Spring Whirlwind

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#CC9900" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="047005a0dwnjzk.gif"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cassies Writing"><U><B>home</B></U></A><B>     | </B><B> </B><B> </B><B>  </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>Cassie's Writing</B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id87.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="All Hallows Eve"><U><B>All Hallows' Eve</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id88.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall Camoflage"><U><B>Fall Camoflage</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id89.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Puzzle Pieces: Cyrus"><U><B>Puzzle Pieces:  Cyrus</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id90.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Puzzle Pieces: Roxanne"><U><B>Puzzle Pieces:  Roxanne</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Puzzle Pieces: Claude"><U><B>Puzzle Pieces:  Claude</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id92.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Christmas Magick"><U><B>Christmas Magick</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id93.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Puzzle Pieces: Maggie"><U><B>Puzzle Pieces:  Maggie</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id94.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winters Deep Freeze"><U><B>Winter's Deep Freeze</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Puzzle Pieces: Sabrina"><U><B>Puzzle Pieces:  Sabrina</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id96.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Frostbite"><U><B>Frostbite</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Puzzle Pieces: The Collins Family"><U><B>Puzzle Pieces:  The Collins Family</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id98.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Biding Time in Purgatory"><U><B>Biding Time in Purgatory</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id99.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Puzzle Pieces: Quentin"><U><B>Puzzle Pieces:  Quentin</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id100.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Family Secrets"><U><B>Family Secrets</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id102.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vortex"><U><B>Vortex</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><B>Spring Whirlwind</B><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id103.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Den of Vipers"><U><B>Den of Vipers</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id104.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Puzzle Pieces: Angelique"><U><B>Puzzle Pieces:  Angelique</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id105.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Converging Forces"><U><B>Converging Forces</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id106.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Flames of Purification"><U><B>Flames of Purification</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id85.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Adam in Parallel Time"><U><B>Adam in Parallel Time</B></U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Spring Whirlwind</B></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div>      Adam loaded the last of Randy's boxes into the Ford Galaxy.  Randy had lived with him for only a couple of months.  It was amazing what someone could accumulate in such a short amount of time.  Randy was already putting the Harley into gear.  "I'll meetcha over there, man," he called to Adam.</div> <div>      Adam nodded, and Randy roared off.  He was relieved that Randy had been able to find another place so quickly-and so close.  As Adam had feared, the Stuarts had finally become fed up with Randy's dress, music, and late night habits.  The admiral's complaints grew more strident every day.  He was aggravated about Randy's peace symbol and upside-down flag, his ragged jeans, his beads, and his long hair and beard.  Adam prudently thought to mention to Randy that he might think about looking for another place to live.  He was afraid Randy would be angry and was pleased when he seemed to take it in stride.</div> <div>      Luckily, Randy found another apartment before the Stuarts actually asked him to leave, so there were no ugly scenes.  Adam had seen the apartment already.  It was the top floor of a Cape Cod on Fifth Avenue.  A young couple lived downstairs; they dressed very much like Randy did and Adam thought they wouldn't mind Randy's habits at all.  The flight of stairs leading up to the apartment was very steep; at the top Adam had to bend almost in half so that his head didn't hit the roof.  It was a small but pleasant three-room apartment.  It was too small for Adam, but Randy wasn't nearly as tall.</div> <div> Randy's new apartment was "south of Montauk", which meant that Randy wasn't far from the marina.  Randy already had dreams of opening up his own repair shop, and he wanted to do it in Bay Shore.  Adam was more realistic and knew they'd need a lot more training and experience first.  They hadn't even completed their training program.  Adam hoped they would be placed in jobs together.  He enjoyed working with Roxanne's brother although he wished Randy would stop taking so many drugs.  When he was  "sober" he'd talk about his desire to find out what happened to Roxanne.  The trouble was, before he did anything to act on that desire, he'd reach for another joint or take a pill or shoot up some heroin.</div> <div> Adam hadn't had another frightening spell since that attack he'd experienced at the ferry.  He was relieved-the terrible ripping feeling he'd felt all over his body had been similar to the feeling he'd had when he'd come to this world.  He'd been frightened that he was being pulled back to the other place in spite of Cyrus' assurances that he was all right.  Adam remembered what Cyrus had said to Quentin: there were no portals around here for him to go through and it was nowhere near this holiday called "Beltane".  Cyrus advised him to drink more of that fizzy drink, and he had.  He'd felt much better after that and had no attacks since.</div> <div> He was a little worried about Quentin, though.  He'd talked to Quentin yesterday; his friend had sounded strained and angry but denied it.  "I'll see Tony after I get back to Collinsport, Adam," Quentin assured him.  "Then I'll call you back."  Adam hoped it would be soon.  He was very anxious to hear more about the "lead" Peterson was on to.  Adam pulled into the driveway at Randy's new home and parked the car.  This house was less than ten minutes from the Stuarts' home.</div> <div> Randy had arrived just ahead of Adam.  He was starting to insert his house key as Adam emerged from the car.  Suddenly, the door popped open and Jennifer jumped into Randy's arms.  She threw her arms around Randy's neck and gave him a deep kiss.  Adam was dismayed.  He'd suspected that Randy and Jennifer were going around together and thought it was a mistake, but it wasn't his business.  He didn't feel it was his place to say anything.  Quietly, he went around to the trunk of the car and opened it.  In a way, he was relieved. He wouldn't have to worry about Jennifer anymore.  Randy could be responsible for her.  That Randy didn't even seem to be responsible for himself was something that Adam didn't feel prepared to handle.</div> <div> Adam, Randy, and Jennifer all carried boxes up the stairs to the apartment.  Luckily for Randy, it was fully furnished.  Adam saw that Jennifer had spread a quilt on the rug (to muffle the sounds of feet walking around) and that baby Jimmy was sound asleep, thumb stuck securely in his mouth.  Adam ducked so he wouldn't hit his head on the ceiling, carried the box into Randy's bedroom, and then came back to the living room to look at the baby.  He'd never thought much about having babies before-not until Roxanne.</div> <div> At that point, he and Dr. Cyrus were still close friends.  Dr. Cyrus determined that Roxanne was taking something called "birth control pills".  His friend explained how the pills worked.  Because Roxanne was taking the pills Dr. Cyrus hadn't run the tests on Adam he'd talked about running-potency tests. He did tell Adam to read some more of the chapters and verses from the Bible (which wasn't particularly helpful, Adam thought).  Now he wondered what would happen if he had such tests.  He understood now about sex and babies; he wondered if he was capable of producing the sperm to make a baby.  If he could make a baby, what would the child look like?  He thought he would like to have babies with Roxanne but he was also afraid of the idea-what if he had lots of "bad genes" in his system?  He knew nothing about the people he'd been created from.</div> <div> "Peaceful, isn't he?" Jennifer asked.  Adam started a little.  Turning to her, he saw that she was looking at her child with a soft, loving expression in her eyes.  