At Deppville Hospital:

Abberline:  No.  There is no fun in it.  None whatsoever.  *enters the hospital, walks to the reception, shows the form*  I am here on behalf of this, but I don't know who's the doctor.

Receptionist *taps the keyboard*  That would be Dr. Rainey.  He can take you in an half an hour.  Please sit down and wait.

Abberline *incredulously*  Dr. Rainey?  But she's...

Receptionist:  Dr. Martin Rainey will see you in thirty minutes.  Please take a seat.

Abberline:  I can't wait here for that long!  It's urgent!

Receptionist *frowns*  Please take a seat and calm down.

Abberline *taps nervously at the reception desk* I need to see him now.  *to Raven, who is completely absorbed in a comic book*  I am not going to wait here.  We'll come back later.  *is interrupted by the blonde nurse who enters with a pack of files, leaves them at the reception and smiles at Abberline*  Have you come for a control?

Abberline *turns to her surprised*  No ...

Nurse:  I have been thinking of you.

Abberline *confused*  Have you?

Receptionist:  Dr. Rainey will see you now.

Abberline:  Oh.  I better be going then.  Come, Raven.

Receptionist:  You can't take the boy in.

Abberline *looks at Raven*  I can't leave him here.

Blonde nurse:  I can look after him, if it suits you.

Abberline *nods*  You can stay with her, Raven.

Dr. Rainey *closes the door, sits down at his desk*  So, Mr. Abberline.  We have been waiting here for you.  It was extremely dangerous and foolish of you to stop the treatment abruptly like that.  And please return the files immediately.  They are property of Deppville Hospital.

Abberline:  The detox?

Dr. Rainey:  No, the experiment treatment.

Abberline *slams the folder on the table, takes the form*  These are my records.  But I have not agreed upon anything like this.  I will not sign this.

Dr. Rainey:  But you have agreed.  As you well must remember, we agreed to start the treatment immediately, and you promised to sign the form later.  And then you ran out of the hospital.

Abberline:  That's illegal!  And I was admitted.  I have never given my consent to anything like this!

Dr. Rainey *looks at him sharply*  Your memory seem to have been already affected badly.  *takes a pen and gives it to Abberline*  But fortunately, now you are back, and we can go on.  Please sign this form now.  This is the very first time this new drug is being tested properly, so I have to compliment on your open-mindedness.  We are being funded by a very respectable big organization interested in fighting drug abuse.  And Commander Portsmith has taken a keen interest in this project as well.  It was she who suggested you.  We have high hopes that it will cure addicts in under half the time than traditional detox.  For good.  None of those it has been tested on have relapsed.  Some of the complications have been fatal, but we are working on that.  Have you noticed anything?  How have you been feeling?  You don't look very well to me.  *takes the brain scan*  We need a new scan to see whether there are any changes ...

Abberline:  Are you telling me that you have been using me for this bloody experiment without my knowledge?

Dr. Rainey:  Tell me, is your memory always so faulty?  Do you feel disoriented?

Abberline:  I do.  But it is because of this outrageous ...

Dr. Rainey:  You seem a bit unbalanced and nervous to me.  *takes a notebook*  Let's see ... symptoms ... fast pulse ... uncontrolled emotions.  Do you feel like your heart is racing?  Cutting immediately out on the dose has in some case lead to heart attacks.

Abberline:  This is disgusting!  *gets up, walks out and slams the door*

Dr. Rainey *taking still notes*  Outbursts of anger ... unpredictable behaviour ...

Raven *has been feeling lightheaded, picking up on some of Abberline's fury during his discussion with Dr. Rainey.  Looks up as Abberline storms out of the doctor's office*  F-father, are you all right?  *glances back at office*  Let's go, Father ... I'm ... scared ...

Abberline:  There's nothing to be scared about.  Preposterous ...  Fatal complications ...  *takes Raven by the hand and walks straight out, stops on the street*  The evidence ... I forgot them in that quack's room.  *looks at Raven who still looks shaken up*  I have to try to get them back later.  It's probably best I take you to Manouche.

