At Rartigillichal:

Hanson *parks the blue Mustang in the driveway of the beautiful house on the outskirts of Deppville.  He exits the car and walks up to the front-door.  Despite Donnie’s warning about not hoping for too much, he still can’t help to feel a little bit of hope.  Maybe the Blakes will have the answer; maybe something heard his prayer to bring Isabella back to him.  He braces himself before knocking on the door*

Blake *opens the door*  Tom Hanson!  It’s good to see you, come in.  *he brings him inside, closes the door*  You’ve caught us doin’ something very exciting … *grins* … I’ve just given some new poetry to Manouche to read, give me her opinion.  *brings him into the living room, where Manouche is curled up on the sofa, reading loose pages*  Honey, Tom’s here.

Manouche *looks up, smiles*  By th’ powers, Tom Hanson, I were beginnin’ t’ wonder if ye were still about!  *she stands up, comes to him, embraces him, leads him to the sofa*  ‘Ere, mate, sit down, Mr. Blake’ll get ye a drink.  Care fer a brandy, or … per’aps ye’d prefer a beer?  We ‘ave some bottles o’ Guinness, if memory serves.

Hanson *sits down; a little surprised by the warm welcome, he hasn’t seen the Blakes in a very long time. Smiles slightly and takes a seat, but the worry and sadness is very clear in his expression* I think I’ll take a brandy, thanks. Beer doesn’t seem strong enough these days. *Gratefully takes the glass of brandy Blake hands him. Hesitates before he starts talking while looking at them both* I realize that this subject must bring back some very painful memories, but...well, Donnie suggested that I’d talk to you. I need you to tell me about the time when Blake were gone…and how he came back. *Tears fill his eyes and he stubbornly tries to blink them away* It’s Isabella…Isabella Martin. You’ve met her, right? 

Manouche *stares at him, swallows; looks at Blake, sees that he has about the same expression.  They look at each other for a moment, then back at Hanson*  Isabella … are ye sayin’ she’s … *looks down, shakes her head*  I were hopin’ … I mean, we ain’t heard a thing about vampires in th’ longest time.  *she and Blake are quiet for a moment, then she looks at Hanson again*  Wh-what d’ye want t’ know, mate?  I – I’d do anythin’ I could, but … truth be told, I didn’t ‘ave a lot t’ do with bringin’ ‘im back, savvy?  It were … blimey, who was it … well, Jerod an’ me ol’ mate Courbet, th’ pair of ‘em had a great deal t’ do with it.  They was th’ ones who brought me Mr. Blake back t’ me in th’ first place, though … he weren’t entirely healed yet … *her voice trails off, she takes Blake’s hand in hers, kisses it, tears in her eyes*

Blake *swallows*  I – I don’t remember much about it either, Tom.  I … for a long time, I couldn’t remember who I was, and … I didn’t know Manouche when I first saw her.  *squeezes her hand*  I know Jerod did something, he an’ Courbet worked together, I was with ‘em for awhile.  Then … *he looks at Manouche as he starts to remember more*  Corso.

Manouche *nods eagerly*  Aye, Corso!  *to Hanson*  Dean Corso, luv.  He’s quite an authority on vampires.  I’m sure Mr. Blake wouldn’t be ‘ere if it weren’t fer his assist.  *smirks*  He’s a rogue, that can’t be denied.  But if th’ price is right, he’ll work fer ye … jus’ be sure another better offer don’t come along an’ distract ‘im in th’ midst of it all, savvy?  *she thinks for a moment*  I … I remember he had a book, an’ we ‘ad t’ return to th’ place where – where it all ‘appened … *Blake stands up, fetches the brandy bottle, pours another round for himself and Hanson* … we did a chant, I spilled a bit o’ blood, an’ … I reckon it sounds crazy, but … we had t’ trap Mr. Blake’s soul, an’ that’s exactly what we did.  He were trapped in a squirrel.  Y’see, I don’t know if this situation is th’ same as Isabella’s.  Mr. Blake weren’t dead, it were more like his soul were in limbo, as it were.  *frowns*  Corso actually ran out on us before it were solved.  It were Delano who resolved everythin’ to our great joy.  In return, I gave ‘im heads-up on local spots where he could find Corso.  He didn’t like th’ blighter’s attraction to his beloved Loralee.  *leans toward Hanson, puts a hand on his arm*  Another who can be helpful is Gili, mate.  He knows a great deal about these things, as well.  But … I hate t’ say it, an’ I can’t believe th’ words are comin’ outta me mouth … Dean Corso is prob’ly yer best startin’ point, snake though he be.  *smiles slightly*  Per’aps he’s mellowed since he took a wife.