Adam had never seen that sweet, soft look before and felt touched.  If Jennifer wasn't speaking roughly or teasing, then she was crying and upset about Dan-her neglectful husband.  Adam had worried a little about being with her two times.  He didn't ask her about birth control pills before.  Later, though, she laughed and told him not to worry-she was nursing Jimmy.  "Natural birth control," she'd explained.</div> <div> Adam had asked Quentin about it before he and Maggie left for Boston.  "Is it true?"</div> <div> Quentin looked at him thoughtfully and said, "I've heard something about it, Adam.  You know what, though?  First of all, don't do it anymore with Jenny.  Second of all, if you do, wear something-you know what I mean?"</div> <div> Adam did.  Fortunately, he didn't have to worry about that because by then, Jennifer was already riding around with Randy on the Harley.  Adam didn't know if Maggie knew how unhappy her sister was; Adam certainly didn't want to tell her.  He knew that Quentin and Jenny had some heated words-maybe it was about Jenny running around with other men.  Now, he said to Jennifer, "He sleeps so soundly."</div> <div> "Wish he'd do that at night," Jennifer replied ruefully.</div> <div> Randy came up the stairs with a box, ducked, turned, and placed another very passionate kiss on Jennifer's lips.  Adam looked away, embarrassed.  "Hey, Adam," Randy said after a moment.  "Thanks for all the help man.  Jenny and I can handle it from here.  See you tonight, huh?"</div> <div> "Yes," Adam agreed, relieved to get out.  Admiral and Mrs. Stuart would be out for a short stroll around one of the ponds in Brightwaters, and Adam decided to go for a drive around the Bay Shore marina.  Soon he'd be able to take the admiral out for a sail, he thought, as he turned down the road which dead-ended at the marina.  He knew the admiral was delighted by that prospect.  Just a few more weeks-Adam was already enrolled in a sailing class that started after Memorial Day.  Adam parked the Galaxy and got out.  He'd walk around and look at all the boats first; then he'd walk to the beach and walk there awhile.  He always felt so much better after a walk near the water.</div> <bR> <div> When three days went by with no word from Quentin, Adam called Collinwood.  Hoffman answered the phone, and Adam panicked.  He hung up abruptly.  He called Tony Peterson's office and was told that Mr. Peterson wasn't in.  "When will he be back?" he asked, disappointed.</div> <div> "Who is this?" the woman-Peterson's secretary, Adam assumed-asked cautiously.</div> <div> "I am Adam Knight," Adam replied, puzzled.</div> <div> "Oh, yes, Mr. Knight, I remember you," the woman said, sounding relieved.  "To be honest with you, Mr. Knight, I'm not sure when to expect him.  I'll take a message though."</div> <div> "How come you don't know when to expect him?" Adam asked, feeling disturbed for some inexplicable reason. He'd been put off by secretaries before; the practice was not new to him.  This, though, felt ominous for some reason.</div> <div> "Well, he didn't leave me any information about when he'd be returning," the secretary replied cautiously.  "I'm sure it will be soon-I'll ask him to call you."</div> <div> "Yes, please," Adam said.  He called information for Quentin's number at the cannery.  "Mr. Collins hasn't come in yet," the secretary told him.  "May I take a message?"  Aggravated, Adam left another message and then hung up.  He waited a second, then picked up the phone and slammed it down, frustrated.  He didn't feel very much better, but at least he hadn't slammed it down on the secretary's ear.  He wondered if he should bother calling Cyrus and then decided he would.</div> <div> The phone rang several times before Sabrina tentatively answered.  "Oh, Adam," she said, sounding happy to hear from him.  "How are you?"</div> <div> "All right, Sabrina, and how are you?"</div> <div> "Busy these days.  Cyrus is very involved in his research," Sabrina explained, her voice dropping a little.  "I guess you want to speak to him, but he's not here.  He's at Collinwood."</div> <div> Adam groaned inwardly.  Collinwood!   And Adam didn't want to call there because Hoffman kept answering the phone.  "Can you call there and ask Quentin to call me?" he asked anxiously.</div> <div> "Quentin?" Sabrina sounded surprised.  "Why don't you call yourself?"</div> <div> "I don't want to talk to Hoffman," he explained.  "I called the cannery but he wasn't there."</div> <div> "Did you leave a message?"</div> <div> "Yes."</div> <div> "I'm sure he'll call you back, Adam.  He's just getting used to being back at Collinwood."</div> <div> Adam wondered if she was brushing him off.  "All right."</div> <div> "If it's really important, I'll call Collinwood," she offered.  Adam realized that maybe Sabrina wasn't very comfortable about calling there, either.</div> <div> "No, that's all right."</div> <div> "How is my father?"</div> <div> "He is doing well, Sabrina.  Randy and I are going to bring the sailboat to the school and work on it to get it ready for this summer."</div> <div> "Oh, how wonderful!  I am sure he's very grateful.  Would you tell my parents I'll be down to see them either this weekend or next weekend?"</div> <div> "Sure, Sabrina.  It will be good to see you.  Will Dr. Cyrus come?"</div> <div> There was a slight pause before Sabrina answered with a slightly bitter tone, "It depends on how busy he is."  She hung up, and Adam sighed.  He felt thoroughly dissatisfied.  There was nothing he could do but wait, though.</div> <div> The next few days were tolerable only because he and Randy were busy working on the sailboat.  After they put it onto a trailer and hauled it to the school, they began showing up a couple of hours before the start of class to work on it, cleaning the barnacles and doing other maintenance repairs.  The teacher didn't mind, and it kept Adam's mind busy.  He was becoming increasingly irritated and frustrated with each passing day and there was no word from Quentin.  Why wasn't he calling?</div> <div> After class one evening, Randy managed to convince Adam to come out for a drink with him.  Adam had decided he could tolerate a beer if he nursed it along and drank it slowly.  He didn't really like bars, though-they were noisy and smoky.  The cigarette smoke gave him headaches.  He wished Randy liked diners, as Roxanne had-no, did.  Roxanne did like diners.  Once or twice before Roxanne disappeared, he and Roxanne had gone to a diner and sat there for hours, talking and eating cheesecake.   Randy was bothered by something.</div> <div> "What's wrong?" Adam asked.</div> <div> "What's that PI say about my sister?" Randy wanted to know.</div> <div> Adam was surprised.  He hadn't asked about Roxanne in a while.  "I haven't learned any more than I knew when Quentin and Maggie were here.  I called and left messages, but no one has called back."</div> <div> Randy took a swallow from his bottle of beer.  "Maybe it's time to go up there and kick some butt."</div> <div> This was new.  Adam couldn't help but feel a little suspicious.  He tried to think of a way to find out what Randy's motive was without making him angry.  "Do you think we should go soon?"  When Randy nodded, Adam asked:  "Does Jennifer know?"</div> <div> Randy set the bottle down with an explosive sigh.  "Nah, I haven't told her yet, man.  I may just tell her we're gonna be gone for a few days.  She'll understand.  She's gotta-I have to have some space, man."  Adam understood.  Jennifer was calling or coming over too much.  He wondered if she was still drinking and taking the pills, so he asked.  "Man, that lady's got a hollow leg!" Randy complained.</div> <div> "Hollow leg?" That was a new expression.</div> <div> "She can hold more than me!"  Randy shook his head and it wasn't in admiration.  "She don't watch out, that rich lawyer husband of hers is gonna divorce her first before she can put the move on him.  `Sides lady havin a baby ought not to drink that much."</div> <div> Adam choked on his beer.   Randy gave him a troubled look.  "She's what?" Adam finally managed to gasp.</div> <div> "She says she's havin a baby," Randy answered.  He lowered his voice.  "Look, we need to find Roxanne anyway.  And I have to have my space."</div> <div> "Is it your baby?" Adam wondered.</div> <div> "I don't see how," Randy declared.  "Frankly, I think she don't know.  It's you or it's her husband."</div> <div> "How come it's not you?" Adam wondered, feeling faint.</div> <div> Randy looked at him, considering.  After a long time, he finally answered, "Because I've only got one ball left, and the doctor told me my chances of having any kids are next to zero."</div> <div> Adam was shocked.  "What happened?"</div> <div> "You don't wanna know, man, trust me," Randy answered tersely.  Usually when he gave an answer like that, it had to do with Vietnam.</div> <div> Adam felt overwhelmed by the implications of this.  He felt nauseated and pushed his beer away.  Randy looked at him steadily, and Adam thought suddenly he looked like a cat at a mouse hole-like Tom waiting for Jerry to come out.  Why would Randy look at me like that? He wondered.  