Bournemouth House (inside):

Abberline *frowning*  I don't understand you.  It can't be any good if it was done by Marchand.  Maybe it was he himself trying to reach you.  And what if he succeeds through that tattoo?  *removes gently her hand and strokes the tattoo*  And what was his purpose ... If it could be altered once, it could be done again.  I don't like this at all.  I wish you could trust me enough to let me protect you.  You won't need this anymore.  Protection from yourself?  *shakes his head*  I don't understand.  I could protect you better if I knew more.

Kat:  Fro' what my mother were tellin; me, Marchand used the tat' te bind any power I mighta  in'erited.  'e didna wanna risk the possibility that I might develop powers te fight 'im when I grew up.  But mother perverted its purpose afterward so that the tat would act as a ward against 'im.  Savvy?

Raven *runs into the house, stops at the doorway of the living room for a moment, then runs to his mother, hugs her without a word*

Abberline *nods, still not convinced*  But what if it ceases to work that way.  Something odd happened to it today and I want to find out what it was.  Kat, I have to do something about Marchand, I can't have him threatening you and Raven.  I hope you understand.

Kat *Doubtfully*  Understand what, luv?  What is it ye be 'avin'  in yer mind?  Best not go 'untin' trouble, mate.  Marchand be most dangerous, savvy?

Abberline:  You have to understand what I must do, love, and I have to do it to protect you and Raven.  I have to seek out Marchand.

Kat *fiercely*  You be right, I be not understandin' at all!  What good is it te anyone if yer goin' off to get yerself killed, eh?  Marchand's a monster ye can't 'ope to take 'im on alone.  It be suicide, luv.  Are ye wantin' this child born fatherless, after all???

Outside Bournemouth House:

Manouche *watches Raven run in the house, then turns to see Malachi and Armand eyeing each other*  Ahhh … Malachi, this is Armand, I knew ‘im back in Fiji.  Armand, this is Malachi …  *voice trails off, she smiles*  Ditto.

Armand *reaches out a hand*  Pleased to meet you.

Malachi *shakes his hand slowly, suspicious*  How did you two meet?

Armand *crouches down on Manouche’s other side*  We were involved in a heist that failed.  *he takes her other hand, smiles at her, still speaking to Malachi*  She saved my life.

Manouche *tries to make light of it*  Ah well ... therein lies th’ difference, ay, Malachi, mate?  *laughs, to Malachi*  I were always ruinin’ yer life in those days, weren’t I?

Malachi *tightens his grip on her hand, glowers at Armand*  Hardly.

Manouche *awkwardly, to Armand*  He’s jus’ bein’ polite.  I were nothin’ but trouble in them days.  Go on, Malachi, mate, tell Armand how ye threw me overboard on more’n one occasion …

Armand:  Overboard?  *stares at Malachi*  How could you do that?  *turns to Manouche, smiles warmly*  I don’t think I would ever want to do anything but make you completely comfortable … *looks at her intently*  Can I get something for you?  Are you all right?

Manouche:  Well, I reckon I could use some water, luv … *she barely gets the words out before he’s off like a shot, into the house to fetch water.  She watches him go, then turns to Malachi, frowning*  What’s with you, then?

Malachi:  Who the hell is he?  I suppose he’s staying at your house …

Manouche:  Blimey, he’s jus’ a visitor, I met up with ‘im in Catalina.  An’ fer yer information, he’s stayin’ at Chez Roux.  *pauses*  Malachi, luv … ye remember th’ story I told ye, about th’ heist I attempted a long time ago, an’ everythin’ went all t’ cock …

Malachi *anger receding, looks at her*  You mean … that bastard who … who … *squeezes her hand, more gently this time*

Manouche:  Aye.  Armand, he were part o’ that bastard’s crew.  He were one o’ th’ men who mutinied an’ joined me, in hopes of our efforts bein’ successful.  Well … y’know th’ rest …

Malachi *looks toward where Armand had run around the corner*  I see.  So he’s one of the men whose name you didn’t reveal … so you really did save his life.

