The Wonkas at Rartigillichal:
Willy *comes home from a
long morning and puts his coat and hat on the rack next to the door. His
face is beaming with a wide grin.*
Madame *comes in and gives
him a quick kiss, then heads back to the kitchen to finish her pasta* How is
construction?
Willy *grabs her arm and
twirls her into his arms, then kisses her again* It's doing real well.
Want to go see it?
Madame: Willy, I had food cooking.
Willy: We won't be long. We'll be back, I promise.
Madame *smiles at him, then
nods* Yea...yea okay. I'll get the
kids ready. *Willy follows her as they head into the baby room and put coats
on the triplets. Cole helps them by putting a coat on Angel. Madame takes Jacob
in one arm and cradles Angel in the other. Willy heads out with Will and Chase,
who are pulling on each others hair. They place them in the car seats*
Cole *excitedly hops in,
kicking his feet in a flurry of joy* MOM!
We going to see the factory?!
Madame *nods calmly as she
buckles him in* But don't get too excited, Cole.
We've just started, so there's not too much up yet.
Willy *secretly smiles to
himself as he finishes strapping Chase in, then quickly taps her hand to stop her from pulling Will's hair. She grunts and crosses her arms tightly* Chaseline Marie. *she watches Willy, then uncrosses her arms as he continues to stare at her with an
intimidating look. He smiles and pats her head, then gets into the driver's side
and starts up the car just as Madame has finished buckling herself in. He
backs out, wanting to speed off, but remains calm to keep everything a surprise.*
Madame *after not too long,
they arrive at the factory gates, which have been covered in a sort of purple sheet to keep the construction of the factory
hidden. She tries to see anything as Willy identifies himself to an oompa in
the security room. Madame doesn't even notice that the oompa is in a room working. She holds her breath as the gates open and lets her mouth drop as she sees the completed
mansion of a factory.* Willy ... it's done!!!!
Willy *nods as he pulls along
side the steps going to the large doors* I have something to tell you.
Madame *looks at him cautiously* What?
Willy: We moved away so I could rebuild it. Construction has been
going on for a very long time now.
Madame *smiles widely as
she feels tears fall from her eyes* You mean you were only redoing it?
Willy *nods as he stares
out Madame's window up at the towering building. He jumps as Madame quickly throws
her arms around his neck and kisses him. He kisses her back, then holds her by
her arms* Want to go see?
Cole: YES!
Willy *looks in the back
at Cole, then nods and gets out. He opens Cole's door and unbuckles him. Cole
wastes no time in hopping out, almost getting his arm caught in the seatbelt that Willy hadn't pulled back all the way.* Cole, come on now be careful. *he gets Chase and Will again and walks up the
steps to catch up with Cole. Madame takes Jacob and Angel and follows closely
behind him. He nods at four oompas to open the doors. Two take a door and pull them both open.*
At the Library parking lot:
Mary *on her cell in the
car outside the library* Antonio! It’s Maria.
Antonio: Maria! Thank God, I’ve been worried sick. This is a secure line so you can call it anytime. Are you ok? Where are you?
Mary: I’m in
Deppville. Antonio! I've found
the love of my live and married him.
Antonio: Good! You should be safe there for now Maria although your
father is still searching for you. He wants you to marry Victor. I’m so glad you have found someone who loves you and will protect you.
Mary: My father is a fool! He thinks he lives in the old country.
I would die before marrying Victor. He’s
a pig. I would never live in his world. I love my husband and I’m
not leaving. If my mother were alive this never would have happened!
Antonio: Your husband may need protection. Does he know who you are?
Mary: NO! I’m afraid to tell him. I’m afraid he’ll leave me Antonio.
Antonio *sternly* Listen to yourself Maria, now who is being the fool. He loves
you, how could he not? Why would he leave you?
Are there any policemen there you can trust?
Mary *thinks for a few minutes*
the only police I have heard about are an Inspector Abberline, Donnie Brasco
and I know a Constable Crane. I don’t know if I can trust them with this. *short
laugh* Constable Crane tends to faint.
Antonio *softly* perhaps your husband can guide you?
Mary: NO! Antonio, please. *silent for a moment* Why is your career on hold?
Antonio: The studio thought it would be a good idea if we let six months go by. I’m
fine with it so don’t you worry.
Mary *sadly* Was my
father’s interview with you awful?
Antonio *doesn’t tell
her he sustained multiple fractures of the face and will need at least three surgeries* It
was fine Maria, now go to your husband. I love you; you are like a little sister
to me.
Mary: I love you too Antonio. *disconnects then lies her head back
on the headrest and closes her eyes. Wilmot sees her in the car and reaches in
the window to touch her shoulder* Oh! *She
jumps* Mr. Wilmot you scared me!
Wilmot *bends down to look
her in the eye* please call me John. *pauses*
Mary, do you need help?
Mary *a single teardrop falls
down her cheek as she looks at him* I don’t know what you mean. *starts her car* I’ve got to get going.
Wilmot *reaches in and wipes
the teardrop off her cheek and his heart melts* Let me help you *softly* Maria.