There wasn't really anything more to talk about.  Adam said he'd talk to Admiral Stuart to find out if it would be all right to take the next day off.  They could go up to Collinsport for the weekend and come back by Monday morning.</div> <div> Sometime before Adam's alarm clock was to go off, the phone began ringing.  Sleepily, he stumbled from the spare room into the master bedroom, grumbling to himself.  If only there was a phone jack in the other room, he thought.  He picked up the phone and mumbled a greeting.  "Adam?" he heard Randy's voice.  "Ix-nay on going to Collinsport this weekend, man."</div> <div> "Why?"</div> <div> "Jenny's sister is here, man.  At her house."</div> <div> "Maggie?" Adam exclaimed.</div> <div> "Yeah, man, talkin out of her head about some ghost in Collinwood.  Jenny wants you to come talk to her, since you been in that loony-tunes town.  The man thinks she belongs in the nuthouse."</div> <div> "The man?" Adam wondered.  None of this was making sense, and he shook his head, trying to clear it.</div> <div> "Dan the man, man," Randy explained.  </div> <div> Adam sat down heavily on the bed, feeling stunned.  "Where is Quentin?"</div> <div> "Dunno man-at the haunted house, I guess.  Maggie left him."</div> <div> "Left him!" Adam couldn't believe his ears.  "I'll be right over."</div> <div> "Well, we can go out and eat first," Randy suggested.  "Can't go there until the man goes to the office, you dig?"</div> <div> "I see.  Well, we will go and eat then," Adam decided, hanging up.  He held his head in his hands.  He couldn't believe it.  Why would Maggie leave Quentin?  It was crazy!  He got up and slowly made his way back to his room to get dressed.  He felt like he was in the middle of a bad dream.</div> <bR> <div> "Hey, baby," Randy greeted Jennifer when she opened the door to let them in.</div> <div> "Don't hey baby me!" Jennifer snapped, turning on her heel and marching up the stairs.</div> <div> Chastened, Randy and Adam followed her up the stairs.  Maggie, her eyes bright red from crying, sat on the sofa.  She looked terrible-very pale and, if possible, thinner than she'd ever looked before.  Randy strolled into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door, looking for beer.  "Bring Adam a Pepsi, you asshole!" Jennifer called.</div> <div> "Wha'd I do, baby?" Randy protested.</div> <div> "Men! Fucking men!" Jennifer exploded as Adam sat down on the sofa next to Maggie.  "But I didn't think Quentin would be such a fucking jerk!"</div> <div> "Jennifer, please!" Maggie cried, as if Jennifer had hit her.  She began to cry.  Adam took her hand and was startled when Maggie threw herself into his arms.  "Oh, Adam, I should have known better!"</div> <div> "What happened?" Adam asked, alarmed.</div> <div> "I should have known-I'm not good enough-his family are so-so-much more so-so-sophis-sophis-" Maggie sobbed.</div> <div> "You mean they're fucking snobs!" Jennifer exclaimed.</div> <div> "Ssh," Adam said to both sisters.  He was trying to soothe Maggie, but he looked at Jenny with what he hoped was a very clear "be quiet" expression on his face.  Jennifer shut her mouth abruptly and turned away.  "Maggie, what happened?"</div> <div> "I just couldn't do it-I'm not any good at running a house like that!  How could I have thought I could possibly handle something like that?  I've never lived in a house like that before!  I just kept making mistakes, and Daniel hates me-I can't do anything right!"  The words came tumbling out all so that Adam could barely make out what she was saying.  It didn't help that she was sobbing, too.  He heard, "She didn't want me there.   She left me a note!  Then she came back to make sure I left!"</div> <div> "Who?"</div> <div> "Angelique!"</div> <div> Adam felt himself go cold.  Jennifer turned back from the window and threw her arms out.  "Y'see?  That's why I wanted you to come.  Tell her!  Angelique can't be back-she's dead!  Dead!"</div> <div> "Jeeeeeeeesus, a fucking ghost!" Randy said from the kitchen.  He took a joint out of his pocket.</div> <div> "You can't smoke that in here, you jerk!" Jennifer yelled at him.  "Go outside if you havta smoke that shit!"</div> <div> Adam stroked Maggie's hair and said gently, hoping Maggie would hear him above the other madness in the house,  "She really is dead, Maggie."</div> <div> Maggie sat up a little, shaking her head.  "No, you don't understand.  She came back.  And Quentin really loves her-he's always loved her."</div> <div> "Maggie, dead people don't get up and walk back!" Jennifer rolled her eyes, exasperated.</div> <div> "Yelling at Maggie won't help her," Adam said sternly. Besides, he could tell Jennifer a thing or two about what dead people could do.  He also thought he could tell Maggie a thing or two about how Quentin felt about Angelique but he wasn't sure he should.  He took Maggie's hand.  "Why do you think she came back?"</div> <div> "I've seen her!"  Maggie was obviously trying to contain herself.  "The first day that we came back was so horrible, everything went wrong!  Quentin got so angry, and he left the house and didn't come back for a long time.  Hoffman said the memory of Angelique had upset him-and me being there.  I was in the drawing room waiting for him and someone slipped a note under the door-<I>she</I> put the note under the door.  It said I wasn't wanted there, and it was signed by <I>her</I>-by Angelique."</div> <div> "How do you know if you didn't see her?"</div> <div> "I showed the note to Will, and he told me it was her handwriting."</div> <div> "Will Loomis?"  Adam asked.  "I wouldn't trust him, Maggie."</div> <div> "Why?" Maggie asked curiously.</div> <div> Adam tried to think.  He answered evasively, "He drinks.  People who drink are often confused."</div> <div> "Like Mama and Daddy, Maggie," Jennifer agreed.</div> <div> "Yes," Maggie whispered, "but then she came to the house.  Quentin tried to tell me that it was her sister Alexis, but-"</div> <div> "Oh, no!" Adam exclaimed in consternation.  "Maggie!  That is Alexis Stokes-Angelique's twin sister!"</div> <div> Maggie put her hands to her mouth.  "That's what Quentin said-"</div> <div> "It's true!  I meant to tell you-I met her myself," Adam said, berating himself now for not remembering to tell them about Alexis.  Maggie looked at Adam, her eyes huge.</div> <div> "She's real all right," Randy put in.  "Fucked her myself.  She's no ghost."</div> <div> "You <I>what?</I>" Jennifer sounded outraged.</div> <div> "That was before I met you, baby!" Randy assured her placidly.  Meanwhile, Maggie had stiffened abruptly, stood up, and moved away.</div> <div> "Shut up!" Jennifer snarled.</div> <div> "Look, I said-"</div> <div> "This is something she likes to do for a hobby, you jerk, so shut up about it!" Jennifer said, making a slashing motion at her throat.  Adam knew she wanted Randy to stop talking about having sex with Alexis.</div> <div> Adam frowned.  "What does that mean?"</div> <div> "Well," Maggie said softly and in a dispirited way, "I thought she was Angelique, too, because of the way she was kissing my husband."</div> <div> Adam looked at Maggie, the way her shoulders sagged, and his heart went out to her.  He remembered how heart-broken he felt when he saw Carolyn kissing another man in that other world.  He was confused-why would Quentin do that?  He thought that Quentin really loved Maggie.  "Maybe we should call Collinwood," Adam suggested.</div> <div> "No!" Maggie exclaimed.  Her hands went to her mouth again suddenly and she ran from the room, down the hall, and into the bathroom.  Jennifer chased her, going into the bathroom and shutting the door behind her.  Randy and Adam exchanged uncomfortable glances.  They could hear Maggie getting sick.  The phone began to ring.  Jennifer popped the door open a little. "One of you get that!" she called and shut the door again.</div> <div> Adam answered the phone hesitantly.  "Hello?"</div> <div> "Adam?  What the hell are you doing there?" It was Quentin, and he sounded exasperated.</div> <div> "Quentin!" Adam exclaimed.  "Quentin, what-"</div> <div> "Where's Maggie?  Is she there?" Quentin interrupted impatiently.</div> <div> "Yes, but she-"</div> <div> "Put her on the phone!"</div> <div> Adam didn't like the way Quentin was barking at him.  He seemed different; Adam knew that he had a hair trigger temper and was often moody and explosive.  He'd never been this rude before.  "She is not well, Quentin," he began.  He realized that Jennifer was approaching quickly.  She must've overheard the name.  "Here is Jennifer."  He gave the phone to Jennifer.</div> <div> "What do <I>you</I> want?" Jennifer asked in a very hostile manner.  "Yeah?  Well, maybe she doesn't want to talk to <I>you</I> right now, Mr. Charm and Personality!"  After a pause she went on, "Don't tell me-don't forget, I <I>know</I> who you are, buster!  You're not going to pull this on my sister, y'hear me?"  After another pause, she said in a calmer voice:  "No.  I don't think you should come here." Adam waved his arms wildly.  He wasn't sure Maggie would want Jennifer to tell Quentin not to come.  She put her finger to her lips to shush him.  Smirking, she said, "Oh, sure, I'll tell her.  Don't hold your breath!"  