At Chez Roux:

*O’Malley and Father Connolly have gone to Chez Roux for lunch; they have chosen a table outside in a far corner.  O’Malley preferred not to be in the centre of a crowd as she is still nervous about accidentally using her powers despite F Connolly’s reassurances about being able to stop it.  The waitress arrives with their food and F Connolly instantly digs in, being hungry after the long journey from Ireland with nothing but plain food to keep the hunger away.*

O’Malley *takes a few bites; observes F Connolly with curiosity*  Why are ye ‘ere?  I’m sure there’s more te it than Corso’s persuasive powers, especially takin’ into accord that ye refused te get involved when me mom asked ye.

F Connolly: *is about to take another mouthful, stops the fork mid-way; frowns*  So you know about that. *Sighs*

O’Malley:  Aye, I know.

F Connolly: *drinks from his water; leans back in the chair* What Corso told me about your powers being a bit out of control wasn’t news to me. I was hoping you’d find a way to deal with it yourself, so I didn’t have to get involved. Despite all my reassurances I am a bit uncertain as to how the combination of witchcraft and shaman powers work. *Leans in again, resting his elbows on the table; sadness in his eyes* Emily asked me to keep an eye on you shortly before she passed away. *Lowers eyes* I couldn’t turn her down again.

O’Malley: *looks at him, trying to read his expression; softly* Ye cared fer her, didn’t ye?

F Connolly: *meets her eyes* Aye, I cared…I would have given up priesthood for her, if only she’d asked. Wouldn’t have joined in the first place if she hadn’t chosen your father instead of me. *Shrugs, smiles* But I guess that’s life.

O’Malley: *sympathetically* I am sorry…and greatly appreciate ye comin’ te ‘elp me.

F Connolly: Thank you. Well, if I help you now, maybe I won’t feel so guilty about not helping you sooner. So let’s finish lunch and start your practising. *Nods towards her plate of food* Eat up; you’ll need your strength.

O’Malley: *quietly* Blimey, ye make it sound like ‘ard work!

F Connolly: *grins*

*They finish their meals and head out to a meadow near the city limits.*

At Sparrow Lane:

Ichy *in a dark coat, with a flashlight in his hand, creeps in the cover of darkness towards Kat's house in Sparrow Lane, stops before going near the house, watching the silent and dark house for long, then he goes round the house, makes a quick dash to the back door, opens it with his keys and slams the door shut.  Since the house is empty after Kat moved to Bournemouth House, Ichy assumes that if there are surveillance cameras they either are not switched on or no one checks them, but he can't be sure.  He has to take the risk of exposing himself to the watchers to get Kat to believe him, she must listen to his warnings if he can show her a camera from her own house.  So he listens a while in the total darkness, then he crouches down and turns the flashlight on and walks with it through the house, examining all rooms with care.  He stops for a while to look at a magnificent wall painting of the Black Pearl in one room, then moves on.  Finally, in the foyer he stops to take a close look at a very very small object attached to the door frame, it looks something like a thumb tack, but when he takes a closer look, he sees that it is thicker and that there is a miniature lens on the surface.  He takes a sharp knife and pries the object loose.  A wireless miniature digital surveillance camera, without doubt, though he never knew they could be so small.  He takes the devilish little gadget, and decides not to push his luck too far and disappears from the house the way he came in.  He is sure that Kat is in danger...*

At Corso’s apartment:

Corso *dizzy, cuffed after a wild night with Britt*  What are you doing?  I'm too tired for it ....  Hey, get these cuffs off and bring me a cold beer, will you.