Hanson: *listens to them and his hope falters slightly at the mention of how many people were involved; although he has people helping him Grace is the only one with any real power – no gypsies or native Americans with mystical powers. He lowers his eyes as Manouche explains about Blake not really being dead. Looks at Manouche* When we thought that Isabella was simply missing Grace tried scrying for her and…and she couldn’t sense her at all. I think…I think that means she’s gone. *Frowns and looks at Manouche in surprise* Delano? He helped you? But…OK, I don’t know the details of what happened, but I would guess that he’s the one that…that did it. *Sighs* Isabella has a past with him…long time ago when she was just a kid really. *Smiles slightly* I really know how to pick ‘em, don’t I? *Shakes his head a little* I don’t care what kind of man Dean Corso is as long as he can help. Maybe Sarah has a rare book or two to use as payment…Donnie is there now telling her and James about it all. I…I just couldn’t do it. Any idea where to find Corso?

At Elliott’s house:

Ava: well if there is one thing Don taught me and that was disguise always works.  Now your a man and I am a woman right *smiles*. And I just happen to be with child and wear a wedding ring and well you don’t but that can soon be sorted out. *Ava goes into her bag where Dons spare wedding rings are* You know must woman carry spare keys I carry spare wedding rings catch. Don Francisco Da Silva has never met Emina and well Emina is a gentle spirit. So what I propose is this we pretend we are married and if he wants to take me then I will go. *smiles* I can handle myself Elliott. That way Dawn wont get hurt and maybe you'll still be able to love Emina *she looks away* don’t worry about me Elliot I have nothing to lose *she puts her hand on her bump* he's a chance I am willing to take. For once in my life I have seen true love work its wonders and it's a good sight to see. And I don’t want to see two people who love each other break up *still unable to look at him* you'll end up like me and Don, one denounces love, the other is left heartbroken at her stupid mistakes. *wipes her eyes* either that or you two break up that way Emina, will be out of your life and you and Dawn can live as if she was never here. And I will take her to Georges and I will try to set her up with a new life.

Elliott *stares at Ava, startled by her offer*  Oh, Ava, I couldn’t let you do that.  What would happen to you?  You say you can take care of yourself, but … how do you know?  You don’t even know what you would be up against with this man.  *pauses, sighs*  At the same time … your other idea … you say Emina would be gone and Dawn an’ I could live “as if she were never here.”  But … we’ve already gotten so accustomed to havin’ her here.  Dawn’s crazy about her, too, and I … *his voice trails off, he looks at Ava*  Isn’t there some other way?  I wouldn’t feel right about you going off with such a cruel man, and I’m sure Emina wouldn’t, either.  *shakes his head*  Maybe we should pull the trick they tried in Romeo and Juliet … make her father think she’s dead.  Then maybe he would leave, and never come back, an’ she could live her life free from him.

Ava: *sighs* that could be a good idea Elliot but.....*Emina enters the room* but I don’t think it will stop the water from coming in.

Emina: *smiles* Sorry to interrupt but Dawn and me we used the last of the milk so we are going to Grapes to get some more *kisses him on the cheek* bye Elliot. *Laughs* I got the map and cell if I get lost and I have Dawn too.

Ava: Bye Dawn bye Emina *waves as they watch her leave* maybe that will work Elliot you are genius …*there is a screech of car tires, a door slam and then a rather heavy knock on the door*.

At Mort and Mary’s house:

Mary: *runs into the house, glad to be home* Mort, where are you? *he looks down from the loft and smiles*

Mort: Up here Sweets!

Mary: * she runs up the stairs to give him a big kiss and hug * Oh Mort, I'm so proud of you. Do you have to go to New York because of the best sellers list?

Mort: Actually, Mrs Rainey, I'm going to meet with the heads of the publishing company. They are signing me for 4 more books! *grins ear to ear*

Mary: Oh my God that is wonderful *kisses him again* . Maybe you will get a movie deal out of it too!

Mort: That would be very interesting to be sure! *they walk downstairs to fix lunch*

Mary: Sweetheart, Inspector Abberline is stopping by after lunch, he wants to talk to you about something.

Mort: Really, what does he want to talk to me about?

Mary: He's really a nice man and he knows of your innocence.  Do you want another sandwich?

Mort : No thanks, I'm full. *gets up and goes to the sink with his dish and here's the doorbell ring* I'll get it.

