Part 164

At Rártigillichal:

Donnie *the sun is slowly setting as he reaches Rártigillichal; it was already late when he left Arwen and he spent the remainder of the night on the long walk to the docks. He tried to buy a passage on a ship to Tortuga, but despite the offer of money, no one would let him onboard without a search-warrant. He had almost given up when he spotted The Libertine Trailer. Knowing that Manouche was on Tortuga, he had assumed the ship was gone too, but there it was and there was his solution. Surely, Blake will want to go to Manouche just as much as he wants to go to Grace. He walks up to the front door and knocks, calling out* Blake? You in there? It’s Donnie Brasco.

Blake *answers the door, a little bleary-eyed, holding a half-full glass of brandy; he responds, his speech a little slurred* Donnie! What brings you here? *he opens the door, waves him in* C’mon, it’s cocktail hour … *he leads Donnie into the living room, walks over to the buffet, pours a drink, brings it to Donnie, hands him the glass* Here you go, Chief Inspector Brasco … congratulations on your promotion. *he taps his glass against Donnie’s, drinks, looks at him* Have you come to observe the fall of a poet who was too stupid to know how good he had it? *he drops down on the sofa, runs a hand through his hair* She hasn’t been home, nobody’s seen her … after what happened, I wouldn’t be surprised if she never wants to see me again. I just keep imagining the look on her face, what she must’ve thought when she … *voice trails off, he shakes his head, looks up at Donnie, arches a brow* What brings you here, Donnie? Police work? More commiserating on our mystical wives? Or maybe you’re in trouble with yours, too. Don’t tell me you’ve had a fall from Grace … *he laughs at his joke, but the laugh is mirthless; he takes another drink, gazing into the fireplace*

Donnie *at first looks at Blake with concern; something must have happened between him and Manouche, but as Blake mentions Grace, he glares at him. The joke doesn’t not amuse. Sets the glass down; he’s already tried drowning his sorrows, it didn’t work.* Manouche and Grace are both at Tortuga, Grace called late last night. I need to get there … and by the looks of it, so do you. So put down the drink and let’s go. It’s not going to block her out anyway. Trust me, I’ve already tried.

Blake *looks at him quickly* Tortuga? With Grace? That’s a relief, I’m glad to hear she’s safe. *he looks at the glass, sets it down, sighs* I know this doesn’t work, I just … *he looks up at Donnie* There are other things, Donnie. Perhan has disappeared, we took Manouche’s ship out to look for her, an’ … *swallows, gazes into the fireplace again* How can I face her? One of her good friends gone missing, on top of what I did … *buries his face in his hands*

Donnie *Looks at him* Do you love her? ‘Cause if you do, then don’t sit around here waiting. Go find her and talk to her. *Puts his hand on Blake’s shoulder; sympathetically* I know it’s not easy … Grace took off too, without much warning and I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to see her again. But then she called … twice. The second time to tell me that Manouche had a vision and I had to get out of the house. I … I don’t know if whoever is after me is after her too. *Imploringly* I have to get to my wife, Blake. I’d ask to borrow The Libertine Trailer, but I don’t have a clue how to sail it. I need your help. Please!

Blake *looks up at him, stricken* Of course I love her. *he stands up* You’re right, it won’t do any good to put this off, especially now that I know where she is. *looks at Donnie, nods* Tortuga it is. Let me make some coffee first, I gotta snap out of it. An’ we better take some weapons. Wait here, I won’t be more’n ten minutes. *he starts to leave the room, turns* Thanks, Donnie.

Donnie *smiles a little* Happy to help … I only wish someone had done the same for me, before … *looks down* Never mind. *Forces a smile* Coffee would be nice.

Blake: Comin’ up. *he runs to the kitchen, starts a pot of coffee, finds a thermos so they can take some with them to the ship. He goes into his office to find his pistol, grabs another one for Donnie. He starts out of the room, then stops as he passes his desk, sees the framed photo of Manouche. He picks it up, looks at it for a long time. Finally he kisses it gently, sets it back down on his desk, returns to the kitchen. When the coffee finishes brewing, he fills the thermos, caps it tightly, takes it and goes back to the living room, where Donnie is waiting* C’mon, let’s get started, we can have coffee on the ship once we’re under way. *he hands Donnie one of the pistols, they leave the house, he locks the door behind them; they jump into Blake’s car, he starts it up, tears out of the drive, heads toward town, to the docks*

Alifi *watches them from a window in the guest house, nods, satisfied* Good man, Blake. Good luck to both of you. Zhan le Devlesa tai sastimasa. *she continues gazing out the window long after they’re gone, tapping the Tower card gently against the glass*

At From Hell Court:

*The men stop the car at From Hell Court and march Abberline out, slam him against a wall, and the third man hits him*

The man: Salome's case will be closed tomorrow. It will, unfortunately, remain unsolved, unless you find out that some blackguard was after her wallet and simply shot him. You know that such things happen in Deppville. You will go to the Office tomorrow and file your report. *he takes a folded paper and puts it in his pocket.* And since we all know how little time you like to spend at your desk, I have been graceful enough to make you a draft.

