship. Knowing Abby wouldn't like
the idea, she slips out, makes her way to the docks. Stops frowns, scanning the
ocean for her ship, but it's nowhere in sight* Blast! Where the bloody 'ell is my ship? Abby, iffen ye've done somethin'
behind me back, I'll … I'll be castratin' ye. *Stands glaring out at the
ocean trying to make some sense of it.*
Portsmith *who has been lurking
around the house trying to find an opportune moment to approach Kat, sees her leave the house and she follows her quietly
with a satisfied smile on her lips. Sometimes things seem to run smooth* Hello, Kat. Having some fresh air? Take a last breath of it then, because now we are going to the Security Office to
have a little talk about some activities at From Hell Court. *takes her gun,
Charlie emerges from a dark alleyway, brandishing a gun as it were a nice toy*
Kat *Turns
at first startled then annoyed* Portsmith?
*Looks at the gun in her hand then notices the armed Charlie's sudden appearance* What the devil are ye
on about? Ye be pointin' a gun them guns at the victim. It's my ship that's
gone missin' and I don't know jack 'bout From 'ell Court, that area be Abby's specialty, savvy? *Sees her words are having little effect* All right, all right
let's just get this o'er with so you can on with findin' a real criminal. For
starters, the rotter who took me ship.
At the Security Office:
Portsmith *leading her towards
the Security Office, grinning* We are not talking about any ships here, and it
seems to me that you won't need a ship for a long time. So you turned your piracy
to From Hell Court when Fred forbade you to sail anywhere. He will be mightily
surprised to hear that his sweet little pirate wench wife is a ruthless killer. *Smiles
as Kat looks at her baffled, she opens the door to the lockup and pushes her in a cell with nothing more than a dirty mattress*
I doubt that an Inspector wants to be married to a criminal and a killer. Yes, Kat, I arrest you for the murders of unfortunates at From Hell Court. I have two reliable witnesses who saw you. *locks the cell
and turns to go*
Kat: *Eyes going wide* 'ave ye bloody lost yer mind, I don't know a bloody thin' 'bout no murders!! I'm no killer!! Look at me do I look like
I'm in any shape to be offin' people??? *Suddenly she feels a sensation of wetness
on her legs she looks down to see a puddle of water at her feet.* What the 'ell????
Jeez! PORTSMITH, I NEED MANOUCHE
NOW!!!! *Takes a step only to feel more water flow.* DAMN IT NOW!!!! YE WANTA BE DELIVERIN' THIS KID YERSELF!!!!
Portsmith *rolls eyes at
her ranting, is about to give her an answer but stops with mouth open when Kat starts to yell* You can't have any kids here, this is a lockup and not a nursery, for heavens sake. Why must you always be such a nuisance. *shakes her head and
looks at her* All right, I'll call Manouche. *she
turns once again and looks at Kat sharply* You will have to pay for that destroyed
mattress. And will you stop shouting at least for a while so I can talk on the
phone. *picks up the phone and dials Manouche, waits impatiently, glaring at
Kat* Manouche? Yes, of course it
is me, Commander Portsmith. Seems to me that Kat wants you at the lockup, ‘cause
she has decided to deliver the kid here. *hangs up, looks at Kat* She'll be coming. *turns and goes out form the lockup to her
own office*
Charlie: But ... but you have to take her to the hospital.
Portsmith:
Why on earth? You think that childbirth
is a disease? Better not move her anywhere now the water's gone. What a damned nuisance ... *brightening up* Can you believe that I have caught the first heavily pregnant serial killer? We'll be famous!
At Corso’s hideout:
Wilko *flies through town
into From Hell Court with a note in his bill, approaches Corso’s hideout, according to Manouche’s instructions
(very smart birdy!). Lands in front of the door, pushes envelope under door into
the small apartment, turns, flies back home*
Corso,
Apologies, our plans will
have to wait. I’m going to be occupied for an indeterminable amount of time, helping Kat deliver her baby –
at the lockup, no less. I received the call from Commander Portsmith herself. I don’t have to tell you that
it kills me to have to postpone, to feel that I’m so close to finally having William Blake back in my life, but I made
a promise to Kat, and I intend to keep it. I’ll contact you as soon as I’m free, and we can resume,
Manouche
Corso *opens carefully the
Philinnon, admiring the excellent craftsmanship, feeling the smooth leather under his fingertips, sighs with contentment and
starts to read, stroking the pages now and then, sipping Portsmith's imported fine red wine from Southern France, when he
hears a faint noise from the door and looks sharply up, seeing an envelope emerging from under the door. Intrigued, he goes and picks it up, rips it open and reads* So.
Portsmith got her arrested. *laughs, thinking how Abberline will react hearing
that his kid will be born at the lockup. He reads the note again and looks at
a cage with a squirrel he caught earlier* Well, I hope Blake holds out for one
day more ...
At the lockup:
Manouche *enters the Security
Office, makes her way down to the lockup, sees Charlie and Portsmith* Right,
‘ere I am, where’s … *looks past her, eyes wide as she sees Kat in the cell.
She turns to Portsmith, furious, eyes flashing* What th’ bloody
‘ell do ye think yer doin’, puttin’ her in there? Get her out
immediately, or so help me, th’ Mayor ‘imself’ll hear about this.
Open that blasted door at once, we need to ‘ave sanitary conditions for her, NOW.
Portsmith *smiles politely
at her, goes to open the door to the cell* Why, of course. Just go and help her and tell her not to be so noisy. *nods
to Charlie*
Charlie *quickly grabs Manouche from behind and pushes her into the cell, and Portsmith locks up the cell
after her*
Portsmith: Good, Charlie, you are learning fast. *turns to return back to her office, looks behind her shoulder* Oh,
and one thing more, Manouche. My cells are clean. Much more than any dirty Gypsy camp ever could be.
