At From Hell Court:

Man *enters the tiny apartment off the main drag, above the Cloak & Dagger tavern.  He closes the door behind him, calls out mockingly*  Honey, I’m home.

Woman *dryly*  Very funny.  *she enters from a tiny bedroom off the kitchen, a tall, statuesque blonde with sharp features.  She looks at him, nods toward the package*  You got it?

Man:  What do you think?  *sets the package on the kitchen table, takes off his coat*

Woman *eagerly goes to the table, picks up the bag, opens it, looks inside.  Her expression changes from greed to fury.  Hisses*  Damn you!

Man *his back to her, gazing out the tiny, grimy window at the street below, lights a cigarette, scowls at her tone*  What?  Look, I know it’s a bit of a mess, but those jokers had smuggled it through customs in a gallon of ice cream!  I left it like that on purpose till I could get it here.  Figured if someone happened to see it, they wouldn’t be so quick to recognize it with that coating of goo all over it.  Don’t get in a panic, it’ll clean up just fine—   *his words are cut off abruptly as he turns and looks at her, then at the object she’s holding – not the Regent Diamond, which he had collected from the two men who had pilfered it from Grape’s – but an ordinary stone from the street.  The color drains from his face as he stares, eyes wide, starts to stammer*  Wh-what .. h-how ... how did …

Woman *sarcastically*  Well, that must’ve been some ice cream.  *she watches in disgust as he grabs the package that had held the diamond, tears it apart as if hoping the diamond is still tucked inside somewhere.  He sinks into a chair, buries his head in his hands; she adds*  So then, my dear, what do you suggest we do now?

*And, at Chez Roux:*

Netta *in a stall in the ladies’ room, having excused herself from the table with Manouche and Blake, reaches in her pocket for the brilliant diamond she’d quickly replaced with a rock, out of the rude man’s package when she’d picked it up from where he dropped it after running into Manouche.  She stares at the brilliant precious stone, eyes wide, whispers*  Golly …

At Godley’s:

Daphne *having taken a slow stroll around town, finally makes her way to Godley’s house.  She approaches the door, rings the bell, calls out softly*  Sergeant Godley?  It’s me, Daphne.  Are you there?  *she waits for a response*

Godley: *pulls himself up with an effort and looks down at Ava, shocked* Forgive me, Ava, I don't know what devil went into me, I am terribly sorry! It must have been the wine... *he staggers up, first to the bathroom to straighten his clothing, then with a sigh he goes to open the door, muttering to himself* Saved in the last second... *he opens the door and sees Daphne and blushes, feeling that his whole face is red* Er.. Yes, I am here, but...

Daphne *raises eyebrows*  Sergeant Godley, are you all right?  *looks past him, then blushes slightly; though she doesn’t see Ava, she can pretty much guess what’s going on.  At the same time, it’s none of her business, so she responds smoothly*  I’m sorry if I came at a bad time.  I just wanted to stop by and tell you that I’m leaving in a couple of days.  I’ve decided to move on.  But I want you to know how much I’ve appreciated your kindness.  I guess we’ll never know exactly what happened to Salome.  So … it’s time I put it to rest and get on with my life.  *she moves closer to him, quickly kisses his cheek*  Thank you for everything you did, at least you tried.  They’re very lucky to have you at Security.

Godley *hastily*  Oh no, oh, not at all, you didn't choose a bad day, you chose the very moment when I ... !  You are my saving angel, just in the nick of time.  It seems that I can't control myself, I feel utterly disgusted.  Not because of her, it was my - my lust that took over.  *he shakes his head*  Men are weak.  *then he grins*  I remember how shocked I was when I saw you in a pyjama top ... I am not making any sense, bloody hell!  Daphne, I really want to apologize to you for my behaviour towards you ... I am sorry to see you go.  Perhaps someday you will be back again.  I will be here, just ring the bell.  Do you accept a hug from a very imperfect cop?

Daphne *looks confused at his words, then finally smiles warmly*  Sergeant, it would be my pleasure.  *they embrace, she whispers in his ear*  Don’t be too hard on yourself.  Nobody’s perfect.  *she steps back, smiles, nods at him*  If I come back through Deppville, your house will be first on my list of stops.  *grins mischievously*  Maybe we can go back to Chez Roux for dinner, and turn a few heads again.  G’bye, Sergeant.  *she turns, walks away from his house, back toward town*

At Pirate’s Cove:

Chiana *points to the door*  'tuga!  'tuga!

