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At Chateau Blanchefort:
Lady Cynthia *pours Ichy
tea in a frail porcelain cup and hands it to him* So, Constable Crane, I understand that you have been working at
the Security Office.
Ichy *takes the cup carefully
and puts it immediately down on the table as his hand begin to shake* Yes,
Lady Ainesworth.
Lady Cynthia *hands him a
plate of very thin sandwiches with cucumber* Please, Constable Crane, have
a sandwich. I have myself supervised the cook on making proper cucumber
sandwiches. Finally he has understood that they have to be thin.
Portsmith *throws her a glance*
Yes, of course, Lady Cynthia, we will accommodate our kitchen to your refined
taste. I understand that you prefer the old way of making them and not the one
currently in fashion.
Lady Cynthia: Yes, we noble families tend to stick to our age-old customs, it must be hard for you newcomers to know all
the rules.
Portsmith: Exactly. There is a certain fascination in knowing how things
once were and I have always appreciated the advice of elder people.
Lady Cynthia *glares at her
and turns to Ichy* Is it to your taste?
Ichy *confused, having dropped
the thin slippery cucumbers on his lap, hides them with his hand and tries to turn the sandwich in a way that they
can't see the cucumbers are missing.* Yes, Lady Cynthia, very much.
Lady Cynthia: You must take more, Constable Crane. I understand that
you have been disappointed in pirates. It must be very heartbreaking to
be betrayed by a loved one. Can you tell more about my dear sister-in-law
since you must be well acquainted with her? I would like to have a better relationship
with her.
Portsmith: Yes, Constable Crane has had a very ... warm relationship with her.
Lady Cynthia: I regret very much that she ended up with my brother. It
must have hurt you a lot to be wronged in such a way. But you should never give
up hope. She may still return to you. She
would certainly be pleased if you invited her for tea at Chez Roux.
Ichy *looks at them both
warily, not knowing what they want of him, not daring to touch the frail cup, overwhelmed by the surroundings* I - I don't know if that would be a good idea.
Portsmith *looks at him*
Of course it is an excellent idea. I have already sent the invitation for
you. Meet her tonight at Chez Roux. Everything
has been taken care of. You can still get her back.
Ichy *starts to protest that
he doesn't want to disturb Kat any more, but he is silenced*
Lady Cynthia *rising up and
reaching her hand to him* It was a pleasure to know you. What a pity that you are in such a hurry.
Portsmith: Yes, the details of the new case are on your desk at the office. You
may leave now.
Ichy *Even more confused,
jumps up and the cucumbers slide to the floor* Er .. Yes ... have a good
day .... *and he turns abruptly and flees the room, takes his bags and leaves the castle in haste*
Lady Cynthia: That bird in the cage toy was such a good idea. We will see
what happens to Kat when my brother turns jealous. He has that streak in
him. I still wonder why that clip did not have any influence on him.
Portsmith: That was unexpected. Yes, it was an excellent idea to send
that toy to Kat. How long can a pirate stay in a prison? I hope she understands the symbolism. Maybe I should have
written it more clear.
Lady Cynthia: What does it say then exactly?
Portsmith: That he sends this cherished toy to her, as a reminder, a memory from his beloved mother, and he hopes that
she will not wither away without the sea, and that she still has a choice.
Lady Cynthia: I hope it will suffice.
At the Hansons’ house:
Sands: *approaches the Hanson
residence with a nervous expression; flower basket in one hand and a large bag from Depp-Toys-R- Us; presses the door-bell
with his elbow and waits.*
Britt
*sports a new maternity top and in the middle of cutting fruit for a snack, pops a grape in her mouth, hears the doorbell,
looks over at Clavo on the floor playing with his cars on the coffee table, Patrick in the crib taking a nap, Tom at Jump
Street Chapel, makes her way to the door, opens it, coughs almost choking on the grape, eyes wide, she feels a little
scared, but her mood instantly changes, she calms down and looks surprised as Sands stands there with flowers and a large
bag labeled Depp-Toys-R- Us* Uhm ...hi .. *adds a smile to her glowing face*
Sands: *smiles* Hello Brittany. May I come in? *When she hesitates, he
goes on* You know, thats OK, I just want to talk to you for a bit. *Remembers the flowers* Oh, these are for you *hands her
the basket* and I brought some toys for the boys…a bear for the little one and a pirate ship for the other, *lowers
his eyes* sorry, I don’t know their names. *Hands her the bag; nervously. Britt gets hot and nervous feeling, eyes the basket, takes it, sets it down as
quickly as she can, taking advantage at how fast she can bend down without her stomach getting in the way. Soon enough, it
will.*
At Bournemouth House:
Raven *after dinner, finds
Abberline in his study, looking over some paperwork* Father … are you busy? Can I ask you about something?
Abberline *puts down his
papers, pleased to be able to have break, turns to Raven and lights a smoke* No,
I am just going through some old overdue stuff. What is it you wanted to
know?
Raven: Well … I’m a little confused on … on things I’ve been seein' ... some visions. I’m
not sure what’s real an’ what isn’t. *looks down, absently runs his hand along the surface of
the desk, tracing the grain of the wood with a finger, then looks back up at Abberline*
Manouche … she was in that box, wasn’t she? She was there
for a long time an’ wouldn’t let me know. An’ … you saved
her … didn’t you? I guessed you didn’t tell Mother because
Manouche is her friend, an’ you didn’t want to worry her. You can
trust me, Father, I won’t say anything to Mother. *smiles* Chiana’s comin’ soon, we don’t want Mother upset.
*he steps closer to him* I just wanna know. It really happened, didn’t it? That’s where you
were? An’ ... are you all right?
*looks at him anxiously, his eyes large and solemn*
Abberline: What kind of visions? Yes, you are right, Manouche stepped
into the box, and she did not want to worry you or put you in danger. She shut
us all out. I saved her, yes, but not alone. It
was Victoria who helped her out of the box ... Yes, it did happen and it is over now, and Manouche is safe at home. We can ... you can visit her tomorrow. *avoiding
looking at him, trying not to think about Manouche, but he knows that his mind is an open book to Raven* I wish you would not tell Mother anything about Manouche and the box. *looks
at him* Why are you asking? Why
wouldn't I be all right?
Raven *looks greatly relieved* I’m so glad … I wasn’t sure if I was having nightmares, or …
I didn’t know what was real anymore, it was kinda scary. *pauses* I won’t say anything to Mother, I promise.
I was asking because … th-there’s no reason you wouldn’t be all right, except … I know the
box is dangerous to anyone. An’ … I know you were in it once …
*shrugs* I was just worried about you, that’s all. I – I love you, Father. *smiles shyly*
Abberline *looks at him,
confused, not knowing what to say, moved, smiles* I love you too, Raven ... Yes,
the box is dangerous ... It was dangerous, it shouldn't be perilous to anyone
anymore, now that there is the new keeper. It is so strange to think that Manouche
really was there, and I suspect that her experience was quite different from mine, but I don't really want to think of that.
It is over now.