Manouche *shocked, grasps
the bars, yells after Portsmith* BLAST YE, Y'BLIGHTERS!! YE'LL BE SORRY FER THIS!! *she listens, shakes her head as
she realizes they're gone.* Damn. *She
glances around the cell, noting the bleak surroundings, the dirty mattress; she swallows, then turns to Kat, smiles reassuringly* N-no worries, mate ... this may be far from ideal conditions, but trust me, I've delivered
babies in worse than this, an' everythin' worked out jus' fine. *steps over to
her, sees the water on the floor and mattress* Anyway, if yer water jus' broke,
th' actual birth is most likely still a ways off ... so per'aps we'll be out of 'ere by then.
*takes her coat off, spreads it on the floor* 'Ere, luv ... th' floor
ain't very comfortable, but we need t' give th' mattress a chance to dry out a bit.
*takes Kat's arm, helps her sit down on the coat, resting her back against the wall*
Now, I know it ain't easy at all, considerin' th' circumstances, luv, but try an' relax as best ye can, savvy? I'll jus' check ye out a bit 'ere ... *she gently brings her hands to Kat's stomach,
feeling carefully. She nods, relieved; everything seems to be all right, and
Chiana seems to respond encouragingly to her touch, as she always has. While
Manouche is doing this, she decides to try to send a dreamer-thought to Abberline. She
knows that it's sometimes worked in the past, sometimes it hasn't; but she tries anyway, not telling Kat in case it doesn't
work. She concentrates, while smiling at Kat, hopes Abberline will pick up on
it and come to their rescue ... *
At Sleepy Hollow Woods:
*By a large oak tree in Sleepy Hollow Woods is a large wooden box with a small barred window in one end and a gate
in the other end of the box. The gate is securely locked with a metal lock, and
five corpses, women with small puncture marks on their necks, are chained to the box. The
box itself has been smeared with blood. Near the macabre sight sit two figures
on the ground looking at the corpses as if waiting for something.*
Delano: They
will be waking soon …
Alex *looks up from his notes* Good … *looks at Delano and notices he’s still wearing the
necklace* You’re suppose to put that in the box … it is the personal
object, right?
Delano *takes off the necklace, holds it gently* Yes,
this was Loralee’s. I gave it to her when we were in Prague. *Smiles*
She liked Prague …
Alex *dryly* How nice …
Delano *smiles wryly* Insanity and love seems to go
hand in hand. Someday you will understand, I’m sure. *He rises and approaches the box; takes a key out of his pocket and unlocks the gate. He takes one last look at the necklace and then places it on the bottom of the box. He closes the gate making sure it’s locked and returns to his spot on the ground next to Alex. A few minutes later the women, one by one, morph into demons, vampires, growling confused
by their new life and being confined by the chains.*
Delano *smiles* Hello ladies … sorry you won’t
be able to experience your new life for long. But if it helps, your sacrifice
is greatly appreciated. *The vampires growl at him*
Alex *puts on a thick glove and picks up the religious container with the incense and lights it; he hands Delano a sheet of paper with the words for the
spell* You ready?
Delano *Nods* I am ready. *he begins the spell and as he speaks, Alex walks slowly around the box with incense burning*
We have prepared a sacred place in the darkness and have anointed it with oil
We have the blood of the living and gathered together the living dead
As it was written they shall prepare the way and open the gates of Hell
That which is above shall tremble
For that which is below shall rise
And the world shall know the beast
And the beast shall know the world
Five are without breath, yet they live
Five are without time, yet they live
Five are without soul, yet they live
Five are without sun, yet they live
Five are without dead, yet they live
Et illi cinque sacrificum est
Et illi qui est mortuos vivet non duas res sed unas sunt
In tenebris lux, est, in luge tenebrae sunt
Serge ! Serge !
*A strong wind begins blowing around the box, creating a vortex; the powerful wind rips the sacrifices apart and they
turn to dust so slowly that their bones are exposed before they dissolve and become part of the wind twirling around the box.
A strong light almost explodes inside the box and at once everything is quiet
again. Delano looks at Alex, dumbfounded*
Alex *drops the container with incense on the ground* Holy crap, I think
it worked!
Delano *cautiously approaches the box and peeps inside; he swallows hard as he sees a dark-haired
woman sitting in the corner of the box hugging her knees. The woman is wearing
the necklace.*
At the lockup:
Kat *Shivers* I be goin' nowhere mate and ye know it. *Morbidly* Portsmith be out te 'ang me and won't be 'appy 'til I be twistin' in the wind. Ship’s gone, in jail, in labor … 'ell, mate, it's just not bein' my day. *grimaces, sighs* Apologies mate, I be
ruined yer coat.
Manouche *frowns* Y-yer ship's gone? What's 'appened to it? *shakes her head, runs a hand through her hair, talks reassuringly as she massages Kat's shoulders* Bollocks to Portsmith, mate, we'll get out o' this, ye'll see. Granted, she would jus' as soon th' pair o' us leave Deppville an' never return, but she can only do so
much, savvy? She don't 'ave sod all on us.
She ain't even formally arrested me yet ... she'll be for it fer that lil' transgression, wait'll Lisa hears. *snorts indignantly* Lockin' me up without
just cause. She can't detain us 'ere forever.
*glances anxiously toward the door, then back to Kat* Blimey, yer shiverin'
... *she removes a long sash from around her waist, wraps it around Kat's shoulders, brushes the hair back from her damp face;
looks down at her coat, shrugs* No worries about me coat, luv, coats can be replaced,
if not repaired. I reckon a good cleanin' will put it right. *grins* Steady on, mate, we been in bigger fixes than this
an' got out of 'em, ay? *smile fades as Kat gazes at her gloomily; she swallows,
concentrates again on Abberline*
Kat *Gloomily*
I were just goin' te check on me ship but when I got there it were nowhere in
sight. That were when Portsmith latched on te me, blatherin' on 'bout some murders
at From 'ell Court and how I was bein' a serial killer. I ain't kilt nobody. *Flinches* And so it began, mate.
