17: Breach of Trust

<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="id109.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="1: Stolen Memories"><U><B>1:  Stolen Memories</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id110.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2: A Complex Puzzle"><U><B>2:  A Complex Puzzle</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id111.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="3: Peeling the Onion"><U><B>3:  Peeling the Onion</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id112.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="4: Secrets Revealed"><U><B>4:  Secrets Revealed</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id113.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="5: Going Home Again"><U><B>5:  Going Home Again</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id114.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="6: ThingintheBox"><U><B>6:  Thing-in-the-Box</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id116.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="7: Challenging the Leviathan"><U><B>7:  Challenging the Leviathan</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id117.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="8: Circling the Wagons"><U><B>8:  Circling the Wagons</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id118.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="9: Jebs Curse"><U><B>9:  Jeb's Curse</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id119.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="10: Spell of Jealousy"><U><B>10:  Spell of Jealousy</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id120.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="11: Carrying the Weight"><U><B>11:  Carrying the Weight</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id121.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="12: A Fiendish New Year"><U><B>12:  A Fiendish New Year</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id122.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="13: Barnabas Crisis"><U><B>13:  Barnabas' Crisis</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id123.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="14: Barnabas in Parallel Time"><U><B>14:  Barnabas in Parallel Time</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id124.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="15: Clues to Disaster"><U><B>15:  Clues to Disaster</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="16: Demons Possession"><U><B>16:  Demon's Possession</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><B>17:  Breach of Trust</B><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id127.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="18: Labyrinth of Emotions"><U><B>18:  Labyrinth of Emotions</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id128.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="19: The Amanda Dilemma"><U><B>19:  The Amanda Dilemma</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id129.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="20: Ziganas Cure"><U><B>20:  Zigana's Cure</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id130.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="21: The Approaching Storm"><U><B>21:  The Approaching Storm</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id131.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="22: Enigma at Collinwood"><U><B>22:  Enigma at Collinwood</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id132.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="23: Reunion in Hell"><U><B>23:  Reunion in Hell</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id133.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="24: Scattered Through Time"><U><B>24:  Scattered Through Time</B></U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>17:  Breach of Trust</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id107.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Alternate Destiny"><U><B>Alternate Destiny</B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> The next day, Quentin saw Gerard again.  After Roger left for the cannery, Elliot Stokes and Angelique arrived, and the three allies went into the library to read the texts and plan their next moves.  Quentin had been hearing a tapping sound at the window but assumed it was just Willie, puttering around.  Finally, annoyed, he looked toward the window and saw the evil ghost of Gerard glaring balefully at him through the window.<I> You cannot stop me</I>, he heard a voice say clearly in his mind.<I> Daphne wants to see you, Quentin.  She forgives you for causing her death.  Come outside.  You want to see her, don't you?</I></div> <div> "Quentin?" Stokes asked.</div> <div> Quentin barely heard him, so mesmerized was he by the eyes of Gerard - no, Judah.  Suddenly, Angelique stood up.  He heard her begin a chant, calling upon some<I>thing</I> to come to their assistance.  He heard Stokes' voice join in, but he couldn't understand a single word they were saying.  He felt for a moment like he was in a tug of war, with his friends pulling on one arm and Gerard/Judah pulling on the other.  With that image in his head, he felt the evil spirit let go.  He was flung across the room, hitting his head painfully on the wall.</div> <div> Disoriented, he looked up into Stokes' face.  He realized that his head was in Angelique's lap.  "He's all right," Stokes announced.  He could feel Stokes fingers on his wrist.</div> <div> "What happened?" Quentin asked.</div> <div> "We have to be on our guard at all times," Stokes answered in a shaky voice.  "Judah Zachary made an attempt to possess you again."</div> <div> "We must move quickly now that he is aware that we are plotting against him," Angelique declared.  "I suggest that we work until we have everything in place."</div> <div> "You're right.  I'll have to use the staircase, and you both must be strong enough to keep Judah from me.  Do you think you'll be able to?"</div> <div> "I'll get Quentin ready," Angelique answered in a determined voice.</div> <div> "What, lying around again?" Willie asked from the doorway.  He came in with a full tray of sandwiches, fruit, and sodas.</div> <div> "Very funny," Quentin snapped, getting to his feet.  He felt a little wobbly and was embarrassed when Angelique and Stokes had to reach out to steady him.</div> <div> "Mr. Loomis, we are going to make our attempt today," Stokes began in a genial voice.  He had Willie's attention.</div> <div> "All right, what do you need me to do?" Willie asked in a perfectly tractable tone.  Stokes appeared to know how to handle him in just the right manner.</div> <div> "We've seen the spirit of Judah Zachary manifest himself again today," Stokes explained.  "That is why we must move quickly. I think under the circumstances, we'll need your `muscle' as it were."</div> <div> "Just let me know what you want an when you want it, Professor," Willie replied agreeably.  He looked nervously at the three of them, nodded, and retreated to the kitchen.</div> <div> "How do you do that?"  Quentin asked.</div> <div> "Do what?"</div> <div> "Have that little twerp eating out of your hand like that?"</div> <div> Stokes laughed.  "First of all, my friend, I don't think of him or refer to him as a `little twerp'.  I find that when you treat people the way they'd like to be treated you can ensure their cooperation."</div> <div> That was reasonable, and Quentin felt mildly ashamed of himself for the things he'd said and done to provoke Willie.  At the same time, he knew that Willie would never like or trust him so there wasn't any point in trying to be nice to him.  <I>At least</I>, Quentin thought, <I>I don't think there's any point</I>.  Maybe he was wrong about that, though.  Angelique had gone to the tray and began handing around sandwiches.  She looked thoughtful, as if considering Stokes' words.  What she said, though, was:   "We'd better eat."</div> <div> "Thank you, my dear," Stokes said, gratefully, accepting a sandwich from Angelique.  "I came across something interesting.  I need to ask you both about this.  Apparently Barnabas Collins has disappeared." Angelique had handed Quentin a sandwich.  He was preparing to take a bite and froze.  Angelique dropped her own sandwich back on the plate.  They both looked at Stokes with wide eyes.  "This is not good news, I am sure.  I need to know how vulnerable Barnabas is."</div> <div> "What do you mean?" Angelique hedged.</div> <div> "I think you know, my dear."</div> <div> "I'm afraid I don't," Angelique retorted.  "Would you excuse me, please?"  She left the room abruptly, and Quentin cursed her.  He was sure she was going off to cast a spell to find out what had happened to Barnabas, but this was leaving him alone with the professor.  He bit into his sandwich, taking a huge bite.  Chewing slowly, he hoped to give himself plenty of time to think up a good cover story.</div> <div> Stokes looked at him sharply.  "Quentin, I was hoping we would all finally be honest with each other.  You told me the truth about yourself, and I am very grateful for that.  Let me say this-you don't have to betray your cousin Barnabas.  There is something that I have suspected for a long time, but I have never confirmed it."</div> <div> "Oh?" Quentin asked, his mouth half full. So far the professor hadn't asked him to reveal anything, but he had a feeling it was inevitable.  