Manouche *shrugs*  I dunno.  I reckon that captain would’ve been happy t’ kill ‘em all if he’d truly been bound an’ determined.  I reckon it were enough fer him to do what he did t’ me.  *lowers her eyes*  It … it were me he had it in for th’ most, after all …

Malachi *gazes at her, brings her hand up to his lips, kisses it, murmurs*  Trouble girl …

Manouche *swallows*  It were a long time ago, it makes no difference now.  So don’t be tellin’ Armand what ‘appened, savvy?  He’s ‘ere fer a visit, is all, he don’t need t’ know th’ rest o’ th’ sordid story.  All right?  *eyes him sternly; then she sees the sympathy in his face, and she’s suddenly thankful for him, for the comfort of a friend who knows her well, who has known her for years.  Her eyes soften, she looks at him imploringly*  Please, mate.

Malachi *nods*  Mum’s the word.  *they both look up as Armand returns with water.  He looks at them both, glances at Malachi a little cautiously, then crouches down next to Manouche, hands her the water*

Manouche:  Bless ye, luv.  *takes a sip, smiles slightly*  After a few days ‘ere, ye may wish ye were back in th’ south seas.  There are a great many strange things that go on ‘ere.  Makes Fiji look a bit borin’ in comparison.  *glances at Malachi, still speaking to Armand*  Then again, per’aps it jus’ follows me, ay?  It’s Malachi’s nickname fer me, innit?  ‘Trouble girl’ …

Armand *smiles at her*  I’ll take my chances.

Manouche *looks at him quickly, startled – the same words Blake had said to her more than once, when she’d warned him about her ups and downs*

Malachi *watches them, the coincidence of Blake’s words not lost on him.  He notes the way Armand is looking at her; he continues to hold her hand, but he lightens his grip.  He nods, speaks softly, pretty certain they don’t hear him*  Aye … trouble girl …

At Chez Roux:

Manouche and Armand *after leaving Bournemouth House decide to go to Chez Roux; Malachi decides not to join them, inwardly annoyed with himself for once again playing the gallant gent and allowing someone to court Manouche when he himself is interested in her.  He feels an unaccustomed patience, though, thinking he’ll have his chance at a better time and place, and waves them off with a smile as they turn toward the restaurant and he heads back to his house.  Manouche and Armand arrive at Chez Roux, take a table outside on the terrace, and Armand insists on buying her dinner.  She feels a little self-conscious at first, but he’s very charming and tells lively stories, and soon they’re chatting like old friends, and she’s surprised at how willing she is to open up to him.  She still guards herself, however, tells him certain things, keeping others to herself … she tells about Blake, but doesn’t say exactly what happened to him, and Armand is sympathetic and kind, pours out more wine and urges her to tell him more.  It’s been awhile since anyone was interested in hearing her talk about herself – she’s become so accustomed in recent times to being the listener, hearing other peoples’ problems – so she continues to warm up to him, though still a little reserved.  Their talk eventually turns to Fiji, and their adventures in the south seas, and they swap stories that are by turns funny, suspenseful and poignant.*

Armand:  Never seen quite so many strange things as I saw there …

Manouche *smirks*  Jus’ ‘ang around ‘ere fer awhile, mate.  *drinks wine*

Armand *grins, lights cigarette*  Maybe I will.  *he sees her bring out a cigarette, leans over and lights it for her*  I have a book up in my room that you’d probably be interested in.  It’s all about the mysticism of the south seas, it’s fascinating.  Stuff about voodoo, witchcraft, shamans, just about everything you can imagine, an’ more.  *looks at her intently*  I could show it to you, if you like …

Manouche *smiles*  Only if we can take th’ rest o’ this wine up with us, luv.  It’s too good.  I wouldn’t feel at all right about leavin’ it behind.  *He laughs, signs the bill with his room number, puts money on the table for a tip, and they stand up.  He picks up the bottle, she grabs their glasses, and they go inside and up the stairs to his room.  They set everything down on a small table, and she looks around*  Blimey, they gave ye one o’ th’ nicer rooms, I see.  Facin’ th’ sea, an’ all.  *she walks over to the window, looks out, her back to him*  Th’ view is pure dead brilliant …

Armand *gazes at her*  That it is.  *he pours out more wine for them, brings the glasses over to the window where she’s standing, hands her one*  To Fiji, to better days, to future games …

Manouche:  An’ to heists … botched an’ otherwise.  *they smile, tap glasses gently, drink*  Right, so let’s ‘ave a look at this book ye were tellin’ me about.