At Manouche and Blake’s house:

Manouche *lying on the floor, starts to wake up, gradually becomes aware of knocking on the door.  Sits up, runs hand through her hair, blinks as she looks around room, now dark except for the fire in the fireplace, which has dwindled.  Grimaces at the near-empty absinthe bottle on floor next to her.  Pulls herself up, walks slowly to door; opens it, sees Abberline and Raven*  Oh, ay, Inspector … lil’ mate …  *waves them in, walks unsteadily back in room, drops down onto sofa.*  Y-ye don’t mind if I don’t play hostess at this particular juncture, d’ ye, luvs?  I, ah … not feelin’ quite up t’ par, as it were.  Help yerselves t’ any an’ all, with me compliments.  *takes cigarettes from coffee table, lights one, hands shaking*

Raven *comes up to her*  Can I bring you anything?  No, never mind, I know what to get … it’ll just take a few minutes.  *turns, goes to kitchen; they soon hear him rattling dishes, scraping the chair across the floor so he can stand on it to reach in high cabinets*

Manouche *rubs eyes*  Blimey, what th’ ‘ell time is it …  *glances up at Abberline, who still stands, looking at her.  Smiles weakly*  Grab a drink an’ ‘ave a seat, mate.  Unless yer jus’ droppin’ Raven an’ need t’ be on yer way.

Abberline:  What is it?  *spots the bottle, picks it up, frowning*  This is heavy stuff, Manouche.  *looks at her for long*  I never seen you like this before.  *takes some logs and puts them in the fireplace, then turns back to her.*  Do you want me to stay?  Or if you need to be alone, I can go and take Raven with me ... *stops*  Where is Blake?

Manouche:  Cheers, mate, that fire were gettin’ low.  *pauses*  I’m sound, jus’ overindulgin’ a bit, is all.  S’true enough, I don’t do it often.  *looks around room forlornly*  Mr. Blake … ahhh … he’s gone away fer a time … needed a lil’ break from th’ insanity, so t’ speak.  *looks up at him*  Yer welcome t’ do as ye wish, an’ y’ can always leave Raven, goes without sayin’.  Y’ still stayin’ at Sergeant Godley’s apartment?  He’s been gone fer awhile, now, ain’t ‘e?  Reckon he needed a break, as well, eh?  *smile fades, eyes fill with tears, looks back to fire*  A-apologies, luv.  I … I don’ know what I’ll do if Mr. Blake don’t come back.

Abberline:  Is Blake gone?  *sits down in an armchair.*  Left you alone with all this?  I can't believe he would act like that.  I think it would not be good for you to be alone now, and I am sure Raven wants to stay with you.  If you need me, I will be here, but I doubt I'll be much help ...  *feels uncomfortable with her tears, opens the absinth bottle, pours the rest in a glass*  Sergeant Godley ... Yes, it seems that I am abandoned too.  I don't think he wants to see me after that ... incident at the hospital.  *uncertainly*  I am sure that Blake will be back.

Manouche *wipes eyes*  He ‘ad his reasons fer leavin’, I can’t fault ‘im.  It were always his way before we got together, to wander … comin’ from Romany heritage meself, I fully understand th’ attraction o’ nomadic lifestyle.  He swears he’s comin’ back, I believe ‘im, an’ he were kind as could be about it.  But I can’t stop hatin’ meself fer what I did t’ push ‘im away, an’ him always so good t’ me … *sniffs loudly, looks at Abberline*  S-sorry, Inspector, jus’ feelin’ sorry fer meself, an’ wallowin’ a bit.  I need t’ treat this as one o’ his planned getaways, th’ way he sometimes goes off by himself t’ write poetry.  I normally don’t mind bein’ on me onesies, but at th’ moment, I’m glad th’ pair o’ ye are here.  *smiles gratefully*  I’m sure Raven’d prefer ye stay ‘ere as well, so yer welcome t’ stay, guest room is ready, no trouble.  An’ Inspector … if Sergeant Godley has stood by ye all this time, I doubt that one incident at hospital’ll turn ‘im away.  I reckon we need t’ keep th’ light burnin’ fer both of’ ‘em, don’t we?  *looks up as Raven emerges from kitchen carrying a tray*

Raven:  Here, Manouche.  *sets tray down on table before her; it holds hot jasmine tea, buttered toast, and a red rose from the garden outside*

Manouche *staring*  B-blimey … lil’ mate, how’d ye know?  It’s exactly like what … what Mr. Blake brings me when I’m under th’ weather …

Raven *shrugs*  I just know.  *places hand on her shoulder*  He’ll be back.  *Manouche looks at him sharply, he smiles; she hugs him*

At the Security building:

Ichy *Having met with Godley earlier in the day telling him to take the rest of the day off, rises from his desk, decides it's time to go home himself.  He leaves the office.  A noise behind him causes him to stop and look back.  Nothing there.  Turns once more towards home and is confronted by a woman he has never seen before.  She seems frightened.*

Loralee *Fearfully*  He's after me, please help me.  *Flings her arms around him*

Ichy *Startled*  Who?  Who's after you?  *Scanning the area for any sign of her attacker.  Tries to pull away from her but she clings that much tighter.*  You must stay here and let me investigate the area.

