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At From Hell Court:
Abberline *wakes up, a ray
of light is shining into the room from a crack in the door, and illuminates a spider hanging by a thread over the bed, weaving
slowly and ascending downwards, but he doesn't really care about it, he just watches it.
And when he shuts his eyes he gets yet one unwanted vision - he can see Kat gently placing a bundle under a sleeping
Crane's head and touching his cheek, he smirks mirthlessly. It didn't take long
for her to find a new love ... But there will be plenty of women welcoming his embrace ...
He'll show her that he's not missing her .... DeeDee ... Daphne ... And
with Daphne enters the first really conscious thought into his mind. Why did
she set him up to be beaten by those thugs? She pretended to call Godley, but
she called someone else ... Maybe she's involved in the death of Salome ... He recalls her as she was at the warehouse, showing
him the teddy, touching briefly his lips ... When he opens his eyes again, the spider has descended lower*
On The Brave:
Kat *Opens her eyes. The spider has moved closer. Watching
it, she whispers* Abby, they got 'im and it's all my fault. *Tears slip down her face, dampening the pillow.*
At the Barries’ house:
Barrie *returns to the kitchen after talking with Malachi on the phone; Emma is still out in the back-yard playing
with the dogs and Sarah is in the kitchen waiting for Barrie; smiles* I talked
to Malachi and told him that Emma is here and that she’ll be staying till tomorrow.
I thought we could take her back in the morning and then discuss the adoption with Malachi and Miranda. I hope that’s OK.
Sarah *returns the smile* That sounds good. We can see how Emma feels about living here after we’ve talked to them about it.
Barrie *nods* Yes.
*Kisses her* I’ll go tell Emma about staying here tonight. *To Louise* As you heard, we’ll
be one more for dinner tonight and will you set up one of the guestrooms for Emma?
Louise: Certainly, Mr. Barrie. *After
Barrie has left the kitchen to go to the backyard* Oh Mrs. Barrie, I do hope the adoption will happen.
She’s such a sweet little girl and you and Mr. Barrie are so kind to welcome her into your home like this. She really couldn’t ask for better parents.
Sarah *smiles* Thank you, Louise.
It’s very sweet of you to say so.
Barrie *laughs as Emma squeals excitedly when Beth licks her all over her face; she has just the
perfect height for the dog to reach her. Calls her over* Emma, can I have a word with you.
Emma *runs over to him with a big smile on her face* Yes, Mr … uh
… Mr. Sarah.
Barrie *laughs* I suppose I did forget to introduce
myself properly. My name is James. Listen,
if you want to Sarah and I would like you to stay here till tomorrow morning. We
can take you back to the home today if you prefer, of course.
Emma *starts jumping up and down* I want to stay! *Then stops and looks at him quizzically* What will we have
for dinner? Miranda makes very nice food.
Barrie *smothers a laugh; smiles* Louise is quite
the cook too. I do believe she’ll be making chicken for us tonight. Do you like chicken?
Emma *nods, then tilts her head to the side* Will you tell me a story
before I go to sleep tonight, Mr. James?
Barrie: I would be delighted to tell you a story,
Miss Emma.
At From Hell Court:
The Leader *opens the door
to Abberline’s room, closely followed by two of the Shadows. He approaches
the bed where Abberline lies, looks down at him, shakes his head. Finally, he
prods him* Inspector Abberline … get up.
Abberline *tries to focus
on the intruder, then turns towards the wall without a word*
Leader *glances at the Shadows,
then reaches into the folds of the robe, brings forth a vial with a dark liquid* I
brought this for you, you should drink it, it’ll clear your head. We’ve
come to your assist because there’s no one else who can right now. It’s
… well, it’s as a … *pauses, still bewildered by the concept* …
it’s by way of returning a favor to the Dreamer. She wanted to come to
your aid, but she can’t at this particular juncture. She did something
for us, so … *he shrugs as if giving up, mutters* I’ll never understand
humans. *turns to Abberline, his voice stern*
Show her you’re worthy of her concern. Drink this concoction, get
yourself together, and go home and take care of your child. Have you forgotten
your responsibility to your healer baby so soon? *he sets the vial down on the
small table next to the bed* Here it is, if you want it. Do as you wish. Everyone has their problems right now, you’re
not the only one. *he motions to the Shadows, they turn, leave the room, closing
the door behind them.*
Abberline *pretending not
to hear, doesn't move till they are gone, then he mutters* I don't
believe you, you bastard ... *but he turns and looks at the vial, wishing he had more brandy or absinthe or rum, anything,
even that home brew would do, but there's nothing in this miserable room except that vial. He tries to search for Manouche,
but he doesn't sense anything from her. The Shadows are not to be trusted ... Or are they? With an effort he rises up, and the spider's thread breaks and it falls down, he brushes it off to
the floor and crushes it with his heel, and then he reaches for the vial with trembling fingers, feeling the hangover
starting to kick in, with nausea and headache, and guilt, a sickening feeling of guilt, and his fingers tremble as he picks
the vial; it slips and breaks into pieces, and he watches how the liquid is seeped into the floorboards. Soon there is only a dark stain and there's nothing he can do about it.
It's fate, that's how it should be. But he manages to get up, his side
still aching from the beating, and he walks out of the room to the alley, and even the dim light pains his eyes. He squints, which increases his headache, takes some staggering steps taking support from the wall. Just a few steps and he will be in a place where he can get a cure for all his misery
.... *
On The Brave:
Kat *Shrieks in pain, rolling
onto her back then goes silent, eyes open staring at the ceiling. The spider
shudders, then hides itself in her hair.*
Ichy *awakened by her shriek,
darts up, takes one look at her, shakes her* Kat, speak to me! Kat! Respond to me!
*but she just stares at the ceiling with glassy eyes, he runs to the bar and starts shaking them furiously* Help! We need some help here! *he returns back to Kat, takes
her in his arms, happily unaware of the spider hiding in her hair, hugs her* Kat,
say something!
Mistress visits the Security office:
Mistress Fiore *is still
in her foul mood, it has grown even more now as Sweeney as still not returned. Mistress walks the halls of Stratford castle and she see's the same maid she picked on some hours before. Grinning to herself she decides it's time for
round two, Mistress storms up to the maid knocking a vase out of her hand.* What
the hell do you thing you are doing that's from the Ming dynasty, it's worth a fortune you stupid girl.