Abberline *defiantly* And what if I don't?

The man *shrugs* There will be a little orphan girl in town, Inspector. I suppose I don't have to say anymore. *he punches him very hard in the stomach, and the men let him glide down on the ground. He looks at the unconscious Abberline with contempt, kicks him in the rib and signs for his men to leave* Goodbye, Inspector. It was nice talking to you.

At Tortuga:

Manouche *in the main cabin on the 12th Commandment, watches Raven pacing; speaks gently* Lil’ mate, yer too young t’ be so anxious.

Raven *looks at her* I don’t know what else to do, I hate just waitin’ here. Can’t we go look for her?

Manouche *shakes her head* We ‘ave t’ stay ‘ere fer a bit, in case one o’ them scallywags out there who heard our offer decides t’ take us up on it. If it worked, they’ll come ‘ere lookin’ fer th’ reward, an’ they’ll bring Kat with ‘em. *smiles* She could be on ‘er way to us this very minute.

Raven *doubtful* You think so? *pauses* I can’t see her at all. Can you see her?

Manouche *sighs* No, sorry, luv, I really can’t. But don’t give up. I’m sure we’d know if – *she stops talking as she feels something coming on again* Oh, blimey …

Raven *rushes to her* You’re seein’ something! Is it Mother?

Manouche: I … I don’t think so, it’s … *voice trails off as she sees From Hell Court, and she groans, doubles over as she feels a terrible blow to the stomach. With a huge effort, she shuts the vision of Abberline’s beating away from Raven. The vision slowly recedes, and she manages to take a deep breath as the pain fades; she looks at Raven carefully* N-nothin’, luv, jus’ … I dunno, bad vermouth in them martinis, per’aps. *straightens up, smiles weakly as she tugs at the waistband of Portsmith’s short skirt* Maybe this bloody uniform is too tight.

Raven *knows she’s hiding something from him, but he can’t see what it is; he plays along, for both their benefit* M-maybe you should change back to your clothes …

Manouche: No, I’d best keep in costume a bit longer, in case someone shows. We’ll wait a little longer, an’ if no one’s forthcomin’, we’ll head out, find Grace an’ Constable Crane, see if they’ve ‘ad any luck. Savvy? *Raven nods, she pats his shoulder* Now, how ‘bout fetchin’ me a glass o’ th’ Commander’s good port? A proper drink is what’s needed. *Raven smiles a little uncertainly, runs to the adjoining room. Manouche watches him go, smile fades, she finds a cigarette, lights it; concentrates on Abberline; murmurs softly* Breathe, mate …

Tortuga, undisclosed location:

Nate *Leads Kat into the next room, after questioning her on the whereabouts of the missing wenches, where Chip waits.*

Chip: Well what did ye find out?

Nate: That your wenches are a great deal smarter than you are. Kat doesn't know where they are.

Chip: She's lying, she's gotta know. There 'as to be some plan to make contact with 'em!!

Nate *Smirks* She can't lie and it makes perfect sense. She can't tell what she don't know. I suggest you look for a spy in your midst. *Glances around* Perhaps sweep this place for bugs.

Kat *giggles* Ain't no bugs 'ere mate. Too many spiders. Spiders eat bugs ye know. They spin purtyful webs and trap 'em, ye see. *Grins*

Nate: She's of no use to you. Do as I said. A spy would lead you to them and any spy device would need someone nearby listening. Come along Kat, we'll leave the spiders to their work. *Pushes past Chip and once outside he keeps to the alleys.*

At Tortuga:

Grace *after Manouche and Raven leave, turns to Ichy* Right, mate. We best start lookin’ around then … *they start going from tavern to tavern asking for Kat, but everyone is keeping their business even closer to the vest than usual. Not even the various threats of the sword, pistol or turning them all into toads seem to have much effect. Despite wanting to help her friend in need, her mind is still in Deppville wondering if Donnie is alright. If those men are watching the house, they’ll see him leave and might choose a different method than originally planned. If only she’d never left … As they leave yet another tavern, she looks at Ichy apologetically* I’m sorry, mate, but I don’t think we’re going te find Kat this way …

Ichy *frowns, looks at her* We have to keep looking until we find a better way. I just can't wait and see. If you won't do it, I'll go on on my own.

Grace *rolls her eyes* Fine, we’ll keep looking. Can’t have ye runnin’ around Tortuga all on yer onesies … *grins* Ye already lost yer clothes by doin’ that. Do ye at least ‘ave a suggestion? No one’s talkin’, mate. *she and Ichy rounds a corner, then suddenly she holds an arm out to stop him and motions for him to stay quiet. She watches the two figures keeping to the shadows, recognizing one as Kat. She tries to think of a good plan, grins a little and then approaches them; points at Kat* That pirate belongs te me, mate. Hand ‘er over, she owes me money an’ I ain’t leavin’ without it.

*Nate scowls as Kat looks around and grins foolishly*

Kat: What pirate? I don't see no pirate.

Nate: Stand clear wench! I have no time for your nonsense! Move aside I say or there'll be one less strumpet in Tortuga.

