At Bournemouth House:

Abberline *drifts off to a light sleep, and maybe it is the absinthe he drank as a nightcap, but he sees a shabby tavern full with pirates, and among them he can spot a dark haired one with an absinthe bottle.  Kat?  No, the scene gets clearer, it is not Kat, it is Manouche, and he can sense that she is not drinking there for fun, but then his mind wanders off, and he is grateful that it wasn't Kat, that she is sleeping beside him, he can feel the heat from her body, and he embraces her and pulls her still closer, and she turns toward him, but he knows that something is wrong, and he gasps in horror when she sees her face, a dead face with a greenish hue with sickening dark spots and sunken cheeks and eyelids, and then the eyes start to open slowly, and then he sees nothing and feels he's suffocating, he's knows that he's wrapped in a rug and buried in the middle of a cornfield, and he wakes up with a scream.  He's immediately wide awake and there is no Kat beside him, because she is dead, she's dead ... *  Oh gods ... Kat ...  *It's still night, but he gets up fast and dresses, lights a cigarette as he leaves the house, not really knowing where he's going.  While he's on the driveway, another vision hits him like a bolt, and he staggers, it has never been like this for him, so lifelike and forceful, he's in the morgue, standing beside a body of a woman lying on a stretchers, and he feels a very sharp pain in his chest, not daring to take a closer look, but he knows  what he will see, she's dead, she's dead she's dead .... Oh Kat, she's dead ... He feels tears streaming down his face while he struggles with the increasing pain, and he knows that not even the shared heartbeat of Manouche can keep his heart beating on anymore, but at least they will be together then, he and Kat, if there is anywhere to go, he wants to follow her, and then he lifts the covers, wanting to see her for a last time, barely managing to lift the cover for his aching chest, and before everything turn black in his eyes, he takes a strand of her hair and looks at it for long.  It's red.  It's not Kat!  The face isn't hers either, it is someone familiar but he doesn't care a bit about who it is.  It's not Kat, thank gods.  But the pain will not go away even if a huge wave of relief floods over him.  He drops on his knees, and the body fades away, and he's back in front of Bournemouth House, still on his knees, trying to get up, realizing he can't, and the pain fills his eyes entirely before he faints*

At Tortuga:

Manouche *head down on the table, mumbling, suddenly she shoots up to a straight sitting position, her eyes wide, her face white as a sheet, heart beating furiously*  Damn … Fred, BREATHE, mate … *she clings to the edge of the table, steadies her breathing, finally feels the pressure in her chest easing up a little; after a few minutes, she chances a deep breath, and gulps in the air gratefully, smoky and dank though it is.  She caps the absinthe bottle, rises, tucks it into a deep pocket, looks around*  Corso … Corso!  *she doesn’t see him anywhere, thinks he must’ve found someone to spend some time with.  She weaves through the room a little unsteadily, makes her way to the door.  She’s got to find Kat, NOW.  She tries but cannot sense at all where she is, and she swears softly under her breath; if only she could control these visions.  She steps outside, looks around at the confusion in the streets, decides there’s nothing for it but to comb the town and keep alert to her senses.  She starts down the street, away from the port, deeper into the village, concentrating on Kat*

Corso *fills the glasses for both of the ladies to the brim, spilling some on the table*  So, what are you two up to for tonight?  If it is something to do with drinking, carousing, plundering and pillaging, count me in.  *both of the wenches laugh and grab their glasses*  Mind you, the rum will not be gone if you'll stay with me ...

Tiffany (wench #1) *brings an arm around Corso’s waist, giggling loudly; leans close to him, sticks her tongue out, licks his cheek*  Deany-weeny, what’s yer pleasure tonight?  Or do ya plan to drink, carouse, plunder an’ pillage all at once?  *she and the other wench laugh hysterically, and she reaches down and squeezes Corso’s behind*

Corso *Thrilled and delighted, laughs again.  These are the kind of women he likes to be with*  All at once and make it a double!

LaChandra (wench #2) *cackles and cozies up to his other side*  Now don’t go wearin’ yerself out, lil’ Dean-sicle, the night is bloomin’ young.  *grins at her friend*  Which is more’n anyone can say fer th’ pair of us, innit, dearie?  *she and Tiffany laugh uproariously, start running their hands over Corso’s chest, and LaChandra manages to lift his wallet*

At an undisclosed Tortuga location:

Kat *Sleeping on a cot is awakened by a familiar voice.  Her eyes fly open and she leaps to her feet and stares at the man in disbelief.*  You're dead!!