Mary *stares at him
for a minute* Please, John, forget what you read about me. It will only bring you trouble in the end. Mort and I could
be in grave danger *touches his hand* Please be my friend. *his heart constricts*
Wilmot *suddenly knows he
will not do trickery against her but will protect and love her* Perhaps you and
Mort could stay at my castle. It’s in a remote location and you will not
be found there.
Mary: How would I explain that to Mort? He doesn’t know the
truth about me. I’m putting my trust in you to please be my friend. I thank you for your kind offer. I’ll never forget it was made. *Smiles weakly* Can I trust you John, will you be my friend?
Wilmot *nods as his heart
aches for her* But only if you promise to come to me if you need help Mary.
Mary: I promise you John. *she drives away to go home to Mort*
At the park:
*Sam and Lola are in the
park with their daddy and their nanny. They are causing much havoc at their picnic, as they are more interested in the doggy
than they are in the food. They both refuse to eat their mashed up meal even though George makes it sound ever so delightful
they still refuse it. However they do take a liking to his bar of chocolate.*
George: No way *holds his
chocolate bar up* you two aren't getting any chocolate *shakes his head* sorry.
Lola: *pouts and shows her
daddy her saddest look* dada
George: No Lola no way *her
lip begins to quiver* No Lola you can have you baby chocolate pudding after you have had your lunch *she falls down and scowls
at him* your too much like your mother Lola
Shane: *laughs* we seem to
have a problem George
George: What *looks at Sam
who has stuck his hand in his lunch*
Sam: Mmm
George: See that's your game
is it well I have a game to and that's called lets clean the baby. *Shane picks
up Sam and much to Sam’s disgust he gets his face and hands washed. He lets the whole park know that he is not amused.
They have many people look at them they still doubt that they are his. The twins are looking more like him every day they
both have more blonde hair than ever. George ignores their stares his knows the truth and that is all that matters. He is
happy they have changed him for the best and he loves them with all his heart and more*
On the moors:
Sweeney and Mistress *take
dark and miserable walk in the fog covered hills of the Deppville Moors and they love every moment of it. They can hear all
the calls of death and the followers of death and sometimes they bump into the undead. They are not bothered by it in fact
they welcome it, as they are very much undead themselves. They walk through the fog until they come to the spot where they
married. Sweeney gives Mistress an evil grin and they have their evil ways with each other. Mistress Fiore always likes
Sweeney to tell her how he kills; how he stalks his victims she gets much excitement from it. They have their way with each
other as evil circles around them.*
Mistress:
Not long now father soon he will bring the books soon very soon. Then you will arise again and make him strong make him the
way he was meant to be *she kisses Sweeney deeply as Sweeney pushes her way and against a tree* is that all you got *he pins
her against the a tree* Sweeney Todd, Sweeny Todd, my rotter, my hell, my demon *evilly she laughs*
Sweeney:
*he pins her tightly to the tree* Welcome to hell and forever I will hurt you and cause you miserable amounts of pain
*snarls*
Mistress:
An may I rot in hell in hell with you *she kisses him deeply then she bites his lip* and I will do the same to you too. *As Sweeney bites her neck
it draws blood, a thunderstorm starts and they dance in the rain. They dance together*
Sweeney:
why don't we go for a kill my love? I need to kill again
Mistress:
Do you have any one in particular?
Sweeney:
Oh yes there's a new woman in town she looks quite divine
Mistress:
A woman you say how will you do it
Sweeney:
I shall scare her first taunt her *evilly laughs* I want to play with her prolong her fear for as long as possible *snarls*
Mistress:
Sweeny Todd wants a toy and a toy he shall get *snarls. They make their way to the new ladies house Mistress can’t wait to watch her man her demon
at work. They walk in the dark enjoying every moment of it as they grow closer Sweeney feels death become him even more. Mistress
watches her husband with great pleasure. She takes a seat down in the flowerbed and picks the flowers they all die as she
picks them.*
Sweeney:
Mary oh Mary I have a song for you *in the dark he begins to sing* Mary, Mary quite contrary, How does your garden corn grow?
With silver shovels and buzzards calls. And dead wives corpses all in a row. Come out and play I have plenty of
more for you *with that he disappears waiting for someone to at least look*
At Mort and Mary’s house:
*Mort and Mary are asleep
in their bed. Mary hears a noise outside. She puts her slippers on and runs down the stairs causing her sheer gown
to bellow out behind her. She is a vision of beauty that no man could ever deny. She goes out onto the screened
in porch and listens. She hears a hauntingly beautiful voice sing her name. It quickly turns into an awful tune that turns
her stomach and makes her break into a sweat. She opens the screened door and stands on the steps to see if she
can see anything. It is so very dark and she is so very scared. She races back into the house and locks the door*
Outside the house:
Sweeney:
Oh Mary what a pretty night gown the colour suits you so *grins* How Mort these days we do miss him... How about another ditty
Mary *Mistress smiles as she watches her husband at work*
Mary had a murderer husband,
his hands covered in blood.
And everywhere that Mary
went
his shovel was sure to
go.
He followed her into the
cornfield one day.
That was against his rule;
It made Mary run and hide.
To see her husband shaking
a shovel,
So Mary ran as fast as
she could,
But still he lingered
near.