Raven *nods* I think she was able to do stuff when she was in there. I
… I think she helped me when I … when I moved Miranda’s spirit. I
saw True Dreamer, but there was someone else, too … *sees the look of concern on Abberline’s face* I’m sorry, Father, I won’t talk about it anymore, I know you don’t want to think about
it. I just wanted to know. I’d
like to go see Manouche tomorrow. *pauses, looks down at the desk again* There’s something else I wanted to ask you about. *takes a deep breath* I … I looked at some of the stuff
you got from your … some of the stuff that came in the mail, remember when we opened the big box, an’ there were
all those smaller ones inside? I … one night I … I opened one of
‘em … remember, you said I could look through ‘em whenever I wanted … *he doesn’t mention that
it was the night Kat/Miranda was with Ichy in the living room downstairs* I learned
all about a lady … a lady who died because she … she lost her son, they took him away from her. I looked at all this stuff in the box, there were letters an’ papers, an’ pictures …
an’ then I had a vision about it. She … she drowned herself in a
pond by a mill, like where Manouche lives, except it was different, it was just a little white house, an’ a mill …
an’ it wasn’t pretty an’ magical, like Manouche’s place, it looked lonely an’ sad. She was runnin’, an’ she … she said something in a language I didn’t understand,
but I heard her say “Abberline” … Father, do you know anyone named Marie-Claire Vernet? *watches him carefully*
Abberline: Then you have shared the same nightmare with me .... *frowns*
Yes, there was a pond, and a woman, just a girl as it seemed to me, who drowned
herself, and a small boy, and when I saw him for the first time I thought it was you, Raven ... and there was - my father.
I haven't been seeing any nightmares of him for a long time. I don't know what this all means ... but *hesitates, then decides
to tell him, because he would see it anyway in his mind* I saw the drowned woman
in Manouche's pond ... The box? The
one sent by my ... my ... mother? I had forgotten all about it, I opened one
parcel and there was just some photo with some unknown woman. It didn't mean
anything for me, and since it came from her, I did not have much interest in it. You
remember her letter? That was enough for me. But
it must have triggered somehow these odd visions. You have seen her too, then, some unhappy spirit ... *frowns
again* She said my name? She called
to me from the pond, and I knew I wanted to go there to her ... I didn't know who she was, I think she was French, but I don't
have any connection with France, except that my father always talked very contemptuously about the French ... And that name - I have seen it, it is clearly French. I have
seen it somewhere but it has no meaning for me. *looks away from Raven* I don't want to go into anything that box contains. I
don't want to be reminded of my parents. Maybe I should get rid of it and the
contents ... And I don't want you to have those nightmares anymore. Maybe they stop when the accursed box is gone.
Raven: But Father, aren’t you curious? *He wants to say more,
remembering all the things he saw … he wants to show it all to Abberline, talk about the birth certificates, the little
braid of hair, the letters. He thinks his father may feel better, knowing the
truth about his heritage. Then he sees how pained his father looks, and he hasn’t
got the heart to push, so he tries a suggestion* Maybe … maybe instead
of getting rid of everything, we could just put it all away, up in the attic. Someday,
you might want to … look at it. *he pauses, then adds* I -- I hope our nightmares stop, too.
Abberline: I don't think there can be anything I need, but you can keep it if you want. *shrugs* But at least I know now why my mother, why that woman
I called my mother, hated me so much, but I don't want to go into the past, there is not much for me I would want to remember.
There is nothing. But you can tell
to me if you find something important, but if it is just vile stuff like that letter, then I don't want to know about it.
Maybe she just made up that thing about not being my mother just to hurt me more
… I want to think about the future more, I don't want to end up being a
father like my father was to me ... At least your mother was able to give you
True Dreamer when she couldn't take care of you. And now, finally, we are a family,
and I want to try my best ...
Raven *nods* I’ll keep the stuff … I think it’s interesting.
I -- I guess it's my family, too. *grins*
I'm ... an Abberline. I … I won’t bring anything to you unless
it’s important. *he thinks to himself about how he’ll spend some
time going through everything, find the things that he believes would make his father feel better, instead of things that
would make him feel bad* I was lucky to have True Dreamer, an’ now I’m
lucky to have my real family. You are nothing like your father was. *he moves closer to Abberline, impulsively puts his arms around him*
Th-thank you for … for keeping us all here, keeping us together … an’ … thank you for saving
Manouche. *he quickly kisses Abberline's face, releases him, suddenly feels very
shy* I better let you get back to your work.
*blushes a little, thinking he’s getting too old to hug his father, but he doesn’t care, he’s glad
he did, and he tries sending Abberline a dreamer message saying just that; he smiles, turns, leaves the study*
Abberline *smiles after him,
receiving his thoughts, he feels always a little shy too when Raven hugs him* White Raven Abberline... *and he grins
when he thinks what his parents would have thought about that, they probably would have had a stroke... and then he grows
serious again when he is reminded of the day when his father died, but he quickly brushes the thoughts aside. For the
first time he has a real family and he is going to keep them all together. He has been worried about that he will repeat
the pattern of his own father, and once again he is reminded how much Raven resembles himself, and he realizes for the
first time that most of the problems he had in accepting Raven stems from that. Raven brings his own childhood to his
mind, and he doesn't want to go there. That is why he keeps seeing those nightmarish visions, they must be some sort of symbols....He
tried to return to his papers, but after a while he gives up, walks down the stairs and goes out in the late evening,
and though he knows it will be dark soon he starts to walk, and once again he notices that he is going to Manouche's
house, and once again he feels he is trespassing, but something draws him there... He doesn't see any lights in the windows,
and he is relieved of that, and he walks straight to the mill pond and sits down on the trunk, lights a cigarette and stares
at the water*
At the Hansons’ house:
Clavo
*peeks over the couch, sees the man standing at the door, remembers seeing him when he was living in El Salvador, gasps,
jumps up, yells* El Diablo! *runs upstairs to the office, picks up the phone and dials Tom's cell number*
Tom *exiting
Jump Street Chapel, gets into his car, his cell phone starts to ring, he answers it* Hello?
~Clavo:
El Diablo, Uncle Tommy, El Diablo!
Tom: Wait,
what?!
~Clavo:
He's here. *hangs up quick, runs into his room, and hides under the bed*
Tom: Man!
*starts his car and heads home as quickly as he can*
Sands: *looks after boy running up the stairs like the devil was after him; quietly* El Diablo…I
guess most people see me that way…*turns his attention back on Britt* Oh it’s nothing, I just didn’t want
to come empty-handed. I hear you’re doing well, that’s good. *Realizes that he’s stalling instead of getting
to the point* The reason I’m here is that I want to apologize for…well, you know. I realize that a simple ‘I’m
sorry’ doesn’t even begin to make up for it, but I am sorry.
Britt:
I-I'm sorry about his behavior. You hear I'm doing fine and you've heard right. I'm also expecting.
Tom *arrives,
walks to the front of the house. Notices Sands standing there talking with Britt, walks up behind him, arms across his chest. Britt sees him, feels better and more comfortable.
Tom hears Sands' apology* You're right, I'm sorry doesn't even make up for it.
Britt
*hesitates* It's all in the past ... I've gotten through that whole event thanks to Tom. I'm doing better. I-I was hoping
Helle would knock some sort of sense into you ...
Tom: Yes,
but I think he should be leaving, before I knock some more sense into him. It might not be helpful, but maybe it'll wipe his
memory clean.
Britt:
Tom, please don't start. He bought a teddy bear for Patrick and a pirate ship for Clavo ...
Tom: Yet
Clavo, being the smart boy that he is, has some sort of reason to believe that Mr. Sands here is El Diablo.
Sands: *glances back at Tom* Hello ... I’m not looking for forgiveness, I simply wanted to
apologize. I’m not so stupid as to think I’d be welcome here. And maybe Clavo is right, I’ve wondered that
myself at times. *Frowns* Wipe my memory clean? Believe me, I remember everything … hence the apology, but if you feel
the need to take a swing at me, go ahead, I’ve tried worse. *To Britt* Yes, it is amazing what love can do … even
if it took a while, but I am trying to better myself. Be the man she deserves *smiles* and for strange reasons think that
I could be. Congratulations on the coming baby. Guess I should be leaving … *turns to leave*
Tom *watches
as Sands starts to walk away, gestures his hands up as if he's surrendering* No,
you know what ... You deserve credit for coming out here, risking it all, and saying you're sorry to my wife. Very courageous
of you. *Sands stops*
Britt:
You don't have to go Sands, really.
