At the Security office:

Godley *returns to his office, writes a neat report on finding Salome's body with an ink pen.  He can use the mobile phone, but that is as far as he is willing to go with modern gadgets, he touches a computer only when it is absolutely unavoidable.  Then he puts the report in the case folder, takes it under his arm and goes to Donnie's Office.*  DeeDee, is he in?

DeeDee *painting her fingernails with care*  Try knocking on the door.

Godley *mutters*  Some secretary ... I am starting to miss Charlie.  *but he goes to the door and knocks politely*

Donnie *is going through the file-cabinet once more to make sure all the files on Manouche, Kat, Gibson, Grace and the other pirates he’s come to know as friends are gone; hears someone knocking and closes the cabinet; opens the door and smiles*  Good morning Godley, come on in.  *Goes over and sits down behind his desk.*  What can I do for you?

Godley *sits down heavily on the guest chair and takes a look around*  I have to say I like this office better this way ... *he puts the folder on the table*  We found Salome's body.  I have all the files related to her case here, including the visit to the cornfield.  There were no fingerprints, which shows that we are dealing with professionals.  As also the annoying fact that we still don't have more clues.  But I am working on it.  I called Cavalcanti that it would be best to bury the body without any fancy showings, but he was not fond of the idea.  There are some things that bother me ... The way the body was found.  The Inspector told me it lay buried in a cornfield.  That's nothing new, he has had these visions since he started working with me, but ... I think he knows who are behind this, but he didn't tell me.  And, I do wish you would take him off this case.  And to be frank, he hasn't said anything, but he isn't happy with this new organization.  Are you going to fire him if he doesn't appear at the Security?  *he casts a very anxious and worried look at Donnie*

DeeDee *returns to her desk, quickly punches the digits and calls her father*  Daddy, they have lost the body of Salome, they managed to find her, but they have spoiled her appearance.  You can't put her on the catwalk as planned?  What are you going to do?

Donnie *looks at Godley in surprise*  Salome’s body has been missing?  Wow … *Sighs heavily*  Honestly, I don’t know what to do about Abberline.  I don’t want to fire him, I know he has a family to support, but it doesn’t seem like he wants to be working here either.  *Thinks for a moment*  Do you think he’d be willing to take some personal leave?  Paid, of course.  It would give him some time to concentrate on his family and it get him off the case.  Of course, if I suggest it to him, he’ll probably take it as some personal insult … *shakes his head*  If you have any other suggestions, I’ll be all too happy listen. 

Godley:  Yes.  The body was stolen from the morgue, and the Inspector's signature was faked on the form.  Can you contact Cavalcanti for the funeral arrangements?  I personally have no wish to talk with said gentleman.  It might impress him more coming from the Chief.  *he grins*  I don't mind you being the one in charge, but I am sure the Inspector resents it.  In Portsmith's times he got used to doing what he wanted and how he wanted.  You are right that he would take a suggestion for a personal leave as an offence.  And it would not be a bit better if he knew it came from me initially.  I don't know.  *scratches his head*  I want him off this case because I don't want him getting involved with Daphne once more ... But, on the other side, he knows more than he's willing to tell and that worries me. I don't know why he would keep it from me.  It's true that he hasn't worked much lately, but you have to understand, he has had so much trouble with his family ... *he sighs heavily* and it seems more is to come.  He talked about a divorce.  He's never done that before during all the fights they've had.  If that happens, he has to have something to occupy himself with.  Can't you give him something he could get interested in?