Maid: *stuttering and
close to tears* Mistress..I..I didn't..do..it..I...I.. am..s-s-sorry
Mistress: How dare you
say you didn't do it well in fact you did I saw you with my own eyes *she gets right up close to her face* Are you questioning
my authority you stupid girl. *grins and thinks of an evil plan* Oh you will be sorry I am with holding your wages for
two months untill you pay back what your broke. *pointing her finger* Now get out of my sight you disgust me.
*The maid bursts into
tears, she runs down the stairs and out of the castle. Mistress watches from a window as the maid runs it a run down house
on her property. Mistress Fiore grins to herself and signals to Smith to go for a drive. Mistress climbs
into to the carriage and instructs Smith to go to Commander M Portsmith office, it has been a while since she had
ruffled Portsmith’s feathers.*
Mistress: Smith can’t
you go any faster you drive as if you had all the time in the world.
*she arrives at the security centre, storms in the building making her entrance be known.* Where the hell is she *looks at the blonde tart at the desk* my she has tarts for her
employees now. Now tell me where the hell is she *taking her gloves off* I hate waiting I despise it in fact, Commander don’t
keep me waiting.
DeeDee *looks at the horrible
woman* I wouldn't know of Commander Portsmith. I am the Chief Secretary of Chief Inspector Donnie Brasco. You will find her if you go up those stairs in the hall, Madam. *and I wish you fall and break a leg, dearie, she adds in her mind*
Mistress Fiore *glares at
ther with a icy stare* Chief Secretary.
*laughs* oh have got to be kidding me. *Mistress walks off laughing and heads towards Portsmith’s office.* Commander let me in this instant I need words. *snarls*
Charlie
*hides quickly his magazine and takes his secret notebook, jots down the time and the name of Fiore. The Vice Mayor
must be interested in this visit ... * The Commander will be receiving you in
a few minutes. *he presses a button that alerts Portsmith, she puts down her
legs from the huge Iron Chancellor's desk and shoves away the crossword puzzle in a drawer and takes on a dignified
expression when Fiore storms in*
Portsmith: Ah, Mistress Fiore. What brings you here? As
you see, I have been promoted as a... a.. *she's still looking for the title she wants to assume* Anyway,
Brasco is running the office for me. I don't have the time to occupy myself
with all those petty things.
Mistress: *raising her eyebrow*
Promoted ha *snarls* it's like chief secretary down there *laughs*you dont even have a name. *walks backwards and forwards
in front of the desk* Oh but Commander this is no petty thing this is serious, there is a maid living on my property,
she broke a priceless Ming dynasty vase and I want her off my land. However I could do it myself but you won’t give
me my land back, it belongs to me and I want it back.
Portsmith *raising an eyebrow
too* Yes, promoted indeed. Some
of us do important work and get rewarded of it. *mad at her slip about the missing
title* And you can just call me Chancellor, Mistress Fiore, I don't
need fancy titles. I am just a humble servant of the citizens of Deppville. *or Deppvillains, as she herself calls them.
She takes a look at her from the huge Baroque mirror, she has been researching the right pose and expression for
days, and now she's very content with the impression she makes.* What would you
like to do with that maid of yours? It is so hard to find decent servants nowadays. She should me taught
a good lesson for destroying priceless property. *thinks, though I don't believe your vase was real, it must have been a fake. She's very annoyed that she has herself
no Ming vases. They sound just like that useless stuff you have to have in your
apartment to show style. She makes a mental note to herself to get some Ming
vases.*
Mistress *snarls* I
want that grotty disgusting house off my land they have no taste at all the curtains dont match they have no idea on
decor *tuts* Commander you should see it disgusting foul even. They have no idea unlike us who have great taste *grins at
the idea that Portsmith is a humble servant* well then if you must insist on being a humble servant to Deppville maybe you
could make it disappear *waves her hand* They need to be taught a lesson, I say we open a maid school *laughs*
Portsmith: Let's have a look at it ... *she opens her computer and zooms in on Mistress Fiore's land, who
points the disgusting shed for a house* I agree with you completely. Red
and white stripes on the curtains of one window and the other has blue flowers.
And they do look cheap. *she shudders at the thought of how
the decoration might be* Let's pull it down.
You will get a decent parking lot if we pull down those three other shacks as well. I'll change the city plan
immediately. We can't have such houses in my beautiful town! I can make it disappear in a very short while. *still thinking
about the vase, she decides to bluff.* That's a pity about the vase though.
I did get some magnificent examples of such vases recently, because they are going out of fashion, but I think I will
use them as decor in my bathroom. The colors went well with the tiles.
Mistress *laughing* Oh yes get rid of them too, foul stinky people *points at shack number one* He smells
disgusting *points at shack number two* She stood on my daisies *an finally number three* I dont like the way that man talks.
*looks at Portsmith* Commander I have plenty more that was just one of hunderd *laughs* what did you think I just had
one. Now tell me what you are going to do to my land, Commander.
At la Maison de Paradis:
Miranda *smiles at Malachi,
looks at him with adoring eyes* Oh that would be so good for Emma, though I am going to miss her. Ava has come for her children, but she's got some problems. I
think she's a bit afraid of seeing them, and there's another problem ... About
the father. She's not sure whether Don Juan deMarco is the father of them. What if he isn't? She didn't tell the
name of the man who she thinks might be the real father of them, but I saw that she wanted it to be him. I don't know anything about finding real fathers, but I am sure you do, because you know everything
and you can solve any problem. Come! *she
takes him by the hand and they enter the room where the kids still are asleep.*
Malachi *raises eyebrows* So, the great Don Juan may not be a daddy after all, eh? Hell, that’s easy enough to determine. A DNA test, I
think it just takes a few days for the results. *grins* Not that I know from experience. If Mr. DeMarco isn’t
cooperative, Ava can always seek a court order. ‘Course, that could get
messy. *he colors slightly at Miranda’s praise* Sweetheart, you gotta quit playing me up so high, I’m not a miracle worker. *he goes with her to the bedroom, speaks at Ava* Ava …
what’s this I hear about you being afraid of seeing your own children? *his
voice is stern, but his eyes are kind*
Ava *staring into the cribs*
Oh..I ..I *sighs* they have the sweetest dreams here, look at them the are happy and content. *Ava reaches in the crib and
strokes Sam's head* Why would they need me for? why would they want me back. I would understand if they rejected me I
love them so very much. Maybe it's the fear of not knowing, this is the only thing in my life in which I don’t understand
*she doesn’t care to mention the occasional voice and scenes of woman in her head*
Malachi *sensing something
she’s not mentioning, looks at her carefully* Ava, what’s going on? *she looks uncomfortable, he relents* Okay,
never mind. In answer to your question … they’re your children. Of course they’ll want to be with their mother.