Tom *one
hand in his pants pocket, the other hand holding up a finger to Britt* I've got this covered, go back inside. *Britt, shocked, walks out, storms up to Tom; he looks at her.* Just,
please ... go back inside. *heads over towards Sands*
Britt:
Thomas! *Tom stops suddenly, turns around.*
No ... *points at the door* I'm not going back in there. *points finger at Tom* I do things on my own time, not
when others tell me to ... and if you loved me, you'd understand. *hands at her side* But it's all just a big misunderstanding.
You never wanted to save me when Sands was seducing me. Fuller told you to. If you had the choice, you wouldn't have gone.
You'd talk Sam into saving me.
Tom: I
did have the choice, I could have passed the case onto someone else. I'm sure someone was willing to take up on it, but I
wanted to. I had to, not because Fuller said so, but because it was something I needed to do.
Britt
*shakes her head* No, no. You don't understand. Corso was right. I need to have some fun, leave you and just walk away. *tears
streaming down her cheeks, struggles with putting her shoes on* Since you know
everything, I'm sure you'll know how to take care of Clavo and Patrick on your own. I didn't get fat like this by eating.
Sands: *observes the quarrel and sees Britt walk off completely baffled; looks at Tom* I, I don’t
know what to say. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. Is there anything I can do? No, I don’t suppose there is
… I’ll leave you alone.
Tom *sighs* It's not your
fault ... *sits on the porch step* She'll be back. It's the pregnancy talking,
right?
Sands: Yeah, yeah, I’m sure she’ll be back. *Hesitates, then sits down next to Tom*
Those pregnancy hormones can supposedly mess with a woman’s head … I wouldn’t really know. I’m sure
it’ll work out.
Tom: Yea, look. I'm sure
you don't want to be here, and you'd rather be home, so if you want, you can go. *hears Patrick start to cry* Time to go be
Mr. Mom.
Sands: I’ll let you go take care of that then. *Rises and starts leaving; turns* Good luck
with everything, I hope it works out. *Waves goodbye and heads home*
At Rartigillichal:
Britt *walks away, not looking
back. She heads towards the river and walks along it, seems to find some company in talking to herself, she stops* I have nothing to talk about. *she continues walking, and
it starts to get dark.* Walking along..so far until I cannot see / These tears I cry are my company / I clench my fist,
trying to hold back these tears that fall / These memories, seem like, all I've got ... *She suddenly finds herself
in the dark, only the light of the moon guides her along the river. She glances over to her left, and notices an old mill
glowing in the moonlight. She shakes her head as she remembers* Of course, I
was out here weeks ago, pictures, duh. *she ended up at Manouche's, she goes to turn around and head back the way she came,
stares blankly at the distance she's gone glowing underneath the starry sky, mouth agape as if to say something* I've gone
too far. *she turns around and walks farther onto the property, finds a nice little spot in the center of Manouche's land,
sits down, lays back and stares at the stars, falls asleep, and starts to dream*
Britt *after a while
gets up and walks around Manouche's property some more. She hears a noise ...
like someone following behind her. Shrugging it off, she continues walking. Once near the woods she hears rustling in the brush and a few twigs snapping.
Gasping, she turns around, and sees nothing. The night is cool and fog gives
the air a misty feeling. Walking a bit farther, she hears some sort of growling, and stops ... she puts her hand
to her stomach and prays. She hears something from behind her. Footsteps, only ... it isn't feet. It's a sound that seems
as though the creature is pawing at the grass lightly. Slowly she turns ... and
there before her, is the wolf of all wolves. She starts to run, what else could
she do? It was instinct. She runs
for Manouche's main house, the wolf catching up to her. She trips and then ...
*
Britt *sits up straight,
gasping, sweating, the mist from the fog cooling her down, she screams out* MANOUCHE!
Alifi and Malachi *open the
door of the main house, Alifi runs to Britt’s side* Colonel! What is it, what in the world are you doing here? *looks up
at Malachi* Something’s scared her …
Malachi *cranes his neck,
looking around* I don’t see anything.
I’ll take a look around … *he leaves them to search the area*
Alifi *helps Britt stand
up* Are you all right, dear? *brushes
her off, smiles* My, look at you! You’re
starting to show. *she glances back at the house, then looks at Britt again* This isn’t a good time for you to be here, luv.
Manouche is sound asleep. I’ve given her something to knock her
out. Malachi came by earlier, I had to tell him the same thing. He was just about to head back to town. *she looks up as Malachi
returns* Did you see anything?
Malachi *shakes his head* No, not a thing. *looks at Britt anxiously* You all right, sweetheart?
Alifi: She’s sound, just a little shook up. Malachi, dear,
would you please see to it that she gets home safely? I really need to stay here
with Manouche, just in case she wakes up. *looks back at the house, concerned* She’s sleeping peacefully enough, but … I’m worried about her. *she turns to Britt* You try coming back
in a day or two, luv. I’m sure she’ll be glad to see you then, but
… she’s really got to get her strength back, savvy? *hugs her*
Malachi *takes Britt’s
hand* C’mon, Colonel, I’ll take you home. Hanson must be worried, you shouldn’t be running around alone out here in the dark. *looks at Alifi, winks* I’ll check back tomorrow.
Alifi: Thank you, luv. *she turns to Britt, smiles* You tell that handsome husband of yours I said hello. *she
returns to the house, closes the door. Malachi leads Britt away from the house,
they head back to town*
Malachi *after they've walked
in silence for awhile, looks at Britt* So ... Colonel, what the hell did you see back there? Are you all right,
would you like to stop at Chez Roux for a drink before you go home? *looks at her stomach, grins* Something non-alcoholic,
of course.
Britt *smiles* You know ... you can call me Britt. Or Brittany if you'd like. I don't strictly go by Colonel, y'know. It was just a bad dream, fell asleep ... not important. It
wasn't anything major. *pauses* A drink? Sure,
but wouldn't a girl like me, ruin the reputation of Malachi the Great. *laughs*
I mean ... y'know, just things I've heard. I
mean, just the .. me .. pregnant. *laughs* Never
mind then ... not knowing how to say things isn't a side effect. It's just me.
*laughs* Not that you're not a great
guy. I've heard good things, no worries.
Malachi *laughs* Malachi the Great? If you’ve heard good things, you’ve
obviously been talking to people who don’t know me well. C’mon, let’s
turn a few heads. *they arrive at Chez Roux, he opens the door for her, they
take a booth by a window.*
At Mort Rainey Blvd:
Sands: *Returns after visiting Britt and Tom; finds me in the living-room reading a book* Hi baby.
Helle: *Look up from my book; smiles* Hi, how did it go?
Sands: *sits down on the couch* OK, I guess ... they were willing to listen so that’s good.
Helle: *feeling a sense of relief* That is very good.
Sands: Yeah, but … I don’t know what happened
exactly, but Britt blew up and stormed off. I guess Tom said the wrong thing
or something.
Helle: *concerned; glances out the window* I hope she’s
OK, it’s getting dark out there.
Sands: Yeah, let’s hope so … I’m sure she’ll go back home once she calms
down. *Lowers eyes* I can’t help but feel a little guilty, I mean, I might have set it off.
Helle: I’m sure there’s no need to … all I relationships have issues every now
and then. And like you said, she’ll be home with her family soon and they’ll work it out. They love each other.
Sands: Yeah, you’re probably right.
