At the abandoned house:

Jerod *to Kat, talking about Loralee*  It's more what I did to her.  Though she was already a bloodthirsty little savage when I first saw her.  Her murderous nature was astounding.  I found her most amusing at the time.  Plotting to kill her rival, the lovely Danielle.  Seemed poetic justice to give her the dark gift and watch as she was drawn inescapably to the object of her affections for her first kill.  Being a fledging she had absolutely no control.  A pity the child intruded and died as well.  *Glancing at Kat, sneers*  Why do you look at me in that way?  You know what I am.  I never denied being a monster.  My sins and regrets are more numerous than you could ever begin to imagine.

Manouche *eyes wide, carefully turns doorknob, finds it's unlocked.  Opens door as softly as possible, cringing as the hinges squeak.  Carefully makes her way through the house, listening to the voices.  Stops just outside room where she hears Jerod talking, trembling at what he's saying.  Thinks to herself*  Blimey ... Danielle ...   *swallows, braces herself, jumps in through doorway, pistol raised, points it at Jerod, face dark*  Right, hands up!  Step away from Kat, leave 'er be, y' bastard!

Kat:  Manouche?  You've no idea what you're doin', mate.  That'll do 'im no 'arm.  'ave a care.  'e may well be the only chance we 'ave mate.  As scary as that thought is.

Manouche *glaring fiercely at Jerod, glances over at Kat, blinks at what she says*  Ch-chance?  Our only … chance?  Th-this blighter?  Whatcha mean, th’ pistol won’t do ‘im no …… *looks back at Jerod, who’s now staring at her in a most unpleasant way.  She gets it, smacks her forehead*  Oh, bloody ‘ELL.  He’s … he’s a …  *She lowers her gun, looks at Jerod*  Ahh … don’t believe I’ve ‘ad th’ pleasure, mate …  *holds out hand to Jerod, smiles hopefully*

Jerod:  You need not fear me.  I've seen too many lifetimes of horror and death.  Vampire I may be, but I have come to a crossroads in which I seek that what might have been in place of the death and horror I've inspired through the centuries.  I cry peace.

Manouche:  Peace?  *slowly puts pistol away, staring at him*  Ye ‘ave an odd way o’ showin’ it, if ye don’t mind me sayin’.  *pauses, thinks of everything she’s heard*  I don’t understand … but it sounds as if ye know somethin’ of a certain Danielle.  Which leads me t’ believe ye also can tell me what possible connection I ‘ave with th’ Danielle that Loralee seems to ‘ave me confused with.  *motions toward Kat*  An’ if ye mean well, why th’ blazes did ye feel th’ need t’ abduct Kat?

*They hear a noise coming from the front of the house.  Manouche turns toward door, draws pistol again, holds her breath … and Malachi peeks into the room*

Manouche:  Malachi!  *lowers pistol*  Blimey, what the ‘ell ye doin’ here?

Malachi *looks at her steadily for a moment, shrugs slightly*  I – I’m not sure.  I don’t know how I knew you’d be here … something just came to me.

Manouche *peers at him*  Ye been chasin’ a dragon, then?

Malachi *shakes head*  No, I haven’t.  That’s what’s so strange.  *brings hand up to eyes, shakes his head, then looks around, sees Kat and Jerod*  Wh-what’s goin’ on? 

Manouche *puts pistol away, waves hand at Jerod*  Kat tells me this bloke can help with one o’ our existin’ dire situations …

Jerod: I've done some investigation since Kat informed me of another vampire’s presence.  I've reached the conclusion that Loralee seeks vengence against Danielle, as well as a chance to be reunited with her love, now that I have seen your heroic friend here.  I've made notes here that will help you see the connection.  *Hands small notebook to Manouche.*  You, Manouche, as well as this one you call Malachi are in danger.  There may well be a child at risk that I have yet to find.  As for Kat, leave her to me.  If I'm successful, Loralee will either be driven away or destroyed.  By the way, take this key, go to my home.  There is a portrait there that will be of much interest to you.  It hangs in the foyer.  Now go!

Manouche *looks at Kat, who nods reassuringly; she looks at Jerod*  Well … all right, as long as Kat’s sure … I reckon I’ll trust ye.  Ye’ll ‘ave to fergive me if I ain’t so quick to trust.  Me trust in people in general has been a bit strained as of late.  *turns to Malachi*  C’mon, mate, let’s go.  *puts notebook in pocket, looks at key, reads address tag.  They leave the house, make their way back to town.*

Malachi *reading some of her thoughts*  Kat’ll be all right.  She wouldn’t have let us go if she thought she needed help with that guy.

