STRANGE PARADISE- Episode 142

Episode 142: Slideshow

Ada: “Evening at Desmond Hall and as darkness envelops the Great House fear stalks those who would solve its mysteries. For the Master of Desmond Hall Jean Paul Desmond is a victim of a curse. A curse that compels him to kill. He has allies now, those who would save him from his fate. But as they try new mysteries develop, new fears arise and they find themselves in a web of terror from which they may never escape.”

Philip is in his room running his hand over the mask when there is a knock at his door. He places the mask in his dresser drawer. “Come in.” Jean Paul enters. “Cousin.” Philip turns towards him. “Oh I thought you were resting.” Jean Paul walks up to him. “Where is the mask?” “I hid it. No one should see it except you and I.” “May I see it?” Philip nods and takes it from the drawer; he holds it out to Jean Paul. Jean Paul reaches out his hand and touches it. “I want to believe in its power.” “You have to believe or it has no power.” “Will it really save me? Will it end my curse?” “I don’t know. It has made you one of us that’s all.” Jean Paul takes his hand away. “That’s what I don’t understand fully the curse or the evil we are trying to overcome. My Gods will try to protect you.” Jean Paul walks across the room and sits on the back of Philip’s bed. “They may fail me.” “Close your eyes.” Philip says to Jean Paul. Jean Paul does and bows his head. Philip caries the mask as he stands next to Jean Paul, he raises it. “Gagosso face of my Guardian Spirit, Orendo hear me. Can you save my kinsman? Can you end the curse that seeks to destroy him? Hear me, answer me. Give me a sign. Hear me Guardian Spirit, hear me.” Philip lowers the mask. “You can open your eyes now.” Philip says as he walks away from Jean Paul. Jean Paul opens his eyes and stands. “My Gods did not speak to me.” He turns and looks at Jean Paul. “I asked them a question that they can’t answer.” After Jean Paul leaves Philip’s room Emily knocks. Philip lets her in. “Raxl said you wanted to see me.” “Sit down.” Philip says to her. “There’s nothing wrong is there?” Emily asks as she sits in a chair. “You may as well know the truth. I may not be able to help Jean Paul.” “But you thought you could.” “Well I thought my Gods could protect him. I spoke to them, I asked if they could end the curse and they didn’t answer me.”

“I don’t understand your Gods. I’m not sure I believe in them.” “You said you would try to believe.” “I know. I believe one thing we can save Jean Paul.”

“Emily you must leave Desmond Hall.” “Leave?” “Because you are not safe here.” “Jean Paul wouldn’t harm me.” “He tried to once.” Philip says to her.

“No but he didn’t.” She says standing up.

“I won’t argue with you. You must leave. I won’t let you risk your own life.” Philip tells her as he grips her arms. “That’s what you are doing isn’t it?” I’m a Desmond. I’m willing to risk mine but I will not let you risk yours.” “But you gave me the totem. Isn’t that going to protect me?” “Against normal danger yes.” Philip releases her and walks across the room. “But we are dealing with the unknown. We may be fighting forces more powerful and dangerous than we know.” “Yes but we must find out what those forces are.” Emily says as she steps towards him. “I can help you. You need me.” “I can accomplish everything I need too without you.” “But that’s not true.” Emily steps closer to him. “I’m finding out new and different things everyday. I know more about the Desmond Family than anybody else. I’m getting closer and closer to the truth.” “Maybe but...” Emily turns away. “I’m not leaving!” “You have got to be realistic. I know how much Jean Paul means to you.” Philip says as he puts his hands on her shoulders. “But it’s hopeless, now you’ve got to face it.” He says as he turns her towards him. “Are you trying to hurt me?” “No I’m not. I’m trying to reason with you.” Emily pushes his hands away. “I’m not leaving and that’s final!” She turns and walks out of the room.

