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On The Apparition:
Abberline *speaking to Miranda,
shakes his head* No. It's not your
life, you are stealing a life that doesn't belong to you. You are just a ghost,
long gone ... I can't bear losing her. I won't let you take her away from me,
there must be a way .. *goes to the cabin door, yells* Someone, call an ambulance. She needs a doctor. *mutters to himself*
… or an exorcist or a magician or a psychic ... *stops and runs to the deck, bumps to Alifi, takes her by the arm and
winces again with pain, lets her loose* Quick, get me Dimitri, find him, or someone
who can help me ... *leans against the wall exhausted* Alifi, you have to help
her.
Alifi: Inspector, there you are! What are you worried about, she’s
fine, I just examined her. *looks past him, toward the cabin, then looks at him* What is it, dear, you’re hurt … *sees how he’s favoring the arm,
gently takes it in her hands, sees him wince again, notices the raw skin around the wrist*
You’ve broken something, Inspector, you’re the one who needs to go to the hospital. *sees Raven coming, following after Abberline* Raven,
luv, we need to get your father to a doctor. Your mother will be fine, she’s
resting. Why don’t you go sit with her, while I take care of your father
… and if you could please try to contact Manouche, I don’t know why she isn’t here by now … *speaks
firmly to Abberline* Come, Inspector, you’ll be no good to anyone unless
you get that break mended properly. *starts to lead him off the ship*
Raven *calls after her* But … Manouche is gone, I don't know where she is … *but Alifi doesn’t hear him. He runs back to the cabin,
to stay with Miranda/Kat*
Abberline *breaks loose from
Alifi* I don't need any hospital or doctors. I
don't care about the wrist. How can you be such a fool! Can't you understand, she is not Kat, don't you sense it? Raven
knows it and I know it, how can you be so blind! Look her in the eyes! Some entity has possessed her, you know it can happen, it happened to me. *stops* I am not going anywhere. I want Dimitri or someone who understands more than you. Or
I can go to the hospital if she comes too. You really are totally blind, aren't
you? Manouche won't come. She can't.
*faltering* I am so tired of this
all ...
Alifi *stares at him, shocked,
then everything he said, and the things Raven said, all hit her at once, and she leans against a wall, concentrates* Oh, my god … *everything comes clear to her all at once, and she sinks down
to the deck, trembling* Inspector … forgive me, I’m … I’m
old, and … I’ve noticed my abilities have been … slipping significantly, lately … *she closes her
eyes, concentrates a few more minutes, a light sweat breaking out on her brow from the effort.
She opens her eyes again, understands, looks up at Abberline* H-her name
is Miranda … she was murdered, by her own husband, in your house, a long time ago.
She’s taken over Kat’s body … and Manouche … oh, god help her, god help us … *she wants
to break down sobbing, but quickly pulls herself together with a great effort, slowly brings herself back up* Inspector, I’m so sorry I didn’t listen … I feel I’ve let you all down. I … I don’t know who to summon. Dimitri has been
away for such a long time, I have no idea where he is. Perhaps you should both
go to the hospital. Regardless of everything, you do need attention. Or if not the hospital, the two of you should be back at your home, not on this ship. You can always have a doctor come to the house. I don’t
think Miranda will go along on her own accord … *grins, pulls out a small vial* … but I have something here that’ll
knock her out, just long enough. It won’t harm her or the baby, and it’ll
allow us to get her off this ship. *she hands him the vial* I'll leave it up to you, Inspector, you can either
stay here, go to the hospital, or to your home. I'm leaving immediately, to search for Dimitri. If I can’t
find him, I’ll find someone else who can help, I swear, I won’t stop searching till I find someone. Please forgive me, I won’t let you down again. *she kisses his cheek, turns and quickly leaves
the ship to find Dimitri*
In the box:
Manouche *feels a sudden
throbbing pain in her head, like a sharp ice-cream headache, then it’s gone. She
shakes her head, shuts her eyes, opens them, and sees nothing has changed around her -- still the mist, the mire, the
din of voices, the darkness. But she knows what’s changed; she’s
just lost the last control she had over Alifi. She sighs, still trembling* A-apologies, luv … I tried t-to spare ye all this f-fer awhile …
On The Apparition:
Abberline *returns to the
cabin with the vial* Miranda. You
and I, we are going to leave this ship now. You understand that you can do serious
harm to my baby. You say that you don't want anything happening to her. If you really mean it, you will come with me to the hospital, where they can perform
a thorough examination to see if everything is still all right. Oh, and Alifi
gave me this drug, she said it has a calming effect. Take it, please, take it
for my baby.
Miranda *Eyes him suspiciously* That woman said the child was sound and the pain has ceased. You are trying to trick me off this ship. I won't go. *Studies the vial* I can't believe you'd
risk harming your baby. I'll take the potion and give you my word to see a doctor
at the first port of call. *Takes the vial, opens and sniffs it finally takes
it. Looks at Abberline* I swear
I will take care with the child and that she will be sent to you as soon as possible after her birth. You have no choice but to accept it. *She suddenly feels lightheaded
and odd. Puts her hand to her head as she realizes what’s happening. Looks at him accusingly as everything goes black.*
Raven *worried* Father, is she all right? *turns to him* We’d better go to the hospital right away …
Abberline *to himself* You have no choice but to accept it …
*as he goes to the deck he sees the ambulance finally approaching and he starts to calm down* Back to the hospital, once again .. *He guides the men down to the cabin, where they lift Kat carefully
on the stretches and he watches over them. Now that her eyes are closed, now
that she is unconscious, he sees her as Kat again, not the ghost, the alien looking through her eyes, and he grips Raven's
hand and they leave the cabin, and they climb in the ambulance and head toward the hospital*
Ichy *listens to all of this
from his hiding place and his eyes grow sad as he understands what they are talking about.
It wasn't Kat speaking those sweet words to her, it was a ghost of a murdered woman, and he shudders at the thought
of having even touched her, though she inhabited the body of Kat. He shuts his
eyes tightly when he feels the faintness creeping into him like a bunch of spiders, and he quickly averts his thoughts as
he always does when he's in trouble, he starts to think of his mother in the garden, whirling round and round, slowly and
graciously, humming a tune and slowly rising in the air and the flower petals shower over her ...* Oh, mother, mother ... There is nothing for me in this town
anymore. *he whispers to her, and after Abberline and Alifi go their separate
ways, he takes his bag and walks out from the Apparition, he walks to Bournemouth House and takes his other bag, and he looks
at the sofa, shuddering with fear and loathing thinking that he held a ghost in his arms ...
He turns around and leaves the house*
Outside Bournemouth House:
Alifi *sees Ichy as she’s
walking through town, calls to him* Constable!
