Strange Paradise:  Episode 87
Episode 87:  Slideshow
Raxl: "After a long night of terror Desmond Hall seems like some comfortable refuge to Jean Paul Desmond, who has fought against the powers which would force him to kill. For the first time Jean Paul has resisted that force and now daylight promises new hope. But in the Drawing Room at Desmond Hall waits a threat which could reveal his dark secret to the world."
 
Agatha walks around the Drawing Room humming to herself. She stops walking. "I have been so patient I really have Mr. Jean Paul Desmond." She sits on the couch. "But I don't like the feeling of being uncivil. I'm a person who needs comfort and order. And he's been taking so long. Well then if I'm going to have a new life I just better start it now. I hate to do it this way." Agatha stands and walks across the room. "I planned on his help so things could be done his way. But I just can't wait for that can I?" Agatha walks across to the doors. Opening them and she walks into the foyer to the telephone. She dials the operator. "Hello could you get me the police." she waits a few seconds. :I would like to make a report on that man who has been killing so many people." Agatha hears the front door close. Jean Paul stands looking at her.  "Put that down!" Jean Paul says angrily.  Agatha places the phone down. "But I already have. Good morning Mr. Desmond." she says with a smile.  Jean Paul walks over to her. "You were calling the police."  "That's right and I apologize for that. I just got so tired of waiting for you."  "What are you doing here?"  "I'm just waiting that's all. I'm Agatha don't you remember me?"  Jean Paul glances around and grabs Agatha's elbow. "Come in here." He pulls her into the Drawing Room and closes the doors. "Why were you calling the police?"  "I think you heard."  "I heard you speaking of killing and a murder." Jean Paul says walking closer to Agatha.
"Don't come any closer Mr. Desmond, please."  "So you think I'm the murderer."
"Oh I didn't say that to the police or to anyone. Because you are home Mr. Desmond and that's really what I was waiting for. I don't want to cause trouble to anyone. If I wanted to report you why would I have come here to ask you to help me." she says walking away from Jean Paul.  "Just how do you want me to help you?" Jean Paul asks as he walks towards Agatha.  "Oh that's up to you Mr. Desmond. Last night you saved my life, saved me from drowning myself." she says glancing at Jean Paul.  Jean Paul nods. "I thought you were accusing me of murder instead of rescue Agatha."  "Oh no sir. Did I say your name to anyone?"
"I think you were about to."  "Let's not play games Mr. Desmond. I'm not a child anymore and I don't like playing games." she says with a smile. Agatha walks to the fireplace. "You have such a beautiful house. I've enjoyed every minute I've been here. I wouldn't mind staying here, I wouldn't mind at all." she says turning towards Jean Paul.   Jean Paul watches her angrily.  "You see since you saved my life I thought you may feel some responsibility for it. I've had a very unhappy life Mr. Desmond. I had good reason for ending it. And now well look at me. I have to start living a new life because of you."  "I think you're asking a strange sort of responsibility from me." Jean Paul says.  "I didn't ask you to stop me from jumping into the river."  "Agatha I'm glad that you are alive. I'm sorry that you have so little value to your life. But now you must make your choice as to how you are going to live your life again. I can't help you."  "But I have no friends but one and I've lost him. I had some hope Mr. Desmond I'd have something to live for if I could live here."  "I can't do that."  "You certainly have enough room." she says angrily.  "That's not the point.' Jean Paul says.  "I'm trying to be nice but if you keep saying no I'll have to remind you of something." She shows him her neck. "These marks on my neck." She looks up at him. "Marks from your hands Mr. Desmond. I got home last night and was looking in the mirror when I suddenly remembered the newspaper story about that girl who was found strangled. I seem to remember there were marks on that girl's neck like these." She points at them and looks at Jean Paul. "How come you stopped when you were choking me Mr. Desmond? How come you didn't throw me into the river dead?"  Jean Paul stands and stares at her.
 