Manouche:  I hope so.

Malachi *wants to take her mind off her worries, then remembers something*  Oh, guess who I saw – I saw that snake in the grass, Abberline.

Manouche *jumps slightly*  Y-ye did?  When?  Where?

Malachi:  I was passing by Chez Roux, before I came here.  *grins*  You’ll like this.  He was on a date.  With that redhead I was seeing for a little while, that Nurse Daphne.

Manouche:  A date?  Are ye sure?

Malachi:  Oh yeah, I know the look Daphne gets when she’s on a date.  *smirks*  People make the mistake of thinking Daphne’s kinda empty-headed.  In some ways, she’s not very bright, and she sure isn’t sophisticated.  But she’s no fool.  *laughs*  You should’ve seen the uptight Inspector Abberline, watching her take her gum out of her mouth and stick it under the table so she could drink her frothy little cocktail!  *shakes head, chuckling*

Manouche:  Blimey.  Him an’ Daphne?  Y’think … ?  Y’reckon she’d be good fer ‘im?

Malachi:  Who knows?  He’ll sure have his hands full.  I actually watched them for a minute, it struck me so funny.  They finally got talking, looked pretty chummy, and then he stood up, pulled her up and laid a big kiss on her.  Lust at first sight!  Not so bad … might be good for him, the way he’s been moping over his dead wife all this time.  *snorts*  Not that I give a damn.  He can rot in hell after what he did to you and Blake.  And if I ever get the chance, I’ll give him such a …. *voice trails off, he stops walking, grabs Manouche by the arm, swings her around*  No.  Don’t tell me!  *glares at her*  You’re feeling sorry for him, aren’t you?

Manouche *looks uncomfortable*  Well … I —

Malachi:  I don’t believe it!  *squeezes her arm harder, shakes her, his voice rising*  Are you really that big of a fool?  What the hell do you care what happens to him at this point?  He damn well didn’t give a toss what happened to you.

Manouche *nods*  I can’t argue with ye on that’un.  I jus’ ain’t right as of late, s-savvy?  I … I don’t know what t’ make o’ so many things …

Malachi *exasperated, releases her*  What the hell am I gonna do with you?  You have got to quit being so tender-hearted, it’s gonna get you killed.  Did it ever occur to you to listen to people who’ve known the guy for awhile, like Kat?  She’s been right about him all along.

Manouche *fights back tears*  I said I ain’t arguin’ with ye, didn’t I?  All me life I’ve tried to be fair, to keep in mind there’s many sides to every story, an’ good an’ bad in everyone.  It’s -- it's hard enough t’ be betrayed, then findin’ out that—  *cuts herself off, pauses*  Findin’ out … *shakes her head*  Never mind.  Let’s jus’ say th’ last thing I need right now is t’ be yelled at by a mate.  Savvy?  *looks up at street sign*  Look, we’re almost there.  That bloke’s house is right down this street.  I suggest we drop this, an’ keep to th’ business at hand, all right?

Malachi *still angry, waving his arms as they approach Jerod’s house*  Look, I’m sorry to be yelling at you, but damn it, Manouche, you drive me crazy.  You’re like the poor sod in that old fable – the guy who finds a snake on the ground in winter, it’s nearly frozen to death but still alive, so he brings it into his home … *Manouche irritably pushes him aside as they step up on the porch; she puts the key in the door* …. He takes the snake in by the fire, and his kids are all around him, and they’re looking at this snake and wondering what they can do for it … *follows Manouche as they enter the house* … so they cover it up, massage it, keep it warm by the fire, the kids are petting it … and it starts to revive, and the kids are all excited.  Then the damn thing spins around and bites one of the kids.  *continues as he follows her into the foyer of the house*  The moral being, a snake is a snake, no matter how you treat it.  It’s its nature, got it?  It simply can’t help it.  When are you gonna start listening?  If someone tells you someone else is no good, maybe you should just accept that and keep your distance, quit trying to save the world from itself.  A little self-preservation would serve you well.  Then maybe …  *voice trails off as he stops, looks at her, sees she’s gone pale*  Manouche?  *puts a gentle hand on her shoulder, speaks more softly*  Manouche?  *sees she’s staring at something, follows her gaze to the wall.  His eyes widen as he sees the painting she’s staring at – a portrait of a couple, the spitting image of the two of them, but from another time, the clothing indicating the 18th century* 

Malachi *stares at the painting, puts arms protectively around Manouche*  Oh my god …

Manouche *whispers*  D-Danielle, I presume …

At Deppville Hospital:

Daphne *after having been at work for about an hour or so, manages to slip away, approaches Dr. Rainey’s office, carrying a manila file folder containing a magazine, an envelope slightly smaller than the folder, and some miscellaneous paperwork that needs to be filed.  Taps lightly on door, listens, opens door cautiously.  Sees no one inside, looks up and down hall to make sure she’s not being watched; goes into office, shuts door behind her, turns lock.  Steps over to file cabinet, opens drawer, finds file labeled ABBERLINE.  Pulls file from drawer, then leafs through other files.  Pulls another file labeled SANDS, takes paperwork from it, puts empty file back in drawer.  Takes Abberline’s paperwork, puts it in the envelope.  Seals envelope, places it in the manila file folder, underneath the magazine and other papers to be filed.  Places Sands’ paperwork in the folder marked ABBERLINE, puts it back in file drawer.  Takes folder, goes to door, unlocks door, and is just about to step out when she hears footsteps in the hall; listens carefully, hears Dr. Rainey and Sebastian talking as they approach the office.  Catches her breath as Dr. Rainey turns the knob, opens the door.  He and Sebastian look at her, surprised* 

Daphne *brightly*  Oh, hi, Doctor!  Sebastian!  *holds up folder*  Just catching up on a little filing …

Dr. Rainey *looks at her suspiciously * And what filing would that be, nurse?

Sebastian: With all due respect, Dr. Rainey, you should keep the door locked.

Dr. Rainey: So it would seem. One would assume that no one enters a private room when the owner is away, but not in this hospital. Where do we get these little stupid nurses from? *to Daphne* And would you please show me the files, nurse. *holds out his hand, waiting for her to hand over the files*

Daphne *stammering*  Oh … y’know, just the usual paperwork … *jumps as Dr. Rainey snatches the folder away from her.  He opens it, Sebastian peers over his shoulder, they look inside; Sebastian quickly glances away, Dr. Rainey rolls his eyes, closes it, hands it back to her distastefully, glaring at her*

Daphne *takes folder back*  S-s-sorry about that, Doctor … all right, I guess I may as well tell you.  It’s Playgirl magazine.  This issue has a survey, asking for readers to vote on who they’d like to see in the next centerfold.  I … I’ve been taking it around to the other nurses, to get votes … I want to nominate the Mayor.  *smiles, opens the folder to show him the magazine*  Here, look, it’s on page 37 … Oh!  Ooops, no, sorry, that’s not the survey … *peers closer at page*  Hmmm … well, he’s all right, I guess, but I don’t think Brad Pitt’s got anything that our Mayor hasn’t got.  *smiles suggestively at Dr. Rainey, nudges him*  Wouldn’t you agree?

Dr. Rainey:  If you are done with your 'surveys' would you mind getting out of my room.  I will report on you if I once more catch you in my room without my authorization.  *turns to Sebastian*  Sebastian, give me Mr. Abberline's papers.  You do have the results of the blood tests, do you?

Sebastian:  Yes, why of course, Doctor!  *hands him the results*

Dr. Rainey *starts to go through the blood tests*  Good, no trace of the old detox drug.  But look at this.  He's a heavy user.  A real junkie.  These kind of results can only come from years of opium abuse.  Seems that he's a drinker too.  And he smokes far too much.  Well, he makes an interesting case, indeed.  If we can get him on the clean, we can move on in our testing.  Did you know, Sebastian, if you perform the test first in the laboratory, then on animals, it takes years to get a new drug on the market.  And the costs are high.  I have always believed in clinical testing.  This way, we get the results fast.  Using animals is unethical.  *he frowns, seeing Daphne in the doorway*  For goodness sake, nurse, try to move a little slower and stop gloating at that abominable mag.  Don't you have work to do?

Daphne:  Yes doctor, I’ll be on my way.  Thank you for your understanding, sir, it won’t happen again.  *heads down the hall quickly, leaves floor, goes down to reception desk on main floor, speaks to receptionist*  I’m going to take an early lunch break … I’ll be back in a little while.  *She leaves hospital, quickly runs home to her apartment.  Grabs a pad and pen, jots down the things she overheard Dr. Rainey say to Sebastian, so she remembers to tell Abberline.  Puts the notepaper along with the file into a cabinet, locks them away.  Pockets the key, leaves her apartment, returns to hospital to finish her shift*

At Bournemouth House:

Abberline *goes to the study, takes the memory chip Manouche gave him, puts it in the reader.  He watches the short clip once, then starts it over and over.  How easily they tricked him into it.  The clip starts to play once more, he thinks of Manouche watching him, of his utterly stupid confession to her; he cringes with shame but forces himself to watch it once again.  It isn't her friendship he wants, but there was no way he could be even a friend to her ever again after this.*

*He smokes a cigarette, takes a drink from his brandy bottle.  He stops listening to the voices, looks at the surroundings, the abandoned warehouse, thinks of how the clip was recorded.  Portsmith.  She had the room bugged, which means that not only did she know where the hideout of the Order guys was, but all their plans.  She must have more chips with them making up their plans ...  She had someone follow the Order guys, she knew all their movements, their conversations.  She knew everything.  Commander Portsmith could have intervened, but she didn't.  She knew about the meeting at Chez Roux.  She seemed to know everything, and still she did nothing, just sat back waiting in her castle for the flies to be caught in her web.  She could have stopped the guys if she wanted.  But she didn't.  She didn't need Manouche or Malachi, but she wanted him to fall in the trap.  And he did.  Abberline changes the chip and watches himself, watches how the men take him down with their talk, watches himself shooting in blind rage, watches Portsmith grin at the scene.  Abberline clenches his fist.*  'Your only friend' ...

Abberline *takes the chip, looks for paper, the first he finds is his the notorious small black journal, writes down the details he sees on the chip, locks it in the drawer and leaves for the computer shop.*

At Deppville Computer shop:

Abberline:  I'm Inspector Abberline, and I'd like to ask you a few questions.

Shopkeeper:  And what would that be?

Abberline:  Do you sell chips like these here?  *shows him the data he wrote down*

Shopkeeper:  Let me see ... Noo, these are of a special brand, seldom used hig-tech equipment.  Cost a lot.  Used in surveillance equipment that can be hidden almost anywhere.  There are cheaper variants we keep in stock that you might want to look at.  In fact, we got one big order on exclusive chips awhile ago.  *stops, looks at Abberline with suspicion*  Did you say Abberline?  Why, wouldn't you yourself know what chips you bought?  The order was placed in your name for the Security.

Abberline *hides his surprise, looks at the shopkeeper*  I am not talking of that order, and I can't keep track of all such small details as the model of memory chips.  That's your business.  I just placed the order, on behalf of Commander Portsmith.  If you got a problem here, I can contact her right away.

Shopkeeper*hurriedly*  Of course, sir, sorry sir!

Abberline:  So you don't keep them in stock?

Shopkeeper:  No, they are too expensive.  We order them on demand and the minimum order is twenty five.  So far, the order you placed for the Security is the only one.  *checks on the computer*  The only one, as I said.

Abberline:  Thanks.  If any chips like these turn out in this town, they would be from the Security?  You have been very helpful.

Shopkeeper:  Yes sir.

Abberline *leaves the shop, goes to Chez Roux to wait for Daphne and think of the mysterious order of chips.*

At Chez Roux:

Daphne *enters Chez Roux carrying a large envelope, sees Abberline, slides into booth, sitting next to him this time instead of across from him.  Puts an arm around his shoulders, pulls him close, kisses him deeply; holds him back, smiles*  I’ve been wanting to do that all day.  *holds up envelope, sets it on the table in front of him*  Here y’ are, sugar.  *watches him as he eagerly rips envelope open … and thinks to herself about the more significant hospital records she withheld, that are back at her apartment, locked away – the highly confidential ones, explaining the treatment*

Abberline:  Nothing of the research?  *Smiles at her*  Don't worry.  This is enough.  *Takes a quick look at the papers, checks that they really are his medical records, puts them back, content with her, then takes her hand; brushes her cheek with his lips, speaks in a low voice*  And I have got something for you, love, a little gift.  Waiting for you at my house.  And I've been waiting all the day to see you ... in private ... What do you say?  Do you really want to sit here?  *gives her the look that made her knees weak*

Daphne *swallows, feels herself blush slightly under the gaze of the deep, dark eyes*  Ohh … oh yes, I would love to go to your house.  A gift?  *thinks of the earrings she found; hides her sly smile behind a sweet one, leans into him, pressing against him*  Yes, it’s much too crowded here.