Britt *laughs to herself, gets a kick out of the moment, takes advantage.  She sits on top of him, leans down very close, her hands on either side of his head, says seductively in his ear*  Did I tire you out?  *looks him in the eye, practically nose to nose*  Are you saying you don't want me anymore?  *kisses his nose, leans in towards his neck as if to kiss it, slowly reaches into her pocket for the gun she had put there from her office drawer before she came back, she slowly lowers it to his side, hidden*  After all that I done to you ... all you could say was to get you a beer?  What about the respect, Corso?  You know you just done it with a pregnant cop, right?  *sits up, sighs, looks to the ceiling dramatically*  But yes, it's partially my fault as well, and I could have said no ... *jams his side with the gun*  I forgot to mention, there are ... rewards for doing up a pregnant cop, y'know.  A reward that you'll never forget.  Now this..reward … cannot be spent, nor bartered.  It is a reward that will ... well … I think you'll find out soon enough.  The more you do a pregnant cop, the more you get the reward.  *sighs*  But, just looking at you, here, on the floor, cuffed ... *shakes her head slightly*  I have to say, how very unattractive you are ... And I realize that now.  *shakes her head*  Pity.  SO, if you're TOO tired for it ... *stands up, his hand still cuffed to the chair*  Then I'm TOO tired to get you a DAMN beer!

Corso:  No, don't go, don't you appreciate a little bit of humour, you are always so damned serious about everything, I just try to lighten you up a bit.  *looks at her imploringly*  I just wanted that you would feel better.  I do respect you.  *looks at the gun*  I really do.  Whatever you want, eh?  Except shooting me, but I can't imagine why you would like to do that.  Savvy, as the pirates say?

Britt *gets a feeling from deep inside her, then suddenly smells the scent of being out on the ocean.  She feels that she must follow this feeling*  I'm sorry, Dean, but that wasn't humor ... I'm sorry I'm so serious, but don't you care?  *puts the gun in the front of her pants*  You only respect me because I have a gun ...  Whatever I want, eh?  *thinks*  Why not, shooting you would be fun ... I guess you've never been with a cop before ... or at least not this cop ... I'm risqué ... But now that I think of it, we're leaving.  On an adventure … out to sea.  But first, we'll need to make a stop.

Corso:  Okay, I get it, I get it, just put that gun away.  Don't you see that I really do respect you, I wouldn't have offered you a partnership otherwise.  Er … who is leaving and where?  What stop?  Please, take the handcuffs off.

Britt:  You and I are going on a trip.  Partner.  We'll need to make a stop at my weaponry museum.  I have a feeling we'll need a sword.  *rolls her eyes, gets down to his level again*  Quit your whining.  *stares at him, still in cuffs, takes in the moment*  Hmm, now that I think about it, again, you are better like this.  *laughs, takes his head in her hands, kisses his lips*  Sorry, darling, had to laugh.  *laughs to herself, unlocks the cuffs, attaches them to her belt loop*  OH, and we'll need to stop by my place.  I need to change.  *traces her finger along his chest, teasing him.  Hoping that this all will work*

Corso:  Wait a minute.  *trying to be very careful not to be cuffed again*  I am a peaceful person, a dedicated pacifist, I don't like that talk about guns and swords at all.  *grins*  At least you called me darling …  *reaches out his hand and touches her cheek, ready to withdraw back instantly if she shows any more of that weird hostility*  What kind of trip?  Wouldn't you rather stay here with me, I don't feel so tired anymore.