Donnie *looking slightly worried*  Yes, I suppose I better talk to Cavalcanti myself; it is a rather serious matter.  *Nods*  Yes, I imagine he does resent it.  And telling him that I didn’t ask for it or campaign for it won’t make any difference.  Look, I know that Abberline has had trouble with his family, but there’s always trouble and at the risk of sounding cold-hearted, I have a budget.  I’d hate to lose a skilled officer, but what’s the point of having a skilled officer on the force, if he’s never working?  I’ll cut him some slack for now, but he really needs to figure out if he intends to work or not.  I’m sure that he has his reasons for keeping his knowledge to himself and that in time he’ll tell you.  Maybe he wants to find out more first.  *Sighs heavily again*  I wouldn’t know what he might be interested in, unless it involves his own family.  Or the Blakes.  And right now, the Salome case is the only one we have … *smiles slightly*  Strange considering how much goes on in this town.  *Thinks for a moment*  I suppose I could have him oversee some of Isabella..uh, Miss Martin’s training, but as far as I know putting those two together would result in disaster … they’d butt heads and it would only be a matter of time before they’d be at each other’s throats.  Besides, I don’t know if that would be something he’d be interested in or if he’d see it as a babysitter assignment.  *Adds quietly*  Not that she needs a babysitter. 

Godley:  Good, maybe you can get some sense in that fashion weirdo's head.  *he falls quiet for a while, thinking. Portsmith never mentioned a budget.  Where did all the money come from?  Not from her own purse ... Now there would be something to investigate … for someone who wants his head chopped off*  It might be a good idea after all. In a way, there's something I recognize in her ... Sorry, but I have to say that she's also one fishing for trouble, not caring for authorities, doing things her own way.  You might give it a try.  Miss Martin does definitely not need any babysitter, I agree with you, but she might benefit something from an Inspector who's been long in the profession and whose working methods are unorthodox.  Will you consider it?  *he rises up*  I am sure that I don't have to remind you not to mention anything to the Inspector.

Donnie *grins a little*  I can try.  *Nods*  She has admitted herself that she has been very good at getting into trouble, but claims that she's trying to change that.  *Smiles a little*  I believe that she's trying and that she has real potential for becoming a good investigator.  *Shrugs*  Maybe I see something good in her, because she reminds me of Grace.  *Laughs*  I suppose the fact that the two are becoming friends should worry me a bit.  *Thinks for a moment; even though Abberline and Isabella will both dislike the idea of teaming up, it might be good for them both.  Abberline will have something to focus on - or complain about - and Isabella will learn to work with someone else as stubborn as herself; looks at Godley*  You know what?  I think it is a good idea.  Abberline might benefit from working with someone not unlike himself and it'll do them both good to get to know one-another.  And a recruit should work with as many different officers as possible to learn as much as possible.  At some point we might get a case that requires the attention of all the officers and I can't have two officers who can't work together.  I'll arrange it.  *Smirks*  I'm sure Abberline can be convinced to work with a pretty girl.

Godley *grins a wide grin*  I like your way of thinking, Chief Inspector Brasco.  Besides her beauty, her intelligence and her stubborn mindset and her independence will be a good challenge to the Inspector.  He hates losing ... Oh, and I wouldn't mind working with her myself ...  Just a joke.  *he sighs*  I'd better tackle this Salome case now.  *he goes to the door, opens it and looks suspiciously at DeeDee, but she's typing something with a serious expression, the model of a good secretary - though her shirt is so open that Godley has to avert his eyes fast from her*  Thanks.  I am sure this will be a good solution.

Donne *laughs*  Godley, you dog.  I didn't know you had it in you.  *Turns serious*  I'm sure it will too.

At Bournemouth House:

Abberline *notices Manouche ahead of him when he heads toward Bournemouth House.  She seems to have the same direction.  He slows down, and watches her walking, swaying her hips, the slight wind playing with her wild hair, and he catches her first when she is already at the door*  Any news of Raven, Manouche?

