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Response from Deppville on Colonel and Hanson moving in together:
Wonkas: We send our congrats to Colonel
and Hanson!!! If you need help from the Oompas, just let us know!!
*Large crate delivered outside Colonel and Hanson's new house, with note attached*
Good Colonel and Hanson,
I couldn't be happier for your good fortune, finding one another and starting a new
life together. Please accept a housewarming gift from Mr. Blake and myself, as
a gesture of affection and appreciation for the way you helped bring us together. It's
an item I've had in storage for awhile, a little something I plundered on one of my adventures ... well, plundered is such
an ugly word. Let's say liberated --- from a bloke who weren't so lucky at poker
as he thought he would be. Hanson, because you're an enforcer of the law, as
it were, I would like to assure you that this item were won fair and square. Any
rumors you may hear about aces up the sleeve are entirely coincidental. Rest
easy on it, mate; this weren't the fruits of piracy so much as of gaming between consenting men and women of honor. Savvy?
We look forward to the housewarming, and Mr. Blake and I insist on treating the pair
of you to drinks at Chez Roux, at a time of your choosing. Meanwhile, enjoy your
new home, and enjoy the gift ... it's 16th century, and I have it on good authority that it holds up well to energetic ...
well, you know ...
Love and best wishes,
Manouche & William Blake
Portsmith and Abberline:
Commander Portsmith and Inspector Abberline walk slowly home from the office towards
their ascetic living quarters.
Abberline: Hanson got a magnificent home,
I heard.
Portsmith: And breathtaking decoration. Medieval style done with good taste.
Abberline: They have a huge bathtub installed. Maybe we should consider a new one.
Portsmith: A huge bathtub? No way! Why not Cathedral windows in the bathroom for those
greedy Deppville ladies?"
Abberline: It doesn't have to fit all
the Deppville ladies but we could buy a tub for two?
Portsmith: Why not.
And now, back to our story ...
After locket is destroyed:
*Portsmith
looks in wonder as the symbol in the book begins to smoke and after a while dissolves leaving a blank page.* We lost the locket! It has been destroyed!"
Abberline: It's better that way. Now that it is gone, with due respect, let's concentrate on important things. Like
that new tub for two.
At
the docks:
*Nate stands quietly near
the docks watching the Libertine Trailer. The one that he seeks appears to be out of reach. But the voices in his head have spoken plain. The blood of another sinner soon must flow. Drawing
his sword, he examines it closely, running his finger across its sharp edge, feeling the sting, he smiles and watches the
blood bead up from the slight wound.* Ashes to ashes, dust to dust / If you don't take it out and use it, it's going
to rust. *He fades into the darkness in search of fresh prey. Soon very soon someone must die*
At the Wonkas' factory:
*Willy
works in the invention room, Madame in her office*
Willy:
*mixing new concoctions together for a test on the soda candy* I need two more milliliters of the grape... *takes from oompa loompa, glares* noooooo TWO my friend. not TWENTY *oompa nods, refills to correct amount, hands to Willy*
Thank
you. Now if my plans are correct, if I add this at just the right speed it shouldn’t explode like it did the last
time. *oompa looks at him uneasy*
Have a little bit of faith huh? I'm tellin
ya...ninth times a charm!! *starts
to poor grape, the formula bubbles, faster and faster* Uh oh....too fast again.... *backs up slowly, formula nearly hits the brim* HIT THE DECK!!! *ducks,
the formula explodes all over, stands up* BLAST!!!
I ALMOST HAD IT!!!
Madame:
*sits in her office, reading paperwork, feels the explosion, hears Willy yelling, shakes head* It MUST be Saturday ...
Manouche *hat pulled low over face, dark glasses, hiding from impossibly cheery sunshiny Saturday, suffering
severe hangover, appears at Wonka's factory door, rings bell* Willy, Madame! Anyone
home? I'd like t''ave a word, luvs. *looks around nervously*
Madame: One minute..I'm coming I'm coming. *opens
door, smiles, arches brow at the hungover Manouche* Hmph...I guess what goes
around comes around dear...what can I do for you?
Willy
*door slams in the back* grape! GRAPE!!
Can you believe that?! not one,
not two, three, four, five, six, seven, or even eight..but NINE TIMES!!! EVERY
time I get to the grape and BOOM! All over the place! *walks up to door*
Madame:
*rolls eyes, turns and smiles at Willy* yes yes yes the grape, I understand dear. But did you ever think about just doing something else? There are impossibilities
you know.
Willy:
*stomps foot, whines* But i thought i had ittttttttt.
Madame: Does the ninth explosion in two days mean ANYTHING to you?
Manouche *pulls hat down over ears* Bl-blimey, arrived on
a busy day, didn't I? Mebbe I should come back, don't mean t'bother ye both.
There's ... well, there's things goin' on, an' .... I had an idea, vague though
it be. But then again, per’aps it's better yer not involved ... apologies,
luvs. *starts to turn away*
Madame: *grabs Manouche's shoulder* Ah
no..you already came ... what’s on your mind my dear? You know we'd do
anything for you.
Willy:
Yea its just one of those days where I test a lot of stuff ... more than usual.
What’s on your mind?
Manouche: Aye, well, all right. *looks around, hoping no one
has seen her, steps inside. Takes off glasses, frowns at their expressions* Don't be pullin' them faces! It's true
enough, I were many sheets t' the wind last night, but only after a bad fright. *grins*
Ah, never mind, let's face th' fact, I don't always need an excuse t' look this
way, do I? Should've recovered proper before comin' over an' scarin' ye both.
But y'know how I am once I get an idea in me head, I act on it, don't I? Mr. Blake an' Kidd are both sound asleep back at th' ship, so I thought it'd be an
opportune time t' come talk. It's good news an' bad news, I s'pose y'could say. Ahhh, Madame, luv ... y'suppose I could be 'avin' a bit o' somethin' to take th' edge
off, as it were? Still a little shaky, I am.
Willy: No Manouche, does not
surprise me dear, but I would want you to slow down on it for when the twins come along ok? And
it wouldn’t hurt to grab a brush hahaha!
Madame
*smiles* Sure dear, I'll go boil some tea for you, get comfy. *goes into the garden room up to the kitchen*
Willy:
*begins to walk to the garden room* So what’s going on Manouche?
Manouche *drops into chair, looks around the pretty room, shakes her head sadly*
T'be bringin' anythin' dark into this lovely world .... *brushes hair back with
hand* Apologies, mate. It's about
that blasted killer, Nate ... an' about th' trinket he been wantin' t' get back so bad. Willy,
I don' even recall what all y'know about it, I been doin' me best t' keep you an' Madame safe from it all, an' I know ye been
busy an' keepin' t' yerselves, an' that's as it should be. *lowers voice* Before she comes back w' the tea, I must tell ye, I'm still 'avin' some visions from
that treatment, as it were, but they're random an' sometimes no help at all. However,
I was able t' see that the bloody locket had a power to it. I didn't understan'
it completely, but I knew fer Nate t' have it would be very dangerous. So we
destroyed it -- Mr. Blake, Nobody, meself an' Kidd, jus' last night. It were
terrible ... winds picked up, we heard howlin', horrible cries ... an' th' bloody thing were struck by lightnin' on the ground
before us, an' disappeared as if it'd never been. So after that were done, Nobody,
he vanished, th' way he does, spooky but he's on our side ... an' the three of us were so shaken, we repaired t' me ship an'
eased our pain, in a manner o' speakin'. *swallows, pauses to collect thoughts,
smiles a small smile at Willy* So that's th' good news, mate. We've taken a power away from that murderin' blighter.
Willy *sits on sofa across from Manouche, takes off hat, runs fingers through hair* I
know alot about that locket. I knew he was after it and everything. It's a good thing you had Madame leave, she still has no clue about anything. It's a good thing you and Blake destroyed it, but did it ever occur to you that now Nate will really hunt
YOU down? He's not gonna look for the locket anymore Manouche, he'll want to
kill you badly for destroying it.
