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At the Security office:
Sergeant Godley *sits for
a while appalled thinking about what the surveillance cameras in Bournemouth House actually mean, he takes the envelope with
the microchips to the Office hoping that he will see Abberline there; he doesn’t need to go to Bournemouth House and
meet more embarrassing surprises. On his way, he visits Portsmith's secretary*
Godley:
I need a list over the surveillance cameras installed.
Secretary *hands
him a printout* All locations are listed here, sir.
Godley: Thanks. *grabs the list and goes to Abberline's office, but
he finds it empty. On Abberline's desk he finds a folder he opens, with invoices
of cameras and microchips and some notes in Abberline's fine handwriting. Godley
looks at the list he has of the cameras, and sees that most of them are on the property of Chateau Blanchefort and around
the Security Office. Chez Roux, Grape's Grocery, Security Square and even the Vice-Mayor's
office are among listed locations. Still, there are about twenty cameras more
bought than installed.*
Godley: I need a camera. Here. *shows the secretary a location on the Deppville map
near port*
Secretery: Of course, sir! I
have to order one, then. All cameras that came are already installed.
Godley
*raising an eyebrow* Is that so? *Goes
back to Abberline's room, scribbles a short note on the cameras and puts the list of locations under surveillance in
the folder together with Abberline's papers.*
At the Vice-Mayor’s office:
Vice Mayor
Lisa *sitting at her desk, after a long weekend of paperwork, mulling over all the figures from the Mayor's latest venture.
So much revenue should be flowing into Deppville's accounts soon. A smile crosses her face at the thought of the Mayor's big screen triumphs. She
pours herself a glass of wine, and lights a cigarette. Staring off into space,
she notices something odd in the corner of the room.* 'What the..?' *She gets up from her chair and walks over to see what it is. Stunned, it
occurs to her what she is seeing..... *
VM Lisa:
Cory!!! Come in here!!
*In walks
her assistant, Cory, who surprisingly looks like 95% of the men in Deppville*
Cory: What is it, Vice Mayor? You scared the
hell out of me!
VM Lisa:
When in the HELL did that surveillance camera get installed?
Cory: Uh, I have no idea! Are you sure that's
what it is?
VM Lisa:
Oh, I'm sure of it ... and I bet I know who's behind it too … *She walks
over angrily to her desk drawer, and pulls out her 44 magnum ... aims it straight at the camera. She pulls the trigger, blasting the camera to bits*
Cory: Geezus, was that necessary?
VM Lisa:
You bet it was. I need you to summon
Portsmith to my office as soon as possible. We need to have a little chat.
Cory: Right on it!
*Lisa
walks back over to her desk, lights a fresh smoke, and pours another glass of wine. Thinks
about how she is going to deal with Portsmith and all her shenanigans*
Portsmith:
Hey! What are you doing! That camera was installed for your own safety. You got no idea
how expensive they are!
VM Lisa: First of all, there is no need for a camera in my office. If
I wished to have a security camera, I would have ordered it installed. Second, I
don't care how much it costs; I'm sure the funds are coming out of the Mayor's gross receipts anyway. And third, and
maybe most important, I don't need you spying on me and what goes on in my office. Cory
and I don't need our affairs being watched by the likes of you or anyone else in town …
Call of the Wild:
Gili *Stood
gazing at the beauty of his surroundings. He misses Pam but knows she understands. In order for him to maintain control of what he was, it was necessary for him to return
to the wilderness from time to time and release the animal with him and let it run free. Thinks* Soon, Pam my love. A week, no more, and we'll be together again. *The air shivers and glows around him and the wolf emerges and disappears into the wild*
In Spain:
Gallego
*exits the meeting room in the basement of the museum, leaving the people behind him as he walks to the upper level, a man
approaches him*
Man: Seņor
Gallego *bows slightly* The Hansons are outside waiting *bows again and walks away*
Gallego
*nods, walks to the entrance, exits the museum, walking along the garden and passes the fountain, sees the Hanson's on a bench
close together* Ah, the officers. *puts out a hand* Seņor Fernando Gallego, at your service. *bows slightly*
Colonel
*stands up, rubs her eyes a bit, bows slightly back, takes his hand shakes it* Pleasure, seņor Gallego. *Hanson stands next to her, shakes his hand*
Gallego
*claps hands together, smiles* So, again, what is it that is needed?
Colonel:
These two paintings, seņor. *hands him the folders containing information on the paintings, including pictures of the paintings*
Gallego
*takes a quick look at the paintings and starts *Let us go into my study. I may have some information on these paintings.
*leads them to his magnificent study with marble floors and a huge baroque desk. There are lots of paintings on the walls,
and on the desk is one that he has been examining. There are all kind of equipment on the table, from tweezers and small loops
to some technical things.* Please, take seats. *waves at the table* My work is to reveal forgeries and do restoration on paintings.
Sometimes, as here, forgeries have been made hundreds of years ago and taken as originals until our moder equipment reveals
that a signature is not as it should be, or that there has been some details added later on... Er, do you want me to find
those paintings for you? I have once seen one of them and evaluated it as almoist priceless. Unfortunately, the museum was
unable to buy it and it went to a private collector.. It is possibly hidden somewhere behind closed doors. May I enquire who
sent you to me?
Colonel:
Dean Corso.
Gallego:
Dean Corso? *wipes his forehead* What is he up to? It was he himself who sold me a forged painting. This one *points at the
second painting* So, I realized soon it was a fake, and I sold it to Gabriel de la Corte as an interesting specimen of a good
forgery. I don't know what happened to the painting after that. For all I know, de la Corte sold it to some private investigator,
cause I never saw it after that. *lowers voice* I do really warn you about Corso. He's not to be trusted at all. Ask de la
Corte. *writes name and address on a piece of paper* He owns an art gallery in Barcelona.
Colonel:
Corso, he's his same old self. *thinks* So, you sold the forged painting so it could be sold again like it was an original?
I know who to trust and who not to trust. *Looks at him suspiciously, takes the
paper with name and address*
Gallego
*suddenly sounding very relieved* Yes, de la Corte can tell yo some things about Corso that you certainly did not know. Tell
him that you know about the business of the forged el Grecos and he will tell you everything you need to know. Can I offer
you some sherry? *goes to a cupboard and takes a bottle and three glasses, glances at the Colonel and fills two of the glasses,
then picks up a second bottle and pours for himself hoping that she did not notice the change of bottles, offers them the
glasses* For our honoured guests from across the ocean
Colonel
*refuses the glass* I'm sorry, I can't be drinking.
