At Vice Mayor Lisa’s office:

Lisa *her head spinning from all the information Charlie is telling her*  Okay, Charlie .. slow down here.  I need a moment to process all this!  So, you are telling me that you have proof of this Missoni woman's murder, yet there's no case against Abberline?  Where is her body now?  Charlie, I realize Abberline has issues with drugs, and he seems to have a taste for questionable women, but that does not prove he's a murderer.  And this Lady Ainsworth?  She's Fred's sister, isn't she?  It seems a bit odd that the case has been closed after she met with Portsmith.  *thinks a moment*  Charlie, luv, could you bring over the pictures and copies of the reports?  Something's amiss here.  Also, I'm going to need you to locate that Missoni woman's body.  Can you do that for me?  *suddenly realizes his last comment*  I don't think Miss Missoni's clothing is that important.  *rolls her eyes*  Just bring me over all the notes and photos as soon as you can, okay?

Charlie *collects the papers from the lowest drawer where he hid them under the Pirate Wench magazines. It took such a time to compile the reports and order the pictures, and then Commander told him to rip them.  Vice-Mayor will be pleased with him.  He gets up, stretches his magnificent body and walks to Portsmith's door*  Commander, I am off for lunch, if it suits you.

Portsmith *mutters, annoyed by the intrusion*  Suits me fine.  Get out.

Charlie *flashes a smile*  Thank you, Commander!  *he goes out and struts towards the City Hall, when I thought occurs to him and he makes a stop at the hospital.*  Andrew, will you see to that someone hides the body of that woman found slashed, eh?  Missoni was the name.

Andrew:  I don't think there are much places to store a body in.  And they are nowadays very strict at the morgue, after the incident with that Salome.

Charlie:  This is very important.  Vice-Mayor has promised us a reward if we can handle this case well.

Andrew *resignedly*  I'll see what I can do.

Charlie *cheerfully*  Good!  *He walks up the stairs of the City Hall to the foyer, where he checks how he looks*  Bond.  Charlie Bond.  In her Majesty's service.  *he grins at his reflection and walks in to the waiting room.*  Hello Cory.  The Vice-Mayor is waiting for me.  It is very urgent.  The stakes are very high, and I may hold the future of the town in my hand.

Cory *looks up from his work; gives Charlie a smirk*  Yeah, she said to be expecting you.  Follow me.  *He leads Charlie to Lisa's office, taps on her door*  Vice Mayor, Charlie is here to see you.

Lisa:  Come on in, Charlie.  *she stands and shakes his hand.  It's impossible not to notice how gorgeous he is.  She takes a deep breath, and shakes it off.*  So, what do you have for me today?  I assume that Portsmith has no idea you've come here.  It disturbs me greatly that she's trying to cover up a murder.  And I'm still not buying that Fred could have done such a thing.  Did you find out anything about the body yet?  *She takes the papers and photos from him, sits down at her desk.*  Have a seat Charlie.  Now, let's see what you've brought me.  *She begins to look through the disturbing pictures of the crime scene.*  Now, what exactly went on between this Ainsworth woman and Portsmith?  

Charlie *bows respectfully.  *Bond. Charlie Bond at your service. *  I told the Commander that I will be out for a while and she didn't mind.  Inspector Abberline would certainly do no such deed when he is sober, but ... you know his drug abuse.  *he shrugs*  Anything can happen.  The only fingerprints found were his.  The razor was his and nobody else has used it.  Nobody else has been seen to enter the house, and the nanny, Candy as well as the housekeeper Marta haven't seen or heard anything.  All evidence points to him.  *he frowns*  As for the conversation between Lady Ainsworth and the Commander, I did not quite hear everything, but it seemed to me that she was threatening the Commander.  I don't know anything about her motives.  When she was leaving, she opened the door and turned back to say one word to the Commander.  *he looks very serious and important when he puts on a pair of glasses he definitely doesn't need and, takes his note and  reads the word*  BIT-TER-FELD.  I can also tell you accurately what Lady Ainsworth was wearing ...