Stokes' words alarmed him, too.</div> <div> "I have never wanted my suspicions confirmed," Stokes said softly. "I consider Barnabas a friend.  Julia seemed reasonably safe, and although I complained bitterly that they kept secrets from me I must admit that I was glad of it.  I didn't want to know the truth.  It's necessary now, though, Quentin, surely you must see that?"  Quentin nodded slowly.  "All right.  Barnabas is a vampire, isn't he?"</div> <div> At that, Quentin swallowed quickly and began to cough violently as a piece of the sandwich went down the wrong way. It quickly came back up, but his esophagus was irritated and so he continued to cough, his face turning a bright red.  Stokes sat and watched him.  He did pick up Quentin's coke and handed it to him.  Quentin gulped at the drink, which seemed to help.  Finally he asked, partly to buy time, "Weren't you concerned at all that I'd choke to death?"</div> <div> Stokes smiled mildly.  "Not as long as you were coughing, my young friend.  You were in no danger of choking to death.  Keep that in mind next time you are tempted to thump someone on the back when they choke on a bit of food.  You only have to be concerned when one is unable to cough, because that means the airway is truly blocked."</div> <div> "Is that so?"  This was news to Quentin.</div> <div> "Yes.  Now, I know that you are trying to deflect me and turn my attention away from Barnabas.  I really need you to answer my question.  You are not betraying anyone.  I am only asking you to confirm what I already know to be true."</div> <div> "If you know it, why do you need me to?" Quentin asked.  He was very reluctant to admit the truth about Barnabas without making sure it was all right with his cousin first.</div> <div> "I don't, I suppose.  I thought we should all trust each other."  Stokes looked at Quentin steadily.  "It would be most helpful to me to know for sure whether or not I am correct.  I would not tell Barnabas or Julia that I know the secret, Quentin."</div> <div> Quentin considered.  If Barnabas was missing, he might be in danger-or worse.  And if Stokes was going back in time, the more he knew the better.  "All right, Elliot.  You're right."</div> <div> "Thank you, Quentin."  Stokes looked immensely relieved.</div> <div> "For what?" Angelique demanded from the doorway.  She looked from one to the other.  "Oh, Quentin!" she exclaimed, sounding reproachful.  "Barnabas is quite all right.  You'll see that once you go back, Professor." She turned to him.  "You must never tell him."</div> <div> "I have already assured Quentin that I would not."</div> <div> "Good. "  Angelique looked at Quentin again.  "I need to teach you what to do to help me keep Judah away while Professor Stokes goes back.  First, we will invoke the staircase to appear.  I don't know how long that will take.  I can tell you, though, that Judah will fight us each step of the way."</div> <div> "Okay, Teach," Quentin said, with a false bravado.</div> <div> "Don't worry, you're an apt pupil in more ways than one," Angelique assured him with a smile, and he smiled back.  Stokes asked Willie to take him to a guestroom so that he could meditate, and Angelique worked with Quentin.  His head swam with the amount of information she was giving him.  "Don't worry," Angelique soothed him when she saw he was beginning to become agitated.  "You're doing fine, Quentin.   Remember that your purpose is to support me.  You primary purpose is to-" she paused, trying to think of an analogy.</div> <div> "I'm supposed to keep you from getting sacked," Quentin said helpfully.</div> <div> She frowned.  "Sacked?"</div> <div> "Did you ever watch football?"</div> <div> "Football?"</div> <div> "Don't worry-I know what you mean."</div> <div> "I knew you would, darling.  Come here, then," Angelique said softly.  She put her hands on either side of his face and moved closer to him so that she could kiss him.  Her lips were softly demanding and, as usual, he found himself responding to her.  "We have some time, Quentin.  Let's go upstairs."  He didn't need to be asked twice.</div> <bR> <div> Professor Stokes called Roger and asked him to make it an early day, explaining what it was he wanted to do.  Quentin wasn't sure it was a good idea; he wasn't sure how much Roger would be able to help.  "It's not fair to depend on Willie Loomis alone," Stokes said.  "We must have help."  He made another call and announced in a pleased tone that Sebastian Shaw was going to drive over and help, too.</div> <div>             "Who's that?" Quentin asked.  He had a vague memory of a hippie hanging around but thought that must be some kind of hallucination on his part.</div> <div>             "So you don't remember Sebastian either?" Stokes asked.</div> <div>             "I'll explain," Angelique said quickly.  "If you would stay here and explain what's necessary to Willie, Roger, and Sebastian, I'll talk with Quentin in the library."  She led him into the next room.  "You don't remember what happened to Maggie, do you?"</div> <div>      He narrowed his eyes at her.  "Do you mean other than that damn love spell?"</div> <div>      "Of course I mean other than that!"  Angelique snapped irritably.  "Do you remember Roxanne Drew?"</div> <div>      "The girl Barnabas fell in love with in that Alice in fucking Wonderland room?"</div> <div>      "Not exactly.  This woman <I>looked</I> like that Roxanne, but she was a-"</div> <div>      Suddenly he remembered.  "A vampire!  She was after Maggie-I remember I walked in when Maggie was ready to go to her, and I thought it was a man because of the hat-" He stopped, suddenly remembering something.</div> <div>      "What is it, Quentin?" Angelique asked quietly, encouraging him.</div> <div>      "Uh-they couldn't bring themselves to stake her, so Julia had Willie and me bring her-oh, shit! She's in the secret room off the drawing room!"</div> <div>      "Ssh!  Yes, that's right-but she's entirely safe.  She's bolted in and there is a cross on her breast-do you remember?"</div> <div>      He remembered struggling through the woods with Willie and the coffin.  They argued the entire way, cursing and threatening each other.  "Is there anything else I need to know?  Is Maggie all right?"</div> <div>      "She will recover, and she has Sebastian to look after her now."</div> <div>      He looked away, his face flaming.  He always felt guilty when he thought of Maggie now, although he understood that what happened between them wasn't his fault.  It was Angelique's.  He looked at her with some resentment.  She looked back at him, steadily.<I> I can't believe this!  After everything she's done, here I am fucking her again, too!</I>  She kept looking at him, even though her own face flushed red with resentment and anger too.  He felt confused then.  <I>She helped me get my sanity back.  She's been nothing but nice since all this…</I> He found himself reaching out to touch her hair.  "This Sebastian is a good guy then, huh?"</div> <div>      "I think we can say he's an ally now that Roxanne isn't controlling him anymore," Angelique replied, mollified.</div> <div>      "Is there anything else I need to know?" he asked gently, putting his arms around her and pulling her into his embrace.</div> <div>      "Just be careful, darling-if I can think of anything else, I'll tell you."</div> <div>      "You've got to be careful, too."  They kissed again.  He held her hand as they left the room to meet the others and go to the ruins of Collinwood.</div> <bR> <div>      Much later, Quentin fell into a deep sleep of exhaustion.  Angelique sat up in the bed with his head resting in her lap, keeping watch for a few hours.  Later, she would wake him and then she would rest, too.  Professor Stokes had been gone for just a little over two hours; they had all spent an interminable period of time fighting off the enraged spirit of Judah Zachary so that Stokes could get down the staircase safely.  The spirit had not given up easily, waging both a psychological and physical war.  Objects flew through the air even as Angelique, Quentin, and Sebastian felt assaults upon their minds.  As they fought Judah off with counter-spells, Roger and Willie retrieved, caught, and removed the flying objects.</div> <div>      Once Stokes was safely out of sight, the five retreated from Collinwood.  Willie said to Quentin grudgingly, "Ya done good for a change."</div> <div>      As tired as he was, Quentin felt he could try to be nice.  "You did, too, Willie.  Actually, you do damn good most of the time.  Barnabas is lucky to have you."</div> <div>      Willie looked at his suspiciously and then, seeing no malice or mockery, relaxed and smiled shyly.</div> <div>      There was no rest for them at the Old House yet.  "He'll try to get at us here-especially now," Angelique warned.  They all had to get busy treating the whole building with runes and other signs of magic to protect them from the wrath of Judah Zachary.  Mrs. Johnson didn't understand any of it but didn't complain or fuss.  She was more frightened than she let on, silently going about her business as the men followed Angelique's instructions.</div> <div>      Before falling into his exhausted slumber, Quentin asked:  "What now?"</div> <div>      "There are some spells only I can cast.  You and Sebastian can help but-I am the only one who can call on the Dark Powers to help.  