Strange Paradise: Episode 175
 
Episode 175:  Slideshow 175a
Episode 175:  Slideshow 175b
 
“You lied to me!” Irene says to Philip.  “We’re through with lies now both of us.”
Irene tries to walk away from Philip.  “Stay where you are!” Philip says as he holds out the totem.  “I should have never let you into my house. I know that that totem and mask would trap me.”  “Sit down.” Philip tells her.  Irene stands in defiance.  “Don’t arouse the anger of Orendo again. What you have seen him do tonight is just a small part of what he can do.”  Irene sits. “Why are you doing this to me?”  Philip walks towards her holding out the totem. “I want you to tell me the truth. Why is Laslo plotting against the Desmonds?”  “He isn’t.” Irene says as she looks away.  “Your candles say he is.”  Philip says as he raises the totem.
“Orendo if this woman is lying bring disorder to her house. Bring pain to her.”
“No! Stop. I’ll tell you.”  “Why are you in league with Laslo?”  “He blackmailed me.”  “How?”  “He threatened to expose me if I didn’t help him.”  “Expose you in what way?” Philip asks.  “There was a group of us before Jean Paul arrived. His brother was part of it from time to time.”  “What kind of a group?” Philip asks.
Irene looks away. “We experimented with magic, potions, spells and charms.”
“A coven of witches. Is that what you mean?”  Irene glances at him. “For a little while. We abandoned it.”  “You gave up the coven?”  “Well your cousin Philip disappeared mysteriously and the Pruetts left town after their daughter drowned.”
“And you let it lapse?”  “We could never find others to replace them.” Iran says to Philip.  Philip walks around Irene and touches the back of the couch. “Is that why you tried to enlist Emily?” He asks as he holds the totem out towards Irene.  “A witch has no powers without a coven.”  “And then you tried to get Holly to join didn’t you?”  “Yes.”  “And Cort?”  “They refused.”  “And that left only you and Laslo.”  Irene glances up at him. “Laslo never joined the coven. He used it for his own purposes,”  “To destroy Jean Paul.” Philip says to her.  “Yes but it wasn’t my idea. I didn’t want to hurt Jean Paul.”  “Then why didn’t you tell him? He would have helped you against Laslo.”  Irene stands and steps away from Philip and the totem. “I was afraid. I was afraid I’d lose Laslo.” Irene says as she looks away.  “You’re in love with Laslo Thaxton aren’t you?”  “Yes.”  “Even though he tried to get you to do evil?”  “We can’t always resist the one we love no matter how much we want to.” She says as she looks back at him.  Philip walks closer to her. “Why did Laslo want Jean Paul out of the way?”  Irene turns away. “With Jean Paul gone only Cort would stand between Laslo and the Desmond fortune.”
“There’s Ada.”  “What’s Ada’s is Laslo’s.” Irene says as she looks back at Philip. “He is an ambitious man.”  “Even ambitious men can be stopped.” Philip says as he walks closer to her.  “Don’t tell him what I said. He would kill me.”  “Are you sure he would really go that far?” Philip asks as he stands next to Irene.  “He’ll do anything to get what he wants. That’s why he married Ada Thaxton, to get her money.”  “And when he gets it you and he could go off together is that it?”  “He doesn’t want me anymore.” She says as she turns her back to Philip.  “Are you sure of that?”  “He made it perfectly clear; I’m to stay out of his life.”  Philip puts the totem in his pocket and picks up the mask placing it on a table. He waves his hand in front of it and backs away. He closes his hand then opens it, the mask disappears.  Jean Paul stands at his dresser. He steps away then turns and looks back as the mask appears. “Orendo.” He says as he walks towards the mask. He reaches out and there is a knock on the door. Covering the mask he places it in his drawer, then walking to the door he opens it. Laslo stands in the hallway.  “I just dropped by to see if you had taken ant further consideration on my suggestion.’  “What suggestion is that?” Jean Paul asks.  “The power of attorney. You have no choice.”  Jean Paul steps away from the door.  “I could declare you insane, incapable of handling your own affairs.”  Jean Paul turns towards him. “You might find that rather difficult to prove.”  “Yes your right. It would be much easier for me to use my evidence to send you to the gallows.”
Jean Paul walks across the room he turns towards Laslo as he picks up his jacket and puts it on. “So this is to be your ultimatum?”  “Whatever you call it tomorrow morning you will accompany me to the layers or to the police.” Laslo says then leaves the room and closes the door.  Jean Paul looks at his reflection. “Before tomorrow we have to get through the night.”
 