We’ve only been keeping them till you’re feeling well enough to take care of them, whenever you’re
sure you’re ready. If you’re not sure, they can stay here longer,
they’re doing just fine. *he glances down, sees that Lola has opened her
eyes* Look there, your little girl is ready to see you. *he reaches in the crib, picks up Lola, who yawns, blinks, reaches for his glasses, which he sweeps off
and out of her reach, laughing* Nice try, kid.
*he looks at Ava* Here, mum, take your daughter. *smiles* She’s an amazing baby, she always seems to
wake up in a good mood.
Miranda *watches at them
from the doorway, once again amazed how well he handles the situation, her cynical pirate with the master brain and a
heart of gold, and she feels her heart beat faster when she looks at his beautiful face with the dark soulful eyes ....*
Ava, tell him about the father. You can trust him!
Ava: Isn't she *takes Lola in her arms* Hello little one mommy's
back *lola yawns* Well that was a big yawn *pausing for a couple of moments whilst cradling Lola, * Malachi if I was
to tell you something it may sound as if I crazy and maybe it is I don’t quite understand it myself. I wanted to tell
Manouche but I couldn’t find her and I know that she is some what mystical and well she might hmm well know whats
going on. *lola starts to laugh as she grabs Ava's fingers, Ava doesn’t realise that Miranda is still there she quickly
changes the subject* Oh yes the father I well have a slight problem with that maybe you could help me.
Miranda: He will sort it all out, he always does! I will leave you to
talk in peace. It's too discomforting quiet outside, and you know what happens
when kids are quiet. *she smiles reassuringly to Ava and casts a last adoring
look at Malachi and shuts the door quietly, and soon they can hear her voice from the landing* Yes, it's the mother of the twins. She will take them home,
at least I hope so ... It is not polite to listen behind closed doors. *and they
hear her go down the stairs with the children*
Malachi *smiles after Miranda,
then turns to Ava after she’s closed the door* Okay, what’s the problem? I don’t know if I can help, but I’ll do what I can. *grins* Don’t put too much stock in what Miranda says,
she seems to think I’m James Bond and Superman all rolled into one. If
she had her way, there would be Malachi action figures on the market. So tell
me what’s going on.
At Rartigillichal:
Jeanne *thrilled when she
feels the drink warming her; to Alifi* You are drugging me! Cool, I had yesterday a taste of opium, but I do like this sensation more ... *she fans herself* like my blood runs faster, and my head is clearer ... From Fiji, eh? Ah, you know, that is a kind of coincidence. *and she pulls the book of Godalming out of her bag* Fiji, that's the real hotbed for anything weird. You don't happen to
be a shaman? *she grins, drinks the coffee to the last drop* Am I running
high for long now? A curious feeling, care to tell me what was in it? *she
jots down the name of Badonkadonk* Thanks for the coffee, Alifi, wasn't it Alifi,
I am so lousy on names ... I think I'll go and do some research on that Badonkadonk you mentioned. All of a sudden, this might not be such a boring place at all. *Agitated, refreshed, she's full of energy and can't sit down anymore* I got that cab of mine still waiting. Thanks for your help, and for the coffee.
Alifi *smiling broadly, stands
up* Of course, dear, whatever you like.
Give the town a chance, it’s a lovely place. *she glances at Godalming’s
book, raises eyebrows* Ahh, so you know a lot about Fiji … and the more
you read of that book, the more you’ll also learn about Deppville. But
for now, yes, by all means, check out Badonkadonk. I think you’ll find
it to your liking. *she walks Jeanne out to where the cab is still waiting, leans
in, speaks to the driver* Put this fare on the Blakes’ tab, savvy? *he nods, she straightens up, looks at Jeanne*
I’m sure Manouche and Blake would want to do that for you … as a welcome to our town.
Jeanne: Oh, they must be great people! Tell them that I want to meet
them sometime and then the drinks will be on me! *she waves a goodbye to Alifi,
then says to the cab* Nice woman, ain't she? Now, where should we drive? I think I better check on that man - if only to give back his cigarette case. *She looks at it, it's a nice kind of a trinket, but the way he was smoking,
he'll be wanting it back soon.* That is, to From Hell Court. Just leave me at the gates, will you!
Alifi *waves goodbye, laughs
heartily as the cab roars off. She turns to go back inside, then pulls the note
out of her pocket. It’s not sealed, so she decides to read it. Though it’s intended for Manouche, if Abberline was willing to have a stranger deliver it, surely
he won’t mind if she reads it. Her smile fades as she reads the brief missive,
and she sighs* Oh, Inspector … *she shakes her head, returns to the house*
At the docks:
Manouche *stands by the railing
as Blake brings the Libertine Trailer into her slip; she secures the ship, turns, waves to him* Smooth sailin’, love, as always. Yer a natural.
Blake *joins her, they leave
the ship* Are you sure you’re all right?
You gave me a hell of a scare back there.
Manouche: I’m not exactly tip-top, but I’m sound enough. *she
brings a hand up, rubs her head* I don’t know what that could’ve
been … an’ I ‘ad th’ strangest dreams while I were out, jus’ a jumble o’ things. I thought I saw Raven in trouble with Marchand … but I weren’t sure it
were Marchand, he looked different. *pauses, adds, a little uncertainly* Don’t see how that could be, he’s dead.
We saw ‘im destroyed.
Blake *arm around her waist
as they walk toward his car* What else did you see?
Manouche *concentrates* I saw Constable Crane sleepin’ with a spider.
*laughs* Now we know that weren’t true! *pauses, thinking* I – I don’t remember what else
…
Blake: Well, you may be okay at the moment, but I still think we should get you home. *he brings her to the passenger side of the car, opens the door; she starts to get in, then hesitates* What is it, honey?
Manouche *frowns* S-somethin’ … *looks at Blake quickly* It’s
Fred. He’s in th’ Court, he’s not well. *she puts a hand on his arm* Would ye take me there, love? I won’t overdo, I promise.
Blake *hesitates, looking
at her anxiously; nods reluctantly* I don’t think it’s a good idea
… but let’s try, see if we can find him. At least you’re not
going alone. *she wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him; he helps her
in, shuts the door, jumps in behind the wheel. They take off, head to From Hell
Court. They soon arrive, and Blake parks the car outside the entryway to the
Court.*
At From Hell Court:
*Manouche and Blake check
their weapons, then enter the Court, looking around, the locals paying them little notice.
