At Bournemouth House:

Abberline: *looks at Kat expectantly*  See, we have found the perfect nanny, or what do you say, Kat?  *smiles warmly at Candy and Chiana*

Kat:  So it would seem.  Since ye say 'er references checked out, there be no reason not.  *Thinks maybe a little too perfect as well as convenient.*

Abberline *absentmindedly*  Very good.  *turns to Candy* Candy, you have to show me how to lift her up and how to hold her, I feel very unsure and I am afraid that I will drop her.  Isn't she just adorable?  Have you already seen her room, come and take a look at it.  We can lift the crib back to her room, now that I know you will keep an eye on her.  *leads her out of the room to Chiana's room*  I would have wanted a pink room, but I have to admit that this yellow is nice, too.

Kat *Watches them go.  Something about that girl bothers her, but she's not sure what.  Calls after them*  Abby, when yer done, we really need te talk 'bout somethin'.

Abberline *with a sigh, returns*  Yes, what is it you want to talk about?  *sits down at the bedside, lights a cigarette, his thoughts still somewhere else*  I'm listening. 

Kat *Seeing he's not really listening at all, spits*  Ye darst e'en go thinkin' on tastin' any o'that Candy and it'll be worsen dolphins I'll be tossin' ye to, savvy!!!

Abberline: *annoyed*  Is that all you got to say?  That was the important matter you wanted to talk about?  *shakes his head*  Candy is just a sweet young girl, nothing more.  Didn't you see how well she got on with Chiana?  If that's all you have to say, I'll have more important matters elsewhere.  *sighs*  Kat, couldn't you start trusting me at least a little?

Kat:  No, that be not all I got te say, but it be a waste of time te talk te someone's that be not listenin'.  Off with ye then, go tend te yer important matters … *Mutters* … and that best include findin' me bloody ship.

Abberline:  Darling, I am listening for what you ahve tell, but we can talk about it later then - when you are in a better mood.  *not interested at all*  I'll tell Portsmith about your ship ... *starts to change clothes, takes off his vest, and the tie, unbuttons a couple of buttons, and then he believes he hears a small noise from Chiana's room and goes to see her.  Chiana is soundly asleep, and once again he forgets what he was about to do, he sits down in the white armchair, just looking at the baby sleeping, she is still a wonder to him that he can't get enough of, but as he has spent a sleepless night, he begins to doze off..* 

At Sleepy Hollow Woods:

Delano *quickly got himself and Loralee out of sight as he heard Manouche and Corso approaching the scene; he instructed Loralee to stay put hidden behind some bushes, while he cautiously moved nearer and watches them.  He’s about to step out his hiding place, but stops at the mention of Blake.  He concludes that it must be some kind of ritual to help Blake, and he’s not sure that he wants to disturb them.*

Corso *quickly finds the incantation, he hands Manouche a needle and begins reading it aloud as Manouche pricks her finger and lets a few drops of her blood drip onto the ground; he speaks the Rumanian words in a low solemn voice.*  Nici mort nici al flinctei.  Te invoc, spirit at trecerii.  Reda trupului ce sepera omul de animal.

Delano *doesn’t understand the words or exactly what they are trying to accomplish with the ritual, but he is becoming increasingly curious; wanting to take a closer look, he takes a step forward, but in doing so trips over a branch and in his attempt to regain balance, he stumbles into the circle just as a white light enters the squirrel.  He accidentally pushes Manouche, causing her to let go of the squirrel, which scurries off into the woods*

Corso *baffled*  The soul ran off …

Manouche *watches in horror as the squirrel runs away*  Oh, bloody ‘ell!  Corso, what’ll we do?  Th' squirrel, h-he … *She turns to Delano, starts to say something, then stops as it dawns on her who he is, and when she saw him last.  She stares at him, eyes wide, voice just above a whisper*  It … it were you … you killed ‘im.  Wh-why'd ye do it?  We neither of us ever done a thing t' ye, till ... it was all HER.  It was her doin'.  *She swallows, her eyes fill with tears; then an uncontrollable fury sweeps over her.  Her face goes livid, she cries out, and she throws herself at him, knocks him to the ground, her hands at his throat*

