At Celeste:

Abberline *to Metrea*  A good choice.  *takes the wine list*  Let me choose a good red wine for you, something light, maybe a local wine would do, for a curiosity.  *lights his cigarette and leans toward her*  It still amazes me that you look like twins with Kat, and still are so very much different, you - a real lady, and she a pirate.

Kat *Striding into Celeste quickly spies Abberline.  Her eyes go wide at sight of the woman with him.  With sword at the ready she approaches them.  Glaring at Metrea*  Well now what 'ave we 'ere?  What game be ye playin' dear sister?  Just why be ye wearin' my face, eh?

Metrea *Calmly*  Kat?  It's been a long time.  I didn't expect a warm greeting, but isn't a sword a bit much?  After all, I've come a long way to make peace with you.

Kat:  No, I be thinking the sword be just right.  Only a fool would e'er trust the likes of ye.  Why be ye really 'ere?

Metrea *Glancing at Abberline*  I knew it was a waste of time.  I should go.

Kat:  That be a real good idea.  Better still, don't stop till you get all the way back to 'ell.  I be certain them demons be missin' ye.

Abberline *rising up when he sees Kat approach with a sword in her hand, indignantly*  I don't understand this, Kat.  What's wrong with you?  Isn't it high time for you to make peace with your sister, I can't understand why you treat her like this.

Manouche *watches, eyes wide*  Blimey!  *she turns to see Luc, standing at the entrance to the dining room, looking frustrated, obviously he had tried to stop Kat from barging in.  She looks at Godalming*  ‘Ang on, mate, we may see some unscheduled fireworks with lunch …

Godalming *puts his hand on hers*  I hope that you will let them sort it out by themselves.  Is that Mrs. Abberline?  *follows the scene with interest*

Manouche:  No worries, mate, I wouldn’t go near this’un fer love or money.  Aye, that’s Mrs. Abberline, that’s Kat.  *leans forward, listening*  There don’t seem t’ be much love lost between th’ sisters, ay?  An’ th’ Inspector, lookin’ so angry at Kat, what’s that all about?  *glances around the room, sees the other customers staring at the three*  Gol, I hope they settle their differences before th’ police are called.  This sorta publicity wouldn’t do fer th’ Inspector, he only jus’ got his job back recently …

Kat *Agitated*  Sit down, Abby!  What ye see 'ere, luv, be a lie.  *Moves the blade of the sword closer to Metrea*  Show 'im!  Do it now willingly or ye breathe yer last.  Savvy?

Metrea *Eyes going from Kat to the blade.  Shimmers and changes, looks at Abby*  I'm sorry.  I saw no harm.  I merely wished to put you at ease.

Kat *Chuckles*  What a pretty picture … as pure as the driven snow, and that be a lie as well!  *Glances at Abby*  She's bein' a witch, and despite 'er appearance, not a white one.  Are ye still fool 'nuff te take 'er side?  What e'er she's 'ere for, it be not peace!

Abberline *looks at them both, backs off from them, eyes wide*  I - I don't know what to think or what side to take.  But she didn't do anything.  Is she your sister?  *shakes his head*  Demons and necromancers and witches and pirates ... I've had enough.

Manouche *stares as Metrea changes her appearance*  By th’ powers … *she turns back to Godalming, smiles weakly*  Well … every family ‘as issues, don’t they? …  *her voice trails off as she realizes there’s no way she’s ever going to be able to make Deppville look like average small town USA to Godalming now.  She grabs her glass, drains it, takes bottle, pours another*

Godalming:  I have never seen anything like that.  *smiles at Manouche*  Interesting, very interesting.  Would you mind putting a good word for me to Abberline?  I really need to talk with him and his wife.  You know, Miss Manouche, at first, when I came here, it seemed just to be another of those small towns, but Deppville is so much more.  Fascinating place.  *his voice trails off when a lady clad in a black and white suit and a broad brimmed hat steps into the room, stops to look at the Abberlines, and a small wicked smile lights her lips as she approaches them*  Now who's that?

