At la Maison de Paradis:

Miranda *comes as Ichy has disappeared, see Malachi and runs to him and squeezes him hard and kisses him*  I'm back!  I'm back!  *she looks around*  But where is everybody?  Where are the children, and why do you smile like that?

Malachi *grins, brings his arms around her, pulls her close*  Just something funny, that’s all.  The kids are all with a prospective parent … Constable Crane.  He’s decided he wants to adopt a boy, so I was trying to help him make a good first impression.  He stinks at it.  *laughs*

Miranda *vehemently*  He stinks at everything!  *but then she relents*  Do you think he really could adopt a child?  I wonder ... I shouldn't be saying so about the poor man.  He didn't need a girlfriend, he needed Kat.  And I am so glad he dumped me because you never would have otherwise taken any notice of me at the Brasco wedding.  And I needed someone who is hot and strong and beautiful and wise and passionate!  *she kisses him passionately again*

Malachi *comes up for air after her kiss, swallows*  I … I guess that means you’re okay with the idea.  *he glances over his shoulder, looks back at her, holding her close*  It’s a pity we have company, bright eyes, or I’d pick you up and take you somewhere to continue that powerhouse kiss you started.  *brushes his lips against hers, grins, murmurs*  Maybe we could talk Crane into taking all the kids out for ice cream or something …

Miranda *laughs*  I don't know if he can do such trivial tasks as buying ice cream.  *she breaks loose from his embrace and looks at him mischievously*  How about some apple pie for the two of us?  *she runs into the house*

Malachi *watches her go, runs after her, calls out to her*  Better serve it a la mode, sweetheart.  You’re gonna need the energy once I catch you …  *Miranda laughs, looks over her shoulder at Malachi, then she bumps into someone and squeals*

Ichy *swallows, pushes her hastily away*  I am very sorry.  *he turns to Malachi*  I have thoroughly examined the wonders of the nature in the form of a praying mantis, and told the children about investigating.  That seems to be a rather captivating subject.  They are now eating their ice cream out there on the deck.  I think I have a little problem, Malachi.  With the adoption.  *glances nervously at Miranda, but she's already joined Malachi*

Miranda:  Malachi can solve any problems because he is the wisest man there is.

Ichy *uncomfortably, his hands behind his back*  I see.

Malachi *grins, shakes his head; brings an arm around Miranda’s waist, pulls her close*  Nut.  *he looks at Ichy*  I don’t know about solving any problems, but I’ll have a bash.  What’s the problem, Constable?

At Mort and Mary’s house:

Martin *to Mort*  Throw out that bloody mirror and forget about Crane. Weird and uptight and squeamish as a mouse, that guy. You should concentrate on mmore important matters. By the way, I took a quick glance at the writing you have done. Now, for some reason, it sounded familiar to me. Like I've read it before *he grins* Still the same old Mort. Can't understand how you managed to get that stunner. *he shakes his head* Listen, Mort. I am in deep trouble. My colleague killed a woman who heard too much and I had to help him dispose of the body, so I instantly remembered your little cottage over here, so we hid it in the cornfield. But that blasted Inspector Abberline, he somehow found out, and came with a hot looking chick who said she was a cop too to grill me, and I barely managed to flee. He won't listen to me because he still bears a grudge against me from the time I tried to cure his addiction per Portsmith's order. And Marbury has gone underground, so they are now hunting me. Can you believe it, me, a doctor and a scientist as a runaway? *he is about to continue but then he hears Mary's voice calling his name from the kitchen* Ah, my meal is ready... *he gets up, picks an apple and tosses it to Mort* Here, take a fruit. As a doctor I can tell you it's much more healthier than those chips!

Mort:  *catches the apple tossed by Martin.  Tossing it up in the air, thinking, he needs to ignore that remark about his writing!  He already knew everything Martin told him about why he was wanted by Security,  he just wanted to hear it from him. Getting up, he goes into the kitchen still tossing the apple* Mary, can you grab me a beer?

Mary:  Of course sweetheart, here you go *pops open the can and hands it to him*

Mort:  *sits at the table* you know Martin, maybe I could go to Abberline and speak in your defense. Or, I could go to Portsmith, but I’ll tell you, I would rather go to the devil himself then to see her. *notices Martin looking at him with a wary look* now, don’t be giving me that look, I know what it’s like not to have someone on your side and go it alone. I really do want to help you if you’ll let me.