Corso *looks calmly at her attacking Delano*  By all means, beat him up, and in the meantime Blake the squirrel gets a good head start.  Maybe we could catch the squirrel's soul and transfer it into Blake?  Seems that this gent whom you are so intent on killing has to be treated in some other way, looks like a vampire to me.  *he lights a cigarette from one of the candles still burning in the circle*  Maybe he prefers to be a squirrel more than a poet?  *reads with mock gravity*

The wild squirrel, wand'ring here and there
Keeps the human soul from care

Delano *calmly grabs Manouche’s wrists and removes her hands from his throats.*  Calm down, gypsy!  *He lets go of her and gets to his feet; he points in the direction the squirrel went*  That was an accident.  *Looks at her intently, anger rising in him*  Why did I kill Blake?  You’re actually asking?  Same reason you just tried to strangle me!  *Turns to Corso*  You seem to know an awful lot about my kind … *he about to say more, but stops as he senses someone approaching*

Loralee *emerges from the bushes, looks at the scene with confusion; with her silky-soft voice*  Delano, what has happened?

Delano *rushes to her side*  A bit hard to explain, but no need to worry.

Corso *stares at her mouth wide open*  Loralee?  *the other book he has in his bag contains a reference to waking up vampires - after all, they are finally gone only after they have been burned to ashes, any other method leaves them still in the shadowy region of the undead, they just lose their tangible body - and since he read the chapter he has been thinking of Loralee, of bringing her back with the help of Manouche's blood - and there she is, right in front of his eyes*  Loralee?

Loralee *looks at Delano*  Do I know these people?  Are they friends?

Delano *hesitates, thinks of what to say*  You’ve met them, they’re acquaintances more than friends.  *Points to Corso*  He cannot be trusted …  *points to Manouche* … and she doesn’t trust me, us.  *To Corso and Manouche*  Yes, Loralee is back … and you both stay away from her!  *Glances back at her; quietly to the others*  She’s human, she doesn’t remember who she was or what she did …

Manouche *tries to collect herself, exhausted; runs a hand through her hair, turns to Corso, steadies her voice*  I will agree with ye, Dean Corso, that now's not th' time to be worryin' about settlin' past disputes.  *looks at them all*  I don't give a toss what the lot o' ye do.  I'm goin' after that squirrel.  Then if I'm lucky enough t' catch it, per'aps we can continue where we left off.  *mutters to herself*  Bloody nightmare.  *turns to chase after the squirrel*

Delano: *glances at Loralee*  Wait here … *Runs after Manouche leaving Loralee on her own, catches up to Manouche*  Hold on, I can help you find the squirrel; I can … smell it.

Manouche *eyes him suspiciously*  Why would ye want to help me?  *suddenly looks very sad*  W-we never would’ve harmed either o’ ye, mate.  Wh-what was it all about, an’ … why was that … that Loralee … why were she so certain we’d done ‘er wrong?  We tried t' tell her different.  I don’t … *voice trails off as she hears something; she turns toward the noise, Delano follows her.  They step cautiously through the brush to a small thicket, she moves branches aside and gasps as she sees Blake holding a squirrel, about to put the bite on it*  NO!  No, don’t do it!  *she runs forward to stop him*

Blake *looks up at her, startled, then looks angry*  I told you, I have to feed on SOMEthing … I’m sparing your animals, and I’m sparing you.  Now leave me alone … this existence is torturous enough as it is.  *he sees Delano, and in his surprise, he loosens his hold on the squirrel, which jumps to Manouche, climbs back on her shoulder.  Blake frowns at Delano*  Oh, it’s you.  I didn’t think you ever wanted to see me again.  Don’t worry, once I talk that fool Jerod into keeping his promise, you won’t have to worry about my presence being a bad reflection on your skills.  *he looks at Manouche, motions toward Delano*  I’m one of his less successful protégés, so it would seem.

Delano: *looks at Manouche, shrugs*  The damage was done, so I tried to help him as a vampire. *To Blake*  Give Jerod and the gypsies a chance, if anyone can help you, it’s them.  *Sighs*  I honestly don’t know why I care … *Turns to Manouche again*  You and Blake may not have meant any harm, but he killed Loralee … I’m sure you of all people can understand my reaction to that.