Britt:  I can't go alone.  We need a ship.  Why don't you like talk about guns and swords?  I'm sure you don't feel tired, now.  *stands, taking the hand that touched her cheek*  Think of this as a business trip.  Make a few stops, pillage, plunder, that sort of thing … you'll pick up a few things.  Maybe more antique jewelry ... And who knows ... I might be generous to give you a tour of my weaponry museum.  I have things that go way back.  Robin Hood's sword.  The sword of Duque de Alba.  Swords of the Revolutionary and Civil wars … guns as well from those times.  All authentic.  You can say I've been pirating in the past ... and maybe I'll let you have one.  Might be worth something.  *sighs*  Fine, I'll go by myself. *leaves the apartment, heads to her home, empty and quiet. She enters the basement, pulls the string hanging from the single light bulb on the ceiling.  She flips the light switch now that she can see and a whole row of lights turn on down a long hall.  She walks along the many cabinets containing several kinds of weapons.  She walks until she finds the sword she wishes to take along with her, she walks back upstairs, turning off all the lights and closing the door behind her.  She looks for the note she tossed on the floor, examines it a bit*  Couldn't be ... How stupid am I ... *sighs, goes up to her bedroom, tosses the sword on the bed and finds her old pirate garb.  Thinks to herself, good thing I made Corso wear protection.. but how Stupid am I!!?  She undresses and looks in the mirror, hands on her hips, she turns to the side, notices that her tummy is getting a bit bigger, smiles, dresses in her pirate clothing, boots and finds a bandanna.  She attaches her sword and heads down stairs, places the note in a pocket and goes to the refrigerator.  Finds a protein shake the doctor wanted her to start drinking around her 10th week.  She drinks it and heads out of the house.  She walks until she hits the outskirts of town.  She spots the dock not to far from where she's standing.  There, her secret ship, awaits.  Patience.  She makes her way up the runner board, and makes sure all is sound, in the captain’s cabin, the galley, and the brig.  She trims the sails, and off she goes.  She stands at the wheel*  Where to now ... *thinks she'll leave Deppville for a while, going nowhere in particular*

At a meadow:

*O’Malley and Father Connolly walk across the meadow; it’s filled with beautiful wildflowers and long grass and looks exactly like you’d picture a meadow that hasn’t been touched by human hands giving way to the suspicion that it may very well have been created by a landscaper.  They stop by a large oak tree a few yards from the forest limit.

F Connolly *gazes up at the impressive crown of the oak*  This is a good spot.  Did you know that oak trees are very significant to Irish mythology?

O’Malley *glances at the tree for a short moment*  No, I didn’t know … can we get on with it?

F Connolly *looks at her over his shoulder*  I take you’re not that impressed by nature’s wonders?

O’Malley:  Then you be wrong … I’m very much impressed by nature’s wonder.  You can’t ‘elp but be when you’ve been at sea in high storms, fog, complete stillness … *glances at the tree again*  Aye, it is pretty, but there’s a ‘ole forest o’ wonders right o’er there.  *points towards the forest*.

F Connolly *laughs*  Point well taken.  *Bends down and picks up an acorn; starts flattening down the grass at a little spot where he then lays down the acorn; points to the ground next to it*  Sit.  *O’Malley sits down near the acorn, her legs crossed*  Now close your eyes and try to empty your mind; only think of the acorn.  Apply the same focus you’d use for lighting a candle.  *O’Malley closes her eyes and tries to focus*  Whenever you feel that you’re ready, open your eyes and try to lift the acorn.  Simply lift it into the air.  *Stops talking and stands a bit away, observing her.*

O’Malley *empties her mind, listens to the gentle breeze of the trees while trying to focus on the acorn; she opens her eyes and to her own surprise the acorn is now level with her eyes; she keeps her eyes on it and smiles; quietly*  Bloody ‘ell … I did it … *suddenly the acorn flies off and bounces off the oak landing on the ground beneath the tree; O’Malley laughs … for a while anyway.*

F Connolly *nods in approval*  Aye, you did good.  *Grins*  You may need to work on your concentration span.

O’Malley *dryly*  Ha ha, yer so amusin’ … jus’ go find that bloody acorn.  *F Connolly retrieves the acorn and place it in the little spot on the flattened grass again.  O’Malley focuses her attention again; this time holding it still in the air for a bit longer and gently lower it towards the ground; smiles as it lands softly on the grass*  This be takin’ less practise than I thought!

F Connolly *frowns; quietly*  So it would seem … *notices a large tree-branch on the ground near the forest*  Hold on … *goes off and with effort drags the branch closer to their spot on the meadow*  Let’s try something bigger.