At Chez Roux:
Malachi *to Britt* Order anything you want. *he holds a hand up, the waitress
winks at him, immediately goes to the bar to fill his usual order of a large rum. He
takes out his cigarettes, starts to light up, then looks at Colonel* Ooops, hold
on. *he wets a finger, holds it up, nods, satisfied* Good, the air current is in your favor. I was going to trade
places with you if need be. *he lights up, and sure enough, the smoke is pulled
away from them by the ceiling fans. Still, he holds the cigarette as far away
from her as possible, looks at her, nods* So, when’s the due date? Hanson must be beside himself.
Britt: So, you aren't all
that great? *orders a strawberry-banana milkshake* You seem to be great to me. Maybe it's just me, who sees it. If no one
does, they're fools to be sure. I mean we barely know each other, but I'm the sort who sees the good in everyone...except
one...but anyway. *laughs as he checks the air current* Very kind of you. *her milkshake arrives, she takes a sip, giggles*
Due date...well. .From what the doctors say..February. *shakes head* But I don't trust doctors anymore, not after...well.
..a few things. So I'm not entirely sure....Hanson. ..He's concerned. I haven't talked much about this all with him yet, I
mean, the feelings thing. Just right now...*thinks back on it* I guess I got carried away. Moods...
Malachi *starts to say something,
then the waitress brings him his drink, she leans down, whispers something in his ear, slips him a small piece of paper; he
grins, nods, watches her go, then turns back to Britt, suddenly a little embarrassed*
Oh … *nods toward waitress* Ahh, she’s a sweet kid. Just … wants a little help with some … chemistry. She’s
... going to night school, word got around to her that I know my way around a … formula.
*takes a drink* Now, you were saying … oh, right … February,
eh, that’s great. Maybe a Valentine baby, hm? Manouche said she’s looking forward to helping you with the delivery, if you’re still keen. I wouldn’t worry too much about the moods, that’s typical, from what I
hear. You remember how Madame was. *takes
another drink* It’s none of my business, but sounds to me like maybe you
and Hanson need to talk more. Seems like you storm out on him a lot. I’m not saying it’s more your fault, or more his fault.
It kinda doesn’t matter. Point is, seems like every few weeks, you’re
running away from him. It would serve you both well to iron out all that bollocks
now, ‘cause you sure can’t be acting that way after the kids start coming.
Well … you can, I guess … *smirks* … but it’ll
look pretty pathetic, won't it, the parents acting more like kids than the kids. *finishes
his cigarette, grins* Opinionated old sod, aren’t I? You still think I’m great?
Britt *eyes the waitress* Uh..yea. Don't be thinking I'm stupid.
I've been known to create a few formulas too ... Valentine baby ... wouldn't
be the best. *puts her head in her hands*
Yea. So, I walk out too often, and it gets me in trouble. So ... what, I should just ... *sighs, arms folded on the table, hides and tucks her head, holding back
tears, mumbles* Yea, you're still great.
Malachi: Now see, there you go … it’s not necessarily all your fault, don’t look at it that way. Just talk to him, figure it out, that’s all.
You do the leaving, but why? He lets you go, why? *peers closer at her, sees her tears* Ahhh, jeez … *pulls
out handkerchief, passes it to her* C’mon, Colonel, it’ll be all
right …
Waitress *approaches them,
carrying one of the restaurant phones, plugs it into outlet at the booth, sets it in front of Malachi* Here you are, handsom— er, sir. That call you asked us to place for you, it’s ready … *she hides a smile*
Malachi *rolls eyes, hands
her some money* Thanks, beautiful. And
bring me another drink, savvy? *she tucks the bills into her blouse, nods, turns
and walks away; he glances after her legs, then snaps back to the business at hand*
Ah! Here we are. *he picks
up the receiver* Hello? Yeah …
good. Just fine, no worries … glad we could reach you, hang on. *he holds the receiver out to Britt, pushes the phone toward her*
It’s Hanson. I, ahh, took the liberty of asking the restaurant to
contact him. I … well, I figured right about now you might be just about
ready for the sound of his voice. And Colonel, for what it’s worth, and
not that it's any of my business ... but frankly, he sounds to me like he’s VERY ready for the sound of yours. *smiles*
Britt *nods, takes the receiver,
puts it to her ear* I'm sorry.
~Tom *relieved* Hey. It's
ok, as long as you're ok.
Britt: How is everything?
~Tom: Well, the kids are
asleep.
Britt *gets a few dirty somethings
whispered in her hear, she bites her finger* Tom..*giggles*
~Tom: Are you feeling ok?
Britt: Yea..now..After waking
up from that nightmare and Malachi bringing me here and me ordering a strawberry-banana milkshake.
~Tom *smiles* That's good.
Do you think I can talk to Malachi for a moment?
Britt: Sure. *hands Malachi
the phone*
~Tom *to Malachi* Hey, thanks
for taking care of her. Do you think you could bring her home? She sounds like she's doing a lot better than when she left.
Britt *starts to finish her
shake, eyeing the waitress with disgust. Thinks she can make a scene with her, shakes the thought away*
Malachi *to Tom* No
worries, Hanson, I'll get her home. I'll send her home in a taxi, it's on me. No, I don't mind. I'd bring
her myself, but ... *eyes the waitress, winks* Y'see, I have an appointment ... I have to tutor someone. Yeah,
that's right. *grins* I figured you'd understand. Sure, she'll be home soon. 'Bye. *hangs up,
waves waitress over, hands her the phone* Do us one more favor, luv, and call DeNiro. We need a taxi, tout suite.
Gotta get this lady home to her husband. *waitress smiles, takes the phone, goes to find the number. Malachi watches
her go, then turns and smiles at Britt* See, Colonel? It's all about communication. *takes a drink, lights
another cigarette, nods at her empty milkshake glass* Would you like one of those for the road, to take with you?
You never know, you may have a craving later. *grins*
Britt *sighs, rolls her eyes*
Y'know. You've done enough. Thanks. *rises to leave, walks over to the waitress annoyed, whispers to her harshly* Don't think
it'll last. *calls out to Malachi* Drive safe. Protect yourself. When the ride takes a wrong turn, take the matter into your
own hands. *turns her back* Tell Manouche I miss her. I hope to see her sometime. *starts to walk, turns quickly on her heel
as she remembers something* Oh, and tell her, when you get the chance, that she can deliver if she has time some time in February
or March. *she walks outside and waits for the taxi*
Waitress *standing next to
Malachi, still sitting in the booth, watches Britt go* What on earth got into
her? Don’t think “what” will last, what’s she talking
about? Does she … *looks at him*
She doesn’t think we’re a couple, does she?
Malachi *grins at her* We’re dodging that bullet nicely, you and I, aren’t we? *looks after Britt, eyebrows raised* I don’t know, maybe
Colonel's never just had a fling with no strings. Or maybe it’s what Hanson
said … hormones talking. *shrugs, looks up at the waitress* How about one more drink, while you finish up your shift. Then
we better get to your … lessons … * waitress smiles at him, goes to fetch the drink. He looks out the window, sees Britt hop into DeNiro’s taxi; grins, shakes his head*
At Bournemouth House:
Miranda *watches Kat as she
opens a note that she has just arrived. She removes an object, a flat disk, it
appears. Kat stares at it a moment then takes the note out and reads it, sighs. Then she looks at Miranda.*
Kat: I want ye to do somethin' for me. Go into town to Chez Roux,
it's be not far. Ye can't miss it. Anyone
can point it out to you. If Ichy's not there, wait for 'im. Tell 'im I sent ye ... Tell 'im I'm indisposed. Blast, tell
him somethin', anythin'. I just can't see him right now. Please Miranda, just think of somethin' that won't 'urt 'im. Can
ye do that for me?
Miranda *Startled, nods, thinking Ichabod, finally* I'll
leave now and do my best. *Smiles, and leaves the house. When she arrives at Chez Roux, she looks eagerly around for Ichabod.
