At From Hell Court:

Alex *from the other side of the door*  I may know of a spell that could restore Loralee’s memory ….

Delano *in the small, dark room; gets up from the chair and opens the door, looks at Alex carefully*  Really?  You can do that?

Alex *quickly enters the room before Delano changes his mind; casually slumps into the armchair*  If I have enough magic in me to bring her back, I’m sure I can manage a simple memory spell ….

Delano *closes the door and looks at Alex in his chair with annoyance*  I guess that’s true … *glances at the list of Corso’s hideouts*  Do you need me for the spell?  If not, then you can work on that while I go look for her.  With a little luck, our timing will match.

Alex:  No, no, you can go ahead and go look for her.  I’ll try to hurry with the spell.

Delano *nods*  Great.  *He opens the door again and is about to leave, then turns*  And thank you, I appreciate your help.

Alex *after Delano has left; muttering to himself*  Jeez, all that interaction with humans is rubbing off on him!  *He finds an old book of his and flips through the pages looking for a spell to restore Loralee’s memory, but then it dawns on him … if she can’t remember who Delano is or who she was, and thinks that he is nothing more than an evil vampire and she nothing but a meal to him, then Delano will have to turn her in order to make her stay with him.  Then maybe all this nonsense can be over, and he can treat humans the way they should be treated; as prey.  He lies down on the bed, smiling, pleased with his plan.*

At DeeDee’s apartment:

DeeDee *to Malachi, as they approach her apartment*  Oh sure, I was going to see my sister some day.  I want to see him myself, but I doubt that anyone could be as hot as you.  *smiles mischievously*  I could tell him that Daphne sends her regards.  So you like my little dress, eh?  *laughs as he pulls her closer, sticks her tongue in his ear*  It's not far … *fumbles for keys from her purse, opens the door to the apartment, where everything is black and white, there are no decorations except one huge poster on the wall - DeeDee modeling for Hottest Swimsuits in a miniature diamond bikini.  DeeDee slumps to the sofa, lifting her long legs in the tight black boots on the coffee table and beckons him to join her*  Make yourself comfortable, love.  So, do you like what you see?

Malachi *nods*  You women, always acting like you have to be told.  I’ve never met a dame yet who didn’t know how good-looking she was.  What the hell, I’ll go along with it … sure, I like what I see.  *grins, turns to look at the poster*  Shy, aren’t you?  *glances around, sees a small table with various bottles and glasses, goes over to pour drinks for them both; brings glasses back to the sofa, sits next to her, hands her a glass, puts his hand on her leg*  And you like what you see, too, eh?  *flutters his long eyelashes mockingly, his smile broadens when she laughs*  It would be great fun for you to drop by and tell Abberline that Daphne sends her regards … *smile fades slightly*  But maybe you better not.  I’ve promised a friend that I wouldn’t give him a hard time.  *shrugs*  Anyway, he’ll get himself in enough trouble on his own, without any help from the outside.  He always does.  *takes a drink, shakes his head as if to clear it, then turns to her, his fingers squeezing her leg, running his hand up higher on her thigh*  I suggest we change the subject, beautiful.  I don’t see any reason to talk about him anymore.  *sets his drink down, takes hers from her, sets it next to his, pushes her back against the sofa, murmurs*  Three’s a crowd, savvy?  *kisses her hard on the lips*

DeeDee *inhaling deeply when he touches her leg, stares him in his beautiful brown eyes, liking indeed everything she sees, and she likes even more what he does, she returns greedily the kiss*  I have a better suggestion, handsome, let's quit talking for a while and do something instead.  *arches her back and presses her body against his*

Malachi:  We have an accord … silence is golden.  *he pulls her close, kisses her again, deeply, slides his hand up, skillfully pulls at the strings at the front of her corset top, opening it slightly.  He brings his arms around her, crushes her against him, brings his mouth to her ear, whispers*  I don’t suppose this is a sofa bed?  *slides his lips down, kisses her neck*

DeeDee *out of breath*  Beds are used for sleeping *pulls his shirt out, slides her both hands up his back, then downwards till his belt, murmurs*  Ease off your clothes, I will see to it that it's going to be hot ...