Lisa: *finds his bow a bit silly, but cute just the same*  Charlie, wait.  If Candy or Marta saw no one enter the house, then that means they didn't see Fred or Jeanne enter the house, either?  It just makes no sense.  He would have had to bring her in the house in order to kill her, correct?  This is all too strange ... *she sits and thinks for a moment.  How did Jeanne get in Abberline's bedroom undetected?  And why did no one hear a struggle if she was killed there?*  Of course Fred's fingerprints would have been on the razor if it was his.  That doesn't prove anything.  I'm sorry, but this almost sounds like a setup, Charlie.  Someone who knows Fred's issues with drugs.  It would be the perfect way to set him up.  He's always so inebriated.  *she reads through Charlie's notes*  Charlie, I see no connection with Fred and Jeanne.  However, I do see that Jeanne had ties to Portsmith.  Do you know any more about the relationship between them?  *shuffles through some more notes, then looks up to see Charlie put on some reading glasses; which he clearly doesn't need.  He can be so serious, even though it's silly.*  Bitterfeld?  I wonder what that means??  *rolls her eyes*  Charlie, Lady Ainseworth's clothes are not important.  *she takes all the papers Charlie has given her, and puts them in her desk, locks the drawer.*  Charlie, I need to find out more information.  I need to know the connections between Lady Ainsworth and Portsmith.  I also need you to find out what was going on between Jeanne and Portsmith.  Can you handle that for me?  *she comes over to him; kisses him briefly on the cheek*  Thanks so much for all your hard work.  I appreciate it.  Get back with me when you find out more information, okay?  *smiles at him*  Now, if you don't mind, I need to take care of some other business.  You have my cell number, so call me when you have any new information for me.

Charlie *stunned, loses his dignity, blushes and stammers*  Vice-Mayor … I will do anything to - to please you.  *he looks at her with admiring eyes like a puppy, then he straightens himself*  With your permission, may I say one more thing.  Both Candy and Marta are used to Abberline returning home in the wee hours, so they must have slept soundly, and he has his key so he can let himself in without noise.  A stranger might have not been able to enter the house so silently.  Unless he had a key.  *A new idea dawns on him*  And unless it was a she with a key.  Kat!  She has all the reason, as you probably have heard he dumped her because he is going to marry Manouche.  He knocked her up, everybody knows, and you know how Kat is.  *solemnly*  Therefore, it must be Kat if Abberline is innocent!  But I will do just as you requested, Vice-Mayor.  I shall not leave a single rock unturned to find the truth!  *and then he realizes that he has probably taken up already too much of her precious time.  He bows again*  Good day, Vice-Mayor!  I will report immediately when I find out something, Vice-Mayor!  Have a nice day, Vice-Mayor!  *finally, he gets out, walks past Cory throwing a triumphant look at the poor sod.*  She thanked me - in a very special way.

At Stratford Castle:

Corso *feeling very nervous in Mistress Fiore’s presence, but the library is too tempting.  It would turn Portsmith green with envy*  I am very impressed with your great collection, but, to be honest, what do you expect from me?  If you want to sell anything, I can do it for you.  I have the right connections and I know the market values.  Some of these books are just incredible ... There are many who would sell their souls to the devil to get some of them.  *he starts to feel even more uncomfortable when she locks the door*  Oh, brandy would do fine, Mistress Fiore.

Mistress *Mistress signals to Morgan to pour Corso a brandy as quick as she signals for the brandy it arrives in front of Corso. Mistress is pleased with the effect she is having on Corso within seconds Morgan has disappeared* What I expect from you Mr Corso is for you to help me gain some very rare books for you see I need the eight other books to complete my collection. *she caress the book as the room grows colder* However, only a man like yourself could help me Mr Corso *still she caress the book*  I will pay you handsomely indeed *she writes him a cheque and pushes it in front of him * look for yourself.

Corso *raises an eyebrow and whistles when he sees the sum written on the cheque*  Those books must indeed be very rare.  *the room feels icy cold and he shivers, both of cold and fright.  Mistress goes on staring at him, and he has to avert his eyes.  She must be insane.  But the offer is too tempting.*  I will accept the cheque.  Can I now hear what the eight books are?

Mistress:  Good.  *smiles evilly*  You will only know one name at a time *staring* when you bring that book back to me then you will be given the next name. *she enjoys the bitter cold for a moment* I want you to find me Secreti Del Reverendo Donno Alessio, the book is very rare and it must be handled with great care Mr Corso.

Corso: THAT Secreti? But no one has seen the book for a long time. It's presumed missing. *his voice trails off when he looks into Mistress' icy eyes and at the cheque, and he starts to ramble* I am the best book detective there is and I am sure that I can obtain this book for you, but it may cost a little, you see, such a delicate matter... And the book is reputed to be bad *he smirks to himself, that explains why the Mistress wants it..* It's a perilous book and... but I do trust that you can handle it and *he continues to himself  'and there can't be single demon who wouldn't flee just looking at her once* and.. I think that is all. May - may I go now? *he rises up nervously looking at the locked door. Comapred with this Mistress, Portsmith is cordiality itself*

Mistress *hands him a card* thats where you will find it do anything to get it Mr Corso *she slides a gun across the table* you may need this too *evilly smiles* now if you speak of this to any one are deal is off and you will get no money at all.