Julian and Susan join Raxl in Philip’s secret room. “Are you prepared?” Julian asks.  “I’m frightened.” Raxl says to him.  “Close your eyes.” He tells her as he holds the tin of ashes from Philippe Des Mondes. “With these ashes of your first victim he restores your state of innocence that was yours before his death.” Julian says as he covers Raxl’s eyelids in ashes. He sets the tin down and holds her by the shoulders. “The darkness of the past will turn to light. The evil you have done is buried in the past and there is only good ahead for you. Open your eyes.”  Raxl opens her eyes and looks at Julian as he walks towards the skeleton and fades away. “Accept your daughter ruler of the pure in heart.” Julian’s voice calls out.  Raxl turns towards Susan. “I’m free at last.” She says with a smile.  “Until the judgment of the tribunal.”  “When will that be?” Raxl asks.  “When the evil that you had carried no longer exists.”  “What will happen to me?”  “You’ll be safe.” Susan says as she touches Raxl’s arm.   Raxl turns and walks towards the skeleton. “Jacques Eloi Des Mondes will punish me.”  Susan walks up to her. “There is no reason to be afraid of him.”  “Then he will punish Jean Paul.”  “No he can’t reach Jean Paul.”  Raxl touches her hand. “You have saved him from the evil that I never meant to bring him.”  “It’s all over Raxl.” Susan says with a smile. “Jean Paul has forgotten it. And now we will replace it with the good that has been hidden in you for so long.”  Raxl looks away. “The curse of the Desmonds has its own law. Someone must be enslaved to Jacques Eloi Des Mondes.”
“Julian Desmond and I will deal with that. Now you stay here in this room.”  Raxl grabs her arm. “Don’t leave me.”  “There are others that must be safeguarded tonight. Now look if you are in danger just touch your eyes. The ashes of Philippe Des Mondes will summon me. Do you understand?”  “I never meant to harm him. I never meant to injure you.’ Raxl says as she touches Susan’s hands.  “I know, that’s all in the past.” Susan says with a smile then she turns and leaves the room.
 
Philip enters the mansion. As he walks through the foyer the telephone rings. He quickly walks into the Drawing Room and stands behind the doors.  Laslo comes down the stairs and picks up the phone. “Hello, who? Irene, no I told you I didn’t want to see you again. No I haven’t seen Philip. What? When?”  Philip stands behind the Drawing Room doors and listens to Laslo’s side of the conversation.
“What do you mean? No never mind I’ll be right there.” Laslo says then hangs up the phone. Walking across the foyer he puts on his coat and leaves the mansion.
Philip steps out of the Drawing Room and has a smile on his face.
 
Laslo enters Irene’s cottage. Irene walks up to him. “We’ve been trapped. Philip knows everything.” Irene tells him.  “Everything about what?”  “He forced me to tell him about the coven. About the Pruetts, Emily and Cort. Our scheme to destroy Jean Paul.” Irene says as she walks away then turns towards him.  “Don’t be hysterical. Supposing he does know as much as you said he does. What can he do?” Laslo asks as he walks across the room.  “He will tell Jean Paul.”  “Let him.”  “Laslo we’ve got to get away quickly before they drive us out.” Irene says as she grabs his arm.  “Then you leave. I’m not going to throw everything I’ve worked for just because you’re afraid.” Laslo says as he walks away from her.  “You don’t care what happens to me?”  “The fact is I don’t need you.”  “All these years you’ve been using me to get what you want.” says Irene.
“I’ve found other means. Better ones.”  Irene looks away. “I loved you.”  Laslo walks away from her. “I can’t help that.”  “You’ve made a fool of me.”  “You’re a weak woman Irene. Weak women are dangerous.”  Irene turns towards him. Laslo don’t leave me please.”  Laslo turns towards her. “I might not be the most admirable man in the world but when my wife came here and humiliated herself by begging your forgiveness I realized she was worth ten of you.”  “She’s ten times richer than I am or ever will be isn’t that what you mean. Isn’t it?”  “Think what you like. I only came here to tell you it’s over. Phone calls in the middle of the night, visits to Desmond Hall pretending to see Emily or Ada. They don’t count, we are through.” Laslo tells her then turns and leaves the cottage.  Irene looks at the door then turns away. “I’ll get even with you. We will see who’s through!”
 