Loralee:  No, please don't leave me alone.

Ichy *nervously puts his arms around her trying to comfort her*  Calm yourself.  I'll see you to safety and return to search the area.  *Loralee smiles, turns her head*

Ichy *Feels the sharp biting pain.  A look of confusion, followed by intense weakness.  An eternity seems to pass.  Then she pulls away; he sees blood on her mouth*  There are no vampires!  There never was a vampire!  And there never will be a vampire.  *Shudders*

Loralee *Draws away, studies him closely, laughs*  Come, luv, I have a place for us, I have it all picked out.  There's much work to do.  *Takes him by the arm and leads the bewildered Ichabod away.*

Godley’s Day Off:

*After Crane dismissed him for the rest of the day, Godley decides to have a lunch at Chez Roux, leafs through newspapers while eating – and then his fork falls to the table with a clatter when he reads about a fire in Bournemouth House.  He leaves the rest of his lunch and goes to see the house for himself; it looks cold and desolate, the door is still unlocked and a window is shattered.  The living room is burned beyond recongition, but he finds Abberline's gold watch that he got from Scotland Yard when he resigned.*

*The other rooms have suffered considerably less, most from water and smoke.  The master bedroom is intact, but nobody has been sleeping there for many nights.  A teddy bear sits on the bed.  In the spare bedroom, some of the boxes have taken slight damage from water and smoke, but the room in itself is in fairly good condition.  As much as an unused room in an unused house can be.*

*Downstairs in the kitchen, he opens the empty fridge, finds that the cupboard is full of empty bottles, sighs and calls Allen's Cleaning Service and, immediately afterwards, Stewart the Insurance Agent, with whom he has a heated discussion about insurance coverage.*

*Next, he phones Mason Webster, complains about Stewart and learns about how Abberline was released from the detox program.  He calls the hospital and gets on the phone Sebastian the male nurse, who tells him about the amazing recovery and about some new experimental treatment they are waiting for Abberline to sign in for.  Sebastian gives him Dr. Rainey’s number.  He calls Dr. Rainey and makes an appointment.*

*On his way to the hospital, he pays a call to Mason Webster and gets a short briefing about individual rights, and a signed and stamped authorisation that he can represent Inspector Abberline.  He meets Dr.Rainey in his room, adorned with some paintings by Jean Motsegur. Children of the Corn.  The Corn Goddess.  Argues with him and finally manages to wrestle from him the form, the scan and a document describing the experiment, threatening him with first the legal document and then the gun.*

*Next, he heads to From Hell Court.*

Godley:  Have you seen Inspector Abberline?

Man *grins*  Sure, came here one night and was real bad stoned.

Godley:  You don't know where he is now?

Man:  He came by today with a kid to buy something.

Godley:  With a kid?  You did not sell him anything?

Man *shrugs*  He paid well.

Godley:  So he is not here now.  *peers past the man down into the den.*

Man:  They say he spends a lot of time at the Gypsy's house.  Can't blame him.  She's a looker.

*Finally, after a busy day, Godley gets to his own apartment, knowing that he will find Inspector Abberline at Manouche's and Blake's in the morning*

At Manouche and Blake’s house:

Manouche *wakes up groggily the next morning, finds herself on sofa, fire died out.  Sees Raven curled up on the floor near the fireplace, covered with a blanket, lying on a couple of large floor cushions.  Abberline has fallen asleep in the large chair, feet up on the ottoman.  She remembers that Blake is gone; pushes wave of loneliness aside, stands up, stretches, goes to kitchen, starts making coffee.  Looks out at overcast day, the river rolling lazily.  Though it’s late spring, it looks like a dark autumn morning, and she shivers.  A thought comes into her head, and she puzzles over it.*  Now why in blazes am I thinkin’ o’ Ichy this mornin’?  An’ where’s Kat been?  Think I’ll try an’ find ‘er later …  *shrugs, starts hot chocolate for Raven.*

Near Chez Roux:

Mr. Brown:  Is this really necessary?

Mr. Black:  We have to work discreetly from now on.  No shootings.  No hired hands.  They seem to be dafter here than elsewhere.  Remember to keep your distance from that immoral woman.

Mr. Brown:  Right.

Mr. Black:  Did you get the trinket?

Mr. Brown *dangles a jewel necklace in his gloved hand as if it were a venomous snake*  Is this the kind of trinket a stupid wench would like?