Malachi *his mouth on hers, removes his shirt, brings his hands inside her corset, pulls it down, his voice husky*  Far be it for me to argue with a lady …

*voice off-stage*  Oh Mr. DuBoiiiis ……..

Director DuBois *rolls eyes, throws his hands up, frustrated*  CUT!!!!

At Corso’s apartment:

Loralee *wanders about the apartment for a while hoping to find something she recognizes, some sign of her life.  After a while, she gives up and instead picks out a book from the overfilled shelf.  She makes herself comfortable on the couch, pulls the blanket over her legs, begins reading*

At From Hell Court / at Corso’s apartment:

Delano *quickly checks the hideouts in From Hell Court that Manouche put on the list, but to his disappointment all of the places are empty.  He decides to check if Corso has brought Loralee to Chateau Blanchefort, even though Manouche said it was unlikely, but none of the other hideouts paid off and a little peek at the castle can’t hurt.  He begins making his way out of From Hell Court, but as he passes an apartment building near the outskirts of the area, he senses something.  He pauses and listens for any familiar sounds; he scans his surroundings, but sees or hears no one.  He shrugs, thinking it was nothing, and continues on his way, but he is still drawn to that building.  He turns and goes back, tries to focus his senses and soon he is certain Loralee is near.  He has always been able to sense whenever she was near; it is less strong now, but it’s still there.  He looks up at the building and notices that the lights are on in the penthouse apartment; he jumps up and gets a hold of the fire escape and climbs up, very quickly reaching the penthouse apartment*

Loralee *looks up from the book with a start as she hears a sound; at first she doesn’t know where the sound comes from, but when she hears it again, she turns her gaze towards the glass door in the living room leading to the small balcony.  She jumps when she sees a dark figure standing outside the window.  Slowly she puts down the book on the table, pushes away the blanket and rises from the couch.  She cautiously approaches the door and despite Corso’s warnings, feels a sense of relief when seeing it’s Delano.*  What do you want?

Delano *smiles*  I am so glad that I found you!  You don’t need to fear me, I won’t do you any harm.  *lowers his eyes*  I just want to talk to you.

Loralee *looks at him suspiciously; he is a vampire so she shouldn’t trust him, but at the same time, there is something strangely familiar about him.  Knowing that he is potentially very dangerous, she is still afraid.  But she steadies herself and tries to make her voice sound steady and confident.*  We can talk. But you must stay outside …

Delano:  That’s fine … I can’t get inside unless you invite me.  *He sits down on the floor of the balcony just outside the glass door*

Loralee *Hesitates, but then sits down on the floor of the apartment*  Oh, I see … *looks at him with curiosity*  In the forest you claimed that we used to know each other, please tell me more.

Delano *wonders if the truth will be too much for her, but decides she has to know sooner or later; speaks softly*  That necklace you’re wearing, I bought that for you … we were in Prague.  I had it engraved for you as well; With love, Delano.

Loralee *touches the necklace, holds it up and turns it; her eyes grow wide as she reads the inscription on the back … With love, Delano.  She stares at him for a moment, then rises from the floor and with a trembling hand opens the glass door.*  I invite you in …

At Bournemouth House:

Candy *Outside Bournemouth House retrieving the tools from her attempted warding.  Concerned because there's been no sign of her success.  Worriedly picking up the last of the black candles.  Casting a look of despair towards the house.  This is her last chance to be accepted by her superiors but even worse, this time there was a feeling of evil lurking and real danger to her charge*

Abberline *starts as Chiana opens her eyes and lets out a cry, turns too look at O'Malley, but notices she is gone, then he looks worried at Chiana, wondering if she's hungry again.  Now how often do babies feed?  And where did Candy get that bottle from?  He goes to Candy's room but she's not there, he goes out in the hall, starting to get nervous, listening to the small noises Chiana makes*  Candy?  Where are you?  Chiana needs something!

Candy *Having heard on the stairs Abberline's call*  I'm here.  *Smiles reassuringly*  Everything’s fine.  *Continues into Chiana's room to her crib places a gentle hand on her soothingly.  Glances back at Abby, who has followed her in*  She needs changing, is all.  *Several minutes later, she has her changed and cooing.*

Abberline *admiring her handling the baby*  Can I hold her now, I want you to show how.  You've been here only one day and I already understand that we would not be able to manage without you.  I am very pleased that you found us.  *smiles at her warmly*  I don't know anything about babies.