Abberline:*decides to skip the lunch with DeeDee, what she has to say can't be interesting or important. He pockets both the guns, his own and the one intended for Mary, both small and easy to carry and heads outwards*

DeeDee: *who has been keeping eye on how long that lady stayed in his room* Inspector, the lunch!

Abberline: *glances briefly at her over his shoulder* Later. I have important matters to attend to.

DeeDee: *grimaces at his back* I bet you do...

Abberline: *calls a cab, gets in and lights a cigarette* To Rainey's house.

DeNiro: When you put out that cigarette, Mister.

Abberline: What!

DeNiro: No smoking in my cab. That's Commander Portsmith's new laws for you. She has started an anti-drug campaign.

Abberline: *incredulously* And since when is a cigarette considered as drug?

DeNiro: *grins* Since Portsmith's orders. And she specially stressed that the officials have to be a good example.

Abberline: *mutters* Bloody Hell *but he puts out his smoke and the car starts. A moment later, he stands at the doors of Mort's house, glances anxiously at the field, and knocks at the door*

Mort: *Goes to the door and opens it* Inspector Abberline? *offers his hand* please come in. Mary told me you would be stopping by. Sweets, *he calls* Inspector Abberline is here.

Mary: *Walks in from the kitchen* Hello Inspector Abberline. Please come in and have a seat. Would you like a refreshment?

Abberline: *shakes his hand and follows Mort in* Thank you. Coffee would be fine if you don't mind. He fumbles after his cigarette case but as he sees no ashtrays he sighs heavily and turns to Mort* Have you already talked with Mary - er your wife? She told me about these intruders and I do think that you should on no account leave her alone

Mary:  *she sees him with his cigarette case* There is an astray in the drawer right next to you Inspector. *smiles* I’ll go put the coffee on *leaves the room*

Mort:  *looks at the Inspector with surprise. He didn’t know Mary had told him about the other night. * Well actually I am very concerned about that incident. *looking into the kitchen to see if Mary was anyway near* I found her fainted in the yard. She had taken a butcher knife with her!  I woke up to a strange man singing out there *glances at the window*. The song was terrible. It was about me killing Mary. *shakes his head*.  I don’t like leaving her alone while I’m away.*taps his upper lip* These meetings are important and I can’t miss them and she won’t go with me because of her fear of flying.  Do you have any suggestions?

Abberline: *sits down and draws the ashtray closer* Yes, she told me about some trespassers she was afraid of, but she didn't tell me all the details. It's worse than I imagined. It might be just a prank, but you never know. I have learned to take these kind of things very seriously. *he looks at Mort* I do have a suggestion. You can't leave her alone in this secluded spot, especially after that nightly incident. I could take her in my house for the time you are away. She hardly knows anyone here. *he sees suspicion in Mort's glance at him* I am a married man with two children, and there is our nanny and housekeeper, too. My wife is not at home for the moment, but I am expecting her home any day. And *he smiles wistfully and sighs* I am very devoted to her. I just felt that I had to protect your wife, she felt so vulnerable. *he shrugs, picks a cigarette, lights it, then offers Mort one*A smoke?

Mort: *looks at the cigarette with longing* I don’t smoke!  But thanks anyway. * He weighs what the Inspector has told him for a few minutes and realizes he doesn’t have much choice. What if that man came back and she had to hear those awful things again?  *He studies the Inspectors face and determines he is sincere. * Well, Inspector, I can’t thank you enough for your kind offer. It would mean a lot to me to know she will be safe. She does have her way of getting herself into trouble *laughs*.

Mary: *enters the room with the coffee tray and sets it on the coffee table. She asks the Inspector how he would like his coffee and fixes it for him. She gives Mort a cup and then settles down in the chair across from them. * Did the Inspector tell you why he is here Mort?

Mort:  Yes, he has. I think it would be a good idea for you to stay with him while I’m away, that is if you are comfortable with it Mary?

Mary: *smiles at Mort* Yes, in fact I’m relieved to not have to stay here alone after that crazy man was here the other night. *she looks at the Inspector and smiles*  Thank you, Inspector Abberline for your generous offer. How would you like me to get to your home, shall I meet you somewhere? Mort will be leaving tomorrow morning at 6am to catch his plane.