Blake glances down an alleyway, stops*
Blake: Manouche, look … *he brings her back, points at Abberline, unsteadily making his way along a wall*
Manouche *enters the alleyway,
calls out softly* Fred? Fred, mate,
it’s me, Manouche. What’re ye doin’? Why don’t ye let us take ye home?
Abberline: Manouche? And Blake the perfect husband? What I am doing is my business, and I don't want to
get home, that's all. I sent you a note with that woman, I don't recall her name
... Jean something ... *he turns his back on them both and opens the door to the den*
Blake *frowns, looks at Manouche* Why does he keep calling me that?
Manouche *smiles, murmurs* Because it’s true. *she kisses
him* Wait ‘ere, love. *she
follows Abberline into the den, takes a deep breath as she approaches him* Fred
… after all we been through together, ye ‘ave t’ write me a mysterious note?
Can’t we jus’ talk? Don’t ye wish t’ hear me news
about Kat? Ye asked me t’ find ‘er, I know ye did, I sensed it. *pauses, adds* An’ what about yer
lil’ baby girl? Don’t ye want t’ go home an’ see Chiana?
Abberline *vehemently, angry*
Together? Indeed ... No, I don't
want to hear any news about Kat. What she does does not concern me anymore. If that is Kat at all. I presume you
are talking about Kidd. Why worry about her, she's united with her lover the
squeamish Constable. You don't mind if I sit down. *he winces as he lowers himself carefully down on the couch and leans his head back against the wall, fumbles
for his cigarette case, mumbles* That bitch, she took my wallet and the cigarette
case and she didn't even intend to deliver the note ... All right. You want to
talk. Let's talk then. Where shall
we start? Kind of hard to talk with
someone who's not there, isn't it? So I sent you a note. Candy is with Chiana. I want you to take her, and Raven too,
to Rartigillichal. And raise them up as yours, that's best for all. All this nonsense about a family, I guess it was just a dream I had, I believed that it would change me
into a better man, that I could start a new life. But here I am. *he avoids looking at her, he stares at the floor, his eyelashes hiding his eyes from her* So what are you going to talk about with me? That I should
stop behaving like this? Sure. But
this is me. This is the real me, and there's nothing you nor anyone else can
do about it ... Kat was wise enough to hide Raven from me and give him to True Dreamer. And
I am giving Chiana to you. I don't want her to get hurt anymore, and I want her
to grow up without trouble. And without a Dad she has to feel shame about. *his voice nearly breaks, but defiantly he goes on* And
you are going to say that it all is just a matter of choice, and I just have to stop acting foolishly and get up and go home.
Do you really think that everything will get fine just by that? Well I don’t. I just hurt the people I love most. And there's enough of that by now. My
mother, my real mother, she died because of me. I destroyed her life without
any choice of mine. And my wife, she died because of me. My son died because
of me. And Kat. It is because of me that Kidd had to take over. It's like a death, too. Who will be next? You
can say anything you want to me, and you can hate and despise me, yell at me ... *he looks at her for the first time with
feverishly shiny dark eyes* I slept with a tart yesterday.
Manouche *listens to him,
and as he talks, it’s as if illustrations pop up in her mind’s eye to punctuate every point he makes. Each vision makes her head pound dreadfully, as if it knows its source is an angry one, and she winces
as they increase in intensity the more he talks, raising his voice in agitation. She
breaks out into a sweat, sinks down on the couch next to him, sitting forward, head in her hands* S-sorry, mate, I’m a bit faint … *she’s quiet for awhile as she absorbs everything he’s
said; soon the pain subsides and she sits up straighter. She finds her cigarettes,
lights two, hands him one; she remembers what he said about his missing cigarette case, and she hands him her pack* Fred, I’m sorry I weren’t ‘ere fer ye. I
were goin’ through some torment o’ me own. I been away for awhile
now, an’ I ain’t been home yet, so I’ve not received any messages from ye, or anyone else. I … sensed ye were in trouble as we arrived, an’ came straight ‘ere from th’ docks. I see now that's not quite th' case ... yer 'ere because ye feel this is where ye
belong. I didn’t come t’ lecture ye, I didn’t come t’
yell. I come t’ offer me assist if ye want it. If ye don’t, no worries. I see why yer ready t’
accept this as yer lot. It’s been an uphill battle from day one. I’ll say a few things ‘cause yer me mate, an’ I love ye. Ye can take 'em or leave
'em. *clears her throat* Yer current
actions are dangerous t' yer health, but I don’t see ‘em as foolishness, rather, desperation. Yer right, why get up from ‘ere an’ go home? It’s
true, everythin’ won’t be fine if ye jus’ do that. I only mentioned
it ‘cause I know Chiana, an’ I know yer th’ sun in ‘er sky an’ she must be missin’ ye
desp’rate. Th’ though o’ ye stayin’ away from ‘er
… I don’t like t’ think what it’ll do to ‘er. ‘Specially
if she’s goin’ to lose both ‘er parents at once. It’d
be a fine thing fer ‘er if ye could set aside what yer goin’ through an’ be there fer her. But if ye can’t, ye can’t. Per’aps yer right,
this is who ye are. Per’aps it truly is beyond choice at this point, only
you can answer that. *pauses, thinks a moment*
I wish ye wouldn’t blame yer mum’s death on yerself, luv. Ye
were an innocent child. Anyone else hearin’ that story would see that ye
were as much victim as yer mum. Victoria an’
yer son, who knows. Per’aps there’s somethin’ ye could’ve
done t’ prevent it, per’aps not. We all take risks, mate. Ye took a risk gettin’ into th’ business ye were in.
An’ Victoria took a risk marryin’ into it. Donnie
Brasco takes risks bein’ married t’ Grace, an’ she takes risks bein’ married to a lawman. They both accept that as part o’ th’ life they’ve chosen. I’m sure Victoria did th’ same. *lowers her
voice* I saw ‘er in th’ box, mate.
Don’t ye remember, I told ye, all is forgiven. She don’t hold
ye responsible. If she can fergive ye, can’t ye fergive yerself?
*She pauses again, glances
up as a fight breaks out near them, then moves away from them. She finishes her
cigarette, looks at him, not liking the feverish look in his handsome eyes* I
don’t hate ye, I don’t despise ye, an’ I ain’t goin’ t’ lecture ye. Ye sought comfort with a tart when ye were certain yer marriage is over.
I would never judge ye on that’un. I've tried not t' judge
anythin’ ye do. Who am I t' judge?