Armand *brings her over to a small loveseat near the window, has her sit down, puts his glass on the table next to it, then goes to the closet; rummages around a little, returns with a large, leather-bound volume, hands it to her, sits next to her*

Manouche *reads title*  “Mysteries of the South Seas:  Precepts and Counsels on Supernatural Investigation” … blimey … *she opens the book, looks at the date, print information, thinks of Corso*  I know someone who would pay a pretty price fer this’un.  *She skims the table of contents*  It’s all ‘ere, innit?  Jus’ like ye said.  Voodoo, witchcraft … *her voice trails off, and she gasps as she sees the chapter title “Soul Boxes – Facts, Myths and Consequences.”  She stares at it, eyes wide*

Armand:  What’s wrong?  *grins*  I can put it away if it’s scaring you …

Manouche *recovers quickly, laughs*  Ahh, it’s nothin’ … I reckon some o’ these chapter titles remind me o’ stories I grew up with.  Y’know how it is, ye hear a scary bedtime story when yer a lil’ one, an’ it sticks with ye all yer life … th’ very thought of it still can scare ye like it did when ye first heard it.  *she closes the book, looks at him*  Y’mind if I borrow this, luv?

Armand:  Not at all.  Matter of fact, I was going to suggest it.  I figure, if you don’t take it home with you, you’ll start reading it right here, and not stop till you've read the whole thing.  And to be honest, I have a confession to make … *he takes the book from her, sets it aside, turns to her, moves closer, brings an arm around her* … I didn’t invite you up here to read.  *he pulls her close and kisses her, slow and passionate*

Manouche *returns the kiss, gazes at him*  Well … readin’ is a fine pastime, to be sure … but it seems t’ me it’s a bit dark in ‘ere fer readin’ at th’ moment.  An’ I can’t say I’m so keen on spoilin’ our existin’ ambience by turnin’ on sufficient lightin’ fer th’ undertakin’.  Savvy?

Armand *murmurs, his eyes dark with desire*  I savvy.  *he kisses her again, harder this time.  She brings her arms around his neck, he gently but firmly pushes her down on the couch, his hands sliding up under her shirt … *

Andrew and Sebastian *in the surveillance room, having been thwarted while watching Kat and Abby, switch over to the cameras at Chez Roux; they see Manouche and Armand, look at each other, nod approvingly, then turn back to the screen, watching intently, the large bowl of popcorn before them going untouched*

At Bournemouth House:

Abberline *to Kat, discussing Marchand*  So what do I do?  Watch him destroy my family?  No, I must find him.  I can't just sit here and do nothing waiting for another attack on you.  I have to go.

Kat *Angrily*  Off with ye then!  Let me know 'ow that turns out, luv!  *Turns her back furiously, muttering*  Damn bloody stubborn men.

Abberline:  I will.  *turns to Raven*  Take care of mother while I am away.  *leaves the house.*

*He walks past Chez Roux on his way to the Office, intending to stop for a drink and plan his strategy, when he suddenly feels that he doesn't want to go there, and instead he finds himself turning away to another direction, and he finds himself walking the long walk to Manouche's house, as deep in thought as the first time he walked with her when she saved him from the den.*

At Rartigillichal:

Abberline *When he at last comes to the house, he doesn't even bother to knock.  He knows she isn't there.  He rips a page from his notebook and writes her a note.*

I had never the chance to thank you for your help, and I know this is not the first time. It seems to me that you are avoiding me. Maybe I will someday find a way to thank you for all that you have done for me and for my family. In another time and place.