She hung up.</div> <div> "Why did you tell him not to come?"</div> <div> Jennifer looked down her nose at Adam.  "Because of his attitude, Adam.  He was acting like Mr. Big Shot-he didn't do anything wrong.  He's not going to treat my sister that way."</div> <div> "What did he say?"</div> <div> "Just to tell her that he loves her, and that since she's the one who walked out anyway he'll just wait for her to come back."  Jennifer turned on her heel and walked back down the hall.</div> <div> "This is bad shit, man," Randy said solemnly.</div> <div> Adam slowly covered his face with his hands.  What Randy had said was an understatement.  What was he to do now?  Well, this didn't mean he <I>couldn't</I> go to Collinsport.  He could still go-even if everything was a mess now.   He uncovered his face and looked over at Randy.  "Do you still want to go to Collinsport?"</div> <div> "More than ever, man," Randy exclaimed, nodding his head emphatically.</div> <div> "It won't be easy," Adam said.  "Quentin Collins may not help us now, either."</div> <div> "I wouldn't count on it, man.  He seemed like such a Boy Scout, too!"  Randy snickered contemptuously.</div> <div> "Randy, please remember he is my friend, too," Adam admonished.</div> <div> "Okay, man!"</div> <div> Jennifer came out from the bathroom again, and Adam stood up.  "Is Maggie all right?"</div> <div> "I guess as all right as she can be."  Jennifer sounded disgusted.</div> <div> "What do you mean?"  Adam didn't like the tone of Jennifer's voice.</div> <div> "I think she's pregnant!"  Jennifer shook her head.</div> <div> "Her too?" Randy burst out.  He began to laugh wildly.</div> <div> "Shut up!  What do you mean, `her too'?" Jennifer snapped, and Randy was immediately chastened.  She looked at Adam.  "Thanks for telling her about that bimbo sister.  That was really freaking her out-she was sure it was the first wife."</div> <div> "No, there really is a sister," Adam said.  "Randy and I are going to Collinsport, Jennifer.  I wanted to talk to Tony Peterson about Roxanne."</div> <div> Jennifer glanced over at Randy.  "Oh!  Well, thanks for telling me."</div> <div> "Should we tell Quentin about Maggie?"</div> <div> "No!  He should come here on his hands and knees.  Let him find out that way!"  She sounded so bitter that Adam looked dismayed.  Reading his expression, Jennifer's features softened a little and she added, "Besides, I'm not sure.  I don't know-it's really too early to tell."  She turned and walked toward the door.  They followed her.  "Let me know if you hear anything."</div> <div> "I will," Adam promised.  Jennifer closed the door in his face.</div> <bR> <div> Adam led Randy over to Tony's office.  Randy was trying very hard to stay "sober"-he wasn't able to stay away from the heroin entirely, but he was admirably restraining himself from popping pills or smoking pot or drinking.  Adam was relieved.  They walked into the small office and surprised Tony's secretary and two other women who were sorting out fliers, which had a picture on it.</div> <div> "Mr. Knight!" the secretary exclaimed.  Adam imagined that she remembered him because he was so very tall.</div> <div> "Yes," he answered pleasantly.  "I wanted to see Mr. Peterson.  Is he in?"</div> <div> The three women exchanged glances.  After a moment, the secretary said, "I guess I'm not doing anything wrong by telling you this, Mr. Knight, but Mr. Peterson is missing."</div> <div> "Missing!" Adam exclaimed, shocked.</div> <div> "Yes, he's been gone, well, almost 10 days now."  The secretary handed one of the fliers to Adam.  The picture on it was of Tony Peterson.</div> <div> "What happened to him?"</div> <div> "I don't know," the secretary answered, troubled.  "In fact, when you called before, I didn't know where he was then either.  But I wasn't supposed to tell you.  The sheriff said not to tell anyone who called."</div> <div> Adam was too stunned to respond, seeing his hopes of finding Roxanne becoming like so much mist and vanishing.  Randy had enough presence of mind to ask, "Was he meeting somebody?  Who's the last person who saw him?"</div> <div> "I'm afraid we don't know that, either," the secretary admitted.  "He did have an appointment to see someone but he never said who it was."</div> <div> I know who it was, Adam thought, suddenly sure.  It was the person in Collinsport seen with Claude North.  It would be a bad idea to say that out loud.  He would wait and tell Randy when they were back in the car.  "What are you doing with these?" he asked, indicating the fliers.</div> <div> "We're going to hand them around," the secretary answered.</div> <div> "We can take some if you like," Adam offered.  "We can hand some out."</div> <div> "Thank you.  That would be nice." The secretary took a stack of the fliers and gave them to Adam.</div> <div> "Will you call me and let me know when Mr. Peterson is found?  I did want to talk to him," Adam said.</div> <div> "Of course," the secretary answered.  She gave him another troubled look, and Adam realized that she didn't expect that Mr. Peterson would be found.  He felt ill.</div> <div> In the car, he explained to Randy again that Mr. Peterson was supposed to meet someone in Collinsport who'd been seen with Claude North.  "Well, let's go, then," Randy said.</div> <div> Adam was reluctant to do it, but he had a feeling the best place to go in Collinsport might be the Eagle.  He wasn't happy about going there because people drank a lot there, and he wondered if Randy would begin drinking, too.  Well, it had to be done.  Along the way, he told Randy what he knew of the Collins family.  He realized he knew almost nothing about these people, except for Quentin had told him about them.  "Sound like a bunch of capitalistic fatcat rich people," Randy said.  "Spoiled and lazy."</div> <div> "Did you always think this way?" Adam asked.</div> <div> "Nah, I've been getting a lot of my education since I got back home," Randy replied with a bitter laugh.</div> <div>  They took a table inside the bar.   There were a couple of men standing up at the bar, but it was still a little early.  An attractive blonde waitress came to take their order.  Adam recognized her.  He'd seen her the last time he'd been here.  "What can I get you gents?"</div> <div> "Couple of Buds," Randy answered, looking at Adam.   Adam nodded slightly.  He could tolerate one. The waitress nodded and left.</div> <div> "I remember her," Adam said.  "I'd like to show her Tony's picture."  Randy nodded.  They waited patiently for the waitress to come back.   She set the two glasses before them and looked at Adam.  He realized that he looked familiar to her, too-maybe she remembered when he'd been here with Will Loomis.  "I was wondering," Adam began, "if you've seen my friend?" He showed her the flyer.</div> <div> She picked it up and looked at it, frowning.  She looked at Adam.  "You a cop?"</div> <div> Randy snorted and then burst out laughing.  "Fuck, man, that <I>is</I> sorry!  You gotta let your hair grow out more!"</div> <div> Adam smiled, looking confused.  "Cop?"</div> <div> "She thinks you're the fuzz, man!  Lady, he ain't the police, he's a mechanic."</div> <div> "Oh."  The woman relaxed then.  "I know this man.  He's missing-this is Tony Peterson.  He's your friend?"</div> <div> "Yes.  I just wondered if you'd seen him?"</div> <div> "He was here around the time he disappeared," she began, looking very uncomfortable.  "He sat here-alone.  He was waiting for someone-he was supposed to meet someone.  He waited until closing time."</div> <div> "He never met anyone?" Adam asked, disappointed.</div> <div> "I didn't say that.  I said, he didn't meet anyone <I>here.</I>  He left at closing time.  I cleaned up and locked up, then I left.  And I saw Mr. Peterson in the alley.  He was with someone."</div> <div> "Who?" Maybe it was Claude North!</div> <div> "He was here before.  Tall guy, dark hair, mustache-"</div> <div> "Yes, I remember!" Adam exclaimed.  That was the man he'd chased onto the grounds of Collinwood.  So Tony Peterson had been with a man named Yeager!  "Has that other man come back?  Do you know who he is?"</div> <div> "No, sorry, I don't.  I've only seen him a couple of times-and not up close.  Well, that night, my boyfriend showed up to take me home and these two sort of walked further into the alley.  Like they didn't want to be seen."</div> <div> "Thanks," Randy said to the waitress.  "Hey-what's your name?"</div> <div> "Buffy."</div> <div> "Yeah, Buffy.  Thanks!"</div> <div> She smiled, then frowned slightly.  "I hope nothing bad happened to Mr. Peterson."</div> <div> "Oh-does Quentin Collins know that Tony Peterson is gone?" Adam asked curiously.</div> <div> "You know, he was in here himself asking.  Not that long ago."</div> <div> Adam nodded.  "Thanks again."  As Buffy moved off, Adam leaned over to Randy.  "This is bad, Randy.  That man she is talking about is the one who brought me the note from Roxanne."</div> <div> Randy started.  "No shit!  Think he's in on this with Claude?"</div> <div> "It seems so," Adam mused.  Where could that man be?  Where did he live?  It had to be nearby somewhere!  He thought carefully.  The last time he'd seen Yeager, he'd chased him onto Collinwood property.  