Manouche *looks at him, surprised*  Fred … where ye been?  *she looks at him carefully, nods*  Ah, I see.  Well, I’m glad ye changed yer mind, luv.  It’s too dangerous, facin’ Marchand alone.  I know it’s not yer nature t’ be patient, but I promise ye, Raven’s safe, at least fer now.  *she blinks back tears*  I don’t like th’ idea of ‘im bein’ held by that monster, either … but we ‘ave t’ be careful, or we could lose ‘im forever.  *she glances around, leans closer, lowers her voice*  I took a look at that crystal from th’ soothsayer, an’ I made a few interestin’ discoveries.  I were jus’ comin’ to tell ye an’ Kat about it.  It concerns Chiana.  Turns out ‘er magic is even more powerful than we realized.  Trouble is, I’m not sure what we can do with it.  I’m hopin’ someone can show us how it can be used t’ fight Marchand, savvy?

Abberline *opening the door for her, letting her in*  Where I have been?  Working.  And I have not changed my mind about anything.  I am just planning.  *ushers her into the living room*  We won't do anything with Chiana's magic or whatever it is called, I won't allow putting her into danger.  No.  She is not going to be used in any fight.  *he pours two brandies, hands the other glass to Manouche, puts his own on the mantelpiece and lights a cigarette, looks at her defiantly*  She's just a baby.

Manouche *listens to him, nods*  Yer absolutely right.  Apologies, luv, ye misunderstood me.  I didn’t come ‘ere to talk ye into anythin’.  I jus’ came to share what I’d learned, that’s all.  It’s entirely up to you an’ Kat what ‘appens goin' forward.  I would never try to talk th’ pair o’ ye into anythin’ concernin’ Chiana, savvy?  She’s yer child, she’s but a babe, an’ she’s already been exhausted to 'er limits tendin’ to ‘er loved ones.  *finds a cigarette, lights it, thinks for a moment; then digs in her pocket, brings out the crystal.  Sets it on the coffee table, looks at him*  ‘Ere ye are, mate.  I doubt that this hunk o’ glass can show me any more’n what I’ve seen.  I'm as tired o' riddles as you are.  Give th' bloody thing back t’ Kat, or to one o’ them blokes she seems t’ know.  This ain't me fight.  This is yer family, these are yer children we’re talkin’ about, so you an’ Kat call th’ shots.  Whatever ye want me t’ do to assist, ye know I will.  An’ I don’t think I ‘ave to tell ye that th’ minute I know Raven’s situation has turned desp’rate ... *her eyes flash* ... then soothsayers an’ wilders an’ anyone else be ‘anged!  I’ll run every step of th’ way to lil’ mate on me onesies, no questions asked, an’ I’ll do everythin’ in me power to rescue ‘im, or die tryin’.  *takes another drink, smirks*  Marchand ain’t killed me yet.

Abberline:  It's not up to me and Kat.  It's up to me from now on.  *he turns to the door and yells*  Candy, can you tell Kat to come down?

Candy *appears in the doorway, swallows, hesitates*  I was feeding Chiana, and then I put her to bed ... *she stops*  She's left.  I am sorry.

Abberline *sarcastically*  How unpredictable of her.  I never would have guessed that.  *turns again to  Manouche with a dramatic flair*  There you see.  No us.  Just me.  Me and my children.  And if you don't like the way I am living, just tell it to me straight, without trying to make me guilty for exhausting my baby daughter with concerns about me.  *he relents immediately he said the words he shouldn't have said, he slumps in a chair*  I am sorry.  I didn't mean it.  *he takes the bottle and pours himself another drink.*  But it makes me nervous just sitting here knowing that Raven is held by Marchand.  Can you reach him?  *he picks up the crystal, examines it*  I am keeping it.