Grace *wonders what they gave Kat; sighs and rolls her eyes* Ye don’t want te be threatening me, mate. Ye ain’t threatening any ol’ strumpet, savvy? *Uses her telekinetic abilities and forcefully pushes Nate so he falls to the ground* Time te run, mate. *Grabs Kat by the arm and they run towards the docks, followed by Ichy.*

Nate *Gets to his feet glaring after them* Bitch!

Marchand/Serge *Appearing from nowhere* No problem, things have just moved along faster that I anticipated. Kat has her instructions. Her friends are proving unusually helpful. You should be rewarded. One of the Tortuga strumpets unwittingly chose to hide herself in the cave I was occupying. She's incapacitated at the moment but I'm certain your tender care would bring her around. *Smiles* Enjoy.

At the Security office:

Isabella *was hoping to have a word with Donnie about what happened between them before starting at the Security Office. She knows that it was a big mistake and wasn’t planned on anyone’s part, but she still wants him to know that it never even crossed her mind when she decided to pay him a visit. She wants him to know it wasn’t her agenda; she only wanted some company and possibly make a friend. But when she enters the Security building she’s met by a rather slutty-looking secretary who informs her that ‘Chief Inspector Brasco’ is not available. The secretary gives her the once-over and looks at her coldly when she asks for directions to Officer Hanson’s office as she’s to be his new partner, but the secretary still directs Isabella to his office. She ignores the glares from her as she rounds the corner and walks down the hall. She quickly finds the right office and knocks*

Hanson *resting his head on his desk almost asleep; Brasco called him at the crack of dawn to tell him he wouldn’t be coming in for a while and that Hanson was getting a new partner. A recruit starting today. He was a little annoyed at the thought of having to work with someone without a clue of how to do police-work, but when Brasco explained who it was, it wasn’t so bad. The girl handled herself pretty well in From Hell Court … although, his pride won’t quite allow him to admit it, maybe she handled herself better than he did that day. Looks up as he hears the knock on the door, rubs his eyes a bit and runs a hand through his hair* Come in … *yawns*

Isabella *enters and laughs a little as he yawns loudly* Good-morning. *Shakes his hand* I’m Isabella Martin, I’m suppose to start today.

Hanson: Tom Hanson, yeah, I know. The Chief called me this morning … early this morning. Hence the yaw- *yawns* -ning. *Grins* Sorry. *Points towards a stack of books* I have a whole stack of textbooks for you, but would you mind if we go grab a cup of coffee first?

Isabella *laughs* Coffee would be good.

At Tropical Breeze:

George *sits in the basement of tropical breeze. He called a meeting with some business partners. They speak quietly as not to arise any suspicion from Ava. He sits at the head of the table with the business partners seated around the table* Gentlemen, no time no see *laughs* enough with the sentimental crap, now for the important things in life. *lifts a package from underneath the table*

Tuna: What’s in the box?

George:*rolling his eyes* This my friend is grade A ghost tranq the best around.

Tuna: George you have hit the jackpot *cheers*

George: *panicking* Please keep it down, my girl doesn't know a thing *starts to walk around the table* This my friends is a great day I have my girl, my drugs and soon my children. Now any questions?

Tuna: What do you want us to do with it?

George: What do we normally do with drugs we sell it.

Tuna: yes but where?

George: Good question my friend we sell it at port where the unfortunates walk, at from hell court where ever it is in demand my friend.

Bobby: What do we get from it?

George: knowing that you all would come to that conclusion you would get share in the profit the more you sell the more you get.

Tuna: I see and what would you be doing

George: I will be supplying you with the drugs. *Pauses hearing Ava up and about* every one quiet not a word

*Footsteps can be heard from upstairs, Ava walks and in the kitchen making herself something to eat. She pulls a chair up to the table and starts to write a note to George, she smiles to herself as the time is closer to getting her babies back. Ava now knows every thing is perfect she has the perfect man who doesn’t do anything illegal, she has her family to look forward to and soon maybe they might even have more.*

Dearest George,
I shall not be long I am off to the paradis house to seek our babies they need to be back home in a safe environment. They need to be with there mommy and daddy, now that I know where they are at I will get them back. I could not find you, there is food in the oven for you I baked you some cookies and muffins I hope you like them. I may return with the children so if you would be a darling could you finish their rooms off

Love you always my love
Ava x x x x

Ava *finishes her food and heads to the door, the weather is beautiful the babies are going to love it. She slides her flip flops on and heads out the door. She wears her black Gucci maxi dress, the Chanel sunglasses George brought her and her diamond necklace.*

At la Maison de Paradis:

Malachi *stands on the deck, gazing out toward the sea, coffee cup in hand. Though he’s glad to be back with Miranda, he’s uneasy about everything, can’t stop worrying about where Manouche could be. And he’s been plagued with such strange visions, coming anytime, usually so vague he doesn’t feel he can do much of anything about them, even if he wanted to. He’s sensed Manouche in trouble, some physical disorder, he can’t pin it down … he’s seen a body, a woman with luxurious red hair, quickly followed by another redhead, very much alive, who he quickly recognized as his old flame, Daphne. He was already aware of some trouble between Blake and Manouche, and his sense of it has taken a curious turn, now Blake is feeling guilty for something. He tries to imagine what it could be; it’s impossible to picture Blake cheating. He’s sensed goings-on in Tortuga – Grace Brasco wandering around in the company of a very odd-looking pirate with a white parrot on his shoulder … he thinks he sees Raven and Portsmith in a tavern, but that’s impossible, and besides, there’s something different about Portsmith … He’s dimly aware that Abberline is in some trouble, as well … and he’s extremely concerned about the disappearance of Perhan. Being a dreamer, Malachi has been accustomed to strange visions at times, but he’s never experienced anything like this, where they strike at random and they’re so unclear. He takes a drink of coffee, shaking his head; why won’t Manouche let him in. He shakes his head, mumbles* Trouble girl, you’re not being very helpful.