Corso *carefully takes the gun and slips it into his worn bag*  So you know where it is!  *he glances at the card and goes pale*  Oh my .... I swear I won't say a word!

Mistress:  Good.  *waves her hand*  Now go Mr Corso.  *Corso shoves the card into the bag and darts out of the room*

At the park:

Sergeant Godley *wanders homeward through the park, feeling a little blue watching the happy families having picnic and the children running about playing and laughing.  It's on moments like this that he misses his family.  And he misses the close relationship between him and the Inspector, who seems too busy a man to remember his old trusty companion.  He has not seen Manouche in ages.  It would be fine to get those years back when he was the father of the household with five kids ... But all his kids are grown up and have their own families, he is already a granddad, but all the children live too far away.  Suddenly a ball hits him in the back, he spins around, yells to the nearest boy*  Watch it, young man!

Dylan:  Come on, Mister, it wasn't Robbie.  And it was just a ball, nothing to get in a frenzy over.

Godley:  Sergeant Godley, lad.  I presume that Robbie has a real name too, or are you just Robbie?

Dylan *shoves Robbie behind his back*  Just Robbie.  Leave him be.  *Robbie and the two other boys step farther, and soon they break into a run and vanish.*

Godley:  Perhaps it was you then who punched me with the ball?

Dylan *defiantly*  And what if I did?  This is a public park and I've got a right to play here.

Godley:  Judging by your miserable aim, you are not much of a player.  You are one of those Maison de Paradis boys?

Dylan *bitterly, spitting out the words*  Bloody orphan you mean.  Yeah, and I am not ashamed of that!

Godley:  And next you are going to say that you don't need anyone.

Dylan *mouth open, stops when Godley recites exactly the same words he was going to say*  Look here ...

Godley:  You have an attitude, and a temper and spirits.  I've heard that before.  So very much like you ... You don't have to play tough with me.  *he takes the ball, bounces it a few times*  How did you happen on board that ship?

Dylan *looks at him with suspicion*  I ran with the pirates when I was 12.

Godley:  Then you had a home?  Why are you not going back to your parents?  I am sure they are very anxious of you.

Dylan *sullenly*  I'd rather dance ballet in pink.  You don't know anything.  I don't have any parents.  Just Malachi and Miranda.

Godley *shrugs, pats him on the shoulder*  If you say so.  I take that you don't want any parents, but how about a benevolent old fart as an uncle?  I have some chocolate croissants at home that need eating up.  Not probably as good as Manouche's nor as tasty as Miranda's apple pie.

Dylan:  What should I need an uncle for?

Godley:  You don't need an uncle, but I need a nephew, at least for a while.  But if you wish to go with your pals … *he shrugs again and turns to go*

Dylan:  Okay.  But only for the croissants, savvy?

At the town centre:

Malachi *riding in a taxi, watching carefully, cries out, knocks on the window that separates the passenger seat from the driver*  There, there they are!  Stop the car.  *driver pulls over, Malachi jumps out, runs to the group of children standing in front of a candy store*  Where the hell have you kids been?  *tries to hide his overwhelming relief to find they’re safe*  I mean … Miranda’s been worried sick about you.  Why didn’t you … *his voice trails off as he does a quick head count, frowns*  Where’s Dylan?

Len *notices that the others look at him and Erin, since they’re the oldest after Dylan.  He looks at Erin, then to Malachi*  He went with the big guy.  We were playin’ ball, an’ Robbie—

Robbie *protests*  I didn’t do nothin’!!

Malachi:  Okay, okay … *looks at Len, concerned*  What big guy, what did he look like?

Erin *pushes up in front of Len*  I’ll tell him!  You won't tell it right.  *looks at Malachi*  He was a big fat guy, real tall, dark hair, an’ I heard him talkin’, he talked sorta like Mr. Abberline.  *she colors a little as she remembers Abberline’s handsome dark eyes*  I heard him say somethin’ about chocolate kwaa … kwaaa … *frowns*

Malachi *listens, thinking carefully*  Chocolate … *brightens*  Croissants?  *he grins; Godley*

Erin:  Yeah!  That’s what he said.  He said Dylan could come over for some chocolate … that thing.

Malachi:  I see.  I’m sure it was Sergeant Godley, he’s our friend.  I’m surprised he didn’t invite all of you.