Hanson
*smirks* I'm the designated driver.
At Bournemouth House:
Raven
*In the kitchen preparing cocoa for him and coffee for his father. He has no
recollection of the house, it looks so different from Manouche's cosy house, and Kat's house, more formal and not quite like
a home. He recalls the room decorated for him with the painting of Black Pearl,
and tears fill his eyes. He wipes his face and concentrates on brewing the coffee,
picks up a tray, mugs, finds some cookies and lays them on a plate decorated with blue flowers. Everything in his father's house is like the plate; stylish but kind of unused. Like no one live there and all these things were just on display. He
looks at the cupboard with the glass doors, then takes out two frail china cups with the same motif as on a plate, picks some
heavy silver spoons; loads the tray carefully and takes it to the living-room. He
sits down carefully on a chair, looks at his father reading a newspaper on the sofa; he looks up and smiles at Raven. Raven is still very unsure about this man who he knows is his father, he knows the
voice, and he looks vaguely familiar, but Raven feels a little shy and nervous about him. Like
there was some darkness in him that he doesn't understand*
Raven: Father,
I brought you coffee.
Abberline: Thank you. *looks at the china cups for long, Raven braces himself for a scolding for taking them without permission,
but his father just takes the cup without a word*
Raven: When is mother
going to get home?
Abberline: I don't know yet.
Raven: Will she come to live here?
Abberline *puts the cup down* Why
do you ask that?
Raven *feeling shy, looking down at the floor* You said
that you are married to her. So that I could have a home and a mother and father.
Abberline
*eyes wide* Ah ... Raven, don't get me wrong. They wouldn't have let me in to
see her otherwise.
Raven *bitterly disappointed, stirs his cocoa and feels himself sad and embarrassed* I am sorry, Father.
At Deppville Hospital:
*The Doctor
enters the ward after having receiving a desperate call from the nurse on duty. He
hears a combination of crashes, curses and banging coming from down the hall. A nurse runs toward him out of breath.*
Nurse:
Thank heavens. Doctor, you have
to do something. It's Mrs. Abberline. She's
wrecking the hospital. None of the nurses nor orderlies are willing to go near
her. She's threatening to gut us all.
Doctor:
I'll see what I can do. I'm certain
she can be reasoned with. *Enters room*
Kat: IT'S ABOUT BLOODY TIME. I WANT OUTTA THIS DEN OF THIEVES!
Doctor:
Please calm yourself. I'm sure there
are no thieves here.
Kat *Glares
at him* Then you're bein' a bloody fool.
*Tosses a skirt and blouse at him* They stole my bleedin' clothes. I wouldna be caught dead in these things they say I had on when I got 'ere. They're lyin’!! They stole 'em, I say.
Doctor:
I'm sure you must be mistaken.* Turns
toward her just in time to see the bedpan flying at his head and manages to duck it and run for the door.*
Kat: I SAY THEY STOLE 'EM AND MY BLASTED WEAPONS TO!!!!
Doctor
*Running down hall towards nurse* Get Mr. Abberline on the phone immediately. Tell
him –
no, beg him – to come get his wife. *Dives behind nurses station* Hurry, damn it!!!
At Bournemouth House:
Abberline
*after receiving a very strange call from the hospital, comes down the stairs and finds Raven in the living-room reading one
of his books* Raven, I am going to the hospital ... They've decided to er …
release your mother. I will bring her here. Please
remember that she suffers from a memory loss and thinks she's living a time when you didn't exist. We will sort it out when she comes. *Raven nods gravely, with
wide eyes*
In Spain:
Gallego:
Not even one small glass? This is the best sherry there is. Only for my guests. So, are you going to Barcelona? It is a most beautiful city. *anxious for them to leave* You'd better hurry before de la Corte hears about you. He's
a sly one and might try to disappear. It has been a pleasure meeting you.
Hanson
*stays behind a bit, takes out his gun, puts it to Gallego's temple* I know what you're trying to pull, nice try but I'm not
falling for it *grabs his collar, jamming the gun under his jaw, unlocks the safety of his .38, says harshly*
You ever pull anything like that again, I'll pull this damn trigger ...
Gallego
*whimpering* No, no, don't shoot me, it was an error of judgment, I confess everything! I forged myself the painting with
the help of Murillo and sold it as an original to de la Corte, and I have also snagged two small Gothic sculptures from the
Prado, and I have helped de la Corte to fake El Grecos, and I sold Dean Corso two worthless paintings and he believed they
were real and he wants to have a revenge now... And I didn't go to the Mass on Sunday, I played poker instead, and I have
been drunk driving at least four times, and I did not confess to the priest that I had sinful thought once about a nun,
and I did not obey my mother when I was a kid, and once I even stole money from my father to by candy when I was five and...
*voice trails off* Please, don't kill me. De la Corte is a crook, I can help to nail him if you want that ...
Hanson:
You sir, are a crook as well! *shakes his head* You're pathetic *locks the safety on his gun, shakes his head even more* What
am I to do with you? I'm starting to think this trip out here was a waste. I'm chasing around fake paintings, and this is
what I get? A lowlife, selfish bastard...*pushes him so he's sitting on the ground against his desk, keeps his gun out, hand
on mouth, thinks, laughs to himself, paces a bit* Commander Portsmith, I'm sure you probably know of her, has sent my wife
here to retrieve these paintings, along with orders and information from Corso. Both my wife and I are sharing this *pauses*
"case" in order to get the paintings back. Now, what I can do, is arrest you, de la Corte, and Murillo, take you back to Portsmith
so she can deal with you, torture you and the like, also giving her the news that you cheated her in getting those paintings.
Gallego:
*begins to pray for himself * Ave Maria, gratia plena ... Have mercy on me! Oh no, oh no, not Portsmith! The original paintings,
I know where they are. They were last in the hands of Vincente Lopwz y Portana, he's an art dealer. I - I don't know where
he is but I can give his cell phone number...I swear that he has the originals. Yes, you should arrest de la Corte, he has
been cheating us all for years. I was forced to do the forgeries! I have six kids, a wife, two mistresses, three great aunts
and a grandmother to support! I just knew I would be caught some day. Have mercy on me, mister. Not Portsmith. Shoot
me then, but don't leave me in the hands of Commander Portsmith!