Mr. Black:  I don't know.  I suppose it will do if it was expensive enough.  Put your shades on and button your coat, here she comes.

Mr. Black:  Miss Daphne ...

Daphne *squeals in excitement*  Gee, it's you again!

Mr. Black:  The Inspector wants to thank you.  Without you, he would never have solved the case.

Mr. Brown *shoving her the jewels*  He sent you this.

Mr. Black:  He wants to meet you.  *with a wink*  I think he fancies you.

Mr. Brown:  You'd better not tell Malachi.

Daphne:  WOW!  *eyes set on the trinket, giggles*  Of course not, I am not stupid!

Mr. Black:  He will contact you later.  Through us.

Mr. Brown *looking after Daphne in disapproval*  I wish we wouldn't have to deal with the likes of her.

Mr. Black *also looking after Daphne, coughs, averts his eyes*  Right.  Absolutely right.

At Bournemouth House:

*Sergeant Godley walks back to the Bournemouth House first thing in the morning, to check if Allen has cleaned up the mess.  He walks through all the rooms with a notepad, taking notes of all that needs to be renovated.  On his way to work, he drops by Zach's renovation service, hires him to renovate and redecorate the house, haggles over prices and timetables and goes through all the small details with Zach.  When he is done with it, the clock is already so much that he has to hurry directly to the Office.  Constable Crane, unlike the Inspector, is very strict.*

On the outskirts of Deppville:

Ichy *Stands looking out at the sunrise in an abandoned house outside of town.  Loralee had asked many questions last night.  He'd tried very hard not to answer but he couldn't fight it.  She knew everything now.  About Manouche and all those closest to her, Blake, Raven, Kat, the Wonkas, Abberline and Malachi.  He remembers how she laughed as she vowed to destroy all Manouche held dear.  At the same time promising him immortality and giving him Kat as a gift for his reward.  He had his instructions – he was supposed to go to Manouche today and learn anything he could of a baby that Manouche had some connection with.  He wanted to run away and forget he ever saw her but he couldn't, he had no choice.  He leaves the house and goes straight to Manouche’s door.  After several moments, he knocks*

At Manouche and Blake’s house:

Manouche *opens door*  Blimey, Ichy!  I were jus’ thinkin’ about ye a little while ago, an' 'ere ye are.  C’mon in, mate.  Inspector Abberline an’ Raven were ‘ere, but they went out fer a bit.  I know lil’ mate wanted t’ go to th’ beach … but I reckon th’ Inspector wanted t’ go somewhere entirely different.  *thinks of From Hell Court, sighs.  Takes him into kitchen*  Go on, ‘ave a seat at th' table, luv.  Y’ like some coffee?  Er anythin’ else strike yer fancy?

Ichabod *Sits down.  Avoiding her eyes guiltily*  A coffee would be nice.  Thank you.  *Draws a deep breath*  By the way, how's that baby?

Manouche *pouring coffee, stops mid-pour; finishes pouring, brings cups to table, sits down, looks at him*  Baby?  Now what baby would that be, mate? 

Ichy *Looking uncomfortable, still not meeting her eyes*  I heard talk that a baby was born that had something to do with you.  Some kind of trouble with her birth, and I was just curious as to her fate, is all.

Manouche *eyeing him steadily*  Well, in me travels, it’s true, I’ve ‘ad a little limited experience helpin’ deliver babies when there were no alternative, savvy?  ‘Fraid I can’t tell ye th’ fate of any of ‘em.  Once that part of it were done, I never knew what ‘appened to ‘em after.  Jus’ as well, I reckon,  Ye’d be surprised how quickly y’ can get attached to a baby, watchin’ it come into th’ world.  It’s like nothin’ else.  *laughs*  But ain’t that daft … me, tellin’ an officer o’ th’ law what that’s like.  No doubt it’s in yer trainin’, innit, to know what t’ do should ye find yerself faced with that that situation?  I hear in some cities even cab drivers are taught th’ basics.  A baby on th’ way don’t give a toss whether th’ cab ride’s over, does it?  *pauses, leans in closer to him*  Ichy, y’ all right?  Ye don’t look quite yerself, if y’ don’t mind me sayin’ so.  *puts hand over his*  What’s amiss, mate?  Per’aps I can be of some assist.

Ichy *Stares at her hand sadly*  You can't help me.  Nobody can.*  Realizing he'd said too much.  Frantic, he looks up at her and rushes his words.*  If you want to help, tell me about that baby, something, anything.  I have to tell her something.  *Grimacing, he knows he's only made things worse.  Whispers softly*  She'll kill me.