At Bournemouth House:
Abberline *seeing that Kat
is not about, immediately gets up from the bed, feeling that he can't lie anymore with nothing to do, and though he winces
briefly, he can stand on the wounded leg. Being a little uncertain, he fetches
from the closet the walking cane he got from Scotland Yard when he resigned, smiles wistfully feeling like an old man when
he goes down the stairs - and right in the middle of the stairs, he feels an odd sensation, his mind goes numb for a while,
his vision blurs, and then he can see Kat and Manouche locked up at the Security Office, and he knows the vision comes from
Manouche ... And then it clears up and he hurries down the stairs, forgetting the wound, rushes to the Office*
At the lockup:
Abberline *going straight to the
lockup, sees that Kat and Manouche are indeed behind the bars, he turns round and trying to compose himself marches to Portsmith's
Office* What the hell is this about! Open the cell immediately! What is it
that Kat has done to you - don't you understand that she is pregnant! I would
not have expected that even from you! *he grabs Portsmith and yanks her up*
Portsmith:
All right, all right, take the key and get them out, but I doubt that would be
very wise now that she has gone into labor. *smirks*
Abberline *immediately
releases her* WHAT? *grabs the keys,
turns on his heels and runs to the lockup, fumbling for a while with a trembling hand until he gets the lock open, and then
he stops, not knowing what to do* Kat?
Kat *Miserably*
Abby, our girl gonna be drawin' 'er first breath in a jail cell. *Stiffens* How long were that, mate? *Looking questioningly
at Manouche* Abby, what 'appened te me ship, and why does Portsmith be thinkin'
I kilt them people? She called 'em unfortunates.
E'en iffen I'd been up for such, what profit would there 'ave been in it. *She
frowns* Blast I can't be doin' this now … in a few hours, it'll be …
*Panicking* Manouche, ye gotta stop
it somehow. She can't be born on no Friday the 13th. She can't. *Very near hysteria* Abby do somethin'!!!!
Abberline *crouches down
beside her* No, that can't be, we have to move you to the hospital. I don't know about Portsmith, she seems to have gone completely crazy ... Nor the ship ... I was told you
sailed
away ... *looks at her with frightened eyes* How are you feeling? Can I help you in any way? Manouche, how long is this going to take?
Manouche *murmurs* Easy, mate … *on one side of Kat, keeping her voice calm, speaks to Abberline, crouched on her other
side, holding her hand* By th’ powers, Fred, I’m glad yer ‘ere. I wish I could tell ye how long it’ll be, but I can’t tell yet. An’ as fer th’ hospital … th’ fact is, we don’t ‘ave time t’
get her to a hospital, savvy? It’d be far more dangerous t’ move
her now. Th’ best we can do is fetch things we’ll need right ‘ere. *thinks for a moment* Towels, lots of
‘em, sheets if ye can find ‘em … some plastic bags, per’aps, trash bags’ll do … an’
water, an’ ice chips … an’ we could use some soap an’ hot water.
I reckon, too, if we can ‘ave a doctor from th’ hospital on hand, that’d be ideal … if ye can
convince one o' them doctors to come. But we mustn’t move ‘er. If ye can take care o’ findin’ them things, I’ll stay ‘ere
with Kat. *smiles slightly* No worries,
mate … remember, I promised ye. *winks, then looks at Kat, squeezes her
other hand, glances up at a clock on the wall outside the cell; speaks gently* Kat,
mate, th’ time were around twenty minutes. We can’t stop what nature’s
started, savvy? We all know by now that lil’ Chiana’s goin’
to ‘ave her way, whether we like it or not. Strong-willed, like ‘er
parents. *grins* If she’s
ready t’ be born now, then that’s exactly what’s goin’ to ‘appen. But … Friday th’ 13th, Kat, luv, ye mustn’t get yerself into a state over that. It’s jus’ a date. That’s
jus’ superstition, that’s all gab. Jus’ try an’ relax
as best ye can, an’ concentrate on bringin’ Chiana into th’ world.
All right? *strokes her forehead gently with cool fingers*
Abberline *with a worried
glance at Kat, dashes off, not daring to ask what all those things are needed for, stops at the lockup door, nervously brushing
his hair off face* I forgot ... Towels, sheets … *Manouche repeats the list, and he's off, soon to return with Portsmith, who pushes him back to the cell*
Portsmith:
Stay there and try to pull yourself together. It's just a kid being born, that happens all the time, it's not the world' end. *rolls eyes*
Charlie *returns with a heap of towels and sheets, leaves them,
comes back with the water and soap, and the next time he returns, he's dragging a clean thick mattress*
Portsmith *suspiciously*
Where did you get that from?
Charlie: Your
extra bed, of course. So?
Portsmith *sighs* There goes a good and expensive mattress. *rolls eyes* Are you starting to get jumpy too? I don't
think they need any more hysterical males around here. Let's go. *to Manouche* I'll call a doctor.
Manouche *sees all the things
Charlie brings to them, hears Portsmith's words; raises eyebrows, amazed* Blimey
... *looks at Kat* There, y’see, luv, it’ll all be jus’ fine. An' a doctor'll be 'ere soon. *to Abberline* Cover th' mattress with some sheets an' towels, mate, an' let's get Kat situated on
it, so she'll be more comfortable. After that, all we can do is wait awhile. I reckon th' best thing ye can do fer Kat from that point forward is, jus' be by her
side. *watches as Abberline prepares the mattress, her hand on Kat's shoulder. She places her other hand on Kat's stomach again, presses gently; nods, looks at Kat,
smiles reassuringly*
At Arwen:
Donnie and O’Malley *returned home after dress shopping; O’Malley goes upstairs to the
bedroom and hangs up her dress on the door of the wardrobe and looks at it with a small smile. She agrees with herself that the only accessories needed, will be a wreath of flowers … wild flowers
just as her wedding bouquet. She hangs the dress in the wardrobe and goes downstairs
to living-room.*
Donnie *sits on the couch flipping through the Deppville
Tattler; he puts it down and looks up at O’Malley* Are you mad at me?