And he waited patiently
till Mary did appear.
Then he ran to her, and
laid,
His shovel in her head,
As if he said, "your now
dead; now you'll keep Amy Company!"
"What makes the Mort hurt
Mary so?" The eager corn did cry.
"Oh, because I like to
murder, you know," Mort did reply.
Inside:
*Mary was standing with her
back to the locked door with heart pounding and shallow breathing. Who could this monster be? He was singing lies about
her beloved husband! She willed herself to breathe in and out until her heart wasn't pounding anymore. Slowly, she unlocked
the door and went onto the screened in porch. She heard the singing. It was almost a whisper, a beautiful whisper. She felt
compelled to find its evil source. She wanted to make it stop. She opened the screened in door and stepped into the night.
The rain had stopped and the fog was lifted. The moonlight played against her hair and luminated her body.
She had to make the singing stop. If Mort was aware of what she was doing he would be mortified. She doesn't seem to realize she is in danger. Suddenly she hears a snap of a twig across the yard from
her.* What do you want? *Then, another snap of a twig in the opposite direction.*
Please, just leave us alone. *She slowly backs up to the door. She gazes
out into the yard again as she stands on the steps and sees what appears to be a sort of switchblade gleaming across
from her. But immediately, it was gone. The singing stopped and the night was quiet once again. She turned to go in the house
and heard a woman's evil laughter. She hesitated briefly then went back into the house and locked the door.*
Sweeney:
Oh don't be scared just yet Mary I have only just begun *grins as he sings again*
Mort and Mary Rainey,
Wed rather quickly.
Mort built their home
near a lake;
He grew a cornfield very
near.
Whilst Mort tended to
the corn,
He kept Mary very busy.
Mort waited in the field
one day,
For Mary to arrive.
That's when he pounced
he killed poor Mary.
And that my child is the
end of her story
Mary *had fallen asleep on
the sofa. She was mentally fatigued and thought she might be dreaming of this happening to her instead of the reality
of it. The singing woke her up again. How could such a beautiful voice sing such horrid lyrics. Slowly she walked
into the kitchen to get her butcher knife for protection. The singing stopped. She goes to the back door. Perhaps she
could surprise this evil person and he'll go away! She knew she was being naïve but she was hopeful. She opened the door and
walked to the side of the yard. She could hear the leaves snapping as someone was walking towards her. Try
as she might she couldn't see anything. Calls out* you have such a beautiful
voice, why do you want to hurt me so with such horrible lyrics. *She hears a
gasp but wasn't sure if she made the sound or someone else did.* I hear heartache in your voice, well I have heartache
too. Won't you please, just please leave me alone? *she hears the evil woman's laughter again so she runs back into the house and slams the door, regretting
it immediately.* I hope I didn't wake Mort!
Sweeney:
*evilly* Oh woe is me Mary what will you do with that knife.. Oh dear she wants to kill me .. Oh your father will be proud
but wait where is your husband to protect you Mary *grins as he sings again*
Mort Rainey, Rainey, Rainey,
Rainey
His last name was her
last name too
Where ever they did go
People would stand and
stare
Cause Mort Rainey got
himself a new girl
My child did you know
what they did shout
There goes a killer and
she will soon
Follow the same fate as
the last
*Mary stood with her hands covering
her ears. She wanted it to stop! She ran to the door ripping it open and rushed out into the yard. She stood with her
arms outstretched and screamed for him to leave her alone. Slowly she turned in a circle with her head lifted to the sky and
her arms still outstretched. She felt like she was going mad. Her hair was whipping around her shoulders as her gown bellowed
outwards. The singing stopped. All one could hear was the gentle wind blowing through the leaves as she turned and turned
some more. Suddenly she fainted into a heap on the ground. Mort ran out of the house, disoriented, for he was still half
asleep. He saw her lying on the ground and his heart started pounding. Rushing over to her, he lifted her in his arms and
took her inside kicking the door shut behind him. He didn't know what to make of his wife lying out in the yard in the middle
of the night or what caused her to scream but by God he would protect her until the day he died.*
Sweeney: And so he arrives
the great corn killer Mort. My my haven't you changed sir would you like some corn with that dead wife of yours. *shouts*
My Mort you got yourself a good one there haven't you *grins again as he starts to sing* A corn on the cob keeps
Mort at bay
Corn in the morning Mort's
warning
Roast corn at night angers
Mort outright
Eat corn before bed, Mary
gets a shovel to the head
Mort eats corn three times
a day seven days a week
Mort's warning Mary is
dead.
Mort *could hear singing.*
what the hell? *he listened to the lyrics and was filled with regret. His Mary
must have been hearing those herself. He put a cold compress on her forehead and slowly she awoke. *
Mary: Mort, there is a monster
in the yard!
Mort: I heard him Mary. He's
gone now. Don't worry I don't think he'll be back.
Mary: Why would he do that,
scare me like that?
Mort: There are evil
people in this world Mary. Come, lets go back to bed. *they went upstairs and he held her until she fell back to a restless
sleep. Soon he was asleep too. The singing never started again.*
Sweeney: *leading them under
a false sense of security he begins his final song* The Corn man is coming. With evil in his eyes and murder on his mind.