Constable Crane, where are you going? *approaches him* I’m afraid you’ve been through a terrible experience, luv.
Would you care to talk about it? We could have a drink at Chez Roux. *looks at his bags* Unless you’re
in a hurry. But I’d like to try to help you understand what happened back
there, it might make you feel a little better.
Ichy *sadly, stops, puts
the bags down* Why not. I have all
the time in the world now. I think that I want a drink. A real drink. A … a … whisky or something like
that.
Alifi: Good. *she smiles, brings a comforting hand to his face* Constable Crane, you may not believe this right now, but … you have some fine
things coming your way. So don’t lose heart, savvy? And I hope you weren’t thinking of leaving us, because you would be sorely missed. *she reaches down, takes one of his bags, links her arm in his, he picks up the other bag* Now, let’s go to Chez Roux. I think I know exactly what
to order for us …
At Chez Roux:
Alifi and Ichy *walk arm
in arm to Chez Roux, enter, go into the bar, take a booth* Now, you sit here
and relax, Constable, I’ll be right back. *she makes sure Ichy is settled
in the booth with his bags stowed out of the way, goes to the bar. She soon returns
with two frothy drinks, sets one down before him, slides into other side of booth, facing him*
This is called a Paradise Island. It's a blend of coconut rum, orange
juice, grapefruit juice and frozen strawberries. I’ve ordered it just for
you, to let you know that there’s a certain paradise in your future, even though you probably find it impossible to
believe right now. Trust me, dear, if you’ll just ride out this present
unhappiness, you’ll eventually be surprised at how good you’ll feel. You’ll
be able to look back on this, and it won’t hurt anymore. *she holds up
her glass, smiles* To paradise … and surprises.
Ichy *looks with suspicion
at the drink, tastes it carefully, he never drinks anything stronger than coffee, but now he feels he might try if it helps
as many claim* I find it hard to believe in any paradises in the future, the only one is in the past... but this drink reminds
me of it, my mother's flower garden *he sighs, drinks some more* No one needs me in this town. Tell me, why did she choose
him? Why? What is it in him that I don't have? He is not good for her, don't you see, he is trying to dominate her and smother
her and make her something that she doesn't want to be. *drinks some more*
Alifi *sympathetic* It’s impossible to know where the heart will lead us, dear. I agree with you, they have a lot of things they’ll need to work through if they are to stay together. But they both want to try, they’ve made that very clear, and to give them credit,
they’re both working very hard at it. They soon will have two children
between them, so if they can possibly make it work, that’s a wonderful thing, to be able to keep the family together. We must respect both their wishes and hope for the best, help them when we can. There could be very good reasons it’s not working for you and Kat. Try not to fight it too much, even though now you feel certain this would be the match made in heaven. *she hides her smile at Ichy's obvious lack of experience with alcohol, though he
seems to be enjoying the drink.* Easy, dear, don't drink it too fast, just enjoy it. *She reaches across the table,
takes his hand, squeezes it* Ichabod ... be a good friend to Kat, if you can
... be strong for her. She’ll remember that, and she’ll love you
for it. Maybe not as you want right now, but someday everything will fall into
place, and the two of you will have a fine friendship, and you’ll be glad you were there for her. Savvy?
Ichy: But I can't have any kind of relationship with her now that she is married. He won't allow her. Not after what happened, but it was she who
wanted to go with me ... *stops and hesitates* It was actually the ghost all the time, wasn't it? *swallows
hard* A ghost. Not her. Kat does not love me, I see it clearly now. No, no one needs
me here.
Portsmith *strolling in at
his last words like she were accidentally stepping in at Chez Roux* Constable Crane! Ichabod, how very extraordinary that I happen to meet you here, what a great coincidence. *slaps him on the back, ignores Alifi, and pretending to be clumsy knocks off his glass, grins* I am very terribly sorry, but you won't miss that stuff. I can offer you something better than
just empty words and a makeshift sympathy and alcohol. What you need is the best remedy for all troubles - work.
Why not come over to the castle and have a talk over a nice cup of tea? Let me help you.
*drags him up, brushes his coat and takes his arm, glances again at Alifi* You
bloody Indians are as bad as pirates, are you trying to make him a drunk or what?
Ichy: I will be delighted to come with you, Commander. I beg for pardon for my bad behaviour.
Alifi *indignant* Commander
Portsmith, what a surprise ... I believe you're as opportunistic as your little toadie Mr. Corso! Very enterprising
of you, and amazing timing. By the way, I'm Romany, not Indian. Not that you care much for distinction, you just
lump us all together as general hoi polloi, don't you? *sighs, turns to Ichy* Ichabod, you do whatever you wish.
But if you ever have a need to talk, you come see me. And don't forget what I said ... good things are coming your way
soon. *she smiles at him, then stands up* Commander, do us all a big favor and try not to do anything stupid.
And I think the least you can do is clean up that drink you spilled. *slaps Portsmith hard on the back, winks at Ichy,
leaves Chez Roux. Once she’s outside, she reaches into her pocket and pulls out the watch she lifted from Portsmith.
Looks at it carefully, shakes her head* Faux gold plated … should’ve known. *she tosses it in a nearby
trash can, and continues her search for Dimitri*
Portsmith: How rude, but you can't expect those dirty gypsies to behave. Or
Indians or pirates or whatever that rabble wants to call themselves. But she
was right, good things are coming to you, let's go to the castle and meet them.
Ichy: As
you wish. *takes his bags and trots after Portsmith to her shining black SUV
that she parked right in front of the door blocking the walkway* At least there
is someone who needs me.
At the hospital:
Abberline *once again at
the hospital, looks how Kat is transferred to the examination room and the doors shut on him despite his angry protests, and
after hurting his wrist badly by trying to bang at the door, Raven manages to take him to the waiting room, he sinks down
in a chair and tries to light a cigarette*
Andrew: Inspector, you know
that it is forbidden to smoke here. Put it immediately off. You will have to wait a few minutes for the doctor.
Abberline *testily, crushes the cigarette* I don't need any doctor.
Andrew *rolls eyes* I
think you do. Look, we will keep you informed about your wife.
Abberline:
And why was I not let into the room with her?
Andrew: What would you have done there except been in the way? I assure
you that our staff are professionals and they can their job.
Abberline *mutters* I
am not so sure about that ... Come Raven, I won't sit here doing nothing. *Starts to walk the long corridor, and as he walks by an open door, he catches a glimpse
of a young woman with long blonde tresses, wired to monitors and machines, her breast heaving in a steady rhythm as the machine
pumps air in her lungs, but she looks beautiful and tranquil among all the technical equipment, and he stops by the door,
and once again he thinks of Victoria, the woman reminds him of her, the last time she saw her, lying dead on a bed ... *
Nurse:
Sir, I have to ask you to leave immediately. This
is a private room.
