At Bournemouth House:

Isabella *to Abberline, sighs heavily*  Obviously, you’re entitled to your opinion of Brasco, but you still ought to know that seconds before Portsmith offered him the promotion, he was yelling at her for making up that false case against you.  You seem to have forgotten who worked to prove your innocence … but if you want to be an ungrateful twit, I suppose that’s your choice.  *Reluctantly*  But I’ll agree with you that he was being a coward today for letting me break the news to you instead of talking to you himself.  And I do intend to yell at him next time I see him.  *Takes a sip of coffee almost as if she’s reloading before she continues*  I know it doesn’t matter what I say about journalism, but … I don’t write gossip, I have never have.  I’ve always taken great effort to find the facts and even in interviews, I make sure to state that it’s the opinion of the person interviewed and not necessarily a fact.  Sure, I might ask questions or ponder over something, but that’s not the same as stating it as a fact.  *Smiles a little*  The enemy camp?  I don’t consider police as my enemy; in fact, I’ve worked with police officers or agents on several occasions.  I joined the Security Office, because *is about to say ‘Brasco’, but doesn’t want to add fuel to the fire* someone thought I’d potentially be good at it and I was looking for something, I guess.  *Smiles at Chiana, looks back at Abberline and frowns*  I never said anyone was a freak ... I said that your family has special gifts; a well-known fact.  And I also said that to my knowledge you’re good people.  *Thinks for a moment, looks at him quizzically*  What have I done to Chiana?  She looks perfectly fine to me; I didn’t reveal anything in that article that people don’t already know.  So no, I don’t see how I did anything wrong.  Besides, I’ve already apologized.  Not much more I can do.  *Smiles and shakes her head*  I’m quite alright with being a woman … and I don’t think women are twice as good as men or whatever you said, but I do believe that we’re equals.  You’re the one who seems to think otherwise.  *Bitterly*  I don’t expect anything when it comes to men.  *Glares at him*  And I can open doors by myself and carry my own bags.  *Runs a hand through her hair*  Are you intending to misunderstand everything I say?  I didn’t say that there’s something wrong with being a mother or taking care of a house.  My sister is a mother and I deeply respect her for it.  I’m merely saying that women should have a right to choose, because it doesn’t make everyone happy.  I’d have no issues settling down with a nice man, if I could only find one, but that doesn’t mean that I want children or that I don’t want other things in my life.  I can’t spend all day at home just waiting my man to return home.  I’d be bored out of my mind!  *Nods*  Look, I’m not particularly keen on working with you either.  It’s hardly a secret that we dislike each other.  *Grins*  But unless Brasco tells me otherwise … *Turns serious again*  I figure we might as well give it a try.  And hey, you’re so convinced that I won’t be any good at this, so now you’ll have the opportunity to show me that I won’t.

Abberline *testily* Should I be grateful to Brasco.  Oh please.  It was all Manouche's doing.  And Godley's.  So, motherhood is fine but not for you?  What a statement ... I pity the man who gets involved with you unless you scare them all off with your feminism.  You don't want a nice man.  You want a real man.  You would finish off him in a few days.  *looks at her darkly*  Unless you already have a man?  You defend Brasco all the time.  You're not having an affair with him?  Are you?  As for working together, there doesn't seem to be another choice.  *shrugs*  I am used to doing things my way, and if that doesn't suit you or Brasco ... *he doesn't finish the sentence, he just takes another cigarette*  Just spare me from your lessons.  I have to go to see how Kat is faring ... *he rises up, takes Chiana from the chair and his expression softens instantly*  How could any woman not want babies?

Isabella:  Maybe he wasn’t the one who found the missing piece that got you off, but he did work for it.  *Lowers her eyes; she shouldn’t care what this idiot says, but his statement still hurts a little; says quietly*  Maybe I do scare them off … but I honestly doubt we’d agree on what makes a real man … *looks back at him*  I’m not involved with Brasco!  *Silently prays that those dreamer abilities she’s heard of doesn’t reveal anything; adds*  He’s a friend … and so is Grace.  *Smiles slightly*  I’m too new at this to have found my way of doing things.  *Nods*  I’ll spare you from my lessons, if you spare me from your views on what a woman should or should not do.  *Shrugs* 

Abberline *looks at her intently in her eyes, knowing he makes her feel uncertain*  Friend?  I see ... You'd better not go too far or you will lose both of them as friends.  Not that it concerns me.  Right.  After two days we both can go to him and tell it doesn't work at all.  *mutters*  What a waste of time ... Candy, I think Chiana needs changing.  And will you tell Marta that her coffee is not strong enough.  I'll see you tomorrow, Martin.

