At the Security office:

Abberline *once inside, goes straight to DeeDee.*  I need a mobile phone.

DeeDee *looks up and smiles charmingly*  Of course, Inspector.  You can have one immediately, I do have here a spare one.  *she roots in her lower drawers, bending lower than necessary so that he can see her cleavage.  She is very satisfied with her new wonder bra.  It's the best thing next to implants.  She finds the phone at once but pretends to look after it for a long time.*  There you are, Inspector.  *Abberline looks baffled at the phone.  It's pink and decorated with bright small glittering stones.*  It's a special edition.  And all the important numbers are already in the catalog.

Abberline:  Oh yea, I can see that.  I can't take this.  *he puts it down on the table.

DeeDee *playfully, takes it and tucks it into his shirt pocket leaning close enough to almost touch him with her breasts, she whispers in her seductive voice*  You are not the man afraid of losing your manhood for having a little pink trinket, or are you?

Abberline *flushed, backs off*  All right.  Whatever.  Thanks, DeeDee.  *out on the street again, he pushes his hands in the pockets, unsure of where to go.  The last time he met Metrea was at From Hell Court.  Maybe she will instead find him again?  He starts to walk back to the dark alleys of the Court.*

At Abberline’s hideaway:

Isabella *suddenly a little unsure if Manouche was the right one to call.  Clears her throat*  Hi, I’m Isabella Martin.  I don’t think we’ve ever met, but … I’ve been working with Inspector Abberline and we …or he, found his wife in From Hell Court.  She’d been put under some sort of spell; we worked it out and she’s sleeping peacefully now, but the Inspector asked me to call you and take her home.

Manouche *listens carefully, brings a hand up to her eyes, weaves slightly on the heels, then braces herself against the back of the sofa; she shakes her head as if to clear it, kicks off the shoes, listens again*  S-sorry, luv, there’s a bit of … activity ‘round ‘ere today, is all.  *she smiles into the phone*  I know who ye are.  Yer th’ sister o’ that lovely Sarah Barrie, ain’t ye?  She’s a fine woman, she’s talked with me husband ‘bout helpin’ him publish his book o’ poetry.  Did ye jus' say Kat’s under a spell?  *sighs with relief*  Well, I’m glad t’ hear we know where she is, at least.  I seen what were left of ‘er house, an’ it ain't a pretty sight.  I … I don’t understand what ye need from me, luv … did Fred want me t’ help get Kat home?  Or were he thinkin’ I may know somethin’ about this spell?  I ‘ave me moments with certain incantations an’ alchemy.  However, I don’t know that I’m th’ best bet fer a spell.  But let’s not waste time over th’ bleedin’ phone, savvy?  I can be there in about ten minutes … *her voice trails off, she looks down at her dress, and her eyes widen as if she’s seeing it for the first time; whispers*  What th’—  By th’ powers … *puzzled, she shakes her head again, speaks into the phone*  Ahh, make that more like twenty minutes.  But I’ll be there quick as I can, Miss Martin, straight up.  Ye at Fred’s lil’ hideaway in th' Court?  I think I remember where it is, I’ll be right there.  We’ll confer, then we’ll both get Kat home.  Can I bring anythin’, or ring anyone fer ye?

Isabella:  Yes, I am Sarah's sister ... I think we're in the clear as far as the spell goes; I called Grace Brasco about it and she told us how to break it.  *thinks for a moment*  No, I think that’s it.  Besides, I have my cell phone if I need to get a hold of anyone.  *Pauses as she tries to remember exactly what Abberline said*  Now that I think about it, I think he said he wanted you to take her to your house.  *Hesitates*  He hasn’t told me anything, but I’m getting the feeling that things aren’t going so well between them.  I could be wrong, but … I was at their house yesterday and there was yelling, and today he found her here instead of at home.  But you’re right, we can talk in person instead of over the phone.  I suppose it is his hideaway … it’s in a small alleyway … *sighs*  From Hell Court needs some damn street signs!  Just try the hideaway. 