Abberline *sighs a heavy sigh*  No Tortuga for you.  Absolutely not.  Not even when you are grown up.  Tell me why the pirate is so strong in my both children, why do you both take after your mother?  *he carries Chiana to the table and lets her sit on it, she finds the strawberries, grabs as much as she can in her hands and stuffs them in her mouth*  And you even eat like a pirate.  *he takes his neat white handkerchief and starts to wipe Chiana's mouth while she wipes her hands on her dress*  Sometimes I do really wish for a lady ...

At the Security office:

Portsmith *to Mort*  Dr. Rainey?  *suddenly she is even more interested. In the waiting room, Charlie creeps out from under the desk and silently moves to the door, presses his ear to it and starts to make notes*  Where have you seen him?  I funded a while his research into rehabilitation of drug addicts, but the results were not that good.  Or *she adds thoughtfully* that depends on the view point.  Most of the persons participating never really touched any kind of drug after that.  The down side, from their point, was that though they were freed from drugs, they also lost their lives.  *she shrugs*  So I pulled Inspector Abberline out from his program and told that I can't fund it anymore.  I doubt he has given up his little obsession after that.  Did you know that he is accused of murdering a young woman?  *she takes a look at the apples and frowns*  I will take care of these.  I will note the Chief Inspector that Dr. Rainey has been seen.  We will get him.

Mort:  My brother claims his partner made him do everything against his will.  I don’t know if that would be true or not.  I offered to hire him an attorney and he turned me down.  I would help my brother if I could but I think he is beyond it.  I cannot have him threaten my Mary *takes Mary’s hand* again.  She is too precious to me.  I also fear he will harm someone else if not himself.  I only ask that you keep me informed of any news of him.

Portsmith *nonchalantly, still fingering the necklace*  Oh, we will have him captured soon enough and hanged for his crimes.  I am sure that Dr. Marbury would lay all guilt on your brother too.  *casts a quick totally disinterested glance on Mary, then goes on admiring the necklace*  You will hear about us.  *Mary watches the Commander with her gift.  She can't help but think she has never seen such greed in a person before*

Mort:  Don't misunderstand me Commander Portsmith.  I will see that Martin gets a fair trial.  If he is guilty, then so be it.  I appreciate you seeing us on such short notice.  Come Mary, we need to let the Commander get back to work.  I'm sure she has several important things to do. *shakes he Commander's hand*

Mary *walks over to shake the Commander's hand*  Thank you Commander Portsmith.  I am so happy you enjoy the necklace.  *They walk to the door and open it much to Charlie’s surprise.  Mary gives him a big smile and Mort gives him his famous pout and guides her past him*

Mort *mutters to himself*  there are too many good looking men around here!

Portsmith *mutters mimicking Mort*  Fair trial ... He shall get a trial as fair as he deserves, the bloody fool.  She yells to Charlie who stupidly stands by the door looking after Mary with a stupid smile on his lips*  Charlie!  Stop glaring and go downstairs and tell Donnie that he'd better catch Dr. Rainey fast!  *the she goes back to admiring the necklace, but something is missing from her joy of having a new treasure.  It is fear.  She has never before thought that she might some day lose all she has, but the dream still haunts her.  What if it would really happen?  Her eyes turn glassy for a moment and a she feels suddenly chilly and shudders.  She'd rather be dead!  She must do something and not just sit and fret over a stupid dream.  It must be somehow Ava's fault, why else would she had seen her ....  She grabs the phone and calls the DeMarco residence, but no one answers.  She pouts and slams the phone down.  How very rude of them not to be at home when Commander Portsmith makes a call!*

At From Hell Court:

Spencer *shrugs, to Wilmot*  I always found this obsession of one human to another very amusing. Why choose one when there are plenty, but *he grins a cold smile* as it happens I really can help you. Mort has a brother who is working for me. I don't know if he's in contact with his brother, but if not, he will soon be. And I happen to know that the good doctor really dislikes his brother who has made a name with  his writings. I recall I once tried to read one but never figured out why someone would waste time writing stories and someone else reading them instead of living stories themselves. But, this really is so amusing! Next drinks are on you.