Manouche *thinks for a moment, looks up* I've considered that,
mate. I'm not too worried 'bout me own skin 'cause I think he's more interested
in catchin' up to Kat. That's me gut feelin' on it. He also will need t' come after four of us, as it were four of us who destroyed it. Still an' all, though, I were th' one in possession of it, an' it were my idea, as far as that goes. So ... I may be second in line after Kat. *looks
at Willy* But if that's how it has t' be, then so be it. Sometimes we take risks fer things we care about. Savvy? Anyway, luv, what I come t' talk to ye about is, I keep comin' back on that new stuff
y'been workin' on ... that explosive candy. I were wonderin' if I could take
some of it off yer hands. May be a helpful tool against this blighter. Jus' a thought, an' y'know I'd be careful with it, havin' some experience with explosives, as it were.
I managed t' swim away from that ship in one piece that night, didn't I? *smiles*
Willy:
*glares* You know its intention was NOT to be explosive ..... damn ... I suppose
you are right. Can’t exactly quote the tenth time as the one can you? *sighs, looks at Manouche* It's not that
I don't trust you Manouche, but god knows what I would do if you were to get hurt ... and I'd kill that bastard myself if
he came after you … *pauses, thinks about the gun he bought, looks back at Manouche* … with my own bare hands. What’s your plan then with the candy? We
don’t even know where he is.
Manouche *smiles warmly* Cheers, brother, I know you'd give
'im what-for. Y'did a grand job of it before, didn't ye? We stopped 'im once, maybe we can stop 'im again. As fer th'
candy ... *laughs* ... Blimey, mate, with all yer confectionary triumphs, y'sure get yer hackles up over one setback! *puts hands up* Take it easy, you'll
figure it out. But I may be able t' use the rejects. *sighs* To be honest, I don't have a plan. I jus' couldn't forget about
'em since th' day I heard you an' Madame talkin' about 'em. Since I took that
stuff, I've learned not t' ignore any intuitions. An' th' idea o' the candy stuck
in me head. So I thought I'd take some of ‘em, put 'em in a safe place
on me ship, an' mull it over a bit. *pauses, looks at him* Y'said all's sound until y' get to th' grape version o' this particular formula, is that it? Can I see yer recipes, mate? Fresh eyes, an' all, y' never
know. I may spot somethin' amiss.
Willy: *smiles* It's my job to
get annoyed when something doesn’t work. Annoys me to this day when I fail. But anyway, I figured Nate wouldn’t give up that easily. If you find him Manouche, I'll be standing there next to you. But
I gotta say, I do like this idea of the candy hahaha. Always at the grape part
… everything goes into a complete mess. I'll go get the list. *stands, walks down to invention room*
Madame *walks in carrying Manouche's tea, places it on coffee table, sits down, sighs* How
are you feeling, Manouche? Did I miss anything interesting?
Manouche *looks at her, thinking of all the things she wishes she could say, all the things she knows she
mustn't say, how hard it is to keep secrets from her best friend, how glad she is Madame isn't burdened with any of it, it's
bad enough Willy is – and she flings her arms around her, hugging her tight* We
'ave a few worries regardin' that Nate, is all, luv. I- I've come t' fetch some
o' them explodin' rejects from Willy. Figure they may come in handy at some juncture. Nothin' fer you t' worry about this sunny afternoon, an' lookin' in th' pink, I must
say. *blinks away tears, releases Madame, smiles, picks up cup* Thanks fer th' tea, luv.
Madame *hugs her back, concerned* Manouche, if anything's wrong …
Willy
*enters room* … she knows she can tell me. *smiles,
hands Manouche the recipe* Always at the grape ... I can't figure it out ...
Manouche *wipes eyes* Aye, don't mind me, Madame, luv. It'll all be sorted, I 'ave no doubt about that. *Clears
throat, takes paper from Willy. Reads it over, eyes widen.* By th' powers, Willy ..... I'm assumin' the nitric acid's fer th' color, innit? An' th' glycerol, aye, not so unusual, adds sweetness, like syrup. I
can see why you'd go with it, to cut some o' the tartness from th' grape. Very
astute o' ye to think o' that. Quite brilliant, really. But you'll 'ave to cut one or th' other o' those ingredients, find a replacement. 'Cause th' pair of 'em together ... Willy, mate, yer makin' nitroglycerin! S'a
wonder y'didn't blow th' whole bloody factory sky high by now!
Willy *blinks, grabs paper, reads ingredients, in shock, stares at Manouche*
Madame:
Holy Wonka Bars ... how DID you know that Manouche?
Willy:
Sh..She's right! I have to cut back
on one of them in order for the grape to mix in with the orange and the root beer...if I cut back on the nitric acid the color
may change but only the slightest bit ... *walks out of room, talking to self*
Madame:
Manouche, since when did you know all about that stuff? You've shocked me!
Manouche *shrugs* Jus' knowledge I come by through th' years,
luv. When I were first piratin', it come t' me that me strengths may not be so
much in conventional tools o' the trade, savvy? I manage well with a sword, an'
I 'ave a steady hand at the pistol when needed. But I also 'ave a knack fer chemicals
an' the like, havin' had a fascination since I were very young. *smiles* It's good t' have somethin' unique t' offer. I
reckon it's kept Kidd from thrashin' me more'n once.
Madame
*shakes head* still amazing Manouche. How
are you feeling?
Willy
*heard off in the distance, yelling* IT WORKS!!!!! HAHAHA!!! SUCCESS!!!!
Madame:
Looks like you were right Manouche, ah he'll love ya for it now.
Manouche *laughs* His affection fer his work runs near as high as his feelin's fer you, Madame! S'why he's so successful, to be sure. *finishes tea* I'm feelin' much better, luv, I'm most grateful fer the hospitality, as always. *stands
up* Maybe I best be gettin' them candies from Willy an' be on me way, I know
th' pair o' ye are busy. *raises voice* Willy,
mate! Bring me some o' them rejects, will ye? Y'won't
be needin' 'em, now that y'got a marketable commodity, as it were. *winks at
Madame*
Madame: Hmm don’t let him hear you say that,
always makes a big deal about how his work is second when it comes to family. You
take care of yourself now. Don’t want any more bad hangovers.
Willy: *voice getting closer, but still yelling* YES YES!!! Anything you want Manouche! HA! I thank you MUCHLY for the idea. *walks into room, hands a
box to Manouche* Those are all the ingredients I used, and here .. *places the
bad recipe on the box* ...is the recipe. Just
mix all that stuff together and BOOM. Trust me ... its a boom ... *shakes head*
But anyway. if you need any help, please let me know dear.
At the abandoned house:
*An
agitated Nate makes his way to the deserted house, which he's been using for a hideout. His chosen prey had eluded him,
the sinner had escaped. Entering the house he halts, there's a familiar odor filling the air. His anger turns
to fear as he slowly scans the room. His gaze finally falling on a somewhat man-shaped figure in the shadows of the
room.*
Nate:
*in a shaky voice* What are you doing here? I-I'm
doing my best. Just takes time is all ...
*figure
lurches from the shadows, completely draped in black, face covered by a black veil clutching a huge book odor growing stronger
and speaks in a rasping voice* Where are the ones I seek then? Admit the truth, you've failed miserably! I should kill you!
Nate:
Please, give me another chance. They're
here. It's just a matter of getting my hands on them ... I swear you'll have
their blood.
figure *looks down at the Grimoire* You will not fail me again or you
die. Their blood and that which is written in this will restore me to my immortality.
On The Libertine Trailer:
Manouche *returns to ship,
walks into cabin, looks around in delight. Room is filled with candles and flowers, dinner on the table, wine, two glasses
... Blake stands by the table, smiling* B-blimey, what's all this?
Blake: Last few days have been pretty
rough, so I thought we could use a relaxing night in.
Manouche: You cooked??
Blake: Noo, I ordered
from Chez Roux. Your timing's perfect.
Manouche *smiles broadly* Mr. Blake, yer full o' surprises, t' be
sure. *looks down at box she's holding that she got from Willy* Ahh, lemme
get rid o' this an' freshen up, an' I'll be right back. Won't be two shakes,
I promise ye. *steps over to Blake, kisses him quickly; he pulls her back and kisses her deeply. He releases her
and she staggers slightly* M-make that ONE shake.
