At Corso’s hideaway:

Corso *ushers Ava out of the bookshop, and when he gets closer to his library hideaway, he peeks anxiously around the corner before he quietly opens the door.  Capucine is smarter than he ever could have believed and she tends to have a sixth sense about his little dens here and there.  But the rooms are empty for now*  Well, here is my library.  Please take a seat on the sofa, I assure you, it is perfect for reading certain kind of good books.  *his grin broadens*  Which one of those illustrations strikes as the best?

Ava *smiles and bounces a little on the sofa* ah I see what you mean a very comfortable read. *Ava thinks of a number off of the top of her head* To me I believe 143 is best for me and for you *grin widens* page 154 the scenery is always good in that picture . *Ava looks at him with her vixen eyes* now you could always choose.

Corso:  I think that 154 captivates me most this moment ... but you won't be content with just one picture, how about browsing the book page by page.  But first, you have to be dressed like this to get into the right mood* and he shows one picture where the woman is wearing only a transparent veil*

Ava *without knowing it starts to whisper a Spanish song into his ear *Ya llegan las monjas, Caminito de Peronja, No pueden pasar, Por el río de la mar, Pase una, pasen dos, Pase la madre de Dios, En su caballito blanco, Alumbrando todo el campo, Campo mayor de San Salvador, Ya llega Perico, Tocando el pitico, Si no lo toca bien, ¡Que le den, que le den, Con el culo de la sartén!. *

Corso *lifts his head with an effort to stare briefly at her*  What?  Are you Spanish too?  *then he slumps back and starts to snore with a very content expression on his face*

Ava:  baby I am *but before she can finish he is a sleep, she pokes him to make sure she is asleep at this point Ava turns into Houdini and starts to dress and she disappears back home to Don whilst clutching a couple of the books to brush up her skills and to keep as mementos from her love affair with Corso.*

At the Security office:

*Isabella and Donnie are sitting by the computer; the only light coming from a small desk lamp and the screen*

Isabella *suddenly takes notice of how close they’re sitting in order to both have a view of the screen; quietly*  You know, if someone who knows what happened between us were to see us sitting like this, they might get the wrong idea.

Donnie *glances at her, then grins*  I suppose so … but all parties involved know that it would indeed be wrong.

Isabella:  True …

Donnie *studies her for a moment; frowns*  There is no need to worry, right?  I mean, it didn’t mean anything to anyone, right?

Isabella *hesitates*  OK, to be perfectly honest, I don’t know what it meant … *quickly adds* then.  Don’t worry, it means nothing now.  I’m not running around with secret feelings for you.

Donnie *Breathes a sigh of relief*  Oh good!  Hanson would kill me if that was the case!  *Adds*  Not to mention Grace.

Isabella *laughs a little, then his words sink in; looks at him*  Wait, what?  Why would Hanson … ?  Are you saying that he … has feelings for me?

Donnie *realizing his mistake*  Oh crap, I was not supposed to tell you that.  *Smiles*  But yes, young Hanson is very smitten with you.

Isabella *unsure of what to say; she did want this, but her talk with Abberline is still in her mind.  Hanson might bring some light into her world, but would she in turn bring darkness into his?  Lowers her eyes*  Well, it doesn’t matter.  It can’t happen.

Donnie *frowns*  Why not?  I thought you were into him too … *looks at a little reproachfully*  You’re not messing around with Abberline, are you?  ‘Cause I gotta tell you, that’ll lead to nothing but trouble.  For one thing there’s Kat, and Abberline is …

Isabella *cuts him off*  There’s nothing going on with Abberline!  *Adds quietly*  Nothing to speak of, anyway.  I just … *closes her eyes for a moment; looks at him as she opens them*  Hanson deserves better …

Donnie *in disbelief; he can’t quite believe what he’s hearing; he would’ve never labelled her insecure, but now … *  What do you mean, better?  Better than you?  That’s ridiculous!