Manouche *starts to feel anger rise as he snaps at her again, then relents when he apologizes*  I don’t like this situation, either.  Th’ only reason I hesitate t’ do anythin’ is ‘cause of what those strangers said t’ us.  I don’t know ‘em, an’ I don’t know that they can be trusted, but some of it rang true t’ me.  An’ as we’ve seen, our previous efforts ‘aven’t done much good.  So I were open to suggestions, as it were.  Of course I’ll continue t’ track Raven as best I can.  But I should at least tell ye what I’ve learned about Chiana.  *she pulls another chair closer to his*  Chiana’s great-grandmum were a soothsayer.  She went against th’ wishes of ‘er family an’ married a wilder ... a wilder is a bein’ what possesses powerful magic but often doesn’t possess th’ ability to control it.  Now, not knowin’ much about these things, I don’t know why that’s a particularly bad thing.  But what I learned from that *she motions to the crystal* is, Chiana’s great-grandmum married a wilder.  She died while givin’ birth to a son … he was named Lanier Marchand, after his father, th’ wilder.  So it were my reckonin’ that per’aps th' powers Chiana inherited from th’ wilder an’ soothsayer are at odds with ‘er healer abilities.  *she sits back, runs a hand through her hair*  Where that leaves us, I don’t know.  Th’ soothsayer, an’ that Marcos bloke, they both indicated that what I would learn from th’ crystal could possibly be used t’ vanquish Marchand forever.  But … again, that’s entirely yer call, luv.  Chiana’s yer child.  An’ even if ye were t’ agree with all that … well, I wouldn’t know what t’ do from ‘ere anyway.  Too many unanswered questions.  So th' way I see it is, at this point, unless I hear anythin’ more concrete from one o’ them strangers again … or unless I sense that it’s time to take action for Raven … th’ rest is in yer hands.  If they were me own children, I’d feel th’ same way.  I wouldn’t want someone else makin’ decisions about ‘em … *smiles a little sadly* … even if that someone loved ‘em as much as if they were ‘er own children.

Abberline *listening to Manouche till she stops*  Marchand again.  The tainted heritage of Kat ... Are you saying that there is something wrong about Chiana?  But ...

Candy *appears again at the door carrying Chiana, who coos, seeing Manouche and reaches her arms toward her daddy*  She's missing you.

Abberline *Takes her in his lap*  Don't go banging me this time.  *Chiana looks at him gravely, then smiles broadly*  Blasted, why do you have to be so like your mother?  *he puts the crystal back on the table and lifts her up*  There's no way I want Chiana involved in anything bad, as I said before.  Why don't you have children of your own?  *he smiles sadly*  What would you do if you were free now?  If there was no Blake, would you choose me?  *he sighs*  I know, I know, I shouldn't talk like that, and the truth is I have given up my hope.  And I don't have faith anymore.  *he lets Chiana down on the floor, she starts to crawl, first towards Manouche, but then she switches directions.  Abberline pours yet another glass*  As I can't do anything, I can get drunk as well ...

Chiana *reaches the coffee table, and while her daddy is talking, she pulls herself up on her feet, reaching for the crystal with her tiny fingers, and at the same time as she manages to grab it with a victorious shout, her grip on the table loosens and she starts to fall straight on her back*

Abberline *starts, splashes the contents of the glass and jumps up, his heart pounding with fear*  No, Chiana, don't do that!

Chiana *lands happily on her bum unharmed, but she's grabbing the crystal tight, staring at it intently as it starts to change color*

Manouche *places a hand on Abberline’s arm, softly*  Fred, luv, ye know ye’ll always be special t’ me.  Dreamer, shared heartbeat, an' all.  But ... ye should be glad things are as they are.  Ye wouldn’t be happy with me, savvy?  Ye’d still ‘ave many of th’ same problems ye already struggle with in yer relationship with Kat … *smiles slightly* … pirate … an’ there are other ways I would disappoint ye, as well … *her voice trails off as Candy enters the room, and she smiles broadly as Chiana coos at her.  To Abberline*  Ye mustn’t lose hope an’ faith, mate, things ain’t played out yet.  We don’t know how it’ll all end.  *she watches in surprise as she sees Chiana pull herself up, then she leaps to her feet as Chiana falls back, clinging to the crystal.  She runs to her, drops down to the floor next to her*  Chiana, lil’ love, are ye sound?  *she sighs with relief as she sees that Chiana appears unharmed; then she stares at the crystal as it reacts to Chiana’s grip*  B-by th’ powers …

Abberline:  What does that mean?  Take it from her!  It's changing ... *Chiana grips it tighter, staring at it*

At the hospital:

Miranda *Struggles with the nurses, manages to free one hand, and quickly she pulls the gun out and hits one of the nurses on the fingers with it*  Back off, I am going to shoot you all!