O’Malley *Thinks about the question for a moment; then smiles* Nay, I be not mad at ye … I reckon that wench would render any man helpless.
Donnie *silently agrees; smiles* Good … you don’t
need to worry; she is no competition to you.
O’Malley *Frowns* I should ‘ope not! *Sits down on the couch next to him* Let’s
jus’ ferget the whole thing. *Smiles* After
all, we ‘ave a weddin’ te plan.
Donnie *kisses her; smiles* Yes we do! We still need to pick a date, talk to Marijke about a buffet menu, pick the witnesses …
O’Malley: Aye … lots te do … *sits
quietly for a while with a pensive expression* I been thinkin’ about October
31st, but I reckon everyone ‘as plans, it bein’ Halloween.
Donnie: What if we do it in the afternoon? Then parents can still go trick’n’treating with their kids and people can still reach whatever
parties they have planned.
O’Malley *smiles* That’s a grand idea,
luv!
Donnie: It’s settled then … October 31st
… How about I go talk to Aaron Monroe, our justice of the peace,
and arrange things with him, and then put a notice in the paper?
O’Malley: Ye do that, luv. Then I can make us some dinner an’ have it ready fer when ye get back. *Kisses him goodbye and goes to the kitchen to prepare dinner, while Donnie goes back to town*
At the lockup:
Portsmith *returns many hours
later to the Office, takes a look at the lockup, amazed* Blimey, are you still
here? Manouche, can't you make it go little faster and don't spoil that mattress,
it was very expensive. *ducks away from Abberline's murderous gaze* Right, I'll try to call a doctor. *goes to the Office and
picks up the phone* Andrew, you there?
We need a doctor at the lockup.
Andrew: Hello, Commander! Always pleased to serve you. At the lockup? *swallows, continues more wary* Er …
what would that be about?
Portsmith: None of your business. Just send someone over.
Andrew: Yes, Commander!
Portsmith
*returns to the lockup* So, there should be a doctor on the way. *sarcastically* How can I else serve you?
Kat *Overhearing Portsmith's
question, yells out* BY BLOODY BREAKIN' OUT THAT BLASTED STASH OF GHOST
TRANQ YE GOT 'IDDEN AWAY!!!! I BE GONNA NEED IT WORSEN YE!
Manouche: Steady, Kat, mate! *glares at Portsmith* I know it's hard fer ye, Commander, but try an' show a lil' compassion fer a change. *looks at Kat anxiously* Luv, how are ye feelin'? *examining her carefully, a suspicion growing*
Kat *Turns her glare on Manouche* I be bout te pass a watermelon, luv … How the de'il ye think I feel??? Me back be breakin' near in two. *Shoots
a hard look at Abby* And it be all 'is fault!!!
Abberline *looking very worried
and pale, keeping her hand* Kat, try to relax ...
Portsmith *once again
rolls her eyes* I don't keep any drugs here. Ask
your darling husband if you want something. *leaves and slams the door of the lockup muttering to herself*
Kat: She be right. *Glaring at Abby* Ye got connections, make yerself useful and get me some of them drugs.
Manouche *swallows* Ahh … that’s what I were afraid of.
*runs hand through her hair, puts her hands on Kat’s shoulders, keeps her voice steady* Now, Kat … I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure I’m right, ‘cause I’ve seen
this before … from what yer sayin’, an’ from th’ way lil’ Chiana’s feelin’ …
I think we may ‘ave a back labor on our hands. Th-this means that Chiana’s
face up, an’ she don’t want t’ turn over. *adds quickly* B-but no worries, savvy? I’ve dealt
with this before, an’ I swear ye’ll be fine, luv. I think this is
one reason it’s takin’ a long time … an’ it’s why yer ‘avin’ so much back pain. Ye’ll be wantin’ to stay lyin’ on yer side as long as ye can, but
… when she starts comin’, ye’ll ‘ave to be on yer back. I
won’t lie t’ ye, luv, it’s goin’ to be painful … but I know ye can do it. Th-th’ good news is, she seems t’ be fine, an’ yer strong an’ in good health. *glances nervously at Abberline, then back to Kat*
Kat *Through gritted teeth
to Abby* Either get me them drugs else ye be singin' soprano. SAVVY? *To Manouche*
Iffen nothin' else give me a sword and I'll get 'er out straight way!!!!
Abberline *stammers* B-back labor? Painful? It's not -normal, isn't it? *thinks of the opium* Can't you
give anything to her, painkillers or something that would ease it? *sees Kat's
glare at him* Why are you looking like that at me? I don't understand what you mean about it being my fault.
Manouche: No swords, mate! *turns to Abberline* Ahh, Fred, per’aps ye should go, see if ye can find somethin’ we can give ‘er …
an’ find out when th’ bloody ‘ell that doctor’s comin’.
What’re they doin’, importin’ him from bleedin' Tortuga?
*shakes her head, looks at Kat* ‘Ang on, luv … th’ doctor’ll
most likely be able t’ give ye somethin’ fer th’ pain. *tries
to take her mind off the pain* H-how are yer contractions?
Kat: Contraction's be 'anged!!! I feel naught but me backbone bein'
ripped outta me!! *Sneers at Abby* As
for ye, iffen I live through this ye'll best be plannin' te 'ave them other two brats yerself. Ye come near me and I'll castrate ye with a bloody dull knife, savvy??????