*He looks what he has written, crumples the stupid note and throws it on the ground.  He knew all the time that he wouldn't find Manouche here, because he knows where she is and what she is doing, and he feels both sadness and resentment, and most of all he feels himself humiliated, and he shuts her from his mind.  And he feels sadness and resentment thinking of Kat, waiting for him, he wants to do right by her, but he feels he can't give her what she needs and wants.  He feels reluctant to leave the tranquil place. She has chosen it well if it is peace that she wants, it feels secluded from the world, like it was a magical place ... He walks towards the mill pond, and it seems that it is as sinister in the daylight as at night, but still he walks to the brink and gazes at the placid surface, and after a while he think he sees weeds under the water, green and brown, and though the water on the surface is still, he sees them sway slowly, like there was some undercurrent, and the way they spread and move with the water makes them look like long tresses. He shudders and is about to turn away when he sees something beneath the weeds, a whitish oval, like a face, and he returns to the brink, crouches down to look closer, and then he sees distinctly a pale, almost greenish slender hand, and it reaches out to him, and he touches the water with his own hand, and breaks the surface into lazy ripples, and she is there the water, and she is calling to him, soft female voice talking in French in his mind, and he hears her say his name, she wants him to join her, she calls to him, she tells she loves him more than anyone else ever could, he knows it and he wants to go to her.  He shuts his eyes and waits for the slender cold fingers to touch his, to take him down under the water ... *

Alifi *approaching Manouche's house, stares ahead, puzzled, sees Abberline looking into the pond.  She starts running toward him*  Inspector!  Inspector, get back, take care!  *she runs up to him, grabs him by the shoulders, pulls him back, away from the pond; they both drop to the ground, she looks at him anxiously*  Inspector, are you all right?

Abberline *the magic breaks, and he finds himself on the ground, stunned, looking at Alifi’s anxious face*  I - I don't know ... I think I saw some kind of vision  *glances towards the pond, the water is perfectly still again*  I don't know what's happening here.  Did you see anything?  *rises up and brushes dust from his jacket, then gives her his hand and helps her up*  I don't know what brought me here.

Alifi *stands*  Thank you, dear.  *she steps closer to the pond, gazes into the water, shakes her head*  I see nothing.  But then, my abilities are limited.  I’m not a dreamer, though I have some similar powers.  *she looks into the water again, watches, waits, still sees nothing, then turns to him*  Can you tell me what you saw?  Or would you rather not talk about it?  You say you don’t know what brought you here … was it the vision calling to you?  You didn’t come to see Manouche?  *looks at him closely*  You look a little pale.  Would you like to come inside, wait for her?  She should be home fairly soon, she was leaving Chez Roux.  Come, Inspector, come in and at least allow yourself to recover.  I can make you some tea, I know where Manouche keeps everything.  Or perhaps you could use something a little stronger.  *smiles*

Abberline *avoiding looking at the pond*  I could use something stronger.  I don't know why I came here, I knew Manouche wasn't here.  *looks away from her, on the ground*  And if you are waiting for her, it will be a long wait.  *after a pause*  But I could use something stronger before I go.  I hope she doesn't mind us being here, I feel like a trespasser.  Maybe it was because of that pond … I saw a woman in the water and she was beckoning to me, and she wanted me there ...  She spoke French ... Maybe someone has drowned in this pond and I was just picking on some old memories.  *sighs*  I'll stay for a while and I'll be gone before she arrives.

Alifi:  Something stronger it is.  No worries, Manouche won’t mind us here.  *looks at him reproachfully*  Now, isn’t it true she’s told you that you’re welcome here anytime, that you can come and go as you please?  She doesn’t say things like that unless she means them.  Come.  *takes his arm, brings him into the main house, to the kitchen.  He sits at the table, she goes to the buffet in the dining room, finds a bottle of brandy, brings it back in the kitchen, sets it before him*  There you are, Inspector, you can have it with or without tea, however you like.  I’m having tea, either way.  *she finds two glasses, brings them to the table.  She turns to the oven, starts boiling water for tea; she then reaches in her pocket, removes a lighter, spins around, lights the lighter and holds it out to light the cigarette he'd placed between his lips as he searches his pockets for matches.  She hides a smile at his expression of surprise as he leans forward to light the cigarette.  She pockets the lighter, opens the bottle, pours drinks for them both, sits down*  The woman you saw … was there nothing familiar about her?  Do you speak French, Inspector, do you know what she was saying?  Curious … it would be interesting to look up the history of this property.  Strange, something so disturbing … it’s such a peaceful place.  *takes a drink of the brandy* 