Manouche:  Why … that’s th’ Inspector’s sister … I didn’t even know she was still ‘ere.  Wonder where she’s been keepin’ ‘erself?  *then she snaps her fingers*  Of course, Portsmith ‘as taken ‘er under ‘er wing, no doubt.  Who else?  *watches Lady Cynthia cross the room, then turns to Godalming*  Oh … apologies, luv.  Ye were sayin’ … a good word t’ th’ Inspector?  I’ll try, I’m not sure how much influence I’ll ‘ave.  He’s not at all keen on even so much thinkin’ about anythin’ to do with that box, much less talkin’ about it.  But I’ll try … *turns back to see what’s going on at Abberline’s table*

Lady Cynthia *marches to them, with a little polite smile on her pink lips, turns to Kat, glances at her sword*  You have got interesting accessories, but darling, I have to say that those things went out of fashion a long time ago.  *smirks lightly, then turns to Abberline*  Well, dear brother, I am do delighted to see you at last.  *puts her hands on his shoulders and gives him a light kiss on the cheek before he has time to react, then sits down gracefully in a chair*  I suppose I may join your little family lunch?

Kat *Growls*  Bloody 'ell!  *Snaps at Abby*  So ye've 'ad ‘nuff, eh?  Well luv, I'll do ye a favor.  I'll be leavin' ye te yer demons … *glances at Cynthia* … and yer blasted witches.  *glares at Metrea*  And I'll be removin' the pirate fro' your  family lunch!  *Backing toward the door*  Ta, luv.  Enjoy!  *Reaches the door and quickly makes her escape.*

Manouche *watches in amazement as Kat snarls something about “removing the pirate” and leaves the restaurant*  Oh, bloody ‘ell, this is truly serious … *she turns back to Godalming*  I – I’m afraid ye’ll be on yer own tryin’ to get an audience with th’ Inspector, mate.  I don’t believe I’ll ‘ave any influence whatsoever.  It would appear he’s revertin' to his previous contempt fer pirates.  Per’aps them two sisters got to ‘im.  If he’s turnin’ his back on Kat, I don’t stand a chance.  *she turns away from him, quickly wipes away a few tears*

Abberline *after Kat*  Good.  I am tired of being the laughing stock of this whole damn town.  *and he turns and leaves the restaurant, glances at the side and sees Manouche and Godalming at a table nearby, hesitates for a while, then his eyes go cold again*  Having fun at my expense, too?  Well, the show is over now.  *and without a further word, he walks out*

Manouche *stares after Abberline, looks back where Lady Cynthia and Metrea remain at the table, then turns back to Godalming, swallows*  Looks like I were right, luv.  I reckon th’ Inspector’s finally ‘ad it with th’ pirate population.  *sighs, looks down, composes herself, looks back up*  An’ to be honest, I reckon I’ve ‘ad it with tryin’ to prove I can be trusted.  If, after all we’ve been through, he can honestly think I were sittin’ ‘ere laughin’ at him, then so be it.  *she pours out more champagne for them both, and a waiter appears at the table with a basket of fresh bread warm from the oven, butter, and baked garlic.  She nods thanks to him, he leaves, then she looks at Godalming*  Quite th’ soap opera yer witnessin’ today, innit?  Please, Mr. Godalming, ye were so kind to bring me ‘ere, an’ it’s all so lovely.  I insist we enjoy our lunch.  If th’ Inspector an’ I are meant t’ be friends, it’ll all sort itself out somehow.  Alifi were right.  I still don’t ‘ave all me strength back … an’ I’ve got t’ quit thinkin’ I can fix th’ whole bloody world.  *smiles slightly, drinks champagne*

Godalming: For your sake I hope it will sort out - if that is what you really wish. What you least of all need now is any kind of drama. And if he underrates you like that, he isn't a friend, Miss Manouche. But let's try to get some of your strength back with the lunch, I am very intrigued of what we shall get. *pours her more champagne, then fills his own glass* It is such a long time since I have been able to have lunch with a young lady and champagne, and I am not letting anyone spoil it *glances at the table where Lady Cynthia sneers something at Metrea and gets up from the chair, straightens her hat and walks out with dignity not giving the others in the room a single look* Though I got to say that family matters tend to be the where you get hurt most badly *sighs and looks at the garlic* I can tell you my tale, but not now... 