Erin:  He prob’ly didn’t see all of us.  *looks at Robbie*  ‘Cause we were all playin’ in the park, an’ Robbie threw the ball—

Robbie *tearfully*  I didn’t mean it!

Malachi:  It’s okay, no worries.  *he looks at them all sternly*  You’re late, you know.  You should’ve been back to the house two hours ago.  And Dylan’s in trouble for leaving you alone when I put him in charge.  I’ll talk to him later.

Len:  W-we’re sorry.  *they all lower their heads a little.  Cyndi, the little four-year-old, steps up to Malachi, wraps her arms around his legs*

Malachi *looks down at her, arches an eyebrow*  All right, Miss Cyndi, cut it out, stop workin’ me.  *she looks up at him, smiles bashfully.  He shakes his head, looks at them all*  Right, we better get back home before Miranda calls Security.  *he starts to lead them to the waiting taxi*

Ray *pipes up, innocently*  Um, Malachi … *glances toward the candy store* … maybe we should take some sweets back to Miranda.  *adds quickly*  I mean, she’s gonna be mad at us.  It might make her happy if we have a present for her.

Malachi *smirks*  Um-hm.  *he looks at the window, reconsiders*  Well, y’know, that’s not a bad idea at all.  *he sees a big heart-shaped box in the window, nods to himself; looks at the children*  Right, we have an accord.  C’mon, we’ll all pick a few things out for her.

Bonnie *excitedly, points at the heart-shaped box*  Oooh, let’s get her that one!

Erin *scornfully*  That's stupid!  Malachi should get that for her.  Us kids'll get her some other stuff.

Brian *pressing his face against the window*  They have Wonka bars, let’s take Miranda some Wonka bars!

Malachi *can’t help but laugh as they all start chattering all at once, pointing out different treats; he brings his hands up*  Right, let’s have at it!  C’mon.  *he opens the door to the shop, the children race inside; he turns, signals to the taxi driver to hold the cab; mutters*  Aye, mate, I’m sure you’re all too happy to keep the meter running.  *shrugs, enters the store behind the children, his eye on the heart-shaped box*

At Pirate’s Cove:

Abberline *some hours later, gently pulls apart from Kat, finds his clothes that are scattered here and there across the small room, dresses in the wrinkled shirt, pulls the trousers on, shivering from the cold he still feels, like when fever is going up.  He adjusts the blanket on Kat so that she keeps warm, lights one cigarette from the box Kat found for him and silently walks to the door, opens it and looks around.  He doesn't feel well at all, but at least his head has cleared out.  He can't just sit here and wait, he has to find out what really happened, and if he isn't behind the murder - he is still not sure about that - then who it was that framed him up.  Portsmith?*  ‘Bye, Kat, and thank you for helping me ... You do understand that I have to do what I have to do.  *he closes the door after him and looks around.  There is not a soul in view*

At Godley’s house:

Dylan *taking yet one chocolate croissant though he has had a fair share already*  Sergeant, I must go home.  I should not have left the kids on their own.  See, I am kind of responsible for them, being the oldest and all ...

Godley:  I didn't realize that.  It seemed to me that they ran away and left you to deal with me.  Miranda must be getting worried.  You could, of course, tell that everything was my fault, or Robbie’s fault and whine away till she has tears in her eyes out of compassion for you and your hard lot .. *Dylan opens his mouth to protest, but Godley stops him with a gesture of his hand*  I knew you wouldn't be like that, Dylan.  What are you going to do?

Dylan *defiantly, looks Godley straight in the eyes*  I will tell them that I was lured away by an old fart.

Godley *laughs*  Boy, you really are something.  But you understand, that you can't blame it all on me.  It was your choice, remember?  You chose to follow me.

Dylan *his face going dark*  Are you accusing me, sir?  I had to sort out what Robbie did.  *then he stops, getting a thought*  Is this all about making a man, as you told me?

Godley *snickers*  What do you think?

Dylan *proudly puts down his tea mug*  Sergeant Godley, I have learned my lesson.  I will go home now and relate what happened and I will accept my punishment of Malachi.

Godley:  By all means, Dylan.  In truth, it was not my intention to get you into trouble.  You see, I have felt rather lonely lately.  It seems to me like I have lost a good friend, and I have been thinking of my family overseas.  When one gets old, one starts to wish that grandkids would come and visit you at least now and then, but mine are too far away.  Will you be seeing the old fart another time?

Dylan *nods bravely*  Sergeant, I would be honored to.

Godley *smiles*  Off you go then.  *he picks the ball and tosses it to Dylan*  Don't forget the ball.  *Dylan catches the ball and salutes him in a half formal way.*