Abberline: What is it with her?
Nurse *looks
at him, and her face is tired and strained* I am waiting here for her closest
relatives to come and make the decision to shut the machines, so will you please excuse me.
*starts to close the door*
Abberline *to himself * Just a body
without a soul ... *He shudders and turns away* Come
Raven, maybe Kat has returned back. I want to see her.
Raven *watches Abberline
go, lingers behind. He sees the nurse get a call, and she leaves the room, closing
the door. He looks up and down the hall carefully, then opens the door and enters
the private room, closing the door behind him. He slowly approaches the woman
on the bed, his heart filled with sympathy as he looks at her, sees how young she was … is. He thinks of the tragedy, if only there were a way to bring back her mind, her spirit … and his eyes
widen as a thought occurs to him. He looks at the woman again, then he thinks
of the spirit Miranda … would it be possible? He wishes he had True Dreamer
to talk to, she would know. Or Manouche … As he continues to ponder the
idea, a notion comes to him, he doesn’t know where it’s coming from, but something or someone is telling him,
“You can do this, you can make it happen” ……. Is it True Dreamer speaking to him? He’s worried that the nurse could return any minute, but he needs more time to think about this,
uninterrupted, so he ducks into a small closet in the room, closes the door, makes himself comfortable in the darkness, sits
and concentrates very hard … *
At Donnie’s apartment:
O’Malley *softly knocks on Donnie’s door. She
has been practising her shaman gifts under F Connolly’s guidance for some time now, as well as practising her witchcraft
on her own.*
Donnie *opens the door, smiles slightly when he sees O’Malley*
Hi … *moves aside and shows her into the apartment* How are you?
O’Malley *speaks softly, keeps her arms crossed over her chest as if to physically protect
herself from emotional harm* I’m fine … Corso found Father Connolly
an’ he’s ‘ere in town, ‘e’s been tellin’ me about me family an’ ‘elpin’
me practise.
Donnie: That’s good, glad to hear you’re
doing better.
O’Malley *Smiles nervously* I should be safe
te be around now. *Hesitantly meets his eyes*
That is, if ye still want me?
Donnie *lets out a sigh of relief* Of course I do! *Moves closer to her, gently brushes a strain of hair off her face* I was afraid that you didn’t want me ... you know, after I ran off like I did.
O’Malley *smiles, tears in her eyes* Don’t
be daft, luv. I can’t blame ye fer gettin’ scared … *reaches
up and softly kisses him* Will ye come ‘ome now?
Donnie *gazes at her lovingly* I’ll start packing. *Goes to pack his bag. O’Malley
and Donnie return to The Brave*
At the hospital:
Abberline *not noticing that
Raven is not following him, frowns at the closed doors of the examination room, turns to a nurse* How long does it take? Is there a problem? Anything you are not telling me? You have to be hiding something from me if you won't let me in.
1st
Nurse: You just have to be patient, Mr. Abberline. Why don't you sit down and read a mag while you are waiting? *puts
her hands on his shoulders and forces him gently but firmly to sit down* There
is a good choice of mags on the sidetable. Take a look.
Abberline *takes
a look, turns away disgusted when he sees Pomp and Circumstance and the header 'Lady Cynthia Ainsworth: Pale pink will be
the new black this season' and the cover shows her beaming with the fashion designer Guido Cavalcanti on the catwalk* No thank you, I can't hold a mag, my wrists hurt.
I hate this hospital.
2nd Nurse: Mr. Abberline, you can come in
now.
Abberline *jumps up but stops at the open door* No, wait a minute,
my son, I lost him, I can't ...
1st Nurse: Please go in now, we will take
care of your son. *pushes him in and closes the door with a sigh*
Andrew: The Abberlines are a real nuisance, always causing trouble. *winks, with a lecherous smile* Though they can be very entertaining
too.
2nd Nurse: Oh shut up you little pervert, or I'll get Helga to teach
you some manners.
1st Nurse: It might be not a bad idea to call Helga and Hilda, I have got a feeling that we will have trouble with
Mr. Abberline, he seemed to be upset about his wife.
At Chateau Blanchefort:
Portsmith *leads Ichy into
a room newly redecorated in a style she calls Imperial Greek, the floors are of marble, big heavy slabs with one very large
thick white cotton rug in the middle. There are antique sculptures all in the
nude which make Ichy blush, and he quickly averts his eye from them. In one corner
there is a group of large vases* Those are Minoan, from the ancient Labyrinth
palace of Knossos, they were used to store olive oil. *she
can't help touching the brightly painted surface with her fingers* They are over
3,000 years old, can you imagine?
Ichy *automatically straightens his back and assumes his best serious expression,
he nods, though he doesn't know anything about any Knossos earthware, but he really is impressed with the room* I have never seen anything like this.
Portsmith: And
you won't. *She motions him to sit down on the white lambskin sofa*
Ichy
*approaches the group of two sofas, an armchair and a coffee table and he realizes that someone is sitting on the other sofa,
he stops, confused and feeling shy*
Portsmith *presents them* This is
Constable Crane, a very refined man and a trusted employee of mine. *Ichy bows,
and the lady extends her hand to be kissed* And this is Lady Cynthia Ainesworth,
a very distinguished guest of mine, directly from the high society of London.
Lady
Cynthia: Charmed, my dear. I have
heard so much of you.
At the hospital:
Raven *hiding in the closet,
in the darkness, is able to concentrate, goes into a deep trance of sorts … at first he sees nothing, then the darkness
dissipates slowly, like a gradual dawn in a misty morning … through the soft gray, he sees someone approaching, and
he fears his hear may burst as he recognizes her* T-True Dreamer …
True Dreamer *holds hand
up* Keep your distance, my little brave. We mustn’t touch. But I’m here to help you. *she
looks him over, smiles* Look at you, so grown up … there’s not much time, love, you must concentrate, use
all your powers, remember absolutely everything I taught you. You can make this happen. Miranda can live again
… and your mother will return.
Raven *fights back tears*
I – I’m ready … I’m not afraid.
True Dreamer *smiles*
I know you aren’t. Now, deep into yourself, as I taught you … from there, you can reach the other, show
her the way …
Raven *does as she tells
him, her voice hypnotic, irresistible, and his own voice and spirit take on the same quality, not to be resisted … he
feels a tremor, as if the earth beneath is shaking violently, preparing to open and swallow him, and he feels a panic.