Hanson: A wife and 2 mistresses? *shakes head* I'm
not letting you off this easy. Get up! *Gallego stares at him stunned, Hanson kicks Gallego's leg and Gallego is on his feet
that instant. Hanson turns him around, cuffs his hands behind his back* You're
coming with me to retrieve the paintings *pushes him down in a chair, takes the number he wrote down, dials it on the phone
on the desk, puts the receiver to his ear and listens as it rings*
Vincente
*answers* Ellow? Ellow? *Hanson hangs up*
Vincente
*angry, calls Gallego back*
Hanson
*picks it up, listens as Vincente curses Gallego's name, smiles slyly* It's for you *puts it to Gallego's ear* Ask him where
he is.
At Deppville Hospital:
Abberline *goes out and heads
to the hospital, goes to the reception* You called me. I'm Inspector Abberline. What's the matter?
Receptionist
Andrew: Thank you for being so fast, Mr. Abberline. It's your wife, she's got some kind of a fit, and the doctor who examined her is of the opinion that she
can be released. Immediately, if you please. Second
floor, room 15.
Abberline *walks the corridor to the room, sees a crowd of nurses and doctors looking agitated, hears
clearly Kat's voice through the closed door, shouting curses and demanding her weapons* What's the matter with
her?
Doctor*clears throat* She seemed to be all right, we ran some tests
and we are ready to release her. Now. Has
she always a temper like that? Please, Mr. Abberline, we beg you to take her
away. I am sure you know how to handle her.
Abberline: I am not sure of that ...
Nurse *opens cautiously the door, ducks at some flying objects, shouts
to Kat* Mrs. Abberline, your husband is here to take you home.
Abberline
*going in past the nurse* Kat, it's me. You
don't have to be here anymore. Please, Kat, calm down, so I can take you away
from here.
Kat *Drops visitors chair
she was about to throw.* Good!! Nothin'
I be likin' better. Ye ought to be arrestin' the bunch of 'em! Worse than any pirate I e'er seen. Liars! Thieves! I'll be back for
me effects and I'll be takin'
this place apart till I get 'em back!!
Abberline *smiles at her,
closes the door after him* We will get all your effects, Kat. I have been talking to them and they admit that someone stole your clothes. Unfortunately,
they did not find the thief yet. But, in the meantime, darling, there's no alternative
for you than these clothes here. Actually, you look very fetching in them. Get dressed and I will take you home.
Kat *Suddenly
quiet she gives Abby a long calulating appreciative look, smiles* You know luv,
this brace on me arm be quite troublesome and I'm thinkin' I feel a bit light'eaded of a sudden. Perhaps I be needin' a bit of 'elp with them clothes, eh. And
don't go thinkin' 'bout them out there. I don't think they be up for what I 'ave
in mind. Savvy?
Abberline *looks at her,
swallows* Oh ... Kat - I - I could fetch one of the nurses ... *stops, afraid that she will get a fit again if he backs off,
unsure what to do with her, looks at the pile of clothes she had on, the kind of which he never saw on Kat before* We have to get home, the doctors ... they are all waiting behind the door, they might come in any minute.
Kat, don't tempt me. I - I
don't know about these female garments, how to put them on ...
Kat: Them doctors and nurses don't interest me at all. But if you
be in such a 'urry to get 'ome. Let me make a suggestion luv. *Moves in close, whispering in his ear* A lil’ less
conversation and a lot more action.
Abberline: No. Don't. *he
lifts his arm to push her off, but instead brushes her cheek and neck with his fingers, looks her in the eye with his intense
dark eyes* If you want those clothes on, you will have to get undressed first
... This is not a good idea, Kat. *pulls her closer*
Kat: Not a good idea? *Smiles* The only rules that really matter
are these – what a man can do and what a man can't do. *Looks into his
eyes* Now luv, can you sail under the command of a pirate, or can you not ....
Abberline:
Kat....We can't... *grabs hold of her and finally gives in, still not really believing that Kidd won't show up in the last
minute, kisses her hard*
*Doctor and nurse at the
door*
Nurse: Do you think they're alright in there?
Doctor: Shhh ... listen. *Voice from inside room* Man the braces, lay down and haul to run free ... now bring me that horizon .... wind in the sails ... WIND
IN THE SAILS ...
Another
nurse: It sounds to me that Mr. Abberline hasn't been able to calm his wife down.
He sounds like he could use some help. Someone
should go in.
Doctor:
Er ... I think it's best to leave them alone for a while, nurse.
*Much
later, Abberline and Kat emerge from the room, the nurses and doctor scatter in fright into all directions when the door opens,
but Kat seems to be more peaceful now, except for her angry stare at the nurses, she mutters something to herslef. He's somewhat
dishevelled and Kat is wearing the clothes she had when she came to the hospital, she is trying to tug down the hem of the
skirt and looks very uncomfortable in the open shirt and she seems to resent the shoes she is wearing.*
Abberline:
I am taking her home now. Are you
sure that she can leave the hospital?
Doctor: Absolutely sure. Positive. Take your wife home. Check
out at the reception. Remember that she needs now rest. Try not to upset her about anything. Er, can you really cope
with her?
Abberline *unsure* Um .. I guess so. *leads Kat, who glares
at the doctor and nurses muttering something about thieves and keelhauling, to the reception, sits her down in a chair to
wait while he checks her out*
Portsmith *stepping in like she was there by accident, spots Kat and pretends to be surprised*
You are already leaving the hospital? Good, very good. Now … *lowers her voice* I have some news of that Manouche.
She will be away for some days, so we have time to make a good plan to get her
caught when she returns. She is very dangerous and sly, just like all those thieves
of her kind are. We must prepare this in secrecy not have anyone interfering.
*glances at Abberline* Don't tell
him anything. Don't mention the name Manouche to him.
Kat: Abby's not a problem mate. Just a pretty
face and killer body. Just let me know the time and place. That'll be the day you'll always remember as the day Manouche breathed 'er last, eh.