So hush poor Mary you'll time will come. Because the man in the corn field will come. Through the fields he'll make you run.
So Mary run, run, run. The Demon is coming.Run, run, run. Mort never forget. Never forgive. Watch her carefully she has
secrets and Mort all beauty must die. *With that Sweeney takes his wife to the
moors to have his way with her again.*
Mort *was dreaming. Or was
he? He heard a song playing in his head. All beauty must die, Mary has secrets! The Demon is coming, what Demon? He
tosses and turns and wakes up in a sweat. He listens carefully and hears nothing. He looks over at Mary and she’s
sleeping. He could hear evil laughter and it made him shiver. Finally, he falls back to sleep wishing he would never
have those dreams again*
At The Archers’:
Ichy *handing Robbie a pair
of weird looking glasses* You must wear these. You would not want to get any of those substances in the eye. If you are to
be an investigator, you must learn to be patient and very thorough. And, before all, neat. If this powder, for example *and
he lifts a jar half filled with shimmering greenish powder* if this powder should be contaminated, it will not yield the proper
results any more. We do, of course, rely even more on observation and intelligence, but science can help an investigator in
many ways. Now, pour carefully the liquid into the flask, step away and watch the chemical reaction take place. You will then
tell me what we learned about this experiment.
Robbie: *grabs the container and tosses the contents into the flask
that immediately starts to smoke, the liquid expands and with a sickening sound the flask explodes and the shards rain down
on them, while they crouch down and shield themselves with their arms. Robbie, rises his feet feeling wobbly* I think, Daddy,
I think that we learned from this experiment that there are two definitions for the word pour. Yours and mine. If you don't
mind. Sir. *he peers anxiously at Ichy, who examines the damage with a very severe expression.*
Ichy: *very gravely*
Son. I think that we will leave the lab for a while an learn some chemistry upstairs.
Robbie: *jumps, relieved that
Ichy isn't mad at him. He definitely wants to stay here, it's already the second explosion and he eagerly awaits for more
fun. Daddy is a bit uptight and preaches about cleaning and keeping things in order, but he can take that. The only thing
that bothers Robbie is that Daddy has no visitors and apparently no relatives. He has promised himself that Daddy will never
more feel lonely. He follows Daddy like a small shadow to the kitchen.* What kind of chemistry?
Ichy: We are going
to transform some vegetables into a healthy salad.
Robbie: *disappointed* Oh. *then he grins* Have you forgotten that
kids need ice-cream and candy?
Ichy: *picks tomatoes and starts to slice them, stops his movement and peers at his
son* No, my son. In this household, chocolate counts as vegetable from this day on.
On the streets of Deppville:
Abberline *softly closes
the door of Bournemouth House behind him. He waited until Chiana fell asleep,
watched over by Candy who couldn't stop smiling at having them all back home again.
He lights a cigarette while he slowly walks towards the Security Center. He has to find out what has happened
with the murder case of Jeanne. It worries him still that he can't remember anything
from that night. According to his experiences, things don't sort up so easily,
especially when they involve Portsmith. Or himself, for that matter. Kat's secret island becomes more and more tempting, a small perfect paradise just for his family, away
from all the troubles that seem to hunt them down always, away from all the foes. His
reverie is interrupted by a car breaking with tires screeching*
Lady Ainsworth *rises out of the cab holding the very
wide brim of her pink straw hat adorned with silver ribbons* Frederick! What a coincidence, I was just going to see you.
Abberline *stops, winces from
the pain the sight of his sister* You have seen me now. ‘Bye, Cynthia. *he starts to walk away from her*
Lady
Ainsworth *gets out of the car and trips after him in her stiletto sandalettes* Now
wait a minute, Frederick. I have something important to talk
to you about.
Abberline *totally disinterested* How interesting. Well, you can state your business now.
Lady Ainsworth: How are you Frederick, you are not looking too well. I
can see that she doesn't properly take care of you. Just look at you. You do look very pale. Your cufflinks, where are they? And
that same old brown suit you wear.
Abberline: I am fine thank you, and
I can perfectly take care of myself. *he increases his pace but she follows him insistently*
Lady Ainesworth: And how
is my sweet niece?
Abberline: Fine. *for the first time he turns to look at her* Are you not going to ask about your
nephew?
Lady Ainsworth: *cringes* I was going to..
Abberline: You weren't. You don't like him. You don't like
what he is.
Lady Ainsworth: *stops pretending to be friendly* No I don't. You have to do something about him, and
you must not forget that you are the only one who can carry on the name of dear Father. Raven Abberline, an Indian, a pirate
and a bastard? The result of immorailty and decadence. Did you think at all about Victoria when you
were in Fiji chasing pirate wenches? The mere sight of him should remind you of Victoria and her fate, and all that happened to her because of you. Don't you think you owe her at least a passing thought?
Abberline:
*stops again, drops the cigarette butt and grinds it thoroughly under his heel.* If you were a man, I would have already struck
you. Never mention again her name. Nor come anywhere near me.