He then senses words of encouragement, not a voice, but as if he feels the words, impossible to describe, but he feels them:*
Don’t fear, everything
is as it should be. Steady on …
Raven *braces himself, ignores
the trembling foundation beneath him, continues to concentrate on the dying woman, Miranda, back and forth between the two
of them. He’s not sure whether he repeats these thoughts over a period of five minutes or an hour, but suddenly
a wild sensation fills his being, and he starts to cry out, but he doesn’t, he sticks stubbornly to his concentration
of the two women, allowing no other distraction, he’s never been so focused in his life … he feels something surround
him, envelop him, pass through him, around him … and he believes, he knows that he’s somehow become a conduit
for Miranda’s unhappy spirit, and that she’s found her way through him to the body of the young woman lying on
the bed. As the spirit’s passing is completed, he experiences a terrifying feeling, as if the ground has been
swept out from under him, like an air pocket – he feels the sharp drop and once again senses words of encouragement,
Steady on … he closes his eyes, clenches his teeth, then instinctually relaxes the rest of his body … and finally
the terrible drop ends, and he comes to rest. He opens his eyes and sees the soft gray mist, and True Dreamer smiling
at him*
True Dreamer *beaming*
I am so proud of you, my little brave.
Raven *can’t help himself,
starts to move toward her* Please, don’t leave me … please take me with you …
True Dreamer *smile fades,
she backs away from him, looks very stern* Would you leave your new sister to fend for herself? She’ll need
you. The others need you … your mother and father … the dreamer … *she sees tears fill the dark,
solemn eyes that she loves so much, and she softens* No worries, my love, we’ll be together again. When
the time is right … but for now you must go back, you have much to do … and glorious things await you in your
future. *she smiles once more* Heart and soul, my love …
Raven *eyes widen, then he
quickly squeezes them shut as a wild gust of wind hits him full force in the face. The mist disappears, he’s thrown
bodily into total darkness … then feels himself come to rest again. He carefully opens his eyes … and he’s
back in the closet in the hospital. He stands up, slowly emerges, finds he’s still alone in the room, the nurse
hasn’t returned. He walks over to the bed, looks anxiously at the young woman. His heart beats faster as
he sees her eyelids twitch, then slowly open, her blue eyes trying to focus …
In the box:
Older woman #2 *snorts*
You did it again, didn’t you?
Manouche *slowly opens her
eyes, glances around, puzzled* Wh-what ‘appened? I … I can’t remember … *brings a shaky
hand up to her eyes* Wh-what did I do?
Older woman #2: You
were talking, you must’ve been far away … you were saying “steady on” …
Manouche *gazes at her, tries
to think, sees Raven in her mind’s eye. She gasps, looks at the woman, frightened* If … if I ‘ave
contact with anyone, is it only ‘cause they’re either dead or dyin’?
Older woman #2: I’m
not sure. I think … I think from here you can intervene only in things that have to do with the dead, the underworld
… I suppose if a living person is dabbling in the occult, you could possibly interact with them. *smirks*
What happened, did some friends of yours get ahold of a Ouiji board?
Manouche *scowls at her*
Sod off. *moves away from her, trying to remember what happened* B-blimey … *thinks of Raven* I don’t
know exactly what ye were tryin’ to do, lil’ mate … but I hope I were of some assist …
At the hospital:
Miranda *Confused, opens
her eyes tries to move but finds herself hampered by various tubes and wires attached to her body. Frightened at the strange machines she's hooked to* What witchery
is this? *Focuses on Raven* What's happened to me? What did you do?
Raven *startled, he can’t
believe it worked* Are … are you … Miranda? *she nods slightly, he swallows, tries to steady his voice,
he’s not sorry for what he did* I … I found another body for you … so my mother could come back to
hers. This woman was dying, her spirit was gone. I … I hope you understand, I had to do it … *he fears
her reaction, but he’s ready to take responsibility for what he did. He holds her eyes steadily with his own,
squares his shoulders bravely*
Miranda *Becoming increasingly
fearful, pulls at one of the tubes at her arm and cringes at the needle as it jerks free trailing blood. In a trembling voice.* I didn't invade your mothers body purposely.
I was drawn in by some force I don't understand. I
did not harm her. *Shivers as she looks at the remaining tubes and wires.* Please remove these devilish contraptions. *Tearfully*
I mean no harm. I only want to live.
Raven *tears in his eyes* I know … I jus’ know things sometimes, I don't know how. Th-that’s why I did this. This woman had lost her spirit,
she was dying. Now you can live in her.
*swallows* I – I know you didn’t mean to harm my mother. *puts his hands gently over hers to keep her still*
P-please wait, till someone comes to help you … *he looks toward the door anxiously, wishing the nurse would
come back*
Abberline *returns from the doctor
his right arm in a sling, a bandage on his left wrist, his jacket thrown over his shoulders, looking very displeased,
to the doctor following him to the door* Yea, I heard, I heard what you said, no need to start yelling ...
Doctor: I was not yelling. You were. I
hope you do understand that the bones are really broken, and in order for the wrist to heal you must use that
cast and sling.
Abberline: This is stupid, I can't do anything. *realizing he can't even
light a cigarette single-handed, and he immediately starts to crave after one* Well
it's my wrist and I can well take care of myself.
Doctor *rolling eyes* So it seems, Mr. Abberline, so it seems. As
you are so capable of taking care, perhaps you next time fix your wounds yourself. Don't
you ever listen to any advice?
Abberline: No I don't. *turns his back on the doctor ignoring him, goes
to the door of the examination room, and when he sees they still are shut on him, he tries the handle and curses as he notes
that the door, after all, is not locked as he thought it would be, he opens it and walks right in to Kat, who is sitting
on the bed* Kat? *looks her in the
eyes, and breaks into a smile* Kat, it's you, you are back! *lifts his arms to embrace her but notices he can't do that, so he kisses her on the mouth*
Nurse: Mr. Abberline, this is not a room that visitors can enter.
Abberline *turning to give
her a contemptuous look* I am not a visitor.
Kat: What 'appened luv? *Seeing the sling* Were there an accident?
Are ye 'urt bad? *Glares at nurse*
Why wasn't ye tellin' me 'e was 'urt? I'm
startin' te think ye people be escapees from the psych ward that 'ave taken o'er this miserable excuse for a 'ospital. I'd wager that dragoness 'ead nurse be off some where's pokin' pins into dolls,eh?
Nurse *starts to protest*
Mrs. Abberline, we certainly do our best ...
Abberline *interrupts her,
to Kat* You are so right about this disgusting place. Let's get out of here. *looks at the sling* I had just
a small accident, it's really nothing, but they insisted on the sling. I
am fine, but how do you feel? *helps her from the bed*
Nurse: You must wait for the doctor, you can't leave just like that, Mr. Abberline, you can't make decisions on
your own and endanger her and the child.
Abberline: It is you
who endanger her. Come, Kat. Don't you remember what happened to you?