Portsmith *beaming* Good, excellent! We will let her get home
and confront her there. I keep you informed. You
will have all your weapons back in time. I promise Manouche gets what she deserves. *takes a quick glance at Abberline, who's still at the reception, writing something
on a notepaper* You keep him occupied, he's got a nasty habit of meddling where
he's not needed. *leaves, grinning to herself*
Abberline *to the receptionist*
Can you give me a note and a pen, please.
Receptionist: Sure, Mr. Abberline
*hands him the paper.*
Abberline *writes a short note to Daphne: "Daphne my dear, I am occupied on a very important
case that takes all my time for some days. I'll meet you in a few days at Chez Roux. I will miss you... your F", folds it,
writes Daphne's name on it and hands it over to the receptionist, then goes back to Kat* Now we are ready to leave.
*takes her hand and they leave for Bournemouth House*
Abberline
*opens the door and lets Kat in, looks cautiously in the living-room and sees that Raven is not there* Wait for me here *he
goes upstairs and finds Raven in the small bedroom playing with the football*
Raven *stops playing, runs to him* How is mother? Where is she?
Abberline:
I got something important to say. I
really don't know how we are going to handle this.
Raven: I am listening,
Father.
Abberline: The good news is that your mother is out of the hospital, the bad news is that she's not entirely
well. She has lost 10 years of her life, and it means, that in her current condition, you don't exist *sees the mixed emotions
on Raven's face* I don't want to upset her now. You know yourself what it was like when you did not remember me. So, for a
while, please do not call her mother, hard as it must be. *looks at him gravely* It's for her own best until she gets her
memory back. You can do it. Promise me. It's for her.
Raven: *voice trembling* I promise, Father. Am I - am I a stranger
to her now? *looks at his father, thinks for himself, doesn't say it loud* Like you are to me now, Father.
Abberline:
Not for long. I promise that. I had to bring her here, I can't have her going to her house alone until we get that woman.
We'll have to try to adapt.
Raven *nods* Can I see her.
Abberline *goes downstairs with Raven* Of course.
Raven
*taking an anxious, longing look at Kat, blinks as she turns to look at him* Father, I am going out to play football with
Sergeant Godley.
Kat:*Stares after the boy.
So obviously Abby's beautiful son. Resentment and anger fill her mind.Thinks,
well now, seems to me from the looks of that boy you been up to playin' at cowboy and Indian before. I wonder 'ow that wife
of yours feel 'bout your mongrel byblow bein' at yer side? Collecting herself, she turns toward Abby* That's better. Alone at last.
Abberline:
I brought you here, because I didn't know what else to do. You have to stay here until we get that woman, I hope it will be
only for a few days. I can't have you alone at your house. You can have the bedroom upstairs, I can sleep in the sofa. Would
you like to have something? A drink?
Kat: That woman! *Thinks Manouche.* Of course. *Smiles.*
On the sofa? Upstairs? We'll
see 'bout that.* Aye, drinks would be nice. Loosin' things up a bit, savvy?
Abberline *pours her a brandy,
himself an absinthe, hands the glass to her and sits down on the opposite side of the coffee table, as far as possible from
Kat *I hope you don't resent me bringing you here. I told my son that you will be staying a few days. *lights a cigarette* Now, that woman, why did she try to kill you?
Kat *Walks around coffe table,
sits close by him* Let's don't talk 'bout 'er. What
I want to know is what yer problem is bein',eh? I mean you can't use it up. Ye do know I be not chargin' ye. That
be not my thing, luv. Iffen I didn't know better, I'd swear you were a eunuch.
Abberline: No, Kat, please .. *wishing he were a eunuch as Kat moves closer*
You got a concussion, you really need to get some rest .. or .. or they have to take you back to the hospital ... And
believe me, you would later regret ... My son might come home any minute ...
Kat: YOUR SON!! ... I see .. then it be boys yer preferrin' then. *Sighs* What a bloody waste ...
Abberline *stares at her
mouth open, then gets angry* Kat! How
can you say anything like that about our ... about Raven! *throws away his jacket*
I'll show you what I prefer ... *pushes
her against the back rest of the sofa, rips open her shirt*
*Daphne in a coat, with the slip Abberline loved so much under it,
opens silently the door, throws the coat away and sees that there is someone in the living-room, she loosens the ponytail
and carefully spreads her long red hair, enters the living-room, giggles* Freddie,
sugar, you've got a surprise ... *stops when she sees the scene, stares at Abberline and a strange woman, mouth drops open*
Abberline *jumps up,
looking guilty* Oh no ...
Kat *Glaring at the woman*
Who the bloody 'ell is she!
Abberline: Daphne, didn't you get my note?
Daphne *to Kat* Why,
I am Daphne. Freddie's my boyfriend. *pouts*
Freddie, what's she doing here? Sugar, is she someone who's at the case? *looks with wide eyes at Kat* Gosh, I
get it now, she's a suspect. Wow, this is exciting. *giggles*
Kat *Rushes into kitchen grab hugh butcher knife.* SUSPECT???
GIRLFRIEND??? I 'APPEN TE BE 'IS
WIFE MATE. NOW WHERE BE MY SWORD!!! I'LL
FILLET YE!!!!
Abberline *to Daphne* Take your coat, get home ... I'll be at
Chez Roux tomorrow ... *goes after Kat to kitchen, sees her with a huge, sharp
knife in her hand, stops at the door* Kat, put it down, put it down.
Daphne
*too curious to be able to leave, peeks from behind Abberline* Freddie, is she
Manouche? Why is her shirt torn?
Abberline: For heavens sake, Daphne, grab your coat now and go, she's serious!
Daphne: All right, all right,
I am leaving. But, Freddie, I got to say that this is a bit tasteless. I mean, a woman like that... You should get a divorce.
Freddie, she's threatening me! *smiles
at him* This is almost as cool as the scene at Chez Roux with the shooting ...
*frowns, thinks for a long time looking at Abberline and Kat* Wife? Is she your wife?
Abberline: Kat, please, calm down
now! Daphne, I'll explain all ...
Daphne *brightening up* Oh, you are Manouche! No wonder he sees nightmares about you.