Manouche:  Aye, he killed Loralee … but only because she were hurtin’ me, savvy?  This never would’ve ‘appened if she’d listened to us, an’ I think ye bloody well know that.  *reaches up to the squirrel, looks at Delano*  Is this th’ right squirrel?  Can ye tell?  An’ if it is … can ye help us?  We don’t want t’ hurt anyone, we … I jus’ want t’ bring Mr. Blake back, is all.  *she looks at Delano carefully, starts to sense something, smiles slightly*  Ye do care, don’t ye?  An’ what’s more … ye tried t’ talk her out of it at th’ time, didn’t ye?  Ye want t’ help ‘cause ye know it were wrong from th’ start.  Cheers, mate.  *glances at Blake, looks back at Delano*  Y’ never know … there may be somethin’ we can do t’ help ye with Loralee.  Per’aps we can all put this behind us, an’ go on.  Not sure why I’m sensin’ that.  I’m a dreamer … I sense things sometimes.  *smile fades, she looks back in the direction from where they came*  I’m not sure I would leave Loralee alone with Corso for long, if I were you …

Delano *rolls his eyes*  All right, so the whole thing wasn’t my idea, but you must understand something.  No matter what his reasons for killing Loralee, it would never have changed the outcome, so don’t think I’ve been having sleepless days over this!  *Glances back in the direction they came from, looks back at Manouche; frowns*  Why?  Do you think he’ll hurt her?  *With an expression of concern*  You better grab hold of that squirrel so we can do this.

Manouche *starts to speak of other things she’s picking up from him; but at his words, she holds back, nods coolly*  Fair enough.  Can’t say I’ve lost sleep over Loralee’s fate, either, fer that matter.  So if yer not of a mind to help, so be it, be on yer way.  But if ye are, then let’s do whatever we need t’ do, an’ never cross paths again.  *takes the squirrel into her arms, holds it securely*  I don’t reckon Corso would hurt Loralee, but … well, ye said it yerself, he can’t be trusted.  ‘Cept to th’ highest bidder.  But that don’t concern me, it’s yer affair.  I’m jus’ offerin’ advice.

Delano *muttering in annoyance*  I did just say “WE” … *starts going back, calling over his shoulder*  Are you coming?

Manouche *sighs, cradling the squirrel*  Aye, I’m comin’.  *looks at Blake*  Please, love … please come with us.

Blake *starts to protest, then looks into her eyes; nods*  All right, but … this is the last time.  If this doesn’t help … then I’m going to—

Manouche *interrupts him quickly, speaks with a confidence she doesn’t feel*  It’ll work.  *they turn, follow Delano back to Corso and Loralee*

Corso *approaches Loralee* Don't you remember me, Loralee?  *looks at her sharply*  There is something wrong with you ... My gods, you are human!  *moves a little closer, talks to her in a reassuring way*  The vile vampire must have caught you and erased your memory when he brought you in these woods.  He may tell you lies about being your friend, but the only reason he is with you is that he is going to feed on you, you don't even know the horror and danger that you are facing.  I can help you.  He says that I am not to be trusted, because he doesn't want to reveal the truth about himself to you.  I have been looking for you to rescue you.  We were once very close.  *looks at her very intently with his brown eyes* … until that creature took you away from me.

Loralee *takes a step back, unsure who to trust*  But … but I remember Delano, I do not remember you at all.  I even recall the woman.  *Tears form in her eyes*  Va … vampire?  But he was so kind to me … *she shakes her head as she walks backwards*  I don’t know what to believe, I don’t … remember.  *Looks at Corso*  Did I …. were we in love?

Corso *backs off too, not wanting to scare her, softly*  Yes, we were.  He must have wiped me entirely from your memory.  He pretends to be kind to you, but he is really a vampire, and there is only one reason why a vampire is interested in a human:  blood.  Loralee, look at me, don't you really remember me?  Can it be that you have completely forgotten me and trust more a vile predator?  Believe me, vampires can be charming when they want to be, and they can make themselves look appealing in our eyes, to make the prey trust them.  We are just prey to them.