I ain't no saint. I may question yer actions, but I won’t turn away
from ye. Same can be said fer yer children.
Raven’s seen ye at yer lowest point, an’ he still worships th’ ground ye walk on. I’m sure th’ same will be true with Chiana. They’ll
be sorry or confused over some o’ yer actions, but they’ll always love ye.
Unconditional, y’know. Now ... If yer sure yer done with Raven an’
Chiana … well, ‘course I’ll take ‘em, but it’ll be on a foster parentin’ basis, savvy? If ye or Kat – or both o’ ye – somehow come through all this an’
return, an’ ye want ‘em back, there’ll be no resistance on my part.
They’ll go back t’ ye, no questions asked. In th’ meantime,
I’ll see to it that they ‘ave everythin’ they need. Hell, Raven
already has a permanent room in me home an’ always will, ye know that. They’ll
‘ave rich, full lives, an’ they’ll know they’re loved. But
… they won’t ‘ave you. *she looks away, swallows, her voice
very soft* An’ as it turns out, I can’t promise how long they’ll
‘ave me. Y’see, there were an accident … sometimes life throws
us a curve. *adds quickly* But no
worries … if somethin’ ‘appens t’ me, there’s Mr. Blake, an’ Alifi … an’ Sergeant
Godley, an' their uncle Gili, too, he’s a fine, steady bloke. No one can
ever replace their mum an’ dad, but there are plenty o’ lovin’ hearts all ‘round t’ look after
‘em, rest assured. *she feels tears in her eyes, continues to keep her
face turned from him, sniffs; swallows again, composes herself* Wh-what I’m
sayin’ is, even if I ain’t around t’ oversee, I’ll make certain they’re watched over, ye
‘ave me promise on that. *smiles slightly*
I promised I’d deliver Chiana safe an’ sound, didn’t I? Viola. *she quickly wipes her eyes, stands up* An’
now I’ll leave ye alone, if it’s what ye want, luv. One more thing
... I will tell ye ‘bout Kat. Like it or not, yer still married to ‘er,
so ye need t’ be aware of ‘er whereabouts. She an’ Raven are
on their way back t’ Deppville, with Grace an’ Donnie, on Th’ Brave.
*frowns* Er, Kidd, or who’ever it were. *shrugs* If ye see ‘er again, th’ pair o’
ye handle yer legalities any way ye choose. An’ if it’s agreed that
neither o’ ye wants th’ children, then they’re welcome at me home, with open arms. *she brings a cool hand to his forehead, brushes his hair back, holds his face with her hand, studies him
for a moment. Shakes her head, murmurs*
A family is a treasure t’ be cherished, to be sure, mate … but it don’t make or break a man. Yer a better man than ye give yerself credit for.
If this really is you – *she looks up, waves a hand around the room* – if this is t’ be yer lot from
this day forward – I’ll still know yer a good man. *she leans down,
kisses him gently on the cheek, and as she looks into his eyes, she feels their shared heartbeat for a moment; then her eyes
widen as she experiences a strong sensation of Raven in trouble, but it’s so vague, she can’t see where he is. That sensation is quickly followed by an anguished scream from Kat that chills her
to the bone, and a violent shiver runs through her* Bloody ‘ell …
*her vision clears, she blinks, looks into Abberline’s eyes* I ‘ave
t’ go now, mate. I’m sorry it’s all come t’ this, but
I won’t argue with ye, it does seem inevitable. I didn't come 'ere t' talk
ye into somethin' ye don't want or that ye feel is out o' yer reach, savvy? Sometimes
th’ fight is just … over. *gazes at him sympathetically; hugs him
tight, releases him, quickly turns and runs to the door*
Abberline *looks at her sorrowfully
when she runs out. After she mentioned the accident and that she maybe would
not be around for long, he forgot everything else. She's always there to listen
to him, to help him, to understand him, she even gave him a piece of her heart, and there is nothing that he can do for her
... Bloody hell, there's nothing he can do for anyone. She doesn't let him into
her mind ... And who helps the helper? Absentmindedly, he lights another cigarette
from the pack she left with him. There must be some way to know what happened,
and something to do for her. He just doesn't know, he doesn't know anything,
and he doesn't have the strength to pull himself together to be of use for anyone. He
fishes some coins from his pocket and signs for the boy to get him a glass of absinthe*
Perhan *emerging from the back of the room, approaches Abberline* I saw you talking with Manouche … she didn’t tell you, did she?
The Guardians, they told me everything. We’re working, trying to
find a cure. I’m going to see Boadicea later, I hope she has some ideas. *he looks at the door where Manouche left* Ironic,
isn’t it? I’ve seen her come out ahead in fights with the worst scallywags
an’ cutthroats you can imagine … and a little piece o’ nature is what takes her down. *shakes his head, looks at Abberline* Can I buy you a drink,
Inspector? I have a serious need for a taste of absinthe …
Abberline *shakes his head*
She didn't tell, it slipped out accidentally. You
have to tell me what it is. Go ahead, I need a drink too. *he empties
his glass* It was too long since I had one.
On The Brave:
Thomas *has been keeping an eye on their visitors in the brig, but it’s been a long trip and while they were
quiet he feel asleep; he wakes up when Kat screams and stares at both her and Ichy in horror; stammers* I best go get the Captain. *Runs out of the brig and ascends
the stairs to the higher decks till he reaches the Captain’s cabin; knocks on the door* Captain,
something’s wrong with yer mate!
Grace *looks at Donnie and rolls her eyes; kisses him one last time* Pirates
need te learn something about timing … *rises from the bed and quickly buttons her shirt; turns before opening the door;
smiles* Don’t ye go anywhere, Mr. Brasco.
Donnie *laughs* Wouldn’t dream of it!
Grace *grins and opens the door; her smile fades the second she sees the frightened expression on Thomas’s face.
They quickly make it down to the brig and Grace unlocks the cell-door and steps
in to have a look at Kat; mutters quietly as she sees her glassy eyes* Oh bloody
‘ell. *She pushes Ichy aside* Sorry,
mate. *Sits down on the floor next to Kat’s cot and takes her hand; she
closes her eyes and starts to chant so quietly it’s barely audible.* Thrice around the circle's bound, evil sink into the ground. Thrice around the circle's bound, evil sink into the ground. Thrice
around the circle's bound, evil sink into the ground. *She opens her eyes
and looks at Kat, who’s closed her eyes and seem to be asleep. Grace turns
to Ichy, speaks quietly and softly* We’ll be in Deppville real soon. *Rises from the floor and goes out of the cell; turns* Sorry
fer leaving ye alone fer so long.