Manouche *eyes wide*  Hold up ‘ere!  WHO’ll kill ye?  Y’ ‘ave to tell WHO somethin’??  Steady, luv … *reaches with other hand, takes both his shaking hands in hers, squeezes them, trying to calm him down.  Then she feels the dizzy sensation, much like when she and Raven hold hands and they share a vision.  Except this isn’t coming from Ichy … it doesn’t build gradually at all, it’s rapid-fire, bright flashing lights, illuminating images so quickly it’s near impossible to make them out … over it all is a muddle of voices, one on top of the other, so she can’t distinguish individual words.  Then, as if someone is fine-tuning the dial on an old radio, the voices become clearer … and Manouche realizes it’s only one voice, layered upon itself several times over.  It’s the same voice she heard in her vision last night, in which she saw pirates attacking Kidd on The Apparition … the female voice that said “Manouche.”  She now can make out some of the words:

"Come, luv, I have a place for us, I have it all picked out.  There's much work to do."

"I’ll destroy it all … she’ll go through eternity with all that ruin on her head.  No less than she deserves … "

"Immortality, you’ll live forever … just think, forever, with your youthful good looks … your girl won’t turn you away again, I’ll see to that … "

"Pay no mind, luv, it’s just a spider … now, go, find out what I need to know, and don’t come back saying you couldn’t get it … much work to do … "

*the images are still unclear, faces Manouche doesn’t recognize; then everything goes black, and she hears a name she doesn’t know:*  “Charron” …  *Then the vision clears, just like that, surprisingly gently and gradually, fading away, till Manouche finds herself in the cosy kitchen again.  She opens her eyes, is still clutching Ichy’s hands.  Looks at him, sees he’s terrified, eyes wide, face white.*

Manouche *eases her grip on Ichy’s hands, caresses them, speaks softly*  Ichy?  Y’sound, luv?  By th’ powers, mate, who y’ been consortin’ with?  An' Ichy ... when was th' last time ye were on Th' Apparition?  When did ye last see Kat?

Ichy *Dazed*  On the Apparition?  I can't remember.  Kat … at my office, she was angry.  I've lost her.  *Struggling to speak*  I want to tell you.  I really do, but I can't.  The only way you can help me is to tell me about the baby.  *Hesitates.*  No, don't!  I've betrayed everyone!  I have to warn you!  *Suddenly he's unable to speak and gasping for breath.  Tries to stand and collapses to the floor.*

Manouche:  Ichy!  *drops to floor next to him, puts hand over his forehead; leans over him, ear to his chest.  Sits up, loosens his collar – then notices a red mark on his neck.  Crouches closer to get a better look, eyes wide with terror*  Oh, bloody ‘ell … it can’t be … I ain’t seen th’ like since Fiji … ahhh, Ichy, mate, who done this to ye?  *tears fill her eyes, she brushes hair back off his face.  Stands up, goes to sink, soaks a washcloth in cool water, brings it over to him, presses it against his face several times, then folds it and puts it to his forehead.  Looks around room, frightened*  Blimey, I wish … I wish someone were ‘ere …  *wonders whether she should leave him alone long enough to fetch help.  Looks back at him.*  Soon as ye’ve come to, luv, we’ll go see someone … per’aps Malachi can help …

Ichy *Moans, opens his eyes.  Sees Manouche. in a quivering voice*  I have to go.  I have to go now.  She calls …  *Closing eyes*  She knows.  *Tries to rise and fails.  Feels lightheaded.  In a weak voice*  I must go.

Manouche *grabs him as he falls back*  Don’t be soft, yer not goin' anywhere fer th' moment, y’ can barely walk.  *sitting on the floor, arms around him, glances around the room fearfully, sweating*  "She calls" ... "she calls" ... now who could ...  *thinks, then she gets an idea.  Murmurs to him quietly*  Right, ‘ere it is.  Th’ baby died, all right?  When y' get yer strength back an' can walk, ye go back an’ tell ‘er I said there was complications … th’ baby were a girl, an’ she an’ her mum both died.  End of story.  Savvy?

Ichy *Sadly*  The child is dead.  Better that than what might have been.  *Looks toward window*  She's getting angry.  Help me up, I have to go.  I have no choice.  I don't know what she might do.  She may even come here.