He seemed to be running toward the Old House.  Adam tried to remember if there were other buildings near the Old House.  He remembered the caretaker's cottage.  There was also a root cellar around there-if it existed in this time.</div> <div> "Well, what now, Sherlock?" asked Randy.  "Do we call your friend Quentin?"</div> <div> "I'd like to," Adam answered, wondering what a sherlock was, "but I think that would be a bad idea.  Hoffman is there."</div> <div> "Who is this Hoffman you keep talking about?" Randy asked.</div> <div> "An evil person.  It's hard to explain-but I don't want to stay in that house.  It's a bad place."  Adam took a sip of his beer thinking.  Cyrus?  Or Sabrina?  One of them was probably the only choice.  For old time's sake, he decided to call on his old friend.  He hoped they were still friends.</div> <bR> <div> After a long time, Cyrus finally opened the door.  His eyes popped behind the spectacles.  "Adam!  For heaven's sake!  What are you doing here?"</div> <div> "Am I welcome here, Cyrus?" Adam asked.</div> <div> Cyrus' mouth popped open this time.  He stepped back, stuttering.  "Why-but-but-of course, why would you think otherwise?"</div> <div> "You haven't come to see me," Adam chided gently.  "You haven't called-we haven't spoken since I had that strange attack."</div> <div> "Well, I've been busy, that's all," Cyrus explained, looking obviously uncomfortable. "Come in, come in." He noticed Randy.  "Who is this?"</div> <div> "This is Randy Drew."</div> <div> Adam thought Cyrus' face became even paler than it was when he'd first opened the door.  "You mean this is-this is-"</div> <div> "Roxanne's brother," Randy said, holding out his hand.</div> <div> After a moment, Cyrus reached out clumsily and shook hands.  "This is-it's just a-a-complete-well, a, uh, surprise."  He'd broken out in a light sweat.  "What brings you to Collinsport?  I thought you were going to wait for word from one of us-"</div> <div> "Did you know that Maggie is on Long Island?" Adam asked.</div> <div> Cyrus' eyebrows shot up.  "She <I>is?</I>  Alone?"</div> <div> "Except for her sister Jenny," Randy put in.</div> <div> Cyrus shook his head.  "I thought that it would be a mistake-Alexis Stokes is here, you know."</div> <div> "Yes, we heard all about it."</div> <div> "She looks amazingly like her sister, Angelique."</div> <div> "Yes," Adam agreed.  "Have you seen Tony Peterson?"</div> <div> "I heard he left town," Cyrus answered, his eyes shifting away.  Adam thought he might be-well, lying.</div> <div> "It's strange because he was supposed to meet with someone who was seen with Claude North," Adam went on.</div> <div> "Really?"  Beads of sweat stood out on Cyrus face.  It wasn't warm in the house-not at all.  "How odd."</div> <div> "You haven't seen him?"</div> <div> "Not since he left."  Cyrus cleared his throat.  "Do you, um, need a place to stay for the night Adam?"</div> <div> "If you don't mind."</div> <div> "No-not at all.  Will you be leaving in the morning, then?"</div> <div> "I don't know."</div> <div> Cyrus licked his lips nervously.  "I see.  Well.  I'm afraid I won't be much company for you.  I've got a lot of work to do downstairs-alone.  I have plenty to eat in the refrigerator and you may make yourselves comfortable in any room you wish.  Will you be all right?"</div> <div> "Sure, we know how to cook and fend for ourselves," said Randy.</div> <div> "All right good.  There's just one thing-I must have total privacy.  You must not come into the basement-not under any circumstances.  All right?"</div> <div> "Of course," Adam agreed, and he and Randy settled in for the evening.</div> <div> "Man, this guy isn't very neat, is he?" Randy was surprised at all the clutter.  They managed to find something to eat and drink and sat down to watch television.</div> <div> "He is not organized.  He has many ideas in his head," Adam explained.</div> <div> "He's a goof," Randy commented, not unkindly.</div> <div> Adam was about to object but kept silent.  Cyrus was strange, there was no denying that.  There was silence from the basement all evening, and Adam and Randy finally picked out places to sleep.  Adam chose the sofa in the living room and let Randy have the guestroom upstairs.</div> <div> Adam wasn't sure how long he'd been sleeping when he heard a clattering sound from the basement.  For a moment or two, he felt completely disoriented.  He got up and went to the basement door.  He began to turn the knob and realized it was locked from the other side.  He heard a door slam.  "Cyrus?" he called softly.  There was no answer.  He happened to look out the window in the kitchen where the basement door was located and saw two figures hurrying away.  He thought to run upstairs and get Randy, but he was afraid that the men would get away.  Moving quickly through the house, he called loudly:  "Randy, Randy!" and then slipped out the front door, trying not to make noise.  The two men were a block away from him.  One was tall and thin; the other short and stout.  Adam began to follow them.</div> <div> He didn't understand what happened next.  He followed them out of town to the cemetery.  He concealed himself easily in the brush, watching as the short, stout man went into a mausoleum.  Adam thought the man might be Stokes-he was the right build, but because it was so dark he couldn't be sure.  The other man stood outside, waiting, smoking and pacing impatiently.  After a long time, the shorter man came out and the two men spoke.  Then they went in different directions.</div> <div> Adam was torn.  Which way?  He decided to follow the taller man-he was sure it was Yeager.  Yeager was walking toward the Collinwood compound. Adam felt a branch snap under his foot and heard the loud pop that went with it.</div> <div> "Who's there?" a voice called out.  It was John Yeager!</div> <div> "I want to talk to you," Adam answered.</div> <div> "Who are you?"</div> <div> "Adam Knight.  Please-I won't hurt you."</div> <div> However, as soon as the words were out of Adam's mouth, Yeager turned and ran.  Adam began to chase him again, trying to pick up the pace.  He realized that Yeager was running for Collinwood.  He ran through the garden, to the doors, and disappeared inside.  </div> <div> How does he know Collinwood well enough to do that?  Adam wondered.  He opened the door cautiously and entered, fighting off the waves of panic and nausea.  He could hear Year moving through the foyer and under the stairs.  Adam followed as quietly as he could.  Now he was in an unfamiliar corridor, but he saw Yeager round a corner and disappear.  He turned the corner and saw-nothing.  Nothing but a dimly lit corridor.  No!  he thought, dismayed.</div> <div> At that moment, the door opened behind him and a strange man came out.  "Who are you?" the dark haired man demanded.  "What are you doing here?"</div> <div> "I am a friend of Quentin Collins," Adam explained excitedly.  "There is a stranger in the house-we have to find him."</div> <div> "Yes, there is-and I have.  I'm going to call the police."</div> <div> "It's not me!" Adam exclaimed, panicked, as the man began to move away.  He grabbed the man, who yelled for help.  He put one hand over the man's mouth, and the man clamped down hard with his teeth.  "Ow!" Adam roared, letting go.  The man began to scuttle down the hall, losing his balance and finding it again.  Adam grabbed him and pushed him against the wall, harder than he intended.</div> <div> The man slid down and sat on the ground, moaning and continuing to call for help.  I have to get out of here!  Adam thought.  He ran back the way he'd come.  Running into the foyer, he collided with Hoffman, who dropped the phone and fell to the floor, squalling in fright and rage.  "No!" Adam cried out.  "Hush!"</div> <div> "No, no!  Don't hurt me, please!" Hoffman cried out.</div> <div> "What in the hell is going on down there?"  Adam heard Quentin shouting in anger and looked up to see his friend running down the stairs, partially dressed and trying to pull a robe around himself.  Standing on the landing above and looking down was Alexis Stokes, in a similar state of undress.  When Quentin got to the bottom of the steps, he and Adam looked at each other, both of them astonished.  "What are you doing, Adam?"  Quentin finally managed to demand, his anger beginning to rise again.</div> <div> "John Yeager is in your house!" Adam warned, very upset.  He had no idea where the man would be now.</div> <div> "He attacked me, Mr. Collins!" Hoffman cried at the same time.</div> <div> The man Adam had knocked down appeared in the doorway.  "Call the police-he hit me!"</div> <div> "Jeeeeezus, shut up, everyone!" Quentin shouted furiously.</div> <div> Adam shut his mouth abruptly, hurt and angered by Quentin's reaction.  That was not the way friends treated each other.</div> <div> Alexis had come down the stairs now.  "Everyone's talking at once," she said placatingly.  "We all need to calm down so we can find out what's going on."</div> <div> Hoffman's mouth set.  She looked insulted at the way she was being treated.  "This man was an intruder here before.  I heard Trask calling for help-I heard what sounded like a fight.  