Not seeing him she takes a seat to wait.*
At Chez Roux:
Ichy *troubled, takes his bags
to the Office, resolved to leave Deppville after meeting that horrible lady whoever she was, and he decides that he is
not going to Chez Roux at all, he knows what Kat would say to him, and it would be painful to see her again. By now, they would already have been in Catalina. He
misses the toy that he gave her, hoping that she will understand that it is both a goodbye gift to her, and a warning. But he can't keep away from Chez Roux. He leaves
the Office on the pretext that he needs to eat something, and he walks to Chez Roux and peers carefully in the window. No Kat. He sighs, orders a healthy salad
with mineral water and sits down in a shady booth*
Miranda *Watches him, wishing
she could wipe the hurt from his face, approaches him, smiles* You're Ichabod? *Without waiting for his answer* May
I sit down? Kat sent me as she was still too weak from her ordeal. *Can't help but stare longingly at him.*
Ichy *starts, hops up, politely
holds her a chair, looking at her shyly* Please be seated. Would you like to have something? I don't think that I know you.
*there is something familiar about her, but he knows that he has never seen her, and he knows that
he should not stare but she looks so beautiful and innocent and fragile that he can't but admire her.* I am sorry that I've caused all that to Kat. *sighs* I hope that she and the baby are well ... Inspector Abberline must be mad at me. I don't think that I will be seeing her ever again. What does she say? *looks at her hopefully*
Miranda *Smiles sweetly,
takes the seat* No one blames you. *Hesitates
briefly* May I call you Ichabod? I
know it's a bit forward, but I'm new in town and the Abberlines are the only ones I know.
I've been terribly lonely. I would love a cup of tea if you'll stay and
keep me company. You can call me Mira.
My friends long ago use to call me that. *Sighs sadly.* But that was so very long ago. *Gazes hopefully into his eyes.* I really could use a friend. *Smiles
shyly*
Ichy: Mira, you can call me Ichy. *blushes, coughs, turns to the
waiter and orders tea* They do brew good tea here at Chez Roux. It feels so sad to leave this place. Are you a relative
of Abberline? Where did you come from, Mira? *hesitates for a while* I - I guess I could need a friend, too. If
you don't mind me being so frank. I have been rather lonely since Kat left
me.
Miranda *Sorrowfully* Leaving? Please don't say you're leaving.
I know we've only just met, but there's something about you that makes me feel
as though I've known you for a long time. If you go, I'll be all alone again.
I really don't remember where I came from, I woke up in the hospital here. I
guess I must have been in an accident. I don't recall a thing about it. The last memory I can recall is from my childhood.
I met the Abberlines at the hospital, and they kindly took me in. So you
see, I really have no one. I hoped you and I could get to know each other better.
I feel so comfortable with you. Please
say you'll stay for a time, at least. *Reaches out placing her hand on his arm.*
For me.
Ichy *stares at the hand
on his arm* I - I would be honoured to be a friend of yours, Mira. Er .. *puts down the glass of mineral water as his hand is trembling again* Could
you - would you some day, perhaps tomorrow, if you want to, if it is not too much asked .... could you go out for a walk with
me, or am I too bold? *something like a small glimmer of hope shines in his eyes
when he looks at her* I could come for you. If
that suits you. There is a very beautiful garden I could show you and .. *getting
more excited* there are lots of flowers and no bugs at all, just butterflies
and they have strawberries there growing wild, and ... *voice trails off as he feels he's being stupid and he looks away
from her to hide his embarrassment*
Miranda
*Smiling warmly* Oh Ichy, that sounds absolutely splendid. I could put together a picnic basket for us and we could enjoy it surrounded by all the beautiful flowers
and butterflies. Then we could pick strawberries to have as dessert. I'd love it! I can hardly wait for tomorrow. You are such a dear man to ask me.
Ichy: I could come for you in the morning and we could spend the day there.
I could bring my equipment with me and show you how a flower petal looks through a microscope … *shyly, but with a certain proudness in his voice* I designed
it myself. You are very kind to accept my invitation, Mira. *forgets to eat his meal and very lightly and carefully puts his hand on hers, then withdraws it.* I hardly can wait till tomorrow.
Miranda:
In the morning then?*Reaches out lightly resting it on his.* You promise, you
won't change your mind and disappoint me? I have no idea what a microscope is. But
I'm sure I can learn much from you. *Regretfully* It's getting late, I suppose I must return to Bournemouth House. I'll
be waiting for you in the morning. *Gently squeezes his hand* Until then.
Ichy *jumps on his feet when
she rises from her chair* Until tomorrow. I will not change my mind. I promise. *He watches her go and he doesn't feel hungry
at all anymore, and he is about to leave, to maybe see her from afar one more time, when a waitress stops him*
Waitress
*Where d'you think you're going luv, with them food and drinks unpaid, eh? *She puts her hand on his shoulder and smiles at
Ichy. He looks with distaste her open blouse and her painted lips and brushes
with dignity her hand off his shoulder, takes some coins and counts the precise sum the order cost, gives her the coins without
any tip and leaves without a further look at the abominable improper woman.*
At Rartigillichal:
Abberline *smokes a second
cigarette and a third one, and he begins to feel himself foolish, and is about to rise up and start to go home when he hears
voices from afar, a woman and a man, and first he thinks it must be Manouche and some visitor of her, perhaps Malachi at this
late hour ... he crushes the cigarette and grinds it under his heel ... but then the voices become more clear, and with a
chill he recognizes them both. His father and the French woman*
"Can
I write letters to him? And I have brought his teddy bear, he can't sleep without it .."
"He doesn't need it anymore.
You really have spoiled him. And I can't see no reason why you would write to him. He can't read. And when he learns, he will
have already forgotten all about this miserable place and you. I have no use for you. What do you understand of education?
He is going to be a British gentleman worthy of my name and carry on my work. There is nothing you can offer."
"I could,
children need love..."
"Don't get sentimental, Chantal."
Abberline
*doesn't notice that he's crying out aloud* Stop it, stop it! *He turns his back to the pond because he knows what he will see, and stumbles over the trunk and curses*
Manouche *hears something
outside, looks out upstairs window; sees Abberline, opens window, calls down to him*
Inspector? Blimey, is that you? Stay there, mate … *after
a minute, the door opens and she emerges, comes to him, moving a little slowly and unsteadily, stares at him, surprised* What’re ye doin’ ‘ere this time o’ th’ night? Are ye sound? *tries to help him up, looks back at the house* Alifi’s in th' kitchen, makin’ tea, or somethin’ … c’mon
in, mate, 'ave a cup, or somethin' stronger if ye like. Ye look like ye seen a ghost … *looks at him carefully*
Abberline: Oh no, I won't come in ... I don't really know why I am here, I am sorry for disturbing the peace. And it is so late already, I should be at home.
I feel myself like trespasser ... It's that pond ... *looks at her carefully*
Are you sound yourself? *sits down on the trunk and pulls her beside,
quickly lets her arm go, he lights a cigarette and offers it to her, and then he lights one for himself* You don't look well enough yet. You should go to bed. *stares again at the pond, but the water is black and the surface is still as a mirror
where tiny dots of stars have started to appear*
Manouche *shakes her head,
grins at him as she takes the cigarette* Bloody ‘ell, mate, how many times
do I ‘ave to tell ye, yer welcome ‘ere anytime? Yer not trespassin’. But I worry about anyone wanderin’ around out ‘ere in th’ dark on
their onesies, savvy? Ye could get hurt if ye don’t know yer way around,
stumblin’ about. I think th’ house has floodlights, but I ‘aven’t
gotten ‘em workin’ proper jus’ yet. *she gazes around the property,
takes a deep breath of the fresh air* S’funny, but I seemed t’ know
me way around ‘ere from th’ minute I moved in. Y’know, I can
walk about in th’ dark, an’ it’s like I know every stone. *she
glances at the pond, frowns* That pond has troubled ye more’n once, ain’t
it? I’ve thought about drainin’ it.