At Hanson’s office:
Hanson and Isabella *stayed at the beach for a while, but the jog never happened.
Talking seemed much more needed and by the time they’ve shared the majority of their life stories, it was time
to go to the office.*
Isabella *places a cup of coffee in front of Hanson and sits down in her chair on the opposite side of the desk; shakes
her head* I still can’t believe you actually dated DeeDee…she’s such an air-head! What were you thinking?! *Hanson doesn’t say anything, just looks back at her with a smirk* Isabella laughs* You’re such a dog!
Hanson *quietly, still smirking* Says the girl who had a hay-ride with
the stable-boy and dated Sands of all people.
Isabella *blushes slightly, throws a piece of crumbled up paper at him* Shut
up! I knew I shouldn’t have told you about stable-boy!
Hanson *shrugs* Can’t be worse than DeeDee … what was I thinking?!
Isabella *laughs, then turns serious* Thanks for the talk … my head’s
been a bit, well, very messy lately. I needed to talk and I seem to have shortage
in the friend-department. *Smiles a little* But
I’m doing much better; I’m glad I accepted the offer of starting here.
Hanson *smiles* I’m just glad that I could help … nothing’s
worse than feeling bad and not having someone to talk to about it. *A little
reproachfully* Even if it is a struggle to get you to talk.
Isabella: I’m working on it … I don’t know why, but
you’re easy to talk to. That helps.
Hanson *smiles* Good. By
the way, I’m going bowling tonight as I do every Thursday. You can tag
along if you want.
Isabella *smothers a laugh* You go bowling every Thursday? *Still trying
not to laugh* Are you in a league? Do
you have your own bowling ball too? *Covers her mouth as she starts to laugh
uncontrollably*
Hanson *looks at her without breaking a smile* Are you done?
Isabella *puts great effort into it and manages to stop laughing, although keeps smiling – a lot* Yes, sorry. I guess I associate a weekly bowling-night with
middle-aged men from suburbia. And high school in the sort of middle-of-nowhere
towns where there’s nothing else to do.
Hanson *indignantly* Bowling is fun! Do
you wanna go or not?
Isabella *nods* Sure, it might be fun.
Hanson *mutters* Of course it’ll be fun, it’s bowling. *Isabella starts laughing again*
At Bournemouth House:
Jeanne *gets out of the cab
and looks impressed at Bournemouth House* Wow, the junkie lives on a grand
scale! *she pays the cab and slings her backpack on her shoulder and bangs on
the door, ignoring the doorbell.*
Candy *opens the door cautiously,
and her beautiful face falls when she sees the strange woman. She is holding
an apathetic Chiana in her arms, she glances at the caller totally indifferent, yawns and turns away*
Jeanne *mirthfully* Good morning! I am Jeanne Missoni,
nice to see you! I am looking for a certain Inspector Abberline. In fact, I came to return something that belongs to him. I
never intended to keep them, I just wanted to check the identity, that's why I took his wallet. I can't say I'm very rich, but I've always managed on my own without retorting to theft. Would you be Mrs Abberline by any chance?
Candy *Agitated* Have you seen him? Where is he? I am the nanny. Mrs. Abberline is - away.
Jeanne *a bit taken aback*
Oh I see, he's still not home. Nor she ... How curious. Maybe I shouldn't have come, I had no intention of upsetting you. What did he
tell you? That he's working on an assignment? Men are just so sly when they want time off from his family. They
get tired, always.
Candy *flaring up* He would never get tired of his family! His wife and children, they are
the very world to him!
Jeanne: Indeed? How odd then that he wanted some woman called Manouche to take his daughter for
good.
Candy *shouting, with tears
in her eyes* You are lying! He is
a good man and he loves Chiana!
Jeanne *looks closer at Candy*
All right, I didn't mean anything by that. He was in a rather bad condition when
I found him on the street. And he was drunk and probably high, or in his case, low, on drugs. He can't have meant
it. I didn't mean any harm to anyone. I just came to return his wallet
and this cigarette case. *she takes them out of the backpack, and to Candy's
amazement Chiana's eyes light up and she snatches greedily the cigarette case, holding it so that her knuckles
turn white* Oh my ... you are
a daddy's girl, obviously.
Candy: We have been waiting for him, all the day, and all the night, and she gets sick every time he's too long
absent from her ... I don't know what to do ....
Jeanne: But I do. One must never become apathetic. You know what they say about the mountain and Muhammed ... If the daddy doesn't come to his daughter,
we will bring the daughter to the daddy. Isn't that brilliant?
Candy *uncertain, frowns*
I don't know. And I don't know where
he is ...
Jeanne: I think I'll do! Get your coat, I'll call the cab.
At From Hell Court:
Perhan *buys
a round of drinks for himself and Abberline* The Guardians stepped in when Manouche’s
ship was on fire. *he’s certain it was Abberline’s cigarette that
started the fire, but he refrains from saying so; the poor Inspector already looks so miserable* They managed to put out the fire, and in return, they wanted Manouche to do something for them. She was taken on their ship to a little island called Enterré Vivant, where a group of people were guarding
a very powerful object called a Sikaimunchon.
It’s like a multi-colored stone, it’s very powerful, and it’s also very dangerous to handle. The Guardians wanted Manouche to bring the stone to them so they can guard it against
misuse, much as they’ve guarded the soul boxes all these years. *takes
a drink* Manouche was able to get the stone and escape the island, but she received
a deadly snakebite in the process. The bite was from a rare creature, its venom
is very slow but deadly. No one has survived its bite, to anyone’s knowledge. The Guardians told me she may fare better, being a dreamer and having the Romany blood
… but nobody knows for certain how it’ll affect her. They told me
all this, took me into their confidence, as it were, ‘cause they know I have ties with Boadicea, and she could be helpful
to us. *shakes his head* The Leader’s
a strange bloke … I don’t think he’s keen on dealing in affairs of humans … but I think he’s
been impressed with Manouche ever since she survived the box. So he seems to
be a little more … tolerant of her. *looks at Abberline* I’ve been so wrapped up in all that, I never heard how things fared between you and your missus. Did you get it sorted? How is she, and
how are your wonderful children? *he gets his answer as he sees the sorrow in
Abberline’s face; he adds kindly* Inspector, is there anything I can
do for you?
Abberline *listens very carefully,
sipping his second absinthe, shuts his eyes* And she didn't want to tell me that.