*She goes below, past galley, to a small room on the far lowest
deck of the ship, where she has set up a tiny lab of sorts. Grabs a towel from a hook, opens a drawer in an old cabinet,
wraps the box carefully to cushion it, places it in the drawer, pushes it shut.* Blake's
right. All work an' no play ... *grins, starts for door, grabs edge of table as horrendous head-throbbing hits
her; clenches teeth to keep from crying out, sinks to floor.* BLAST .... Nate, y' bastard ... Kat ....... oh, KAT ...
*sits on the floor, hands still grasping the table-edge, waiting for pain to subside.* Breathe ... breathe ... *pain finally fades after a few minutes. She wipes sweat from her face.*
Blake
*calls from above* C'mon, honey, don't want th' food to get cold ...
Manouche: On me way, luv. *slowly
pulls herself up, trembling. Looks around room, fearful.* Blimey, Kat,
take care, mate, wherever y'are. *Leaves room, locks door, starts up to return to Blake.*
Later, on The
Libertine Trailer:
*Candles have burned low, remains of dinner
on the table, one empty wine glass. Manouche holds the other, which still contains
a little wine, as she lies in bed next to Blake, watching him sleep. Smiles,
whispers* Ah, Mr. William Blake, I don't s'pose I ever expected life t'be so
sweet. *Kisses him, finishes wine, looks thoughtful for a moment, then reluctantly
leaves the bed. Throws on a heavy robe, pours a little more wine, goes down to
lab room. Unlocks door, enters, locks door behind her, sets glass on table. Takes out box Willy gave her, opens it, examines contents, reads paperwork again,
thinking. Something occurs to her; she looks around, finds a book she had in
mind, removes it from shelf, sits at table, leafing through book, sipping wine. Stops
at one page, eyes widen.* Ahh, here we are. Nitric
acid ... Mercury fulminate ... Blimey! *smiles with relief.* Aye, that could do it. *Dog-ears the page, closes book, leans
back with wine. Blinks, shakes head, brings hand to eyes, feels vision coming
on, braces herself. But it's a pleasant vision, like a recent one she had of
Colonel and Hanson --- Willy, Madame, two tiny babies.* By th' stars, so it will
be, if I 'ave anything t' say about it. *Holds up glass* Cheers, mates. *drinks*
At Donnie's office:
Donnie
*at his desk trying to compose a report. He hasn't heard anything from Commander
Portsmith since he left the letter on her desk and he is worried. He's trying
to find a reason to contact O'Malley once more.* “First contact with O'Malley
aka Grace O'Malley aka The Scourge of the Seven Seas successful. Relations established
but need to be worked on to get the subject’s full trust. I suggest arranging
a new meeting at the Brave. No wiring because she will just spot that..." *He stops.* I can’t write that.
Portsmith will ask with a snicker how she will find them if I keep my clothes
on.
Crane
*rushes into his office* The letter! It is taken, your letter I found on Commander's
desk, it's taken!
Donnie
*rises slowly and menacingly* Did you take that letter? Why you miserable creep …
Crane
*turns pale and withdraws quickly, Donnie shrugs* Anyway, Portsmith has not read
the letter. Good. *He sits down
and continues his report. An hour later, he is given instructions to find Nate.
He dresses in his pirate rags and heads out of the office*
At
Portsmith’s office:
Portsmith: You really believe that several of the Deppville ladies are in danger, not only Kat?
How's that?
Abberline: I know whose blood he needs, it's the ones he refers to as sinners, those ladies with
impure thoughts ... and actions, too. *hesitates, then adds* From my own experience I could add Melissa and Marijke to the list.
*He knows they have been spying on him because Sergeant Godley managed to lay his hands on one of the bathtub pics
circulating in Deppville.*
Portsmith: We have to take action and get this killer. One
starting point is the pirates, but what shall we do? Donnie has been acting oddly
since he was seen contacting that O'Malley and he hasn't reported whether he made the contact or not. I fear he has spent too much time among pirates, he's turning one of them.
Abberline: There's something on his conscience. I
will not take the duty of asking the ladies, with due respect. Nowadays you can't
even say hello without getting the shovel. *Portsmith sighs.* About
that tub ... I ordered two, one for Hanson's and his beauty and one for us.
Portsmith: You are thinking of tub at a moment when Deppville is in danger?
In
the woods:
*Kat, after having caught sight of Nate as he went through the woods, ducks behind a tree, trembling. Peeking around to be sure he's gone, runs as fast as she can, finally boarding The
Apparition, where she sits with her back against the wall and her shovel at the ready. She
waits, terrified.*
At Portsmith’s office:
Manouche *knocking at Portsmith's office door* Commander? Y' in there, mate? I-I'd like t' talk t' ye,
if I can. *looks around fearfully*
Abberline
and Portsmith look at each other, baffled.
Portsmith: Why, that's Manouche, the queen of pick-pockets! Wonder
what she is up to now.
Abberline
*opens the door* Pleased to see you, Manouche.
*guides her to the couch and sits beside her.* What's on your mind?
Manouche: Inspector, Commander, we need t' put our differences
aside, such as they are, an' do somethin' about this blighter Nate. I ... well,
I 'ad a vision, jus' a bit ago, an' decided it couldn't wait. So I come t' ye
straight away. I-I been tryin' t' find Kat fer th' longest time, to no avail.
She's in danger from 'im, terrible danger. I
know he wants 'er, an' I know he wants another'n, maybe another two, per'aps more. B-but
beyond that ... *puts hand on Abberline's arm* This ain't Nate's doin', he's
not actin' alone. It ain't him wants Kat an' the others ... someone's controllin'
him ... somethin's controllin' him ..... ohhhhhhh, BLIMEY ... *covers eyes with
hands, leans forward, nearly rolls to floor, moaning* Th' pair o' ye GOT T' FIND
KAT!! Cards on th' bloody table, straight up, iss'no game I'm playin', savvy?
*Abberline
and Portsmith listen distractedly, then go back to their discussion on the new bathtub.
[Sorry, folks, missing posts! I’ll try to retrieve them later,
lol!]*
Manouche *rolls eyes, drums fingers on arm of couch, growing impatient listening to Portsmith and Abberline
argue about missing Deppville money, Donnie's possible turn to piracy, and bathtub dimensions* This is gettin' me bloody nowhere ...
Portsmith: Can't you sit still for a minute, Manouche! We
have important matters to discuss.
Manouche *leaps up* Oh aye, bathtubs an' th' like! Never mind lives are in danger. Th' pair o' ye are worthless.
*waves hands, walks to door* Right,
I'm off. I'll take care o' this meself.
Outside the Security Office:
Manouche *furious, storms out of Portsmith's office, walking down the street, ranting* By th' powers!! They're so bleedin' aggravatin'. Reckon y'have to be part o' their inner circle, or upstandin' citizens t' warrant their attention. *Imitates Portsmith* "Pirates in trouble?
Who gives a toss? Kat in trouble??
Well, she shouldn't run about smashin' skulls with a shovel, should she????"
BLOODY 'ELL. I'll grant, Kat's compulsive,
in a word, an' I'll also grant we pirates may not be the top o' th' bloody Deppville Who's Who. But does that mean we don't deserve protection? Why am I knockin'
meself out over all this? I 'ave a good mind t' let th' whole bloody town go
all t' ruin, sod it all, never lift a finger again. What's in it fer ol' Manouche??
No thanks, no profit ... blimey, th' only one I talk to who really gives a toss
an' seems t' take me seriously is Willy. I swear, I dunno why I bother ...
*Reaches
the beach, stops, looks out at water. Sees the Wonkas' yacht out in the bay,
can barely make out what looks like candles. Stares at the lovely scene for a
few minutes, the stars coming out, the moon ... her anger falls away* Aye, that's
why I bother. *smiles* Willy an'
Madame, them twins ... me Mr. Blake ... Kidd ... *Turns toward the docks.* Right, that's it. Hell er high water,
I'm goin' t' find Kat. *Heads toward the docks, reaches The Apparition, starts
calling* Kat? Kat, y'here, mate?
It's me, Manouche. If y'have a shovel,
please put it down ...
On The Apparition:
Kat: MMManouche? bbe that you? Are ye sure?