Lady Ainsworth: *rolls her eyes* You always had a bad
temper, just like dear Father. How can you turn into a fight what was supposed to be a friendly reunion of siblings? You fly
at me at the slightest remark. I was just going to invite you to a dinner. I have taken rooms at Cavalcanti's. I was just
going to offer peace and here you go again.
Abberline: Forget it.
Lady Ainsworth: *behind his back* Oh, then
I guess you are not interested to know about the letter that was found with Jeanne Missoni. You never would have guessed on
what business she was here.
Abberline: I am not interested.
Lady Ainsworth: *catches him again* Not even if
I said that the letter was to be sent to France? To a woman called
Vernet?
Abberline: *stops again* France?
Lady Ainsworth: *hides her triumphant smile* Indeed. You know where you
will find me. *she waves to the cab, climbs in and looks at her brother* I must say, it was very intriguing.. . *she knocks
the glass, and the cab speeds away*
At the Security office:
Portsmith *appears at the
doors looking down on Ava. * Sir would suffice. She dismisses the Haffners with a wave* Sergeant Godley, you can collect your
little plaything after we have had a nice chat with her. I am sure that you have duties to attend to. *before he can protest
she ushers Ava in and shuts the doors* So. What have you been up to in that little witchery of yours, what did you call it,
Foggy this or that. I think you have there some trouble brewing in your cauldrons. What was the meaning of that little trick?
To unsettle me? I swear *and she steps close to Ava, staring her with cold eyes glimmering malevolently* that while I live
those pirate strumpets won't have their dances at my castle!
Ava *trying not to laugh* Pirate dances what ever are you going on about Portsmith *moves away from her and
takes a seat* Boy are you cranky you want to try being pregnant *looks at her*
have you got any food. *rolling her eyes* Sacred Mists well I have been healing people without charging mad prices and I don't
kill them ... by the way I have something that will help with your complexion.
Portsmith: *glares at her,
raises her voice* There is nothing wrong with my complexion! I don't believe a word you say! How did you induce that nightmare?
Answer me!
Ava: No need to shout *she
cradles her bump* you'll wake the baby. *points* see your going red now Portsmith you really should *Ava doesn't give a damn
any more now Dons gone, Godley seduced her and in some way she enjoyed it. Also she slept with her the population of
men in Deppville so couldn’t care less for Portsmith* What nightmare Portsmith
I haven’t got a clue what you are going on about. And if your so bothered about why don’t you *sniggers*
get it off your chest ...
At From Hell Court:
Sands *sits by a table in the corner of the Shark’s Tooth looking deeply into a shot-glass. He reaches the bottle of tequila placed on the table beside the glass and pours another drink, which he
drinks in one gulp. When Hanson first came to him and asked for help to find
Isabella, he thought the kid was just overreacting and making a big deal out of nothing and he even took a little pleasure
in the possibility that she might have left her beloved Hanson behind without any word and thereby showing that he wasn’t
so beloved after all. But the fact that she’d dropped her cell phone worried him. It worried him even more that none
of his sources in From Hell Court could tell him anything. It was as if she’d vanished from the face of the Earth…and
after Hanson’s phone-call about what took place at the Brascos she may very well be gone. Even though Isabella had asked
him to leave her alone, he still feels guilty that he wasn’t there to save her this time…he reaches for the bottle
again to have another drink in an attempt to drown out the little voice inside that tells him all hope is gone, but stops
midair. He is certain that someone is watching him. Observing his every move. He puts the bottle down and searches the room,
but sees no one familiar or anyone looking his way. But then he sees her…he can barely believe his own eyes and breathes
a sigh of relief. She is unharmed. He smiles as she approaches him and quickly rises to meet her* Bella! *Hugs her tightly*
You’re alright! Everyone has been so scared for you!
Isabella *smiles a little amused by his reaction, takes a step back and looks at him sweetly* Of course I’m alright. Why wouldn’t I be?
Sands *a little confused* You’ve been gone for almost two days now.
No one knew where you were. *Frowns* Where
were you?
Isabella: *smiles secretively* I was…around. *Gazes at him alluringly as she grazes his cheek with the back of
her hand* I just needed a break from that silly little boy…
Sands: *strange. He’d wanted to hear her say something to that effect and have her look at him in that way. But
something’s off…as much as it pains him, he knows that Hanson means more to her than that. He knew that she loved
him even before the thought had occurred to her. He takes a step back and looks into her eyes searchingly. This woman may
look like Isabella, but there is nothing of her in her eyes. Fear grabs him as he notices it. A small wound on her neck; it
is almost healed, but it’s there. Doubtfully* Isabella?
Isabella: *knows that he is now aware of her change, moves close to him and holds his arm to keep him from moving.
Whispers in his ear* I won’t feed on you. You are far too interesting as a
human. A killer with little or no conscience and still with a beating heart. Highly interesting. *With that
she releases him and walks away*
Sands: *stares after her as if frozen to the spot. He sits down heavily finding it difficult to breathe. He quickly
pours a drink and downs it trying to gather himself. Even though he’s never believed in the stories about vampires,
he knows one thing. Isabella is dead. Tears fill his eyes as the thought emerges. She’s dead. He throws a few
money-bills on the table and leaves the tavern; outside he takes out his cell-phone and dials Hanson’s number. The phone
has been turned off and his call goes straight to the answering service.* Hanson,
it’s Sands. I just saw Isabella…well, it wasn’t her, not really. I…I think she’s a vampire.