Kat *With knife at the ready,
she suddenly stops dead in her tracks* Manouche??? His wife?? *Stares at Abby accusingly. You lied. *Looks once more at Daphne. Backs toward front door still
holding knife. Turns, flees.*
Abberline
*rushes after her, catches her in the yard, takes her by the arm and tries to get the knife from her without cutting himself
* Kat! Manouche has nothing to do
with me. Give me the knife. You
must listen to me. Give me the knife! *doesn't
let her free, manages to drag her towards the house*
Kat *Still struggling* Leave me be!! Go back to yer wife or girlfriend
or e'en Manouche! Ye know ye coulda really saved us both a deal of trouble if
ye woulda just opened yer mouth and said I've girlfriend or e'en in a relationship. Mayhap
yer 'avin' a thing for gypsy trash I don't know but ye coulda said so instead of droppin' yer zipper without a word or care!! *Abberline finally gets her back inside to the kitchen past Daphne, slams the door
shut*
Daphne *puts on her coat, pops her gum, shrugs* Bye, Freddie.
Abberline
*looks after her, then turns to Kat* You can put down your knife. She's gone. She's not my girlfriend, Kat, I don't have a girlfriend
and I don't have a wife anymore. Drop the knife. I
won't release you until you put it down. It was you who seduced me, just like
you did before and then blamed it all on me.
Kat: Oh now I'm bein' a rapist
eh? Just let go of me and I'll be seekin' me pleasures else wheres. Or ye can continue 'oldin' on te me and sooner or later
I'll get One clear moment and you'll be singin' soprano in a boys choir, savvy?
Abberline: That's not why
I brought you here. I brought you here for your own safety, I did not want to leave you alone at your own house. I am holding
you until you put that knife down. Kat *looks in her eyes intensely* you would not hurt me, wouldn't you?
Kat:*Considers* Ye know this
is startin' te seem not 'alf bad. Let's see I 'old me knife, ye 'old on to me
and we'll just go from there.*Kisses him passionately.*
Abberline
*returns the kiss, throws her against the wall forgetting she's still holding the knife* Now where were we ... the ripped
shirt ...
Kat: Aye Inspector, ye should conduct a thorough search. *Knife
clatters to the floor. Whispers* This
time the door be bolted. This time luv, That
is if yer sure ye are quite willin'.
Abberline:
I am ... most definitely ...
Returning to Bournemouth House:
Sergeant Godley *walking
Raven back home, in the hope of seeing Abberline to talk about Raven and to look how things are going between father and son,
very worried about all that Raven told him while they were playing. Raven walks
silently behind Godley, wanting to hold his hand, but feels he's already too big for it. He
feels that Godley is the only one he can trust now, with Manouche and Blake gone, his father a total stranger, his mother
not knowing him anymore, and he walks slower and slower the nearer they get to Bournemouth House, dragging his feet, looking
at the ground*
Godley*suddenly sees a frightening sight through a kitchen window - it's Kat, enraged with a big knife
in her hand, he turns quickly to Raven, blocks his view so he is unable to see his mother* Raven,
I don't think it is a good idea that you will stay at the house with your mother, it would be too hard for you both. Now I think you could stay overnight at my place. What
you say, let's get home and watch some footage from the World Championships? Eat
some chocolate and heated crisp rolls.
Raven *both relieved and sad, looks at him seriously* Thank you sir. You are now my teddy bear.
Godley:
What? How many times have I told you not to call me sir, boy ....
Kat *On set, off stage* OMG ... Bloody 'ell. Guys next time I go on a 3 day drunk. Somebody please shut me up, eh. By the way somebody send it that blasted writer that were drinkin'
with me. *Draws sword* I gotta point to make with 'im.
At Chateau de Blanchefort:
Corso *knowing that the Commander
is away, he creeps silently, avoiding the installed cams, into Portsmith's surveillance room at Chateau de Blanchefort to
take a look at the recorded material in case it could provide some useful information for him. But nothing very interesting
seems to be on. Cherz Roux is uncommonly quiet because of the beautiful weather. He skips the Bournemouth cams and switches
from one cam to another. Finally, he catches something interesting. Commander Portsmith is at the door of one of the dens.
At first Corso believes she is just collecting the protection money from the owner, but then he sees that it is Malachi she
is talking to. He can hear only parts of the conversation.*
Portsmith: ... loitering arouns without .... vagrancy ...
not tolerated in Deppville.
Malachi: My dear Commander, you seem ...
Portsmith
*interrupting him, draws her gun* The Office. I'll
deal with you later.
Malachi *smirks, Corso can't hear what he says, but he shrugs and the Commander leads him away*
Corso:
So she finally decided to start the campaign to clean Deppville from vagrants
and idle folks ... *switches to next cam, seeing how Portsmith locks up Malachi in the cell that used to be Nate's.*
Malachi *to Portsmith* There's a little thing called civil rights, Commander, you might want to consider
familiarizing yourself with the concept. I'm sure the Vice-Mayor would be very
interested in all this. I have a permanent address, I'm not a vagrant. And you didn't read me my rights. *Portsmith says nothing,
turns and leaves; he watches her go, shaking his head* What the hell is going
on in this town these days? *shrugs* Ah
well. *reaches up to the white rose in his lapel, sniffs it appreciatively. Pauses, listens carefully, makes sure no one is coming. Removes rose from lapel, tucks flower in pocket; takes long pin from the flower, bends it carefully into
a series of angles. Reaches hands outside bars, grasps lock on door with one
hand, sticks the pin into the lock with the other, jiggles it for a few minutes. Raises
eyebrows, smiles as he hears it engage; lock clicks, he swings door open. He
steps out, starts for stairway, sees Ichy* Ah, Constable Crane! Good to see you, it's been a long time. *looks at him closely* But what's this, you don't look so good, if you don't mind my saying.
Ichy *trembling* Wh-where's Kat? Have you seen her? *grasps Malachi's coat* I’ve got to find her ...
Malachi *frowning* No, I haven't seen her in awhile. Haven't seen anyone, really. Been keeping a low profile, at From Hell Court.
Bloody fat lot of good it did me. *looks around lockup ruefully, then
turns to Ichy* Where have you looked for her?
I take it you've been to her house, The Apparition ...
Ichy: Yes, and Manouche and Blake's ... no one there. *scowls* I bet Commander Portsmith is behind this. She—
Malachi *puts hand up, whispers* Shhh! Easy, Constable, the walls have
ears. *glances around, then in louder voice*
Now, Constable, why would Commander Portsmith waste her time on Kat? I'm
sure she has bigger fish to fry. *waves arm toward cell* Take this empty cell, for example. It would appear Nate has
escaped. Looks to me like he picked the lock.