Candy *hurries to take Chiana, who tries to cling to his father*  Come on, little girl, you will get back soon.  *she lingers, waiting for the bedroom door to bang before she whispers to Isabella*  You are so fortunate to get to work with him every day.  Don't let him scare you, he is a very good man.

Isabella *looks him straight in the eyes*  I’m not intending to go anywhere with anything.  Fine by me.  *To Candy*  He doesn’t scare me; he annoys me!  A good man?  Huh …. *smiles*  Let’s just call it a difference of opinion.  It was nice meeting you, Candy.  *Leaves Bournemouth*

At the hospital:

Miranda *wakes up after a long refreshing dream, she knows she is still at the hospital with the terrifying machines, but the first thing she sees are Malachi's dark eyes looking at her, and the first thing she feels are his arms around her, she yawns, contented and feeling a strange peace inside, she looks at his handsome face.  He has brought her life, and peace - and love*  Malachi, promise me that you will never marry me ...

Malachi *kisses her cheek, looks at her lovingly*  What?  You don’t want to get married?  We’ll do anything you want.  I just know I want to spend my life with you, I don’t care how we do it.  *smiles, looks at her carefully*  What’s soured you on marriage all of a sudden?  Some people know how to do it right, y’know.  Look at Manouche and Blake, look at the Wonkas.  *he pulls her closer, holds her tight as if he fears she’ll disappear again*

Miranda:  I want you to love Miranda, not a wife.  I just want us to be together as we two, not as a couple.  I want us to be lovers forever ... And I want you to take me home.  *she shudders, but then she smiles again, strokes his high cheekbone*  You must be hungry.  I am sure nobody has cooked for you while I was away.

Malachi:  I would love nothing better than to take you home, but I’m a little worried that they may try to stop us.  We have a nurse who seems sympathetic, but you never know.  *he glances up at the clock*  I left a message on Sergeant Godley’s voice mail, I wish he would come.  *he looks at Miranda, smiles mysteriously*  Just part of a little plot I cooked up to get you out of here.  An’ speaking of cooking … *he lifts the covers up, lets his dark eyes sweep appreciatively over her figure* … I guess my appetite is returning … *he draws her close, kisses her again*

At the beach:

Isabella *after leaving Bournemouth House the previous day, she couldn’t stop thinking of what Abberline had said … that she scared off men and that she would be too much for a ‘nice’ man.  Maybe he had a point.  It annoys her that someone like Abberline would get to her; he clearly knows nothing of women and he certainly doesn’t know her!  But her track record speaks for itself.  The few men that have stuck around long enough to earn the boyfriend title were not what you’d categorize as ‘nice’ men.  Not like Hanson.  Even if she’s not deliberately seeking out danger, it tends to know exactly where she is and even if she’s trying to change for the better, she is who she is.  She had thought about gathering enough courage to tell Hanson about her feelings for him, but now she’s not so sure.  Maybe he would be better off if she didn’t; if they remain friends.  She should stick to work-outs on the beach and possibly working together as soon as this Abberline thing is done.  Right when she’s made her decision, she spots Hanson coming towards her further down the beach; despite her bad mood, a smile escapes her when he smiles and waves to her*

Hanson *reaches her; smiles*  Good morning … *they start walking along the beach*  How did it go with Abberline yesterday?

Isabella *Shrugs*  As suspected, I suppose.  The verbal punches were flying almost immediately.  But we agreed to do as ordered for two days and then go to Donnie and tell him that it just isn’t working.

Hanson *Grins a little*  I guess a time-limit makes it easier to see the end of it.

Isabella *laughs*  Exactly!  *Turns serious*  I hope we’ll get away with it … and that I won’t accidentally shoot Abberline in the foot before the two days are over.  *Grins*  You never know what accidents might happen with a recruit.

Hanson *laughs*  Unfortunately, the Chief knows that you can handle a weapon.  I don’t think he’ll buy it.