At the Security office:
DeeDee: *takes a pile of
papers to be copied when she spots Abberline by the stairs leading up to Portsmith's Chancellor's Office* Forget about it,
Inspector Abberline. She's having some sort of shouting competition with Ava DeMarco. But it's nice to see you here for a
change.
Abberline: *looks at her with suspicion* Really? ID Donnie in.
DeeDee:
Chief Inspector Brasco is at his office. I
am sure he will be delighted in seeing you.
Abberline: Thanks. *he about to pass her when she catches his arm*
DeeDee: I
have something important to tell to you. Can you join me for lunch? I promise *she flashes her old lascivious smile* I am not trying
anything with you, I don't want to get scalped. It's something that concerns
you very closely.
Abberline: Everybody seems to have something important
to tell me these days ... *he leaves her and knocks on Donnie's door*
Donnie: *puts down the receiver
his hands trembling. He can't believe what he just heard. It takes him a moment before responding to the knocking on
his door; absentmindedly* Yeah, come in. *Sees Abberline entering his office; normally he might be surprised to see him,
but his mind is pre-occupied with the news he just received about Isabella* Hello Abberline.
Abberline: *stares a while
intently at Donnie, then at the phone, goes suddenly very pale and staggers to the visitor's chair and winces at the sharp
pain in his head* It's about my partner, isn't it? She's at From Hell Court....
Donnie: *looks at Abberline
in surprise* Yes! Well, I don't know if she's in From Hell Court, but yes, it's about Isabella. She...she's been gone for
a couple of days and I just got a call from Hanson. Sands saw her at the Shark's Tooth. *Lowers his eyes* She's a vampire.
*Looks at Abberline again* If you have any suggestions. ..'cause I'm drawing a blank on this one. I don't know,
maybe Grace can do something.
Abberline: I saw her... If
she's become a vampire you know that there is only one way to deal with her. She is not human anymore. I was - I was once
bitten by a vampire... and Grace was able to prevent me from turning into one. But I doubt that anyone reverse the process
if she already is a vampire. She is gone, Donnie. She needs to be hunted down and disposed of. I am sorry.
Donnie: *listens to Abberline's
words and tears form in his eyes. He clears his throat, slightly embarrased, and speaks in earnest* I'm not ready to
give up yet. And I doubt Hanson or Sands are ready to go out and kill her. *Holds up his hand to silence Abberline* Yes,
I know, it's not really her anymore, but...Look, Blake came back. He was missing for a very long time and somehow he came
back. *Looks at Abberline pleadingly* Please don't go hunting for her just yet. Give me a little time to at least try and
come up with another solution.
Abberline: No. I am not going
against vampires. I don't know how to handle them. But you do realize that she can lure you, she can seduce you if she wants.
I suggest that you take every precaution against vampires there are and avoid her best you can. But I believe that Hanson
is the one who is in danger now. The vampires tend to hunt their closest ones down first... *he rises up* Just don't do anything
rash. If I remember right, Corso had something to do with Blake returning back to the living. I would not trust him *he turns
to go, but at the door he stops* One more thing. I told you I saw her... Blake hated to be a vampire, but Isabella... she
might enjoy it....
Donnie: *Nods* I’ll make sure to warn Hanson and Isabella’s family…*Smiles slightly* I don’t
trust Corso either; he rarely does anything unless there’s something in it for him. *Stares at Abberline blankly; he
remembers Isabella’s words the night he talked her into going to Hanson……dark
things are drawn to me, or I’m drawn to them…mutters quietly* Dark things…*suddenly remembers Abberline
is still there* I’ll have a word with Grace, she knows more about these things than I do.
Abberline: Good. *he nods,
leaves the office and goes to his own, lights a cigarette and starts to think about Isabella. Actually, this development doesn't
really surprise him much. Isabella was all too interested in dabbling with things best left untouched. Did she get curious?
Did she believe that she could handle vampires, too? Did she have to show off that she dares? *he shakes his head sadly*
At Portsmith’s office:
Portsmith: *yells at Ava*
I am not shouting! Confess that you made such a nightmare to appear to me. It was you beckoning to that damned door, and I
stumbled right into poverty and disgrace and humiliation through it in the dream. *she raises her voice even more, and the
red on her face is now more from the shame she feels, she can't tell Ava that in the dream she was a cleaner at her very own
castle where the pirates held their feasts.* It was your fault that I had lost everything I had in that dream and was forced
to live in From Hell Court while Manouche was appointed Guardian of Deppville and overtook MY palace. I will NOT TOLERATE
MANOUCHE RULING THIS CITY! BELIEVE ME THAT IS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN - NEVER! *she calms herself, feeling a oddly better after
having got it out of her.* You are just jealous because I do have the chest you don't even dream about and I am not afraid
of showing it. Just wait till the kid is born and you will have two ugly empty bags sagging down.
Ava: Oh yes you are ….