Kat: That so called Doctor were sayin' it looked that I may deliver mid October. I'll be much improved once we
be away fro' 'ere. I 'ave no recollection of naught save readin' a book at 'ome.
Then I were wakin' up 'ere, luv. I
do recall a crazy dream, 'bout bein' lost in a dark place and frightened but it were nothin'. I be fine, now. *Smiles at him* Let's go 'ome luv.
Abberline: Mid October? That feels like a long time ... We have to find
Raven first. I believe you when you say you don't remember anything, there's
some odd things that have been going on. But I want to know one thing first -
you wouldn't desert me for Constable Crane, would you?
Kat *Touches his face* I wouldna desert ye for anyone, luv. Why
do ye ask such a question. Yes 'e's a good man and I own I can not 'ate 'im,
but 'e be not you and ye be all that I want. Savvy?
Abberline *smiles, kisses
her again in the lobby not caring about Andrew and the nurses* I do
believe you, I just wanted to hear it from yourself before I will tell what happened to you. It was that tattoo ... *tells her about Miranda and Constable Crane as much as he knows, but
leaves his encounter with Nate and Marchand out, and Manouche's deal with the Leader, because he doesn't want her
to worry - and he doesn't tell her about the tape he saw, after all, it wasn't Kat with Constable Crane, but it was Kat's
body he touched* ... that was all, that was why I asked about him. I was afraid
I was going to lose you. I don't know what I would have done.
At Malachi’s house:
Malachi *sits in the living
room smoking a cigarette, gazing at the soul box, deep in thought. He’s
set it in a corner of the room, against the wall, not far from the fireplace, under a table.
He wants it to be out of the way, but he couldn’t bring himself to shove it off into a closet or another room. Not that there’s any reason to hide it; it’s ineffectual and of no use
to their enemies now. He hears a knock at the door, stands up, goes to answer
it* Alifi, come in …
Alifi: Where is it?
Malachi *brings her into
the living room, points at the box* Right there.
*he goes to buffet, pours glasses of rum for them both*
Alifi *slowly approaches
the box, crouches down, places her hand gently on top of it, looks at it for a long time.
Murmurs softly* Oh, bird, why did you do it? *she finally rises, comes over to the sofa, sits next to Malachi, takes the glass he offers her, looks
at him, eyes red* They have no idea how to get her out?
Malachi *shakes his head* No … *he pulls from a pocket Manouche’s letter and the information from
the old book, hands them to Alifi* This is what she left for me.
Alifi *reads everything,
sighs* I never should’ve given her that key. *takes a big drink of rum*
Malachi: You had to. You couldn’t have known she would find out
about this alternative. *he takes a drink, looks at her* It took you a long time to come here, I’m a little surprised.
I figured you would’ve been here before I even knew what was happening …
Alifi *glances over at the
box* It would appear I taught her a little too well. She managed to tune me out the whole time. I made a complete
fool of myself in front of Raven, the Inspector … they must’ve thought I’d lost my mind. Then everything came clear, all at once. I guess … I
guess she wasn’t able to … to maintain that control over me from where she is.
Trying to protect me, sly little beggar … like she was doing me a favor …
Malachi *takes her hand,
squeezes it* She did the same thing to me.
Then it hit me, I don’t know how to describe what it was like, but suddenly I knew what was going on …
and I went down to the harbor to meet the Leader’s boat. I kept hoping
I wouldn’t see them … that I would get there and they wouldn’t be there, and it was just a bad dream. But … there they were. *lights
a cigarette, offers one to Alifi* Have you heard anything from Willy and Madame?
Alifi: Not since those notices went up. Looks like they’re
having troubles of their own. I’ve been worried about them, but that factory
is locked up tight, and it’s like they said in their message, they are receiving no one.
I rather hope Willy isn’t picking up on any of this … poor lad, can you imagine how he would take it? I think … I think he needs to concentrate on their situation …
Malachi: And still not a word on Blake, either, eh?
Alifi: Nothing I’ve heard. *tears fill her eyes* To have lost them both …
Malachi *turns to her* Hey, we haven’t lost her, all right? We’re
going to figure out how to get her out of there. It’s been done before,
it can be done again. And I bet she’s three times the dreamer that the
other guy was. That’s got to be serving her well, don’t you think?
Alifi *wipes her eyes* I – I hope so, dear.
Malachi: I still have a feeling about Blake, too. I still think he’ll
turn up again. I don’t know why, it’s just a feeling I have. In the past, when someone’s gone missing, I’ve been able to concentrate,
get a feel for whether the person was still alive, and I was usually right. I
… I just don’t think he’s gone.
Alifi *smiles slightly* I hope you’re right. *pauses, takes
drink, looks at him* Malachi, luv, would you mind terribly if I stay here? I … I want to be close to her …
Malachi: Of course you can stay here. Matter of fact, I was going to
talk to you about that. I was thinking I’d like to stay at the apartment
in From Hell Court for awhile. I’d feel better about it knowing that someone’s
here to keep an eye on … on everything. I think it might be helpful for
me to be at the Court right now, be around some of my associates there, while I look into this mystery. I figure I could start by talking to some of the people there I’ve never talked with much before
… *grins* You know, that voodoo crowd.
Alifi: There is an interesting little contingent of mystics at the Court.
It’s worth a try. I hope we can find the answer … I’ve
tried so many times to find out all I could about it, but …
Malachi *firmly* We’ll figure it out. The Guardians are working on it,
too. One of us is bound to find the answer.
I’ll go to the Court first thing tomorrow. *looks at the box, determined* I’m going to get her out of there if it’s the last thing I do.
Alifi *manages a smile* I don’t know, Malachi … there’s not much profit in this for you
…
Malachi *smirks* Don’t be too sure. I reckon I’ll get a few rare
bottles of imbibing delights from her out of this. Not to mention the fact that
I’ve told her time and time again, there’s no way she’s going to her final rest till I’ve managed
to beat her at poker.
Alifi *laughs* Find a way to word that in a south sea shaman’s incantation, and you just may spring that lock! *Malachi grins, takes their glasses over to the buffet for a refill*
In the box:
Manouche *experiencing a
stretch of relative calm, relaxes slightly. The voices continue all around her,
but she’s not feeling so weak or feverish, and the intense shivering has stopped for now. Though the souls she had been speaking with earlier disturbed her, she now rather wishes she had someone
to talk to. Almost as if hearing her thoughts, a being creeps slowly toward her. She can’t discern much in the thick mist at first, but as it approaches, she
takes in her breath and feels fearful; the creature is pitiable, very little form to it, she wonders if it was once human. It comes closer, gazing at her through filmy eyes that are cold, impassive, reflecting
little in feeling or emotion, much like those of a fish; then it speaks from something resembling a mouth, its voice tinny
and of a mournful quality, regardless of the passionless eyes*
Creature: You’re the keeper of the key, are you not? *peers closer
at her* And a dreamer, as well …
Manouche *highly uncomfortable
under the gaze of the cold eyes, but she doesn’t back down; she stares, nods slowly*
A-aye …
Creature: I’ve come to ask for your help. There’s a soul
in great danger, one that can still be saved. It’s that of a child, it’s
still of the living world, but there’s not much time.