Loralee *meets Corso’s eyes … he seems friendly, but Delano seemed friendly, too.  She looks around her, seeing nothing but the darkness of the forest; she shivers and looks back at Corso; hesitantly*  I suppose we should leave before he comes back?

Corso:  I know what you are thinking.  He can make himself look as friendly as he wants and hide his true nature behind the mask.  This is not a place for you.  *he keeps her eyes locked in his and reaches out his hand and Loralee takes it hesitantly, he smiles at her, not his usual grin or smirk, but a genuine warm smile, as her fingers wrap slowly around his hand*  We'd better hurry before he comes back and kills us both.  *And without a further word, they leave quietly.*

Delano *stops suddenly as they reach the circle of candles.  No one is there.  He scans the area trying to spot either Loralee or Corso, but he can’t see either of them.  Turns to Manouche and Blake; looks at Manouche*  They’re not here!  *Anger rising in him*  Your fool of a helper took Loralee away!

Manouche *brings hand up to her eyes, shakes her head; the squirrel scurries back up to her shoulder*  I ain’t surprised.  *looks at Delano*  He’s no helper o’ mine.  Not anymore.  *pauses, looks around, sees a book that Corso brought, laying on the ground; picks it up, looks at it for a moment, then hands it to Delano*  Is this of any use to ye?  *she lights a cigarette, gazes around the woods, shakes her head again*  I’m at a loss, mate.  Do what ye need t’ do.  It’s all over.  I realize helpin’ Mr. Blake an’ me would ‘ave to take a back seat in yer list o’ priorities now, with Loralee ‘avin’ gone off with Corso.  *glances at Blake sorrowfully, doesn't know what to say.  Sighs deeply, turns back to Delano*  If ye need t’ find Loralee, I can show ye all o’ Corso’s hidin’ places, I’m familiar with ‘em all.  Matter o’ fact, I ‘appen to possess some most revealin’ footage of ‘im in various compromisin’ situations.  *shrugs*

Delano *glances shortly at the book without reading any of the words; looks up again with a pensive expression*  You said before that this Corso character wouldn’t harm her, right?  If you believe that, then we can make a deal … I help you with Blake and you help me find Loralee and hopefully restore her memory.  Mind you, I am no expert on spells or anything like that, but I know someone who might be able to help.  He’s the one who brought Loralee back.  Do we have a deal?

Manouche *nods*  Aye, we ‘ave a deal.  *continues smoking, gazing at the woods around them*  Corso, he … I don’t believe that he … *she stops herself from saying that Corso is usually fairly harmless, just a bit of a sleaze; she smiles to herself, then looks at Delano with great concern*  Harm ‘er?  Blimey, mate, NO woman is safe with Dean Corso!  He’s ruthless as they come.  He ‘as no qualms about mistreatin’ anyone, he’d sell his own mum if there were profit in it fer ‘im.  Why, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that, at this very moment, he’s considerin’ sellin’ yer sweet Loralee into th’ slave trade.  It don’t even matter to ‘im whether it’s a small or large profit, savvy?  To him, all human life is a cheap commodity, especially women.  An’ there are a league o’ citizens in this town who would back me up on me opinion.  By th’ powers, I’ve seen ‘im thrown to th’ sharks over less than this!  *holds her hand out*  We ‘ave an accord.  Truth be told, I’d be tempted to help ye with yer bonnie lass even if ye weren’t to lift a finger on Mr. Blake’s behalf … only because that menace Corso needs t’ be taught a lesson.  However, I can tell ye ‘ave a keen business side to ye, an’ I know ye wouldn’t respect me if I were t’ offer me services of assist with no return, as it were.  I’ve always felt it best that people involved in transactions together should respect one another.  Mutual gain, an’ all that.  Savvy?  *grins as he shakes her hand*  Now, what do we do next?