Sorry Commander that you had a nightmare but maybe you should sleep with a night light so the big bad monster cant get you
again. *Giggles* Oh my god that’s the funniest thing I have ever heard more funnier than the time Don tried experimenting
with the vacuum cleaner *puts Don voice on* Oh baby its not what it looks like I wanted see if I was bigger and I am and now
it’s stuck ha. Why on earth would I be jealous your turning more and more like Dee Dee each day. Now why would I be
jealous of that? What makes you think they are going to sag? like you say I may dabble in wiccan here and there but nothing
to cause people to have such scary nightmares as that *laughs* oh i think I need to go to the bathroom ... *through the tears
of laughter* I'll give it to you Portsmith your quite the comedian *burst into laughter again*
Portsmith: *getting laughed
at is the most horrible thing after the nightmare that she can think of* You will pay dearly for this, Ava, if I hear anyone
talking about it. *she looks down at her remarkable cleavage held up by the new Wonderbra Special For Wonderful Women* If
someone is like DeeDee it's you. Don't think that I haven't heard about your romping around begging for guys to take advantage
of you. You are a disgrace to the whole community. And I will not tolerate any Wiccans on my ground. *but still, she feels
lighter. Its' like telling about it has made it shrink to just a stupid nightmare* You are dismissed. Please use the public
restroom downstairs. *she turns away from her and goes to her desk, trying to find some imposing looking paper to read.*
At Mort and Mary’s house:
Mort and Mary *sit at the
kitchen table the morning after their experience with Sweeney*
Mary: It was a dream, right?
Mort: Ah yeah *pauses*, yeah
it was. We just happened to have the same dream I suppose. *he’ll say anything to placate her*
Mary: I mean it was
surreal!
Mort: Yeah. That it was Mary.
Mary: I think we should forget
it ever happened!
Mort: *thinks they should
tell someone but who would believe them. He’s going to give it more thought he decides. Leans over to her and kisses
her.* Put it out of your mind Sweets. *hugs her * It was just a dream.
At the Security office:
Donnie: *sits behind his desk, he glances at Hanson sitting on the opposite side of the desk in the visitor’s
chair, and then at Grace sitting in the window-sill. He’s not really sure what to say; although hoping, he’s not
expecting Grace to have a simple answer and he can bring himself to mention Abberline’s suggestion about hunting down
Isabella in front of Hanson. Quietly* We have to tell the Barries…they don’t even know she’s been missing.
Grace: *smiles a little encouragingly at Donnie* Seemed like a good idea at the time given Mrs. Barrie’s condition.
*Her expression turns dark* But now…now we need te warn them.
Hanson: *it seems so surreal to him that just a couple of days ago he told her he loved for the first time and now…now
she’s the thing that might kill him if he isn’t careful. If only he’d insisted on walking her home that
night. If only he’d insisted she’d stay out of the Court altogether after she’d told him about Delano. If only…keeps his gaze downward*
I know that I’m closer to the family than any of you, but I don’t think I can do it.
Donnie: *smiles slightly* It’s OK, I’ll go…I’m sure they’ll understand why you can’t.
Hanson: Thanks…*Sighs heavily* I should’ve known something like this would happen when she told me he was
here…
Donnie: *frowns* Who were here? What are you talking about?
Hanson: Delano…a vampire that she had a connection to around the time her mom were killed…by a vampire, probably someone
close to this Delano. I guess…I guess he’s the one that…that…you know.
Grace: I reckon that’s right…makes sense if he were still hung up on her.
Hanson: *suddenly looks up at Grace* You’re supposed to be a powerful witch or whatever, can’t you…fix
it?
Donnie: *to Grace* You did reverse the change when Abberline were bit?
Grace: *jumps down from the window-sill* Aye, I did, but it were a completely different situation. Fer one thing, Abberline
hadn’t turned completely an’ more importantly, he didn’t die first. An’ I don’t bring back the
dead. Sorry, but it can’t be done.
Hanson: *still looking at her* You said you don’t do it…so it is possible? You can, but you won’t?
*Angrily* What kind of crap is that?
Grace: The kind o’ magic that can bring the dead back…that’s dark magic, mate. Blood sacrifices an’
no telling what the consequences may be. Not te mention what might happen iffen something goes wrong. I can’t take responsibility
fer that. I’m sorry, mate. I know yer hurtin’, but…I’m not yer witch. Not fer this.
Hanson: *Tears fill his eyes* I just…I can’t accept that she’s gone. I can’t, I won’t.
Donnie: *Thinks of his own reaction to Abberline’s suggestion* I don’t think any of us is quite ready for
that yet. Do you know where the Blakes live? Pay them a visit. Manouche managed to find a way of bringing Blake back. I don’t
know the details. I only know that Dean Corso was involved, who I don’t particularly like or trust, but he’ll
do almost anything for the right price, so there’s at least a chance that he’ll help if need be. But for now,
go talk to Manouche and Blake.
Hanson: *Nods and rises* I’ll go now…*turns to leave*
Donnie: *stops him* But don’t get your hopes up too much…it may not be the same situation. *Watches Hanson
leave; turns to Grace* I better go talk to the Barries.
Grace: *nods* Aye…do ye want me te go with ye, luv?
Donnie: It’s OK, I think I’d prefer knowing that you’re back at Arwen before dark. *Puts on his jacket
and kisses her on the cheek* So crosses, holy water and…?