I don’t really need it, I ‘ave me river. I don’t want
anythin’ on me property that would be a source o’ trouble t’ me mates. *notices the stars reflected
in the calm water, looks up at the sky, sighs* Gol, it’s a beautiful night,
innit? After bein’ in that ‘orrible cold mist, I don’t think
I’ll ever take a moment’s peace fer granted again. *she looks at
him, smiles warmly* I’m sound enough, I reckon, thanks fer askin’
… I’ve been slippin’ in an’ out o’ sleep since I got home.
*puts a hand on his arm* I don’t know how t’ repay ye fer
what ye done, luv, gettin’ me out o’ that box. It were so brave o’
ye …
Alifi *from the door* Manouche! What in the world are you doing
out there? You should … *she approaches them, sees Abberline, smiles* Oh! Hello, Inspector. *stops, looks at him carefully, then glances at the pond, then back at him again, her expression sympathetic* You were drawn here again, weren’t you, dear?
Why don’t you come in, have something? *looks at Manouche* And bird, you really shouldn’t exert yourself.
*smiles, shakes her head* I have to admit, you’re recovering surprisingly
quickly. But I’ll feel better if you give yourself at least one good night’s
sleep. *looks at them both* Come,
I’ve made tea, we can add a little brandy or kaluha, take the chill off.
Manouche *takes Abberline’s
hand* Aye, c’mon in, luv, it’ll do ye good. We can call Kat an’ lil’ mate, so they won’t be worried about ye … *looks at his
hand* By th’ powers, yer freezin’.
That blasted pond … *takes his hand in both of hers, rubs it to warm it*
Abberline: I do feel a little worried for you living here all alone. This
is a too secluded place. Anyone could walk in here just like me, and what would
you do if it were a stranger with bad intentions. Yes, that pond troubles me,
but I don't know why. I am having nightmares and visions about my father, and
it seems that Raven has picked something up on them too. I don't want to remember
my father. I want to completely forget that he existed. But you still don't have to drain it. I guess I soon don't
have much spare time ... *follows Manouche's gaze, and to his relief the water is still calm and dark* I won't forget that you saved my life. It was I who repaid
to you by helping you out. I know that I was dead ... How powerful you have grown,
Manouche .... *looks at her and smiles* But
it is getting late and chilly, and despite all your abilities, you still are a mortal woman. You
must be getting cold. *he takes off his jacket and wraps it around her shoulders*
Manouche: Cheers, mate. *adjusts the jacket, appreciating its warmth* No worries about me ‘ere, luv, I’m so happy ‘ere. Sometimes … even if ye know there are risks involved in somethin’, if it’s worth it to
ye, ye fight fer it, savvy? This is me home, an’ I won’t be driven
from it easily. I been nomadic all me life, so fer me to ‘ave a home …
it’s a feelin’ ye may not be able to totally appreciate, unless ye’ve been nomadic as well. *still holding his hand, she smiles, instead of trying to explain, shares with him a few visions of her
upbringing … she avoids the unhappier times with her parents, and the Order, instead focuses on the kind people of the
Romany caravan she became a part of after she lost her brother and was on the run* It
weren’t a bad life at all, an’ most times I enjoyed it. But …
*gazes around* … but this … blimey, I never felt like this about a place before.
Anyway, I do lock up at night … *glances at Alifi, smiles* An’
I ‘ave a fair amount o’ visitors from time to time. *turns to him* I were glad I could help ye, Fred, luv … I were so scared, when I seen ye lyin’
there, no life to ye … an’ … I didn’t know if it were real or not … but … *voice trails off, and she squeezes his hand* Oh … *suddenly
sees some of what he had just seen and heard in the pond. She looks up at him,
tears in her eyes* I … that were yer dad, weren’t it? D-don’t listen to ‘im, mate, yer right t’ ferget about ‘im, he were a monster. I … *she stops, eyes widen as she remembers something; reaches in her pocket* I can’t believe I ‘ave this still … I … I thought per’aps
I dreamt it. But … it were from when I was in th’ box … right
after I helped ye. *she brings her hand forth, holds the braid of light and dark
hair, looks at it a moment, places it in his hand, closes his fingers over it* ‘Ere,
this belongs t’ ye. Y’ should’ve ‘ad it a long time ago. *she reaches up, wipes a tear away*
Alifi *listens, stares in
amazement. Though she doesn’t understand all that they’re talking
about, she understands enough* Y-you were able to … to bring that back?
… Oh, by the saints. So … the box isn’t entirely malevolent. *murmurs* I – I’m beginning
to see why people have coveted those boxes through the centuries …
Abberline: This is a beautiful
place ... You don't see the stars in the lights of the city, the night sky is different here ... You have led an exciting
life, I remember the Gypsy caravans that my father always got expelled from the town, every time when they settled down and
lighted their fires, and took the guitars ... I remember watching them afar and thinking that their life was so much better
than mine, the children running free, they were clad in rags, but they laughed and ran and played .... and then they were
chased away .... Looking at a starry sky meant to my father a lesson in astronomy, memorizing constellations . .. Did you
hear him too? I don't know why I am thinking about him, why he comes into my
mind. Maybe it is because I am now a father myself. I have always been afraid that I will one day be like him. *he
wraps his arm around her shoulder and she takes the braid and puts it in his hand* Why
would this belong to me? A braid of hair? Maybe
I will find out. *puts it in his shirt pocket, and then brushes away her tears
from her face with his fingers* Why the tears?
Manouche *thinks of telling
him the story behind the hair, decides not to, though she’s not sure why* I
… I’m not quite sure why I’m cryin’ … silly, innit? *smiles
as he brushes her tears away* So yer dad were one o’ th’ upstandin’
citizens who ‘ad gypsies banished from his fine community, ay? I reckon
that shouldn’t surprise me. Who knows, per’aps he had our family
thrown out at some point. That’d be ironic, wouldn’t it? *she gazes at him* Ye don’t ‘ave t’ worry,
mate. Ye’ll not be anythin’ like yer dad. Ye’ve already proven ye can be a good dad t’ Raven. An’
Chiana’s goin’ to be a lucky, lucky lil’ girl. *looks back
at the pond* T’ be honest, thinkin’ of th’ children is another
reason I been considerin’ drainin’ th’ pond. Once I’m
properly recovered, I want to ‘ave all manner o’ gatherin’s ‘ere, savvy? I want t’ throw parties, an’ ‘ave all me mates come visit when they please, an’
… an’ I want to see this yard full o’ kiddies runnin’ an’ playin’ … an’ it
wouldn’t do to ‘ave a pond where they could fall in an’ get hurt.
*smiles, gazing around the yard* Blimey, that’ll be grand …
think of it, mate. Th’ Wonka triplets, th’ Hanson’s baby, an’
th’ other kids at their house … Chiana … an’ lil’ mate, keepin’ an eye on ‘em all. I can see ‘im now, lookin’ after th’ little ones. An’ we’ll ‘ave cookouts an’ bonfires, an’ music an’ such … *shrugs,
grins* I reckon I still want all th’ other trappin’s of me Rom life
without th’ wanderin’. *pulls back, looks at Abberline as if examining
his features* Y’know, mate, ye would’a made a bloody good gypsy.
Alifi *smiles* Bird, I hate to say it, but … it’s getting late, you need your rest. There’ll be plenty of time later, to plan a fete. *looks
at Abberline* Inspector, that offer of a drink is still open.