Like you don't want to tell me how the fire started. Or I don't want to tell you how my family is faring. There is something you can do for me.
Just hit me hard with something .... *he drinks what's left of his glass,
spilling on his shirt* My wonderful children, they deserve a wonderful home.
And they will get it. There were
three women I have cared about. One of them was killed because I did not heed
the warnings. One of them is gone, her mind lost, retreated, blended into
a stronger mind, because she couldn't trust me. And the third one will be dying
of a snake bite. Caused by this. Don't
look at me that way, I may be drunk but I am not such a fool as you believe. I
can see it in your eyes. What set the ship afire, is this - *and he drops
the cigarette on the floor and grinds it under his heel* Don't try to deny.
I know. You forget that I am a kind of Dreamer too. And that I was in the that bloody box too. I wouldn't trust
those wily Guardians .... *he lights immediately a new cigarette* I don't
know what you are going to do, but since I can't help any of them, I'll have one thing to settle. At Chez Roux. *he gets up, sways a bit, then straightens up*
Perhan: Inspector, wait! You’re right, I had forgotten about
your dreamer heritage … *he thinks back to the time of the rescue from the soul box, his time with Abberline; he arches
a brow at him* Your abilities are stronger than they once were. Something’s happened with you. I believe you think you’re
more worthless than you are. *shrugs* A
cigarette started the fire … it could’ve been someone else’s. But
that’s over, done, it can’t be changed. Accidents happen, and you
know Manouche would never hold it against you if that’s indeed what happened.
*pauses* Inspector, I know you’re no fool. I won’t ask you to trust the Guardians, I won’t ask you to do anything you don’t want
to. But there is something you can do, at least for Manouche. You can be around for her. You can be a friend to her. You have no idea how much it would help her, just to know you’re close enough
for her to talk to if she wants. She cares for you a great deal. She didn’t want to tell you because she didn’t want to burden you, she knows you have so many
things causing you unhappiness right now. But now … now, she’ll know
that you know. And she’ll open her mind to you once again. And if she has people around her who are supportive, people she can talk to about all this … it’ll
help her immensely. Just think it over.
I know you two share a lot. A heartbeat, for example … *smiles a
small, mysterious smile* I’m not exactly a dreamer, but I’m Rom. I have my ways of knowing these things.
*he watches him swaying slightly on his feet, adds* You’re going
to Chez Roux … may I come with you?
Abberline: Opium enhances
my abilities. *he smirks* And I
might have been on something else, I can' remember. I don't care to know.
And she's holding the truth from me because she thinks I am too weak. *bitterly* You know, she's right. I am too damn weak to be of any help for anyone. I can't give
support to anyone, so the best thing I can do is to drink myself into oblivion, but first I have a score to settle. It's a private matter. But if you want
to drink yourself full and get thrown out of the tavern, you are welcome to follow me.
Perhan: Very well. I won’t
intrude on your privacy, I’ll just come along. There are a couple of people
at Chez Roux I’d like to talk to. *he leaves money on the nearby table,
looks at Abberline* I’m ready whenever you are. *follows him to the door, to head for Chez Roux*
At la Maison de Paradis:
Ava *to Malachi* Oh she is in love with you Malachi besotted by you. Miranda believes that you are her knight or should
I say pirate in shining armour, you saved her from her castle walls that imprisoned her, you freed her which intern turning
her into a beautiful butterfly. *turning serious* I don’t know how to put this I don’t want you to run a
million miles away or think I have gone completely crazy. A few weeks ago I was in hospital as you know and I had this visitor
she made me strong again. After a week or so past I was taught some things *smiles* I can fly *pauses* please don’t
run I can show you if you must. I was given something so special by the Goddess to heal senses and look after women but
some how there have been some adverse affects. *looks at Malachi* I hear these voices and see these terrible things happening
to women, their cries for help never stop. There have been times when I have so many images and voices come along which cause
me to well pass out. They are driving me completely insane the call for help but I can’t help because I have no idea
where they are. *Ava feels some relief from spilling everything* Malachi will you come closer I need to show you for you to
understand the complete nature of it I promise it won’t mess you up.
Malachi *holds
a hand up* No need, I can sense it from here.
I was hearing some of those voices as soon as I came in the room, so I know you're not crazy. *looks at her sympathetically* I wish I knew what to tell
you, luv … this sort of thing is out of my league. But if it makes you
feel better, I can say that after some of the things I saw in Fiji, and other parts of the South
Seas, what you’re going through isn’t
what I would consider incurable. I’m not sure Manouche could help
you, though she and Alifi would be willing to try. You might be better off talking
to Grace Brasco about this. She’s knowledgeable in witchcraft, shamans
and the like. Might be closer to what you need than dreamer magic, or Gypsy lore. *he pauses for a moment as he hears the sounds she’s talking about* Damn. It would help if we could at least meet this so-called
visitor you had in the hospital, find out exactly who or what she is. I don’t
suppose you know how we could find her. *shakes his head* Maybe … maybe it’ll help you if we concentrate on something else at the moment. What’s all this about the twins’ father?
Ava: I am sorry if they bug
you Malachi it's non stop the only time they stop is when they well reach the land beyond. *thinks for a moment*
I don’t think I want to get rid of them I just want to control them. What I mean is that this was a gift given to me
and I have to fulfill my duty but somehow I got more than I was expecting. *looks At Malachi as one of the more vocal women
pop into her head * Oh this one she’s a corker goes on for hours about anything *shakes her head* Malachi I can
take you to her but you have to trust me ok. *sighs* Well Malachi the daddy situation, is that I don’t quite know which
one is the daddy. I have an Idea who he is *pausing* I want to say George *she doesn’t pretend with him because he will
just see right through her* because he will make a great daddy. How ever it still could be Don they where so close together
I just don’t know. George was my first love Malachi and he still is. I know he isn’t the smartest tool in the
box but he is best one in there. *smiles* I just have my doubts.
Malachi *smiles* Don’t worry about it, I’m fine. *nods* Well, there’s your answer. If you can go to the woman
who gave you this giftie, I’m not sure you need me, or Grace, or anyone else. If
anyone can show you how to control them, she can. As for the kids … it
sounds like you’ll have to have a DNA test. That’ll tell you who
the father is. *he thinks about George; shakes his head slightly, frowns as a
strange image comes into his mind … he doesn’t recognize the house, but he sees George, with some other men, engaged
in a drug deal. He glances worriedly at Ava, who smiles prettily as she talks
about George; he thinks to himself, maybe I’m wrong, this could be something
I’m seeing from a long time ago. I hope so, for Ava’s sake. He looks at Ava carefully* Ava, it sounds
like the best thing to do right now is find out who the father is once and for all.