Abberline: Yes, I know she said that but I am sure that she will now change her mind.  *starts when she lights his cigarette, then takes the glass*  I did not know the woman in the pond, I saw her face and I am sure I have never seen it before.  I don't know enough French to know what she said, but somehow I understood what she wanted, she wanted me to come down to her, and she did say my name.  But I am still sure it has to do with this place, maybe that is the reason it was abandoned when Manouche found it.  Have you ever heard tales of drowned girls turning into a kind of mermaids, lurking in water and trying to lure men to the depths with them?  What makes me wonder is that Manouche hasn't picked up on anything special.  I doubt she would have wanted to buy a haunted property.  *He puts down the glass with slightly trembling fingers, frowns*  Maybe I will have a cup of tea before I am on my way.  If you stay here to wait for her, please tell her that I just wanted to thank her for helping me and Kat.  I better not come here anymore.

Alifi:  Change her mind, whatever for?  Manouche doesn’t change her mind about offers of hospitality unless someone wrongs her.  She’s fiercely loyal to her friends, you should know that by now.  *hears the water boiling, stands to pour out some tea for them both, sets cups on the table, moves one toward Abberline.  She frowns, waits a few minutes before speaking*  So, there may be a siren lurking in Manouche’s pond?  Knowing her, once she hears about this, and how you came close to falling in, she’ll probably find a way to get rid of the pond, drain it, or something.  She’s far too fond of you, she will be very unhappy to hear there’s something about her new home that may be dangerous to you.  It is most curious that she’s never sensed anything … I’m sure she would’ve told me.  This makes me wonder if it’s actually you, Inspector … bringing this with you, somehow.  I’m wondering if there’s something about this place that is stirring up an old memory within you … *motions toward his cup*  When you’re finished, I’ll read your tea leaves.  Free of charge.  *leans closer to him*  Always like to embrace a gypsy stereotype when I get the chance.  *laughs, adds a little brandy to her tea*  So where are you headed after you leave here …  *her voice trails off, she looks at him closely, her smile fades*  No, luv.  You mustn’t.  Not alone … not Marchand.  You don’t know what he’ll do to you.  *she reaches out a hand, places it over his*  Have you forgotten everything?  Have you forgotten what it was like to be in the soul box … have you forgotten what it was like when he possessed you?

Abberline:  I know she is loyal, but she may not want to be disturbed ...  Don't tell her about the pond, if it is not bothering her, there is no problem.  I don't want her to be worried about some odd visions.  I don't think I'll be here often anyway - especially if it is as you say, that I brought it with me.  If it is so, I have no idea what it would be about.  *pushes the empty cup towards her, smiles*  You can do it if you want, but I got to say I don't believe in such things.  And in good Gypsy fashion you will look at the leaves, then turn frightfully pale and keep from me the disaster you are seeing and then whisper that you are sorry, you can't see nothing.  And then you will feel faint and tell me that you are too tired to go on.  By all means go on.  *pours himself more brandy*  I have not forgotten a single thing, not the possession, nor the soul box, or the things he said to me when Portsmith locked me up with him, or what he tried to do to Kat, Raven and Manouche.  Believe me, I remember it all too well.  And this time I know how to deal with him once I'll find him.

Alifi *looks at him, shakes her head*  You are a stubborn one.  *she takes his cup, smirks*  And cheeky as hell.  Think you know all my tricks, eh?  Never assume.  *she gazes at the tea leaves for a few minutes, her expression neutral*  Hmmm … I’m only seeing two things here, and they don’t make sense, I don’t know how they go together.  I sense a voice … a harsh male voice … saying “boys never cry, you are spoiling him” … and I see a name … Marie-Claire Vernet.  I don’t suppose that name means anything to you.  *she leans forward, peers closer to the cup, then sits up, shrugs*  Sorry to disappoint you, Inspector … there’s nothing much here for me to go faint over.  Count your blessings, luv.  *she looks at him, notices a strange expression on his face*  Inspector … just how will you go about fighting Marchand?  Are you sure you know what you’re doing?  You don’t have to do this alone, you know.