Bonnie *comes running up to the deck, carrying a book* Hi, Malachi.

Malachi *looks down at her, smiles* Hi, Bonnie. What’ve you got there? Another animal book?

Bonnie *nods* It’s one of the ones I got when we went to Sarah’s. I wanna be an animal doctor when I grow up, did I tell you? It’s called a vett … a vetta … *frowns, trying to remember the word*

Malachi *smiles broader* A veterinarian. Yes, doll face, you’ve told me, lotsa times. I think it’s great, you’ll be brilliant at it.

Bonnie *beams, then becomes quickly shy under his dark eyes; ducks her head for a moment, then looks up at him, holds out the book* Would you read to me?

Malachi *almost says no; he’s feeling so distraught from his concerns. Then he notices her eager expression, and he melts. What the hell, might be good to have a distraction. He nods* Sure. Come over here. *he pulls up one of the deck chairs and sits down, she climbs in his lap. He looks at the book* Reptiles and Amphibians, eh?

Bonnie *nods, wrinkles her nose* I don’t like ‘em as much as kitties an’ dogs, or horses … but a vettanary’s gotta be able to take care of any animals, right?

Malachi: That’s right. You’re being very smart about this. You have to be prepared to tend all creatures … *looks at her closely* … even worms. *she giggles and squeals, he grins; he knows she’s not keen on worms. He nods toward the yard below, where some of the boys are playing* After all, one day you might be at your animal hospital, and your buddy Brian down there, he’ll come in with a sick worm. You can’t turn him away, right?

Bonnie *struggles with this dilemma, then brightens* I’ll hire an assistant to take care of the icky animals.

Malachi *laughs* Okay, that’s a good plan. *he opens the book, starts reading to her about various creatures, showing her the pictures* Ahh, look here, sea turtles … those loom large in Cap’n Jack’s legend, y’know. Have you heard the stories about Cap’n Jack? *she shakes her head* Well, I’ll tell you all about him sometime. *turns a page* And here are the snakes … you know some of ‘em, don’t you?

Bonnie *points at pictures* Yes, those little snakes, I see ‘em around here all the time …

Malachi: Garter snakes, yeah, they can’t hurt you. *looks at other pictures* And here’s the rattlesnake, and the coral snake …

Bonnie: Coral snakes are pretty …

Malachi: They are, but they’re also dangerous. And I’m sure you already know, if you see a snake that you don’t know anything about, just keep your distance. ‘Cause even if it’s not deadly, a snakebite can be … *his voice trails off as he sees a flash of a vision, so lightning-fast that he barely sees it – Manouche in a cave, holding a strange, multi-colored stone, and a sharp stabbing pain – then it’s gone, as quickly as it came on, like a swift assault … *

Bonnie: Malachi?

Malachi *face pale* Kanakoto …

Bonnie *frowns* Huh? What’s that?

Malachi *wipes the sweat from his brow; blinks, his head clears, he looks at her* Hm?

Bonnie: Kanna … kanna what? What’d you say?

Malachi: Ahh, kanakoto … *he looks at her again, without really seeing her; then he takes the book, quickly turns to the index, searches for the name* It’s not here. *he pauses, looks at Bonnie, sees she’s staring at him* N-nothing, it’s … kanakoto … It’s a type of snake, but it’s not listed in this book.

Bonnie *eyes light up* Is it a new one? One nobody knows about? If you found it, they should name it after you. What’s it look like?

Malachi *swallows* It’s green, kind of a bright green … tropical, I think … I’m not sure …

Bonnie *jumps down from his lap* I don’t wanna look at the snakes in the book anymore, I wanna look at a real snake. Can we go look for garter snakes? *boasting* I’m not afraid of ‘em, Brian tried to scare me with one once, but it didn’t work ‘cause I’m not afraid of ‘em, an’ he got mad. *she grabs his hand, pulls* C’mon!

Malachi *smiles slightly* Okay … that’s a good idea. Go put your book away, I’ll finish my coffee, and we’ll go snake hunting.