Ada stands next to the fireplace with a drink in her hand. Finishing it off she walks back to the table and pours another from the decanter. Turning she walks to the window and drinks while watching the storm that is starting outside. Emily walks into the Drawing Room. “Mrs. Thaxton?” Ada lowers the glass. “Oh you startled me.” she says to Emily with a smile as she walks up to her. “I’m sorry.”

Ada looks back at the window. “It’s going to storm. I hope Laslo doesn’t get caught in the rain.” “Oh is he still out?” “Yes he’s out.” Emily looks at the glass in Ada’s hand. “Mrs. Thaxton I’ve been doing some research in the family history and there is something that puzzles me. I wonder if you could help?” Ada turns and walks to the table setting her glass down. She looks at Emily. “What would you like to know?” “The name Benjamin Desmond appears in the journals only twice. Once when he was born then again when he died nothing more. Do you know why?” Emily asks as she walks to the fireplace and turns and looks at Ada.

“Oh the family didn’t want him included in the journals.” Ada says as she walks back to Emily. “Why not?” “Oh he became involved in a dreadful scandal. We don’t ever talk about him. Would you like some brandy?” Emily looks at the table. “Oh no thank you.” Ada walks back to refill her glass. “What was the scandal?” Emily asks. Ada glances at Emily. “I don’t drink often but tonight I find that it sooths my nerves.” “Benjamin Desmond was your uncle wasn’t he?” Ada carries her glass back to Emily. “Yes, I only met him once. I wasn’t allowed to see him very often.” She says with a laugh. “Well why not? What did he do? Can’t you tell me?” “I’d rather not say. It’s a family secret.” “Please it is so important to me to know everything about the family.” “Well do you promise it won’t be included in your research project?” “Oh I promise.” “Well Benjamin Desmond did a terrible thing.” Ada says as she walks across the room. Emily walks up behind her. “What?” “He murdered the woman who loved him.” Ada tells Emily.

In Jean Paul’s bedroom Raxl asks questions. “No.” Jean Paul says to her.

“You must tell me what Philip Desmond is doing. I want to help him.” “Raxl I realize that but he has sworn me to secrecy. I can’t tell you. All I can say is we may fail.” “He said that?” “Yes.” “Then you cannot put yourself in that man’s hands.” Jean Paul turns away from her and walks across the room. “Well there is a possibility he may be able to help me. I’ve got to take that chance.” “Think Master what do you know about this man?” “Enough.” “Enough to trust him with your life?” Raxl says as she walks up to him. “A few weeks ago he was a total stranger.” Jean Paul nods. “Philip is not a stranger now.” He sits on the bed. “Neither is Emily.” “The girl loves you but she cannot help you.” “That remains to be seen.” Jean Paul says as he glances at her. “Do you love her?” “I can’t love anyone you know that.” “Do you want her to die?” Jean Paul looks at Raxl. “If she stays in this house you will kill her.” “That is not true!” “You will kill her Master. She is already marked for death.” Raxl picks up a book. “Look, look at this picture.” “I don’t want to look at it.” “You must! Three of these women are already dead or disappeared. Emily Blair is the last. You will be her murderer.” Raxl opens the book showing the picture of the four women on the gallows. “Look at it. Look at the picture and decide what you must do.” Jean Paul stands and takes the book from her; he closes it and hands it back to her. “I will not harm Emily.” He says as he walks across the room. “Your hand will destroy her.”