Manouche: Wh-what can I do? I … I ‘ave t’ be careful,
I can’t expend too much o’ me resources, savvy?
Creature: I understand. But you don’t need to do a thing. I can take care of it, it’ll only take a few moments. All I need from you is the key …
Manouche: Th’ key? *her hand goes up to her neck, presses against
the chain* Ah, I couldn’t do that, mate.
I were told t’ hang onto it at all costs. It’s … it’s
me only way out of ‘ere.
Creature: No worries, I would only have it for a moment, I would give it right back.
You won’t miss your chance, I swear. If I can just use it for a
few minutes, I can save the child’s soul. He’s a young boy, about
ten … please, dreamer, don’t let him die … don’t let him wind up like these poor lost souls … *and the creature waves an arm-like appendage up in the air, indicating the swirling
din of voices*
Manouche *hears the boy is
ten, immediately thinks of Raven, and her heart aches* Oh, blimey … well,
per’aps there’d be no harm done, ay? Y’promise to give it back
immediately. *she reaches into her shirt, brings the key out; it sparkles dimly
on the chain*
Creature: You’re most kind. There’s a special place in heaven
for you. *it reaches a hand for the key, but the key suddenly starts to tremble,
and Manouche cries out as it also quickly heats up. She tries to drop it, but
it adheres to her fingers. The creature swears, reaches for it, touches it, then
howls as it sends an electric charge through its hand. It snarls at Manouche* Release it, you fool! You have no idea
what you’re messing with.
Manouche *frightened, tries
to let go of the key* I – I can’t, I’m tryin’ … *she looks at the creature, and as she does, the key shimmers in her hand, and it’s
as if a veil is lifted, and she’s able to see the creature for the evil being it is.
She stares at it, then she understands, and she frowns, her face dark, her voice low and threatening* Get far away from me, mate, an’ keep yer distance from ‘ere on, savvy? Ye’ll be sorry if ye don’t. Makin’ up a
story about th’ plight of a child, to try an’ fool me … unspeakable.
Go back where y’ come from, y’ monster, an’ tell that bloody bastard it didn’t work. *She glares, furious, then remembers the Medieval French Rom exorcism chant – though it’s lost
its power from the first time she spoke it, when saving herself and Raven from Marchand, she recites it anyway, out of sheer
rage*
Taupes et mulots,
Sortez de vas clos,
Sinon je vous brulerai la bathe et
les os
Creature *wails, starts to
smoulder, steam rising from it, then seemingly dissolves into the mire, disappears from sight*
Manouche *feels the key cool,
she slips it back into her shirt, looks at her fingers, notices they’re slightly scorched. She starts to tremble violently, loses her strength, and is supported by the mire all around her as she
lapses into unconsciousness*
In a fortress outside of Deppville:
Marchand *curses loudly* Another useless fool. I seem to be a
magnet for them. *waves his hand in disgust, and the creature is no more. Mutters darkly* Damn gypsy trash …
At the Wonkas’ factory:
*It's been two weeks since
the factory was taken over by Jake and his gang. Madame has refused to speak to Willy since he never told her what had
happened. She stands in the kitchen, making herself a delicious strawberry daquiri, happy that she can actually drink
alcohol again. Willy comes in quietly*
Willy: Kim.... *Madame says nothing*
Kim ... you know I would've told you about all of that if I thought it would be okay. But it wasn't. I
couldn't put you in danger
Madame *slams her hand on
the counter, laughs* You idiot. *looks at him, eyes red* You DID. If you had told me, we could've
done something about it!!!!
Willy: *stops, thinking,
swallows* I know....
Madame: This is the
WHOLE point of marriage Willy!!! To share our troubles so we'll solve them together!!!! You’re not supposed
to hide them from me!!! And now look!!! If I even so much as LOOK at a
phone, I may get shot!!!
Willy: I know.
I screwed up.
Madame: Hell yea ya
did!! *stops, looking down at the counter, telling herself to remain calm. Without looking up, begins to speak
again* What're we gonna do, Willy? *looks up at him, tears in her eyes* I'm so scared.
Willy: *walks over to her,
placing his arms around her, holding her tight* We'll figure out something, love. Together.
Madame: *gives a slight smile*
I love you.
Willy: I love you, too.
At Chez Roux:
O’Malley and Donnie *are on the way to Chez Roux to meet Father Connolly, so O’Malley
can introduce the two.*
Donnie *frowning* So lets see if I understand this correctly. When
you were a kid, he wouldn’t have anything to do with you; wouldn’t help at all. And
now he’s dropped everything to come and help you?
O’Malley *nods* Aye, that about sums it up. So
ye don’t think I be silly te think ‘e’s up te something?
Donnie: It does sound kind of fishy … but on
the brighter side of things, he has helped you.
O’Malley: The shining silver-linin’ I s’pose.
I reckon that’s why I ‘aven’t confronted ‘im about it.
Donnie: Yeah … I’m sure there’s no
need to worry. We’ll keep an eye on him, of course.
O’Malley: O’ course! Keep yer friends close an’ yer enemies closer, eh?
Donnie *grins* Exactly!
O’Malley *stops; smiles as if a heavy burden has been lifted from her* I sure am glad te ‘ave ye back, luv. An’ te ‘ave
yer shoulders te lean on again … *tears fill her eyes* I’ve never
been one to ‘keep many friends an’ when ye left, I …
Donnie *takes her hand, gazes into her eyes* I’m
here now and I’m not going anywhere … I know that I left when you needed me, but it won’t happen again.
Yes, your powers scared the crap out of me and they still do, but not as scary
as imagining my life without you.
O’Malley *smiles* Bloody good comeback, luv!
*Reaches up and kisses him; turns serious* Them
magical powers scared me too, but now that I ‘ave more control o’er ‘em … *grins* they’re kind o’ neat.
Donnie *laughs* Almost too bad you’re not pirating
anymore, they would’ve come in handy! *Notices O’Malley’s mischievous
expression; firmly* No!