Wilmot: *hides his anger once again as he calls out to the barkeep for more drinks*   I’m sure Mort Rainey has learned the trick of ignoring those who don’t like him. In my experience those who don’t like you fall into two categories, the stupid and the envious. Many, I am sure, are envious of his writings. He is very successful with his best sellers.  *smiles although he could slap Spencer for finding amusement in his plight* So tell me Spencer, in what way could you help me? I will grow impatient quickly if my wait is long.

Spencer:  It depends on what you want.  Writing is a real waste of time, don't get offended, I know you write too.  *he shrugs*  Poems are still more weird than Rainey's books.  The only books worth reading deal with science.  *notices his anger with a flicker of amusement*  Do you want to meet her?

Wilmot:  Well, it is a good thing not all of man kind have your feelings on Mort's and my writings, Spencer.  But that is neither here nor there.  I'm not asking you to like anything about writing.  *gives a short laugh*  I have met Mary Rainey.  She was at Chez Roux with Mort just last night.  Why, do you know her?

Spencer: Mankind has the weirdest feelings, Johnny. I think I might have seen your beauty with that cornfield hick. Good choice, but what are you going to do with the husband. I could arrange a meeting with her. What do i get for it?

Wilmot:  What to do with Mort?  Funny, that never crossed my mind.  No, I don't need an introduction. What I need is something to turn her head my way so to speak.  Perhaps some kind of chemical.  Come up with something like that and I will pay you well *finishes his drink* Work on it Spencer and get back to me.  I have to give some thought on what to do with Mort.  *smiles and leaves the bar*

At Elliott’s house:

Emina *smiles at Elliott*  I hope I didn’t scare you too much…  Love is a magical thing isn’t one day you don’t have it in your life and the next it hits you like a lightening bolt. *Looks around and sighs* I have never been in a house before they are very cosy aren’t they? the convent was often cold. *Blushes* your too sweet Elliott *she moves closer and very softly she brushes her lips against his. * Was that too bold Elliott? You would do that for me I like to write new recipes, I spend my time thinking about things. *She strokes his cheek with a gentle touch* well I insist that you let me do all the cooking for you and Dawn *smiles* I love to cook it makes me happy  *She looks around* I hope Dawn won’t mind I don’t want her to think I am stealing her dad away *pauses* Would you explain the rules for here in the convent we had rules *pauses again* is there any thing you’d like to know about me *smiles* or is there any thing I need to know about you *frowns a little* how about Dawns mother? does she visit her or has she passed *Emina looks into his eyes* what do you say about me helping you finish unpacking ...but first have you eaten has Dawn eaten *looks at the clock* oh it's time for laundry *she stands up thinking she’s in the convent*

Elliott *smile fades*  Dawn’s mother … my ex-wife is Brandy Norrington.  She’s very much alive, though I’m not sure where she is now.  She was working at the Security office for awhile.  She was always very cruel to Dawn.  She tried to keep us apart.  Not because she really wanted Dawn, but mostly to make us miserable.  *pauses, looks down*  I … I hope she’s gotten bored and gone on to other things.  *he’s quiet for a moment, then looks up at her, brightens again*  We don’t have much in the way of rules around here, this is nothing like the convent.  *glances at the clock, then reaches for her hands, brings her back into her chair*  There’s no particular time for laundry, we just do it when it needs doin’.  As for the cooking, you can do all the cooking you want, but … *looks down at her hands in his again, grins* … every now an’ then I’ll take over the kitchen to bring you breakfast in bed.  It’s something I rather like to do.

Emina: *seeing his sadness she holds him* I will never let her take Dawn away from you again *kisses his head * Never... I’ll put my last name on it, Emina da Silva  … *Emina moves back* I would like that a lot Elliott I bet you make a excellent breakfast *she gives him one of her wide smiles* Ok please forgive me if I do that again *pauses* the laundry thing, I’ve gone from doing loads to doing nothings… it’s rather nice just to be able to sit and talk seen as I am in such beautiful company *blushes*. *Emina takes the last mouthful of tea* you make good tea Elliott… *Emina stands up and takes her cup to the sink to wash it, playfully she speaks to Elliott who is watching her * what you looking at handsome *she bites her bottom lip*

Elliott *rises, walks over to her, stands behind her at the sink, brings his arms around her*  I imagine Dawn’ll be out for awhile.  Maybe I should show you your room now.  *kisses her neck.  He starts slightly as he hears the door slam*  Oops!  I guess I was wrong.  *he turns as he hears his daughter approaching*

Dawn *calling out*  Daddy, I'm back ... what's for … *her voice trails off as she sees her father standing with his arms around Emina.  She smiles, runs to them both*  Emina, hi!  Are you gonna stay for lunch?