Mary *thinking, Mort wants so much to have a relationship with his brother that he’s blind to the truth about him … sneaks a peek at Martin to see his reaction and realizes he is just going to use Mort*  No!  *She yells and realizes her mistake when they turn to give her a questioning look*  I mean, maybe I should go to speak to Inspector Abberline or Commander Portsmith for you Martin.  *she goes to the table and sits next to Mort, grabbing the apple she bites into it.*

Martin *stops eating the omelet and peers curiously at Mary.  He can feel that she doesn't like him, which eases a lot his conscience of using her as a guinea pig.  She takes a bite of the apple, and he sees that it is one of the injected apples.  Her eyes go slightly glassy, but Mort doesn't seem to notice.  If everything goes right, he can sell the new drug to those bored with their life for a good price at From Hell Court and fund his research finally without having to beg constantly from distasteful persons like Commander Portsmith or Spencer Armacost.  Mary should first start to feel fine, then she should start seeing interesting hallucinations and finally fall into deep sleep.  What a pity that he can't see her mind and note her experiences.  She will not remember what she has done and seen if everything goes well. Maybe the drug still needs adjusting.*  Thank you, Mary.  The Inspector will not listen to anybody if he has set his mind, but maybe a pretty woman like you can make him think again.

Mary *feeling strange, disoriented for a moment she doesn't answer.  She is in a field of wheat, running.  Mort is running with her as he holds her hand.  Soon, they are in Sleepy Hollow Woods running faster and faster.  Someone is chasing them with a gun.  Mort keeps looking over his shoulder and tells her to keep running.  She can't breathe.  Her lungs are burning with the pain caused by the running.  Suddenly the man, is it Martin?, catches up to them.  Yes, it is Martin.  They stop running at his command.  Turning to face him Mary sees Martin aim his gun.  Instantly she steps in front of Mort and the bullet hits her in the back.  Time stands still as Mort grabs her by her elbows and they sink to the ground on their knees.  Mort is crying as he sits and pulls her to him. She hears him calling and someone is shaking her.  She can't answer.  She just wants to stay in the warmth of her husbands arms.*

Mort *Picking Mary up, he carries her to the living room with Martin following him.  Lying her on the sofa, he places a pillow beneath her head.  Kneeling down beside her he looks up at Martin and thanks him for what he did.  Thank God his brother was here with them.  Stroking her hair, he begins to talk, even though she is sleeping.  He doesn’t notice when Martin leaves the room to go upstairs.*  Mary, I wish you would open your eyes, you are really scaring me.  Martin says you will be alright so I am going to believe him.  Surely my brother wouldn’t lie to me now would he?  *He gets up and lifts her head so he can sit down on the couch with her.  Placing her head in his lap, he continues to talk. His mother once told him that his father could hear him even though he was in a coma.  *Mary, you can’t go on like this you know.  You have to wake up in the morning.  If you don’t, what will I do?  You are the very life of me.  Do you remember our first night on the beach?  It’s a night I’ll never forget.  And how about our wedding?  It was beautiful, standing on that same beach in our bare feet with the waves lapping about our toes.  You wore that beautiful dress with the pretty flowers woven into your hair.  You were the most beautiful bride there ever was.  You know, I’ve been thinking Mary, I would love to start our family.  We haven’t really talked about it much, but I would love for you to have my daughter, or son.  I picture a beautiful little baby girl with dark hair just like yours.  And her eyes, her eyes are brown and huge.  We could name her Christina Marie after your mother if you would like.  Christina Marie Rainey, now that is a beautiful name.  *he lays his head back on the cushions and continues to talk, not realizing the tears on his face or that Martin is hovering on the stairs listening to him*  Mary won’t you please, please open your eyes.

Mary is dreaming. She sees Mort on their wedding day. He was so handsome in his white shirt and slacks.  She is floating up and down as if on a cloud. She sees them on the beach laughing and committing themselves to each other before even thinking of marriage. Oh look, Mort is holding their daughter Christina Marie. Mort wants her to open her eyes but she can’t. She is trying but she can’t! She starts to whimper and call his name.  Can’t he hear her?

Mort:  Mary please open your eyes.  You are crying out, can’t you hear me?  Martin said you would be restless, and I guess he is right.  He’s a very good doctor you know. *he looked out the window to see it was dawn.  Panic rises in his throat and he calls out to his brother*  Martin, can you come here, Mary is still not awake!  She won’t open her eyes.

Martin *pretending to be yawning, walks to the bed, takes Mary's wrist and checks the pulse.*  Don't panic, brother.  I told it takes time.  But I was very careful in administering the drug, I guess she needs another injection.  *he looks at Mary, writhing silently and frowns.  It doesn't look very promising.  Something is still wrong with the drug.  He would have figured it out if he had had the opportunity to work in his lab.*  These kind of shocks, they really are a serious matter ... *he takes another syringe and fills it, then injects it to Mary, who sighs and lays quiet.  Just something that helps her sleep instead of hallucinating.*  Look, she has calmed down.  There is nothing to worry about.