Manouche *nods*  Right, no worries, I’ll be there soon.  *she smiles slightly*  If there were yellin’ between th’ Inspector an’ Kat, then things are as they’ve usually been throughout their marriage.  However, I do know they’ve been ‘avin’ troubles.  Kat’s more’n welcome t’ stay ‘ere, of course, she’s me mate.  An’ there’s plenty o’ room.  Jus’ sit tight, Miss Martin, an’ keep th’ door locked, ‘cause th’ Inspector has his share o’ enemies in th’ Court.  I’ll be right there.  *she hangs up the phone, looks down at her strange ensemble, shakes her head again*  I don’t know what come over me … *she goes back to the kitchen, where she sees Blake and Alifi eye her carefully; smirks, brings her hands up*  Right, th’ floor show’s over!  An’ before ye ask, no, I ‘aven’t th’ foggiest what I were doin’.  *she looks at Alifi pleadingly*  Please, luv, keep tryin’ to find that antidote, savvy?

Alifi *stands up, hugs her*  I’ll give it my all, bird.  Take care of yourself.  *she pushes Manouche’s hair back, smiles at her*  I’m going back to the house, check on Chírilo.  She gets into mischief if she’s left on her own too long.  *arches a brow*  Like someone else in this house.  *she laughs softly, turns away, winks reassuringly at Blake before she leaves the kitchen*

Manouche *indignantly*  I do believe I’ve been besmirched.  *she turns to Blake*  Love, I’m sorry t’ be worryin’ ye so …

Blake *comes over to her, takes her in his arms, murmurs*  I’m more than willing to take on the worryin’.  *he grins*  You let me worry about that, too.  Who was on the phone?

Manouche:  It were a woman on th’ Security force, workin’ with Fred.  They found Kat, an’ Fred wants me t’ bring ‘er here.  *sighs*  I reckon things are bad between ‘em after all, fer ‘im to leave ‘er to others t’ tend to, an’ to ‘ave her come ‘ere instead o’ Bournemouth House.  Poor Kat.

Blake:  I’m sure glad to hear she wasn’t in the fire.  *he kisses Manouche*  C’mon, honey, I’ll drive you.  We’ll bring Kat back, get her settled.

Manouche *grins*  Soon as I change, love.  If I go like this, I’m liable t’ be pressed into service in one o’ them cabaret shows.  *she kisses him, turns, leaves the kitchen, goes upstairs to the bedroom, where she changes clothes, washes the makeup off her face, combs out her hair.  She finds her pirate coat, then remembers the things she found at the scene of the fire, the items she stuffed into the deep pockets of her coat.  She quickly removes them, brings them to a small cabinet next to the closet; unlocks the door, places them inside, locks them up again, hides the key.  She doesn’t quite know why she’s taking such care with these relatively worthless items, she just has a feeling about them.  She glances in the mirror one more time, stops, pulls one more grape out of her hair.  She looks at it, shrugs, pops it into her mouth, then dashes down the stairs where Blake is waiting for her.  They go to his car, pull away from the house, start out for From Hell Court*

At From Hell Court:

Blake *pulls the Aston-Martin up to the entrance to the Court, parks.  He gets out, goes around, opens the door for Manouche*  You sure you remember where the place is, honey?

Manouche *nods*  Aye, I’m sure I can find it.  *they enter the Court, ignoring the jostling crowd around them*  Busy night, innit?

Blake:  Never a dull moment.  *he firmly pushes away a young woman who starts to grasp onto his arm; tips his hat slightly to her*  No, thanks just the same.  *indicates Manouche; the girl scowls at them both, turns, walks away huffily*

Manouche *watches her go, grins*  It would appear I’m crampin’ yer style, Mr. Blake.