Laslo stands at the Drawing Room door trying to listen.  "Mr. Thaxton." Raxl says from the staircase.  "Oh Raxl." Laslo says turning around. "I believe your Master has come home at last."  "You were listening at the door."  "I was merely trying to ascertain who was in the Drawing Room. I didn't want to disturb them."  "I do not believe you Mr. Thaxton." Raxl says stepping down off the staircase.  "I'm sorry you feel that way Raxl. Perhaps when you know me better."  "I know you well enough to know what you are."  "I'm very hurt. You hurt me very deeply. Not the behavior one would expect from a devoted servant." Laslo says.  "I am not your servant."  "I know. I don't think I could stand all that devotion if I were Jean Paul. If you were my servant Raxl I would have to dismiss you before you did great harm."  "Do not try to frighten me. I am not afraid of your threats." Raxl says to Laslo.  "Frighten you? How could you think such a thing?" Laslo says as he walks across the foyer floor. "All I've done is provide you with the information that Jean Paul is here. After a very mysterious absence last night. He's in the Drawing Room with the young lady who came this morning. A very strange young lady. You see I'm willing to assist you Raxl at any time." Laslo says then walks away.  Raxl gives him an angry look and knocks on the Drawing Room door.  "Who is it?" Jean Paul asks.  "It is Raxl."  "Come in."  Raxl enters and walks over to Jean Paul.  "Raxl will you take this young ladies luggage and prepare her a room."  Agatha stands. "Please to meet you." she says with a smile.  "She will be staying with us for a time." Jean Paul tells Raxl.  Raxl stares at Jean Paul.  "I won't be much bother really I won't." Agatha says as she picks up her suitcase and hands it to Raxl. "You're the servant aren't you?"  "I’ll show you to a room." Raxl says as she leads Agatha from the Drawing Room.  "Raxl? When you're free I'd like to speak to you in my room." Jean Paul says to her.
Raxl nods.  Agatha glances back at Jean Paul. "You won't regret this Mr. Desmond. I'm very grateful and I can be a very loyal person."  Jean Paul looks at her. "I'm sure."  Raxl and Agatha leave the room. Jean Paul closes the door and leans his back against it.  Raxl leads Agatha up the staircase. "It's such a grand house. I must be going to have a very impressive room." Agatha says standing at the bottom of the stairs  "We shall see." Raxl says.  "Raxl I didn't tell Mr. Desmond because I didn't want him to think me strange or anything but a while ago in the Drawing Room I lost track of a pet of mine."  "Pet?" asks Raxl.  "Yes I thought while you were cleaning up you just might run across Peter. His name is Peter. He's a snake."  "A snake?" Raxl says looking at her.  "Yes. He's been a friend of mine for years. I found him in the caves by the river." Agatha tells Raxl.
Raxl steps down to Agatha. "Found him by the caves?"  "Yes he's very tame with me. But when he gets over excited."  "I know the behavior of a snake. Is that all he is? A pet?"  "Well yes. Agatha says with a laugh.  "Did you know Mademoiselle that once snakes were worshipped. Have you heard of the Serpent God?"  "No. No I don't know anything about such things." Agatha says nervously.  "Oh yes you do Mademoiselle. Yes you do." Raxl says to Agatha.
"I don't know anything about Serpent Gods or whatever you are talking about."
Raxl stares at her.  "Don't stare at me like that you're scaring me. Jean Paul!" Agatha turns to run to the Drawing Room.  "Stop! You'll come with me."  Agatha stops and looks back at Raxl. "No you're accusing me of wicked things."
"I did not speak of anything wicked."  "You did." Agatha says opening the Drawing Room doors. "Jean Paul your servant, I don't want to see her again as long as I am here." she says rushing to Jean Paul.  "Why not?"  "She's wicked. She frightens me."  "Raxl would not harm you." Jean Paul tells Agatha.  "I won't see her again. I want her kept away from me."  "That's not possible." Jean Paul says.  "Did you hear me. I don't want to see her again for as long as I stay." Agatha orders.   Jean Paul looks away from Agatha. "Raxl you will keep away from Miss Pruett. You will not disturb her as long as she is in this house as my guest."   "Master I?"  "You heard me." Jean Paul tells Raxl.  "As the Master wishes." Raxl says leaving the drawing Room closing the doors behind her.
Jean Paul turns to Agatha. "Agatha I will see you to your room."  Agatha smiles up at him. "You are a very kind man. I knew when I first saw you. A gentleman and very kind." 
 