Manouche *Approaches cabin door, greatly relieved* KAT! My god, finally. Where y'been keepin'
yerself, mate? Never mind, it don't matter, c'mon out. Y'shouldn't be 'ere alone. Come out, y'can come stay on me
ship fer the time bein'. Mr. Blake's there, it'll be a little safer. *pauses* An', ahhh, Kat ... y'know it's me. So no shovels, savvy? Right, open th' door.
*Kat unlocks
door and peeps out* Manouche. It
is you. I got no shovel. That fool
Brasco took it from me and ne'er came back like 'e said. Did ye see Nate? *looks around, fearfully* Did ye kill
'im? He were here I know it!!
Manouche *eyes wide* Are y'sure? I saw no one, but let's get far away from 'ere, sooner th' better. C'mon,
mate, I'll watch yer back. *motions Kat through the door, has her walk in front.
Doesn't hear footsteps behind, is knocked to the deck as Nate brings handle of
gun down on her head. Still conscious, she looks up, yells* RUN, KAT, RUN!! DON'T STOP, HE WANTS YOU MOST. GET HELP! RUN!!
*Kat stares, then turns and bolts. Nate
is on Manouche, takes her pistol away, pulls her to her feet. Manouche stares
at him, smirks dizzily.* Jus' ain't yer day, is it, mate?
Nate *Pistol
in his hand, he draws his sword laying the edge against her bare neck.* On the
contrary, you've quite made my day, my dear. *smiles* It's a real pity he wants you breathing, but just keep this in mind, I can do a lot of damage with a blade
and still leave you breathing. In fact I would much prefer it that way. So please do give me reason. *glances
in the direction that Kat fled* Don't worry about her luv. Her time will come. *laughs* Think
on this as we go, before he's done with the two of you, you will be begging me for death.
Lead on darlin’ your destiny awaits. *shoves her forward, still
laughing.*
Manouche *stumbling unsteadily* Th' --- th' two of US ...
Me? but - but why me ...
Nate: Questions!
Questions! Just full of them aren't you!
*reaches out grabs a handful of her hair forcing her head back, places sword once more to her throat, with a flick
of his wrist he slightly nicks her neck, raises the sword with a trace of her blood upon it up before her eyes.* There’s your answer girl. Your gypsy blood damns you.
*grinning* Any more questions? I'm just full of answers and slices. *sneering*
Move!!
Manouche *trembling, allows herself to be lead away without a word. Glances briefly, longingly in direction of her ship; Nate roughly shoves her back
in step, to an unknown destination.*
Donnie Brasco *steps out of the shadow with a gun in his hand* Freeze! *While Nat looks up, astonished, Constable Crane and Inspector Abberline grab him
by his hands and force him to the ground. Brasco snaps handcuffs, they bind him
and lead him away. Abberline looks anxious but as Kat has no shovel in her hand,
relaxes* We are taking him to Cry-Baby prison. And,
ladies, we need you to testify.
Portsmith:
That was good work. What would have happened if he had managed to drag them to
that sorcerer?"
Corso: No very much. I sold him a faked Necronomicon.
Next day, at Security Office:
Manouche *standing in open doorway of Donnie's office* 'Mornin',
Agent Brasco, might I 'ave a word?
Donnie *suspicious, but motions her in* Sure,
what's on your mind?
Manouche *sits down in front of desk, smiles* Merely
wanted t' express me gratitude fer a job well done, mate. Chances are I'd be
in a very bad way right now, if not fer th' timely intervention o' yerself an' th' rest o' Deppville's finest. 'Course, there is another related matter – very small, mind, so small I almost hesitate t' bring
it up, but bring it up I must – a matter of injured feelin's on th' part o' Kat an' meself. If we was to be used as bait fer yer dramatic wrapup, as it were, it would've been a site more pleasant
t' be privvy to the fact goin' in, savvy? As it is, ye saved our lives, but managed
t' make us feel like a cheap commodity in the process. Not a warm feelin', t'
be sure. *picks up magic 8-ball from Donnie's desk, turns it around in her hands
slowly* Especially considerin' th' fact that all our anguish at Nate's hands
likely could've been avoided if ye had been doin' yer job proper in th' first place, an' not leavin' it to pirates an' chocolatiers.
Donnie:
Routine police work, Manouche. If we'd told you and Kat our plan
up front, it could've leaked. You of all people should know the value of keeping
a secret.
Manouche *brightens* Secrets! Aye,
funny y'should bring that up! That's exactly what I come t' talk to ye about.
Donnie
*face slightly flushed* Go on.
Manouche *looks down at 8-ball* Well, we both know about yer little tryst with O'Malley, don't we? Blimey,
right on Portsmith's desk. Very bold! Y'got
yer nerve, I'll give ye that. Anyway, I realize ye were willin' to risk me tellin'
Portsmith about it after readin' that incriminatin' little note – *holds up hand as Donnie starts to speak* – don't deny it, I seen th' bloody thing, I got it from Ichy, poor frightened critter. So here's me proposal t' ye, mate, an' it's a sight more than you'd offer me: I'll swear t' never say a word to Portsmith about yer indiscretion with O'Malley ... includin' that night,
an' any an' all future activities between th' pair o' ye ... if ye'll hand over Kat's shovel to me here an' now.
Donnie:
Kat's shovel?? I can't do that,
it's evidence. *looks at Manouche suspiciously* Wh-why,
why do you want Kat's shovel?
Manouche: T' return it to its rightful owner.
Help repair a mate's injured feelin's, that's all. The way I see it ... I can go home t' Mr. Blake with all me troubles. I
can pour out me story, be comforted from me fright, an' hear a carin' voice tell me I'm not a fool. Kat, who's she 'ave to go to? All she wants right now is her
shovel. Another one won't do, she wants th' one ye took from 'er. It has meanin' to her, that'un, for whatever reason. She's
distraught an' feelin' at least as bad as I am, an' she has no one t' turn to. *frowns,
looks down at 8-ball again* I reckon I've always been one to stand up fer the
misfit, bein' enough o' one meself. *looks up*
You give me that shovel so I can take it to Kat ... an' I swear, on pain of death, I'll never breathe a word t' Portsmith
about ye an' yer bonnie pirate lass. Y'can carry on as little or as much as ye
wish. Do we have an accord?
Donnie: How
do I know you'll keep your word?
Manouche *shrugs* Y'don't. We all take chances every day, don't we? Still, it's a pretty
good offer, if y' consider. I've seen Portsmith in a dark mood, an' it's decidedly
not pretty. Really fond o' that ol' desk o' hers, too, I understand it's been
in th' family fer generations. Fancy her reaction, hearin' that one o' her top
agents an' a PIRATE ... had been workin' after hours, rearrangin' the ol' desktop, so to speak. Blimey! Sure wouldn't wanna be in yer shoes, mate ...
Donnie
*red-faced* All right, it's a deal! *goes
into back room, returns with Kat's shovel, removes evidence tag from it, sets it against desk in front of Manouche.* We'll just say it got lost in the confusion last night. And you damn well better keep your word.
Manouche *stands up, smiles*
Why, cheers, Donnie! This'll lift poor ol' Kat's spirits like Christmas
mornin'. Y'done a good thing. *turns
8-ball around in hands* So then, 8-ball ... Are there weddin' bells in th' future
fer Donnie an' O'Malley? *turns ball around, reads answer* 'Signs point to yes.' *looks at Donnie, grins, raises eyebrows,
holds 8-ball out to him*
Donnie *snatches 8-ball back, slams on desk* Okay,
take the damn shovel an' get outta here!
Manouche: Ta, mate. Hope th' rest o' yer day is pure dead brilliant.
*laughs, picks up shovel, leaves office, softly singing "La Vie en Rose"*
Donnie
*looks at the empty place where the shovel has been.* Commander will be mightily
displeased for this. But she sure would have killed me if she knew of us two
and the desk.
An Engagement:
Colonel *giggles* Well, Hanson just proposed. Mira is a witness. *smiles broadly, shows ring*
At Chez Roux:
Madame: Congrats Colonel!!!
Willy:
Yes, when can we expect a wedding?
Marja: Yes! Drinks all around and explosive
candies!