*At Bournemouth House, Abberline leads Daphne to the living-room, takes the ornate box with the earrings, after a short hesitation picks a larger box in the same style, winces briefly as he remembers the pieces of jewelry on Victoria.  They were her favourites, as Godley said.  But they were not a birthday present and he didn't buy them, they were his grandmother's jewels and they were given by him to her on their wedding day to go with the engagement ring that he had given her earlier.  He decided to give Daphne the necklace for not having to see the one she got from the 'secret agents'.  He forgets that the engagement ring is in the same box with the necklace*

Abberline: These are mine, they once belonged to my grandmother; they were made in France before the Great Revolution.  You won't find anything like these in any jewel shops.  *sits beside her, wraps his arm around her shoulder, hands her the boxes suppressing a sigh*  They are just as beautiful and unique as you.  *watches her open first the box with earrings*

Daphne *tries to act surprised as she admires the earrings.  Then opens the second box, eyes wide as she pulls out the necklace.*  Oh, my gosh … *holds it up, her mouth falls open, her gum drops into her lap.  She quickly retrieves it, puts it back in her mouth; *  I – I don’t know what to say … *she lowers the necklace, then notices another piece in the box; sees the engagement ring.  She carefully puts the necklace back in the box, closes the box, then turns to Abberline*  Are – are you sure you want me to have all this?  *she stammers; though she’s keeping silent about the ring, she feels all her femme fatale plans have been thrown asunder in the face of his generosity*  F-Freddie … I don’t know if I can accept …

Abberline *looks at her, notes that she really is stunning, especially when she's looking wide-eyed at him*  You will have to accept them, Daphne.  I want you to wear them.  What good are they hidden in a drawer?  Can I fasten the necklace?  *opens the first buttons on her shirt slowly*

Daphne *looks down as he unbuttons her shirt, then looks back at him, feels herself trembling slightly.  She carefully opens the box just enough to remove the necklace without exposing the ring, closes the box quickly.  Holds the necklace out to him, blushes as she sees him gazing at her exposed flesh at the open neckline of her shirt*  W-well, since you put it that way … yes, p-please help me put this on … I … I’d love to see how it looks … *with her free hand, she gathers up her mass of red hair, holds it up, away from her neck*

Abberline *fastens the necklace, leans back to look at her, with a feeling of wistfulness ...  It's a long time since he saw the necklace in use.  Manages a smile*  See, it's just perfect for you.  *leans in on her again to give her a kiss on the neck, takes her hand to let her hair fall free again, then kisses her on the mouth*

Daphne *returns the kiss, pulls back, smiles at him*  H-how 'bout we go upstairs, sugar?  In case that friend of yours comes barging in again ...  *She stands up, takes his hand.  They go up the stairs; they reach the landing, and she giggles as Abberline scoops her up in his arms.  He carries her into the bedroom, kicks the door shut behind them*

At the docks:

Loralee *to Corso, who has swept her away from Abberline*  You dare interfer in my pleasures.  Or is it perhaps that you prefer to be my entertainment of the moment?  *Moves closer, smiling an invitation*

Corso:  Er …  No, sorry, just go after him ...  I was just passing by, as it were ...  *backs off, swearing to himself for forgetting the white roses, then adds hopefully*  I can show you where he lives, all you need is an invitation to get in.

Loralee:  He can wait love.*  Reaching out and running her hand through his hair.  Pulls him closer.*  I'm thinking you and I have unfinished business to attend to.  Why should we not mix business with pleasure
my love?  I assure you, there'll be no regrets.

Corso *trying faintly to resist*  Oh no, I would never interfere with your er ... pleasures … 

Loralee:  Kat's place is nearby and I know it to be unoccupied.  Hurry my sweet, the night is young and carefree, but tomorrow brings its own sorrows.  *Brushes his neck with a kiss*  Not yet my love, but very soon.

Corso *forgets to avoid her gaze and looks her right into the eyes*  Yes, anything you want ...  *lets her lead him away*

At the abandoned house:

Kat:  What now?

Jerod:  She's seen me.  She'll not be in a hurry to do battle.  We wait.  *Looks at Kat*  I'm sure we can find a pleasurable activity to pass the time.  After all, we're not strangers.  *Moves closer, whispers in her ear.  She smiles*  No not strangers at all.  *He leads her into an adjoining room*

Kat:  Don't forget to turn off the light. 

Jerod:  I'm a vampire, I see in the dark.

Kat *Laughs*  I know.  At least close the door.  Manouche 'as an annoyin' 'abit of turnin' up at just the wrong time.  I think she's got radar or somethin' … 

Manouche *bursts through door, indignant*  By th' powers!  That's th' bloody thanks I get fer tryin' t' save ye when I thought ye were in danger!  Nothin' but besmirchin'!  I 'ave a good mind to ...  *voice trails off as she sees Kat and Jerod in an embrace*  Oh!  Blimey!  A-apologies, luvs ...  *smiles nervously, backs out of room, closes door*