Isabella *looks at him almost defiantly*  Is it?  You don’t know me as well as you might think.  I’ve done things … in the past.  Bad things.  You know how Sarah is well liked by everyone?  I’m the complete opposite; I’m not sweet, kind and gentle …

Donnie *gently touches her hand; looks into her eyes with a little smile*  Yes, you are … you have those traits in you too, even if you can’t see it.  You’re not a bad person, Isabella.  *She reminds him so much of Grace when she’s had her moments of self-doubt*  If you want examples … for one thing, you wouldn’t feel remorse or guilt about those bad things you claim to have done if you weren’t a good person … you didn’t hesitate for one second when Grace and I asked for your help.  And here you are late at night trying to help your sister and her family.  

Isabella *hears him, but still can’t really believe it*  But … dark things are drawn to me, or I’m drawn to them … regardless, bad things happen when I’m around.  I don’t want to bring all that into his world, I don’t want to hurt him.

Donnie *frowns and looks at her with concern*  Why do you feel that you need to punish yourself?  You’re not drawn to darkness; you seek it out, because you think that you deserve it.  *Seeing from the expression on her face that he hit a nerve, he changes his approach*  Look, I’m not complaining about my marriage or Grace … I love her and our life together, but I’ve seen plenty of things that would’ve normally made me run off in the opposite direction.  But I love her, so I stick around and we face it together.  Same with Manouche and Blake; they’re constantly thrown into some otherworldly mystery or danger, but they still stay strong as a couple.  You have to give Hanson a little credit; I’ve worked with him recently and I really think he can handle it.  Don’t give up on it before you’ve even tried.  Go tell him about your past, if you haven’t already, and let him decide.

Isabella *smiles a little*  I suppose I shouldn’t have discussed it with Abberline …

Donnie *rolls his eyes*  Ah, the eternal optimist.  No, you shouldn’t have.  *Smiles*  So what are you waiting for?  Go talk to Hanson.

Isabella *glances at the computer screen*  But I have to … I promised Sarah …

Donnie *takes her jacket lying on a shelf behind him and hands it to her*  I’ll continue looking and call my FBI friend in the morning.

Isabella *puts on her jacket; smiles*  Thank you.  *Quickly kisses him on the cheek before heading out the door*

Donnie:  Good luck!  *Sits for a moment wondering what ‘bad things’ she was talking about … and hoping that Hanson doesn’t scare too easily.  He picks up the phone*  Hanson?  Sorry to call you so late, but I thought it best to prepare you a little.  Isabella is on her way over and she’s intending to tell you some things … *listens*  Yes, I did.  Sorry, it slipped out.  Look, I don’t know the details, but try not to be too shocked.  *Listens*  Alright, see you tomorrow.  *Hangs up, then picks it up again and dials the number for Arwen*

At Corso’s hideaway:

Capucine *emerges very slowly from a small closet at the far end of the room.  She sees that Ava has left, and Corso is sound asleep.  She whispers*  C’mon, the coast is clear!  *she steps out, turns, smiles, reaches a hand to help her companion out of the tight confines of the closet*

Jean Montsegur the painter *stumbles slightly, looks back at the closet, relieved to be out of it.  He looks at Capucine a little sheepishly*  Sorry, my dear … I’m a bit claustrophobic …

Capucine *smiles, brings her arms around him*  Well, you certainly found some amusing ways to take your mind off of it while we were stuck in there.  *kisses his neck*

Montsegur *grins, pulls her close*  I am an artist, dear lady.  When I am inspired … I respond …

Capucine *gazing at him*  Yes, you do.  *they kiss passionately for a moment, then Capucine pulls back slightly, smiles*  We better go.  Come to the house, Dean won’t be home for a couple of hours at this point.  And as you can see … *nods toward Corso* … we have a very open arrangement.

Montsegur:  Yes, very sophisticated!  But after all, I am not without an excuse to be seen with you.  How else can I complete the painting in time?

Capucine *almost innocently*  Of course!  It goes without saying.  And it’s a gift for my beloved husband, so how could he possibly protest our spending time together?  *pauses, thoughtfully*  I’ve been thinking about the painting … perhaps you’re right, perhaps I am wearing too many clothes as I've been posing for you.  Let’s go through my wardrobe and find a more ... suitable ensemble.  I want this to be a very sensuous painting, I want my husband to be blown away by it.

Montsegur:  Absolut!  *he looks at Corso, smiles*  Perhaps you would like to have your husband in the painting with you?

Capucine *considers it, nods*  That’s pure brilliance!  Can you make do with a sketch?  I still want it to be a surprise.