Manouche: Blimey, Marja, don't be bringin' up th' subject
of them explosive candies! Willy's very sensitive about that little error, ye'll
upset him!
Marja: Sorry 'bout that but I just can't resist explosions!
Willy
*glares* They are NOT supposed to be explosive candies!!!!!!
Madame
*rests hand on side of Willy's face* Dear, calm down, they don’t know so
it’s no big deal.
Willy
*places hand over Madame's, sighs* It's not fairrrrrr....everyone picks on me
about ittttttt
Madame:
No dear no ones picking on you ... right ladies???
Manouche: Absolutely
not, Willy, mate. Y'know Marja, she's so fond of explosives. Sure she meant no 'arm. Can I get ye a kir royale, luv?
Willy
*smiles* Actually that sounds like a good idea.
So I heard Nate was caught again yesterday?
Madame:
I would've loved to see that ... shame we were gone.
Manouche *goes pale* I- I think I'm glad ye weren't about,
would hate t' have seen either of ye get hurt. Club soda fer m'dear Madame ... *jumps
up to get drinks*
Madame *arches brow suspiciously at Manouche*.....sure....
Willy
*waits til Manouche goes, turns to Madame, whispers* Is she ok?
Madame
*shrugs* She is acting a bit...odd....
Willy
*smiles* Show her your ring...maybe she'll feel a little better hahaha
Madame
*hits Willy's shoulder lightly* don’t be stuck up dear haha
Manouche *returns with glasses*
Right, 'ere we are. *Looks at Madame's
hand, smiles* Do I notice somethin' new added, luv? *thinks for a moment* Blimey, y'had an anniversary date! That's what ye were doin' on th' bay last night! Many
happy returns t' ye both, to be sure. *hugs Madame* Weren't too long ago, Madame an' I was hidin' in the loo at Chez Roux, her wonderin' about her condition
an' how t' break th' news to ye, Willy. *beams*
Willy: *beams*
I've never been happier about that news
Madame:
Yesterday was fantastic Manouche, dreamy as ever...and I'm claiming bragging rights.... *shows ring*
Willy:
*arches brow at it* That cost even ME a pretty penny *Madame beams*
Manouche: I'm glad th' pair o' ye had a beautiful day. An'
well y'should brag, Willy, mate, th' ring is stunnin'. I'm -- I'm glad y'weren't
around 'ere yesterday. It's good Nate's back in prison, to be sure. But ... it would've been no way t' remember yer special day. *takes
long drink*
Willy *pauses,
looks at Manouche intently* Manouche, are you sure you’re alright? You look a bit ... uneasy about something ... is something bothering you?
Madame
*worried* Dear are you alright?
Manouche: Blimey, I can't hide anythin' from ye. No worries now, be assured. But ... last night, I --I had quite
th' scare with Nate, is all. It's ... well, it's done, so per'aps no need t'
go into it. Leastways, I think it's done. *smiles*
Willy
*arches brow* Ah Manouche, but usually when a dealing like that is done you don’t
have any more problems with it...today is most definitely different. Your still...
Madame:
....scared....
Willy
*nods* What's bothering you about Nate?
Manouche *pauses, looks at them* Oh,
bloody 'ell ... right, I may as well tell ye. Kat got away, but Nate caught me.
I weren't too worried, I thought that'd be best 'cause I knew he were after Kat. What would he want with ol' Manouche? But
as it turns out, Nate were bein' driven by some other force, I don't know who or what, he jus' kept callin' him "he." He told me this "he" wanted me as much as Kat. An'
it 'ad nothin' t' do with th' bloody locket, or any o' that. It's ... well, he
said it's 'cause this "he" was wantin' ... Gypsy blood. *brings hand to neck*
Had a sword at me throat, I were so scared. Me
only worry now is whether this "he" is still out there. Or was it jus' Nate talkin'
bollocks? *takes long drink, hands shaking, looks at Willy and Madame regretfully*
Apologies, luvs, I didn't want t' tell ye.
Willy *face turns
red* Why ... didn’t you tell me sooner Manouche?
Madame
*places hand over Willy's now clenching fist* Because she was afraid of a reaction
like that dear
Willy:
SHE WAS THREATENED BY NATE!!! I'LL
TURN OVER IN MY GRAVE BEFORE I HEAR THAT MY SISTER'S LIFE WAS ON THE LINE!!!!
Madame:
Willy calm down...
Willy:
NO!! WHERE IS HE?! I BETCHA HE'D LOVE HAVING A KNIFE AT HIS THROAT!!! NO!! BETTER!!
MY GUN!!!
Manouche *frightened, grabs Willy's arm* Willy, mate, calm
down! He's locked away, he can't do no more harm! Y'don't wanna go make trouble, luv, an' y'sure as 'ell don't want t' get him thinkin' about you. Besides, he may 'ave jus' been talkin'
rubbish! Calm yerself, mate!
Willy: I
DONT CARE IF HE'S LOCKED AWAY! IT'LL BE EASIER FOR ME TO KILL HIM FOR THREATENING
MY FAMILY!!! HE WAS NOT LYING, MANOUCHE!! I
KNOW HE WASN'T!! AND I'D RATHER HAVE HIM COME AFTER ME THAN ANYONE ELSE! I'LL PUT A BULLET STRAIGHT THROUGH THAT MAN'S SKULL IN TWO SECONDS FLAT IF IT COMES
TO THAT!!!
Madame *doesn’t
know what to do, looks at Manouche* He's never been this angry, Manouche.
Manouche: Oh, blimey, I never should've told ye. *squeezes Madame's hand reassuringly, moves over and sits in front of Willy, takes his hands, tries to calm
him down.* Willy, take care, mate, listen t' me. There's
nothin' t' be done with Nate at this point. They caught 'im last night. Kat an' me, we was th' bait, an' it worked. Y'think Portsmith'll
let him get away again, after all th' bad talk when he escaped before? They prob'ly
'ave him under constant watch in that lockup this time 'round. As fer what Nate
were talkin' about ... if Portsmith an' her staff question him about who he were workin' for, as it were, then per'aps we'll
get some answers. That in itself is a good reason t' keep th' bastard alive,
so maybe he can tell us somethin'. If the bloke he's workin' for is still out
there ... well, then Kat an' me, we may still be in danger. *pauses, then sighs* At th' same time, don't think I haven't had me fantasies of gettin' th' boot in on
th' blighter. I'd love t' have seen you thrash 'im that night y' caught him.
*Brings Willy's hands up, kisses them * I'm
touched beyond words by yer concern, Willy. Yer anger scares me, but it's a good
quality t' have. Don't lose it, luv. Jus'
make sure it's workin' fer you, an' not th' other way 'round. Savvy? *smiles*
At
Portsmith's office:
*Kat reluctantly enters Portsmiths office, inside she finds Abberline at his desk.* Abberline? I'm told I need the permission of this office to...
*clears throat* to visit Nate. If there's some sort of paperwork that I need to fill out, I'd be appreciative if ye
would just be givin' it to me.
*Abberline
looks up from his paperwork astonished.* Kat? Why
would you want to visit Nate, you of all people should know how dangerous he is. I
can't give you a permit unless I know what you are up to. Please sit down, let's
discuss this. *He gives her a smile, remembering the search situation*
Kat: I didn't say I wanted to get up and personal with 'im...
just want to talk to 'im is all. I'm not up to anything so there's nothin' to
discuss. He's got a right don't 'e?? *nervously
gripping the edge of the desk.*
Abberline: Let's have a talk. If you are afraid
of Nate why would you want to talk to him? *Abberline gets up from behind his
desk and closes the office door, sits on the Victorian sofa and motions Kat to join him*
Kat *eyes the closed door followed
by the couch then her eyes shifts to Abberline, considers the options, takes a deep breath.
Rises from chair.* I see. Apologies,
Inspector. I can see ye be 'avin' a lot of work to do. I'll just be coming back later maybe when ye're not quite so busy, eh. Ta.
Abberline
*shrugs* As you wish, but Commander Portsmith does not want anyone get even near
Nate. I can't give permission unless I know what it really is about. Why do you want to visit him if you are so afraid of him?