Jean Paul turns and looks at Raxl. “No.” Raxl walks up to him. “If you care for her spare her. Leave Desmond Hall now before it is too late.” “I can’t leave Raxl. Perhaps Emily should.” “Sending her away is not the solution. You might kill one of the others.” “No I shall never kill again.” Jean Paul says as he looks away from Raxl. “Do you honestly believe that? You believe that Philip Desmond will end your curse?” “I must believe it.” he says as he walks away from her. “But he said it could fail. You said so yourself.” “And I’m clinging to the hope that it won’t fail.” “It’s a very slender hope.” “Perhaps but it’s all I have.” “I only hope you know what you are doing.” Raxl says as she walks up to him. “What should we do otherwise Raxl? What would happen if we went away?” “I would guard you and protect you.” “I have killed before Raxl. You have tried to stop me and you have failed.” “Is that an accusation?” “No of course not.” he says as he turns away from her. “I have tried to serve you Master. I have devoted your life to you and the other Desmonds. Is that how you repay me?” she asks as she walks across. “Raxl I appreciate your loyalty believe me.” he says with his back towards her. “It does not seem so.” She walks up to him. “You keep secrets from me now, you never did that before.” “I’m sorry but that is the way it is.” “Master I beg you.” Raxl says as she touches his arm. He turns towards her. “Raxl we mustn’t speak anymore about this. Would you find Emily please and tell her to see me.” Raxl turns and walks from the room.

Ada is filling her glass again. Cort is sitting on the couch. “Another brandy?” Cort asks. “I need it.” “I’ve never seen you drink so much before.” Cort says to her.

Ada walks away from the table. “Well I’m a little on edge tonight, it’s the storm.”

“Is it the storm or is it your beloved husband?” “Stop it!” “Well where is Laslo?”

“Well he’s probably having a drink with a friend.” “A friend named Irene Hatter.” Cort says to her. “No, he’s broken off with her. He’s never going to see her again.” “Don’t tell me you believe that?” “Of course I believe it. Laslo doesn’t lie to me.” “Either you don’t mean a word you are saying or you are a fool.” “Don’t talk to me like that.” Ada says as she walks back to the table and refills her glass.

Cort sits against the top of the couch and looks at his mother. “You’re not going to find the answer to your problems in a brandy bottle.” Ada walks away from Cort. “I’m not looking for any answers.” “You want one answer. Where is Laslo?” Cort comes to his feet and walks over to his mother. “Well I’m going to tell you whether you want to hear it or not! He’s at Irene Hatter’s cottage.” Ada glances at him. “He’s not!” “Oh I wouldn’t bet on that!” Cort turns to walk from the room.

“Where are you going?” Ada asks. “I’m going to Irene’s cottage and I bet I’ll find Laslo there.” “You’re not going anywhere because I forbid it.” She says grabbing his arm. Cort turns towards her. “Why? Because you are afraid I might find out something.” “Mind your own business Cort. And leave me alone!” Ada says with a sob as she rushes from the room.

Raxl is coming down the staircase as Ada starts rushing up the stairs. “Mrs. Thaxton?” Ada rushes past her without answering. Raxl walks the rest of the way down the staircase. At the bottom she glances back at the stairs then enters the Drawing Room. “Is your Mother all right?” “No but there is nothing you can do for her. Where is everyone?” “My Master is in his room with Mr. Philip.” “At this hour, why?” Raxl looks at him. “I do not understand everything that goes on in this house. I can only sense things.” “Well what do you sense?” “Danger, someone in this house is in danger.” “Who?” “I do not know. It might be you.”

Cort smiles. “Don’t try to frighten me.” “I do not mean to frighten you. I only want to help you.” “Help me?” Cort laughs. “How?” “I will protect you.” “From what?”

Raxl glances around. “The evil that threatens you.” “What evil?” “I do not know. I only know that it exists.” She says as she steps away from Cort. Cort smiles. “You are a very mysterious woman and an amusing one too.” Raxl looks at him. “Do not scoff at me. I live only to protect you and your family. I keep outsiders from harming you.” “Outsiders? Outsiders like Emily Blair? Oh what about my cousin Philip?” “So much has happened since he arrived here. Holly has disappeared, Helena Raleigh is gone and Quito is dead.” “What has Philip got to do with those things?” “Perhaps nothing, perhaps everything.” Cort steps closer to her. “What are you getting at?” “I have come to warn you, be wary of strangers. If you sense danger come to me. I will help you. I will protect you remember that.” Raxl turns away and walks from the room.