I was going to call the police when this man knocked me down."</div> <div> "And I confronted him, roaming about looking for someone.  I didn't see anyone else about," the man-Trask-added.</div> <div> "But John Yeager did come in here-he came in through the drawing room," Adam insisted.  "I followed him."</div> <div> Quentin looked exasperated.  "<I>You</I> followed him?  What are you doing here?"</div> <div> "Tony Peterson is missing," Adam grumbled, becoming increasingly annoyed with Quentin.</div> <div> "Do you know this man, Mr. Collins?" Hoffman asked, aghast.</div> <div> "I know Quentin <I>and</I> Alexis," Adam snapped petulantly.</div> <div> Hoffman's eyes nearly popped out of her head.  Alexis blushed uncomfortably.  "Perhaps we should talk to Adam privately," she suggested.</div> <div> "Yes," Quentin agreed.  "We're not calling the police.  Are you both all right?"</div> <div> "Yes," Hoffman replied, beginning to recover her cold composure.</div> <div> "I'm all right," Trask added.</div> <div> "I apologize that you were both knocked down," Quentin said.  "It's just a misunderstanding.  I think you can return to your rooms.  I'll talk to Adam."</div> <div> "John Yeager is still in your house!" Adam protested.</div> <div> "Perhaps we should look," Trask suggested.  "I can check out the back way-near the kitchen.  That's where I, er, met Mr. Knight."</div> <div> "Fine, Trask, you do that."  Dismissed, Trask and Hoffman both went through the door under the stairway.  "Let's go in here." Quentin indicated the drawing room.</div> <div> "This is wrong, Quentin, we should look for Yeager!" Adam objected, annoyed and frustrated.</div> <div> "Trask is looking for him," Quentin responded in what he might have thought was an appeasing tone.  Adam heard irritation and resentment.  "Come on, let's go sit down.  When did you get here?  Why didn't you call me?"</div> <div> "Who is John Yeager?" Alexis was asking.</div> <div> "So you decided to come here after all?" Adam asked her.</div> <div> "Now, what is this?  How do you know her?" Quentin demanded.</div> <div> "We met not far from here-" Adam began.</div> <div> "I was on my way to New York for one of my shows," Alexis interrupted.  "It was a complete coincidence that we met-Adam mistook me for my sister."  She paused and added significantly, "Everyone seems to be making that mistake."  She went on, "Adam told me you were away on your honeymoon and so I decided to postpone my visit until after you got back."</div> <div> "Perhaps you should have stayed in New York," Adam suggested darkly.</div> <div> "Why do you say that?" Quentin demanded, his face reddening.</div> <div> Adam looked at the two of them more closely and saw Quentin's blush deepening.  He stood up abruptly.  "You are a fool!" he snapped, walking toward the door.</div> <div> "Adam!" Quentin exclaimed, grabbing for Adam's arm.</div> <div> Adam threw him off easily, letting his own rage show.  He stepped toward Quentin, fighting a desire to punch his foolish friend in the nose.  He managed to restrain himself just barely, but he put his finger in Quentin's face and said in a soft, deadly voice: "Don't touch me again, Quentin."</div> <div> Quentin backed off, looking hurt.  "I thought we were friends."</div> <div> "I did, too, but I am very angry with you.  You are not thinking clearly, Quentin.  I tell you that John Yeager is in your house and you aren't concerned enough to help your man look for him.  Maggie is with her sister on Long Island, and you are here with Alexis.  What is the matter with you?"</div> <div> Quentin looked away.  Adam couldn't tell if he was angry or ashamed.  "You'd better go," he muttered.</div> <div> "Yes, I'd better," Adam agreed.  "I am staying with Cyrus.  I want to find this man, Quentin.  And I want to know what happened to Tony Peterson."</div> <div> "Well, hell!" Quentin exploded.  "Don't you think I want to know, too?"</div> <div> "Do you?" Adam challenged.</div> <div> To his surprise, Quentin turned and pushed a liquor tray near the bar over.  As it went over on its side, bottles and glasses tumbled out and smashed.</div> <div> "Oh, God!" Alexis exclaimed.</div> <div> Adam was shocked.  Quentin was behaving like a child, very much the way Adam had behaved in the very beginning of his life.  When he was frustrated or frightened, he would have tantrums and explode with rage.  He'd seen Quentin have fits of temper before, but never anything like this.  "That was a stupid thing to do!  You need to control yourself, Quentin-you're acting like a little boy!" he found himself admonishing his friend, who glared at him and stalked out of the room.  He was left standing, looking helplessly at Alexis.</div> <div> Hoffman and Trask were back almost immediately.  "What happened?" Trask asked.</div> <div> "Where is Mr. Collins?" Hoffman demanded.</div> <div> "He knocked everything over and left," Adam answered truthfully.</div> <div> Hoffman narrowed her eyes and glared at him.  "It's true," Alexis put in, and Adam shot her a look of gratitude.</div> <div> "There was no man."  Trask grimaced, looking at the mess.  It was obvious what he was thinking.  He didn't relish cleaning up.</div> <div> "You'd better go before I call the police," Hoffman ordered coldly.</div> <div> "It's not his fault," Alexis insisted.</div> <div> "Nevertheless, he doesn't seem to be a friend of Mr. Collins after all," Hoffman replied, implacably determined to get rid of Adam.  "Every time he shows up, there is trouble."</div> <div> "I will go," Adam snapped, feeling his own temper rise again.  He walked out the front door haughtily, furious that once again, his chance to find Roxanne slipped out of his grasp and disappeared into the night.</div> <div> When he entered Cyrus' house, Randy was waiting for him.  "Where've you been, man?" Randy demanded furiously.  "I tried to follow you but you moved too goddam quick.  And where's that doctor friend of yours?"</div> <div> "He's not in the basement?"</div> <div> "No, he's not, man, now what happened?"</div> <div> Randy seemed almost frantic, so Adam explained as best as he could what had happened.  Randy listened silently, with his head bowed.  He didn't say a word.  Adam was beginning to wonder if he might have taken something when he suddenly slammed his fist against the wall.  "Damn!  If I had run faster, maybe I could've helped you cut him off!"</div> <div> Well, it's about time, Adam thought, relieved.  He said, "Maybe we'll have better luck tomorrow."  Now he asked, "How do you know Dr. Cyrus isn't downstairs?"</div> <div> "Jimmied the door, man," Randy answered with a grin.  He went to the basement door and opened it easily.  "See?  I learned lots of useful things.  I don't reckon you're tired anymore, are you?  Let's see what's in this joint to eat."</div> <div> Randy and Adam were just finishing their very early pre-dawn breakfast when they heard the front door open and close.  Someone was moving stealthily across the room.  Adam was up instantly, with Randy right behind him.  Adam switched a lamp on.  Cyrus blinked in the sudden light.  "Adam!  What are you doing up?" he asked, sounding dazed.</div> <div> "Where have you been, Dr. Cyrus?" Adam asked.</div> <div> "Why, I was downstairs, and then I-I-" Cyrus stopped, apparently unable to think of a good story.  "Why are you up?" he asked again, instead.</div> <div> "Two men left your basement, Dr. Cyrus," Adam said, looking at Cyrus steadily.  </div> <div> Cyrus paled.  "T-two men?"</div> <div> "Yes-and one is John Yeager.  Why didn't you tell me that you know him?"  Adam crossed his arms, almost willing Cyrus to tell him the truth.</div> <div> "How do you know it was John Yeager?"</div> <div> "I followed him.  And I think the other man was Stokes." Cyrus seemed to stagger, and Adam reached out to steady him.  Randy had come into the room now, watching Cyrus suspiciously.  Adam helped Cyrus sit down.  His friend's hands were shaking visibly.  "Please," Adam whispered.  "We have been friends.  Please tell me what is going on.  Is that man Yeager hurting you?  Or threatening you?  Did he make you lie about Roxanne?"</div> <div> "No, Adam, no.  You've got it all wrong.  Yeager is helping me."</div> <div> "Helping you!"  Adam stood up abruptly.  He knew Cyrus was lying.</div> <div> "Yes-I know he's an unsavory type person, but he's participating in an experiment that I am doing-"</div> <div> "What kind of experiment?" Randy asked suspiciously.</div> <div> "It has to do with behavior-I do have to enlist the assistance of those that are of, well, questionable background."</div> <div> Adam looked at Cyrus with disbelief and then glanced over at Randy.  "He says he's got criminals helping him," Randy said sarcastically.</div> <div> "I nev-never said any such thing!" Cyrus protested indignantly.  He pushed himself to his feet.  "If you don't mind, I will turn in.  I'm not feeling very well."</div> <div> "Does John Yeager come and go as he pleases?" Adam asked, blocking the way.</div> <div> "He has my express permission to, yes," Cyrus replied, seeming to gather enough courage to look Adam in the eye.  Then he began to cough and wheeze.  "Really, you must excuse me-"</div> <div> "Why did you get up if you are not feeling well?" Adam demanded.