Mort:  Are you sure Martin?  God, I hope you are right.  *looking at Mary with deep concern as Martin hands him a cup of coffee*  She does seem to be resting more comfortably. *runs his hands thru this hair*  You know Martin, I don’t know what I would do if she would die.  I can’t imagine my life without her.  *he rises to give him a hug.*  Thank you again brother.  Sit down here with me a minute.  I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something.  What if I hire Attorney Mason Webster to defend you?  I’ve gotten an advance on my next novel.  I could go and talk to him for you.  *he looks over at Mary and notices she is sleeping peacefully now.*

Martin:  An attorney?  Mort, you are still not getting it.  There are no fair trials in this place.  You should rather try and charm Commander Portsmith.  She's the best kind of official to be found - if you happen to have anything she wants, she can tweak the law as it best suits her.  *he grins*  Maybe you could placate her and say a good word for me.  I think you owe me one now that I saved your delicious little wife.  *he casts a quick glance at Mary and hopes she will wake up in the morning.  If not - he's in deeper trouble than ever.  But that's totally Portsmith's and Abberline's fault, who did not let him conduct a proper clinical research.  He would by now have the right consistency of the drug.*  ‘Night, brother.  Since you are watching her here, can I have your comfy bed?

Mort *goes back to the sofa to check on Mary.  He watches her for a few minutes with concern, he can’t help but notice how pale she still is lying against the pillows.  Tucking the blanket around her, he brushes his lips across her cheek then leans back against the cushions and begins to think about the past twenty four hours.  As he goes thru the events of the day, he begins to realize that something just isn’t adding up.  What could possibly have caused Mary to have a reaction like that?  She was fine until she ate that apple.  He makes his decision.  Rising, he goes to the bottom of the steps and calls out*  Martin, I’m taking Mary to the hospital.  I think she should have some blood work.  Can you help me get her out to the car?

Martin *annoyed, rolls eyes*  Who is the doctor here, Mort, you or me?  Just what made you think she would need anything drastic like that.  Move her and she might get another shock like the one she had.  What she now needs is peace and rest.  She would not appreciate you screaming and running.  Go back and sit by her, be of some use.  I really need some sleep after a harassing day.  You don't know what I have been through while you feasted with Mary.

Mort *stares at Martin for a moment then secretly decides he will take her to the hospital if she doesn't wake within the hour.  He still has the feeling that something isn't right*  Martin, you must understand.  This is my wife and I have to protect her.  She was fine at the restaurant, glowing in fact.  She was fine until she ate that apple you tossed to me.  *looks over at the apples in the bowl with a puzzled look.*  Go back to bed Martin.

Martin:  What, are you too accusing me?  You are as bad as all the rest, despising my learning and my authority.  Do you think I am a moron!  Well, her life is in your hands, Mort.  Take her to the hospital and she will die.  She will.  Maybe that's what you secretly want.  Like with your ex.  *he goes up the stairs and slams the door, well knowing that if his obstinate bull for a brother will start moving her that will be the end of the lady .... He sighs and starts to pack his things into his traveling bag.  Short and unsuccessful and totally useless visit.  He climbs out of the secret window, his eyes slowly adjusting to the dark, he finds Mort's car and shoves a scalpel into the tire, then he disappears into the corn field*

Mort *stares up the stairs and shakes his head, Martin always jumps the gun and doesn't listen to  reason, then he hears Mary call his name and he goes to the living room*  Mary, you are awake at last!

Mary:  Mort, what has happened?  I feel so strange.

Mort:  You had some kind of a shock.  Martin had to give you two injections to bring you around.  I'll tell you Mary, you had me really scared.  *kisses her forehead*  I'll be right back, I want to tell Martin the good news.  *going up the stairs, he knocks on the door, not getting an answer he enters the room.  He sees the window open and Martins bag is gone.  He closes the door and can't help but wonder, what is Martin hiding.  Thinks to himself*  Why does he have to be such a fool, I really did want to help him.  *returns to Mary, sees she is sleeping comfortably.*  I'll just rest awhile, and then I'm taking those apples to be tested.*

On the outskirts of Deppville:

Abberline *feels a sudden searing pain in his head, someone screams inside his head.  He drops the strawberries he had in his hand on the floor, the scream echoes in his mind and there is no way he can escape it, and the pain just grows worse and worse till he feels his head is going to explode, when suddenly all around him becomes quiet and fuzzy, he is in a kind of a reddish dust cloud where he can see a human shape lying still on the - there is no ground, there is nothing but the dust, but oddly enough he can move through it and when he comes nearer he sees the face of Manouche, and she looks cold and distant.*  Manouche?  *she doesn't react to his voice or his touch*  Manouche!  *he lifts her in his arms, but there is no way where to go, just the dust enveloping them...*