Bonnie *beams* Okay! Maybe we’ll find your kanny snake, too. *she grabs the book, dashes into the house*

Malachi *watches her go, runs a hand through his hair, thinks to himself* Oh, Manouche, what the hell did you do this time? *takes a drink of coffee, hand shaking slightly*

At From Hell Court:

Abberline *rolls over from his sideways position on his back, nearly fainting of pain again, but this time he manages to stay conscious. Over him hovers a woman with long blonde untangled hair, piercing green eyes and an amused grin on her face, holding his wallet*

The woman: You don't look like a Security Officer, Mr. Abberline. I could have assumed that this wallet belongs to someone else and that you're just some miserable junkie having snatched it in hope of cash. Maybe you already used it all, which might account for your condition. *she shakes her head* But, on the other side, this guy on this license, he looks a lot like you. I am very intrigued. *she laughs* It's odd to keep a conversation with someone lying on the street. *she stretches her hand* Unless you are fond of lying on cobblestones, I could help you up.

Abberline *grabs hard her hand and struggles up to a sitting position, wincing from pain, holding his side* I was beaten ... *and he coughs up blood, wipes it on his sleeve*

The woman: Oh dear, that doesn't look good at all. I hope you got some good punches in yourself. One shouldn't engage in street fights. Can you stand up?

Abberline *shakes his head* I don't think so. I don't want to try.

The woman: In that case, I just have to lower myself down on your level. No pun intended, though. Are you really a Security Officer?

Abberline: I suppose I still am.

The woman: That was a very curious answer. So your name really is *she reads from the license* Frederick George Abberline, Inspector, Security Office, Deppville.

Abberline *nods, eyeing the strange woman sitting beside him on the dirty cobblestones in a godforsaken alley at Form Hell Court, chatting with him as if they were at a cocktail party* Who are you?

The woman: Excuse me my bad manners, Inspector. Jeanne Missoni. *she smiles at him* And now that we are introduced, what shall we talk about? Do you have any topic you would fancy?

Abberline *looks at her with curiosity* No, fancy that. I can't find anything I'd want to talk about. *he starts to look after his cigarette case, not finding it, but when he looks after a moment at her again, she is holding it up*

Jeanne: This was in your pocket. Very nice work from a bygone century when everything was made to last. Silver. Not very expensive, though. *she snaps it open, examines his cigarettes* Do you really want one of these?

Abberline: Would you mind giving me one?

Jeanne: Smoking is a disgusting and dangerous habit. I never smoke, and I advise you too to quit. *she takes one cigarette, but instead of giving it to him, she looks at it from the level of her eyes and snaps it in two* Brown poison. Do you like poison?

Abberline *getting irritated with the annoying woman* Yes I do. Just give me one, will you.

Jeanne: So you go in for poison. That is interesting. I think you also drink.

Abberline *finally lighting a cigarette, letting the smoke fill his lungs* Yeah, I do them all vices. Smoke, drinks, drugs, name it. *he coughs immediately after he inhaled the smoke*

Jeanne *looking at him* Do you prefer to sit here and smoke? There's a small den just round the corner. You could lay on the couch. I am sure it is more comfortable than cobblestones. Besides I am getting weary of sitting in a dreary alleyway. I liked the den more.

Abberline: What? You came from there?

Jeanne: Yes. What's wrong with that?

Abberline: I though you said you didn't like poison.

Jeanne: I said I didn't like cigarettes. *she gets up and looks down on him* You can stay and smoke wherever you want, but if you care to join me, you have to get up first. It's not far.

Abberline *struggles up on his feet and she wraps her arm round his waist, he takes a deep breath, and his lungs don't hurt so much anymore, but the pain in his side increases. A rib is probably broken* I think I can do it. *he glances at her profile, her hair is wild, but otherwise she doesn't look like an inhabitant of From Hell Court at all.* What were you doing in the den?

Jeanne: Having a taste of opium, of course. Why else would one go to a place like that? *he helps her down the few stairs and down on the nearest couch.* I'll get you a pipe. *she vanishes with his wallet and cigarette case, but he's too tired to worry. There's nothing irreplaceable in the wallet, but it's a shame about the cigarette case. It's been with him for many years. But after a while she appears again, with two long opium pipes. She settles down beside his couch and hands him the other one* Now this is better, isn't it? *with her pipe in hand, watches how Abberline's eyelashes flutter and his eyes slowly shut. She takes the pipe from his fingers, pulls off her long coat and covers him with it. The night is almost gone, so she decides she can as well stay awake. She tries to take a more comfortable position on the concrete floor, but soon she sits down at the edge of the couch.* Sorry, Inspector, but we seem to share the bed tonight .. *she starts to examine closer the wallet, but besides a few banknotes and some indecipherable probably hastily jotted notes, the only thing of interest she finds is a picture of a dark haired baby girl with large, solemn eyes. She smirks. Men who carry pictures of their children are pathetic ... She puts it back, and for the rest of the night she dives into a very interesting new book, The Keepers of the Soul Box.*

At la Maison de Paradis:

Miranda *coming to the deck with a coffee cup for herself and a sandwich and blueberry muffin for him, puts them down on the table, lays her cool small hand on his shoulder and takes the cup from him with her other hands* I saw your hand was trembling, Malachi. *she crawls into his lap and hugs and kisses him* You are worried about something, I can see it in your eyes. Tell me.