Elliott *laughs*  Is that your way of tellin’ me you’re hungry?  *he crouches down, looks at her*  Sweet, Emina’s gonna stay with us, if that’s all right with you.

Dawn *looks at him, looks up at Emina, then back to Elliott; she lowers her voice*  Is she gonna be my new mommy?

Elliott *smiles, pushes her hair back from her face*  Well, she might.  We’ll see how it goes.  Y’know, we just met, don’t want to rush anything too much …

Dawn *looks up at Emina, sighs*  Daddy’s real slow ‘bout stuff sometimes.  *looks back at Elliott, nods*  I think she better stay here.  It’s the only way you’ll be able to tell if she can be my new mommy, ain’t it?

Elliott *looks very serious*  Yes, it would expedite things quite a bit, at that.  *laughs as she frowns, puzzled over the word ‘expedite’*  That means it’ll make your daddy move a little faster.  *kisses her cheek*  Now, if you’ll do us a favor … I want you to take Emina to our guest room, help her get settled.  Then wash up, and by the time you’re both done with that, I’ll have some lunch for us all.  *looks at Emina, sensing she’s about to protest*  You’ll have plenty of other times to cook, my dear.  For now, you’re our guest.  *looks at Dawn again*  Will you do that for me, sweet?

Dawn *smiles, nods*  Sure!  *she turns to Emina, holds her hand out to her*  C’mon, Emina, you’ll like the room.  Well, you’ll like it better later, we just moved in an’ it’s not done yet.  But the bed’s set up, an’ there’s places to put your stuff.  *she beams at her*  I’m glad you’re stayin’ with us.  We can make more cookies.

Emina:  Of course we can we can also makes cakes too whatever you want *looks at Elliot she kisses him on the cheek* Thank you I cant wait … *crouches down to Dawn* and I am glad that I am staying with you two too. *Emina cuddles Dawn and she whispers in her ear* So Dawn can your daddy cook *turning her head as she winks at Elliot* because I am starving *laughs. * Dawn why don’t you help me unpack I don’t have much, but I am sure if there is two of us we can get through it much faster. *Emina sees Dawn blowing her hair out of her face* Lets get it out of your face I bet it gets in the way and I bet it tickles your nose too. * Emila smiles as she pulls the hair band off her wrist, she brushes Dawns hair back and puts her hair up* Perfect … I think we’d best leave daddy alone now *taking her hand* Dawn please lead the way *smiles*

Elliott *watches Dawn lead Emina down the hall to the guest room, thinks to himself it was a lucky thing that they got that room put together a bit first thing.  He turns, starts looking around the kitchen for something to make for their lunch.  He sees the boxes of things still not put away, the pots and pans, looks at the cabinet doors standing open, revealing very little in the way of groceries … and he sighs.  Then he gets an inspiration.  He picks up the phone, punches in a number, waits*  Yes … yes, I’d like to order pizza for three …

At la Maison de Paradis:

Miranda *laughs after Crane has gone with Robbie*  Oh poor Robbie!  Do you think that he'll manage to make a pompous fool of the boy too?  *then she looks up at Malachi and takes his hand*  You must not forget the apple pie while the kids are having their ice-cream ...

Malachi *looks at her, then looks out at the deck, hesitates, then sighs*  All the kids are together, eating ice cream … Dylan’s there, Erin, too.  They're both old enough, and pretty responsible.  Still … *shakes his head, grins at her*  I was hoping that we could BOTH forget about apple pie AND ice cream.  But … I guess we better not.  They may need us for something, and *caresses her hand* I don’t want to be interrupted.  We’ll wait till later, when they’re all asleep.  But for now … I think apple pie a la mode.  *leans in, kisses her lips, looks at her*  And maybe we should think about having another little getaway sometime soon, just the two of us.