Manouche *coming to, slowly opens her eyes, sees nothing but the dust … then she realizes she’s being held.  She looks to see who’s carrying her, and her expression changes from fear to joy; she whispers*  Oh, Fred … *she flings her arms around his neck, then she stiffens as she senses something.  She pulls away from him slightly, her eyes wide; whispers tersely*  Shh!  We ain’t alone, ye must hide.  *she pulls away from his embrace, it feels as if they’re floating; she removes her coat and covers him with it, whispers to him again*  Stay as still as ye can, mate.  *she stretches out over him, trying to hide him further, and holds very still, her eyes squeezed shut.  They soon hear vague sounds – an echo, accompanied by voices, sounding like a few people in a large space, like a train station waiting room.  The din of voices starts to become clearer, it’s a man and a woman; she listens carefully to the conversation:*

Man:  But the Gypsy!  My love, I must question your motivation—

Woman *laughs*  Question my motivation?  Have you become my director now?

Man *peevish*  Very well, have it your way.  I think you’ve gone mad!

Woman *approving*  There, that’s better.

Man:  Go ahead, laugh.  I don’t think you’ve thought this through properly.

Woman:  I don’t recall asking your opinion.

Man:  But darling, the baby, growing inside the Gypsy, being nurtured by her … who knows what effect she’ll have—

Woman *interrupts*  The Gypsy is a surrogate, nothing more.  The child is mine … *snickers* … mine, and my delicious brother-in-law’s.

Man:  The Gypsy is more than a common surrogate, and you bloody well know it.  She’s the Romani prodigy, tutored by Alifi … and she’s a dreamer of high ability.  As is the child’s father.

Woman *bored*  Are you quite finished?

Man:  No, I’m not.  There’s the other complication.  The Gypsy now has the venom of the Kanakoto coursing through her.  We cannot know of the consequences of such a wild mix.  It could come back to haunt us … to destroy us … *his tone becomes resentful* … all because you wanted to earn a few brownie points with Marchand.

Woman:  It could just as easily work in our favor.  I don’t suppose you stopped to think of it that way.  *sneers*  You are clearly not a gambling man, cherie.

Man *angry*  I’m wasting my time!

Woman:  You know my reasons for choosing her.  I won’t explain them to you again.  What have you to do with it anyway?

Man *hurt*  My love, how can you say that?  You know my feelings for you, you know my hopes, the plans we’ve talked about …

Woman:  Marchand may have other ideas.

Man *snorts*  Marchand!  A pox on Marchand, God rot his miserable soul!

Woman *laughs*  It’s a bit late for that, cherie.  Best mind your tongue.  *pause*  Hold … I thought I just saw … she’s coming out of it.

Manouche *stiffens at these words, catches her breath, wills herself to hold completely still*

Man *becoming more angry*  I don’t give a toss if she’s awake!  I’m tired of you putting me off!

Woman *her tone deadly*  You fool …

Manouche *eyes still shut, struggles to control her trembling as she hears a sharp sound, like a crack of thunder, followed by the man’s piercing scream.  She hears a scuffle, followed by the woman’s laugh.  Then the laugh dies in her throat; when she speaks again, her voice sounds surprised, and she says only one word, a word that turns Manouche’s blood to ice water:*

Woman:  Marchand …

Manouche *tightens her arms around Abberline, still covered in her coat, and she whispers a Romany prayer*  T-te pabaren mange memelia.  *then she’s conscious of a sensation that stuns her – she and Abberline are moving, as if they’re sliding on a slope, though she still can feel no solid surface beneath them.  She no longer hears voices, so she takes a chance and opens her eyes.  She still can see nothing for the dense fog all around them, but they’re moving.  She’s about to say something to Abberline, when a blast of freezing wind hits her so hard it takes her breath away; she closes her eyes, clings tightly to Abberline, and she cries out as they finally hit a solid surface.  She opens her eyes, looks around, sees that they’re on the floor in a small room.  She looks up sees a familiar face, and tears of relief fill her eyes*  Boadicea … *Boadicea looks at her mildly, as if nothing strange has happened at all.  Manouche sits up, pulls her coat off Abberline*  Fred, mate, it’s all right, we’re safe.  *looks at Boadicea again*  Wh-where are we, luv?

Boadicea:  You’re in Pirate’s Cove, dreamer.  *she looks at Abberline*  You were very brave to go after her, but it was foolish, you mustn’t mess with things you don’t know enough about.  Kat will return soon.  *she looks at Manouche again*  You must return home, they’re worrying about you.

Manouche:  B-but … Boadicea, I just heard—

Boadicea *cuts her off*  Don’t waste precious time worrying about that which you cannot change.  *pauses, looks her over, gives a very slight nod of approval*  Return home, they’re worrying about you.