Manouche *reluctantly helps him to his feet.  He’s unsteady, but he’s able to stand*  Are y’ sure ye can do this, Ichy?  I can come with ye, if ye like.  *frowns*  She may come ‘ere, eh?  Hmph.  Well, let ‘er come, if she must.  She may find she'll get more’n she bargained fer with me.  I don’t like seein’ me mates pushed about.  *sees the fear in his face, pushes back her anger, manages a smile*  N-no worries, luv.  We’ll sort this out somehow.  We’ll do it yer way, as ye wish.  *walks with him through house, opens door, hugs him.*  Go on, now, don’t keep ‘er waitin’.  Jus’ tell her what I said.  *Ichy looks at her regretfully, leaves without saying another word.*

*She closes door, then turns and goes to back room that she’s turned into a study of sorts for herself, much like the room across from it set up for Blake.  She opens a drawer, takes out the little bone she received in Fiji; remembers Alifi’s words:*

There, now you have your draba.  Keep it with you, it’s special just for you.  I got it started, but you’ve made it yours.

*puts it in a pocket, walks through house; gets pistol and sword, arms herself.  Leaves the house, quickly follows Ichy, hanging back so he doesn’t see her*

Ichy: *Stumbles through the woods when Loralee appears from out of nowhere in front of him.*

Loralee *Slaps him hard across the face, sneers*  You fool!  You'd lead her to my very lair!  *Shoves him aside*  I'll deal with you later.  *Turns and awaits Manouche*

Manouche *following Ichy, sees him enter woods, hesitates.  Removes draba from pocket, gazes at it for a moment, whispers*  Please work.  *puts it in her mouth, grimaces, thinks*  bloody ‘ell, I’ll never get used to th’ taste o’ th’ blasted thing.  *waits a minute, feels the familiar sensation; looks down at herself, sees she’s become invisible.  Cautiously, very slowly enters woods, stepping as quietly as possible.  Stops, flinches as she hears a loud slap up ahead.  Moves forward, ducking behind trees even though she’s fairly certain she cannot be seen.  Finally reaches edge of tiny clearing, sees Ichy sitting on the ground, and an attractive woman with a very commanding presence standing, her back to Ichy, watching expectantly.  Thinks to herself*  Blimey, she don’t look very frightenin’ … *feels anger rise as she thinks of the woman being cruel to Ichy; suppresses impulse to rush forward and demand an apology on Ichy's behalf.  Waits, hoping she'll do or say something to provide explanation*

Loralee *Frowns, draws a knife, grabs Ichy by the hair forcing his head back, places the blade to his throat*  I know not what trickery this is, but I know you're there.  I hear the beating of your heart.  Show yourself at once or watch this one die!

Manouche *horrified*  No, don’t!  I - I’m comin’ out.  But … I can’t show meself … not jus’ yet.  It’ll wear off.  Look … *exasperated, looks around, picks up large stick*  ‘Ere I am.  *walks out from behind trees carrying stick.*  Now let ‘im go.

Loralee:  Dear, sweet  Danielle.  I'd know your voice anywhere.  I always suspected you of witchcraft.  As for this one, I will not let him go.  I feel safer this way.  You will turn and go back the way you came, and believe this, I'll know if you don't, and his blood will be on your hands.

Manouche *to herself*  Danielle??  *aloud, keeping her voice very calm and civil*  I’ll do as ye say, I promise ye – please lower th’ blade.  But can I not even so much as ask a question er two of ye before I go?  Y’ seem t’ know me … er, me voice, at least … but I’m sure I never laid eyes on ye.  As fer harmin’ Ichy … he’s under yer employ, as it were.  With all due respect, would y’ be so quick to murder yer errand boy?

Loralee *Laughs*  Employ?  I own him.  I'll do as I please with him and the blade stays where it is.  Your questions I'll allow only if you tell me of the baby.  Otherwise, go!  *Forcing Ichy's head back further*  I have punishment to administer.

Manouche:  Right, y’ win … it were as I told Ichy … th’ baby an’ her mother died.  That’s what ye wanted t’ know, an’ I told it t’ ye, same as I told it t’ Ichy.  He did as ye asked, mate, he came t’ me an’ got yer information.  Th-there’s no need t’ go punishin’ him.  P-please, don’t harm ‘im on my account … look, I’m leavin’, jus’ as ye said.  *starts backing away from the clearing, furious at her own helplessness.*

Loralee *Furious*  YOU LIE!  HE PAYS THE PRICE!

Manouche *feels surge of rage, accelerated by the power of the draba.  Flings stick very hard, movement so fast it's practically unseen -- stick knocks knife from Loralee's hand, though she still maintains an iron grip on Ichy*  BLAST YE!!  IF HE PAYS TH' PRICE, THAT'S TH' END OF EVERYTHIN'!  YE'LL NEVER LEARN WHAT IT IS Y' COME T' LEARN.  I KNOW TH' POWER 'ERE THAT CAN BE YERS, EVEN MORE'N YE KNOW YERSELF, AN' IT WON'T BE FORTHCOMIN' IF Y' DON'T LEAVE 'IM ALONE!