It won't be easy, because Judah Zachary is favored above me.  If we succeed, then we watch-and we wait for something to happen."  Angelique paused and then went on, "I think you should help me with Carolyn."</div> <div>      Carolyn-still locked up in Windcliff.  "Dr. Longworth, too?" Quentin asked.</div> <div>      "Yes, we'll work that combination of psychiatry and witchcraft Professor Stokes told you about."</div> <div>      Quentin smiled as he shut his eyes.  "You told me about it first, remember?"</div> <div>      Angelique brushed his hair with her fingers.  "Chicago," she said softly.  She kissed his forehead.  "Sleep now, darling.  I'll wake you soon enough."</div> <div>      In spite of everything, he thought, he would trust her with his life.  He slept.</div> <bR> <div>      In the weeks that followed, Quentin and Sebastian helped Angelique cast various spells in and around Collinwood.  They didn't always understand what they were doing, but Angelique's confidence in her own abilities was sufficient that they followed her orders without question.  At times, she seemed irritable with their presence and would snap angrily at them:  "Oh, leave me alone for a few minutes for the love of God!"</div> <div>      Once, when Sebastian seemed offended, Quentin defended her by explaining, "She's used to working alone."</div> <div>      "That may be, but we've all got to help each other now!"</div> <div>      "She knows that - she is doing the best she can.  Look, just put up with it for Maggie's sake, all right?"  At that Sebastian smiled and visibly relaxed.  Quentin resented him momentarily - he at least knew where his loved one was.</div> <div>      Once when Angelique seemed about to collapse with fatigue, Quentin put his arms around her.  She slapped him sharply, the first time she'd hit him since he confronted her about the spell.  Shocked, he let her go and backed away.  She turned away, looking furious.  She didn't apologize, stalking off and sitting in a chair in what was left of the drawing room.  Sebastian looked at him sympathetically but prudently kept his mouth shut.</div> <div>      Later, she came to him and while she still didn't apologize to him she stroked his cheek and covered his body with light, feathery kisses.  It was her way of making up, he realized and relaxed, allowing himself to respond to her.  As she climbed onto him, she looked into his eyes and whispered, "It's almost over, darling.  We'll go to Carolyn tomorrow."</div> <div>      In the morning, Quentin woke up alone.  He knew he would meet Angelique some time after Roger left for the cannery.  He came down the stairs and met Roger on his way out.  "Ah, Quentin," his cousin said in a distracted manner.  He looked upset about something.  He hesitated before the door and then asked, "When do you think this might be over?"</div> <div>      "I don't know," Quentin answered truthfully.</div> <div>      "It's just that-" Roger stopped and sighed.  "I'm to give a speech for the opening of the Historical Society.  What am I supposed to say when my whole family is missing?"</div> <div>      "I don't know," Quentin said again.  He'd had no idea any of this was going on.  He was about to ask when Roger was supposed to give his speech, but Roger sighed again and left without another word.  <I>Shit</I>, Quentin thought.  <I>Something's got to happen soon!</I></div> <div>      After he'd eaten, he went outside and, sure enough, he found Angelique on the path nearby.  "Are you ready to go?" she asked.</div> <div>      "Roger's supposed to give a speech-" Quentin began.</div> <div>      "I know - don't worry.  Everything will be all right."</div> <div>      "It will?"</div> <div>      "Can't you feel it, Quentin?  The turning point - Judah Zachary is trapped.  It's almost over." Angelique looked sad.  Her shoulders drooped.</div> <div>      "What's wrong?" he asked.</div> <div>      She smiled wanly.  "It's just taken so much energy out of me, darling.  I think I'll need to go away and recuperate after this."  Before he could ask her anything else, she said:  "Let's go to Windcliff, Quentin.  We've got to help Carolyn now."</div> <div>      Quentin took Angelique out to Windcliff on his motorcycle.  Dr. Longworth met them and said, "It's good to see you looking so well, Mr. Collins.  Let's see what we can do to help your cousin."  Quentin felt a little guilty that no one had been to see Carolyn in all these weeks and consoled himself with the knowledge that they'd been very preoccupied with Judah Zachary.</div> <div>      Dr. Longworth took them to another padded room, and Quentin suppressed a shudder.  He unlocked the door to let them in.  When he saw Carolyn, curled in a corner with her head down, Quentin felt as if his heart would break.  "Carolyn?" he said softly.</div> <div>      Carolyn looked at him.  "Quentin!" she exclaimed, with a cry of joy.  Her hair was disheveled, and she looked as if she hadn't had a bath or a shower.  She got up and threw herself at Quentin, who caught her easily.  She was crying hard.  "Quentin!"</div> <div>      Quentin looked at Dr. Longworth in angry accusation.  "Why is she like this?  She knows me!"</div> <div>      "She has some periods of time when she is lucid," Dr. Longworth answered calmly.</div> <div>      "Doesn't anyone take care of her?" Quentin snapped, holding Carolyn close despite the unclean odor on her.  He wondered if she'd soiled herself.</div> <div>      "Yes, of course, Mr. Collins - it just isn't always easy!" Dr. Longworth exclaimed defensively.  "Miss Stoddard, how are you?"</div> <div>      Quentin felt her stiffen in his arms.  "Why are you calling me that?" she demanded in an angry, strident voice. It sounded familiar to him-from another time.  He suddenly realized she sounded like Pansy Faye.  "'Ere, I toldja I wanted to be called by my right name, luv!"</div> <div>      "And what is that?" Dr. Longworth asked.</div> <div>      Carolyn stamped her foot in aggravation.  "Leticia, luv! `Ow many times do I `ave to keep tellin you that?"</div> <div>      Quentin looked at Angelique with dismay.  She looked back at him impassively.  "We have work to do," she said quietly.  Quentin wasn't very helpful the first day. He found he couldn't stand to be in the room with Dr. Longworth and Angelique.  While Angelique was busy chanting over Carolyn's struggling, screaming body, Dr. Longworth was practicing a method of confrontation with her that jangled Quentin's nerves.</div> <div>      He looked up guiltily when they finally came into the waiting room, but neither seemed angry with him.  Dr. Longworth did say, "It would be helpful if you could stay with us, Mr. Collins.  Hold her.  You're a familiar face - someone she loves.  She would be someone for you to hold on to."  The next day, when they went back, Quentin closed his ears to the others and held the struggling Carolyn much as he'd tried to restrain Nora many times all those years ago.  Dr. Longworth and Angelique continued to practice whatever "magic" they could.</div> <div>      As Carolyn kicked, screamed, and protested, Quentin would whisper to her that she would be all right.  "I love you Carolyn.  We just want you to get well, that's all."  At times, she would quiet down when he whispered to her, and she really seemed to be listening.  Once or twice she would become herself, and they would have a few lucid moments of conversation.</div> <div>      A few days went by.  One morning, Angelique said:  "Before we go to Windcliff today, Quentin, I have to talk to you about a few things.  Something is about to happen - I can feel it, can't you?"</div> <div>      He could.  There wasn't such a sinister feel to Collinwood anymore.  "What do you need to talk about?"</div> <div>      "Carolyn will be well enough to bring home.  Friday is the day of the dedication in Collinsport.  When you bring Carolyn home, you'll find that things are - different.  I thought about taking your memory away, but there may be questions you need to answer - from Barnabas and Julia."</div> <div>      "They're coming back!"</div> <div>      "I don't know exactly when, darling, but yes - they are."  Angelique hesitated.  "The danger isn't over totally, Quentin.  Later on, you'll reunite with Beth-" Quentin became agitated when he heard these words, wanting to ask her questions - when?  Could she help bring Beth back?  Angelique covered his mouth with her fingers.  "Listen to me," she admonished, but he barely heard her next words.  "I know you've been sleeping with Amanda Harris, but I must warn you -- she could be a serious danger.  You must resist her."</div> <div>      "Yes, yes," he said impatiently, ignoring everything she said.  "What about Beth?"</div> <div>      Angelique's eyes flashed impatiently.  "I don't <I>know</I> exactly about Beth, just that you'll see her again - and no, I can't help you!  I have extended myself already and I am past exhaustion."</div> <div>      "Gee thanks," he said bitterly.  "Everyone's always got enough energy for Barnabas, but when it comes to me-"</div> <div>      "Shut your mouth!" she hissed, suddenly furious.  "I could slap you for that!"  She started to say something else but then turned away from him.  "Go on, Dr. Longworth is waiting for you."</div> <div>      "Aren't you coming?"</div> <div>      "No!" She was practically shouting at him.  "Weren't you listening?  You are going to find things different here!  