Miranda:  I have to take care of you, I can't let you starve.  *she starts to feel hot when he kisses her, and her eyes start to shine*  On a pirate ship?  And I can be the cabin boy?  To Tortuga!

Malachi *laughs*  Starve?  I’ll be lucky if I don’t get fat.  *he kisses her again*  Sure, we could take a pirate ship.  I was thinking, maybe we could borrow the Libertine Trailer from Manouche, after she and Blake come back from their honeymoon.  Which reminds me … do you need a new dress to wear to Manouche and Blake’s wedding?  It’s coming up, you know.

Miranda:  Of course I do need a new dress!  I completely forgot their wedding.  And I need the hairdresser and new shoes and *she smiles slyly* something nice to wear with the new gown too.  You wouldn't want me being the bawling wallflower, though I have to say I don't regret my behavior at all.  *vehemently*  I will never again regret anything I've done or feel shame about anything.  I just want to live - and love. *she grins* after the apple pie, that is.  *she takes his hand and leads him to the kitchen*

Malachi *holding her hand, walking behind her, gazing at her figure, mutters*  Yeah … after the apple pie … *he grins, shakes his head, follows her to the kitchen*

At the Security office:

Donnie *enters his office with a little smile on his face; he decided to come in late so he’d have a chance to spend some time with Grace.  He is well aware that cases are piling up, but as dedicated as he is to the job Grace comes first.  He sits down by the desk and starts checking his message; he grins a little and shakes his head as he hears the first message from Hanson*

Chief, it’s Hanson. I’m going to be a little late today. I know that I’m probably over-reacting, but I can’t get in touch with Isabella, so I’m going to go check on her. Talk to you later.

*But his expression quickly changes as the second message is played*

It’s me again. I think something’s happened. I didn’t find Isabella, but I did find her cell phone on the street outside her building. Don’t expect me to come in until I’ve found her…I’m sure you can understand. I’ll keep you updated.

*Now Donnie is concerned too.  Isabella has mentioned something about something bad in her past … she was very vague, but it is quite possible that some old enemy tracked her down and decided it was time for pay-back.  He’d like to tell himself that he’s overreacting and if she were just missing, he’d be able to do that.  But the fact that Hanson found her cell-phone on the street is a strong indication that something happened.  He looks towards the door with a glimmer of hope when he hears someone knocking.  Upon seeing that it’s Charlie, he leans back in his chair with a little sigh; with a hint of sarcasm*  Charlie … what can I do for you today?  Did you run out of magazines?

Charlie *straightens his back trying to look imposing*  Chief Inspector Brasco, I am here to enquire about the whereabouts of a dangerous criminal.  We are very concerned that he is still running free.  Commander Portsmith wanted to remind you of your duty to catch him as fast as you can.  *he consults the note of Portsmith*  She also announces, that Inspector Abberline is cleared on the case of the murder of that we ... er .. that woman found dead in his bed.  His wife is sought after for the murder.  Thank you, that would be all.  *he is rather satisfied with his conduct, but then he can hear DeeDee giggling and his shoulders fall*  Okay, so, she wants you to find Dr. Rainey, he's been scaring Mort and her new wife, hey, she really is something, by the way.  *and he grins*

Donnie *Nods*  Ah, that dangerous criminal … I would love nothing more than to put that creep behind bars for a very, very long time!  I’ll get someone on it as soon as possible.  *with Abberline’s disappearance, Isabella missing and Hanson searching for her, he’s very quickly running out of officers; mutters*  As soon as I locate my staff that is.  *frowns*  Wait, what dead woman?  Why haven’t heard anything about this before now?  I wouldn’t be surprised if Portsmith put the dead woman in his bed herself, but I suppose you better not tell her that.  Just tell her that we’ll be on the lookout for Dr. Rainey.  
 

Charlie *freezes, he has made a blunder.  Portsmith will have his head for this, but on other side, the rumors are anyway flying wild, so sooner or later Donnie is going to find out himself.  He decides to tell so as not to make him go to the Commander demanding an explanation.  After all, the Commander appointed him Chief Inspector of Security just not to be bothered by simple murder investigations.*  Haven't the Commander told you?  It was a special case, because the body of a Jeanne Missoni, an adventuress of dubitable background, was found throat slashed in Inspector Abberline's bed.  It was a bit delicate .... She is now sure it was Kat in a fit of jealousy.