Loralee *Sneers*  I'll leave him alone for the moment, but he still belongs to me.  You can't beat me.  When I call, he will answer most willingly.  His fate is in my hands.

Manouche *shakes head, thinks to herself*  Stark ravin' mad.  *aloud, she says*  Then I'll be on me way.  *looks at Ichy*  S-sorry, mate.  *turns away from clearing, miserable; thinking she'd best make herself scarce before she becomes visible again.*

Loralee *Dragging Ichy to his feet*  Tell me the truth of the child and I will give him to you; If not, this night I'll drain him of his blood.

Manouche *turns slowly, takes deep breath*  So, ye can know a lie without knowin' th' truth, eh?  Very specialized work, that.  Right I'll play yer lil' game.  *swallows as the sad memory comes back to her*  Th-th' baby lived, 'er mum died.  I 'ave no idea where th' child is now.  *pauses, looks up*  Now let's see if yer a woman o' yer word ... hand over Ichy.

Loralee *Smiles*  But of course.*  Touches Ichy's face, kisses him.*  Go with her, my love.  This is not the end.  *Releases Ichy, steps away*  Take him, he's yours for the moment.  *Vanishes into mist, leaving the sound of her laughter ringing in their ears.*

Manouche *looks up, listening to the laughter.  Once Loralee disappears, Manouche suddenly feels overwhelming delayed-reaction fatigue and fright set in, and she feels her legs giving way; steadies herself against a tree.  Looks over, sees Ichy glancing around, then he looks at her and recognition comes into his face.  She looks down and sees that she's becoming visible again.  Holds arms out to Ichy*  C'mere, mate.  *he slowly approaches her, speechless with the frights heaped upon him throughout the day; she takes him in her arms*  Ahh, blimey, luv, yer scared 'alf t' death.  Yer most justfiied, mate, this weren't a case o' jumpin' at spiders.  *smiles slightly at him*  C'mon, luv, let's go t' me house.  It's as safe a place as any, savvy?  *They slowly walk through the woods, arms around each other, saying nothing.  Eventually, they come near the river and her house.  As they draw near, Manouche notes with surprise Kat, standing at the front door*

Manouche:  Kat, good t' see ye, luv.  I been a bit worried about ye.  Don't be too hard on Ichy, he's been through a lot, an' ye'd be pleased t' know he come through it all quite brave.  What brings ye 'ere?

Kat  *Stares at Ichy*  What's wrong with him?  Is he ill?  He's white as a ghost.  Maybe we should go in so he can sit down.  Dimitri's been takin' prisoner by a man named Carver.  A woman by the name of Loralee gave him your name as the leader of a takeover of Tortuga, and now he wants you in exchange for Dimitri. 

Ichy *Trembling violently*  Loralee?  *Looks at Manouche*  It's her.

Manouche *to Ichy*  Loralee ... y’ mean … Ichy, are y’ sure?  *he nods, and she groans*  Ohh, by th’ powers … c’mon, let’s go in, let’s not discuss this out ‘ere.  *opens door, motions for them to follow her inside.  To Kat*  How ‘bout makin’ us up a round, luv … I’d like t’ get a fire started.  *Kat pours drinks, Manouche builds a fire in the fireplace, and Ichy settles on couch, shivering.  A few minutes later, the fire going, drinks in hand, Kat and Manouche join Ichy, bring him a glass*

Manouche:  Kat, mate, this Carver bloke … how ahhh, receptive would he be t’ hearin’ that me time in Tortuga has been limited in th’ past?  Oh aye, I won't deny that I enjoyed every minute of it, but it were limited … an’ there never would’ve been time fer a takeover, even were I so inclined.  *murmurs*  Blimey, poor Dimitri.  *drinks, looks at Kat*  Th-this Loralee ... *pauses, glances at Ichy*  Ichy, mate, show Kat what Loralee did t' ye.  *Ichy leans toward Kat, pulls collar out of the way so she can see the mark on his neck*

Kat *Eyes widen, shivers.  Reaches out almost touching the mark*  Oh, bloody 'ell.  Ichy.  My poor Ichy.  *Looks at Manouche*  We have to lock him up and guard him until we can destroy her.