I have work to do!  Now, go!"</div> <div>      "Fine!" he snapped back at her.  He turned and strode away from her, thinking<I> Fuck you, anyway!  Don't think you're getting in my bed tonight!</I>  He had no idea that she would be gone when he returned and that he wouldn't see her again for a very long time.</div> <div>      Dr. Longworth met him in the waiting room as usual, but this time they didn't go to the rubber room.  Dr. Longworth took him down the hall toward one of the rooms Quentin had stayed in.  "Things will be a little different today," Dr. Longworth explained.  "You should know now what the cover story is when Miss Stoddard comes back to us.  We're to tell her that she's been in a car accident and was in a coma first.  When she came out of it, she had amnesia."</div> <div>      "Who decided that?" Quentin asked, but he already knew.</div> <div>      Carolyn was resting quietly on the bed when they came in to see her.  She opened her eyes and looked at Quentin with confusion in her eyes.  "What am I doing here?"</div> <div>      Quentin turned toward the doctor.  "She started to remember?"</div> <div>      "This morning - I've been working with her since.  I could use some help."</div> <div>      Quentin sat beside Carolyn and took her hand in his.  He noticed that her hair was shiny clean and brushed back and that she'd bathed - or been bathed.  "Do you remember who I am?"</div> <div>      "You're Quentin," Carolyn answered promptly, her eyes filling with tears.  "Why am I here?  Where's my mother?"</div> <div>      Quentin couldn't answer.  Dr. Longworth said smoothly, "Don't worry, Carolyn -you'll see your mother shortly.  Do you remember what I told you about the accident?"</div> <div>      "I know what you've told me - but I don't remember anything about it at all!" she exclaimed, distressed.  She looked at Quentin.  "I thought you were in New York?"</div> <div>      "I came back to see you," he managed to answer, his voice thick with emotion.  She really was back.</div> <div>      "I've been in some kind of coma all this time?" she asked, distressed.  "I just don't remember!"</div> <div>      "It's all right, Carolyn," Quentin reassured her.  "Your - your family is going to be re-relieved to hear that you're so much better today."</div> <div>      "How would you like to go home?" Dr. Longworth asked, as Quentin whirled in alarm.  The doctor saw the look on Quentin's face and smoothly amended,  "If you continue to do well, we could discharge you tomorrow."</div> <div>      <I>Tomorrow! </I> Quentin thought.  <I>Does he know something I don't?</I></div> <div>      "I'd like that," Carolyn said faintly.  She looked at Quentin again.  "Would you call my mother and tell her I'd like to see her?"</div> <div>      "Uh-" Quentin began, stuttering.  He felt the doctor nudge him.  "S-sure!"  </div> <div>      "Let me talk to you about what's happened since you've been here," the doctor was saying, and Quentin found himself listening.  <I>Angelique might have told me this part, the bitch,</I> he thought with resentment.  He was going to tell her off.  Even if they'd had an argument, she should have thought of Carolyn and warned him about all this.  "Your mother took the children on an extended vacation over the holidays.  They've only come back recently - when I called to let them know that you were coming out of your coma.  Before that, Carolyn, your mother was here day after day at your side.  She wasn't getting any rest, and I must admit that she left only because I insisted."</div> <div>      "Of course she'd do that," Carolyn whispered.  "I'm glad you did."</div> <div>      Quentin kept his eyes on Carolyn, awed by the doctor's ability to prevaricate so easily.  <I>He'd give me a run for the money in the lying department, </I>he thought.  "You know your mother," Quentin said gruffly.  "It was hard enough to keep your Uncle Roger away."  He looked at the doctor, wondering if that was all right.  The doctor nodded imperceptibly and left the room. Quentin stayed with Carolyn for a couple of hours, until he was sure that she was really all right.  He made up some stories about Chris, Sabrina and the fun they'd had over the winter; really, he had no idea whether Chris was alive and well or not.  He hadn't even thought to call.</div> <div>      He met the doctor in the hallway.  "I'm going back to Collinwood," Quentin explained.  "I really thought Angelique would meet me here and explain what's going on.  I don't know what I'm going to find there."</div> <div>      The doctor nodded sympathetically.  "It would've been better if Angelique were here to help guide you.  I think it's difficult for her because she's become fond of you."</div> <div>      "What?" Quentin was dismayed.</div> <div>      "She's confided some things to me," the doctor answered.  "She knows you're married."  There was no disapproval in his voice.  "Look, Mr. Collins, all I can advise you to do is just roll with the punches.  You'll find your way."</div> <div>      "Gee thanks," Quentin muttered.  "I feel like I'm walking through an earthquake."</div> <div>      "Just mind where the earth opens up," the doctor cautioned with an odd smile.</div> <div>      Quentin looked at him sharply, wondering if he knew what he was talking about.  The doctor chose not to say anything else.  When Quentin rode up the driveway on his bike, he nearly fell over in shock.  In front on him, Collinwood stood - totally restored and looking as if nothing different had happened to it.  His heart began pounding wildly and he felt dizzy.  He got off the bike and put the kickstand down, staring at the huge mansion.  <I>It's like nothing happened!  We really pulled it off!</I>  Slowly he walked toward the door, half-afraid that the whole thing was an illusion.</div> <div>      He opened the door slowly and stepped in cautiously.  Everything looked exactly as it had when he'd returned after New Year's.  <I>Far fucking out!</I>  He shut the door softly behind himself and went slowly into the foyer.  He stopped short, staring.  Elizabeth sat in the drawing room, reading a book.  She seemed very restless, as though she was having trouble concentrating.</div> <div>      "Mr. Collins, what's wrong?  Why are you just standing there?"  Mrs. Johnson asked, at his elbow.  He jumped.  "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you!"</div> <div>      Elizabeth turned and got to her feet swiftly. She looked very worried. "Oh, Quentin!  How was Carolyn?"</div> <div>      "Oh, she's better - we had a nice long conversation," Quentin replied, feeling as if he was in a dream. <I>Elizabeth was dead, and now she's alive.</I></div> <div>      "You're so pale!" Elizabeth exclaimed, going to him and grabbing his hands.  "And your hands are so cold!  Did she really understand why I couldn't go to see her this afternoon?" <I>I have no idea why she didn't go! What am I supposed to say?</I>  Fortunately, she went on, "Willie is an excellent mechanic but he's only just finished fixing the fuel pump or - whatever your call it!"</div> <div>      Ah!  "Of course she understood," Quentin lied.  "She knows you can't sit on the back of my motorcycle.  That's why my hands are cold - I wasn't wearing my gloves."</div> <div>      "In this weather!  Really, Quentin!  It's not really spring yet!" Elizabeth fussed at him.  "And Roger just was unable to get away because he's still tied up in a meeting with the Village Board about that dedication-" She broke off, looking at Mrs. Johnson.  "Mrs. Johnson, would you mind bringing us a pot of hot tea?"</div> <div>      "Not at all," the housekeeper replied, with a pleasant smile at Quentin.  He watched her bustle off into the kitchen, trying not to look pop-eyed. <I> Angelique has been a very busy girl,</I> he thought, impressed.  He wondered where she was.  She must be exhausted after monkeying with everyone's minds.  He almost wished that she had tampered with his mind, too.  He assumed that Mrs. Johnson and Willie had no memory of anything that had happened.  Maybe Roger did too-that would be better, he decided.</div> <div>      "Elizabeth?  Where's Sebastian Shaw?" he asked</div> <div>      Elizabeth looked at him as if he was out of his mind.  "Why, I assume he's doing whatever he does out in California.  Maybe he's on his way home to Maggie."</div> <div>      California?  Maggie?  He realized he'd blundered but Elizabeth was very concerned about Carolyn so that would be overlooked.  He told her about his visit with Carolyn and, sure enough, had her total attention.  Finally he asked, tentatively,  "The children?"</div> <div>      "They'll be arriving home on Friday, just in time for Roger's speech," Elizabeth said, with a pleased smile.</div> <div>      <I>Where are they?</I> He wondered, but knew it would be a mistake to ask.  He wanted to look for Angelique but couldn't think of a good excuse to get away.  He sat with Elizabeth until Roger came home, shortly before dinnertime.  Listening to them talk, he figured out that David and Hallie were in a private school.  Now he desperately wanted to talk to Angelique.</div> <div>      He wasn't able to get away until after dinner, and then he made his way to the Old House.  It was completely dark, but he'd thought to bring his flashlight.  He made his way down the hall to the cellar.  He heard someone running up the stairs and assumed it was Willie.  Willie had his own flashlight and visibly relaxed when he saw it was Quentin.  