Abberline: *takes his coffee cup* Very well, Mr. Rainey. But there is one more thing, Mr. Rainey... *he is interrupted by the phone ringing*

Mort: *excusing himself, went to the phone to answer it and walked into the kitchen to carry on his conversation*

Mary: * could feel the Inspectors glaze upon her as they waited for Mort to return.  She had pulled her hair up on top her head so the curls cascaded down in a riotous mix surrounding her face. It made her eyes even darker. She looked up and caught his eye and felt herself blush over his scrutiny, she gave him a smile as they waited for Mort to return

 Mort: *enters the room* Well, there has been a change in plans Mary. The publisher had a death in his family and I won’t be leaving until next week, which is really good in a way. I’ll be sure to be here for the wedding this weekend.

Mary: Oh that’s right, the wedding. I’ve been looking forward to it. Inspector, will that be a  problem for you, I mean if I come next week instead of tomorrow? I don't want to be an imposition.

Abberline: No it's fine.. *he stares at Mary but doesn't really see her anymore as Mort mentions the wedding* Yes, the wedding of Manouche and Blake.... I and my wife, we are going to do the same thing later, a proper wedding... *he stops suddenly, noticing that he has been speaking  out his thoughts, hurriedly returns to the topic* Yes, that fine, it suits me as well. Keep the doors and window locked in the meantime, and you should get yourself a mobile phone. Cords can be cut out. So. I think we should anyway choose the shovel and have some practicing using a gun unless you have other plans for today.

Mary: *gives Mort a questioning look * I think that will be fine, don't you Mort?

Mort:  *walks over to Mary and puts his arm around her shoulder* Yes, go ahead with the Inspector. I  have more work to do with my book. *reaches his hand out to shake the Inspectors*. Thank you again Inspector Abberline, I'm sure she'll be safe in your hands.

Abberline: *shakes Mort's hand* Will you call the cab, I don't own a car. But it's better be someone else than DeNiro* He lights yet another cigarette when they walk out with Mary. He glances again at the cornfields* Say, don't you find those fields depressing?

Mort: No, I don't fine them depressing *laughs* . We always have enough corn. I'm make sure to send some with Mary when she comes to stay with you.

Mary: You don't have to call a cab, I'll drive my car. *Mort gives Mary a kiss as she turns to get into the car. The Inspector gets in the  passenger side.*

Mort: Be careful with that shovel and gun Sweets. I'm not crazy about weapons.  *he looks in at the Inspector* Thanks again Inspector * shuts  the door, gives them a wave and goes into the house*  

Mary: *starts the car and looks over at Inspector Abberline* . Well, where should we go first?

Abberline: How about driving first to the shooting rink? I am not crazy about weapons either *he'll never forget when Kat clubbed him down with her shovel, or the time when he tried to shoot her at the hospital...* but there are circumstances when you just have to use one. Or at least think that you have to use, but what is ion my opinion more important is the feeling of power you feel. If you have a gun and know how to use it you don't have to be so afraid. It gives self-confidence *he smiles slightly at her* Do you have an aversion to guns as you requested a shovel license? What kind of person is your father?

Mary: *her expression is sad as she looks over at him* Oh, I don't know. I figure to use a shovel you just have to pick it up and klunk someone over the head with it and be done . . *laughs*  no,  I don't have an aversion to guns and I'm looking forward to learning how to use one.*they drive in silence for a few minutes* My father? My father is a heartless man. * she reaches up to push her hair behind her ear and he sees her hand shaking . She reaches over to the radio and turns it on just as the reporter says " I'm telling you Dave, when I asked Lucchaini about his daughter Maria Christina, his eyes were cold as ice. He said she runs away for no reason and he has some good leads he is following. It will be a matter of time he said before she is found and brought home to him. Back to you* ....Mary reaches over to turn the radio off then pulls off to the side of the road. She turns in her seat to look at the Inspector. * They were talking about my father. I am Maria Christina and my father wants me home to kiill me or torture me because of what I have done. He makes those who cross him disappear. * the fear on her face cannot be mistaken and her eyes are so sad they could break your heart.  

Abberline: Your father, he is a mafia boss? *he looks at the windshield* Believe me, I have known men like that. Very close to me. *and he thinks about Kat's father Marchand who is ready to kill his own children and his grandchildren to get what he craves for - life, and his own father, a respectable man in the eyes of the society, a cold heartless and cruel man to those who had the misfortune of having to be in his family. He stares at the windshield  and he recalls the visions he had, when he did not yet understand that it was himself as a small boy, and coughs, fumbles for another cigarette and then he turns to look at her* I have visions you know. I can see you and Mort in your house amid the cornfields. He can't reach you. I really do see things.