Jean Paul stands in front of Jacques’ portrait staring at it.  “What are you staring at Jean Paul?” Julian asks.  Startled Jean Paul looks at Julian then back at the portrait. “There seems to be something different about the mouth as if someone’s been tampering with it.”  “Who knows, perhaps someone has.” Julian says as he steps closer to Jean Paul. “I’ve brought you something.” He reaches into his pocket and takes out the tin of ashes. He hands it to Jean Paul. “What is it? A snuff box?”  “Open it.” Julian tells him.  Jean Paul opens it and laughs. “I didn’t realize people used snuff these days.”  “It isn’t snuff. These are the ashes of one of your ancestors.”  Jean Paul looks at Jacques’ portrait.  “Not him.” Julian says.
“Whose then?”  “A poor fellow who was sent to his death by a spiteful and greedy brother.” Julian says as he turns away from Jean Paul.  “Why do you give it to me?”  “It saved my life once.” He turns towards Jean Paul. “It might do the same for you.”  “I don’t understand.”  Julian takes the tin. “If you ever hear laughter from that portrait again take a little of these ashes and rub it on your lips.”  “But why?”  “Don’t question it. Take some.”  Jean Paul sticks the tip of his finger into the ashes then looks at Julian.  “Now brush your finger across your lips.”  Jean Paul does as Julian said then flinches in pain. He covers his lips with the back of his hand. “It stings.”  “That once was fire consuming the bones and flesh of an innocent man. Nothing else remains of him. I’ve carried this with me and the Desmond curse has never been able to reach me.”  “Well you must keep it for your own protection.”  “There are a few loose ends I have to take care of then I’ll be beyond protection forever.” Julian says then walks out of the Drawing Room.
Irene enters the mansion. “Anyone here?”  Julian walks through the foyer. “My dear Mrs. Hatter I hoped you would come and visit me.” He says as he shakes her hand.  “I’ve come to see Jean Paul.”  “Oh he’s in here. Won’t you come in?” He says holding the door for her.  Jean Paul stands in front of Jacques’ portrait touching his hand to his mouth. He turns when he hears the door open. “I told you I never wanted to see you again.” He says to Irene.  “I had to. Is Laslo home?”  “I’ll send him down to you.” Jean Paul says as he steps towards the door.  “Oh please don’t.”  Jean Paul stands next to her.  “I don’t want him to find me here. It’s you I’ve come to see.” Irene tells Jean Paul.  Jean Paul turns and closes the doors. “What do you want?”  “I came to ask your forgiveness.” Irene says as she walks across the room. “I’ll do anything that you advise.” she says as she turns and looks at him.  Jean Paul gives a laugh. “That’s quite a difference from this afternoon.” He says as he steps closer to her.  “I’ve come here for the last time to tell you the truth. And then I’ll close up my house, go away and never cause you any trouble again.” Irene says as she stands next to the fireplace.  “But Irene Desmondton is your home.” Jean Paul says as he steps closer to her. “What you’ve done is in the past now.”  Irene turns towards him. “It’s not over yet. Laslo has some means to force you to do what he wants.”  Jean Paul turns away. “I appreciate your warning but I’ll handle him in my own way.”  “Don’t be angry with me.”  Jean Paul turns towards her. “Irene we used to fight quite a deal as children. I remember there were times when I detested you but that passed. And this will pass too.” Jean Paul says as he walks over to her.  “You’re more generous than I deserve.” Irene says as she walks away from him. She walks towards the door, stops and looks back at him. “Please forgive me for all the harm I tried to cause you and when you see Philip will you tell him that I am no longer angry with him for the trick he played on me tonight. I had it coming to me.” She says as she walks back towards Jean Paul.  “Why don’t you tell him yourself?” Jean Paul says as her touches her arm. “I’ll send him down.” He walks to the doorway then out of the Drawing Room.  Susan sits next to the window looking out when there is a knock on her door. “Come in.” she calls out.  Philip opens the door and enters. “Have you seen Jean Paul?”  “Yes he's in his room.” Susan says then stares at Philip as the Mark of Death appears on his face.  “What’s the matter?” Philip asks.  “No, no!” Susan stands.  “Susan what is it?”
Susan rushes from the room.  Philip goes to Jean Paul’s room and takes out the mask. He raises his hand in front of it as Jean Paul walks into the room.  “Philip I’ve been looking for you.  Listen Irene Hatter is downstairs, she wants to talk to you.”  “I don’t want to see her.”  “She came to apologize.” Jean Paul says to him.
“Jean Paul I don’t trust her.”  “Well please just talk to her. You’ll change your mind. She’s very upset.”  “No I must talk to Orendo first.”  “Look, go down and I’ll put the mask away. Do it later.”  “No leave it out, I’ll be back.” Philip says then walks out of the room.  Jean Paul looks at the mask as tears run down its cheeks. “Gagossa what is it? What are you trying to tell me?” He watches as the mask disappears.  Susan runs into the room. “Jean Paul come with me, hurry!”
“No listen I’ve got to find Philip first.” He says as he looks at the dresser.  “You’ve got to come with me. We’ve got to find a way to save him.” She says as she grabs his arm and pulls him from the room. “Come on.”
 