Abberline:  Trust me, I know what I am doing.  I am ridding the world of a monster.  And I am going to do it alone.  *hesitates*  That name, I have seen it somewhere, but I am sure that I don't know anyone by that name, but I have seen it written somewhere.  That's French, isn't it?  Maybe there really is a connection to Manouche.  As for that other voice, the male one, that's one I recognize, or at least those words.  *smiles sadly*  That's what I used to hear from my father more times than I care to remember ...  And I saw him in a dream, where he said that ... and there was a ...  *his voice trails off, he finishes the brandy, stands up abruptly*  I have to go now.  Don't tell Manouche anything, anyway it probably is just some odd dream without any meaning to it.  She has got enough on her own without me troubling her more.  Spare her.  Thank you for the reading.  Though I doubt it is of any importance.

Manouche *having just entered the house and dropped Armand's book off in the sitting room, stands in kitchen doorway, speaks softly*  What d’ye say to tellin’ Manouche everythin’ … an’ she’ll decide whether she’s to be spared or not?  *looks at Abberline sympathetically*  Ye wouldn’t start keepin’ things from me at this late juncture, would ye, luv?  *smiles slightly*

Abberline:  And I hope you wouldn't keep things from me either ...  It was just some unimportant dreams I shared with her.  I don't wand to bother you with them now that I know that you are occupied elsewhere.  Don't let me keep yourself from more important things.  *moves her gently to pass through the doorway, not answering her smile, avoiding her eyes*  Thank you for your help and concern for Kat.  *he turns and leaves, keeps his anger inside until his out of the house, then he curses and kicks a stone, hurts himself and curses even worse, and he sets on the way back to town*

Manouche *watches him go, turns to Alifi, upset*  Oh, blimey, Alifi, what did I do wrong?  Seems I’m always rubbin’ him th’ wrong way, an’ it’s always th’ last thing I want t’ do.  What were he so upset about, an’ why wouldn’t he stay an' tell me?  *she reaches in her pocket, pulls out a crumpled piece of paper, smoothes it out and hands it to Alifi*  I found this note on th’ ground outside.  *tears come to her eyes*  Why does he think I’m avoidin’ him?  Don’t he know he don’t need t’ thank me?  He’s a mate, how could he not know how much I care for 'im?  Sometimes he’s so … so bloody formal an’ reserved … I confess, I don’t always know what t’ do with that.  Jus’ when I think I’ve reached him, an’ we’re sound, somethin’ goes amiss … bloody ‘ell, me an’ me clumsiness.  Per’aps I should avoid ‘im more, he might be better off.

Alifi:  No, don’t do that, he wouldn’t like that at all.  *looks at the note, smiles*  He’s very Victorian in his sensibilities.  And you, dear, are an open book in comparison. 

Manouche *sniffs*  Aye, I’m no woman o’ mystery, am I?

Alifi:  Well, you are in your own way.  But not in the conventional feminine sense.  I’m afraid your outgoing ways throw Abberline for a loop occasionally.  His background didn’t prepare him for women like you, or Kat.  *voice softens as she sees Manouche’s tears*  No worries, bird, he’ll be back.  He … he has a lot on his mind, but … he cares for you a great deal, he couldn’t keep away from you if he tried.  Dreamers are forever drawn to each other.  *she stands, pours Manouche a cup of tea, adds a healthy dash of brandy.*  I’ll tell you all about my visit with him, because he shared some things with me that you should know.  But before we get into that … I need to tell you what brought me here in the first place.

Manouche *brushes away her tears*  I … I had a feelin’ that it were more than me brandy an’ tea.  *she smiles a little uneasily*  Ye ‘ave a look about ye.

Alifi *hesitates*  I’m afraid you’re right, it’s more than a social visit, I’m sorry to say.  I’ve come because of … because of that book.  The one you borrowed from Armand.

Manouche *blinks, decides not to bother asking how she knows about the book*  Wh-what about it?

Alifi:  It’s a very rare book.  There’s a chapter in it on soul boxes.  *sighs*  To be honest, bird, I … I was hoping you would never see it.  But now that you have it … I … I decided that I wanted to be here when you read it.  *she sits back down at the table, waves a hand*  Go on, go in and start reading.  It won’t take you long.  I’m … going to stay here a few minutes, finish my tea.