Mighty careless of the Commander to leave him down here on his onesies, wasn't it?
I'll bet the Vice-Mayor will have something to say about that. Might even
bust the Commander to a smaller feather. Oh well, not our problem, is it? Our immediate concern is Kat. Tell you
what, we'll go look for her together. No worries, we'll find her. *puts arm around Ichy's shoulders, they start for the stairs, then Malachi stops him* Oh, by the way, Constable, have you ever gone in for graffiti? It's
surprisingly satisfying ... a fine way to pass the time. Here, let me demonstrate. *pulls can of red spray paint from coat, turns from Ichy, steps over to wall; grasps
some uneven stones in the wall, lifts himself up to surveillance camera, sprays the lens till it's covered with a thick coating
of paint* There, the room looks brighter already, doesn't it? C'mon, let's go look for Kat. *laughs softly as they leave
the room*
At From Hell Court:
Malachi
*having tried to help Ichy find Kat to no avail, and somehow managing to become separated from him, returns to From Hell Court. Is almost at his apartment when he hears a voice behind him; at first he pays it no mind, then he
remembers*
Carver:
CORSO!! Blimey, ye daft, mate? I been hollerin' at ye loud enough t' wake th' bleedin' dead. 'Ave ye finished
yer business at hand 'ere? I be needin' ye.
Malachi
*turns, sees him* Ahh, Captain. How have you been? I ... I hope you've fared better than me as of late,
sir. *lowers head*
Carver
*peers at him* Whatchee mean, son?
Malachi
*sighs* Captain, it pains me to admit it ... I've been thrown over by a woman. I ... my purpose here ... some
of that "personal business" I mentioned to you? Well, it concerned a certain young lady I've had my eye on for quite
some time. I'd finally decided to propose to her, but ... she turned me down. *sighs again*
Carver
*sympathetic* Blasted women! Jus' like a dame. Ye 'ave t' get o'er her, savvy? No dame's worth it,
lad, take me word fer it.
Malachi:
I'm ... I'm sure you're right, sir. But just the same ... I reckon I'll need some time to recover. Truth be told,
I wouldn't be worthy of your command in my present state. Now, that's not to say I won't be keen on joining up with
you at a later date ... *adds hastily, as he sees Carver's resentment* Bloody hell, Captain, if I were to hold you back
in any way, shape or form because of my, shall we say, temporary incompetence ... well, I'd never forgive myself. You
being such a scourge of the seas, as the stories go.
Carver
*warms to this last* Aye ... well, since ye put it that way ... *scowls at him* Still, I dunno. I be losin'
on th' deal. I passed up potential crew in favor o' holdin' out fer ye, mate. *absently wraps fingers around hilt
of sword*
Malachi
*glances down, catches motion, thinks quickly* Exactly why I took the liberty of coming up with a replacement.
I suggest you contact my brother. He lives at Chateau de Blanchefort, big fancy place. Shares it with Commander
Portsmith. She'll give you no trouble, I promise you. Just flatter her on her castle, her hat, and some of her
bric-a-brac, and she'll melt like buttah. A word of warning, though ... when you go there, chances are my brother
will play dumb, like he has no idea why you're there, and that he has no intention of being a pirate. *glances around,
leans closer to Carver* That's just a show he'll be putting on for Portsmith, savvy? 'Cause Portsmith could make
his life miserable if she wanted. You may have to go so far as stage a shanghai. But once you get him on the ship,
he should be quite the model crew member. I just hope he hasn't another spell of amnesia. He suffers from it once
in awhile ...
Carver
*frowns* Blimey! 'E almost sounds like too much trouble, lad. Are ye sure?
Malachi:
Tell y' what, Captain. Let me turn this into a win-win situation for you. *reaches in pocket, pulls out diamond
ring he bought that Blake had planned to purchase for Manouche* This ... this ring is all I have left of her.
It ... it's nothing but a painful memory to me now. *swallows, holds it out to Carver* I insist you take it, Captain,
to help pay for the trouble I've caused you. That way, even if my brother doesn't cooperate like he should ... well,
maybe this'll soothe any injured feelings you may be having toward the Corso brothers, until one or both of us can join you.
*gazes at ring, conjures up a tear or two* I ... apologies, mate ... I just can't ... I can't ... *lowers head, sniffs*
Carver
*sneers* Avast! Enough o' yer blubberin'! I can see ye'd be a hind'rance. *examines ring, nods*
Aye, 'tis a fine specimen, at that. Very well, Corso, we 'ave an accord. *shakes Malachi's hand, then puts arm
around his shoulders* An' son ... I'd be gettin' o'er that bloody female at earliest opportunity, if I were ye.
Find another' un, they're all th' same, really. Ye'll be surprised how fast ye recover. Hair o' th' dog, laddie,
hair o' th' dog. *laughs uproariously, whacks Malachi on the back, Malachi tries to keep his balance* Right, till
ye 'ave yer sea legs back, this'll serve. *holds up ring* Cheers, mate. I'll be off fer Chateau de ... de
...
Malachi
*helpfully* Blanchefort. Ask anyone, Captain, you'll find it. *nods, smiles as Carver turns and walks away.
Sighs with relief, glances around, hurries back to his apartment, where he locks himself in*
On The Viper:
Manouche *very
late at night, having left Blake sleeping, steps out from cabin, onto upper deck, looks out at Deppville from where they’ve
dropped anchor for the night. Gazes toward the town with a mix of emotions, jumps
violently at a voice near her*
Alifi: You have a lot on your mind for someone who’s returning home from a holiday.
Manouche: Blimey, luv, y’scared me ‘alf to death.
*takes deep breath, looks at her, smiles* I’m so glad t’ see
ye. I – I reckon I do, at that … ‘ave a lot on me mind, that
is.
Alifi *eyes
her sternly* It wouldn't have to do with regret at baiting Commander Portsmith, would it? *shakes head*
Really, Manouche, suggesting an article in her favorite magazine that has nothing to do with her! You really shouldn't
do such things, she's angry enough with you as it is.
Manouche *shrugs*
Pirate! Aye, I can't argue with yer reasonin'. But she's so beautiful when she's angry. *grins at the thought,
then gazes back at the horizon, her thoughts coming back to her*
Alifi *after
a pause* It’s never over, is it?