Grace: An’ white roses an’ garlic. An’ whatever they do, don’t invite ‘er in till we’ve
given them the clear.
Donnie: OK…I’ll see you at home.
Grace: *smiles a little* Aye, see ye later.
At Rartigillichal:
Blake *enters
the bedroom carrying a tray, smiles as he sees Manouche just waking up* Breakfast
in bed, milady. *he brings the tray over, sets it on the table next to the bed,
goes to the other side of the bed, sits down next to her*
Manouche *sits
up, rubbing her eyes, stares at the tray then looks at him, surprised* Blimey! Ye did all this fer me, love? What brought
this on?
Blake *shrugs* It was a moment of inspiration … I woke up early, decided to do it. *he kisses her cheek*
Manouche *leans
over, pours two cups of coffee from the small French press, hands him one* Ye
are th’ finest husband in th’ world, William Blake. *looks at the
tray approvingly* What’s this, ye made French toast! An’ we ‘ave fresh berries, an’ juice … *she looks at him, grins* It’s a sight better’n car parts, innit?
Blake *laughs* I was hoping you’d feel that way. *sips
coffee* Chírilo is with Alifi, and the Wonkas are at the factory. It sure will be quiet
with them gone, won’t it?
Manouche: Aye. I know th’ new factory’s
a fine thing, but I’ll miss ‘avin’ ‘em all ‘ere. Weren’t
it fun, all them children.
Blake: Yeah, it was. We’ll just have to
have them come over to visit more often, that’s all. Sure glad they’re
back in town, it wasn’t the same without 'em.
Manouche: Well, they’ll all be back next week fer our weddin’. *smiles, brings a hand to his face, strokes his cheek tenderly* It’s
‘ere already, I can hardly believe it. Seems like a long time ago we first
decided on th’ date, an’ now it’s ‘ere. Hope we have
good weather.
Blake *takes
her hand, kisses it* It'll be a beautiful day, no matter what. *pauses, looks at her a little anxiously* Do you feel okay
this morning, honey?
Manouche: I feel fine, love, why d’ ye ask?
Blake: Well, you were tossin’ and turnin’ a lot last night, sounded like you
were dreaming. Did you have dreams?
Manouche *thinks* I been ‘avin’ a lot o’ crazy dreams, most o’ which fly outta
me head th’ minute I wake up. *frowns, trying to remember, then smiles* Ah! I remember now. I did ‘ave th’ funniest dream about Commander Portsmith … everythin’ were all turned
around, savvy? I were in her place, Chateau Blanchefort were mine … I were
runnin’ th’ bloody town!
Blake *laughs* Up is down! Oh, that must’ve put
the Commander in a fabulous mood!
Manouche *winces
as she brings a hand to her ear* Truth be told, it put ‘er in a noisy mood. I can still hear ‘er screamin’.
Almost like she were tellin’ someone about it, somethin’ about ‘I WILL NOT TOLERATE MANOUCHE RUNNIN’
THIS CITY!’ It were a total disaster in 'er eyes, love. She were livin’ in From Hell Court,
we had ‘er castle, there was a statue o’ me in th’ square …
Blake *grins* Equestrian?
Manouche *laughs* With a capital E! An’ as extra
insult t’ injury, there were plans in th’ makin’ for a pirate costume ball at th’ Chateau, with Kat
an’ Fred in attendance, among others.
Blake *drinks
coffee* Sounds more like you intruded on one of her dreams, rather than havin’
one of your own.
Manouche: One of ‘er nightmares, ye mean! *stops
laughing, thinks for a moment* Bloody ‘ell, I wonder if that’s what
‘appened …
Blake *waves
a hand* I was just kiddin’ … *then his voice trails off, he looks
at her* Then again …
Manouche *nods* Anythin’ is possible, innit? *she
looks down at her stomach, places her hand over it gently, concentrates* Nothin’. Th’ child is quiet fer now. *looks
at Blake, worried* I sure as ‘ell wish I knew how this would all play out.
Blake: Well … it would take the surprises out of life, wouldn’t it? *smiles, kisses her hand again* We’ll get through it,
honey, don’t worry.
Manouche *sighs* I
reckon. *takes another drink of coffee*
Blake *casually* Sooo, tell me … in this dream … were you, ah, dressed like the Commander?
Manouche *looks
at him, arches a brow* Ye mean prominent cleavage, fishnet stockin’s, th’
lot? *Blake grins, nods; she shakes her head*
Can’t say I recall, love. But I’ll see what I can do about
emulatin’ th’ look once we’re on our honeymoon. Savvy? *she sets her coffee down, reaches for the plate of French toast, smiles as Blake
brings his arms around her* Would ye also like me t’ take on some o’
her more, shall we say, commandin’ personality traits?
Blake: You mean, you be the boss? Hmm …
*he smiles at the thought, then frowns* Well, maybe all except the yellin’. She’s got a voice that goes through your head like an ice pick. *shudders*
Manouche *laughs* Right, th’ resemblance’ll stop there!
*she feeds him a strawberry; he eats it quickly, then pulls her close, kisses her passionately*