Candy:  You'll do fine.  You handled her very well earlier.  The main thing is supporting her head.  You're her father, you can hold her anytime you wish.  Maybe you' like to take her for her daily outings.  I see there's a very nice carriage for her.

Abberline:  Out?  Can I take her out already?  *notices the clothes O'Malley brought and remembers her wedding plans*  Yes, I want to take her out, but I just remembered something.  *casts a look at Chiana, then goes to the master bedroom*  Kat, Grace O'Malley was here, she's getting married with Donnie and I promised that we will be their witnesses.  Oh, and you said you had something important to say.  I promise I will be listening better now, I am all attention.  *lights a cigarette and looks at her expectantly*

Kat *Sheepishly*  Aye I be 'avin' somethin' te say.  Problem is I don't know 'ow. I know we be of differin' minds on many thin's.  We argue and clash sometimes 'urtin' each other.  It be not what I want but it just is.  I can't 'elp it.  I been always on me on e'en when I were with someone I ne'er e'en realized it before now.  I was ne'er afeard of bein' alone or e'en loneliness till you.  *Hesitates*  I 'ave somethin' for ye.  *Handing him a brown envelope.*  These be the papers selling out my interests in certain business interests in Deppville.  Kidd made the arrangements some time ago when she went off to tend to making the deal. I got the final papers today.  What I be tryin' te say is in spite of e'erythin', I love ye, Fred Abberline.  Only the thought of losin' ye leaves me fearin' loneliness.  There, I said it the best way I know 'ow.  *Turns away in embarrassment*  E'en if we end tomorrow, I'll be of the same mind.

Abberline *who has been waiting for something entirely different, puts out his cigarette, takes her chin in his hand and turns her towards himself, very moved of what she's willing to do for him, hugs her tightly for a long time*  Kat, I don't know what to say ... I would never abandon you, you have made my life worth living, and you have brought me two wonderful children.  Kat, I love you just the way you are ... *kisses her gently* … till death do us part.

Kat *Laying her head on his shoulder, sighs*  Do ye?  But 'ow can ye?  E'erythin' 'bout me be either

irritatin' ye or causin' ye grief.

Candy *Appears at the door, hesitates*  I'm sorry, am I interrupting?  I just wanted to ask if I might do

some shopping for Chiana.  I can come back later.  *Starts to turn away*

Kat:  No wait, it's alright.  I think we're done now.  *Looks at Abby*

Abberline:  No, that's not at all how it is, you have given me a reason to live.  *kisses her*  You can irritate me till death do us part ... Get a good rest and let Miranda and Candy take care of the baby and the household.  *to Candy*  Yes, of course you can go shopping for Chiana, just tell them to send the bills to me.  *rises up, takes the envelope, turns to go*  Oh, and one more thing.  Two is enough.  I won't ever put you through all that again.  *and with a smile he goes downstairs and opens the envelope, and his eyes go wide as he realizes how much Kat was involved in businesses with, how to put it nicely, odd names - The Woo Hoo Bar, Badonkadonk Club, and the shop he knows so well, Vicky's Dirty Little Secrets, and she has given up all them for him ... He nods to himself, knowing that he has made the right decision and heads towards From Hell Court*

At DeeDee’s apartment:

Malachi *wakes up much later on the floor, forgetting for a moment where he is, then he looks at DeeDee, sound asleep next to him.  Gently moves some of her hair back from her face, smiles; she’s so beautiful.  He carefully moves away from her so he doesn’t wake her, stands up, stretches.  He wanders through the apartment, finds his way into the bathroom, sees another large portrait of her in another bikini.  He studies it for a moment, thinks again about their lovemaking, and congratulates himself on using “safety precautions”.  She had protested the slight interruption in proceedings, but he had insisted.  The last thing he needs is an unplanned Malachi Jr. running around Deppville, especially with DeeDee as the mum.  A woman who looks like her obviously seldom goes without male companionship unless that’s her preference.  And Malachi isn’t fool enough to think she would be content with just him and no one else in her life … and besides, they just met.  He splashes water on his face, goes back through the apartment, sees she’s still sleeping; goes into the small kitchen, finds what he needs to make coffee, gets it started; lights a cigarette, sits at the kitchen table, smiles.  Though they have just met, he has to admit, he likes her, even beyond the physical attraction.  She took his cynicism right in stride, and when she wasn’t playing games at being coy, he sensed that there may be an actual brain behind the good looks.  Time will tell, he thinks to himself with a shrug, as he waits for the coffee to finish brewing*