Kat:
Questions? You're just full of 'em aren't ye? It seems ye and Nate 'ave much in common. Suppose I should
be thankful that he's not as savvy as ye. Ye may 'ave nothin’ te do Inspector,
but I do. As I said before, ta!
At
From Hell Court:
Blake *enters From Hell Court, peeks in several opium dens and taverns, finally sees who he's looking for.
Goes in, approaches man hunched over the bar.* You Malachi?
Malachi *Looks at him, grins.* Well, well, you must be Blake.
Figured I'd meet you sooner or later. *Looks him over* Yeah, you're about what I expected. What brings a
nice bloke like you to these sordid surroundings? *drinks*
Blake *Sits next to him at bar, motions to bartender. Starts to say
something, pauses* I-I'm not quite sure ...
Malachi: Lemme help you out. You're seeking something, you're not quite sure what it is, but you
know you have to do something about all this anger you're carryin' around about what happened to Manouche. You'd like
to wreak some kinda revenge on Nate. You know the law will take care of it, in all likelihood the short drop an' sudden
stop, but that's not enough. *Speaks in Hollywood western voice* Hangin's too good fer
him! *Laughs, takes drink*
Blake: Yeah, that's about the size of it. *Nods thanks as bartender sets drink in front of him.*
Malachi: So what're you wantin' to do?
Blake: I wanna kill him.
Malachi *Turns, looks at him, surprised.*
Really. *Peers at him intently.* I'll be damned. You're in love with her. Thought you two were just
messin' about. Y' poor sod! You don't know what you've got yourself into. You'll have your hands full, she
was born under a bad sign ...
Blake *grabs him by collar, shakes him*
Malachi *hands up* Take it easy, take it easy. *Pushes Blake away* C'mon, have a drink
on me, an' I'll give you some advice. Quit playin' Romeo for five minutes, you might learn something. *Smoothes
out shirt, orders drinks.* Now ... I shouldn't have said bad sign, I guess. I've known her a long time, and it's
not so much she's unlucky, but she's never learned how to use her gifts to full advantage. She's smart when it comes
to sleight-of-hand, she's got a silver tongue when she needs to talk her way out of trouble. An' she knows chemical
equations, of all things, like a professor, it's surprising how often that skill has come in handy for her. She's also
got guts, she's brave, sometimes to the point of bein' foolhardy. Okay, that's all great. On the down side, she
has this unfortunate habit of taking huge risks for a friend. She's so damn stubborn on that, I've seen her hold up
to questioning. If someone else's life is on the line, y' can't drag anything out of her. Admirable enough, but
she's gonna get killed doing that one day, if she's not careful. But the biggest problem of all is, she hasn't learned
to key into her biggest strengths. *Looks at Blake.* She's being hunted right now for her Gypsy blood ...
Blake How do you know that?
Malachi: It doesn't matter, I just know.
But the point is, instead of seein' that as a detriment, she needs to use it. She's got Gypsy blood ... that means she's
got Gypsy magic in her, she needs to tap into it. But she lacks confidence, she always has. I think it's 'cause
the prejudice she's faced all her life has made her feel a need to hide that part of her. Know what I mean? Some
towns can be really cold when you're a Gypsy and an outcast. *Shrugs* I guess that's why Deppville means so much
to her. And do you think, if it came down to the hunter going for one of the other Rom in the area, say that Roux, or
Cesar ... y'think she'd let that happen? She'd throw herself right in the path, with all sorts of excuses, god, I can
hear her now ... *imitates Manouche* "Well, can't let him 'ave Roux, that'd break Marijke's heart ... Blimey, no, can't
be Cesar, he's Lisa's walkin' one-an'-only" ... *shakes head* Sentimental fool.
Blake *can't help but smile at his imitation.
Takes long drink, sighs.* What can I do to help her?
Malachi: Wish I knew. Try telling her everything I just told you.
Maybe she'll listen to you, she didn't listen to me. *Pauses, smirks* Well, my relationship with her has
never been conducive to encouragement. We were always at odds in Fiji, she really got
in my way several times. She could've been a great buccaneer an' profiteer. But her priorities are ridiculous,
and she's so softhearted ... always made me so damn impatient, I suppose I got more rough with her at times than I should
have. I do have a quick temper. But there's always been a grudging admiration between us, so for whatever reason,
we continue to cross paths. *Takes drink, looks at Blake.* You want to throttle Nate, an' that's not altogether
a bad thing, he's nothin' but bad news. But you have bigger things to worry about ... there's still the mystery man
who was drivin' Nate in the first place. He's the one who was after Manouche an' Kat, and as far as we know, he's still
out there somewhere. I doubt if he'll give up just 'cause he lost Nate as a delivery man, so to speak.
Blake *Removes glasses, rubs eyes, puts
them back on. Runs hand through hair, exasperated* H-how the hell do you know all this?
Malachi: I have my means, none o' your business.
*Drains glass, pulls out money, places on the bar.* Just remember everything I've told you. That Romany blood,
there's a lotta strength in that, very potent magic. Try to make her see that, to use it. Get books about it from
the damn library, do research, do whatever it takes, but convince her. *Laughs* Then maybe she'll live long enough
for me to dance at your wedding and say I told you so. *Stands up.* That's about all I can tell you now.
Good luck, mate, you'll need it. No offense, I just know how she is. *Slaps Blake on the shoulder, walks out.*
Blake *watches him go, shakes head, pulls
out cigarettes and matches.* One more, bartender. *Lights cigarette, thinking ... *
Later,
at Chez Roux:
(Manouche
has gotten in trouble with Kidd again – big mouth!)
Willy:
Very nice Manouche, got yourself in trouble ... AGAIN.
Manouche: Aye, so I did. But
all seems t' be sorted. Portsmith seems to 'ave become occupied with other matters,
so sod it. We're here, it's a lovely evenin', as it were ... an' here comes me
Mr. Blake. *smiles as Blake enters Chez Roux*
Madame: *smiles at Blake* Good
evening Mr. Blake, how are you?
Willy:
*tips hat at Blake* Shall we settle in and talk over dinner?
Blake *smiles* Great to see you both, I'm glad we're doing
this at last. I took the liberty of ordering a bottle of wine -- it's on me,
to toast your anniversary.
Manouche: An' club soda fer Madame.
Blake *laughs* Of course, club soda for Madame. *smiles shyly at Manouche* I guess this is the first time we've
been out on a proper date ... *Manouche beams, they take a booth*
Willy *sits next to Madame, rubs her back, looks at Manouche
and Blake and gestures to the booth across with other hand* Let's eat!
Manouche: Madame, are you alright, luv? Not that y'ain't a finger in th' eye, as always. Blimey, yer
smashin'! New dress, is it? Y'seem a bit tired, though, anythin' I can do fer ye?
Blake *places hand on
her arm* You're not doin' anything for anyone tonight, you're gonna relax an'
enjoy yourself. *smiles, hands her a menu, winks at Willy*
Willy
*nods, looks at Manouche* She's fine Manouche, just a bit tired is all
Madame:
Absolutely. I'm just hungry and a bit tired is all. *picks up menu* Unfortunately, my hunger ranks higher than
my exhaustion. *reads*
Willy:
*picks up menu* I'm just hungry.
Manouche *to Blake, points at Willy* Watch
out fer that'un, luv. Don't get between him an' his food! *grins at Willy's indignant look* Jus' a joke, mate, is all. *looks
around impatiently* Blast, that waitstaff o' Marijke's leave somethin' t' be
desired. Madame, I won't 'ave ye waitin' because o' their incompetence. *jumps up, goes to back to fetch club soda for Madame*
Blake *laughs* If Manouche had her way, you two wouldn't have time to even think of what you wanted,
much less ask for it. *looks at menu* I
know what she'll want ... eggplant parmesan.
Willy *looks at Blake, arches brow* Good thing you know ... with Madame's appetite I never know what she wants when she wants it.
Madame
*looks up from menu and quickly glances at Willy, looks back at menu* Oh ha ha
ha. Excuse me for carrying your children.
Willy
*hugs Madame* You knowwwww I didn't mean it that way.