And the best way to do that is a DNA test. If Don isn’t willing,
you may have to get a court order. But if you think it may be George, and he’s
open to the test … at least you could find out whether he’s the dad. Savvy?
Ava *smiles at Malachi* Oh Malachi your a genius *Ava puts
Lola down and throws her arms around him and the lets go* See Malachi, Miranda
is right you can solve any situation *smiles happily* Oh Malachi he he Miranda one lucky lady. *smiles* you know what I shall
do it now would either you or Miranda come to the hospital with me with the babies. *getting
excited she forgets the voices in her head* could I use your phone to ring George please he will come straight away.
Malachi *grins as she hugs
him* Sure, darlin’, one of us can come with you. One of us needs to stay here, watch the other kiddies. We’ll
ask Miranda, see which she prefers. *he goes to the door, opens it* There’s a phone right here in the hallway. You go ahead
and call George, then get the babies ready. I’ll go ask Miranda if she
would like to go with you, or stay here. *he leaves her to it, and goes to look
for Miranda*
At Rartigillichal:
Manouche *enters the main
house as Blake holds the door open for her. She was holding up well, now she’s
suddenly very weary. She enters the living room, gazing around, drops down on
the sofa* Blimey, it’s good t’ be home.
Blake: Can I get you anything? How about a Kir Royale?
Manouche *smiles* Ye read me mind, love. That’s perfect … somethin’
refreshin’. *he goes to the kitchen to fetch the drink, and Manouche thinks
of Willy and Madame, remembering how much Willy loves Kir Royales. She sighs,
thinks to herself* Bloody ‘ell, I sure miss th’ pair o’ ye,
me brother an’ sister. I hope ye won’t be gone any longer’n
necessary. *she stretches out on the sofa, looks at the coffee table in front
of her, sees a folded slip of paper, along with a note in Alifi’s hand. She
sits back up, picks it up, reads first Alifi’s note, then the other sheet* Ahh
… so, ‘ere it is. *she looks up as Blake returns with their drinks;
she holds up the pages* Alifi were ‘ere earlier. She got this note from Fred. Looks like he means it. *she reads it again, feels her heart sink*
Blake *sits down next to
her, sets the glasses down, takes the notes, reads them* I don’t know,
honey, I think we should wait till Kat gets back. The Brave should be arriving
back anytime.
Manouche: Aye. Fred told me Kat’s lost to Kidd for good now, but
… I think we need t’ be sure that’s what’s ‘appened before we go assumin’ custody o’
their children. *takes a drink* Anyway,
at least Candy’s watchin’ over ‘er. An’ once Raven’s
home, he’ll be there t’ assist. *she brings a hand to her eyes as
once again she feels vague images of Kat and Raven, at the edge of her consciousness, like a threatening migraine. She doesn’t mention it to Blake; her visions are so scrambled lately, she’s not sure which
ones to believe*
Blake *nods* I think you’re right. *he takes a drink, brings an arm
around Manouche* I’m sorry honey, I know you’re worried about the
Abberlines. I wish … I wish you could’ve convinced the Inspector
that there’s probably more he could do than he thinks.
Manouche: I don’t even know if that’s true. I couldn’t
argue with all th’ things he said. If Kat truly is lost to ‘im, an’
if th’ pull o’ the dens is too strong … blimey, what hope could I possibly offer ‘im?
Blake: Try not to worry about it right now, get some rest. You’ve
been gone a long time, you need to take it easy. *he finishes his drink* Do you mind being here alone for awhile? I
thought I’d go back to the docks, get a start on the repairs to the ship. A
couple of the shipbuilders live near there, I’ll just drop by an’ see if they can lend a hand, what it’ll
cost, all that.
Manouche: No, I’ll be sound. I’m jus’ goin’
to stay ‘ere for a bit, then I’ll prob’ly soak in a hot tub. An’
after that, if I ‘ave any energy at all, I want t’ go out an’ see th’ horses. I been missin’ them, too.
Blake: Well don’t overdo it. Take it easy. I’ll bring us some food back from Chez Roux, so you don’t have to cook. *he stands up, leans down, kisses her, smiles* It’s
a home again. *he straightens up, turns, leaves the room, softly closes the front
door behind him, locking it*
Manouche *smiles after him,
finishes her drink, then sets the glass down and settles back on the cushions, enjoying the cool, quiet room; how she had
missed it. Her eyes close slowly, and she drifts off into a soft dream …
minutes later, she frowns, stirs in her sleep, though it’s not exactly slumber, it’s more of a dreamer state between
sleep and wakefulness, and she winces as she hears yet again Kat’s anguished scream … she sees Raven, hurt and
frightened, looking so much like the first time she laid eyes on him in Marchand’s hideout, her blood runs cold …
but that’s what it must be, she reasons to herself groggily, it’s a vision of the past, not the present …
then she hears familiar voices, she thinks one of them is Perhan, and she soon realizes that the other one is Abberline*
I am too damn weak to be of any help for anyone. I can't give support
to anyone, so the best thing I can do is to drink myself into oblivion, but first I have a score to settle. It's a private matter.
I know you two share a lot. A heartbeat, for example …
*Manouche moans, feels her
heart pounding in her chest, feels like she’s suffocating, like she can’t pull herself out of this state …
like she felt when she was in the box … her horror mounts, and the bite at the side of her neck starts to throb painfully
… then she’s quickly transported to the warm, cozy kitchen at Bournemouth House, the vision so clear it’s
as if she’s in the room herself, and she sees Chiana grumpily grasp a small bowl of porridge with both hands. The child squeals angrily, hurls the bowl to the floor, where it smashes into pieces. The sound of the crash sends Manouche flying up from the couch to a sitting position, and she opens her
eyes, breathing heavily, looking around the room fearfully. Everything around
her is quiet and peaceful, as before. She starts trembling violently, wraps her
arms around her shoulders, tears fill her eyes. Her heartbeat calms down somewhat,
and she drops back down to the sofa, buries her face in one of the big cushions and sobs, thinking dreamer-like, loud and
clear* Oh, Fred, I’m so sorry …
Fred, I’m dyin’ … I need ye … Kat needs ye, she ain’t gone, she’s in trouble, please help
us … Raven, too … fergive me, Fred, I tried t’ spare ye, an’ I’ve tried t’ keep yer family
as safe as I could … ye ain’t weak, luv … please don’t harm yerself …
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