Malachi *snaps back to attention, looks at her, gazing at him with loving concern; he brings his arms around her, pulls her close, kisses her, slow and passionately. He releases her, looks into her eyes* How’d I get so lucky … *smiles, glances at the food* It’s pointless for me to say I’m not hungry. You make a simple sandwich irresistible, even when I don’t feel like eating. *pauses, sighs* I’ll tell you, you already know a lot of it, from when Blake an’ I got back. I’m mostly worried about Manouche, I know she’s in trouble. And she’s not the only one. I’m seeing too many things, and they’re all impossible to decipher. *shakes his head* I just don’t know what to do about it all. If just one of these damn visions would come through loud an’ clear, maybe I could do something. But all this … it’s almost as worthless as no clue at all. If I figure anything out, or if something comes to me, I may need to take off in a hurry. *he brings a hand to her face* Bright eyes, I know you would probably have to stay here and take care of the kids, but … if we can find someone to fill in, like Elliott or Alifi … I’d like you to come with me.

Miranda *hugs him very tight* What would Manouche do without you, you are such a wise man, you know everything, and you are always ready to help. What would anybody do without you? *she grins happily* And next I was going to say, that you have to do what you have to do, and I know it will always be the best course of action, and that you will be back to me, and I will wait, just like I did before. *her smile turns to impish* I think I managed to wait quite a while until I set after you. Can I be the cabin boy? I want to take care of you. *she looks at him seriously* And now you must eat the sandwich, I made it specially for you. If you are going on saving missions, you can't be hungry.

Malachi: I’m afraid I’m not doing anyone much good at the moment … *smiles at her, brushes the hair back from her face* But somehow you make me feel like all’s not lost. You did manage pretty well that last time, and when I remember how well you handled yourself after you showed up in Fiji, I think I’ll be better off with you along. *his eyes sweep down, over her figure, he grins* And by the way, you can’t be ‘boy’ anything, cabin or otherwise. *he kisses her again, then feels a tugging on his sleeve. He breaks the kiss, looks down*

Bonnie: Can we go look for snakes now?

Malachi *smirks* Your timing leaves something to be desired, doll face. *he reluctantly releases Miranda, motions for Bonnie to take the chair next to him* Sit for a few minutes. You want part of my sandwich? *smiles at Miranda* I believe Miss Miranda’s been working hard enough all morning… I say she should sit down with us and drink her coffee. *to Bonnie* What do you think?

Bonnie *has already reached for half of Malachi’s sandwich; bites into it, looks up* Mm-hmm. *she swallows, grins at them both* Is kissin’ part of her work?

Malachi *laughs* Call it a perk, kid. *he takes the other half of the sandwich, winks at Miranda, bites into it*

On The Brave:

Grace *boards the Brave along with Kat and is met by Gibson who looks at her a little confused* A change o’ plans, Gibson. Donnie be meeting us ‘ere instead o’ us returnin’ te Deppville. *Lowers her voice so only Gibson hears* Manouche had a vision, apparently Kat be not the only in danger. *Glances at Kat* O’ course, the bloke I freed ‘er from might come lookin’ fer her an’ we can’t leave … *scratches her head thinking of what to do next* OK, Kat be a bit out o’ it. I reckon she were drugged with something … *remembers Kat’s family history – or what she knows of it* or worse … Lock her in the brig.

Gibson *surprised* The brig? But Captain, I thought she were a mate?

Grace *nods* Aye, but sometimes ye need te protect mates from themselves, savvy? In the brig she’s hid away an’ less likely te make trouble fer herself an’ the rest o’ us.

Gibson *shrugs* As ye wish … *grabs Kat by the arm and leads her down below where he locks her up in the brig.*

Grace *waves over a young boy; she really thought he was far too young to join a pirate’s crew, but he practically begged her and she figured he’d be safer on her crew where at least he’d be treated well* Lad, come o’er here. I got a little job fer ye. I need ye te find the 12th Commandment an’ tell the Captain that the treasure’s been found. Understood?

Thomas: Treasure?

Grace: Aye, treasure. But not the shiny kind, savvy? Now off ye go.

Thomas: Aye-aye, Captain. *runs off in search of the 12th Commandment.*

Deppville – in the park:

Barrie *after he and Sarah returned from Sacramento, he decided to take the dogs for a little walk while Sarah rested after the long drive and the emotional day. As usual he goes to the park and after playing catch with the dogs for a little while, he sits down on a bench to read the newspaper, every now and then checking on the dogs. He knows that Porthos won’t run far, but Beth is still very young and more playful. She hasn’t quite learned how to distinguish between the people who want to play with her and the people who don’t. He’s deeply into an article when he suddenly notices a little girl with long, dark curls standing by the bench looking at him; lowers the newspaper and smiles* May I help you?

The girl: Are they your dogs?

Barrie *nods* Yes, they are.

The girl *points at Beth* That one ate my cookies!

Barrie: I do sincerely apologize. That dog does have very bad manners. *Frowns* Aren’t you one of the children from Maison de Paradis?

Emma *nods* Yes, I’m Emma. And you’re the man with the funny stories. *Feeling a little more confident now, she climbs up on the bench and sits next to Barrie*

Barrie *laughs a little* Yes, I suppose I am. So tell me, Emma. Why are you here all alone? I don’t see anyone else from the home.