O’Malley *glares from the branch to F Connolly*  Are ye bloody kiddin’ me?  Yer goin’ from a tiny little acorn te that ‘uge thing!  *as F Connolly is unaffected by her protests, she takes a deep breath, focuses her attention on the branch.  The branch begins to shake a bit, then slowly lifts off and hangs in the air.  O’Malley begins to feel her energy draining from her, lets the branch go and it drops to the ground; grins*  Is that the best ye got?

F Connolly *stares at the heavy branch, slowly turns his gaze to O’Malley; smiles*  I … I think that’s quite enough for today.

O’Malley:  Good!  *Stands up, smiles*  I must admit I’m a bit tired now; a glass o’ Marijke’s rum would do me good.  *starts towards the dirt road leading away from the meadow*  Come Father, I’ll buy ye a scotch at Chez Roux.  

F Connolly: You go on ahead; I think I’ll take a little walk in forest.  I’ll meet you at Chex Roux later.  If something is about to trigger your powers, just apply the same focus to stop it, you’ll be fine on your own for a bit.  *Smiles reassuringly*

O’Malley *gazes at him; something doesn’t seem right, but she can’t quite determine what it is.  Shakes the feeling; smiles*  ‘Ave a nice walk then.  *Heads back into town towards Chex Roux*

At Bournemouth House:

Kat *glowering over Abberline’s praise for Selena; several thoughts flash through her mind, one after another ('ow ye do run on, Miss freakin' perfect … so it be Fred now.  I'll kill 'er … Eat 'er food, not bloody likely.)  Sighs, speaks to Abby*  Aye, luv.  No worries, e'erythin's fine now, savvy?

Abberline:  Good.  That's what I want to hear.  *kisses her on the cheek, puts his jacket on, not being able to resist taking a look at himself in the mirror with his jacket on in the hall before going out*
 

On Catalina Island:

Sergeant Godley *clad in a blue, red and yellow Hawaii shirt with big flowers, white shorts, sandals, shades and a wide brimmed hat, a camera hanging from his neck, walks into the bar, feeling exceptionally foolish in his perfect tourist disguise.  He has been following the target Portsmith ordered him to do for many days, but so far the guy seems only to be an innocent tourist, well almost innocent tourist, just spending his days on the beach, evenings at the bar and nights at a nightclub.  He hasn't had any interesting contacts except those ladies of the night he seems to be so fond of.  The target has been feasting all night, and when Godley sees him stagger to his hotel room for a nap that probably would be long, he decides he can take some time off.  He enters a bar that looks just like all the other bars in this hellish place of eternal sunshine and feasting, orders himself a drink, which he hasn't been able to do in the last few days.  Someone beside him orders a drink and her voice seems familiar; he turns and looks in utter disbelief at – Manouche, of all people in this stupid tourist trap.*

Manouche *nods thanks to barkeep as he sets glass in front of her.  She looks over, sees Godley.  At first she doesn’t react, not recognizing him; then she gives him a double-take, peers closer*  S-Sergeant Godley?!  Blimey, is it really you?  *looks him up and down, taking in the ensemble, grinning broadly*  Ye missed th’ luau, mate, but no worries, karaoke should be startin’ up soon.  *tries in vain to stifle a laugh*

Godley *feeling both miserable and ridiculous in his outfit, looks at her warningly*  You laugh even once and I'll drown myself in that fountain, missy.  *then he breaks into huge grin and gives her a real bear hug*  It's really me under this horrible shirt.  And I can't believe my eyes that it's really you.  Portsmith sent me to keep an eye on some business partner of hers, and I figured that I wouldn't blend into the crowd in my suit.  Oh how I miss my tie ... *looks at her carefully*  But what in the world brings you in a place like this?  Piracing?