Manouche *stares at her*  I don’t mind sayin’ yer scarin’ me a little …  *she waits, and when Alifi says nothing, she leaves the kitchen, goes into the living room, sets her tea and brandy on the table before the sofa, starts a fire, feeling suddenly chilled.  She then goes to the sitting room, retrieves the book, brings it into the living room, sets it on the table.  She sits down, watches the fire for a moment, takes a drink of the tea, appreciating the warmth of the brandy.  She gazes at the book for a few minutes, then finally picks it up, finds the chapter she wants, and begins to read … *

At Rartigillichal:

Manouche *slowly closes the large book in her lap, the one she borrowed from Armand, her eyes wide, hands slightly trembling.  She stares into the fire, doesn’t shift her gaze as Alifi enters the room*

Alifi:  So now you know …

Manouche:  Why didn’t ye tell me?

Alifi:  Isn’t it obvious?  *sits down on sofa next to her*  Don’t do it, bird, there are other ways …

Manouche:  But none of ‘em quite as effective.  *pats book*  It’s all ‘ere, in black an’ white, luv.  It’s even better than me goin’ along with th’ Leader, innit?

Alifi *sees it’s no use pretending, sighs*  A little better, I suppose.  This method will render the box useless.

Manouche:  Right … so let’s review th’ options as we know ‘em.  There’s th’ method ye described t’ me when ye gave me th’ key to th’ box … a ceremony that requires th’ presence of Kat, Raven, th’ Inspector an’ meself, at the site of a stone circle.  Th’ nearest an’ most viable o’ these bein’ on the property of one Commander Portsmith, which adds a whole new dimension o’ danger to an already volatile scenario.  This method is a fairly sure thing, though it does pose potential danger to any one or all parties involved, right?  There’s also th’ unknown factor … we’re none of us certain what may be unleashed once th’ box is destroyed.  Ay?

Alifi *hesitates, then nods*

Manouche:  Good.  Now, option two … a proposition from th’ Leader, that they can combine me blood with me brother’s spirit, which apparently will solve all problems, even down to takin’ power away from Marchand.  Apparently, everyone’d live happily ever after.  The caveat ‘ere bein’ that th’ box isn’t really destroyed, it’s jus’ returned to th’ care o’ the guardians, as before.  Granted, their control over it will be stronger, with th’ power they harvest from me brother an’ me … but there still exists a slim chance that th’ box could fall into the wrong hands again.  The other caveat is that I would shuffle off this mortal coil, as it were … however, that particular caveat has its advantage in that I’d be reunited with Dani.  Aye?

Alifi:  Yes, but …

Manouche *interrupting*  Which brings us to yet another option … *holds up book, smiles reproachfully at her*  Ahhh, Alifi, it ain’t like ye t’ hold out on me like this!

Alifi:  Manouche …

Manouche *opens book to dog-eared page*  This is th’ best solution I’ve heard yet, so simple.  An’ th’ caveat?  Deppville is minus one thievin’ gypsy pirate scallywag, an’ that’s all.  *sees tears in Alifi’s eyes, her voice softens*  Look, Alifi, luv … I ain’t bein’ a martyr … I ain’t suicidal.  Though I’ve ‘ad some unhappiness recently, I don’t want t’ die.  I’m jus’ lookin’ at th’ situation from a common-sense perspective, savvy?  I know I’m loved, I know there’s people ‘ere who care about me, an’ I cherish ‘em.  But they all ‘ave other considerations more pressin’, don’t they?  They ‘ave children, or children on th’ way, or families … they all want a safe haven fer their loved ones.  We keep lookin’ fer ways o’ riddin’ th’ town of this menace, an’ we always seem to come back to a few variations on one answer.  Takin’ th’ facts into consideration, it makes sense to choose th’ method that causes the least harm to th’ least amount o’ people.  Savvy?  S’like warfare, innit?  So let’s not get so bleedin’ sentimental.  I ‘ave no immediate family.  I ain’t feelin’ sorry fer meself, I swear.  I’ve ‘ad a bloody good run, I’ve cheated death many times over … it were bound t’ catch up to me sooner or later …

Alifi:  It’s not right, it’s not the way to do it.  We can’t let you do this.  There … there are plans for you …  *Manouche looks at her questioningly, she continues on quickly*  Besides, there’s something else to consider here.  You don’t know what might happen if you go through with it … you’re a dreamer, with the Rom magic …

Manouche *wearily*  Aye, so I’ve been told …

Alifi *insistent*  You don’t know the repercussions of that.  None of us can know.  It might make things worse …

Manouche:  Or it might make it stick all th’ more.  *she looks steadily at Alifi, smiles sadly*  I’m runnin’ circles ‘round ye, aren’t I, luv?  Never thought I’d see th’ day … yer almost speechless.  Ye know I’m right, don’t ye?