Madame
*smiles, closes menu* I think I'll get the shrimp alfredo
Willy
*closes menu* chicken parmesan...sounds good
Blake *grins* She's
right, Willy, in her condition, her tastes probably change daily. *looks at Madame*
Guess I've never had a chance to say congratulations. *laughs* Oh, look who's here. NOW
the waiter arrives! *Waiter appears, Blake orders for all four of them* Chicken parmesan, shrimp alfredo, eggplant parmesan ... an' ahi tuna. Oh, an' don't forget the wine ... I spoke to Marijke about it, it's under my name, William Blake. Thanks. *hands menus to waiter, turns
to Willy and Madame.* Thanks for asking us out
tonight. I think it's doing her a world of good.
Willy *smiles* I hope so ... been through too much. So Blake, what have you
been up to today? You said you went away for a bit. Any place specific? *looks around* Where’s Manouche?
Manouche *voice coming from the kitchen* Bloody 'ell, I said
CLUB SODA. Whatcha' mean yer out of it??! How
does anyone run out o' club soda? Right, well, let's see what else you 'ave.
Blake
*smiles* She's busy. No point tryin'
to stop her, Madame, she'd do anything for you. *leans closer* Long as she's not here, I'll tell you ... I went to see an old acquaintance of hers today, his name's Malachi. She knew him in Fiji. She'd
told me about him, when she was tryin' to catch Nate. I-- I don't know what made
me go see him today, but I'm glad I did. He's ... well, can't say I like him
much, but he told me a lot about her I didn't know. He seems to know everythin'
that's goin' on around here, he knew she was bein' hunted, along with Kat. He
knew she was wanted for her Gypsy blood, how would he know all that? He said
how the best thing she could do now would be to tap into the power of that Gypsy heritage, I guess there's magic to it, that's
why this killer, whoever he is, wants her. He said I should try to help her see
that, an' use the power herself. *shakes head* I
guess I'll tell her all about it, I don't know how she'll feel about me goin' t' see that guy. She keeps wantin' to keep me out of things, like she wants to protect me or somethin'. She doesn't seem to get that I wanna protect HER. *looks up
at Willy and Madame* To be honest, I'm so in love with her, I can't see straight.
*Glass
crashes to floor. They turn and see Manouche, staring at Blake, having dropped
Madame's 7UP.*
Willy *looks at Manouche, then Blake, then Manouche again, then at the broken glass, stands up* I
think I'll get the mop......
Madame: Manouche are you alright?
Manouche *sits down next to Blake*
Right, I'm addressin' th' business about Malachi in good time .... but *smiles* .. y-you're in love with me??
Blake *looks a little startled, then smiles,
nods. Manouche flings her arms around him*
I'm in love with you as well, Mr. William Blake. *Looks over at Madame,
teary-eyed* Aye, Madame, luv, I'm right as bloody rain. *Madame beams*
Willy *helps clean up mess, gets Madame a pepsi, sets it down in front of her* There you are dear. *He looks at Manouche and Blake* Well I suppose with such a joyous evening,
we should have a toast *raises glass* To the feeling of being head over heels in love with that special someone. *takes Madame's hand. She smiles, raises
glass*
Manouche: Aye, here, here. *looks aside at approaching waiters* An' th' food is here! *laughs at Blake's expression as he watches Willy dive into food with his usual reckless
abandon*
Madame: *glances at Willy, then back at
her plate* Put your napkin on your lap dear.
Willy *bent over plate, glares up at Madame. She arches brow
at Willy, he sighs, puts down fork, sits up, takes napkin and put it on lap, smiles at Madame* Okay????
Madame:*smiles* Thank youuuuu
Manouche
*to Blake* Madame can always bring a measure o' civilization to 'im. *pauses* So, ah, y'met Malachi, eh? What made you go see him? Y'shouldn't be messin' about in
From Hell Court.
Blake: Sorry, honey, didn't mean to go behind your back.
But I can't let this stuff go ... it's all I can do to keep from goin' over to that lockup an' confrontin' him ...
Manouche: *puts hand on his arm* I appreciate all
that, luv, but ... well, it's in th' law's hands now.
Blake: It's not enough.
Willy *pauses, looks up* Wha? Huh? Oh yea...I
seriously am considering ... umm ... *glances at Madame, looks back* visitation hours? That is ... if Blake's
willing to join, I'm all for that.
Madame: Hell no ... Nate will get what he has coming
to him. And it won't be in the hands of you OR you. *looks at Blake*
Manouche: Madame's right, th' pair o' ye actin' like vigilantes.
Shouldn't be talkin' about that blighter now, we'll spoil all this lovely ... *Looks over in surprise at Willy's empty plate*
..... oh, ah, never mind! Well, there's still dessert ...
Blake: Still ... must've felt good to catch him, when you did, Willy ...
Manouche: C'mon, luv, we got much better things t' talk about, don't we? Madame, let's see
that new ring again ...
Blake *quietly to Willy, while Manouche and Madame are talking* Y'know,
we could at least go have a word with him. I'd love t' tell him a few things. You happen to know when these visitation
hours are? *pours more wine for them both*
Willy: *takes a drink* Visiting hours are from 9 to 6. I think
we should go … talk to him.
Blake *smiles grimly* How about tomorrow, the sooner the better. You name the time, where to
meet. *glances at Manouche and Madame* For now, let's just enjoy the rest of dinner. No need worryin' them
with all this.
Willy *sits back* Oh I certainly agree. *smiles*
Madame *looks over* About what?
Willy *blinks, does quick thinking* Lollipops are MUCH more better than gum.
Madame *pauses, then smiles and nods* I do agree as well!
Willy *beams, looks up* So ... are we going for dessert? I
would LOVE some double chocolate chip cake right now.
Manouche: An' coffee ... with rum. Or would that be kaluha … *turns to Willy* Willy, mate, someday we'll 'ave t' get behind
what caused yer supreme aversion to gum. Not that I'm a big fan o' the stuff meself, mind ...
Willy: *arches brow* People chew it with their mouths WIDE open. *shudders* You can actually SEE them chewing ... it’s disgusting. *Madame laughs, he rubs hands together* Okay
bring on that cake!
At the Deppville lockup:
Blake
*as he and Willy approach the courthouse* Remember, we’re gonna keep cool.
Our girls are right. Bein’ vigilantes won’t solve anything. Nate's not the danger anymore, but he knows who is. Let’s
jus’ talk to him, maybe we can get some information.
Willy:
Oh it'll take me enough not to kill the bastard ... I swear I would if it wasn't
for the two of them in my way.
Blake
*smiles* Willy, don’t mind my sayin’ so, but … you’re
not a murderer. Anyway, it’s a compliment. Besides,
we don’t even know if they’ll let us in. He’s prob’ly
under heavy guard. Portsmith’d never let just anyone wander around in there.
*sighs* Let’s see what we
can find out.
*They
enter courthouse, find their way to lockup. Peek around door, find that fortune
has smiled on them – Ichy’s on guard, and sound asleep in a chair leaning up against the wall. They pass him easily and head for the cell block. Down the
stairs, squinting in the dim light … they approach the only occupied cell, where Nate lies on a cot, facing the wall.*
Willy:
Nate. NATE. Get up you disgusting mongrel.
Nate
*Stirs, mumbling, turns around, blinking* Ehh, who’s here? *Slowly sits up, stretches, peers at them, eyes narrowed.* Who
th’ hell are you? *Leans closer, sees Willy, smiles* Well, well, I’ll be damned, it’s the Green Hornet! What
brings you here?
Blake
*Puts hand out to stop Willy, who has moved forward, fists clenched.* We wanna
talk to you. We wanna know about … about this man you’re workin’
for.
Nate:
‘That so?
Blake
*Curbing anger* Yeah, that’s so. We
wanna know why he wants … what he wants.