Holly sits on her bed reading a book. There is a knock on the door. Holly gets off the bed and rushes to the door. "Jean Paul. I'm so glad you're back."  "May I come in?" Laslo asks after unlocking and opening the door.  "Mr. Thaxton?"
"I want to talk to you." He glances around her room. "Ah you've been reading." He sits on the edge of the bed and picks up Holly's book. "A romance, how charming. Of course older men like me have lost their romantic notions. But it is refreshing in someone young and attractive as you are." he says as he lays the book down.  "Mr. Thaxton what is it that you want?"  "Laslo remember. Were friends now Holly. I just wanted to chat with you that's all. I was worried about you last night lost in the fog."  "I found my way."  "Yes all by yourself, miraculous. People fall off the cliffs sometimes at night in the fog. Terrible way to die I should think. First you're making your way through the fog as thick as velvet. One step and you plunge into space. Down, down into the icy waters of the river. Or worse onto the jagged rocks below the cliff. I find that whole idea chilling."  "Then why do you talk about it?"  "Yes you're perfectly right." Laslo says standing up. "We must talk about other things more pleasant, such as I talked recently to your friend Irene Hatter. She feels you deserted her." Laslo says walking behind Holly.
"Jean Paul asked me not to see her anymore."  "Why should he make such a request? As you know Mrs. Hatter is one of the few exhilarating people in town. Why when Jean Paul first came he was very anxious that you two become friends. And now. Why Holly?"  "I shouldn't have said that. I really don't need to give you a reason. But I do respect what Mr. Desmond tells me to do and that's why."  "But to ignore such a friend as Irene." Laslo says.  Holly turns away and sits on her bed. "I really don't wish to talk about it anymore."  "Oh very well. Do you remember the evening you spent at Irene Hatters with her friends. With her intimate circle?" Laslo asks as he walks to the window and looks out.  "Yes."
Laslo turns and looks back at her. "She's planning another one of those evenings and she has told me to extend an invitation to you."  "I'm sorry." Holly says.  "But you did enjoy yourself that evening."  "Yes." Holly lowers her head. "I'm afraid I don't remember much about it. I was rather sleepy and I think I was rather rude."
"Oh not at all. Everyone admired you. In fact they have expressed an interest in you to become a regular member." Laslo says walking towards Holly.  "Oh they’re very kind but I really would have to ask Jean Paul about it."  "I see, how unfortunate. I didn't believe Holly that you are so young you couldn't make your own decisions." Laslo says walking over to Holly's dresser. He picks up a necklace. "Isn't this the jewel that Irene gave you?"  "Yes."  "You don't want it anymore.":  "No."  "Well I suppose you're right it isn't very attractive. Strange but I remember a hypnotist who claimed he had to only let such a jewel stay before someone's eyes to gain complete power. Can you believe that Holly?" He says then turns to Holly with the necklace in his hand. He walks over to Holly swinging the necklace. "Holly? Holly."  Holly stares straight ahead.
 
Raxl is speaking to Jean Paul in his room. "She is a wicked girl Master. Conniving, plotting and I do not see why you conceded to her wishes Master."
Jean Paul stands and turns away. "I have no choice."  "But to let her stay under your roof because she commands it!" Raxl says as she walks over to Jean Paul.
"Raxl last night the Mark of Death came upon me and I came upon this girl and nearly strangled her! She still has the marks of my fingers on her throat. This morning when I came in she was about to call the police! I have no choice but to keep her here!"  "How long, how long before she calls the police again!"
"I don't know. She's a very disturbed young lady. She almost committed suicide when I found her." Jean Paul sighs. "I reached out for her." He reaches his hand out in front of Raxl. "Somehow at the same time I thought I was going to kill her, I saved her life. That star had disappeared behind a cloud and somehow I felt free."  "But you're not free Master, not so long as that girl lives. She represents more than you know." Raxl says to him.  Jean Paul looks at her.  "She is devoted to the Serpent God and I do not believe it was an accident that you found her last night. She brings doom Master. And I must see to it that this woman dies!"
"Agatha must not die! I want no more killings."  "Listen to me. I know that woman is involved with the powers you know nothing about. She's a worshiper of the Great Serpent. But she does not know of the danger of the forces she is dabbling in."  "She's alone, she has no one." Jean Paul says as he sits down.  "And she will use that kind of sympathy to lead you Master. Lead you until you have no will of your own."  "I don't believe you. I want to help this girl." Jean Paul says.
"Help yourself and your heritage but you can not help this girl." Raxl says to him.
"Yes I cannot help this girl because the Mark of Death will not allow me to help anyone. When I go to hear the sound of the devil's heart beating in my ears I feel not evil. No I feel a great sympathy towards those that I can see and my desire is to reach out to them and when I reach out to them I reach out with hands to kill! And the forces that I fight with are good and evil ones driving me. I always feel them tugging at me and the result is always evil and destruction. Now don't advise me that this girl must die because of me!"  "There are times Master in this life when we must destroy or be destroyed!"  "No!"  "It's not my responsibility to judge the people of this world or to change what dreadful horrors life brings us. But to do my work without question and without tears. I have lived to long without tears." Raxl leaves the room.  "But I have not. I can weep for us all Raxl. I can still weep."
 