Alifi *frowns*  I know no such thing.  Just promise me you won’t rush into this, all right?  Give it a little more time, think about it.

Manouche:  Time’s runnin’ out, it’s gettin’ too dangerous.  Ye know what ‘appened to Kat, with th’ tattoo … what about ‘er an’ her baby?  I were plannin’ to wait till th’ date I’d given th’ Leader, but now … I don’t think I should wait any longer …

Alifi *insistent*  Please, just a little longer.  Promise me.

Manouche *grumbling*  Ahhh, bollocks … all right.  *scowls at the book, tosses it on the table, lights a cigarette*

Alifi *leans over, kisses her cheek*  Thank you, dear.  *stands up*  I … I need to leave you now.  Will you be all right?  You won’t …

Manouche *sighs*  I won’t do anythin’, I gave me word.  *looks at her, her expression softens*  Apologies, luv, I know yer only considerin’ me welfare.  I … I jus’ don’t know what t’ do, an’ it’s all really startin’ to get on me wick.  *runs a hand through her hair, looks at her again*  Ye can go in a few minutes, but first … I want ye t’ tell me about yer visit with th’ Inspector.

Alifi *sits back down*  You’re right, thank you for reminding me.  I think you should know about the things he told me.

Manouche *holds up a hand*  Wait, ‘ang on.  *she stands up, goes to buffet, grabs absinthe and two glasses, returns, sits next to Alifi on sofa*  I reckon we could use somethin’ a bit more potent than a hot toddy.  *pours drinks, looks at her expectantly*  Right, luv, shoot, I’m ready.  *Alifi nods, takes the drink, and tells Manouche all about her conversation with Abberline*

At the Security office:

Abberline *after walking a while grows calmer and knows that he acted like a fool, and he stops and lights a cigarette, hesitates, wondering if he should go back and apologize, but decides that he would only do more harm.  And when he reaches the town, his mind is already set on Marchand.  He goes to the Office where he intended to go in the first place, past his office straight to the lockup - and when he sees there is no one there, he goes to Charlie*  Have you let Nate go free?

Charlie *staring at his computer screen intently, on seeing Abberline almost chokes on his burger and quickly shuts his monitor, looks guilty*  Er - wouldn't you care to knock.  It's my lunchtime.  *adds defiantly*  I do have a legal lunch hour, you know.

Abberline:  I am not interested in your work hours.  Where is Nate?  If the Commander has let him free, I'll have a few choice words for her.

Charlie *regaining his composure*  Hey what's wrong with you, no need to threaten anyone.  Wasn't that guy just some petty criminal?

Abberline *getting angry, ready to pull Charlie up*  So where is he?

Charlie *backs off, remembers when Abberline last had a 'few words' with the Commander*  No, no, he was transferred to the castle dungeon, that's all I know.  And the Commander is not here now.

Abberline *glares at him*  Thanks.  *Charlie puts on his monitor and continues to watch the tape he got from Andrew, sighs with relief when Abberline leaves*

Abberline *on his way to his office, meets Corso in the corridor, Corso is trying to slink past him as fast as possible, Abberline grabs him by the collar*  Not so fast.  I believe we have something to settle up, you and I.  *pulls him to his office and closes the door*  Now, you know what is it about.

Corso *shrinking away from Abberline*  If you mean those notes … look ... I am sorry ...

Abberline *grabs him again and slams him against the wall*  Right.  I see we understand each other.  Sorry is not enough.  But, if you don't want to get the thrashing you need, you could instead do something for me.

Corso *nods eagerly*  Whatever you want!  Please let me down, we can talk ...

Abberline *yanks Corso off the wall and releases him so that he falls on the floor*  Take me to Nate.