Chapter 8

Julia and Matthew entered the Collins Cannery, shortly after 6:45pm, unaware that they were being watched, by different people, for two very different reasons.

The stranger that had arrived in town with his employer, Lord Ravensbrook, watched from the relative safety of the Inn, secure in the knowledge that he could watch the activity of Main Street, without being seen himself. He watched Julia Collins' progress, with hooded eyes, the figure of the small child with her, ignored, as though he didn't exist.

His fists clenched, and he fought the urge to make her aware of his presence. He allowed a sly smile, to cross his face, as he imagined her reaction. He chuckled to himself. Time would tell.

The second watcher was Sebastian. He watched the progress of the two Collins' for vastly different reasons. He had enjoyed his first meeting with "his" Slayer. Though of course, it would be years before Matthew would ever become aware of his destiny. He had no idea just how unique he was, born to a duel heritage. Or as Sebastian thought a dark heritage, considering what his father had once been. His thoughts returned to the meeting in the clearing, when he had thrown the ball, back to Matthew.

It had been unexpected, the child could have had no way of knowing that he would throw the ball to him, and yet he had caught it, one-handed, without a second thought. Only the Slayer could have done that. And tonight, with a little co-operation, the training would begin. Of course, he would have to arrange it so that he had the boy as his sole student. He began to think of a suitable story, knowing that he had the backing of the Inner Council, should he need it.

/

The receptionist looked up as Matthew eagerly ran up to the desk. She smiled brightly at him. "Hello Matthew. Here to see your Dad?" she asked, reaching over to the intercom. He nodded, smiling back at her. "He's coming to karate with me," he said.

Julia reached the desk, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hi Rebecca. I hope he isn't bothering you, too much?"

Rebecca Preston smiled, sharing the joke. "Hello Doctor, I didn't see you there. Young Matthew is never a bother, are you?" she asked. It was obvious that he was a favourite of hers.

His answer to was to give her he's most charming smile. Both women laughed, and after further small talk, Rebecca spoke into the intercom, telling Barnabas that they were there.

When they entered his office, Barnabas was on the telephone, but he waved them in, and indicated he'd be a few minutes.

Although it was a modern office, Barnabas had managed to make it his own. Several 18th century items stood at various points in the room. On the desk, apart from the telephone, was a desk lamp, surround by a number of framed family pictures. One depicted the three of them, and the others were individual pictures of Matthew and Julia.

On the walls apart from the expected charts and maps, were a number of Matthew's drawings, displayed with a devoted parent's pride.

Matthew obediently went to the chair nearest the window overlooking the wharf. He gazed out as some of the fishing fleet returned, the fishermen moving about their business with experienced ease. His interest in the Fleet was beginning to grow; already he was well known and well liked by the workers. It seemed obvious that he would one day follow in the rest of the Collins' footsteps, and become a part of the family business.

Barnabas put the receiver down, and Matthew immediately ran to his father's side. Barnabas picked him up, sitting him on his lap. "All excited for tomorrow?" he asked him, with a smile.

Matthew beamed. "You bet!" he said gleefully, excitement gleaming in his eyes. Julia fancied she saw the same gleam in Barnabas' eyes, and couldn't hide her own smile. Spending time with her and their son had always been very important to Barnabas. Deciding not to have another child had been one of the hardest choices they had both had to make. Sometimes, at times like this, when father and son where together, she regretted that decision. But her age, and Barnabas' understandable fear of what the future, would hold in store for Matthew, had been only two of the deciding factors.

"Well, it's time I started for Wyndcliffe," stated Julia, breaking into the father/son moment. A sober light entered Barnabas' eyes, as he looked up at her. A trace of doubt crossed his face, as he took a quick glance at Matthew, it turned to guilt. It was because of him, that his innocent son was subjected to a blood test each month.

Julia saw his expression, and felt a stab of pity, though Matthew remained blissfully ignorant of the situation. "I should be back for 9:00pm," she continued, aware of the fact her son, was in listening range. "I don't anticipate any problems."

Barnabas nodded, getting the drift. "We should be heading off ourselves, or Mr. Ryan, will be missing his star pupil," he said, helping Matthew off his knees. "Ready to go Matthew?"

"Yes, sir," he said, going over to his mother. She hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek. "Bye-bye, honey. Have fun."

Matthew offered her a huge grin, as he stood by his father's side. "We will!" he promised, looking adoringly up at his father.

"Drive carefully, Julia," he said, "those back roads, will be icy."

"I will. We'll talk when I get back," she said. At the worried look on his face, she took his hands in hers. "Everything will be alright, Barnabas. Try not to worry."

He swallowed, avoiding her eyes. Until he knew for sure that his son would be free of the curse that had plagued him for almost 200 years, he would dread these monthly tests even more than his son did. She touched his cheek, making him look at her, if only briefly. "I know it's not easy, but try, for his sake." She smiled a smile she reserved for him when they were alone, and said, "I love you."

For a moment the worry and guilt lifted, and he's face brightened as he smiled. "I love you, too," he said, before, gently pressing his lips to hers.

They left together, but before going their separate ways, Barnabas kissed her again, before turning right, in the direction of the Karate School.

From across the street, the stranger was still watching the Collins Cannery. A look of sheer hatred was directed at Barnabas, as his kissed his wife. The stranger's hands balled into fists and shook visibly with anger.

The cup he happened to holding at the time shattered, but was ignored.

Eyes filled with hatred and venom, followed father and son, as they progressed. "Make the most of it, Barnabas!" he muttered to himself, each word dripping with spite. "Because one way or another I will have her!"