They stared at each other for a moment.  Quentin didn't know what to say.</div> <div>      Finally, Willie must have realized what was wrong.  He said, "She didn't make me forget, Quentin-you know, cuz of Barnabas.  I gotta watch him."</div> <div>      "Oh," Quentin answered, relieved that someone else knew what he knew.  "Where is she?"</div> <div>      "Didn't she tell you--?"  Willie broke off, looking at Quentin curiously.  "Didja have a fight or somethin?  Lover's quarrel?"</div> <div>      Quentin almost snapped at Willie but controlled himself because he didn't want to antagonize him so quickly again.  "Well-" he began.  "What did she tell you?"</div> <div>      "She's gone, man," Willie said, abruptly but not unkindly.  "She said she needed to get away for awhile - I could dig it.  She looked all washed out, dincha notice?"</div> <div>      "When will she be back?"</div> <div>      "I dunno - I figured she woulda told you, of all people."</div> <div>      Quentin felt suddenly let down and alone.  He didn't want to let Willie know how he felt, though, so he said, "Did she tell you the cover story?  I don't want to fuck it up, y'know what I mean?"</div> <div>      "Yeah, sure.  Look, come and sit down a minute, huh?  It'll take a while to tell it."</div> <div>      "Okay."  He followed Willie into the drawing room, wondering why Angelique had just left him without a word.  He listened to the cover story Willie gave him carefully-Carolyn had been in a car accident and then a coma and then had developed amnesia.  She'd only just started to come around.  Elizabeth, David, and Hallie had been travelling over the Christmas holidays and had extended their vacation because there was no governess at Collinwood anymore anyway - Maggie had married Sebastian Shaw and moved to California.  After vacation, Roger and Professor Stokes had enrolled David and Hallie in a good private school in Boston - that's where they were now.  Quentin's head was spinning.  "Where's Barnabas, Julia, and Professor Stokes supposed to be?"</div> <div>      "Well, Barnabas - he's away on business.  And Julia and the Professor-they're at a conference.  They're all supposed to be back Thursday night - maybe Friday.  They'll be back in time for this speech thing."</div> <div>      "Who's going to tell them what's going on?"</div> <div>      "Well, either you or me.  I mean, I'll be here when Barnabas gets back.  And you'll be at Collinwood - you grab Julia and the professor and tell them what's what, okay?"</div> <div>      "Okay," Quentin answered, still feeling dazed and confused.  </div> <div>      "You all right?"</div> <div>      "Well, it's just that when I left this morning, everything was still-"</div> <div>      Willie nodded with understanding.  "I know.  But that's the way things go around here, right?"</div> <div>      "Right."</div> <div>      "Hey, look, Quentin, I guess I been pretty rough on you.  I still ain't so sure I like you, but you aren't the shithead I thought you was, either."</div> <div>      "Yeah, neither are you," Quentin replied, grateful for the friendly overture.  He still didn't particularly like Willie, but right now he was the only other person who knew everything that had happened.  He needed all the allies he could get.  "I think we're bringing Carolyn back tonight."</div> <div>      "Yeah?"  Willie's face lit up a little.  "Good, that's good, Quentin.  I'm glad."</div> <div>      Quentin got up.  "I guess I ought to get back.  Thanks for filling me in."</div> <div>      "Yeah, no problem, man."  Willie walked him to the door and carefully shut and locked it behind him.  Quentin walked back to Collinwood, still marveling at the change in it.  It was like nothing happened at all.  He shook his head.</div> <div>      Mrs. Johnson told him that while he was out, Roger had arrived home and picked Elizabeth up to take her to Windcliff and bring Carolyn home.  Quentin nodded and went into the drawing room to help himself to a much-needed brandy.  Friday -Barnabas, Julia and Stokes would be home by Friday night and the whole long nightmare would finally be over.  <I>I can't believe I missed the whole winter and here now it's almost Easter,</I> he thought dejectedly.  He should have followed his initial impulse and left Collinwood. He decided to call Chris, but there was no answer.  He hoped nothing was wrong.</div> <div>      As he hung up the phone, Roger and Elizabeth arrived back with a fragile looking Carolyn.  They all went into the drawing room, where everyone seemed to tread on eggshells around her.  Finally, she snapped in irritation, "If I'm well enough to be here, I'm well enough to be treated like I'm myself and not some mentally disturbed psycho!"  There was enough spirit in her voice that Elizabeth and Roger relaxed visibly.  Roger even smiled.</div> <div>      On Friday, Quentin was very restless and volunteered to go and pick up the children.  He was interested to see how they behaved.  He noticed a new intimacy between the two and laughed to himself, wondering if Elizabeth and Roger would spot it.  There was no time, though-everyone was getting ready for the major event that evening.  Mrs. Johnson had a light supper prepared for everyone.  Afterwards, Quentin wandered into the west wing, looking for the room that held the playroom.  He wondered when everyone would come back.  Time was running out.</div> <div>      "Cousin Quentin?"  He turned.  David was walking through the hallway, calling to him.  "Cousin Quentin, it's time to go!"</div> <div>      "Okay, I'm coming," he called.  He met David in one of the hallways not far from his old room.  David looked different - much more grown up.  "It's time to go already?"</div> <div>      "Aunt Elizabeth wants us to be there early," David explained.  "We better do what she wants - she's really mad."</div> <div>      "Why?"</div> <div>      "Why?  Because Professor Stokes and Dr. Hoffman aren't back yet.  She said she expected them hours ago.  And Cousin Barnabas hasn't called either."</div> <div>      Quentin nodded.  "Well, come on.  We don't want to add to her aggravation, then."  They exited the west wing, and he shut the door reluctantly.  <I>Where were they?  </I>He was too restless to sit in the car with the others, so he rode his motorcycle to the new building that was being dedicated that evening. He didn't have cigarettes because he didn't smoke, but now he wished Julia was there so he could bum one from her.  <I>Although if she was here, I probably wouldn't want one,</I> he thought.  He sighed and went in to join the others.</div> <div>      Roger was nearly purple.  "I thought I had it with me!" he spluttered, searching frantically in his briefcase.</div> <div>      "Oh, Roger, for heaven's sake!" Elizabeth burst out irritably.  Everyone was on edge.</div> <div>      "I'll have to go back for it!"</div> <div>      "What's up?" Quentin asked.</div> <div>      "He's forgotten his speech - can you imagine?" Elizabeth answered tartly.  "Roger, really, surely you can remember enough of it-"</div> <div>      "Elizabeth!"</div> <div>      "I'll go for it," she volunteered.  "You stay here and try to calm down.  Now, where is it?"</div> <div>      "I suppose I left it on the desk," Roger answered.  He didn't look like he was going to calm down so after Elizabeth left, Quentin clapped him on the shoulder and invited him outside.  He was glad he'd brought his hip flask.  It was filled with whiskey this time, and he offered it to Roger.  "Thank you," he said gratefully.  He gave Quentin a sidelong look.  "You know, I have never felt comfortable speaking in public," he confided.</div> <div>      "Really?  I wouldn't have thought so."</div> <div>      "Well, we haven't had any dinner parties  - and I've certainly never been invited to give a speech like this before.  You've only heard me at home - it's one thing to talk in front of family, quite another in front of strangers, you know."  Roger took another swallow from the flask, and Quentin began to worry a little.  However, he didn't make a move to take the flask away.  "I would think you'd make a very good speaker, Quentin - you seem so sure of yourself."</div> <div>      "Me?" Quentin said, surprised.</div> <div>      "Well, yes - you know so many things.  You've been around the world, you write -perhaps the Historical Society should have invited you to speak instead of me.  I think I'll bore everyone to death."</div> <div>      "No, I don't think you will, Roger," Quentin objected to encourage his cousin. "And just because I've been places doesn't make me an interesting speaker."</div> <div>      "Well, but I've always enjoyed listening to your tales."</div> <div>      "Ah, you'll be fine, Roger, you're just nervous.  You can tell a good story, too.  Just pretend it's all of us out there instead of people in your boardroom."</div> <div>      Roger thought about it, taking yet another swallow from the flask before handing it back to Quentin.  "Perhaps I won't be able to see anyone anyway.  That's a good idea, cousin."</div> <div>      <I>At least I was able to help a little,</I> Quentin thought, taking a drink from his flask before he screwed the top back on and put it away.  He'd long since stopped taking the Valium, preferring brandy and whiskey and scotch to the pills.  A man joined them in the parking lot.  Quentin couldn't remember his name but knew he was another leading businessman.  "Are you ready, Roger?" the man asked.</div> <div>      "Ah-" Roger began.</div> <div>      "Maybe you could give us another five minutes for him to collect his thoughts," Quentin suggested, and Roger looked at him gratefully.  Just then, Elizabeth's Lincoln pulled into the parking lot, followed by what looked like Julia's car.  Elizabeth got out of the car, and Quentin was relieved to see her followed by Professor Stokes, Julia and Barnabas.  </div> <div>      Elizabeth hurried over to Roger, a sheaf of papers in her hand.  "Roger, your speech."  She wrinkled her nose at him.  "Oh, really!" she muttered, sounding exasperated.</div> <div>      "I'm ready now," Roger said bravely, and followed his colleague into the building.</div> <div>      "We'd better go in - I am quite sure there won't be any seats left," Elizabeth exclaimed fretfully.</div> <div>      "My dear Elizabeth, someone will always save you a seat I am sure!" Professor Stokes said gallantly.  He looked at Quentin and winked.  He offered his arm to Elizabeth.  "Well, Quentin, I'm glad we made it back from our conference in time," he added.</div> <div>      "Uh, me too," Quentin said, looking at Julia and Barnabas.  He wanted very much to hug them both - he hadn't seen them in months.  He hesitated because he didn't want to blow the cover story.  Julia looked extremely uncomfortable, and Barnabas looked exhausted and depressed.  Quentin did lean over to kiss Julia's cheek quickly.  "Must've been a good conference, huh?"</div> <div>      "Yes - we'll tell you all about it, later," Julia answered.  Barnabas pulled her away at about the time Quentin turned to him to greet him.  The two of them followed Elliot and Elizabeth into the building without a backward glance.  Puzzled again by his cousin's behavior, Quentin followed everyone in.</div> <div>      </div> <div> The whole family went out to a one of Collinsport's few restaurants after Roger's speech and because there were so many in the party, the staff had to push several tables together.  The waiters and maitre de outdid themselves for they hadn't had such a large party come in before--certainly not made up of so many Collinses.  All during the meal, Quentin felt Barnabas' eyes boring into him.  He squirmed uncomfortably.  He hadn't had a chance to talk to his cousin alone at all and wondered what it was that had made him angry now.  What was worse, Julia was avoiding him--not that she hadn't talked to him or looked at him, but she'd deftly placed herself far enough away so that he couldn't even catch her eye.  As for Professor Stokes, he was chatting away as if he'd never been gone at all and nothing odd at all had happened.</div> <div>      The party broke up after midnight, and everyone slowly dispersed.  Quentin wasn't surprised when Barnabas approached him and said sternly, "I'd like you to come back to the Old House so we can talk, Quentin."</div> <div>      He smiled charmingly.  "I'd like that.  I feel like I haven't seen you in a long, long time."  Barnabas didn't smile back.  He nodded coolly, and turned to Julia to take her elbow.  Quentin tried to catch her eye before Barnabas turned her away.  She looked back over his shoulder with a worried expression on her face.  <I>They know I told Stokes</I>, he thought to himself. <I>Damn, and I thought the</I> <I>old fart could keep a secret</I>.  </div> <div> He hung back from the others.  Julia and Barnabas went off in her car toward the Old House; the others separated and started toward their own vehicles.  Quentin turned toward his bike; then seeing that Elliot was alone now, he approached the professor as he turned to walk home.  "Excuse me, Elliot," he began, clearing his throat.</div> <div>      The professor stopped, looked around, and smiled.  "Ah, Quentin.  I didn't get much of a chance to talk to you tonight in all the excitement.  And we very nearly missed the beginning of Roger's speech."</div> <div>      "I was surprised when you all arrived at the last minute like that," Quentin agreed.  "Elliot, I was wondering if you'd talked to Barnabas and Julia about what we--" He broke off and gestured with his hand.  It was a sign that meant "the two of us" and it meant what they'd been speaking about.  The Professor was not skilled in sign language, but he understood what Quentin wanted to ask.</div> <div>      "Well, yes, regrettably, I had to give away your secret.  It was necessary."  Quentin sighed.  Now he was sure he knew what Barnabas wanted with him.  The professor added hastily, "You don't have to worry.  I assured Barnabas that his secret was safe with me.  And it is.  You believe that, don't you?"  Speechless, Quentin nodded.  The professor patted his shoulder.  "Well, then, I shouldn't worry about it.  Barnabas said he understood."</div> <div>      <I>I'll just bet</I>, Quentin thought.  "Thank you, Elliot.  Good night."</div> <div>      "If you like, you might join me for a late night brandy.  I can tell you about our adventures."</div> <div>      "Another time, if you don't mind," Quentin said.  "I'm rather tired tonight."</div> <div>      The professor laughed.  "As am I.  Quite an adventure we had.  Unfortunately, the adrenaline is coursing throughout my body, and I don't think I will be able to sleep soon.  In your case, though, I quite understand.  You must be exhausted.  Get some sleep, and I'll talk to you another evening, then."</div> <div>      "Thanks--I hope you can get to sleep before long," Quentin answered and then turned away.  At least he knew now what Barnabas was angry about.  He got onto his motorcycle and headed off to the Old House.</div> <bR> <div>      Candlelight flickered in the windows of the drawing room as he parked his bike and went up the steps.  He hesitated a minute, then knocked at the door.  Willie opened it and let him in.  Willie didn't say anything to him as usual, and he didn't really have anything to say to Willie anyway.  He went into the drawing room and found Julia sitting in the chair near the fire; Barnabas was standing, hands behind his back.  Neither spoke, but Barnabas turned as Quentin entered the room.  He looked very annoyed.</div> <div>      "I'm glad to see you two," Quentin said, and he meant it.  Julia got up from the chair and met him in the middle of the room.  She put her arms around him and hugged him tightly, for which he was grateful.</div> <div>      "Quentin, I'm so glad you're all right," Julia said to him.  "You were quite ill when we last saw you."</div> <div>      "I think crazy is the word for it," he corrected with a good-humored smile.  "Stark raving mad."</div> <div>      "Well, thank you for your help in finding the stair case and for everything else--"</div> <div>      Barnabas interrupted abruptly.  "I would just like to know why you had to tell Elliot Stokes about me!"</div> <div>      Before Quentin could speak, Julia spoke up.  "Barnabas, you know we can trust Elliot.  He's always been our friend, and maybe now he can really help us..."</div> <div>      Barnabas interrupted her angrily.  "Julia!  Quentin cannot be trusted to keep a confidence!  He told Roger all about the Leviathans without asking us.  Then he told Chris my secret, and now he's told Stokes, too!"  He turned on Quentin and demanded in an accusing tone,  "Who else have you talked to?"</div> <div>      "No one!" Quentin exclaimed defensively, stung by Barnabas' attack.  "Look, Barnabas, Elliot really did a lot here while you two were down that staircase, and I mean even before he helped me get my mind back.  We wouldn't have been able to get very far if I hadn't told him everything.  What was I supposed to do?"  Barnabas turned away.  Hurt, Quentin went on, "Julia hasn't been able to help you so far.  She's right--maybe now that Elliot knows, he can help her figure out a way to cure you!"  He looked at Julia for help.</div> <div>      "Barnabas, what's done is done," Julia said.  That wasn't exactly the support Quentin was hoping for.  "Quentin is right.  He might be able to think of something I haven't."</div> <div>      Quentin was aggravated and decided he'd had enough.  "Is that all you wanted me for?"</div> <div>      Julia looked dismayed.  "Oh, Quentin, of course not.  We wanted to see how you are-we were very concerned about you all this time.  Barnabas told me what happened to you."</div> <div>      "Well," he answered, only a little mollified, "you can see I'm all right.  You've been through a lot, too."  He was thinking of Julia's escape from the zombies.</div> <div>      "Much happened," Barnabas said, sounding morose.  He didn't turn back to face Quentin.</div> <div>      "Well, it's over."  Quentin could tell that something was still on Barnabas' mind.  Maybe he was still angry that Elliot knew his secret.  <I>I get blamed for everything</I>, he thought irritably.  "I need to get back to Cuddeback.  I told them I was going to be back soon, and here it's been months."  He suddenly remembered something else, which made him feel even more resentful.  "You know, everyone seems to like to keep secrets from each other.  Sometimes that does more harm than good."</div> <div>      "What do you mean?"  Barnabas asked harshly.  Now he did turn to look at Quentin.</div> <div>      "I mean Tom Jennings.  Why didn't you tell me Chris had a brother?"  In the shocked silence that followed, Quentin thought he could feel some sort of electrical energy building up.  Julia had gone a fish-belly white.  