Manouche *happily submits to his hug, hugs him back*  Ahh, apologies, luv … it’s a fine disguise, to be sure.  *sits back, looks at him fondly*  I’m so glad t’ see ye.  I can’t remember th’ last time I saw ye.  I reckon I ‘ave a fair amount t’ tell ye.  *looks around*  This is indeed an odd settin’ fer either of us, innit?  I … I were on holiday … an’ I stopped, jus’ fer a lark.  I never would’ve stayed this long except I met up with a bloke I knew a long time ago.  He gave me a bit of a tour o’ the place yesterday, an’ I were glad he did, ‘cause believe it or not, there are places on this blasted island that are beautiful an’ secluded an’ quiet, as nature intended.  It was good t’ learn that it ain’t all plastic an’ suntan lotion, savvy?  *frowns, puzzled*  Who in th’ world does th’ Commander ‘ave ye tailin’ ‘ere?  That don’t make much sense.  Ah well, it don’t matter.  What matters is yer ‘ere, an’ I’m bloody glad to see ye.  Let’s ferget th’ Commander an’ her nonsense fer a time, an’ ‘ave a nice visit.  *smiles, picks up glass, holds it up*  Cheers, mate.

Godley:  I am so pleased to see you, Manouche, I have been here for days tailing a bloke whose definition of a good time clearly differs much from mine.  There isn't any library in this place, and the only theater I found was showing just some indecent oriental dancing.  Disgusting place.  I really long to go back to Deppville.  Let's find some more peaceful place to talk.  *nods towards the booths at the back of the room* … and you'll tell me all the latest gossip.  I don't remember when I saw you last – was it at the wedding?  *looks at her, remembering Kat's odd behaviour towards Manouche.*  You have to tell me about them all, about Blake and Raven and the Inspector, and Kat.  *takes both drinks in his hands and goes to the shadowy booth where he isn't so much on display as at the bar*  This is better.  So you have been having a good time here?

Manouche *sits down across from him, takes her drink*  I reckon it was at th’ weddin’ when we last saw each other, Sergeant.  A lot has ‘appened since then.  Th' good news is, Kat an’ I ‘ave mended any rift there was between us.  *pauses, looks down*  I’ll give ye th’ worst news first … me Mr. Blake is … missin’, as it were.  I don’t know if he’s sound or not … I try t’ keep me hopes up, but I fear th’ worst.  Last time I saw him, he were prey to a vampire … he killed one of ‘em, but another one were on ‘im in a second.  I haven’t seen or heard from ‘im since, an’ that were weeks ago.  *she swallows, blinks back tears, holds up her glass*  He were th’ finest man I’ve ever known, an’ there’ll never be a more perfect love fer me.  *reaches her glass over to Godley’s clinks it against his, finishes her drink in one gulp.  Sets glass down on the table, looks at him*  Ahh, if ye see th’ waiter, luv, could ye signal?  I could use a refill … *swallows again, clears throat*  Then I'll tell ye more news ... decidedly more cheerful.  *smiles a small smile*

Godley *sits quiet for  a while, calls the waiter and orders them both new drinks, then reaches out and pats her hand on the table, looks at her sympathetically*  There is always hope, he may be found still.  Don't give up your hope.  Those bloody vampires should all be killed.  *after a pause*  I understand you needed a break.  I am so sorry for you.

Manouche *takes his hand, squeezes it*  Cheers, mate, I appreciate yer kindness.  Y’know, Sergeant … even when I’ve been at odds with the law, an’ Security an’ th’ like … ye always was such a fair man to me.  I’m grateful fer yer friendship.  An’ … I’m glad ye can watch out fer th’ Inspector, he needs a good friend like you.  Matter o’ fact, that’s somethin’ else I wanted to mention to ye.  I’ve had an uneasy feelin’ about th’ Inspector an’ Kat.  There’s a stranger in Bournemouth House, as it were.  I hope ye’ll check up on ‘em soon as ye get back home.  It’s all a bit vague to me at th’ moment.  But it’s been on me mind enough to where I … I’m thinkin’ I’ll try t’ contact Raven.  I also were considerin’ … seein’ if I could contact th’ Inspector himself, but … I hate t’ bother ‘im … *gazes toward a window for a moment, then looks at him again*  Whichever of us returns first, though, let’s check on ‘em, savvy?  I’m worried … especially where Kat an’ her baby, an’ Raven are concerned.  They’re so vulnerable … *stops, suddenly hears Alifi’s voice in her head -- something she told her long ago about Abberline, soon after Manouche learned that he was Raven’s father and that he had some of the dreamer in him*

Take care with him, bird.  He’s vulnerable.