Nate *Smirks*  Sorry to disappoint you love but then that's something you should be used to.  Being disappointed by men.  I know what you're doing and thanks to Marchand I even know why.

Kat *Stammers*  Marchand lives as well?

Nate:  A new and improved Marchand you might say.  That husband of yours is already cheating with every willing slut in Deppville.  Didn't take long, did it?  *Laughs*  Still want to risk your life for him?  Marchand's willing to make a deal with you.  Forget these Tortuga whores.  Leave them to their fates.  Join him, serve him and in return you'll live long and well.

Kat:  I'm not inclined to trust either of you, with reason.  What does he really want??

Nate:  One of your brats, either will do.  You can keep the other.  Then there's the gypsy trash.  You see, he no longer needs your heart.  He has your mother’s.

Kat:  That be impossible.  She's long outta 'is reach!!

Nate *Complacently*  You forget what he is, my dear.  A Necromancer’s power derives from the dead.  He's found and retrieved her body.  A reanimated zombie with no choice but to serve him.

Kat *Shudders*  I will do naught for 'im!!

Nate *Sighs*  Oh but you will.  *Lifts his open hand blows what appears to be dust at her.*

Kat *Gasps and coughs*  What the 'ell was that??

Nate:  Your father's alternate plan.  In a few moments, you'll feel the effects and become much more complacent and very obedient.  *Snickers*

In another part of Tortuga:

Manouche *moving swiftly through the streets, watching carefully for anything that might lead her to Kat, suddenly doubles over in severe pain*  Ohhh, by th’ powers, what’s this … *she breaks into a sweat as she sees Kat, but she still can’t see where she is … she’s in a cell of some sort, she believes it’s here in Tortuga … and then her heart freezes with horror as she sees Nate*  NOO!!  It can’t be … that black devil … Lay off Kat, ye bastard, leave 'er be!!!!  *she moans, then slips into an alleyway so the scallywags around her won’t take notice of her weakened condition – just in time before losing her strength and dropping to the ground.  She trembles, but she stubbornly maintains consciousness; she MUST find out where Kat is … *

At Bournemouth House:

Abberline *comes to, the pain receding, mumbles*  Manouche .... find her for me ... *he sits up on the pavement, then slowly and carefully rises up.  It seems that a part of her heart and soul are much stronger than his whole heart.  There's nothing he can do now, and he turns slowly back to the house, when he stops in his tracks.  The red hair ... It could have been Daphne?  Maybe something has happened to her?  He can't wait till dawn to know if his intuition is right.  It usually is, which makes him worried.  He walks to Chez Roux and bangs at the door till a sleepy Roux peeks out and asks what the hell he wants*  This is police duty.  I have to see immediately Daphne.  Where is her room?  Which is the number?  *Without waiting for an answer, he shoves Roux aside and grabs the reception book, searching for her name, and when he finds it, he darts up the stairs and bangs at her door*

In Tortuga:

Grace, Ichy and Gibson *walk quietly along the dirt road, all keeping a watchful eye on the people passing them by, hoping to recognize someone from The Apparition’s crew.  As they pass a dark alleyway, Grace casually casts a side-glance towards it, then stops in her tracks and squint her eyes in an effort to see through the darkness.  She motions for the others to wait for her as she cautiously draws nearer, certain she saw something.  At first relieved to see it’s Manouche – she’ll surely know how to locate Kat – but then she grows concerned as she notices that Manouche is not well at all.  Carefully*  Manouche, mate, it’s Grace … what’s wrong?  What ‘appened?

