"We kind of lost the signal after Stark turned on the electronics." Frohike admitted, 'What exactly happened in the Lumina Lab?"

"It was pretty pathetic, really," said Rachel, "Stark's got a tape of Carl reading one of Shakespeare's sonnets aloud, and he picked out a line that was supposed to be Carl's message to me - 'Thy eternal summer shall not fade' . So I acted like the idiot Stark obviously thinks I am, and pretended to be really impressed. Mind you, " she added, "It wasn't entirely an act. It was something, to hear Carl's voice again, even if it was only a recording."

"You need to forget Carl, and move on." said Matthew.

"I don't just 'forget' the men I love, Matthew."

****

Josie was down by the docks, gazing out across the bay, when a voice said, "You're not planning to jump, are you?"

It was a derelict, sitting in a nearby packing case.

"No, I'm not." said Josie, "Were you here two nights ago?"

"I'm always here." he said, "This is my crate - or as they say in the real estate ads, my 'bachelor dwelling with a harbour view'."

"Did you see anything - unusual?"

"Not really. Aside from that guy throwing the other guy into the drink, it was a quiet night."

"You saw him?"

"Clear as day." he said, "Well, clear as night, anyway."

Josie took out her badge. "I'm a police officer." she said, "I'd like you to come down to Headquarters and look at some pictures."

****

As soon as Rachel and Matthew returned home, Lila dutifully reported her conversation with Zack.

"I wonder what 'favour' Stark is going to ask for?" said Matthew.

"Next time you speak to Wilder, tell him that I'm planning to take Cory and Elizabeth away for a long holiday. I"ll be away for months." said Rachel.

"You will?" said Matthew.

"No, but - Stark is supposed to contact me when he has the 'new and improved equipment' in place. I'm sure he will think of a way to cut down the waiting period, if he thinks I'm about to slip through his clutches." said Rachel, "I want this over!"

****

"That bum is eating all the donuts!" Toni complained, as Ned, the homeless man, munched his way through everything edible in the Cop Shop.

"He lives in a packing crate." said Josie, "He never knows where his next meal is coming from."

"At this rate, neither do we!"

"Ned, " said Josie, "How about you look at those pictures now? Afterwards, I'll buy you a hamburger."

"I'm a vegetarian."

"A tofuburger, then!"

****

Zack entered Stark's office to find him contemplating a hank of long grey hair.

"What's that?"

"Carl Hutchins' scalp." At Zack's look of horror, he explained, "It's a wig, made to look like Carl's hair. Try it on."

"Me? Why?"

"Because you are going to impersonate Carl, the next time Rachel comes to visit."

"I don't look anything like him!" Zack protested.

"You have the right physique." said Stark, "The lighting will be dim; Rachel will see you through a haze of sentimental tears; she wants to believe that her beloved is not lost to her forever. All you need is a few props, like the wig, and the correct clothes."

"Clothes?"

"Have Lila get you some of Carl's things. I'm sure Rachel's kept them, like sacred relics."

****

Zack's next stop was the Cory Mansion.

"It's time for that favour, Lila."

"Cain't it wait?" said Lila, "Ah'm really busy, helpin' Rachel pack."

"Pack?"

"Rachel's decided she needs a naice long vacation, somewheah wa'hm and sunny." said Lila, "So she takin' the Twins on a cruise 'round the Caribbean."

"When do they leave?"

"Tomorrah!"

****

At short time later, Rachel received a phonecall from Jordan Stark.

"Good news, Rachel!" he said, "I've managed to boost the input on the equipment. We can try again!"

"When?"

"Tonight!"

"That is good news!"

****

"I want to go with you, Mom!" said Matthew, "You shouldn't be facing that lunatic alone!"

"Stark's not going to hurt me." said Rachel,as she pinned on the lapel camera, "Not as long as he thinks he can get money out of me. All I have to do is sit through his dog-and-pony show, while the Lone Gunmen here get it all on tape. Speaking of which, have you corrected that problem? I can't take a tape of static to the police!"

"I think this should descramble the interference." said Frohike, "If it doesn't, I'll tell you, and you can get out. Here, stick this in your ear!"

Rachel fitted the receiver into place.

"Wish me luck." she said.

****

Meanwhile, Cass answered his doorbell.

"Lila! What are you doing here?"

"Ah thought Ah could live without love, fo' Jasmine's sake," said Lila, "But Ah cain't!"

They flung themselves into each other's arms, and started ripping each other's clothes off.

"Don't worry about Matt," said Cass, kissing her neck, "I'll explain everything to him!"

"Whut?" said Lila, "Matt cain't know about this! Not evuh!"

Cass let go of her, and took a step back.

"I have no intention of being Mrs Matt Cory's piece on the side!" he said, "I'm not that kind of a boy!"

"Cass-!"

"It's all or nothing,Lila! Either you stay here with me tonight, and in the morning, I'll see about getting your marriage to Matt annulled - or you go home to your husband!"

Without another word Lila buttoned her blouse, picked up her purse and exited.

"I hope what they say about cold showers is true!" Cass muttered.

To be continued.