</div> <div> "I thought the fresh air would do me good.  Excuse me-" This time, Cyrus pushed past Adam and headed for the stairs.</div> <div> After he'd gone upstairs, Randy shook his head.  "Man, this stinks to high heaven," he complained.  He sat heavily on the sofa.  Adam listened to Cyrus walk into his room and shut the door.  He could hear him pacing to and fro for a few minutes before everything became silent.  He wondered what Cyrus was up to.</div> <bR> <div> Cyrus was still upstairs when Randy and Adam decided to walk around Collinsport a little.  They had gone about a block when a car pulled up alongside them and stopped.  Looking over, Adam saw it was the sheriff's car, and his heart jumped into his throat.  Two men got out of the car, the sheriff and his deputy.  "Gentlemen, I'd like a word with you," the sheriff said.</div> <div> "We didn't do anything," Randy said immediately.</div> <div> "What makes you say a thing like that?"</div> <div> "Cops don't usually stop citizens without a reason."</div> <div> "You're not from around here, are you?  What's your name?"</div> <div> "Randy Drew.  This is Adam Knight."</div> <div> "Do you have any identification?"</div> <div> Both Randy and Adam pulled their wallets out.  Adam was relieved he had a legitimate license to show.  It didn't seem to satisfy the sheriff, though.  "New York?  You here on vacation?"</div> <div> "No, business," Randy objected.  "We're looking for my sister."</div> <div> "Your sister?" the sheriff looked at him sharply.  "Roxanne Drew?"</div> <div> Now both Randy and Adam both became animated, hoping the sheriff would become sympathetic.  "Yeah, that's right-she's my sister!  She's Adam's fiancée."</div> <div> "You know this is a police matter, don't you?  You could be interfering in an official investigation!" The sheriff didn't sound pleased at all.</div> <div> "Yes, but we're just trying to-" Adam began.</div> <div> "Do you have jobs here?" the sheriff interrupted.  Now he sounded downright hostile.</div> <div> "No-we live and work in New York, man," Randy explained.</div> <div> "Are you aware I could take you both in for vagrancy?"</div> <div> "<I>What?</I>" Randy exclaimed incredulously.  He burst out laughing.  </div> <div> "We are not vagrants," Adam said indignantly.</div> <div> "Really?  Where are you staying?"</div> <div> "With Dr. Cyrus."</div> <div> "Is that so?  Did he invite you?" the sheriff asked in a challenging manner.  "Shall I ask him?"</div> <div> "He's sleeping," Adam objected.</div> <div> "Okay, I've heard enough," the sheriff snapped, his hand going to his holster.  "Listen.  I could run you both in for vagrancy, but I'm not going to.  Instead, I'm going to escort you out of Collinsport.  I want you to drive south and keep going until you get back to New York."</div> <div> "Wait a damn minute-" Randy began.</div> <div> "No, sir, <I>you</I> wait a minute.  I don't think you'll like the jail cell here.  It's damp."</div> <div> Randy and Adam looked at each other and realized that the sheriff meant business.  They were going to have to go.  "Can I tell Dr. Cyrus?" Adam asked.</div> <div> "Call him," the sheriff responded.</div> <div> It was unbelievable.  Randy and Adam walked to the Ford Galaxy, both stunned and angry.  As they got into the car, Adam happened to look up into the eyes of Cyrus Longworth.  He froze.  Cyrus was standing at his bedroom window, holding the curtain back and watching impassively.  He sees-he could stop this, Adam thought.  As Cyrus continued to just watch, Adam realized with a sinking heart that his friend had no intention of interfering.  In fact, Adam suspected it was probably his friend who'd called the sheriff.</div> <div> He betrayed us, Adam thought sadly, getting into his car.  The sheriff and deputy got into the car.  The light on the roof of the car began to turn.  Adam knew he'd be expected to follow the sheriff.  He started the car and looked up at the window again.  Cyrus was gone.</div> <bR> <div> Adam stopped at a bar outside of Rockport and called the cannery. To his relief, Quentin was there.  He sounded sorry about what happened and apologized to Adam.  Feeling relieved that Quentin was still his friend, he poured out the whole story.  Quentin was shocked.  "You honestly think Cyrus called the sheriff?"</div> <div> "I think so," Adam said solemnly and told Quentin again that Cyrus watched the sheriff escort them out of town.</div> <div> "Why would he do that?"</div> <div> "Because he is not telling the truth about John Yeager and what really happened to Roxanne."</div> <div> "I don't like this," Quentin declared.  "I'm going to go talk to him about it."</div> <div> Adam was alarmed.  "No, Quentin-don't!  Maybe he knows what happened to Tony Peterson, too."</div> <div> "<I>Cyrus?</I>  Adam, come on-Cyrus?"</div> <div> "Please don't talk to Cyrus about it, Quentin," Adam begged, feeling a strong sense of foreboding.  "If you must do something, then ask the sheriff to watch the Eagle Tavern.   Yeager has been there."</div> <div> Quentin made a grumbling sound.  "Where are you going?  Back to Long Island?"</div> <div> Adam looked at Randy.  They hadn't talked about it yet.  "I don't know."  It did remind him of something.  "Quentin?  Please try to make it up with Maggie.  She needs you very much.  She loves you."</div> <div> There was a long silence.  Adam thought perhaps he'd angered Quentin and that his friend was trying to suppress an outburst.  Finally, Quentin spoke, sounding hurt.  "Does she?  She left me, Adam.  I called her, and she wouldn't talk to me."</div> <div> "She's frightened and upset.  She might be-" Adam stopped abruptly.  He thought it would be wrong to say Maggie was having a baby.  They weren't sure.  "She might be afraid that you are too angry with her," he said.  That part was reasonable-Quentin did have a terrible temper, and Adam was sure Maggie hadn't been spared from his rages.</div> <div> "All right," Quentin agreed gruffly.</div> <div> "I will call you when we know where we'll be staying," Adam said, and he and Quentin hung up.  He turned to Randy and stopped suddenly, seized by an almost overwhelming sensation of panic.  <I>Barnabas!</I> He thought.</div> <div> "Hey!  What's wrong with you!" Randy's voice sounded foggy.  He felt Randy grabbing at his arms.  "Hey, Adam, hey!"  He pitched forward, as everything seemed to go black around him.</div> <div> Adam came to, feeling Randy slapping at his cheeks.  He grabbed Randy's hand to stop him.  He still felt dizzy and Randy wasn't helping him any.  He felt a sense of wrongness, but he couldn't explain why he had the feeling.  "We have to go back," he whispered.</div> <div> "Collinsport?"</div> <div> "No-Long Island."</div> <div> "What!" Randy exclaimed, dismayed.  "What about Roxanne, man?"</div> <div> "We'll come back.  I need some medicine-I forgot it back there."</div> <div> "Medicine?" Randy asked, doubtfully.  "I never saw you take no medicine."</div> <div> "I haven't needed it for a long time.  I have to get it."  It occurred to Adam that he could call Cyrus-but he didn't think Cyrus would help him.  He suddenly felt that if he was dying, Cyrus still might not help him.  He began to feel panicky again.</div> <div> "You need a joint, Adam," Randy advised.  He pulled one out of his shirt pocket and lit it. </div> <div> "No," Adam objected, sitting up.  "I need to get my medicine.  Let's go-we can come back up here again when I've gotten my medicine."</div> <div> "Okay, man.  You got it.  I'll drive."</div> <div> Adam looked at Randy a little doubtfully.  Then, with determination, he pulled the joint out of Randy's mouth.  "Sober."</div> <div> "Man, don't crush it!" Randy yelled.  "All right, all right, just gimme the damn thing!"  He flicked off the lit end of the joint and put the rest of it back in his pocket, glaring irritably at Adam.  "Come on, man, let's go.  You don't look so good.  What've you got, anyway?"</div> <div> An evil presence following me, Adam felt like answering but he knew that wouldn't make any sense to Randy.  "Most of the time I feel fine," Adam said.  "I haven't needed any medicine in a long time."</div> <div> "Is it cancer?" Randy asked.</div> <div> Cancer-something bad that needed to be cut away.   That sounded about right, but cancer usually killed a person.  Adam hoped he wasn't going to die.  He had the strangest feeling that Barnabas was around.  "It's not cancer, but I get weak when this happens.  The medicine gives me strength."  When he'd first come here, he'd felt disoriented; he'd felt the bond between Barnabas and himself sever.  That was why he'd been on his way to Collinwood.  </div> <div> When he crossed to this world, he couldn't feel Barnabas anymore.  Even now-with the panicky feelings and the vague impressions-the impressions and feelings he was experiencing were almost like phantom emotions.  Dr. Cyrus had told him (when they were friends) that people who had their limbs amputated still felt pain-even though the body part was gone.  Adam understood the concept now.  The link that had once been was irritated, yet it no longer existed.  He was sure that Barnabas had crossed over to this place too, and that was very, very bad.