Barnabas didn't say anything, nor did his face change expression.  Quentin turned to Julia.  "Julia, you treated him, didn't you?  It was a vampire, wasn't it?  That's why he died?"</div> <div>      Barnabas said warningly, "Julia!"  Obviously, he didn't want her to tell.</div> <div>      Quentin ignored him, looking into Julia's eyes.  <I>Please tell me the truth</I>, he thought at her.  "Yes," Julia answered, her voice barely audible.</div> <div>      "What happened to Tom after he died?"</div> <div>      Julia turned away, her hands going to her face.  "Before we could do anything about it, Tom was buried.  He rose at dusk," Barnabas explained, his tone even. He crossed the room to stand behind Quentin.  </div> <div>      Quentin barely noticed, so dismayed was he by the news and by Julia's reaction. "Tom was a vampire too?  Couldn't you cure him, Julia?"</div> <div>      "Quentin, please!"  Julia exclaimed, sounding very distraught.  "Can we put this off?  I can't talk about it right now."</div> <div>      "Put it off?"  Quentin's voice scaled up incredulously.  "I had a relative I didn't even know about, and he was victimized by a vampire!  Why didn't you tell me?  Didn't the injections work for him?"</div> <div>      "We weren't able to use the injections on Tom," Barnabas explained from behind, sounding cold and unfeeling.  "I'm sorry, Quentin.  I had to prevent him from returning to the coffin, and when the sunlight touched him--"</div> <div>      "You <I>killed </I>him?  You just destroyed him?"  Quentin couldn't believe what he was hearing.  He looked first at Barnabas, whose face was masklike.  There was no sympathy or understanding there, so Quentin reached out for Julia and turned her to face him.  He believed that she, of all people, would have tried to help Tom.  She was so selfless about that.  "Julia?  You didn't try to help him?"  Julia was crying.  Quentin shook her a little, his feelings of anger and betrayal overwhelming him.  "Julia!  Why didn't you help him?"</div> <div>      "Don't touch her!"  Barnabas roared in anger.  Quentin heard the threat in his voice and turned to face him.  He saw his cousin's arm sweeping back and ducked instinctively so that Barnabas missed him completely.  As he stood up to try and back away, Barnabas grabbed him and threw him across the room.  Quentin fell to the floor in front of the fireplace, stunned.  Barnabas was on him instantly, dragging him to his feet.</div> <div>      "No, Barnabas!"  Julia cried out, but Barnabas hit Quentin hard.  He would have fallen if his cousin hadn't been holding onto him with his free hand.  The next time Barnabas hit him, Quentin tried to shove his cousin away.  He was no match for a vampire, however, and Barnabas knocked him to the floor again with the next blow.  "Stop it!" Julia was trying to pull at Barnabas, but he shoved her roughly and she fell onto the chair.</div> <div>      Quentin was enraged.  It was bad enough that his cousin was smacking him around-<I>why? What did I do?</I>-but Barnabas wasn't going to manhandle Julia, too.  He scrambled to his feet and yelled into Barnabas' face, "Don't push her!  Who the hell do you think you are?"</div> <div>      Instead of answering, Barnabas turned and moved swiftly to the foyer, meeting Willie and shoving him against the stairs.  "Barnabas!" Willie exclaimed.  Quentin couldn't see his cousin's face but something in it frightened Willie, who drew back and actually whimpered.  </div> <div>      "Julia, are you all right?"  Quentin asked, turning toward Julia, who was pale with shock.  Julia opened her mouth to scream and Quentin realized that Barnabas was rushing toward him again.</div> <div>      "No, don't do that, Barnabas!" Willie shouted.  "Quentin!"</div> <div>      Quentin ducked again, and Barnabas' cane swooshed harmlessly over his head.  Shocked, Quentin realized Barnabas had intended to hit him with it.  Worse, he was drawing his arm back to strike again.  Scrambling to get away, Quentin tripped and fell.  The cane came down across his hip with great force. He instinctively curled up to protect his head in the way Lisa had taught him, hearing both Julia and Willie yelling at Barnabas to stop. Barnabas hit him again. </div> <div> He was too shocked to even protest, hearing the cane hit him again but not feeling it. He was aware that Julia was there between them now, on the floor, protecting him by shielding him with her body.  "Barnabas, no!  He doesn't know!"</div> <div> "Barnabas, stop!  Ya can't do that!" That was Willie.  Quentin raised his head and saw Barnabas shove Willie roughly.  Willie stumbled and fell.  Quentin got up, squaring off against his cousin.</div> <div> "Barnabas!" Julia cried again.</div> <div> Barnabas stopped, breathing heavily.  "Get out," he snarled at Willie.  Willie scuttled out, not needing to be told twice.  He turned back toward Julia and Quentin, gripping the cane tightly.</div> <div> Quentin was too angry and shocked to be frightened.  He pulled Julia behind him. "Don't touch either of us, you damn bully!" Barnabas stopped, surprised by Quentin's ferocious tone.</div> <div> "I wasn't going to," Barnabas snapped coldly.  He paused, and then anger suffused his features again as he stepped toward Quentin.</div> <div> "Barnabas, enough!"   Julia protested.</div> <div> "Stay out of this!" Barnabas told her sharply.</div> <div> "I'm not your lap dog either," Quentin interrupted defiantly, his hurt feelings rising and mixing in with his anger.  "What did I do to you, Barnabas?  What gives you the right to treat me like this?"</div> <div> "You betrayed us," Barnabas answered in an angry accusing tone.  </div> <div>      Quentin was stunned, his jaw dropping with astonishment.  "Betrayed you?  How?"</div> <div>      "You lied every opportunity you had, working in league with the evil that was possessing the house.  As a result of that, everyone died here - thanks to you!" Barnabas answered bitterly.  "I thought I would be able to depend on you, especially when you knew the seriousness of what happened.  Yet, you lied to us again and again, sabotaging everything Julia and I did to try to save the family."</div> <div>      "You're blaming me for what Judah Zachary did?"  Quentin asked incredulously, his eyes filling with guilty grief.  "I didn't betray you intentionally, Barnabas.  I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't.  I thought you understood that.  Is that what this is all about?"</div> <div> "That, combined with the fact that you were a selfish, thoughtless, conniving young man when I first met you.  When I realized how you lied to us after our return from 1995, I came to the sad conclusion that you were not trustworthy - not someone I could depend upon.  So it was up to Julia and me to save all of you.  And you put Julia into mortal danger several times.  And you've gone and told everyone my secret!" </div> <div> "Barnabas, that isn't fair!  He hasn't done that!" Julia protested.   "You can't blame him for being possessed!  There are things you don't know either!"</div> <div> "What are you talking about?" Barnabas asked coldly.</div> <div> The depth of Barnabas' rage shocked Quentin.  Struggling to control himself he managed to say, "Barnabas, you never gave me a chance to tell you what we did while you and Julia were back in the past.  I wasn't just sitting around, drinking -didn't Elliot tell you?"  Barnabas shook his head, no.  "You never asked? Julia didn't he tell you?"  He looked at her, appealingly.</div> <div> "Yes, he did, when he first came down the staircase."  Julia's eyes were spilling over with tears, too.  "Barnabas, Elliot told me that he never would have made it down the staircase without Quentin's help."</div> <div> "I didn't betray you!" Quentin put in.  "Once they brought me back and I knew who I was again, I did everything to help you and Julia.  I fought with that demon every damn day - and he nearly possessed me again-"  He broke off, realizing he was about to lose control of his feelings and break down in grief.  <I>I thought you were my friend</I>, he thought, feeling his heart breaking.<I> If you'd been my friend, you would've understood!</I></div> <div>      Barnabas looked at Julia, who nodded.  "Why didn't you tell me that?" he snapped at her.</div> <div>      "There wasn't time at first.  Then - you were in such grief, you wouldn't have listened."</div> <div>      Barnabas was shaking his head, as if in disbelief.  "You should have told me, Julia.  My God."  As if it was too much for him to take in, he turned away - and vanished.</div> <div>      For a moment, no one moved or said anything.  Quentin felt      Julia pulling at his shoulder.  "Let me see your face," she said in a pleading tone. She tried to examine him, and he pulled away from her angrily.  He didn't want her help.  He just wanted to get away.  "Quentin--"</div> <div>      "He had no right," Quentin interrupted bitterly, his voice breaking. "What does he think I am?  He had no right to beat me like that." Now that Barnabas was gone, the adrenaline pumping through Quentin's body began to abate, and he began to feel pain from Barnabas' blows.  His rage covered the hurt and betrayal he felt. He hadn't been angry when Barnabas hit him before - he'd either been defending himself or protecting Maggie.  This was different - it was a deliberate and unjustified attack.</div> <div>      "He is grieving.  