Isabella *Mutters*  Too bad … *Picks up the pace and starts running and is soon joined by Hanson. They run along the beach for a while, then go to Chez Roux for breakfast before going to the Security Office as has become their morning ritual*

At Bournemouth House:

Abberline *enters the bedroom and shuts the door and looks at Kat*  Are you finished with throwing things?

Kat:  Now that just depends don't it??  E'eryone knows crazy people be entirely unpredictable, eh?  Take Raven for instance.  When 'e were born I insanely  took 'im te the safest place I could think of.  'stead of turnin' up on yer doorstep and tossin' yer bastard son into the arms of yer perfect wife and stirrin' up 'eaven knows what grief 'twix ye.  Pure crackers, that.  Oh and let's not go forgettin' that poison, too dangerous it is.  Gets into yer blood and slowly steals yer life away.  Kinda like opium, innit??  A perfect man such as yerself wouldna associate 'imself with such vileness would 'e??  Perfectly understandable it is.  So I be accommodatin' ye by removin' my unsavory self fro' yer illustrious presence!!  *Turns away*

Abberline *grabs her shoulder and turns her back facing himself *  Oh, you are being sarcastic.  So what was the purpose of this brief visit, seducing me?  Tell me for once what it is that you really want, and I might even understand something.  Are you going back to your ship playing a pirate, pretending that you don't know what Kidd does.  Poison, you are just like poison in my blood.  I want you to go, but then I am running after you to fetch you back.  There's no peace with you. I wanted to punish you ... I slept with two tarts, I even paid them ... I tried to hit on Daphne ... Hell, I even tried Manouche ... I wanted to be free from you ... I don't know what to do with you.

Kat *Avoiding his eyes*  I only needed te see ye, to look at ye then slip away.  I didna intend te be seen.  I 'ave no ship. I failed them what depended on me as well as Raven, my mother and ye.  I envy Davy Jones bein' able te rip out 'is 'eart and not 'ave te feel.  The soothsayer thinks I be an abomination.  *Looks away.*  Ye be right I am poison.  I know 'bout them tarts.  I also know they were not what they seemed and I wasna 'ere te protect ye.  The soothsayer allowed me te see.  *Draws a breath*  Ye 'ave 'nother babe on the way, Fred Abberline.  One not of Marchand's blood.  Though the poor 'elpless child will be my niece.  *Looks sadly at Abby*  I dona know the why of it only she willna stand a chance and I know not what te do

Abberline *stares at her, mouth open when her words sink in*  No.  No.  But ... what ... *he wants to believe that she is just trying to wound him, but he knows she isn't.  She isn't lying.  She knows.*  Metrea?  *he sinks down on the bed and covers his face with his hands*  You are not the abomination.  I am.  What can we do?  There must be something, stop her, stop ... it.

Kat *Sits beside him puts her hand on his shoulder*  Ye couldna 'ave known.  If I'd of been 'ere naught woulda 'appened.  *Guiltily*  Raven would be safe and that child wouldna been conceived.  The babe should be safe 'nuff 'til it's birthin'.  After that I'm not sure.  But somehow I don't think what e'ers planned has anythin' te do with Marchand.  Maybe Metrea's servin' another or *Swallows hard*  perhaps 'er intentions involve some kinda e'il sacrifice.  What e'er she intends.  She's gotta be stopped.

Abberline:  You did warn me, but I wouldn't listen.  Whatever she's planning, how can I live with it, knowing that it's my child?  And who can stop her and what will happen to the baby?  We have to find her and ... and make her terminate ... No, I can't ... Can you ever forgive me, Kat?  *he turns toward her and embraces her*  All the time I have been trying to take care of you, and protect you ... How foolish that is.  And all this time it's you, you and Manouche who have taken care of me.  As well as Raven and Chiana.  But that baby ... *he shudders*  Metrea's ... and mine ... *bitterly*  I am a fool, a miserable fool.  How could she be stopped?

Kat:  Terminate?  No, Gili wouldna allow such and I canna either.  It be Ama's grandchild as is our own no matter that Metrea bears it.  Ye be better at fatherin' than I at motherin'.  Ye've wanted a wife that be soft, biddable and soft spoken.  All thin's that'd make a good mother.  I donna 'ave it in me.  We 'ave te see te Raven then when the time comes save the babe.  *Bites her lip*  Your child.  Then we'll speak on what's te be.