Manouche:  Well, th’ Inspector has ‘ad a lot o’ heartache in his life.  He finds it hard t’ trust anyone for long, he’s very vulnerable an’ afraid to open up, which is why I’ve been so glad in th’ past when I’ve been able t’ get him to do jus’ that a few times.  Mind, I ain’t makin’ excuses fer ‘im ... but I like t’ try an’ understand people well before I pass judgment, savvy?  Anyway, he an’ I have ‘ad a fallin’-out or two at times, but we always seem t’ mend it.  I’m hopin’ it’ll be a little easier this time … *winks* … after all, we share a little bit o’ heart an’ soul now.  *she sips champagne, smiles*  Did ye notice they didn't even bring us menus?  They really are makin' somethin' special jus' fer us.  I'm sure Luc will be certain they take good care o’ us.  *leans closer*  I confess, I’m usin’ me dreamer abilities t’ send a message to that chef that I’m right keen fer seafood risotto at th’ moment.  A selfish misuse o' power, I'll grant.  *laughs, glances back at Metrea sitting alone, then turns back to Godalming*  Are ye sure ye don’t want t’ share yer story right now, mate?  It’d be a sight refreshin’ to give ye a chance to talk, after ye’ve seen so many insider tales of some of our locals.  But it’s up to you … when ye feel ready t’ tell it, I’d love to hear it.

Through town / At Bournemouth House:

Abberline *calms down after he has gone out, feeling still angry with Kat, and very much ashamed of what he said to Manouche, but he couldn't bear to be humiliated in front of her eyes, for a while he tries to decide whether he should go back and apologize, but the damage is already done, so he turns slowly around and walks through the park, seeing a glimpse of the port through the foliage, with the Apparition and Malachi standing in front of it, and suddenly he understands the warning he received from him and he understands why Kat came to Celeste; he clenches his fists, but decides to ignore Malachi for now, and he wants to avoid the port because he knows that Kat must be at the Apparition. That's where she always flees, to her greatest love ... And without thinking where he is going, he returns home*

Miranda *gives a horrified shout, she has been in the living room trying on some jewelry she found there, still in the wedding dress, when Abberline enters the living room*  I am so sorry, Mr. Abberline, but it was such a beautiful dress, I know I shouldn't have touched it, but I couldn't resist ... I want life and beauty so desperately, and love ... *and she bursts into tears*

Abberline *looks at her for long*  Please don't cry, you did nothing wrong.  As for the dress, you can keep it.

Miranda *stops weeping and blinks*  It wasn't - was it for me?  But why?

Abberline:  Yes, it's for you.

Miranda *runs to him and hugs him*  Thank you, thank you!  It is the most beautiful dress I ever have seen, but isn't it a wedding gown?

Abberline:  Sooner or later you are going to need one.  *manages a smile at her*  And you can choose what you want from the jewels.

Miranda *blushes*  I do hope so, that one day I will be able to carry it ... You are too kind to me.  *her eyes start to fill up again*  But I will go and change it now.  *turns back at the doorway*  I have made dinner, I was expecting Kat back soon, it is in the oven and I hope it will not burn or turn too dry.

Abberline *shrugs*  Thanks, Miranda.  We don't have to wait for her.