The last few hours we were in 1840 were traumatic for him, Quentin--dear, please listen to me."  Julia moved in front of him, trying to get him to look at her.  He didn't want to and turned away again.  "Quentin, please listen.  Look at me, please."  He turned back toward her reluctantly.  She had a handkerchief in her hand and moved to press it against his face.  He thought about pulling away again but sighed instead - he didn't want to hurt her. "Willie?" Julia called.  "Get some ice, please."</div> <div>      "Sure, Julia," Willie said from the hallway.  He sounded stunned, too,  and scurried down the hallway to the kitchen.</div> <div>      "I don't need any," he growled.  "I'm fine."</div> <div>      "For your eye, Quentin," Julia insisted.</div> <div>      He grimaced, stepping back.  "I'll be fine.  Leave me alone."</div> <div> Julia went on stubbornly, "Angelique is dead--she was killed shortly before we returned."</div> <div>      "So?"</div> <div>      "Something made him realize that he'd actually loved Angelique all these years.  She removed the curse from him in 1840, and he was cured--he was human.  She helped us save your great uncle and your cousin from execution.  He wanted to tell her that, but she was shot and killed.  She died in his arms."</div> <div>      Quentin began to laugh, bitterly. He'd taken the handkerchief from Julia, holding it against his nose.  Now he threw it into the fireplace. <I>How ironic</I>, he thought, <I>that Julia should defend Barnabas' actions with a sorry excuse like that.  How must she feel</I>, he wondered?  Julia put her arms around him, and this time he let her.  He hugged her back, feeling very sorry for her and everything she'd had to put up with. Tears streamed down both of their faces.  After a few minutes, Quentin collected himself enough to say, "You're too good for him, Julia.  Why do you stay here at Collinwood?  You deserve to be happy."</div> <div>      She stiffened.  "Please don't..." she whispered.</div> <div>      "All right.  I don't want to hurt you, Julia. I think he's done plenty to hurt you without me adding to it."  He still felt bitter and angry toward Barnabas, in spite of Julia's explanation.</div> <div>      As if trying to ameliorate the situation, Julia explained, "You need to know why we couldn't help Tom.  I know that you're feeling hurt and angry with us right now, but I'm hoping in time you'll forgive us, Quentin."  Quentin looked at her, thinking he was only angry with Barnabas and was sure he wouldn't forgive him for what just happened.  He was also sure that saying so would only upset Julia further, so he kept quiet.  She was having an obviously difficult time speaking about it as it was.  "You see, I was Tom's victim.  He tried to make me as he was."</div> <div>      "Oh!" Quentin exclaimed, deeply shocked.  He was beginning to understand Julia's reaction now.</div> <div>      "Yes, you see, I was alone in the basement of the Old House.  We were in the middle of another crisis--I'll tell you if you like, but it's a long story.  Barnabas had just left.  I really thought I was safe there, but Tom came...I don't know how he knew to come there..." she broke off, tears flowing again.</div> <div>      Quentin put his arms around her to comfort her.  "God, I'm sorry, Julia.  I understand--I wouldn't have said anything at all about it, but I didn't know."  <I>No wonder she didn't want to talk about it - poor Julia!</I></div> <div>      "I know you didn't.  And when you asked, it just brought back all the memories--the awful memories..."</div> <div>      "Sssh," he soothed, trying to comfort her.  He knew very well about the torment of traumatic memories.</div> <div>      "Under the circumstances, I couldn't offer Tom a cure.  Barnabas felt he had no other choice.  I'm sorry, Quentin.  He was a very nice young man.  He cared for Amy after their parents died, and I know it broke her heart when he died--they were so very close.  I have always regretted that..."</div> <div>      "It's all right; it's not your fault."</div> <div>      "You mustn't blame Barnabas.  He did it to protect me."</div> <div>      "I know," Quentin answered, uncomfortable.  That's not why he was still angry with Barnabas.  As if she could sense it, Julia raised her head to look at him.  He turned his head away, unable to look her in the eye.  He was sure she'd see and be upset; she was very perceptive that way.  "Who was the vampire that got Tom?  I know it wasn't--Barnabas."</div> <div>      "It was Angelique," Julia whispered, and Quentin did look at her, shocked beyond belief.  Julia sighed.  "It really is a long, complicated story.  She also victimized Barnabas--and she nearly killed him."</div> <div>      "Ha!  And he is heartbroken and grief stricken because she's dead?"  Quentin couldn't control himself.  It was all too much for him.  "Meanwhile, you've been sacrificing your whole life for him, and you've nearly been killed how many times for him--and all he can think about is<I> her?</I>"  He threw his hands up in the air.  "She's not even dead, Julia, do you know that?  Angelique Rumson is alive and well!"</div> <div>      "Angelique is alive?  Quentin, please calm down," Julia urged, dismayed by his behavior.  </div> <div>      "No!  Why should I?"  He stopped suddenly, realizing what it was doing to her.  "I'm sorry, Julia."  He was just barely able to control himself.  He had to get out of there.  "I better go," he muttered.</div> <div>      "Where?  To Collinwood?  Please, let me look after you first.  Your eye is nearly shut, don't you know that?  And your back--"</div> <div>      "I don't care!  Don't worry about me, Julia!"</div> <div> "Will I see you at Collinwood later? Or the Inn?  I can tell you more about what happened..."</div> <div>      "No, no!  I don't want to hear it!  I'm leaving, Julia.  I'm booking out."  The words came spilling out.</div> <div>      "What do you mean?  You're leaving?"  When he nodded, she asked "To where?"</div> <div>      "Anywhere.  Just away--from here."</div> <div>      "Quentin, please don't leave without settling things with Barnabas..."</div> <div>      "Why should I do that?  For <I>his </I>sake?  For <I>his </I>peace of mind?  He beat me, Julia--for no damn good reason at all.  He didn't care about my feelings.  Why should I care about his?"</div> <div>      "Quentin, please!"</div> <div>      "NO!"  he shouted.  "I'm done wasting my time here!  I'm tired of all of it!  I need to find Beth, don't you understand?  I'm done putting that on the back burner to help Barnabas.  He didn't even care to tell me the whole story about what Tom did to you before he just started whaling into me.  It's not fair--it's always <I>his </I>feelings we have to be concerned about.  I'm tired of it!  You should be, too. I was wrong to come here for help--Jenny was wrong to tell me to.  I'm going back to Cuddeback, and I'm going to help Chris like she wanted me to.  Like I want to, too!  And after that, I'm going to search every square inch of Yugoslavia or Hungary or Czechoslovakia or wherever else I might think Beth is--and I don't care if I get caught and thrown in some Siberian prison!  It's better than being here!"  </div> <div> He stopped his tirade because Julia had begun crying again.  "I'm sorry, Julia," he apologized sincerely.  He put his arms around her, squeezing her tightly.  She began to cling to him, and he couldn't trust himself to stick to his resolve.  He had an idea.  "Julia, come with me.  We'll go to Cuddeback together and help Chris.  How about it?"</div> <div> Julia pulled away, looking at him in shock.  "I can't just go, Quentin!"</div> <div> "Why not?  Because of Barnabas?" His voice was harsh with anger again.  "Julia, you're wasting your life here.  Come with me, please!  He'll never appreciate you for what you are-when are you going to realize it?"  Julia began to cry again, and he realized that he'd been shouting at her.  He was aware that Willie was standing in the doorway, watching quietly, holding a balled up towel-with ice in it, probably. <I>I have to get out of here-now!</I></div> <div> "Quentin, please don't leave like this," Julia wept.  She grabbed him by the arms.  "When he realizes what he's done, he'll be sorry and he'll come back."</div> <div> "Yeah?  Well, I'm not interested in hanging around for him to realize what he's done." Quentin pulled away and walked toward the door.  Willie backed out of his way without a word, looking grim.  "I have to go."  </div> <div>      "Quentin, no!" he heard her call after him but he didn't stop or turn around.  He went to his motorcycle and got on it, wincing. He became aware that his head ached, one eye really was swollen shut, and he was sore from the blows of the cane.  Furious about it all over again, he started the bike up and revved the engine. Julia followed him out the door and was standing on the portico, hugging herself.  "Quentin, please!"  Still angry, he roared off, ignoring her pleas to come back.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="16: Demons Possession"><U>16:  Demon's Possession</U></A>    <A HREF="id127.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="18: Labyrinth of Emotions"><U>18:  Labyrinth of Emotions</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cassies Writing"><U>Cassie's Writing</U></A></div> <bR> <div>      </div> <div>      </div> <bR> <div>      </div> <div>      </div> <div>      </div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>