Manouche *eyes wide, whispers*  Blimey … *looks at Godley*  Ahh, how much longer ye reckon on bein’ stuck ‘ere on this assignment, Sergeant?  I’m … I’m startin’ to think it’s comin' up on time to be headin’ back to Deppville.

Godley: You can always count on me, Manouche, whatever happens I'll be there for you just as I have been for the Inspector.  I hate being here with nothing sensible to do, without being able to keep an eye on Kat and the Inspector.  And Portsmith.  A stranger in the house?  But.. *looking at her searchingly* there is something else too, isn't there?  You don't have to tell me, but I can see that there is something else troubling you ... I understand that everybody has her own secrets, but if it's something that bothers you, it might help telling me.  *pauses*  This doesn't sound good at all  *shakes his head*  Listen Manouche, what if that dumb guy suddenly turns smart and disappears on me *with a sly smile, shrugs*  There's nothing for me than return to Deppville and report to the Commander.  Yes, I think I have now lost the target.  I don't see him anywhere here.  So ... can you give me a lift?  *grins, looks at her expectantly*

Manouche *looks at him, a little startled, then smiles slowly*  By th’ powers, Sergeant, I wonder if ye ‘ave a bit o’ the dreamer about ye, as well.  Cheers, mate, that means more t’ me than I can say.  Per’aps I’ll … tell ye of th’ other things botherin’ me.  But … first, one more bit o’ news, an’ then I say we board Th’ Viper an’ be done with this silly place.  *her smile broadens, her eyes still filled with wonder at it all*  Yer lookin’ at a rich woman, mate.  Yer lookin’ at th’ sole winner o’ Deppville’s biggest lottery to date.  44 million, luv!  When I get back, I’ll ‘ave a new home waitin’ fer me … an’ all manner o’ life possibilities open up.  An’ that reminds me … I’ve been thinkin’ o’ various things I’d like t’ do with me money, an’ I’ve been wantin’ to spread th’ wealth with me mates, savvy?  Now, in yer case … I were wonderin’ how ye would feel about financial backin’ to start yer own soccer team, or club, or what have ye.  Ye can name it, coach it, ye can run it any way ye see fit.  I seen how happy Raven’s been when ye were playin’ with him … an’ it didn’t escape me how happy you looked yerself, mate.  If yer not keen on that, then we can figure out somethin’ else … but I thought this might be a good way fer me to show me appreciation fer yer friendship an’ assist.  So think it over.  *takes a drink*  An’ now, I suggest we pay fer our imbibements, an’ repair to Th’ Viper.  I’m more than happy to give ye a lift home.  Once we’re under way an’ out on th’ open sea, we’ll break out some o’ me best vintage, hoist a few … an’ then per’aps I’ll tell ye of other things that’re weighin’ on me heart as of late, if yer sure ye don’t mind lendin’ an ear.  *smiles warmly, winks*  I mean, yer quarry has up an' disappeared, ain't he?  Nothin' for it but to report back t' Portsmith.  Do we ‘ave an accord?

Godley *whistles*  You are a millionare then.  *laughs*  Congratulations, Manouche, now I understand why you are feasting here with this jet set ... As for spreading the wealth, be careful with that.  I got to say that soccer team sounds very tempting to me, but I don't really know if I can take money from you just like that, without paying back ... Or, I could always give you a season ticket for the games.  *grins, looks around him*  The target is still missing I see.  *calls the waiter and pays the drinks*  I'll be happy to listen to you, believe me, it helps.  To the Viper it is *