At Celeste:

Godalming:  You have a kind heart, Miss Manouche, and I am sure that you land in trouble all the time for it.  *winks*  It's not good to wear the heart on the sleeve, as they say.  Let him do the mending, after all it was very rude of him to lash out at you.  But now to the important matters.  *drinks champagne*  I think I would be in the mood for seafood risotto.  *takes a slice of bread and spreads butter on it, looking at the garlic*  I am not sure that we should sadden this occasion with my story, but maybe it can make you feel better, especially after losing your husband in a horrible way.  But I want to say that as long as he is not found, there is hope.  *drinks more champagne*  You are not alone.  For a long time ago, when I was young, I was engaged to a girl called Lucy, she was lively and beautiful and she had other suitors as well, but I managed to win her heart.  We were happy and preparing for our wedding, when she suddenly fell ill and became weak.  She recovered but then again, her state turned worse and worse, she wasted and withered away before my eyes and the doctors could do nothing for her, and I watched helplessly how she finally died and was laid to rest in a sepulcher in a white dress, and I said goodbye to her for good.  That is what I thought.  *his face turns grim, and he looks at Manouche as if asking if he should go on, and finally he decides to continue*  To my utter horror, there began to spread rumors of a beautiful lady clad in white shrouds who attacked and bit children at night - yes, a vampire, my bride had turned into a foul vampire, and my friends told me that she has to be destroyed, and that she was not my Lucy anymore, but I didn't believe them until they took me to a vigil at the graveyard, and after midnight we saw a white shadow flitting towards Lucy's burial chamber, and when it came nearer, it looked like Lucy, but it had nasty fangs, and red eyes burning with an unholy fire, and when the thing saw me it spread its arms and called to me, and though it was horrid, and lascivious and repulsive, I was drawn to it, and I would have gone to it, but my friends restrained me.  That night … *he stops and looks aside* … that night, I myself, with these hands, drove a stake through her heart, and she shrieked and spewed blasphemies over us, eyes burning with a hellish fire, but when the deed was done, she was my Lucy again, dead and peaceful ...  That's all.  I hope I am not upsetting you too much.

Manouche *listens, concerned, and by the end of his story, she has tears in her eyes*  Blimey … so ye really do know what I been goin’ through.  ‘Cept fer you it were much worse.  *she reaches across the table, puts her hand over his*  It must’ve been th’ hardest thing in th’ world t’ do, luv, but ye must know ye did th’ right thing.  Sh-she wouldn’t ‘ave been able t’ rest otherwise.  Ye granted ‘er peace.  I’m truly sorry fer what ye went through.  I’ll continue t’ hope fer me Mr. Blake … but if his fate’s th’ same as yer Lucy’s, then I’d just as soon he weren’t returnin’ at all.  Well, as with her, it wouldn’t be ‘im anymore, would it?  *looks up, smiles as the waiter brings two small salads, looks back at him*  Ye didn’t upset me … matter o’ fact, I reckon this makes you th’ only person I know who can truly appreciate what I’m goin’ through.  All me mates ‘ave been most kind, but … they none of ‘em really understand what it were like, t’ see ‘im with them monsters … an’ I hope they never do understand it.  *tries the salad, nods approvingly*  Y’know … per’aps doin’ research an’ writin’ on vampires may prove therapeutic fer ye, mate.  Fer better or worse, I reckon this is as good a town as any t’ start.  After yer grand success with th’ book on th’ soul box, that is.  *raises her glass, grins*  To that Pulitzer Prize with yer name on it.  *drinks*

Godalming:  That is the only reason I wanted to tell it to you, you are not alone.  But it happened a long time ago and I have done my grieving.  You can talk anytime you want with me, I am ready to listen to you and help you.  But let me tell this:  If he were turned into a vampire, he would have been here already.  The vampires are always drawn to those who were nearest to them in life, and that makes me suspect that your husband has not suffered that fate.  *smiles warmly*  And there are bad things happening in life even without them.  Like bad cooking.  *he tastes the salad* … and fortunately we don't have to suffer that today.  This is excellent.  I can't wait for the main course.  *raises his glass*  You will get a special thanks on the first page of my Pulitzer Prize book.