Philip walks into the Drawing Room. Irene looks at him. “I was wrong tonight. I came to offer to help in any way I can.”  “Do you expect me to believe that?”  “You’ve got to, Laslo came to see me.”  “I know, I overheard the phone call.” Philip says to her.  “Listen to me please then judge me. I was going to warn him about you but then he turned against me.”  “Where is he now?” Philip asks. “I don’t know. Philip I’m frightened, he’ll stop at nothing.”  “Well you know him better than I do.”  “I thought I did but I was wrong.” Irene walks away from Philip. “He used my powers for his own purposes and now he doesn’t need them anymore. He doesn’t want me.” She says with a sob.  Philip steps up behind her “Irene don’t.” He says as he touches her arm. “Look I’ll walk you home if you are afraid.”
“If you wouldn’t mind I would be so grateful.” Irene says looking up at him.  With his arm around her shoulder he walks with her from the Drawing Room.
 
Raxl is sitting in Philip’s secret room when the door opens and Susan and Jean Paul rush into the room.   “Raxl you’ve got to help us.” says Susan.  “What is it?” Raxl asks.  “The star is out again.”  “It will not harm Jean Paul.”  “It is not him I am concerned about. It’s Philip who is in danger. I saw the mark on his face.”
Raxl stands. “The star now moves to him.”  Jean Paul steps forward. “Have you done this?”  “No she couldn’t have. She has no powers.” Susan says to him.
“Someone must be guiding it.” Jean Paul says.  “No it moves without instructions now.” Raxl says as she sits back down. “It searches for an instrument of evil. Go to Philip quick!”  Philip holds the door for Irene. He follows her outside and glances up at the sky. Irene glances up then looks away. Philip stands and stares at the star as it pulsates.  “I really didn’t intend to make you go out again.” Irene says to him.  “Oh that’s all right. The fresh air will do me good.”  “Someone’s coming. It‘s Laslo.” Irene says to Philip, “If you really don’t want to see him we can hide in here.” They rush into the small building next to the mansion.  Laslo walks up the path then enters the mansion.  Irene and Philip step back outside. “Thank you, he mustn’t know that I was here.” She says as she looks at Philip.
Philip stares at her.  “Philip? Don’t look at me like that!”  He reaches his hands out towards her throat.  “Philip? No, no please no!”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Summaries written by Debby Graham .  The slide presentation is the work of Ron Janick.
~Ron/Bella~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Episode 176

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1