Holly is staring straight ahead.. Tears are running down her cheeks  "You mustn't cry Holly. You must talk to me and listen to me." Laslo says as he kneels next to Holly.  "I am listening." Holly says.  "When you awake you will remember nothing . But deep in the recesses of your mind you will know what I told you and act upon it. You are one of us now. You are a member of the witches’ coven. And we deserve all of your loyalty and service. Do you understand?"  "I understand." Holly says.  "Irene Hatter played games with suggestions and flowers and gentle threats. But now Holly I command. If you want to serve us you must work quickly. No hesitation no stupidity. It's all very simple Holly, Jean Paul Desmond must die. And at my command you must kill him."  "I know Jean Paul must die. But I don't want him to." Holly says.  "You do want him to. I say that you do,."  "No."  "You do." Laslo says taking Holly's chin in his hand. He turns her face towards him. "You have shared our ceremonies and drank our blood. You do want him to die. Tell me so. Tell me!  "I want."  "Tell me."  "I want, I want Jean Paul to die." Holly says.  "You must remember that dear child. Remember." Laslo says.
 
Agatha walks down the staircase. "Mr. Desmond? Jean Paul? Are you here? It's such a lonely house, I never knew I thought it would be as if I was a queen living in some enchanted castle." Agatha says with a smile. "But it is quiet, so quiet and so lonely. Mr. Desmond? Jean Paul?" Agatha calls again as she walks towards the Drawing Room.  Jean Paul rushes down the staircase. "Yes Agatha?"  "There you are. I'm so glad to see you I really am. I was so lonely in my room. Oh it's a lovely room but lonely." Agatha says walking into the Drawing Room.  "I don't want you to be lonely here. I want you to be happy."  "Oh you are such a kind man. And I'm so ungracious talking about murder and police and such. When I see it in your eyes , you want one thing. To make me happy." Agatha says.  "Yes I want to make you happy. I think you felt threatened and unwanted. I think all of us at some time have felt threatened and unwanted."  "Yes I know but my friend is gone. My friend who comforted me most, Peter."  "I wish I could help you. I could help you find him."  Agatha walks away from Jean Paul. "He was here with me. I brought him with me and now he's gone."  Jean Paul walks over to her. "Agatha do you really believe I could have killed you? I couldn't kill you, you know that."
Agatha looks up at Jean Paul. "If you say so Mr. Desmond."  "I do say so and I want to protect you and make you happy."  "I believe you sir but I can't be happy without Peter he's...."  "He's what Agatha?"  "Well he's a very beautiful and small and affectionate snake. Not dangerous or dreadful or anything. He's all I've had for such a long time. Some people think snakes are such dreadful things but Peter isn't. He's friendly and kind and he grants my every wish Jean Paul. So long as I behave he grants my every wish."  "And how must you behave?" Jean Paul asks.  "Obediently and that's not difficult for me because I only want nice things and as long as I know what I want and behave as I must well then I never fear because my wants become real."  "Well if all your wishes come true Agatha then why did you want to end your own life?"  "Because, because I wanted something I could never have Jean Paul. I wanted you." Agatha looks at Jean Paul. Agatha’s snake Peter
 
 Has found the way to Philip's secret room. It is coiled in the human skull that is sitting on the table.
 
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Summaries written by Debby Graham .  The slide presentation is the work of Ron Janick.
~Ron/Bella~
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Episode 88