Manouche *crouched down, hears her name, thinks for a moment it must be another hallucination; she opens her eyes, looks up fearfully, feels enormous relief as she sees Grace*  Oh, blimey, Grace!  *she rises up, flings her arms around her*  Yer a sight fer sore eyes, an’ that’s a fact!  *she holds her at arm’s length*  What ‘appened … long story, luv.  I’m ‘ere lookin’ fer Kat … I been seein’ th’ most ‘orrible things, but … blast it, I can’t tell where she is.  I’m pretty certain she’s ‘ere in Tortuga, an’ I think she’s locked up, in a cell somewhere.  I arrived with Corso, he’s about somewhere … ‘cept as ye can imagine, he’s preoccupied with his favorite pastime second only t’ books.  *she pauses, then places a hand on Grace’s shoulder*  Grace, mate, before we do another thing … find a phone, ring Donnie, tell ‘im yer sound.  Tell ‘im ye miss ‘im … tell ‘im ye love ‘im.  Don’t ask why, jus’ do it.  *smiles slightly*

Grace *smiles reassuringly*  Not te worry, luv.  We’ll find Kat … *nods towards Ichy*  Ichabod Crane is lookin’ fer her too; Gibson, me first mate, ran inte him an’ brought him te the Brave soon as he started askin’ about Kat.  *Laughs a little*  Aye, I can imagine what Corso be up te.  *Looks at Manouche puzzled*  Did ye ‘ave a vision about Donnie?  *Concerned*  He’s not hurt, is he?

Manouche *looks over, surprised to see Ichy*  Constable Crane … *arches a brow*  Bloody ‘ell, what’s that yer wearin’, luv?  *can’t help but grin*  Not yer usual fastidious self, are ye?  But per’aps that’s best under these circs, as ye’ve no doubt come t’ realize.  *nods hello to Gibson, then turns back to Grace*  Donnie’s fine, he’s jus’ missin’ ye, an’ he’s worried.  Don’t put ‘im through it, mate, it’s a terrible mistake.  Take five minutes, put his mind at ease, an’ then we can continue.  *leans closer, lowers her voice*  An’ if, in talkin’ to ‘im, ye feel ye need t’ run to ‘im, DO it.  Sod all th’ rest, savvy?  No one ‘ere’ll think any th’ less o’ ye, I’ll see t’ that.  It ain’t that we don’t need yer assist … rather, it’s that I don’t want t’ see ye bearin’ that regret.  It’s a heavy burden.  Trust me, ye don’t want no part of it.

Grace *grins a little at Ichy’s outfit, but instantly turns serious at the thought of Donnie.  It wasn’t fair to leave the way she did and she’s not even sure why she did it.  Maybe it was a reaction to the shooting, but no matter what the reason, it wasn’t right.  Blinks away tears and smiles a little*  Aye, I hear ye.  I’ll give ‘im a ring soon as I find a phone.  *Looks down*  But I can’t go back jus’ yet.  I made a promise te me crew that we’d go pirating, so pirating we’ll do.  I ain’t ne’er broke a promise te me crew an’ I ain’t about te do it now.  I reckon they’d be about ready te maroon me on some god-forsaken spit o’ land, iffen I do, savvy?

Ichy:  Ladies, please, can we go on with our quest after Kat?  And Raven please, would you mind stop digging your claws into my shoulder.  Manouche, did you say she was in a cell?  Where can we find a cell on this godforsaken island?

Manouche *stares at Grace, incredulous; grabs her by the shoulders and starts to say something sharp, then stops herself.  Smiles, pats Grace’s shoulder, releases her*  It’s up t’ you, luv.  If I were you, I wouldn’t make that decision till after I speak t’ Donnie.  Yer Captain o’ The Brave, mate, an’ ye ‘ave powers o’er yer blasted crew.  Any attempts at maroonin’ can be dispersed with a little convenient telekinesis on yer part.  Or ‘ave ye forgotten yer own gifties an’ advantages?  Must never do that.  It’s not only un-befittin’ a pirate … it’s bloody dangerous.  Ye can do as ye wish, an’ hang th’ scurvy crew what mutinies against yer decisions.  Te my way o’ thinkin’, yer promise t’ Donnie is a sight more precious than a promise t’ any crew.  Jus’ talk to ‘im.  *she steps back, staggers a bit and cocks her head as she senses something; recovers, blinks as her head seems to clear a bit, smiles at Grace*  Now, while ye make yer call, I’m returnin’ to that tavern where I left Corso.  I ‘ave an idea.  I’ll meet ye back ‘ere in two shakes, savvy?  *she turns to Gibson and Ichy*  Gibson … good t’ see ye again, mate, it’s been too long.  *looks at Ichy, takes in his disguise*  Constable Crane … nice hat.  *looks at Raven, perched on Ichy’s shoulder.  She quickly guards her fears from him, winks reassuringly; murmurs*  No worries, lil’ mate, we’ll find ‘er. 