Montsegur:  But of course.  *he takes a pad and pencil from a pocket, flips open the pad, quickly sketches Corso lying in the bed.  Capucine looks over his shoulder, snickers as he captures Corso’s goofy contented expression perfectly.  After a few minutes, he nods*  Voilà!  *shows it to her*

Capucine *looks at it, nods approvingly*  Parfait!  But in case you need further reference … *she takes out her cell phone, snaps a photo of Corso, returns the phone to her pocket*  I’ll be sure you get a copy.  *leans toward him, brushes her lips against his*  Shall we?  *Montsegur nods, offers her his arm; she takes it, smiling.  They walk to the door*  Just a moment … *she turns, walks back to where Corso lies, still sleeping soundly.  She finds a blanket, throws it over him; crouches down, kisses his cheek, gently brushes the hair back from his face, whispers*  See you later, dreamboat.  *she turns, joins Montsegur at the door; they leave the hideaway, closing the door softly behind them*

At Hanson’s apartment:

Isabella *stands outside Hanson’s apartment trying to gather up the courage to knock on the door.  Her heart is pounding at the thought of telling him all that she has to tell and already on the way over from the Security office, she thought of turning back more times than she cares to count.  She wonders how she’ll get it all out and how he’ll react to it.  Will he be OK with it and accept her despite her past or will he run away screaming?  She finally pulls herself together and knocks on the door.*

Hanson *opens the door and greets her with a smile; even though Donnie warned him that she had some things to tell him, his thoughts have been focused on the possibility of her feeling for him as he does for her.*  Hi …

Isabella *a little nervously, but can’t help returning his smile*  Hi … can we talk?

Hanson:  Of course … *steps aside letting her in; smiles a little self-consciously as she sees the lit candles*  Donnie called …

Isabella *smile fades; this doesn’t look like a room for a serious talk, it looks like a date*  Hanson, I …

Hanson *cuts her off*  Call me Tommy …

Isabella *smiles slightly*  OK, Tommy … you need to slow down a bit.  I don’t know what Donnie told you, but like I said, we need to talk.  *Becoming nervous again*  There are some things that you need to know … I mean, I suppose I could spare you from it, but I don’t want there to be any secrets and I want you to know what you’re getting yourself into if we … well, you know.

Hanson *turns serious*  Right … well, have a seat.  *He sits down on the couch and looks at her expectantly, waiting for her to begin.*

Isabella *sits down, but then rises again and starts pacing around the room*  I really need you to just listen and not say anything before I’m done.  Otherwise, I’m not sure I can get through it.

Hanson:  OK, won’t say a word.

Isabella *looks at a little uncertain*  OK, here goes … *continues pacing the room as she talks*  First off, I’ve lied to you … about how my mother died, about why my father is in prison … When I was about 15 years old my friends and I used to hang out at this abandoned building site; we’d build a fire and someone would bring a ghetto-blaster.  It was just a place to hang out without any adults.  Anyway, there was this guy … he was older than the rest of us and sort of brooding, dark, and mysterious.  To a group of 15-year-old girls, nothing’s more interesting than that and I think all of us had a thing for him … usually, he’d sit by himself and one night the other girls dared me to go talk to him.  And so I did.  It wasn’t a hot and heavy relationship in the traditional sense; kissing sure, but mostly we talked … *smiles a little*  He introduced me to a whole new world of literature and music … he treated me well and made me feel like I was something special.  He was my first love … *frowns*  But as it turned out, I didn’t know him as well as I thought.  *Takes a deep breath*  One night, I was walking from his place and … and I saw my mother’s car parked with the lights on.  *Tears fill her eyes, but she continues to talk*  Once I came closer, I saw that she was in the car with another figure … at first it looked like an embrace, but … *stubbornly dries her eyes; her voice fills with anger*  This creature, this monster was … it had its teeth sunk into her neck.  *As Hanson looks at her a little quizzically*  It was a vampire.  It wasn’t Delano, but he showed up … apparently he’d followed me and he went over to the car and talked to that woman, the vampire.  *Shakes her head*  I didn’t know what the Hell was going on, but he made her leave and then came over to me.  I had so many questions, but I couldn’t even form the words to ask them.  *She finally sits down on the couch*  The cops concluded it was a car crash … I suppose they didn’t know how else to explain it … and then I was placed in a foster home until arrangement had been made for me to go my father’s house.  I didn’t want to go so I ran away … eventually, I went to Delano and that’s when … when he showed me what he really was … is … he didn’t hurt me.  He told me that he was a vampire and I didn’t believe him, so he showed me.  *Glances at Hanson who’s looking back at her in a mixed state of concern and shock*  Would you rather we stop now?  I can tell you about my father tomorrow … although, I’d rather have it over with.