Jean Paul is talking to Emily in his bedroom. “Then you are ordering me to leave.” Emily says to him. “I’m not ordering you. I’m asking you.” Jean Paul says as he grips her by the shoulders. “I won’t go.” “Emily it’s for your own safety that you leave.” Emily pulls away. “I’m perfectly safe.” “No you’re not; you’re not safe until you are hundreds of miles away from me.” “I won’t leave you.” Jean Paul turns away from her. “I really mean that much to you?” Emily walks up to him. “I want to help you.” Jean Paul turns towards her. “Emily I...” he touches her face.

“Yes?” Jean Paul drops his hand and walks away from her. “Nothing.” “What were you going to say?” “It’s just that I’m grateful to you and Philip.” “I thought you were going to say something else.” Jean Paul turns and looks at her. ”No, I can’t Emily you know that.” “Say it anyway.” Jean Paul walks past her. “You better go. We will talk later.” “All right but I won’t change my mind. I’m not leaving.” Jean Paul turns towards her as she speaks. She walks from the room. Jean Paul walks to the door and closes it.

Philip holds the mask. “Gagosso face of my Guardian Spirit Orendo hear my voice and speak to me. Can I save my kinsman? Hear me, give me a sign.” The door opens and Cort walks into Philip’s room. “Ah Philip.” “Cort what are you doing in...” “What’s that?” Cort asks as he points to the mask. “Oh it’s an Indian Mask, a souvenir of my travels.” Philip says as he turns away from Cort. “I heard you talking. Who were you talking to?” “Myself, it’s a bad habit I have.” Philip says with a laugh. “You have many curious habits” Cort says as he walks through the room and sits on the back of Philip’s bed. “Yes so do you. Such as entering rooms without knocking.” “Well I can go anywhere I want to. This is my house and you are a guest here.” Philip turns towards him angrily. “Then as a guest I have the right to your courtesy. Now what do you want!” “What do you want?” Cort says to him. “What?” “Yes why did you come to Desmond Hall?”

“I came to find my namesake, your cousin Philip.” “But you didn’t find him and yet you still stay. Now why?” Philip looks away. “Do I have to have a reason for staying?” “Oh yes you have a reason.” Cort stands. “And I want to know what it is.” “Jean Paul invited me and I find this house pleasant that’s why I stay.” Philip says as he turns his back to Cort. Cort walks up to him. “You’re not telling me the truth. You are up to something, I know you are.” “Well if I was I wouldn’t tell you about it.” Philip says as he looks at Cort. “All right cousin you just keep your little secrets. Because I’ll find them out.” “Consider me warned.” Philip says to him. Cort turns and walks out of the room.

Emily walks out of the Drawing Room to the foyer. She starts up the staircase. Cort comes rushing down the stairs. “Oh Cort I’ve been looking for you.” “Oh have you?” “I want to ask you about one of your ancestors.” “Oh which one?”

“Your Mother’s Uncle Benjamin Desmond.” “Well he was the black sheep of the family. No one ever talks about him.” “Can’t you tell me anything about him?”

“Well I know where he is buried.” “Well that’s not much help.” “Well he wasn’t buried with the rest of the family. He was buried on the edge of the estate all by himself. I found his grave one day quite by accident. I told my mother about it but she told me never to go there again.” “Why would she say that?” “I don’t know. She was frightened for some reason. I...” Cort looks away from Emily. “What’s the matter?” “I just thought of something.” “What?” “The mark, Susan saw a mark on my face. She described it; she called it the Mark of Death. I’ve seen it before!” Cort says as he walks down the stairs and looks up at Emily. Emily walks down the stairs and walks over to Cort. “Where?” “Come with me and I’ll show you.” He rushes to the door. “Where are you going?” “You’ll see.” he says as he helps Emily with her coat. Grabbing his he opens the door and leads Emily to the woods. Carrying a flashlight he shines it upon a headstone. It says Benjamin Desmond 1896-1935 and at the bottom is the symbol of the Mark of Death.

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Summaries written by Debby Graham . The slide presentation is the work of Ron Janick.

~Ron/Bella~
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