Abberline *sadly*  I would not be able to make such a decision, after all, it's my baby, but i don't want
it either ... I don't know anymore what i want.  I was mad at you and was going to file for divorce, but now ... It's kind of turned the other way.  You couldn't live with me, look at me knowing what I have done.  So what are you going to do with me?

Kat *Quietly*  Ye want a divorce.  I 'spected as much.  I were thinkin' to fight ye.  I was of a mind te 'urt ye to the point of takin' Chiana away fro' ye and raisin' er at sea.  Makin' a pirate of 'er.  But I canna do it.  I love ye Fred Abberline and iffen ye want that divorce.  I willna agree lessen I got yer word ye willna turn yer back on yer innocent babe.  It be not right.  She's Raven and Chiana's sister with just as much right te her father.

Abberline *desperately*  I wanted to hurt you too for deserting me but it felt bad.  How could you love me after this?  *looks her deeply in the eyes*  I don't think i can cope with that child.  I don't want to see it.  Are you going to leave me now?

Kat:  Ye don't leave me a choice.  If that child survives.  I willna let 'er grow up an outcast, alone and unwanted.  I may not be the best mother.  But at least I won't throw 'er away.  *Turns to go.  Hesitates briefly*  I'll always love ye but I'll ne'er understand ye.  *Steps through the door.*

Abberline *frowning, not trying to stop her, mutters after her*  Pirate ... I can say the same of you.  And love is not enough.  It will never be, not with you.  And no one will be like you, ever.

Raven *slowly wakes up in his room, sees Sydney sitting on the pillow near his head, smiles, reaches out and strokes his soft feathers.  He sits up, still feeling a little disoriented after everything that happened to him.  He hops down from the bed, walks out of his room, rubbing his eyes, stops short as he sees Kat quickly leaving the master bedroom.  He starts to call out to her, but something in her manner makes him hesitate; instead, he goes to the master bedroom, where he sees Abberline*  Father?  Father, I'm home ... wh-where's Mother goin'?

Abberline *quietly*  Away.  She's going away.  But at least you are back.  I was so worried about you, but Manouche told me there was nothing I could do.  *bitterly*  And she was right.  I am so relieved to have you back ... *he sighs, lights a cigarette*  Please stay with me, Raven, though I have done something horribly wrong ... I can't tell about it.  Isn't it strange, I said I loved her, she said she loved me, and now I am staying here and she's going.  *he rises up and pushes the hair from his face.*  I have to go to work.

Raven *looks toward the door, then back to him.  He approaches him, looks up at him*  I’ll stay with you, Father.  I love you both, but … I think Mother wants me to be here, at least for now.  I don’t know how I know that, but … that’s what I feel.  Although … *he stops, cocks his head and looks past Abberline, as if hearing something; he frowns* … I may need to go to her another time in the future.  *he pauses, shakes his head, wondering at the strange words; he’s not quite sure why he says what he’s saying, but it’s just something he knows, something he feels deep inside.  He shrugs a little, looks up at Abberline; he wants to hug him, but he’s getting older and feels it’s not grown-up enough, so instead he holds out his hand to shake*  I’ll stay here with you, and help you an’ Chiana.

Abberline *nods, looks at him solemnly, shakes his hand*  You may do as you please, Raven, and I know you must do what you know is best.  I wish I knew ... Take care of yourself and Chiana.  *he sighs and lets go of his hand, puts on his jacket.*  I have to leave now.

Raven *nods gravely, his face pale*  Y-yes, Father.  *he watches Abberline go, stands as if rooted to the floor for a few minutes.  Then he suddenly feels a wave of misery wash over him.  He turns, runs from the room, back to his own room.  He shuts the door behind him, stands leaning against it, anguished.  He thought he would be coming home to great celebration that he had returned safely, and perhaps some admonishment from either Kat, or Abberline, or both, about being too foolhardy and letting Marchand kidnap him, and how he must be more careful.  He wanted to warn them both about what has happened to Grandmother Ama, and he wanted to ask Kat about it all, and what could be done.  Instead, he comes home and finds his parents split, his father remote and in some sort of state of shock over it all; or is it something more?  He said he'd done something horribly wrong ... *

Raven *looks at Sydney, still sitting on his bed ... his beloved pet, he remembers how excited he was when Kat gave the beautiful owl to him for his birthday; Sydney peers back at him inquisitively.  Raven feels tears come to his eyes; he walks over, drops down on the bed, buries his face into his pillow and cries, whispering between sobs*  Oh, Mother, I found you, an’ now I’ve lost you again, I’ll miss you so … *Sydney hops close to him, nuzzles his head softly*

At the hospital:

Miranda *wraps her arms around Malachi’s neck and kisses him back passionately*  I am not cold anymore, I am hot ....