Blake *pulls her close, kisses her cheek*  Consider it permanently cramped.  *they stop before passing by the open door of a small tavern, stand back as two men tumble through the doorway, fighting and cursing.  A woman runs out after them, screeching something about her lost honor.  Blake looks at Manouche incredulously*  ‘Lost honor’??

Manouche:  Per’aps it ain’t so much lost as, she left it in ‘er other frock.  *they continue on, then Manouche takes a turn down a narrow alleyway, stops before a door*  I think this is it.  *she steps up to it, taps, listens*  Miss Martin?  Are ye there, luv?  It’s me, Manouche …

Isabella *unlocks the door and lets Manouche in*  Hello Manouche; glad you’re here.  It felt kind of weird watching over her all alone in here … strange considering it’s my own neighbourhood.  *Smiles*  Anyway, please call me Isabella; no need to be so formal.  *Gestures towards Kat*  I think she’s alright, she seems to be sleeping … I’ve checked her pulse a couple of times and it’s normal.  Did you bring a car? 

Manouche:  Aye, we ‘ave a car.  *motions toward Blake*  This is me husband, William Blake.  *she moves over to Kat, puts a hand to her forehead, checks her pulse, nods*  She does appear t’ be sound.  We’ll take ‘er to our home, so if ye speak to Fred before we do, tell ‘im that’s where she is.  *turns to Isabella*  Y’ say this is yer neighbourhood … can we drop ye off somewhere?  Ye live close by?  *she narrows her eyes, looks closer at Isabella*  Y’ seem familiar, ‘ave we met?

Isabella:  Good.  *Smiles to Blake*  Hello, Mr. Blake, nice to meet you.  *To Manouche*  Yeah, right across from The Shark’s Tooth.  It’s not very far; I don’t mind walking.  *Looks closely at Manouche, but doesn’t remember her*  No, I don’t think we have.  And I’m sure I would remember; the only pirate I’ve met is Grace Brasco … and obviously Donnie … *realizing her mistake, quickly corrects herself*  I mean, Chief Inspector Brasco.  *Smiles a little*  We’re friends outside of the office, so I constantly slip up and refer to him as ‘Donnie’.  I’ll make sure inform Inspector Abberline when I see him … *Frowns*  If I see him … I’m not sure how long we’ll be working together.

Blake *tips hat slightly to Isabella*  Nice to meet you, Isabella.  *to Manouche*  I’ll go get the car, bring it closer, now that I know exactly where this place is.  There’s room to park in front, at least for a minute.  *he leaves to go fetch the car*

Manouche *watches him go, then looks at Isabella curiously*  I could swear I’d seen ye before.  Ah well, I reckon it don’t matter.  Apologies, luv, me mind has been playin’ tricks on me as of late.  *glances toward the door*  Ye should ‘ave no trouble walkin’ back to th’ Shark’s Tooth.  Th’ crowd this evenin’ is hectic, but not so threatenin’.  *grins*  I’ve seen it much worse!  Jus’ mind yer pockets.  *she turns to Kat again, brushes the hair back from her face; Kat stirs slightly, then settles back into her deep sleep.  Manouche murmurs to her*  Steady on, mate, ye’ll be all right.  *she sighs, turns to Isabella*  I can imagine that workin’ with Fred is a bit of a challenge fer ye, t’ say the least.  ‘Ave some patience with ‘im.  His attitudes toward women can be a bit archaic, but he’s a good bloke.  *shakes her head*  Hard t’ imagine him bein’ keen on sharin’ his workload with anyone other’n Sergeant Godley … an’ particularly a woman.  Donnie must’a been out of his mind t’ suggest it in th’ first place, what were he thinkin’?  He should know better … *her voice trails off, she looks quickly at Isabella*  Bloody ‘ell … that’s it … THAT’S where I seen ye.  *she moves closer to her, scowling*  Ye were with Donnie, weren’t ye?  Don’t deny it, I seen it!  *sternly*  Ye’d best be takin’ another road, mate, or ye’ll be dealin’ with me.  I won’t stand by an’ watch ye break Grace’s heart!  Savvy?