At Vice Mayor Lisa’s and Cesar’s house:

*The sun shines in the windows of the house ... it's a glorious day. Lisa sits in the corner, smoking a cigarette, trying to keep her mouth shut.  She's very aggravated with Cesar, but doesn't want to make matters worse.  Cesar is packing his things.  He told her he needed to go on a journey.  He's been home for so long, and a good adventure appeals to him at the moment.*

Lisa:  So when will you be back?

Cesar:  We've discussed this; I'll be gone for a week.

Lisa *bites her tongue yet again, not wanting to fight with him as he leaves. 'He does this once a year; accept it.. it's not worth fighting over. Besides, you can get a lot done while he's gone.' *  It's just .... well, I'll miss you.  I just hate when you leave like this. 

Cesar *stops what he's doing, comes to her, and hugs her tightly.*  I'll miss you; you know that.  I love you.

Lisa:  I love you too.  I just hate when you do this ...

Cesar:  I know, but I'll be back before you know it.  *He kisses her ... touches her face and looks at her with his dark brown eyes.  The brown eyes that melt her*

Lisa:  Go ahead, then.  Finish your packing.  *She goes back to the confines of her corner; still sulking.*

At Tortuga:

Grace *looks after Manouche as she runs off, feeling rather foolish*

Gibson *approaches her carefully*  The gypsy made a good point, Captain.  *Continues on despite the glare he’s receiving from Grace*  I sailed with ye before an’ after ye met Mr. Brasco … an I seen the pair o’ ye together; I were first mate on yer honeymoon.  What I be tryin’ te say … pirating is a fine goal te be sure, but ye don’t want te mess with a good thing.  Te quote another great pirate, not all treasure is silver an’ gold, mate.  Savvy?

Grace *her glare softens as she listens to him; she knows both he and Manouche are right.  Looks at him with tears in her eyes; clears her throat and speaks in commanding tone, but with a sparkle in her eyes*  Don’t ferget yer talkin’ te yer Captain.  Now go fetch the crew an’ tell ‘em te return te the Brave in case we be needin’ te leave this bloody island.

Gibson *smiles*  Aye, Captain!  *Runs off to the tavern where he last saw the crew*

Grace *To Ichy*  Right, ye wait ‘ere fer Manouche; I ‘ave te go find a phone.  Iffen she comes back before me, tell ‘er that I won’t be doin’ anything unbefittin’ a pirate.  She’ll know what ye mean.  *Leaves Ichy and heads for the nearest tavern; she quickly manages to talk the bar-keep into letting her use the phone in the back where it’s a bit more quiet than by the pay-phone.  A little nervously, she dials the number to Arwen*

At Arwen:

Donnie *has more or less passed out on the couch; he continued drinking after Isabella left and eventually fell asleep.  He’s awoken by the loud ring from the phone, sits up a little too fast and supports his throbbing head with his hand as he picks up the phone; hopeful*  Grace?

Grace *realizes how much she misses him the moment she hears his voice; softly*  How’d ye know it were me?

Donnie *breathes a sigh of release*  Grace!  Thank God, you’re alright.  *Smiles a little*  Every time the phone rings, I hope it’s you.

Grace *is quiet for a moment while trying keep from crying, but she can’t*  I’m so sorry, luv.  It were wrong o’ me te take off like that.  I don’t even know why I did it.  Please forgive me, I luv ye so much.

Donnie *feels his eyes turning wet; clears his throat*  You really put me through Hell, Grace.  But of course I forgive you.  Just … *imploringly*  Please come home.  Please … I can’t, I can’t do this without you.  I love you too much.  I need my pirate.  

Grace *feels torn; she doesn’t want to abandon friends in need, but she can tell by the raspy sound of his voice that he’s been drinking and he sound so utterly desperate.  Manouche and Kat are both very capable and Ichy are there too … and Corso if they can tear him away from his entertainment.  They’ll manage without her; they’re bloody well gonna have to!  Softly*  I already sent Gibson te fetch the crew.

Donnie *Sighs heavily, so relieved that he’ll get his Gracie back*  I’ll meet you at the docks.  *Hesitates*  We’re going to have to talk about this …

Grace *Quietly*  Aye, I know.  I luv ye, Donnie Brasco.

Donnie *smiles*  I love you too.  **They hang up and Grace returns to Ichy, having decided to wait for Manouche to tell her that she won’t be able to help find Kat*