Manouche: No, it ain’t. *looks out at the
water, away from town* Alifi, I’m afraid.
But I don’t know exactly why. Wh-why am I afraid t’ go back? I mean, now? There’s nothin’
so much t’ fear at th’ moment, anyway. I’ll go back, we’ll
collect Raven, an’ go to th’ Wonka’s, an’ help Madame get through ‘avin’ her twins. Or per’aps we’ll leave Raven with his mum, if they want t’ spend
more time together. *smiles* An’
why wouldn’t they? *Alifi doesn’t respond, Manouche’s smile
fades* Wh-what? Th-there’s
somethin’ amiss, isn’t there?
Alifi: Bird, I wish I could say … it’s rather hazy. Something’s not right, but … I’m not even sure it’s something you can help fix. It may have nothing to do with you.
Manouche *laughs
shortly* Well, THAT would be a change, ay?
Alifi: … but you’ll want to be careful all the same. *she looks at her carefully* There’s a deep sadness
about you, a sorrow … it’s Inspector Abberline, isn’t it?
Manouche *lowers
her head* I … I’m not good at lettin’ people out o’ me
life. *walks over to rail, gazes toward town again* I ain’t felt right since we parted.
Alifi: It was a horrible betrayal. To you and
to Mr. Blake.
Manouche *nods* Aye. Y’don’t ‘ave to
tell me. But still … I were so ready t’ fergive ‘im. I really wanted to, an’ I had such high hopes we could all be mates, an’ all be there fer Raven. Y’know … I go back an’ forth on how involved I should be. Malachi were right, I’m always meddlin’. Don’t
mean t’ be a pest, I’ve always jus’ been tryin’ to help. But
I constantly come back to th’ fact that he ain’t me child. It’s
true enough that he an’ I saved each others’ lives, as it were. An’
… Kat said he’s as much mine as he is hers, an’ she were a dear t’ say such a beautiful thing. But he’s not me child. More’s
th’ pity. Me, the patron saint o’ misfits, I’m prob’ly
jus’ confusin’ matters. *lowers her head, wipes her eyes quickly,
turns to Alifi* Per’aps if I back off somewhat, per’aps they can
be more of a family. Lil’ mate’s bound t’ remember his dad
someday. An’ when he does, it’d be nice if … why’re ye
lookin’ like that, luv?
Alifi: Manouche, I have something to tell you. The
main reason Raven hasn’t remembered his father is because … well, for lack of better words for it, I suppose you
could say I put a spell on him.
Manouche *mouth
drops open* Y-y’what?
Alifi *nods* Ama came to me and begged me to do it. She
didn’t want her grandson to remember what he read in Abberline’s journal … and she didn’t want him
to ever be able to put together that it was his father who betrayed you, nearly had you killed. She … she doesn’t want him to know his father is capable of such things.
Manouche: Ahh, but … Alifi, that don’t seem right.
Seems t’ me th’ best thing is, if things come out, let th’ chips fall as they might, savvy? Bloody ‘ell …
Alifi: It was hard to know what to do, Ama begged me.
She’s so worried about her daughter … she wants Kat to be able to have a relationship with Raven. She … well, truth be told, she was less angry with Abberline than I was. *Manouche looks at her quickly, she continues, apologetically* I’m sorry, bird, but … I wanted to kill him after … after what he …
Manouche *comes
to her, takes her hand, kisses it* Cheers, luv.
But … can ye not see what drove ‘im to it? He were half-crazy,
livin’ so alone, an’ with them terrible memories, all these years …
Alifi *smiles* I certainly see why Malachi complains so much about you! I … *voice trails off as she notices Manouche looking
pale* What’s wrong, dear? Here,
sit down … *helps her as she sinks down on deck, against the wall*
Manouche: I … I’m seein’ somethin’ … *eyes widen* Oh, blast … Marchand … no, someone else … wait, someone else with Marchand … I
– I don’t know this bloke …
Alifi: Can you describe him?
Manouche: I ‘ave seen him, I saw him before we left town.
H-he were drivin’ a hearse … wait, he’s fadin’ … Oh, Alifi, HELP ME, luv … *brings
hands up to head, curls up, moaning*
Alifi *cries
out* Oh! Oh, my dear … I see
it all. *voice quivers, she takes Manouche’s hands in hers, grasps them
gently but firmly* My dearest, you simply must tell some of this to your young
man. I know you’re trying to protect him, but … he needs to know. He’ll want to know. And he can
help you. And when you get back, go straight to Willy and Madame. You need to be there for her, and they’ll see to it you’re safe.
Manouche *wails* I can’t, I can’t go back at all … I’ll get word to ‘em,
they can get someone from th’ hospital to help. *opens eyes, grasps Alifi
by the shoulders* Alifi, I’m nothin’ but doom t’ everyone in
me wake! If I were t’ bring trouble to Willy an’ Madame, I—I’d
never fergive meself! Ohhh, what’ll I do … *starts to sob*
Alifi *takes
her in her arms* Bird, you MUST go back, they’re counting on you. They’re your dear brother and sister, you mustn’t let them down. There, there, dear … *strokes her hair, calms her down a little* Darling, remember our teachings … one thing at a time … You must keep your word to Willy and
Madame, they’d be heartbroken if you didn’t. Look at all the trouble
you’ve faced with them all this time. Have they turned away from you? Not once, not for a moment. Go back,
go to them right away, make sure Madame receives all the loving care you know you can give her, and share their joy in the
delivery of those lovely babies. Then … *pauses, swallows* … then you can start to … address the rest. Are
you listening, Manouche?
Manouche *sniffs,
stifles tears, looks up at her with moist eyes* Aye. Y-yer right, as always.
Alifi *gently
wipes tears from her face* Remember, you have strengths you tend to forget about. You always seem to remember them in the eleventh hour, just in time … but try
to keep them in mind at other times, too. *sighs*
My time grows short. I … I wish I could help you more. But all I can tell you is, remember your strengths and your Romany magic … stay true to yourself
and the ones who love you … and … well, I can also tell you what I came here to tell you in the first place. Two things … something that happened awhile ago is about to have a greater effect
in your life. You’ll understand when it’s time. Also … as for Abberline … there’s something he hasn’t come to realize yet. But he will. *smiles at her puzzled expression,
kisses her forehead*
Manouche: Y-ye ‘ave to leave?