Nate
*smirks* You mean the blood of those two strumpets? Why should I tell you? *shakes head at them* Look at you two. Sorriest-lookin’ interrogators in known
universe! I’ve seen harder ladies at a garden party. Anyway, what’s it to you? *Pauses, peers at Willy, remembers.*
Oh, yes, you did have some vested interest, didn’t you? You and your missus, you really ought to be more selective of your friends and not waste your time with
trash. *Looks at Blake* But you
… Don’t tell me you and Kat ….. *peers closer* ….. No, you’re not her type, decidedly. I know her well, I know her type. You
look like you lean more toward Gypsy trash, laddie. *Laughs*
Blake
*Starts toward cell. Willy tries to hold him back, he presses against bars, stretching
hands for Nate, who’s out of reach.* Y’better tell us, y’bastard,
or …
Nate:
Or what? A threat’s no good
without something behind it, don’t forget that. I won’t tell you
a blasted thing. Understand, I have nothing to lose. In here, I answer to your legal system, which most likely’ll lead to my demise. Out there … well, I failed at my job. And my, ah, shall
we say, overseer is most unforgiving. There are more things in heaven and earth
than are dreamt of in your philosophy. So you see, even a plea bargain of sorts
is no incentive. I could tell what I know for a lesser sentence. But out there, my life ain’t worth sod-all. It’s
the bloody end of the line for me, no matter what. *Pauses* I’ll tell you both this: There’s only one person
I’ll talk to freely, and that’s Kat.
Willy:
Why Kat? You threaten both my wife
and Blake's girl but you won't talk to us? I had a gun to your head and you still
won't tell me anything. *glares, grabs the bars of the cell with both hands,
looks at Nate directly in the eyes* You’re even dumber than you look, you
bloody bastard.
Nate
*shrugs* Sticks an’ stones, luv. You
don’t look so smart yourself, standing there demanding answers to things you can’t possibly understand.
Willy
*glares, manages to lighten up, somehow hiding all his anger and not tearing Nate's head off* WHY
Kat?
Nate
*scowls* Never mind, that’s my affair. *Nods
toward office behind them* You tell those paid assassins in there to let Kat
see me, and I’ll talk to her. No one else, end of story. Savvy?
Blake
*wearily* C’mon, Willy, let’s get outta here. I can’t listen to him anymore. *Turns to leave*
Nate
*calls out to him* How’s the Gypsy strumpet’s throat healing up?
Hated to do that, but she wouldn’t shut the hell up, an’ I’m
not known for my patience. *Laughs as Blake turns and glares at him.*
Willy
*grabs the bars again, screaming, reaching for Nate to strangle him* YOU BLOODY
NO-GOOD BASTARD. I SHOULD'VE USED THE GUN WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE!!! YOU'LL MEET YOUR END NATE!! I PROMISE YOU!! YOU'LL NEVER SEE
THE LIGHT OF DAY AGAIN!!!
Nate
*infuriatingly unruffled* Yes, you probably should’ve used it. But your missus, she was right about you, wasn’t she. You’re
not a killer. Very interesting, watching you struggle with that little conflict.
I was half hoping you’d prove me wrong. Would’ve
been worth ‘meeting my end,’ as you put it. *snickers*
Willy:
YOU’RE JUST LUCKY I LISTEN TO MY WIFE WITH THE UTMOST RESPECT, YOU SLIMEY
MONGREL!! UNLIKE YOU WHO HAS TO BE EVER SO EVIL TO MY SISTER AS WELL. YOU PUT A SWORD OR ANYTHING TO HER THROAT AGAIN AND YOU’RE MINE, NATE. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT? MINE!!
Blake
*trying to control his anger, hand on Willy’s shoulder* Take it easy, Willy,
don’t listen to him, he’s jus’ tryin’ to get a rise outta you.
Nate
*laughs, looks at Blake* You tell him, laddie! You’ve
got a cool head. Very admirable. You’ll
need it if you’re going to throw your lot in with her. Why would you choose
to take that on? Do yourself a favor, find a nice girl, and hand the tramp over
for the bloodlettin’. At least then she’ll be useful for something.
*Still talking to Blake, he motions to Willy* This
one here, he can call her "sister" all he wants. Nothing will change the fact
that she’s thievin’ Gypsy scum. Death is coming for her, even as
we speak, he’s searching. *laughs* And
when he finds her, her end will be sheer ecstasy … a long … slow … agonizing death. Satisfaction guaranteed. A most stimulating image. *draws a long breath, smiles evilly*
*Blake’s
face turns crimson with rage; he cries out, and he and Willy leap for the cell, swearing. Nate
stands back out of reach, laughs at their shouting and ineffectual stretching through the bars. Ichy appears, grabs Willy and Blake, hauls them out … the sound of Nate’s laughter a terrible
racket in their ears long after Ichy tosses them out of the courthouse and slams the door.*
On
The Libertine Trailer:
Blake *Walking slowly, returns to Libertine Trailer after he and Willy have parted after their confrontation
with Nate. Finds Manouche working hard, polishing some of the ship’s brass. He approaches, says nothing,
just watches her for a few minutes, trying to bury his despair over Nate’s words.*
Manouche *feels eyes on her, turns and beams at him* Ahh, there y’ are. Where ye been, luv?
Y’know, it’s cleanin’ days like this when I wish I ‘ad a few oompa loompas around ‘ere.
Sure would be helpful, wouldn’t they, in gettin’ things all ship-shape an’ Bristol fashion. I bet y’ thought that were jus’ an expression.
*winks, turns back to work*
Blake *comes up behind her, wraps arms around her, hugs her tightly, speaks with a slight catch in his voice*
Let’s go away for a few days, honey. Just the two of us.
Manouche *turns, looks at him* Funny y’should mention that, ‘cause I were thinkin’ th’
exact same thing. That’s one reason I been workin’ on th’ ship. I were thinkin’ it would
be nice to combine a little business with pleasure, savvy? *pauses, looks at him carefully* Y’ all right?
Where ye been?
Blake: Nowhere, just walkin'. *smiles* I'm -- I’m fine, really. But,
ah ... no, I don’t savvy. What business?
Manouche: I been thinkin’ on what’s been happenin’ as of late. I’m beginnin’
t’ think it may serve me well t’ investigate me heritage a bit more than I've cared to in th' past. *remembering
Nate’s words, smile fades* So I thought we could take th’ ship, ‘ave a few days o’ pleasure,
an’ after that … there’s somewhere I want t’ go, someone I want t’ talk to. Y’may
have t’ occupy yer time while I’m at it … but I think it's time t’ fight fire with fire, as it were.
Luv, I don’t even know what I’m capable of, if anythin’. It’s time I find out. Past it,
rather. I hate t’ leave Kat on her own, considerin’ we share a similar concern at this time … but
seein’ as how what I’m doin’ is fer our ultimate good, I reckon I’ll trust that she’ll be sound
in me absence. Not sure how much good I could do ‘er right now, anyway. *looks up at him, smiles*
I -- I don’t sound completely daft, do I?
Blake: You make perfect sense. *kisses her* Y’know that anywhere you need to go, I’ll
follow. Where are we going?
Manouche *glances around worriedly* L-let’s get out t’ sea before I tell ye, luv. As of
late, it feels like th’ very air around me has ears. Let’s jus’ go, we won’t tell anyone. Well, I’ll inform Kidd, after all, I’m ‘er boatswain an’ wouldn’t
leave her in th’ lurch without explanation. An’ I’ll send word t’ Willy an’ Madame.
Willy can’t abide me keepin’ secrets from ‘im, he freaks right out. Ye haven’t seen him
when he’s angry. Ye’d never know it’s th’ same person. *smiles gently* He's very
loyal an' protective ... me big brother.
Blake: *nods* We’re lucky to know ‘em both. I – I’m glad he’s been here
for you, he’s a good man. *looks at her, puts a smile on* Well, Captain, what can I do to help? Sooner we can go, the better. Few days of heaven at sea, just what the doctor ordered. I’ve
never taken a pleasure cruise before.
Manouche: Then I’ll be delighted t’ introduce ye to this particular joy, m’ love.
*They kiss, then get to work on the ship.*
Several hours later, the Libertine Trailer sails away from the harbor. Manouche watches the town as the
distance broadens between ship and shoreline – Chez Roux, the Wonkas’ factory, the fountain with the statue of
the Mayor in it, Grape’s Grocery, the courthouse. Blake comes up behind her, puts his arms around her, tears fill
her eyes.* Au revoir, Deppville, me home, me dear mates. I’ll be back with wings on me feet, as quick as
I can.
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