Abberline *swallows, releases
her hand, backs off* What? I - I'd
better go to see whether the doctor is coming soon ... *looks at Manouche imploringly*
Do something! I can't just sit and look without being able to do anything.
*wipes his forehead* Er …
do you think I should leave?
Kat *Goes rigid, grinds her
teeth, then begins to scream.*
Manouche *eyes wide, pulls
Kat’s sheet aside* Oh, by th’ powers, it’s time! *looks at Abberline* Fred, if ye can do it, an’ if Kat
wants it … please, sit up beside her an’ hold onto her hand, savvy? Jus’
help her, mate, encourage her. *to Kat*
Right, luv, it’s gonna be sound, I promise ye. Ye ‘ave to
turn onto yer back now … an’ push when I say so, don’t do it before, savvy?
Very important …
Abberline *starts when Kat
starts to scream, nods gravely to Manouche, returns back to Kat and takes her hand and winces in pain as Kat squeezes it hard*
Manouche, is this … as it should be? Is
she all right?
Kat *Lets out another blood
curdling scream digs her finger nails into Abby's hand. Manages to spit out* YE CAUSED THIS!!! NOW MAKE IT STOP!!!!!!!
Abberline *clenches his teeth
from the pain not to cry out, looks helpless at Manouche with wide eyes* Please,
do something! *and when Kat digs her nails still deeper* Please, hold on, it can't take
long … it will soon be over.
Manouche *watching intently* It’s … it’s all right, luv … *looks up at Kat* NOW, Kat, PUSH!
Kat *Pushes with all her
strength, then lets out another scream.*
Manouche *wipes sweat from
her face with her arm* Right, Kat, yer doin’ beautifully, luv! Pure dead brilliant … now, when I … *stops, looks down, eyes wide* Oh, blimey … *leans down for a moment, then looks up, tears in her eyes, holds up Chiana* Y-yer done, luv. S-say hullo t' yer new daughter. *tears roll down her face as she looks at
her, then back at Kat and Abberline; beams* Sh-she's ... she's absolutely perfect.
Kat: Such a bit of a thing, isn't she?
Abberline *blinks twice,
looks long at the small bundle Manouche holds in her arms,wipes his forehead again with his sleeve* Chiana? Kat, I - I can't really believe she's there, my daughter ... You did it ... *suddenly goes very pale* I - I feel faint ...
Manouche *looks at Abberline,
smothers a grin. Rises, brings the baby to Kat, holds her out for her* 'Ere ye are, mate ... she's as beautiful
as her mum ... *Kat takes the baby in her arms, Manouche leans down, kisses Kat's forehead* Well done, luv.
*smiles gently, rises, turns to the task of cleaning up, gathering more towels*
Abberline *looks still at
the baby stunned, then he reaches out and very carefully and lightly touches the baby, like she were something breakable,
and it seems to him that Chiana is looking directly at him with serious solemn eyes, and everything goes quiet around him,
there's just she and her eyes for a while* Oh gods, Kat ... she's beautiful,
she looks like you ... *he kisses her on the cheek, as if she were something
breakable too, and he looks at them, his wife and his daughter, his family, and he has never felt so moved before, he feels
strangely lightheaded, and he staggers up, hugs Manouche and kisses her on the cheek, then he returns to Kat's side* Manouche … I don't know what to say …
Portsmith *in the meantime,
on the phone* What do you mean with that?
No, I am not torturing anyone to death at the lockup, how dare you! I
suggest you move your fat body over here instantly and take care of that childbirth.
No, no proper midwife, just a - a - someone who's hopefully seen a baby born before.
Yes. The Abberlines, they decided to have the kid here at the lockup ...
Yes, she is Kat. *listens impatiently and before she has a chance to answer,
she hears a loud click, throws the phone disgusted, and then she hears a very uncommon voice at the lockup: a baby's cry* Blimey! *she strides the corridor to
the lockup, and peeks in, seeing Manouche hold the newborn, which looks just as all newborns everywhere and she is a
little disappointed at the baby's looks, because after all, it is Fred's kid ... * Hello,
you seem to have managed well here. I hope that I can be the godmother?
Abberline: Portsmith, I have a little daughter. *he staggers up, and suddenly
he hugs her, with tears in his eyes*
Portsmith *stunned, doesn't know what to do* Ahem,
yes, so it seems, so it seems ... Er ... how about the godmother thing? *Abberline,
having returned to Kat, doesn't hear her anymore, wipes his eyes, smiles at Kat and the baby.
Portsmith sniffs* What a moving little scene. *turns abruptly and leaves, shouts from the corridor* And don't
forget to pay for that mattress!
Manouche *rolls her eyes
at Portsmith’s words* Bloody bureaucratic twit. *shakes head, then remembers something. She approaches Abberline,
reaching in a pocket of her vest, grins mischievously* ‘Ere ye are, luv,
fer later. Ye can share with Sergeant Godley.
I nicked ‘em from Portsmith’s office when I first arrived, she’ll never miss ‘em. A father should ‘ave a proper congratulatory cigar once his baby’s come into th’ world,
savvy? *pulls her hand out of the pocket, gives Abberline two fine cigars from
Portsmith’s humidor. She laughs, hugs Abberline, kisses him on the cheek,
then turns back to tidying up the area. She looks at the doorway, shakes her
head* An' still, we 'ave no doctor. I’m
tempted to hang me shingle out fer business, officially enter into th’ medical profession, seein’ as how th’
physicians in this town are apparently nonexistent outside o’ th’ hospital.
Kat *Looks at Manouche* Thank ye, mate. *Smiles at Abby* I be tired luv. Think ye can be gettin'
us outta 'ere. I wanna go 'ome. *Holds
Chiana close*
Abberline: Oh, yes, of course ... Home ... *gets up a little shaky, walks
to the door of the lockup, hesitates, returns back* But the doctor ... And how
am I ...