Manouche: Aye, I reckon I am tired, at that. *reluctantly stands up,
Abberline’s jacket hanging a little large on her; she turns, puts her arms around him, kisses his cheek* I’m sorry if somethin’ in that damn pond disturbed yer evenin’, mate, but I’m so
glad t’ see ye. *she releases him, straightens up* Come back anytime ye like, all right? Raven's already been 'ere many times, an' I don't believe
Kat's seen it at all yet. Blimey, 'er delivery date's comin' up, innit? Tell 'er no worries, she'll be sound, I'll see to it meself ... ye'll both 'ave a
fine, healthy daughter. I'll come by soon an' discuss with 'er what she wants
t' do, whether she wants to 'ave it in th' hospital, or at home. *grins* I reckon she'll be requestin' any an' all available painkillers. Now, will ye come to th’ house fer a nightcap? *Alifi
steps next to her and takes her arm*
Abberline: Maybe you should drain the pond after all. *smiles* I don't think I'd be much of a gypsy, but I have that silver hoop still ... I don't know Kat's plans, it
is up to her what she chooses, but if it is possible I would not want her at the hospital. She
distrusts them, and so do I. Painkillers? The
delivery is already beginning to worry me .... I will take Kat with me someday,
after Chiana is born. It is a long walk and I don't want to tire her now …
*smiles* … though she is doing fine. I can't wait for my daughter to be
born. *shakes his head* No, I will
return home, it is already too late. Get some rest. You will be better in a few days. It is good that you have
Alifi here to take care of you. Good night, Manouche.
Manouche: I don’t blame anyone fer not trustin’ that blasted hospital.
*grins* Especially now that that nice Dr. Rainey’s no longer about. I hear she were quite a miracle worker! *she
steps up to him, smiles* Ye’ve become like family t’ me, Fred …
an' we all ‘ave good things comin’ our way. I ‘ave one more
gift fer ye, mate … consider it a nightcap. *she winks, takes his hand,
concentrates, and shows him a vision a few years from now, a sunny, bright day … Raven’s a teen, playing with
little Chiana on the beach, along with the Wonka triplets … and watching them from a large table on the veranda at Chez
Roux are Kat, Abberline, Willy and Madame, and Manouche, having just brought them all a round of Kir Royales, and they’re
all talking and laughing. The vision shows an empty chair next to Manouche, and
the tint of the scene goes somber monochrome for just a split second, then it’s sunny again. The vision slowly fades, and Manouche gently squeezes Abberline’s hand, then releases it. She looks at him, nods* See, mate, smooth sailin’. An’ who knows … per’aps I’ll find someone t’ occupy
that empty chair someday. *smiles slightly*
Goodnight, Fred. *she turns, joins Alifi, they start toward the house,
then Manouche remembers something* Oh, blast!
*she turns, runs after Abberline, slips off his jacket, hands it to him* Cheers,
luv. *she hugs him close, releases him, and runs after Alifi, back to the house*
Alifi *looks at her suspiciously
as they approach the door* Bird, what are you up to? What are you grinning about?
Manouche *murmurs*
I 'ad one other thing fer th' Inspector, it'll be a surprise. I 'ad his favorite marble from when he was a kid.
An orange, black an' blue Cat's Eye. Cat's eye, that's appropriate, innit? *grins* I put it in one o' th'
pockets in his jacket. Blimey, I'd love t' see his face when he finds it. I hope he remembers it.
Alifi *smiles, watches her
turn and wave to Abberline from the door* He'll remember it. *takes her inside*
On The Brave:
O’Malley: *sits on the floor of the cabin, legs crossed.
Donnie sits on the floor opposite her. She is getting ready to meditate again, but this time she has asked him to be
there with her, wanting someone there in case she has another vision. She closes
her eyes and empties her mind. Calmness and peace comes over and she feels a sense of relief, but only a moment later it feels
as if she is being is transferred away from the comfort and security of her cabin. The vision is hazy at first, then becomes
clearer as if a mist dissolves. She hears the disturbing chanting again; it becomes louder and louder. Not as if those saying
it speaks louder, but as if she’s moving closer to them. Moving closer she sees the Stone Circle at Portsmith’s castle; she feels dizziness
coming over her just like when she passed by it when visiting Corso. Inside the Circle are the group of people in hooded cloaks
that she saw in the first vision; while chanting they’re facing a woman sitting in the centre of it. At first she can’t
make out who the woman is, but her view changes as if she’s herself moving to get a better view. Fear and confusion
fills her as she recognizes the woman to be herself.*
Donnie: *Observes O’Malley with concern; he can tell by the expressions on her face that she’s
having a vision. He considers saying something to make it stop, but knowing that it can’t harm her and it might be helpful
information; he contains himself and merely watches her.*
O’Malley: *The vision shows her sitting in the centre of the circle; legs crossed and her
eyes closed. She is deeply concentrated. Suddenly a flash of light looking like lightning goes through her and she channels
it to the people standing around her; their bodies twitching and their heads thrown back in convulsions. – As she feels
the powers surge through her, she reaches out her hand and still with her eyes closed, still in the trance-like state, she
grabs Donnie’s hand - The vision changes and she now has the view from within the circle; enabling her to see the faces
of the people. First thing she notices is how their eyes have turned completely black. None of the faces look familiar, except
one. Father Connolly. – O’Malley opens her eyes and stares into space; she’s breathing heavily and feeling
dizzy.
Donnie: *looks at her with concern* Are you alright?
O’Malley: *blinks a few times as if to return to this world; swallows; her voice is trembling:
I … I think so …
Donnie: *gets up from the floor; goes the cupboard and finds a glass and the rum bottle; pours a
drink and brings it back to O’Malley* Drink this.
O’Malley: *sends him a tired smile* Cheers luv … *she slowly starts talking; telling
Donnie about her vision, but leaves out herself being part of the strange events.*
At Bournemouth House:
Abberline *returns home a
little worried, he knows that he is very late without any good explanation. The
house is dark this time, no warm glow from the windows, but he is thinking of the vision Manouche showed him, with Chiana,
and he himself apparently still with Kat - or was it just wishful thinking, a vision of how it could be ... He opens
the door quietly and slips in, throws his jacket on the chair as he is used to doing - and something hits the floor with a
noise that seems to him like a gunshot in the silent peaceful house. He has to
put the lights on, and to his great amazement he sees it is a marble. How could
he have a marble in his pocket? Maybe it was Raven, though he doesn't remember
him playing with marbles like he himself did when he was a child. He picks it
up and puts it in a small basket on the sidetable, but something makes him take a closer look at it. A Cat's Eye. Orange, black and blue. With a scratch he remembers. He blinks, frowns, utterly puzzled.
This is his old marble, or at least it looks exactly like it. He puts it back in the basket, decides to check in the morning if it still is there, or if it just is from
some odd vision that feels real ... *
*He walks up the stairs, looks into Raven's bedroom, steps in and puts back the
covers he has managed to drop on the floor, brushes his cheek lightly and leaves the room. Kat
is asleep, and even she has the covers off, he smiles, undresses and slips in the bed beside her, and he is about to pull
up the covers when he sees in the moonlight that she is wearing something shining and sheer, and he touches her and to his
astonishment she is wearing a most fetching silken slip, and it feels both warm and cool under his fingers. Vicky's Dirty Little Secrets seems to have a seductive maternity collection … He raises and eyebrow
and looks approvingly at the slip, and then he strokes her side, and her belly, nuzzles her ear and whispers* Wake up, Kat, I am home ... *and decides that they don't need any covers now, and he lets his hand glide
on the silk and she looks alluring to him in her slip, even with her big belly, and when she does not stir, he kisses her
on the shoulder and on her neck ... *
Kat *Without opening her
eyes, reaches out holding him close* Abby, luv I were missin' ye. *Sliding her hand gently down his chest and further seeking buried treasure as she nibbles lightly
at his neck *
*Off stage whisper* Somebody gag that director quick.