Emma *dignified* I ran away.

Barrie: *turns serious, but still with a friendly spark in his eyes* Oh dear…what made you do that? Do you not like Miranda and Malachi?

Emma: *shakes her head in protest* No, no, Miranda and Malachi are nice. *Lowers her eyes; her voice small* The big boys were teasing me. *Looks at him reproachfully* Those cookies were my only food!

Barrie: I certainly see your problem. *Folds up his newspaper; smiles* How about I take you home and you can say hello to my wife, Sarah. I bet she can find some ice-cream in the freezer. How does that sound?

Emma *brightens and smiles* OK.

Barrie: OK … *rises from the bench and calls the dogs to him. Emma hops off the bench and carefully slips her little hand in Barrie’s as they walk through the park towards Barrie and Sarah’s house.*

On the 12th Commandment:

Thomas *quickly finds the 12th Commandment, as it looks nothing like the rest of the ships docked at Tortuga; he boards it and calls out* Captain? I got a message from Captain Brasco …

Manouche *perks up at the sound of a voice; stands up, leaves the cabin, looks down at the lower deck from the railing, sees the young boy. Hesitates; she’d better stay in character, it could be a trap. She clears her throat, adds sufficient pompousness to her voice* So! Who are you, and what’s this you’re saying about Captain Brasco? *gazes down at him sharply*

Thomas *feeling a little unsure under her sharp gaze; starts to stammer* She … she told me … *remembers what his captain has told him about standing his ground so the other older and harder pirates don’t bully him; straightens up and looks directly into Manouche’s eyes* Captain Brasco told me te inform ye that the treasure’s been found. *Becomes a little unsure again* She said you’d know what that meant … an’ that it’s not a shiny treasure.

Manouche *raises eyebrows; glances over at The Brave, can’t see Grace but sees plenty of activity going on; looks at the boy again, nods satisfied* Right! Bloody ‘ell, what a relief. *she calls out to him* Tell Captain Brasco we’ll be along momentarily. *mumbles to herself, tugging on the short skirt* Soon’s I change outta this getup. *she sees him looking up at her legs, frowns* Go on, now, off with ye!! *waves him off*

Thomas *tears his gaze from her legs, nods once to indicate he understood the message and runs ashore. He boards the Brave shortly after and passes on the message from Manouche; blushing slightly … he’s never seen a pirate in that outfit!*

At the Barries’ house:

Barrie *opens the door and lets in the dogs and Emma before going inside and closing the door behind him. He leads Emma into the kitchen to the maid, Louise* Louise, do you think you could find a bit of ice-cream for our little visitor?

Louise: Certainly, Mr. Barrie. *Smiles to Emma as she pulls out a chair by the dining table* You just have a seat right here and tell me which flavour you like best.

Emma *quickly gets up on the chair; thinks long and hard before stating her choice* Vanilla … with chocolate-chips. *Then remembers that she’s a guest and should be polite* If you have it. Please.

Barrie *smiles and leaves them to it; goes upstairs to the master-bedroom to find Sarah. He enters the room quietly and sits down on the edge of the bed next to Sarah who’s reading a magazine; leans down and kisses her gently* Hi Darling.

Sarah *smiles* Hey … how was your walk?

Barrie *smiles* it was fine. I ran into one of the children from the home, Emma. She’s run away and Beth devoured her only food … cookies. So I brought her back here, she’s downstairs eating ice-cream now.

Sarah *shakes her head* That dog is impossible! *Sits up* Well, I guess we better call ‘Paradis’ and let them know that she’s here.

Barrie *thinks of the little girl downstairs; reluctantly* Yes, I suppose we should.

Sarah *studies him for a moment, then looks at him firmly* James Matthew Barrie, get that thought out of your head right now! Please tell me you didn’t make any promises to that girl.

Barrie: I only invited her for ice-cream … *hesitates* But … clearly, she’s not happy there. She ran away! And we do have this big house and…

Sarah *cuts him off* Stop! I know where you’re going with this and it’s not going to happen. *Sighs* Don’t look at me like that. I’m not being a bitch, I’m trying to be sensible. All of those kids have been in a horrible situation and need stable homes. *Quickly adds* With people who already know how to be parents. She would need a lot of attention and once the baby is here, I’m not sure that we would be able to give her that. Besides, all kids pack their bags and run away for a few hours at one point in their childhood. *Touches his face and smiles a little* She just had a bad day.

Barrie *lowers his eyes* I suppose so … *looks up* But if you look at the families in Deppville who do have children, we’re far more stable than most of them. And having two children is perfectly normal.

Sarah *kisses him* You’re a good man, James. But you can’t save all the children in the world as much as you want to, as much as I love you for wanting to.

Barrie *Sighs* Fine. We certainly shouldn’t bring her into our home unless it’s something we both want. But you will have to be the one to tell her that we’re bringing her back to Maison de Paradis.