Alifi *nods* We’ll meet again, bird. *takes
Manouche’s left hand, gazes at the diamond ring, smiles* He loves you with
all his heart, dearest. It’s time you told him everything. *winks* Let the chips fall as they might, savvy?
Manouche: Blimey, me own words thrown back at me! *eyes
fill with tears* T-tell Mr. Blake about th’ Inspector? An’ about th’ Guardians an’ me lil’ deal with ‘em? H-how can I? Alifi, luv, I wouldn’t know where t’
start … *closes eyes, leans back against wall*
Alifi *grips
her hands once again, gentle but firm, her voice kind* You already have.
Manouche *feels
an odd sensation, opens her eyes. She’s back in the bed in the cabin of
the ship, Blake sitting on the bed next to her, holding her hands, watching her carefully, concern in his face. She starts to speak, but he places a hand gently to her lips*
Blake: Shhh. *leans forward, takes her in his
arms, kisses her tenderly. Releases her gently, sits back, looks at her, holds
her hands. Though his expression is worried, his dark eyes are filled with understanding
and love* Honey … I think we should talk over a few things before we head
to shore … *smiles, a small but reassuring smile*
At the Wonkas’ factory:
Willy
*deep in sleep, all the sudden jumps and sits up*
Madame
*wakes up from the jump, turns over, looks up at Willy* Sweetie, what’s
wrong?
Willy
*shakes head* I dunno ... something’s bugging me.
Madame
*grunts, carefully sits up, turns his face to her* I think I know ... something about Manouche ...
Willy
*looks past her, then looks at her, nods* There’s still something wrong with her ...
Madame: Okay, she'll be here soon enough. She'll be okay.
Willy *nods,
sighs* Come on, back to sleep. *helps her lay down, then lays down himself,
moving close to Madame, they both close their eyes but sleeping becomes difficult*
At Deppville Harbor:
Blake *standing
on deck of The Viper, now docked in the harbor, looking toward town, deep in thought*
Manouche *comes
up to him, places hand on his arm* Ye sound, my love?
Blake *shakes
head* I’m about as far from sound as I can be.
Manouche *lowers
eyes* A-apologies, love.
Blake *turns
to her, takes her in his arms* It’s not your fault. You had to tell me these things sooner or later. I …
just wish I knew what to do …
Manouche: Ye never should’ve taken up with a pirate.
Blake: Stop it, right now. We’ll get through
this. But even if things were to go bad and we don’t – not that that’s
gonna happen – but even if it did, I would have no regrets. Ever. *takes her face in his hands, looks into her eyes*
I wouldn’t trade a second. You’re the best thing that ever
happened to me, an’ nothing can ever change that. No bargains with devils,
no vampires, no betrayals … nothing. Savvy?
Manouche: Aye, savvy. *they kiss* B-but … ye wouldn’t let me tell ye jus’ what th’ Inspector done. Wh-what if ye hear it from someone else? I want ye t’know
that … that I wanted t’ tell ye … but …
Blake: It’s all right, honey, I understand. I know you're willing to tell me. I … the thing is, I don’t want to know exactly what happened. We still need to deal with him, he’s Raven’s father.
But I can barely stand the thought that he did something to hurt you. I
think … *looks past her, his expression grim* … I’m afraid if I knew exactly what he did … I wouldn’t be able to stand it. I’d have to—
Manouche *brings
hands up to his face* N-no, ye mustn’t do anythin’. We ‘ave t’ let it go. Raven has a right to know
his dad.
Blake: But Raven loves you, too … if he knew about this …
Manouche: Exactly. If th’ Inspector were
betrayin’ by nature, it’d be one thing. Then I’d believe in
tellin’ lil’ mate, so he could beware. But I don’t believe
it’s th’ Inspector’s way. I think it were jus’ …
well, one o’ those things …
Blake: You damn well better be right on that. *he
takes deep breath, calms down, looks at her* No worries, I’m okay. But … y’know, something has occurred to me. Abberline … he hasn’t been the same since he was locked in the soul box. Have you noticed that? He was always preoccupied, and haunted
by something … but … it makes me wonder if that experience has a lot to do with how he is now, the things he’s
been doing.
Manouche *looks
at him, eyes wide* Blimey … I hadn’t really put that together, love.
Ye may ‘ave somethin’ there. I wonder … *thinks about the box,
safely hidden away; feels the key around her neck warm just slightly, then cool off again.
She looks up at Blake, sees he’s gazing at her. They look at each
other for a few minutes, silently, sharing thoughts … then both smile, despite the dangers they face* I do love ye with all me heart, William Blake.
Blake: And I love you with all my heart, Manouche Roussel Blake. *smile fades, he reluctantly releases her* I suppose we should
get on with it. You have Wilko’s cage ready?
Manouche *nods* Aye. Take ‘im, an’ th’
two smaller bags over to th’ factory. Tell Willy an’ Madame I’ll
be along as soon as I see about Raven. He may want t’ stay with Kat. If that’s th’ case, I’ll give ‘im th’ key card to th’
factory that Willy gave us, an’ he can join us there whenever he wants. I
wouldn’t dream o’ interruptin’ his time with his mum.
Blake: Just be careful, honey, please.
Manouche *kisses
him* It’s broad daylight, I’m armed, an’ I’ll stick to
busy routes, I promise ye. I’ll be along soon. Figure Kat an’ me can share a dram, jus’ th’ pair of us.
Blimey, I can’t do enough for ‘er, after what she said about feelin’ that Raven’s as much mine
as hers. *beams*
Blake: Okay, but don’t be too long. Matter
of fact, see if you can talk her into coming over to the factory for a drink. *they
kiss, Manouche reaches up and touches his cheek lovingly; smiles, leaves the ship, heads toward Kat’s house. Turns to wave, Blake waves back at her from the deck, smiling. Watches
till she’s out of sight. Smile fades, his face fills with anger; he turns
back toward the cabin, clenching and unclenching his fingers. Leans against the
wall, trying to control his temper; finally swears loudly, makes a fist, crashes it through the thick glass of one of the
cabin's porthole windows. Winces at the blood, goes inside to wrap up the lacerations
before heading over to the factory*
|