Manouche *spreads some garlic on a piece of bread*  I confess, I know very little o’ vampires.  Soon after Mr. Blake went missin’, Kat told me I should contact Jerod … ‘e’s a vampire who lives ‘ere, or he used t’ live ‘ere, now I’m not so sure.  Kat said he might be able to help.  I don’t reckon a day’s gone by since it 'appened that I ‘aven’t been by his house in hopes o’ talkin’ with ‘im … but he’s never there.  Th’ house don’t look abandoned, so I keep hopin’ he’ll come back an’ per’aps shed some light, as it were.  I hope he’ll be back … he’d be a good’un to talk to if ye start writin’ on th’ subject.  What little interaction I ‘ad with him were agreeable.  It would appear not all vampires are instantly our enemies … but it’s all very complicated t’ me.  Jerod even warned Malachi an’ me of th’ danger we were in, due t’ our unfortunate resemblance to an ancient couple that another vampire ‘ad it in for.  If ye ever get t’ see inside Jerod’s house, ye’ll see th’ old paintin’.  It’s uncanny, th’ couple looks jus’ like Malachi an’ me.  Her name were Danielle Charron, an’ the bloke’s name were LaCroix.  *looks down*  That other vampire, ‘er name is Loralee … she an’ a mate, they’re th’ ones who took me Mr. Blake … it were my fault, her vendetta were with me, an’ she used ‘im to get her revenge on me ... er, rather, on this Danielle, who she were mistakin' me for.  I – I ‘ave t’ live with that.  *pauses, blinks back tears*  Anyway … I do still ‘ave a journal that Jerod gave me, which explained a great deal o’ that story.  I’d be happy t’ show it to ye at some point, I’m sure ye’d find it interestin’.  *takes a drink of champagne*  Yer so right, mate, there are bad things ‘appenin’ in life, no matter what.  But there’s plenty o’ good things, as well.  I must introduce ye to me brother an’ sister, Willy an’ Madame, th’ Wonkas.  Ye’ve no doubt heard o’ Willy, an’ his Chocolate Factory.  They’ve taken me under their wing, in a manner o’ speakin’, we ain’t exactly blood relations, but we’re close as can be.  I jus’ helped deliver Madame’s triplets not long ago, an’ they’re beautiful.  Ye’ll get t’ meet ‘em all, an’ I’m sure Willy’ll be ‘appy t’ show ye about th’ factory.  He’s always very keen on that particular subject.  *laughs*

Godalming:  Yes, I would be very interested in meeting this Jerod and reading the journal.  So far the vampires I've met have all been corrupted, and I have to say that I have disposed of more than one vampire in my lifetime.  I maybe could help you against there vile creatures.  I understand your grief, but I doubt there's anything you could have done.  *smiles and looks at the garlic she put on her bread, then takes some himself*  I have heard of Willy Wonka and his factory, who wouldn't, and I would be delighted to meet him and his family and see the enigmatic factory.  I see that you are not alone at all, you have the Wonkas and Malachi ... There never can be enough good friends.  I gather you said that Mrs. Abberline was also a good friend of yours.  *grins*  I would very much like to meet her, too.  I greatly admired her attitude.

Manouche:  Aye, Kat an’ I are mates.  I reckon she would be willin’ to meet you, ‘specially if ye put it that way, admirin' her attitude.  *smiles*  No, I’m not alone.  I had been cravin’ a certain amount o’ solitude after I lost Mr. Blake, an’ it were good fer me … but I ‘ave fine friends ‘ere.  I seldom ‘ave to be alone.  *looks up as waiter and Luc approach the table, the waiter carrying a large tray, and Luc carrying a bottle*

Luc:  Here we are … as I suspected, Gaston took it upon himself to make a couple of entrees for just the two of you.  He wanted to take advantage of the fresh seafood just arrived today, as well as the wild Alaskan salmon, so we have a seafood risotto … and poached salmon with steamed vegetables.  Also, I … what is it, cherie?  *looks at Manouche*

Manouche *grinning at Godalming’s amazement at the seafood risotto*  Nothin’, luv.  Go on …

Luc *raises eyebrow, then shrugs, holds up bottle*  As  was saying, I’ve taken the liberty of selecting a wine – from Alsace, Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg, 2002.  *uncorks, pours a little into a glass for Godalming to sample*  I believe you’ll find it’s the perfect accompaniment.  *waits for Godalming’s approval*