Godley *opens the door, blushes, backs away*  Er, I thought you were in some trouble, Malachi, but I didn't know it would be of this sort.

Miranda *squeals, then she smiles*  You scared me!  I am afraid of all the doctors.

Godley:  And you should be.  When I got your call, Malachi, I came instantly here before going to work.  A nurse told me that she had let you spend the night here, and she was afraid she would get chastised for it.  So, I turned first to a doctor.  Thanks for promoting me to guardianship *grins*  Now your destiny lies in my hands, Miranda.  Oh well.  We had a very nice little chat, though it required some threatening and yelling to get him to understand, that there would absolutely be no brain surgery needed.  They were talking about your brain, and about your entire body as an interesting item to study.  They won't admit that you are able to walk and talk or understand anything, so let's perform a miracle.  *he moves to look at the screen, listens to the silent beeps of the monitor, the he switches it off. *  Are you still there, Miranda?  Fine, I knew it.  Let's turn them all down.  *he grins very mischievously*  I am sure that Malachi can give you better intensive care than this bloody hospital.

Miranda:  Am I free to go?

Godley:  Yes you are, on my permission.  And remember that I signed you out on the peril of your life, and if anything happens to you, it's on me.  I told them that's fine.  Time to get up, lovers, before the white coats change their mind.

Malachi *jumps when Godley enters, then groans*  Sergeant Godley, much as I’m very glad you’re here, I have to say you’ve got some of Godalming about you when it comes to timing!  *he sits up, listens to all he has to say, nods, satisfied*  I knew you’d come through, and I knew you would know how to handle these idiots here.  Although I will say the nurse named Mads was very kind.  *he gets up, helps Miranda up, looks around, finds a robe, hands it to her*  Here you are, sweetheart, god only knows what they did with your clothes.  We’ll leave with Sergeant Godley, no one’ll dare stop us while we’re with him.  *he turns to Godley, smiles gratefully, holds out a hand.*  Sergeant, we can’t thank you enough.  *grins*  I’m sure Miranda’ll insist on cooking for you for an entire year after this.  I guess the best I can do is offer to take us all to Celeste sometime soon, to show my appreciation.  *he looks at Miranda*  You ready to go home, bright eyes?

At the Security office:

Isabella *having arrived with Hanson at the office; they’ve been sitting and talking for a while.  Isabella glances at the large clock on the wall above the door and sighs heavily*  I suppose I better go see if Inspector Abberline has come in … somehow I doubt he’ll come looking for me.

Hanson *laughs a little*  Probably not.  *As Isabella gets up to leave*  I’m going bowling tonight – you know, ‘cause it’s Thursday – so if you need cheering up after spending the day with the Inspector, you can stop by and laugh at me.

Isabella *smiles*  Yeah, maybe … we’ll see.  *Leaves their office and goes a bit down the hall and knocks on Abberline’s door; there’s no answer so she goes into the office to wait for him.*

Abberline *opens the door to his office in a very foul mood, deciding to have a talk with Donnie about his position and the very stupid decision to work with a nosy young girl who wants to be a cop apparently to show men that she's tough.  He smirks, but his expression changes to annoyed when he sees Isabella in his office*  Morning, Martin.  If I had known you to be so eagerly waiting for me I would have come earlier.  *he slumps down at his desk, lights a cigarette and fumbles for his absinthe bottle and glass, pours himself a drink without offering her one.  He looks down at his desk at all the papers and folders in disorder, all the petty thefts and brawls and shovel licenses he doesn't want to deal with, all gathering dust.  He raises his gaze and looks at her again*  So.  You want to be a cop, or was that investigator *pronounced with contempt*  You can start with the paperwork.  *He gathers the papers in a heap and pushes them toward her, then he pours another drink.*