O’Malley *pouts* Well, ye’re no fun …
Donnie *smirks as he walks on* Not what you said last
night …
O’Malley *catches up with him* Different kind
o’ fun, luv … *grins* an’ a much better kind. *They reach Chez Roux, find a booth near the window; a waitress takes their order and quickly returns with
two cups of coffee. They quietly talk while waiting for Father Connolly to arrive.*
In the box:
Manouche *is
feeling a little stronger for the moment. Her encounter with the strange creature
she now knows was sent by Marchand to steal the key seems to have galvanized her somewhat.
Despite her terror at her surroundings, and her loneliness, she’s amazed to find herself more in tune than ever
with her powers, to discover powers she never realized she had. She remembers
things that Alifi and Malachi both said to her at different times, how she had no idea of just how much power she had within
her, and she’s finally beginning to see they both were right. She blesses
Alifi for helping her discover her magic, and she manages a grin as she thinks of the drinks she’ll buy for Malachi
when and if she ever returns, as she admits to him that he was right and she was wrong. There'll be no living with him
after this.*
*She glances
around, still the same thick mist, still the swirling and the voices all around. Though
she knows she needs to conserve her strength, she’s oddly bored ... she thinks this must be how it feels to be on a
battlefield. Despite being surrounded by mortal danger and death, the times when
nothing is happening can induce boredom just like anywhere else. So to help alleviate
her ennui, she tries to think of her loved ones … tries to see if she can tell what they’re doing. She’s tried countless times to reach Blake, hoping her surroundings would be conducive to finding
him, though she held her breath fearfully with each attempt. Finding him
would be one thing, but to be able to contact him would most likely mean he’s dead.
And despite everything, she’s not ready to believe that just yet. So
she’s always more relieved than disappointed when her attempts to contact him come up empty. But she still pictures him vividly in her mind … his dark, warm eyes, his sweet, kind smile and soothing
voice … and she sighs deeply*
*She sees nothing
from Willy and Madame except the dark, silent front of the factory, as she saw it the last time she tried to visit them, and
her concern for them increases. She was aware of assisting Raven earlier, but
it was all so vague, she still doesn’t quite know what it was about. She’s
seen Chiana, actually held the healer baby in her arms, soothed her and quieted Kat’s fears at the same time, and she
glows at the thought that she was able to do some good for them from this horrible place.
Then she thinks of Abberline, who now shares a little bit of her heart and soul, and she senses that he and Kat are
together again, their minds eased, and she smiles … her smile fades slightly as she realizes that he has a broken wrist,
and the vision quickly flashes into her mind’s eye -- the chains, the dirty cellar, Nate and Marchand’s cruelty,
and she’s filled with a new fury. She tries to check it, knowing that her
anger will deplete her energy quickly.*
*Then a thought
occurs to her, a possible way to help Abberline. She’s not sure it will
work, but she’s willing to try. She brings her arms up, holds her wrists
together, pressing the insides together at the pulsing veins, and she concentrates … she feels the pulsing increase,
and her heart races a little with the effort … then she feels the pain coming into her wrist, and she gasps slightly,
a light sweat breaks out on her brow, but she keeps on, pulling some of the pain of his broken wrist away from him into herself. She’s also accelerating the healing process, helping the bones knit quickly
by taking some of their fragility into her own wrist. She then feels a snap in
her wrist, and she cries out, tears of pain spring to her eyes, but she stubbornly keeps pressing her veins together, concentrates
on mending the bones … soon, her own wrist stops throbbing, and she thinks hard, seeing into Abberline’s break
like an X-ray, and to her amazement, she sees that his wrist is almost completely healed.
She’s managed to speed up the process by a good six to eight weeks. She
slowly relaxes her muscles, brings her wrists away from each other, notices a dull ache in one of them. She presses at it gently with her fingers. She can tell it’s
now intact, but she knows that from now on, for the rest of her life (if she ever gets out of here), she’ll probably
feel occasional aches and pains in it during certain weather, like during rainy, damp days – as he no doubt will feel
in his. The only way she could help him heal was to share the break, but she
doesn’t mind. She smiles to herself; she only wishes she could be at the
doctor’s office when they take the next set of X-rays and discover the miraculous healing that has taken place. The looks on the doctor and nurses’ faces should make for a bloody good laugh,
not to mention the expression of surprise on Abberline himself … *
At the Wonkas’ factory:
*Madame sits in the baby
room, rocking Chaseline. Willy keeps an eye on the door from the living room, while reading the newspaper. One
of Jake's partners, Nick, is in the room with her, making sure she doesn’t try anything to escape.*
Nick: Right, I think
ye 'ad enough with yer young'in tonight. Wrap it up.
Madame *refuses to move*
I'm not done yet
Nick: When I say yer
done yer done, Mrs. Wonka.
Madame: No
Nick *points gun at her head*
Move.
Madame: No.
Nick *cocks the gun*
Now.
Madame *at the very same
moment, she calls for Willy in her thoughts.* ' Willy!! '
Willy *jumps up, runs into
the baby room and shoves Nick into the wall* Get the hell away from her!!!
Madame *stands up, puts Chase
in her crib quickly, just in time to turn around see Nick hit Willy in the arm with his gun*
Willy *lets go, yelling in
pain, grabs his arm, trying to move unsuccessfully away from the gun that Nick now has aimed at him.*
Nick: Get up, ye scum.
Madame *eyes grow red with
anger, her fists clench. She feels a power she hasn't felt before come over her* No one calls my husband scum
....
Willy *looks over at Madame,
eyes grow wide* Shit .... *moves to the far side of the room as fast he can, just missing Madame's boot kicking
Nick in the chest and knocking him to the ground*
Madame *places her boot right
under Nick's chin against his neck, choking him* You’re MY bitch now.
Nick *face turns red, sees
his gun lying just out of his reach, stretches his hand to get it, finally lifting it up*
Willy: Kim look out!!!!!
Madame *sees the gun, kicking
it out of his hand and breaking his fingers, he screams* I think I've had enough of you. *picks up the gun, Nick
tries to crawl away in pain, points it at him*
Jake *arrives on the scene
when he hears Nick, freezes at the doorway* Put it down, Mrs. Wonka.
Madame *smiles at Jake, without
looking pulls the trigger. Nick's body collapses right in front of his feet. Jake
pulls out his gun, aiming it at her, two of his other men behind him pull out their guns as well. Madame puts hands up, drops the gun, still smiling, shrugs* No one calls my husband scum.
Willy *mouth gaped, walks
over to Jake* It was instinct. She wouldn't have done it ... I mean … *fearing
Madame because of the evil look upon her face* Do you REALLY want to try and kill her? *looks at her, then back
at Jake* She may eat you first .... (Jack Sparrow making a deal hehehe)
Jake *eyes Willy, then Madame,
finally lowers his gun, instructs for one of his men to get Nick's gun, he does so* NOW we may have a problem.