Hanson *takes a moment to respond*  No, if you want to go on, it’s OK.

Isabella *nods*  Alright…*takes a deep breath trying to gather her courage*  After college I set out to find the vampire who killed my mother.  I knew she had a connection with Delano by then, so since I knew more about him, I tried to track him down.  I don’t know what I was thinking … it’s not like I could’ve taken down a vampire even if I did find her.  Although, now I know he’s right here in Deppville.  I sort of ran into him the other night.  But anyway, I tracked down this man who supposedly knew where they were, but he … once he saw it was a young girl, he didn’t want to tell me.  *Tears fill her eyes again*  I didn’t mean to do it.  I only brought the damn gun to threaten him, but … it went off and he … he died instantly.  My dad, he … I didn’t know what to do and I went to my dad and told him everything.  *Closes her eyes for a moment*  He took the blame for me … he’s in prison, because he didn’t want me to go.  *Sighs heavily*  That’s it … that’s my story … *looks carefully at Hanson as he doesn’t say anything; quietly*  Please say something …

Hanson *clears his throat and looks at her; he’d be tempted to think that she’s making it all up, but he knows she’s not*  I … uh … I don’t know what to say.

Isabella *lowers her eyes*  That’s OK.  I know it’s a lot all at once.  *Rises from the couch*  I guess I better go home, I am kind of exhausted.

Hanson *jumps up*  Oh no!  There’s no way I’m letting you go back to From Hell Court at this hour knowing there are vampires out there who knows you … and that woman vampire, what if she’s out to hurt you?  You’re sleeping here.  I’ll take the couch.

Isabella *about to protest, but he looks at her very resolutely; smiles slightly*  If you say so.

At Bournemouth House:

Abberline *to Manouche*  Blake may feel different when he knows it's mine.  I know that Kat was afraid of Metrea raising the child, and that she sees it as my responsibility to take it, but it's different now, isn't it?  *the more they talk about the baby, the more it begins to feel real for him, not just an abstract subject.  A real baby.  His baby ... He smiles at Manouche's mention of romanticizing having children.  He still feels a kind of awe for pregnancy and birth.  Metrea is fading somewhere in the distance, he's already thinking of it as Manouche's and his child, like it were a love child of them both.*  But I can never be sure of Kat.  And as I said, I don't even know where she is, or how I could find her.  *he smiles warmly*  I have changed my mind, listening to you and especially watching at you.  I want to experience it with you.  I want to be there with you when it is born.  *his eyes start to shine the more he thinks about it.  How could he even have suggested to her terminating the pregnancy?  He must have been out of his mind.  He leans closer to her, breathing in the scent of her hair, his hand on her belly, where his baby is growing*  It's a miracle, Manouche.  *he puts his hand under her chin and turns her face towards him, touching her lips with his, and he can feel them connect on the dreamer level, just like when they shared the kiss on the beach, and he slowly shuts his eyes and kisses her more deeply*