</div> <div> The further they got from Collinsport, the better he began to feel.  By the time they were on the Ferry from New London to Orient Point, he felt fine.  He didn't want to admit it to Randy, though; he still wanted to get that medicine and have it-in case he needed it.</div> <bR> <div> Adam hoped to be able to return to Collinsport the following weekend, but time and circumstances conspired against him.  During the week, he and Randy still had classes; he still had a responsibility to Admiral Stuart.  Besides, Quentin had assured him on the phone that he was having the sheriff investigate John Yeager.  There was still no sign of Tony Peterson, and Quentin said he was beginning to suspect foul play.  No kidding, Adam thought dourly.  The other problem was that once they returned to Long Island, Randy began to drink and drug again.  His newfound concern for Roxanne was slipping away, and three weeks passed.  Now it was almost the end of April.</div> <div> It doesn't matter, Adam thought, I'll go back without him.  On the following Saturday morning, Maggie came knocking at his door.  He was surprised to see her.  She didn't want to come in; she wanted Adam to come and have breakfast with her at the Oconee Diner.</div> <div> She looked pale and unhappy.  Still, Adam asked, "How are you, Maggie?  Have you heard from Quentin?"</div> <div> Her eyes filled with tears.  "No.  I heard you've seen him and talked to him, though." When Adam looked surprised, Maggie explained, "Randy's at the house with Jenny.  I didn't feel comfortable staying."</div> <div> "Dan isn't home?" Adam guessed.</div> <div> "No-he's at the club again."  Maggie used her spoon to push the fresh fruit she'd ordered around the plate.  "I don't know if he knows what Jenny's doing.  Maybe he doesn't care.  Maybe he's doing it too."</div> <div> "That would be too bad," Adam said.</div> <div> Maggie smiled a little grimly.  "I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.  Jenny has always gotten bored with the boys quickly.  I guess she's even bored with her husband."</div> <div> "Perhaps she is lonely," Adam suggested.</div> <div> "'All the lonely people, where do they all come from?'" Maggie quoted from "Eleanor Rigby".</div> <div> Adam had heard that song by a group called The Beatles.  It was very sad.  "I am lonely, too," he said.  "I miss Roxanne.  And you are-you miss Quentin."</div> <div> "He doesn't miss me, though, does he?" Maggie asked, despairingly.  "He hasn't called again."</div> <div> "He is stubborn, like a mule," Adam stated.  "He misses you.  He is too stupid to make the first move, Maggie.  Why don't you call?"</div> <div> A tear rolled down Maggie's cheek.  "I have.  He hasn't returned my calls."</div> <div> "Has not returned--?" Adam found that incredible.  Then a thought struck him.  "Who answers the phone?  That woman called Hoffman?"</div> <div> "Yes-why?"</div> <div> "Perhaps she is not giving him the messages."</div> <div> "Oh," Maggie scoffed.  "I can't imagine that she'd do such a thing.  He would fire her."</div> <div> "She doesn't work for him."</div> <div> Maggie's mouth popped open.  "What an odd thing to say, Adam!"</div> <div> He had a far-away look.  He had a thought, a feeling that he was trying to grasp but it was gone.  He shook his head.  "I can't explain it, Maggie, but that woman is not right in her head.  She is against you.  You must be careful of her."</div> <div> "Well," Maggie shrugged a little, "I don't think I have to worry about her.  I guess Alexis is firmly in place."</div> <div> "Quentin is a fool," Adam muttered.</div> <div> "No, no-it's me that was the fool.  Adam, I don't belong in his world.  I don't fit there."</div> <div> "Now you are being foolish!"</div> <div> "No-really, Adam.  You know that my mother is in Rushmore.  I didn't tell you about my father.  He worked at the cannery.  He wanted to be an artist, but he just-well, he didn't.  And he drank.  He and my mother would fight-terrible fights when I was a child.  I used to hide in my room, listening to them, and I'd feel so afraid-"</div> <div> "I'm sorry, Maggie.  Did you tell Quentin?"</div> <div> "How could I?  He wouldn't understand that.  That's not the way his family is."</div> <div> Adam looked at her with wonder.  How could two people in love know so little about each other?  "That is not what he told me."</div> <div> "He told you things?" Maggie asked.  More tears fell. "Why won't he talk to me?"</div> <div> "I don't think he knows how.  He feels he has to hide his feelings when he is afraid or sad."</div> <div> "Why-I used to feel that way, too," Maggie marveled.  "I always felt like I couldn't let Mama and Pop know how scared or lonely I felt-I always felt I was adding on to their problems."</div> <div> "You and Quentin need to be helping each other," Adam advised.  "If you talk to each other, you'll see how much you can help each other.  You'll grow closer."</div> <div> "Maybe you're right," Maggie said softly.  "I do have to talk to him about-things."</div> <div> "I was planning to go back to Collinwood, Maggie.  Maybe you can return with me," Adam suggested.  Maggie looked thoughtful.  Adam paid for breakfast and drove her back to the cottage, where she'd left her car.  Randy's Harley was there.  </div> <div> Adam could see Jennifer pacing to and fro in front of the cottage.  Randy sat on a folding chair outside the door, relaxed, smoking a cigarette.  They both looked up as Adam drove into the driveway.  Jennifer looked relieved, but she approached the car on the run.  "Maggie, Maggie!  You've got to get back to Collinwood-quick!  Quentin's had some kind of heart attack or something!"</div> <div> Maggie blanched and collapsed.  "Jennifer!" Adam shouted angrily, rushing to Maggie's side.  He picked her up in his arms.  "Why did you tell her like that?"</div> <div> "I wasn't thinking!" Jennifer exclaimed, distraught.  "I forgot about the baby-she's not like me, I guess."</div> <div> "No," Adam answered shortly.  </div> <div> Mrs. Stuart opened the back door.  "What's happened?  Is she all right?  Bring her in here, Adam!"</div> <div> Adam turned obediently and carried Maggie into the Stuarts' house.  He carried Maggie to the living room and gently placed her on the sofa.  Admiral Stuart watched, wide-eyed, as everyone came in.  Jennifer knelt beside Maggie, who'd begun to rouse.  She opened her eyes and looked around in confusion. She sat up abruptly.  "I have to go!" she exclaimed. </div> <div> "What's happened?"  Mrs. Stuart asked.</div> <div>      "What happened to Quentin?" Maggie asked at the same time.</div> <div>      "Some kind of an attack, I don't know-" Jennifer explained.  "I got a call from that housekeeper.  She said it was an emergency."</div> <div>      "I'd better call," Maggie exclaimed, her face extremely pale.</div> <div>      "You don't look well," Mrs. Stuart observed.  "Maybe we should be getting a doctor for you."</div> <div>      "I'm fine-I think I'm pregnant, but I'm fine," Maggie replied.  "Please-may I use your phone?"</div> <div>      "Of course!" Mrs. Stuart exclaimed.  Maggie got up and followed her a little unsteadily so Jennifer moved quickly to her side to support her if she needed it.</div> <div>      "This is wrongful," Admiral Stuart commented. Adam thought he meant everything was a mess-he had no idea how right he was.  He looked out the side window and saw the Randy hadn't moved.  He shook his head.  He could hear Maggie speaking on the phone for a few minutes.</div> <div>      When she came back into the living room, she asked Adam:  "Would you please drive me back to Jenny's so I can get my things? I've got to fly back.  Quentin's ill."</div> <div>      "Of course," Adam agreed, thinking this was the best thing that could happen.  Quentin and Maggie should be together.  Jennifer elected to ride back in Adam's car.  She whispered to Randy for a few minutes and kissed him before climbing into the back seat.  Adam fought down his feelings of revulsion, wondering what Jennifer was going to do about her own baby.</div> <div>      As he drove to the airport, he spoke to Maggie reassuringly, telling her that everything would be all right if she would only talk to Quentin and encourage him to talk to her.  As an afterthought, as she was leaving to get on the plane, Adam added-without quite understanding why-"Try to get him to leave with you."</div> <div>      Maggie looked startled, but she nodded quickly.  She and Jennifer gave each other quick hugs and then Maggie was walking down the corridor to board her plane.  I'll be there soon, Adam thought at her.  She turned suddenly and waved.  It was as if she'd heard him and was reassured.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="id102.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vortex"><U>Vortex</U></A>    <A HREF="id103.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Den of Vipers"><U>Den of Vipers</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id85.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Adam in Parallel Time"><U>Adam in Parallel Time</U></A>     <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cassies Writing"><U>Cassie's Writing</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>