Portsmith: *appears behind him* Fred, you are worse than with
the drugs.
Abberline: Kat ... she needs to ... she wants to …
Portsmith: And what is it that her Ladyship wants now?
I am sorry but we don't have a Presidential Cell at this modest lockup. Champagne? Red roses? *takes Abberline
by the arm and leads him out of the way* Let the doctor first examine the kid
and mother, and if everything's okay they can drive you all home.
Abberline:
Why wouldn't it be all right? Are there any complications, but they don't
...
Portsmith: Shut up Fred. I
am not a doctor. He's coming with an ambulance any minute.
Abberline: What for? An ambulance? Manouche? Kat? Is
there something wrong?
Portsmith: Yes there is. It's you. Calm down or you'll get a sedative. Everything looks fine enough for me. Except my mattress.
Manouche *to Abberline* No worries, mate, th' doctor is jus' a precaution, savvy? It were th' same with Madame. Best to 'ave everythin' checked
out, make sure mum an' child are both sound. *looks at Kat and Chiana, smiles* I'm sure all's well. *to Kat* We'll get ye home as soon as possible, luv. *to Portsmith* Commander, I'll buy ye ten new mattresses, if ye'll jus' shut it. All right? *grins* I
can afford 'em, remember?
Portsmith: Witty, eh? Just clean my cell and see that you are out of here
as soon as possible! *she turns abruptly around, but stops, looks behind her
shoulder* And Fred, remember that I am the godmother! *Then they hear her slam her office door, and a moment later the ambulance with the doctor arrives ...*
At Bournemouth House:
Abberline *checks one more
time that both Kat and Chiana are well. When they came home, he did not dare
to leave the baby in her room alone and lifted the crib to the master bedroom. It
is getting late at night, but he can't even think of sleeping. For about the
thirteenth time he looks at Chiana, leans in close to see that she is still breathing, touches her head lightly, afraid to
wake her up, once again he looks at the tiny hand, in wonder and awe, and he longs to take her in his arms, he has not yet
dared to hold her, because he is afraid he can't do it right. He strokes her
tiny hand and feels suddenly how her fingers tighten on his finger, and he gasps, then holds his breath, afraid that he has
woken her up, but she just sleeps on. She is the most beautiful sight he ever
has seen, his baby daughter, so fragile, so small, so perfect. He feels a lump
in his throat when he gently frees his finger from her grip*
*Next he goes to Raven's room, and when he looks at the
boy, he feels a deep regret for not being able to be there when he was a baby, and not being able to be part of his life until
recently. He feels something of a resentment towards Kat briefly while looking
at Raven, but then he reminds himself that Kat did the right choice as he remembers how he himself was at that time. He could
not have handled it back then. Then he thinks again of Chiana - everything will
be different now ... *
*When he sits in his comfy armchair by the dying fire in the living room, he remembers the cigars
Manouche gave him, and wonders who is he going to share them with. Sergeant Godley
is away. The have never been apart for so long a time and he can't suppress a
feeling of blue. Perhaps he should share it with Willy, a new father himself
and have a talk with him, between fathers, and he smiles at the thought of taking Chiana to the Chocolate Factory and presenting
her proudly to Willy and Madame, talking about kids with them, asking about advice from Willy ... He is about to put the cigars
back in his pocket, when he hears a knock on the door. He frowns, it is too late
to get any visitors, and carefully opens the door and stops astonished at the threshold*
Godley: I thought you might still be awake. *He walks in like he's
never been away, puts down a small suitcase, takes off his coat and hat and goes straight to the fire, rubbing his cold hands
together* Give me a brandy, will you. And
put on some more logs so that I can finally drive this chill out of my bones.
Abberline *follows him without a word,
mechanically pours him a brandy, adds some logs, watches them catch fire, then he turns around and stares at Godley*
Godley
*sighs contentedly and sinks on the sofa and takes a sip* Merry old England is
not what it used to be, or maybe it is and I have forgotten about the rains and the fogs from the sea and the chilly houses
without a proper warming. I have spent too long a time here in the warm. That's what me missus said. She finally
drove me off, telling that you need me more than her, that I am just getting in the way, and that she has her hands full with
the grandchildren, so here I am. She sends her regards, always remembers you
fondly, and she was so glad to hear about you marrying again. Why are you staring
at me like that?
Abberline *looking moody* And did you have a good trip?
Godley
*stifling a smile, imagining for a moment Abberline hugging him and telling him that he has missed him, but he really he doesn't
need any demonstrations like that, he knows that he indeed has been missed* Excellent. But it is good to be back. *he reaches
for his suitcase, and pulls something out of it* I brought you a gift, or to
be precise, it is for your newborn daughter. Don't look like that, I came by
the Office and the Commander was still there, and I had to listen to a long rant about pirates and gypsies and babies and
for some reason mattresses. How does it feel to be a father to a girl? *and he hands him a white teddy bear with an emerald green ribbon.*
Every child needs a teddy bear. She is a girl, but somehow, with having
an Inspector as father and a pirate as mother, pink just didn't sound suitable to me.
Abberline *takes the teddy bear,
looks long at it, at the green ribbon around its neck tied into a neat little bow, and then he finally smiles* It is good to have you back, Godley. *and without a further
word, he hands him the other cigar*
At Corso’s hideout:
Manouche *having hurried
home after Chiana’s birth to change clothes and check on the horses, now rushes through From Hell Court, races up to
the door of Corso’s hideaway. She stops, breathing hard, gives herself
a minute to catch her breath, then knocks at the door* Corso, it’s me,
Manouche … are ye there, mate?