DeeDee *wakes up slowly as always in the mornings, stretches herself, and satisfied, she congratulates herself on the catch remembering the night.  It was so funny when he insisted on the protectives like she ever would want a kid and spoil her body and life ... She hears him in the kitchen, and very quietly she sneaks in to her bedroom and takes on one of her best finds at Vicky's Dirty Little Secrets, a tempting almost see-through morning robe, leaves it open, puts on her high heeled slippers, checks that her face is ok, applies some perfume called the Ultimate Temptation and walks slowly to the kitchen, sits on the kitchen table dangling her feet.  She takes his cigarette from his mouth and looks at his intense eyes*  Hello, handsome!  I see that you found your way in my kitchen, or should I rather say also in my kitchen ...

Malachi *laughs, finds another cigarette for himself, lights it*  Don’t you ever have your own smokes?  *runs a hand through his tousled hair, stands, pours coffee for them both, returns to the table.  Sets the steaming cups down, stands in front of her as she sits on the table; slides his hands inside her robe, pulls her close, kisses her slowly, languidly on the mouth, breathes in her perfume appreciatively*  So, what time do you have to be at work?  I suppose I should clear out of here, let you get ready …  *he runs his hands slowly up and down her back, to the curves of her hips*

DeeDee:  The smoke tastes better this way.  *and then she forgets it, because Malachi kisses her, she can see and feel that he's not a novice and that he has lots of experience, which makes him all the more tempting to her, he's hot and good looking - she could never date a guy who's not a looker, and she moves a little closer to him*  Aye, I suppose I should soon be ready to go to work, but that snotty bitch can wait till I get my breakfast first ... *pulls him closer and bites his ear, wraps her legs around him*

Malachi *gazes at her, his dark eyes smouldering*  Well, breakfast is the most important meal of the day … *he pushes her down on the table, kissing her passionately*

Ichy and Miranda

Ichy *walking with Miranda in the gardens*  I promised to take you to see Gunpowder, remember, when we were last time here.

Miranda *eyes shining*  Of course I do remember!  The flowers were in full bloom, and so were the meadows where we sat down, and we shared a kiss ...  I will never forget the day.

Ichy *coughs embarrassed, trying to keep some distance so that she wouldn't notice anything is amiss.  He promised Kat that he would wait patiently and bide his time and pretend being still in love with Miranda, he leads her to a fenced field where a lone horse starts to stare at them as they get close, it is fat and disfigured and there is a devilish glint in his eyes*  Here's Gunpowder, my trusty old horse.  He has been on pension now for some years.  I use to come and see him now and then.  *tries to give the horse a roll and a carrot, but Gunpowder just snorts, and looking vicious attempts to snap at Ichy's fingers with huge yellow teeth*

Miranda *backs a few steps*  Oh, I see.  Why isn't he with the other horses?

Ichy *tries to clap it on the neck, but the horse turns his side on him, his eyes inviting to try anything foolish and he will kick ... *  Er, yes, that was Gunpowder.  He prefers privacy, you see … *he was too evil to be kept with the other horses ... *  Look, it's beginning to be late, I should take you back home.

Miranda *remembering Kat's words tries to hide her disappointment*  Oh, of course.  You must have a busy schedule defending and saving victims of crime all the time.

Ichy *trying not to show how pleased he is for Miranda not trying to jump on him*  I would love to stay with you longer, but I can't.  *pretending to be sad, takes her hand*  I promised the Inspector that you would be at home in good time.

Miranda:  With the new baby, he wouldn't notice anything in a few days.

Ichy:  But Kat will need you.