Isabella *Shrugs*  I’m used to it and most of the people here know me well enough to leave me alone … *smiles slightly*  A challenge?  He’s been a royal pain most of the day!  *At first embarrassed by the mention of what happened between her and Donnie, but as Manouche goes on, anger replaces the embarrassment; looks straight into Manouche’s eyes*  I can appreciate that you and Grace are friends, but you need to lay off!  I know you’re a dreamer and I believe that you saw something happen, but you weren’t there and how dare you even make the assumption that you know what goes on in his mind or mine!  So yes, he kissed me … we were both drunk and both miserable and lonely and shared one kiss.  That’s it!  I’m not particularly proud of it, but it happened.  Neither of us can turn back time, but it didn’t mean a thing and I’d never go for a married man; I may make some bad choices on occasion, but I’m not an idiot!  Grace knows that Donnie only loves her and that I have no intention of stealing her husband.  I’ve helped them take care of a problem since then and there’s no anger between Grace and me.  And if she can see past it, you ought to be able to do so too.  *Tiredly*  Just see to it that Kat is taken care of and stay the Hell out of my business!  I’ve had enough of Abberline’s rude insinuations today, I don’t need you on my back too.

Manouche *sullenly*  I don’t give a toss what goes on in yer mind.  It were me reaction to what I saw, which was a betrayal to me friend Grace.  Chat on all ye like about bein’ drunk, miserable, an’ so on, but ye both know it were wrong.  I weren’t aware that ye an’ Donnie resolved it with Grace.  I’ve only jus’ met ye, so I had no way o’ knowin’ whether yer an idiot, a homewrecker, or ye just experienced a weak moment.  I only responded to what I knew, an’ I won’t apologize fer that.  If ye were in me place, ye’d do th’ same fer a mate, I’m pretty certain.  An’ what’s more, ye—  *she stops, blinks as something comes to her.  She sees Isabella, storming into Sands’ home, shouting at him about his treatment of Hanson.  She frowns as she sees a baby in the room*  Blimey, what’s all this?  Sands??  *she shakes her head quickly to clear it, and the vision disappears.  She looks at Isabella with new understanding, smiles*  Ah, so I’m right.  Ye really would do th’ same fer a mate as what I jus’ done ‘ere.  I thought as much.  *laughs*  No worries, a weak moment is a weak moment.  Most everyone I know has had one or two in their lives.  *looks her over*  Obviously, ye an’ Donnie did clear it with Grace, or ye wouldn’t be standin’ before me ‘ere an’ now.  Well, ye might be, but ye’d probably look more like a toad or a gerbil.  *she laughs again, holds out a hand*  Let’s start over, mate.  No hard feelin’s, ay?  It weren’t so much against ye, I were jus’ worried ‘bout Grace, is all.  *smiles*

Isabella *sighs heavily*  I know you were just looking out for your friend and you’re right, I’d do that too if I were in your shoes.  *Looks at Manouche with sadness in her eyes*  I don’t even buy into the drunk and miserable excuse!  But I’ve been with Abberline all day and as you can imagine, it’s been a day of constantly defending myself and justifying every single word I’ve said.  It’s draining and then you started and … well ... fact is that I do make a lot of mistakes.  *Smiles slightly*  I don’t know why I’m telling you that … I guess I’m a little tired of it all.  It seems like there’s always someone accusing me of something and they’re usually right.  Somehow I got the ‘screw-up’ gene.  When Donnie suggested to me that I’d start at Security, I figured it would be a way of doing some good for a change … and maybe make fewer mistakes … *frowns as Manouche mentions Sands*  Sands would be one of those mistakes.  *Quietly*  Or at least he turned into one.  *Sighs heavily again*  I may seem like a strong person, but I’m so far from it, it’s almost pathetic.  Anyway, I shouldn’t bother you with all this.  *Smiles a little*  That’s become Hanson’s territory.  He’s a good friend and good listener … *annoyed*  But then Donnie got the brilliant idea of teaming me up with Abberline instead and he really knows how to push one’s buttons!  *Laughs*  Oh yes, but thankfully Grace decided to take advantage of my From Hell Court expertise instead.  *Takes Manouche’s hand*  Yes, let’s start over.  *With a grin*  Hi, I’m Isabella, nice to meet you.