Sarah *rises from the bed and as they walk downstairs* But I’m telling you, she just had a bad day. I’m sure the ice-cream has made it all better already. *Enters the kitchen and can’t help but smile as the little girl looks up at her with ice-cream around her mouth and on her nose; laughs* Louise, I think we need a washcloth. *Sits down next to Emma; Louise hands her a moist cloth and Sarah gently cleans Emma’s face; smiles* There you go, all clean again.

Emma *a little shyly* I remember you from the book-place.

Sarah: I remember you too. You went home with a whole stack of books. *Turns serious* Emma, James told me that you ran away from the home, but we do need to let them know where you are and that you’re OK. I’m sure they’re worried about you.

Emma *Looks down; hesitates* I know. *Looks at her* Could I stay here and play with the dogs for a little while? Pleeaase?

Sarah: Yeah, sure, go on. Louise will show you out to the backyard. There should be a rubber ball out there.

Emma *throws her arms around Sarah’s neck and hugs her; then lets go and smiles* Thank you! *Follows Louise through the house to the backyard.*

Sarah *glances back at Barrie* You really don’t play fair.

Barrie *kisses her on the top of her head and sits down* I know … *takes her hand* Come on, Sarah. Let’s give that little girl a real home.

Sarah *laughs a little* I swear you and Emma had this whole thing planned … the ice-cream on her face, asking to play with the dogs, and the hug. *Turns serious* OK, we’ll talk to Miranda and Malachi about it and then ask if she wants to stay here.

Barrie *Smiles and kisses her* Thank you. I knew you would come around, you have too good a heart to turn her away.

On The Brave:

*As Gibson locks Kat away in the brig, his actions don’t go unobserved. He secures the lock, turns, leaves to return to Grace for further orders. The secret observer emerges from the shadows, approaches the brig, peers inside*

Jack *gazing at Kat, smiles charmingly* Well now … this is a fine kettle o’ fish, innit? Not a very auspicious return to piracy, luv, from one brig to another. Still, as it happens, said circumstances don’t minimize my admiration and attraction, which I can assure you is of an unplatonic but noble nature … *frowns* Strike 'noble' -- that’s a bit lofty, and I don’t reckon you to be one for pedestals. *looks at her again, the charming smile returns* Suffice to say all the usual romantic rhetoric, that I think we could make beautiful music together, and so on and so forth, particularly now that your other suitors appear to be otherwise occupied … one with his poorly controlled substances, the other with … *thinks of Ichy in the strange pirate costume; frowns, shakes his head* … the other with an unfortunate fashion sense. *mutters to himself* Blimey, a few too many of our legions runnin’ about looking like that, could bring the entire Royal Fleet down on our heads. *looks at Kat, smiles again* In short, and in summation, my dear Kaitland, what I am proposing is a proposal … as honorable as you’ll ever receive from one of my ilk and ingredients. Or perhaps you’ll find me more convincing if I regale you with a little poetry … *clears throat, closes his eyes, brings a hand to his heart*

Love and harmony combine
And around our souls entwine
While thy branches mix with mine
And our roots together join

*opens his eyes, looks at her expectantly* What say ye, my dear Ms. Cassidy-Abberline? Come come, my dear, let’s not twiddle about with idle twaddle and poppycock. There’s a great deal more … ahh, poetry … where that came from. *smiles suggestively, sweeping his eyes over her figure*

Kat *Tilts head with a puzzled expression.* Huh?? What??? Ye really ought te see a doctor 'bout that verbal diarrhea. Ye could 'urt yerself maybe pull a tongue muscle or sumpen. Ye lost me way back at the fish kettle mate. Run along, it might be catchin'. 'sides I gotta practice. *Crosses to the bunk sits down, leans against the wall and begins to sing the same lyrics repeatedly*

The itsy bitsy spider crawled up the water spout

Down came the rain and washed the spider out.

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain

and the itsy bitsy spider crawled up the spout again.

Jack *smile fades at Kat’s words, he watches her warily as she starts singing. Shakes his head sadly* And another legend takes a fall. Could’ve been great, you and me, luv … you and I … you and meself … *frowns, then shrugs, looks at her again* Well then! If that is indeed your final answer … *grimaces distastefully as he sees her exclaim delightedly upon finding a spider, picking it up and cooing to it before beginning her song again* … then I shall not detain you another minute from your arachnidan activities. *waits for a response; when he gets nothing, he sniffs, mutters* Dotty as a March hare. *he turns away, heads up the stairs, looks down at the docks from the deck, brightens at the sight of a couple of wenches approaching* Hm, now there’s a promising gamble. And if they haven’t any rum on their curvy persons, they’ll no doubt be predisposed as to where to lay one's hands on some … rum. *he glances around quickly, grabs onto one of the ropes that ties off the ship to the pier, slides down, lands a little roughly right in front of the wenches, who stop in their tracks and stare at him. He quickly stands up, brushes himself off, tips his hat* Ladies! I’m recently arrived, and I’m mightily parched. *waves a hand toward the nearest pub, a ramshackle building just off the docking area* Perhaps you’d care to join me at yonder condemnation for some imbibery and conversation, savvy? *he smiles at their eager expressions, moves between them, brings his arms around both their waists; continues talking as they head for the pub* By the way, me lovelies, how stand your dispositions on poetry? …