Manouche *smiles at the things he’s saying, then looks at him, surprised as he kisses her.  She starts to feel the remarkable sensations of a shared kiss between dreamers, as before, it’s like nothing else, she’s never been able to completely explain it in words, and she feels their shared heartbeat racing … then she gently pulls away, looks at him tenderly*  Fred … please, mate … we ‘ave to consider th’ situation as it really is, savvy?  Ye said it yerself a minute ago, we’re both married.  Granted, ye don’t know where Kat is right now, but I don’t believe she’s gone fer good, an’ I don’t think ye believe that, either.  If she came back, I know ye’d ‘ave yer mixed feelin’s about it all, but … *she looks at him carefully, sensing what’s in his heart* … ye still love ‘er.  An’ who knows what might ‘appen if she were t’ come back, an’ … *she places her hand over his, which still rests on her belly* … an’ this baby is born.  It might draw th’ pair o’ ye together more than ever before.  Settle things with ‘er once an’ fer all, one way or another, before ye pursue somethin’ new with someone else, m’ dear dreamer friend.  *she brings a cool hand to his face, strokes his cheek*  I do care deeply about ye, an’ ye know I love ye, I’ve told ye as much … but … I’m married, an’ I’m in love with me husband.  *pauses*  Mr. Blake puts up with a lot from me, I don’t know how he’ll feel about all this.  He’ll want t’ be supportive, but … he’s only human, an’ he knows there’s a special bond between you an’ me.  I’ve told ‘im everythin’, I told ‘im about kissin’ ye … he’s been very understandin’.  I … I don’t want him t’ ever feel he can’t trust us.  If I continue with this pregnancy, I … I feel ye ‘ave th’ right t’ be there through as much of it as ye wish t’ be, seein’ as how it’s yer child.  I don’t know how Mr. Blake’ll feel about that, ‘cause of course he’ll want t’ be there, too.  I reckon he an’ I will ‘ave a lot t’ talk about when he gets home.  *looks deep into his eyes*  I’ll need ye t’ be supportive, luv … I’ll need ye t’ be me dear friend.  *smiles, kisses his cheek*  Yer right, th’ child is a miracle, an’ words can’t describe how thrilled I am t’ be a part of it, despite th’ fears.  But ye must remember, it’s yer child.  There’s nothin’ of me about it, at most a few traits it may ‘ave due t’ me carryin’ it.  By virtue of bloodline, there’s actually more of Kat about it than me.  It’s yers, an’ … Metrea’s.  *she lowers her eyes, worried*  I still wish I knew what Metrea were thinkin’, givin’ this t’ me … per’aps it were a mistake, per’aps this weren’t meant to ‘appen …

Abberline *withdraws, but he still keeps his hand on her belly*  Forgive me, Manouche.  I got carried away.  I just felt so ... *he glances at Chiana who is pulling herself up against a chair and seems to be grinning at him, raises an eyebrow at her.*  I don't want to mess with your marriage.  I will do whatever you ask me to do,  I will stay away if you want it that way.  I will be there when you need me.  *he frowns when she mentions Metrea*  Metrea?  I don't think of the baby as hers at all, it's yours and mine.  I am sure you will influence it.  Damn the bloodlines.  *then he grows thoughtful*  Maybe there was a force stronger than Metrea's, something or someone wishing to save that child?  If it had stayed with her, I would never have wanted to hear a word about it.  Maybe something thwarted her evil plans.

Manouche *glances over at Chiana, can’t help but smile at the funny grin on her face*  Nothin’ to fergive, luv, as far as I’m concerned.  No worries.  If ever there were somethin’ t’ get carried away over, it’d ‘ave to be this.  I’ve been workin' to keep meself from gettin’ too excited about it, since I weren’t sure how it would all play out.  But now, talkin’ to ye, an’ knowin’ ye want it … blimey, I never felt more alive.  *she pats his hand reassuringly*  I don’t want ye t’ stay away, it wouldn’t be right.  I want ye involved as much we’re all comfortable with, savvy?  I think we can get through this an’ be considerate of th’ feelin’s of everyone involved.  I don’t want t’ mess up any chance ye ‘ave with Kat, either.  I want this baby t’ bring all of us closer.  *her smile fades, she looks at him, very serious*  It’s important we all remain close, mate.  Yerself, Kat, me, Mr. Blake … an’ think o’ Raven an’ Chiana, too.  We all ‘ave several very powerful mutual enemies, in Marchand, Metrea, an’ per’aps others we don’t even know about.  We may ‘ave our differences from time t’ time, but we’re all mates … an’ we want what’s best for th’ children, too.  *she thinks a moment*  I wonder if Ama had somethin’ to do with this.  But still … why me??  An’ how did it work?  Like I say, I weren’t capable o’ this before.  *shakes her head*  Maybe time will tell.  *pauses*  But in th’ meantime … looks like we’re ‘avin’ a baby.  *smiles a little nervously as she thinks of the unknown factors, but she can’t help but beam*