At the hospital:
Kat *Horrified* Yer sayin' I were possessed by this Miranda and she and Ichy ... *Faces him sorrowfully
touching his face.* Ye thought it were me.
I be guilty of many thin's luv but I'll no be back stabbin' ye. *Leans
close, kisses him gently* But I do 'ave te wonder what 'appened te that
Miranda.
Abberline *returns her kiss* I was a fool to suspect you, but yes, I did believe it was you, though I didn't want
to. I guess I am still afraid of losing you and the baby ... But I want to trust you now. I was afraid that you were gone
for good. I don't know what happened to Miranda, maybe she just vanished. *shrugs* We have to find Raven now and
go home. He was with me, but then I went to the doctor and when I came back,
Raven was gone. He must be here somewhere.
*takes her hand, and they start to look for Raven, walking the corridor*
Andrew *looks after them surprised
and disappointed, mutters to himself* No hot passionate kisses, no fighting,
that's not fair ...
Raven *hears
his parents talking, looks at Miranda* You’ll be fine, honest … I
wanted you to be able to live. *looks toward the door, then back at her* That’s my mother and father … I gotta go … *he leans down, kisses
her cheek, then turns and walks out of the room. Just as he closes the door behind
him, he’s relieved to see a nurse headed toward him, frowning slightly as she sees that he’s standing near the
door of the private room. He smiles disarmingly, then turns and heads down the
corridor in the opposite direction, toward his parents’ voices* Mother,
Father … here I am …
Abberline: Good. But you better explain where you disappeared to. *but he is relieved to have his family again by him, and forgetting the sling he tries
to put his hand on Raven's shoulder, and the knot suddenly opens, and his hand hits the wall. Instead
of the sharp pain he expects there is only a mild throbbing* What the hell ...
That bastard of a doctor! Wait for
me, I will soon be back ... *and without explaining, he goes back to the doctor's
room who has another patient in, he ignores the scared patient and walks right to the doctor* Take
off this cast. Now.
Doctor *frowning* I
am occupied, Mr. Abberline.
Abberline: Yes you are. With me. *to the patient looking at him with wide eyes* Get out. Didn't you hear me, get out!
*after the patient has backed out of the room* Take
the cast off. I want to see the break.
Doctor *offended* You must wait up till six weeks, and we have to take an X-ray ...
Abberline: I don't have time to wait six weeks. Are you taking it off
or not? You'd better, if you don't want a break for yourself.
Doctor *mutters,
looks at him* Well it is your wrist. I
will not be responsible after this for you.
Abberline: I don't need that
either.
Doctor *sets to work, and after a while they both stare at the wrist baffled. It
is still bruised and discolored, but he doesn't feel any pain in it, and he can use his hand* Now
this is very extraordinary. I have never seen anything like that. I want to have that X-ray.
Abberline *smiles to himself* Whatever.
There are better healers than you. You
are only wasting my time. *turns and leaves the doctor, who is looking at him
with mouth open*
Andrew *stopping him with a serious expression* Excuse
me Mr. Abberline, there was a complaint against you. By a patient who claims
you threatened his life. I have to call the Security to investigate this breach
of rules.
Abberline: You can call Commander Portsmith herself, you brat.
I could tell her that this pitiful excuse of a hospital needs to have the entire
staff fired. Including you. *he
walks back to Raven and Kat* They are all bloody useless. I want out of here. Oh, and I still want to hear where you
lost yourself, Raven.
Raven *a little
worried at his father’s stern tone* I … I hope you’re not angry
with me … but … I was helping Miranda. She didn’t mean any
harm to Mother, she just wanted to be able to live. *he starts talking faster,
as if getting it out quickly will keep his parents from being upset with him; somehow he has a feeling that he did something
wrong* So … remember that lady we saw, Father, the one whose spirit had
left her? I was able to bring Miranda’s spirit out of Mother and into the
lady, so Mother could come back, and Miranda could live. She’s in there
now … *he motions back toward the private room* I was talking with her
an’ everything, she’s … she’s okay. An’ now she’ll
leave Mother alone. *looks at his parents anxiously, then nods toward his father's
arm* Is your wrist better now, Father? *smiles, hoping to change the subject*
Kat *Worriedly* Yer sayin' Miranda be still about. *Glances around nervously.
Suddenly a blond woman appears and rushes toward them.*
Miranda *Fearfully,
looking back over her shoulder* Please, you can't leave me here in this place
of torture. *Pleadingly* I'm afraid.
I don't know where I belong nor where to go.
*Turns to Kat tearfully* I never intended harm to you nor your family.
I'm not even sure how it all happened. Please
help me.
Kat *Stunned, uncertain what to say. Looks from Abby to Raven
for an answer.*
Abberline *looks at Miranda,
then long at Raven* So. That's what
you were up to. My wrist is just fine, but what you have done is ... just strange.
You astonish me more and more each day, Raven. I
don't know what to say or think. *to Miranda* Bournemouth
House was your home before it was mine, so I guess you have as much right to the house as I do. But what about the dead girl's relatives? It must be a shock
for them to see the bed empty. *looks at Kat* What
do you say? I don't think you have to be afraid of her. And I don't trust this staff at all. They would put her back
and connect all those devilish devices to her again. Kat, I want you to make
the decision.
*Before anyone
could answer a man approaches, leering at Miranda*
Carver:*In
a cold hard voice* There's nothing to decide. She's mine. *Miranda tries to hide
behind Abberline staring at the huge man.*
Kat *Glares
at Carver* 'ow's that mate? I thought
Loralee were yer woman, eh? Seems te me this one wants naught te do with ye.
Smart girl I be thinkin'.
Carver *Growls*
Loralee's run off some where's and of late I've been thinkin' she be more trouble
than she's worth. Now this one I find most fetchin' so I intend te take 'er for
my own. I 'ave the right it were I that found 'er near te death and brought 'er
'ere. I saved 'er life so to speak, so I 'ave the right te claim 'er.
Kat *Sees the
terror in Miranda's face.* No ye don't 'ave the right! Most like ye be the one that brought 'er near te death! She's
comin' 'ome with us and that be the end of it! Lessen o'course ye wish te be
lettin' a neutral party decide 'er fate. I be certain Jerod would be 'appy te
be of assist, savvy???
Carver *Backing
down, sneers* This be not o'er. There'll come
another time.
Abberline *to Carver* You don't have any rights whatsoever. She
is under my protection and she stays with us if that is what she wants. Kat,
who is this insolent pirate? *takes Miranda's hand in his* You will be safe with us. I won't let him threaten you again.
Kat *Staring
after Carver* 'is name be Carver and 'e's trouble. *Sighs* We should get on 'ome. It's gettin' late, luv.
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