Corso *opens the door and
pulls her in* Of course I am. Are
you ready to go? We must hurry to be there in time. *gives her the cage with the squirrel* Here is the soul trap. *takes a small book with him* And here
are the instructions. *pulls on a coat*
Let's be going, gal …
Manouche *holds the cage,
looks at the squirrel, puts her hand to the cage, squirrel sniffs her fingers; she looks at Corso, concerned* Um … th’ squirrel’s goin’ to be all right, ain’t he? I mean … we won’t ‘ave to kill ‘im, right?
*shakes her head, mutters* Malachi always said I’m too soft-hearted
with animals t’ be a completely dedicated alchemist … but I can’t help it, I ‘ave a way with ‘em,
an’ they like me. *squirrel rubs against her fingers, makes a soft chattering
sound*
Corso *shrugs* Well, if you prefer a squirrel to Blake, that is your own choice. Don't be daft. Take that bloody beast now, we should be on our way already. *rolls
eyes at Manouche, sighs* All right, nothing's going to happen to that little monster except that he's going
to be animated with the scribbler's soul for a while.
Manouche *eyes wide* Blimey, ‘course I don’t prefer a squirrel!
I understand we ‘ave to do what must be done. Jus’ didn't want t' end an innocent life t’
save another one unless it's necessary. Even if it is jus’ a squirrel.
Besides, sometimes these creatures we capture 'ave more to 'em than meets th' eye.
*looks down at the cage, then smirks at Corso* Actually, I believe Malachi’s
exact words were that I’m soft-headed, not soft-hearted … I reckon he's right, but we can’t help what we
are, ay? *nods* Right, let’s
be on our way, then. Oh, an' one more thing ... *sets cage down, grabs Corso
by the front of his jacket, eyes him sternly* This all better be on th' level,
mate. Don't be messin' with me on this, or Deppville will 'ave one less opportunistic
book fanatic amongst its populace. Savvy?
Corso: Still suspicious? Look, I have repeatedly said that you can
trust me, if not else, so for that book you brought. And if you keep on philosophizing
about squirrels and other beasts, there will be one scribbler soul less in Deppville, and we don't want that to happen, do
we? Squirrels are just squirrels, and I had great trouble in catching it, and
the bloody rabid little monster tried to bite me. *brushes her hand off, grabs
his bag and opens the door, and they head to the woods*
Manouche: Apologies, luv. But admit it, ye invite suspicion, th’
way you’re always remindin’ everyone o’ how self-servin’ ye are.
However, I’ll take ye at yer word from here on, all right? Let’s
‘ave at it. *follows him to the woods*
At Bournemouth House:
*A young
girl approaches Bournemouth House compares the address to the paper she's carrying. Smiles, shifting the suitcase
she holds to her other hand, knocks on the door. Hoping the Abberlines aren't boring
over protective parents that would continually be looking over her shoulder and making her nervous*
Abberline
*opens the door and regards the girl somewhat suspiciously, but notices that she looks very nice* I don't think that I know you?
*The girl
gapes at him for a moment wondering how one man could be so hot. Pulling herself
together she clears her throat.* I'm sorry. I'm
a bit nervous, this is my first job. The nanny agency sent me. It's all right here. I finished their training course and all.
I know I look young, but I love kids and they always seem to love me. *Suddenly goes quiet. Softly* You're
not going to hire me, are you? Everywhere the agency has sent me has turned me
down. I'm not sure why, the wives take one look at me and it's good-bye job. *Sighs* I know I'm talking a lot but
I need this job so badly. *Biting her lip trying not to cry.*
Abberline
*his eyes soften when he listens to her, he takes pity on her and opens the door and leads her in the living room* Come on now, sit down and tell me more about yourself. What's
your name? We do actually need a nanny for my newborn daughter, and I don't see
any reason why I couldn't give you a try. *smiles at her and hands her a handkerchief* You could perhaps
start right away?
*Excited
she reaches out and hugs him* Oh, Mr. Abberline you are so kind. You don't know what this means to me. I swear you won't regret
it. I'll be the best nanny possible, you'll see.
*Beams at him* Oh yeah, I'm Candy. Maybe
you know my sister, she lives here now. Her name’s DeeDee. Our cousin Daphne lived here for awhile to but she's moved away. If
it's at all possible. I'd like to have a bed set up in the baby's room for me at least temporarily, since she's newborn. You can't be too careful and it will make it easier for me to tend her.
Abberline
*a bit surprised at the hug, smiles warmly* Thank you, Candy. I am sure it will be fine. No, I can't say I've ever met your
sister, but I am looking forward to it if she's like you. Daphne - she's a nurse?
Really? Please don't mention it
to my wife, she can sometimes be so ... sensitive. You can have your own room near the baby's room, but I agree
with you, I would not like her to sleep alone, so we can have an extra bed in the baby's room. I am sure that my wife will be pleased when she hears about our new nanny. You will see Chiana when she wakes up, I am sure you will love her. You
can choose any one of the free rooms upstairs. *He feels a little sting
of conscience for not having consulted with Kat, but this Candy is nothing like Selena, she seems to be so innocent
and young*
Candy
*Looks at Abby in wide-eyed adoration* I'm looking forward to meeting your wife,
she must be a very special person if you chose her as your wife. I'm sure
we'll get along splendidly. Now if it's alright, I'll unpack my things in that
room you mentioned, so I'll be all set when daughter awakens. *Smiles warmly
at him.*
At Sleepy Hollow Woods:
Corso
*with the help of the flashlight, scans the area where Manouche led him in the Sleepy Hollow Woods* So you are positive that this is the place. You are a dreamer
- you should get some special feeling about it if it's right. *looks at her curiously,
beaming the light straight to her face, averts it when she swears and shields her face with her hand* Aw, sorry … *he sets down his bag and starts to trace
a circle with a twig, he inserts 24 candles on the circle he created and lights them, then he takes the squirrel out of the
cage dangling it by the tail, hands it to Manouche.* Here's the basics what we
need. Now, I need to find the right incantation, and you step in the circle with
that abominable little beast. *he grins* Oh,
and I forgot the last but not least - to invoke spirits and souls, we always need - blood. Yours
will probably be very good, because you are a gypsy, a dreamer and connected to Blake. Any
questions?