Manouche *laughs, shakes her hand*  Manouche, enchantée.  *she squeezes her hand for a moment, noticing something; smiles slightly as she releases her*  Per’aps ye can talk Donnie out o’ this arrangement ye ‘ave with th’ Inspector.  Life’s too short to ‘ave to be miserable durin’ workin’ hours.

Blake *opens the door, enters the room*  Okay, all set.  *he steps past Isabella and Manouche, walks over to the bed, crouches down, gathers Kat up in his arms.  He brings her to the door, Manouche holds it open so he can carry her out to the car, where he places her gently in the back seat.*

Manouche:  Right, we’d best be on our way.  *to Isabella*  No worries, we’ll take care o’ Kat.  Ye ‘ave me number if ye want t’ reach me.  Come out to th’ house sometime, yer always welcome.  *puts a hand on her arm*  Good luck with everythin’, Isabella.  ‘Ave a care walkin’ home.  *she smiles, walks out to the car*

Blake *holds the door open for her, she gets in.  He closes the door, turns to look at Isabella*  Good to meet you, Isabella.  Tell Sarah we said hello.  *he walks around to the driver’s side, gets in behind the wheel, starts up the car; pulls away, they drive out of From Hell Court, to the road leading out of town.  Once they leave the city limits, Blake glances over at Manouche, who's looking back at the slumbering Kat*  Isabella seems nice.  Did she say she’s working with Abberline?  That’s hard to imagine!  I mean … he’s such a solitary worker, so set in his ways, and … she’s very …

Manouche *grins*  Aye, I know.  I don’t reckon it’ll last long.  *pauses*  I sensed somethin’ from ‘er when we shook hands.  Good things are comin’ ‘er way, but … it were too vague t’ pin down, savvy?

Blake:  I hope you’re right.  There was somethin' a little sad about her.  I got the feeling she’s been through a lot, like she deserves some good fortune soon.

Manouche *laughs*  Now who’s th’ bloody dreamer in this family?  *Blake looks at her, grins, turns the car in the direction of Rartigillichal*

At Vice Mayor Lisa’s:

Cesar *riding his beautiful white horse, quietly approaches the mansion, returning from his long trip.  It’s done him wonders, he feels renewed … but he missed Lisa terribly.  He resists the urge to gallop full-tilt to the house once he sees it on the horizon; moving slowly but steadily toward it increases his anticipation, his thoughts of being reunited with Lisa fueling his heartbeat.  Finally, he’s close enough to dismount, bring the horse to the stable building in back, where a young man who’s been working as an apprentice at Luc’s stables greets them, smiles, takes the reins from Cesar, leads the horse away to brush him down and water him, give him a well-deserved rest.*

Cesar *turns to the house, sees that it’s very quiet; he goes to the back entrance, carrying his bags, lets himself in quietly, hoping Lisa is out so he can surprise her.  He makes his way through the house, smiles to himself as he sees she’s not home.  He goes to the master bedroom, sets his bags down, opens one, brings out a few parcels, goes to work.  Within a half hour, the room is filled with scented candles, their mellow light casting a soft glow … the bed is scattered with rose petals … a bottle of white wine is chilling in a silver bucket by the bed … a small plate of chocolate-covered strawberries sets next to the wine … and Cesar settles down on the bed, lights a cigarette, leans back against the head-rest, patiently waiting for Lisa to come home.  He holds a wrapped box, hoping she’ll like the pretty vintage silver necklace he brought her from Mexico*