Manouche:  Y’ may be right … she can manipulate ‘im any way she likes.  She’s got a power over him, I’ve seen it.  Wh-where can we lock ‘im up … ye thinkin’ per’aps th’ brig on The Apparition?  *reaches over, squeezes Ichy’s hand sympathetically*  It’d be fer yer own good, luv.

Kat:  I'm thinking that fire at the very least will slow her down.  But that would be pure insanity aboard the Apparition.  As much as I may 'ate it, perhaps we should consult Corso.  'e maybe 'ave some knowledge of such things, given his connections.

Manouche:  Ahhh, Corso … that's a pure dead brilliant idea.  'Cept ... well, I s’pose it’s th’ least I could do, check up on ‘im after he helped us.  Be forewarned, I may not be his favorite person at th’ moment.  Y’see, I enlisted his help when th’ Commander were keepin’ Malachi an’ the Inspector locked up at ‘er castle the day before.  I made him a sincere offer in exchange fer their freedom.  An’ whereas he came out ahead on th’ deal – technically, monetarily an’ aesthetically – I hazard a guess that th’ Commander were less than accommodatin’ of his actions, an' no doubt made 'im pay in one fashion or another.  Savvy?  *pauses*  Th-this Carver … what’s he like?  How precautionary should I be?

Kat:  I'm no longer sure about Carver now that I know about Loralee.  He could be her victim or ally.  Either makes him dangerous, given his nature.  I be inclined to think ally else why did Loralee tell 'em a lie to make 'em come after ye.  But that leads to more questions why would she not enslave him and simply give the order.   It is much confusing.  What does she want with ye?  Ye must 'ave some idea

Manouche *shrugs*  Wish I knew, mate.  I never seen ‘er before in me life, that I can recall.  Per’aps an acquaintance in Fiji … or Tortuga, which name keeps comin’ to me fer some reason.  *remembers*  It were strange, she called me Danielle.  She may ‘ave me confused with someone else.  An’ th’ other night, I had a vision … heard her sayin’ me name … then I heard her sayin’ another name, blimey, what was it?  It’ll come t’ me.  *drains glass, stares into it for a time*  I don't s'pose ye 'ave any idea where they're holdin' Dimitri.  I know ye care fer 'im ... terrible, innit, not knowin' where he is.  *blinks tears away, coughs*  I'm sorry they're holdin' him t' trade fer me.  Wouldn't blame ye a bit if y' was tempted t' turn me in an' get 'im back.  I'll do all I can t' help rescue him, luv, straight up.

Kat:  Dimitri?  *Closes her eyes*  It's strange but it's like I can see him.  He's on a bunk in a cell aboard a ship.  He's weak.  Ill?  No, the marks!  *Her eyes fly open*  She's been at him.  *Aye he's in my mind and I'll do what's needful te get 'em back.  Short of sacrificin' my friends.  I would grieve if 'e were lost, and go on.  *looks at Ichy*  But I fear another's loss would break my heart.  *Turns quickly away*

Manouche *looks at her, then at Ichy, smiles*  Then we’ll ‘ave to avoid that.  Gol, yer ‘avin’ visions too, eh?  He must be on that Carver’s ship, then.  She’s been at him, as well?  Blimey … I reckon we do need some assist from someone who knows about these things.  Corso’s a good place t’ start, but it’d ‘ave t’ be you approachin’ him, luv.  I don’t dare go anywhere near th’ Commander’s property again, she’d ‘ave me head.  Too bad we can’t send Ichy ‘ere, but I’m inclined t’ agree with ye, we should keep ‘im locked up safe.  Would y’ be comfortable, goin’ to Corso on yer onesies?

Kat:  Visions?  No I think it 'as more te do with that bond he's always on about.  As te Corso*Sighs*  Not te sure of the reception 'e'd be givin' me after that run-in with Kidd at the docks.  'es most out te be screamin' for Portsmith.

Manouche:  Blimey, that slipped me mind!  *can't help but grin*  He thought them dolphins was sharks, poor blighter!  *laughs, thinks for a moment, brightens*  I 'ave an idea, jus' might work.  *looks at Kat*  Of the two of us, I'm th' only one who hasn't sent Corso flyin' overboard.  Therefore, my word is th' one he'll be trustin', savvy?  He also may be more trustin' o' me an' willin' to talk to me, since I were able to provide him with a literary find he's been seekin' fer years.  He were most grateful.  I'll write him a note, 'ave Wilko take it to him.  I'll ask 'im to meet somewhere, per'aps Chez Roux.  It's a long shot, but it might work ... an' unless ye can think of an alternative, or someone else to talk to, it may be th' only chance we have.