Doctor:  Watch out, she has a weapon!  *they all scatter into corners looking for cover*

Miranda *voice trembling*  Open the door and let me out!  Now!  *tears streaming down her face, she raises the gun and aims at one of the horrible beeping machines, the bullets shatters the screen, sparks and shards fly into all directions as she concentrates and takes aim of the next machine from hell.*

Doctor *whispers to the nurses*  She is totally insane.  We have to alert Dr. Drake, maybe he can help ... *he starts slowly to crawl toward the door, listening for the bullets hitting their aim, and he stops and lies low for a while when one of the bullets ricochets wildly from metal to metal and finally buries itself into the wall near his head.  He makes a last spurt for the door, and when he just is able to reach the handle, the door suddenly bursts open and the guards run in*

Guard:  Drop your weapon, lady, or I will pull the trigger!

Miranda *eyes wide with terror, spins around and points her small gun at the guard, but the guard is faster and shoots her in the arm, she screams and drops the weapon, and she starts to wail*  Malachi!  Malachi!  I need you, help me please!

Sarah and Emma:

*Sarah and Emma are having a “girls-only” day with lunch at Chez Roux, followed by lots of shopping for clothes and toys for Emma as well as things for Emma’s room.  The waiter has just served them their meal; a light salad with chicken for Sarah and french-fries for Emma.*

Sarah *takes a bite of her food, then washes it down with a sip of water; looks at Emma*  I need to ask you something before we go shopping for clothes.  What kind of clothes do you like to wear?  I don’t want to dress you up like a princess if you absolutely hate dresses.  *Jokingly*  You’re not a Barbie-doll!

Emma *giggles*  I like dresses … *then turns serious* but I might make them dirty.

Sarah *shrugs with a little grin*  That’s what we have a washing-machine for.  Tell you what, how about we find some jeans, shirts, and dresses.  *Knowingly*  A girl should have something for every occasion … whether it be fancy tea-parties, playing with dogs, or going on scavenger-hunts in the backyard.

Emma *nods knowingly, then grins*  Or playing pirates with Dad!

Sarah *laughs*  Exactly!  Hey, I have an idea … how about we surprise Dad with real pirate costumes for all of us?  Plastic swords, bandanas, hats and everything!

Emma *breaks into a smile*  Yay!

Sarah *laughs*  I think he’ll like it too.  But first we eat and do all the other shopping … and then we hit the toy store.  *Emma nods and digs into her food wanting to finish quickly* 

*Much later after spending considerable time in several shops, Sarah and Emma walk down the street both carrying several shopping bags.  They enter a thrift store and after rummaging through the boxes manage to find perfect pirate-looking outfits; they go into a fitting-room and change into their pirate outfits before heading home to Neverland Avenue.  Right before entering the house, they dig out the plastic swords and hats from the toy store bag.  They enter the house quietly and sneak into Barrie’s office.*

Barrie *sitting in arm-chair with his back against the door reading a book.  Sarah and Emma sneak up behind him and jump out pointing their plastic-swords at him*

Sarah *in her best pirate-voice*  Give up yer treasures or we’ll send ye te Davy-Jones’ locker!

Barrie *startled as he didn’t hear them come in: gasps*  Or you could just shock me to death!  *Emma laughs hysterically.  Barrie looks at them both, then starts laughing heartily* Silly girls!

Sarah *kisses him and hands him a bag*  We got you an outfit too.

Barrie *to Emma with a grin*  How about I got put this on and then we pay a visit to Louise in the kitchen?  *Emma nods with a big grin; takes Barrie’s hand and runs with him upstairs*

Sarah *laughing*  Be nice to poor Louise!