Manouche
*squinting from the flashlight* Aye, I’m positive this is th’ place. *looks around, trembling, as she remembers everything*
Y-ye don’t ferget somethin’ like that. *she takes the squirrel
from him, and it runs up her arm and perches on her shoulder, as comfortably as if it were a longtime pet. She grins slightly, then watches as Corso lights and places the candles.
She listens to his instructions, sighs, rolls up her sleeve* I reckon
I ‘ave no questions at this point, mate. *holds her arm out* ‘Ere, if it’s blood ye need, it’s th’ least I can do fer me Mr. Blake.
At Bournemouth House:
Abberline
*takes Candy’s suitcase, returns the smile* Let me show you to the room,
and while you make yourself at home, I'll tell the good news to my wife. She
is a very special person, but I am sure she will get on excellent with you. *leaves
her at the door of the room, and a little hesitantly goes to the master bedroom, he begins to have doubts how Kat will
react, one never knows with her, but after all, she took in Miranda, and there has been no problem with her* Kat, are you awake? *He walks straight to the crib, smiles
as he sees Chiana opening her eyes like she were looking straight at him, and once again he wonders that she really is there,
his adorable delicate little daughter, and he almost forgets about Kat and the nanny, looking into Chiana's eyes, wishing
he would dare to lift her from the crib, but he doesn't know how to handle a baby* Hello,
Chiana ...
Kat *Stirs,
opening her eyes, sees Abby at the crib* Abby?
Is somethin' amiss? Bring 'er to me.
I want te look at 'er again. Is she not beautiful, our lil star, eh?
Abberline: No, all is just fine, all is perfect ... *very cautiously and awkwardly takes Chiana
for the first time in his arms, she feels warm in his hands and her tiny head seems to fit in his palm, and he moves slowly
the few steps to the bedside and puts her down at Kat's side, crouches down beside the bed* She's the most beautiful
thing I ever have seen. *strokes Chiana's cheek very gently, then smiles at Kat,
looks at her intently* So small and so perfect ... *Chiana, feeling hungry, wrinkles
her small brow and lets out a small cry, and he starts* Is something wrong
with her?
Kat *Nervously*
I don't know. Maybe she's wet. *Frowns* Why don't ye check? *Before Abby can answer, a soft voice speaks from the doorway*
Candy: She's only hungry. *Crosses to the bed,
with a bottle in her hand. Smiles at Kat*
Would one of you like to feed her, or shall I?
Kat *Looks
up, startled at the girl* Who are ye and 'ow do ye know she be 'ungry?
Candy: I'm here to help you with the baby. My
name’s Candy and let's just say I have a sixth sense when it comes to babies.
*Smiles once more* You're probably still suffering the effects of the birth. Mr.
Abberline why don't you do the honors? *Sits the bottle on the bedside table,
lifts Chiana and places her in Abby's arms, picks up the bottle and holds it out to him.*
Go ahead, you'll do fine.
Abberline
*gasps when Candy lays Chiana in his arms, nervously* But I don't know how to .. *takes
hesitantly the bottle and looks suspiciously at it, Chiana starts to cry louder, and he starts, tightens his grip on
her, Candy, smiling, takes his hand and helps him to guide the bottle to the baby, Chiana starts sucking
greedily instantly, and he forgets once more the surroundings, just watches her with a smile, and then he looks up at
Candy with admiration like she had done something extraordinary* Oh yes, Kat,
I was about to tell you that I hired Candy as a nanny.
Kat *Eyeing
the girl critically* I 'ave te own, ye seem te know a thing or two 'bout babies.
Though ye look a bit on the young side te me.
*Glances at Abby, who's completely engrossed in feeding Chiana.* I
be most certain ye 'ad 'er checked out. Ye wouldna be trustin' 'er with Chiana
else, eh?
Abberline
*not really listening to her* Why, yes, of course. Look, now she is content ...
At Sleepy Hollow Woods:
Delano *slowly and cautiously opens the gate of the box; he enters and crouches
down putting himself in eye-level with the woman; stammers* L … Loralee?
Loralee *has an expression of confusion and fear; quietly as if speaking to herself* Loralee … yes, I believe that is my name, Loralee. *Looks
at Delano* Who
… who are you? How did I get here? *Tears
form in her eyes* I do not remember …
Delano *speaks softly* My name
is Delano … you … you used to know me.
Loralee *still frightened, but has stopped trembling; the young man seems somewhat familiar even
though she can’t quite place him* Delano … *sends him a small smile* It is a nice name.
Delano *smiles back and slowly leaves the cave; Alex walks over to him and looks
at him questionably; Delano looks from the cage and back at Alex; speaks quietly so she doesn’t hear* She’s
… she’s … she’s human, she’s come back as a human.
Alex *looks at wide-eyed* Human? The book didn’t say anything about that! *Hesitates*
We could change that …
Delano *his instincts tell him to morph into his demon self as always when anger fills him, but
he fights back; he doesn’t want to scare Loralee; speaks in a low threatening voice* You
will NOT lay a hand on her!
Alex *takes a step back* Just a suggestion …
If you don’t need me for more, I’ll leave you to it then. *He picks
up the book and his notes and scurries off towards town*
Delano *enters the cage again, smiles and gazes at her lovingly; he stretches
out his hand to her* You can come out of the box, it’s safe …
Loralee *glances past him and into the darkness of the woods before meeting his eyes* You will protect me?
Delano: Always. *Loralee hesitantly takes his hand and allows him to lead her out of the box.*
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