Abberline: I was missing you too. *gasps as she finds what she was looking
for* Very much ...
At the Wonkas’ factory:
*Madame paces in front of
her desk in her office, finally getting moments alone. She continues to glance at the phone just out of her reach.
She looks up at her door, closed. She slowly reaches over and picks up the phone, watching the door for signs of Jake
or his men. As soon as she has the phone to her ear, she quickly dials the first number she can think of and waits for a ringtone,
tears form as soon as she hears a voice*
Manouche: 'Ello?
Madame: Manouche!!! *at the very moment Jake walks in the room, immediately pulls his gun and fires.
He walks over and pulls the phone, throwing it across the room. Madame stares,
mouth gaped, saying nothing. Willy runs in only moments later*
Willy *runs in* Kimberley … *Madame smiles at him, tears fall down her face, she begins to
fall to the floor. Willy runs over, catching her before she hits the floor, blood
pours onto his coat* No!! Kimberley!!
Madame *still smiling but
shaking, shushes him* I...I...I... I love you, Willy.
Willy *tears stream down
his face* No..please god no... *shaking suddenly stops, Madame closes her
eyes and her body goes limp. Willy screams, then places her on the floor, stands
up, glaring at Jake and his men who have now arrived* YOU SON OF A BITCH
Jake: I told 'er no
phone, mate.
Willy *walks over, swings
his cane at one of his men, he instantly falls, Willy grabs his gun and cocks it, quickly shooting the man on the floor and
another man watching*
Jake: Don't make me
end ye, Willy.
Willy: WELL NOW THAT THERES ONLY ME YOU WON’T NEED ANYONE ELSE, WILL YOU?
*fires the gun again, killing the last two. Only he and Jake remain, staring at each other, both blazing with
anger*
Jake: Yer makin' the
wrong moves now, mate.
At Rartigillichal:
Manouche *stands holding
the phone receiver, her face pale*
Alifi *enters the room, sees
her, hurries to her side* What is it, dear?
*she takes the phone, listens, hears nothing, hangs it up*
Manouche: I … I ‘ave to go to ‘er …
Alifi: Go, go where?
Manouche: To Madame …
Alifi: But … they’re not receiving anyone, you’ve tried, we’ve all tried. *she follows Manouche around the room as she looks for her coat, effects, increasingly concerned as she
sees her arm herself* Manouche, what do you think you’re doing? You’re still weak, you shouldn’t even be up an’ about … call the police if something
needs investigating …
Manouche *shakes her head* She were callin’ me. I heard her
say me name … an’ then there were a gunshot. *looks at her imploringly* Y’see, Alifi, I ‘ave to go … *she suddenly stops, weaves unsteadily,
leans against the wall*
Alifi *comes to her, helps
her sit down, speaks sternly* Bird, you can hardly walk, and that factory is
a bit of a hike from here. You’re not going anywhere, savvy? You’re going to stay here and rest. I’ll call
the police, send them over to the factory right away. They’ll break the
gates down if they have to, once I tell them about that phone call. The Wonkas
have a lot of clout in town, the police will get right on it. *she walks to the
door, pulls it toward her, then holds up a key* Apologies, luv … but I’m
locking you in. I insist you get your rest.
*she pulls the door shut, locking it*
Manouche *cries out angrily* HANG IT ALL!! ALIFI, ‘AVE YE GONE
SOFT?? TH’ POLICE WON’T DO SOD-ALL, YE KNOW THAT … *she winces
at the pain in her head from the yelling, brings her hands up to her eyes, sobs* Oh,
bloody ‘ell …
At the Wonkas’ factory:
Willy
*stands up straight, pointing the gun directly at Jake, who pulled his gun the minute Willy began shooting*
Jake *laughs*
Just me an' you mate. Not good eh?
Willy
*red with anger* You killed my wife.
Jake *shakes
head* Ye be wrong. She still be breathin'. *cocks
his head over to Madame's body, which is lightly moving*
Willy
*looks at Madame, but quickly focuses back on Jake* I'll kill you.
Jake:
Oh I thought this 'ould be 'n eye fer 'n eye tooth fer a tooth kinda thing.
Willy
*shakes head* No way. She didn’t do anything.
Jake:
She called someone
Willy
*thinks for a minute, then it occurs to him who she would've called ... Manouche* 'Manouche
... I know you can’t hear all I say, but HELP' *praying in his head she'll get the message, he continues to aim
at Jake*
Jake *laughs*
I told her she'd regret it. *smiles with an evil grin* And now she'll die.
Willy:
You first. *pulls the trigger, but
Jake ducks and the bullet misses, hitting a lamp. Willy tries to fire again,
but the gun is empty, he drops it*
Jake *laughs*
Aye! What do we 'ave here? Looks like you’re in a bit of a situation now.
*stands up, aiming his gun at Willy* Life sucks, mate. I found this out
through you.
Willy
*swallows hard, thinks again* 'Manouche, please. We need your help*
At Rartigillichal:
Manouche *looks up quickly
as door opens, Alifi enters, carrying a glass of water* Alifi, luv, ye got t’
let me go …
Alifi: I’ve put in a call to the police. Manouche, even if
I let you go, you’d never make it, you’re too weak. You could barely
walk out to talk with Inspector Abberline earlier, that took a lot out of you. *hands
her the water, and a pill* Here, bird, please, stop trying to take care of everything
and just rest. This will help you sleep.
Manouche *shakes head, knows
she’s right. She takes the pill, drinks some of the water, looks up at
her* Y’ don’t ‘ave to lock th’ door, luv. I won’t leave.
Alifi *nods* Well done, dear, I knew you would see reason. *hugs her, walks
to the door, turns and looks at her, smiles* Not that I believe you for a second
… *closes door, locks it*
Manouche *scowls* Blast! *runs hand through her hair, exasperated*
At the Wonkas’ factory:
Willy: Please, Jake. I have three kids, don't take me away from them.
Jake: I could be givin' less about ye children. They ain't gonna be any better than you, I'd rather see
'em dead
Willy *glares* Not my kids.
Jake: An' what exactly do ye propose to do about that? I've got ye cornered an' now I'm gonna pay you back
once an' fer all.
Willy *suddenly a grin comes
over his face* Did you know of their godparents? Two in particular. *Jake
arches brow* William and Manouche Blake. William's been gone for a while,
but Manouche ... she' s the trickiest pirate you'll ever meet. She's my little sister.
Jake: Ye ne'er 'ad a little sister, mate.
Willy: Now I do. Madame would be right when she said you wouldn’t
say you'd feel bad if you knew her.
Jake: Do ye 'ave a point to this story mate?
Willy: No. Just I'm sure you'll meet her real soon. *a sly
grin shows*
Jake *rolls eyes* Right, whatever. *aims gun directly at Willy's head* Got
any last words, mate?
Willy: Yea ... don't fuck with a pirate.
Manouche *stands right behind
Jake, gun pointed at him* Words t’ live by, ay? But in yer case, mate, we’ll make an exception, savvy? *squeezes
trigger, shoots him; he falls to the floor. She lowers her gun, looks down at him for a second, then looks over at Willy,
her face pale* Willy, brother, wh-where's Madame? I ... b-blimey, I'm not even sure how I got 'ere ... *she staggers
back a few steps, drops into a chair*
At Rartigillichal:
Alifi *is downstairs, suddenly
looks up, eyes wide, has a terrible feeling. She runs up the stairs to Manouche's bedroom, unlocks the door, flings
it open, finds the room empty. She shakes her head* Bloody pirate ...
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