Delano *frowns as he thinks of Manouche’s description of Corso; remembers Corso’s reaction when he saw Loralee was back; shakes his head*  No, I don’t think it’s profit he wants … I think it’s her.  The way he looked at her …. *Looks back at Manouche*  We better hurry.  *Starts leading them towards town*  We are going to From Hell Court, my place.  Hopefully Alex will be there.  He’ll be able to decipher the next move from this book of yours.*

At From Hell Court:

Delano *leads them far into From Hell Court to the tavern in which he’s renting a room … or rather, threatening the owner to let him stay and keep quiet about it.  He leads them upstairs to his room and opens the door.  They find Alex sleeping on the bed.*

Delano *pushes Alex to wake him up*  Alex, wake up!  We need a bookworm.

Alex *wakes up; looks past Delano and Manouche and Blake, then back at Delano with a grin*  Did you decide to exchange Loralee for the gypsy and her poet?

Delano *slaps him on the head*  Don’t be an idiot!  *Hands him the book opened on the page Manouche showed him earlier.*  We’re trying to restore Blake’s soul … the squirrel is the holder … or something.

Alex *Reads the page; grins*  Kill the squirrel … that’s all.  The soul will find its rightful owner by itself.

Manouche *feels the squirrel on her shoulder, his paws busily playing with her hair*  Ahh, bloody ‘ell …

Blake:  You people can keep talking all you want about souls and soul traps, and whatever … I can't wait any longer.  *he grabs the squirrel from Manouche’s shoulder, looks into Manouche’s eyes*  I’m sorry.  *he takes the squirrel to a corner of the room, turns away from them, bares his fangs and bites into the creature, killing it.  A strange gust of air, like a balmy tradewind, fills the room momentarily, and Manouche looks worriedly at Delano and Alex, then back to Blake, who cries out, brings his hands to his throat, then slumps to the floor, unconscious.

Manouche:  Blimey –   *she runs to Blake’s side, crouches down, takes him into her arms, holds him for what seems an indeterminable amount of time*  W-William Blake … love … speak t’ me …  *she looks up at Delano and Alex, her eyes filled with anguish*  H-he ain’t respondin’ at all ... his breathin’ is so shallow …

Blake *stirs slightly, frowns, slowly opens his eyes, squinting as if the light is especially harsh.  He closes his eyes again, then opens them again after another minute.  He looks around, not sure where he is; then he looks up, sees Manouche’s anxious face.  He gazes at her for a moment, then brings a trembling hand up to her face*  H-honey?  How long have I ... Is it … is it r-really you? ...

Manouche *tears in her eyes, whispers*  William Blake … d’ ye know me?

Blake *murmurs, his voice faint*  Manouche … my love … *his eyes start to close again, but he smiles*  Deux cœurs … une âme …

Manouche *sobs*  N-notre monde.  *she holds him close, weeping, her hair spilling around them both*

Alex *with a baffled expression*  Is he … is he human?

Delano *looking at Manouche and Blake; impatiently*  I hate to break up this lovely reunion, but I believe we made a deal … can we go now?

Manouche *wipes her eyes, leans down, kisses Blake tenderly on the lips; he brings a hand up to her face, returns the kiss.  She gazes at him lovingly, then looks up at Delano*  Aye, we can go.  Whatever ye want.  Ye’ve returned Mr. Blake t’ me, an’ I’ll never forget it.  *glances at Alex*  That goes fer you as well, mate.  An’ if ye don’t mind, I’d like t’ leave Mr. Blake ‘ere while I accompany Delano.  It won’t be fer long, but he jus’ needs a safe place t’ rest, an’ I don’t ‘ave time t’ take him home.

Alex *frowns and glares at her*  No problem … you must have a lot of faith in me if leaving a human in my care …

Delano *looks at Alex sternly*  And I trust you will take good care of him?

Alex:  You do realize all this cooperating with humans is going to give us both a bad rep?  *rolls his eyes as Delano keeps his stern gaze at him*  I’ll be good …

Delano:  If you want to enjoy your eternal life, you will.  *To Manouche*  I’m not sure what’s best … find Loralee first and let her memory come back to her gradually, provided it will.  Or find a way to restore her memory first and then find her.  I can just imagine what this Corso fellow has been feeding her … *lowers his eyes*  I don’t want to scare her, she was so frightened and fragile … *Sighs*  What do you think is the best way to go?