Dark Shadows in San Francisco
Chapter 12
The vampire, Morgan, paced in his quarters. He could not believe the decision of the council. Some members would vote with Andrew even when they knew he was wrong, and he was most definitely wrong this time. Attempting to kill Dracula was insane. It could not be done and the vampire would seek revenge against those that did so. Barnabas Collins head done nothing to deserve the council's wrath. And Ironside... What had he done other than to protect the people of the city he was pledged to do so? Andrew was blinded by the fact that Peter was his son. No other vampire would be allowed to do what he had done and continue their existence. Yet, if Andrew had his way, that is exactly what would be allowed; Dracula and Collins would be destroyed, and they had done nothing to deserve it. Morgan had lived with decisions the council had made before that he did not agree with, but never before had he considered a decision so morally wrong.
The longer he thought about it the more angry he had become. This was not a just decision. The council had been created to control rogue vampires, not to destroy law abiding ones. He simply could not stand for this decision. He had to find a way to warn Count Dracula and Barnabas Collins. They had to know what they were up against.
There was a knock on his chamber door. Morgan turned and looked at the door. Who would be visiting him here? Everyone knew he did not allow it. He walked over to the door and said, "Who is it?" He was already concerned that Andrew might have ordered him destroyed.
"Open the door, Morgan. I need to talk to you," Miranda said.
Morgan had always liked Miranda. He had been instrumental in getting her appointed to the council. For many years the council would not allow a woman on it, but over the centuries, women had made huge strides in the mortal world, so it was only natural that they did so in the vampiric world. Morgan respected Miranda. She was level-headed and cared for the existence of the vampire race. She voted immediately for the destruction of those that would put other vampires in danger of discovery. She protected vampires like Dracula and Collins who did nothing wrong. They only desired to live their existence without the interference of the council. They refused to bow to the council's whims and unreasonable demands. In fact, both he and Miranda were surprised when Dracula agreed to go to America and bring Peter Adell back to Romania. Dracula usually ignored the council's demands, and they chose to let him rather than confront him. It was one of the reasons he and Miranda were surprised of the decision to send vampires to destroy him. Morgan had the feeling they were going to regret this decision.
He opened the door and Miranda stepped in and quickly closed it behind her. "We need to talk, Morgan. I don't like going against the council, but I will not be part of trying to destroy Count Dracula. You know that he will come after anyone who has ordered his destruction."
"That is why I have decided to go to America to warn him and Collins, Miranda."
"If we do this, we will be removed from the council and targeted for destruction," she reminded him
"I have no choice. I would much rather become a target of the council than by Dracula, not to mention Barnabas Collins. I have never met him, but from what I have read of his history, he will defend his family and friends to the death. He also is known for taking his revenge. He is every bit as smart as the count. I would guess that Dracula sees himself when he looks at Collins. I have no doubt that they will work together and become friends. Then the council will find if they go after one, the other will come to his defense."
"Andrew will have you watched, Morgan."
"Yes, I know that, but it will not stop me."
"When are you planning on going to America? He will have all flights covered. He will make sure that you can not travel as a corpse being transported to America to return for burial."
"I have to try, Miranda. I have to warn Dracula."
"You could do that with a simple call to Robert Ironside."
Morgan smiled. "You know me too well."
"You are going to America to help him," she surmised.
"Yes, I am."
"I want to go with you."
Morgan shook his head. "No, if we fail, you would be targeted by the council."
She put her hands on his shoulder. "I would rather be targeted by the council than by Dracula."
He could not help but smile as she threw his own words back at him. "If you come, there will be many vampires to go up against."
"I am aware of that. That will make four of us against all of them. We will destroy them one at a time."
"We will also have to help protect Barnabas Collins's friends."
"Which we shall do."
"Alright, Miranda. I have arranged to transport to America tomorrow, as a corpse being sent home to be buried."
"Andrew will have someone on that flight to stake you," Miranda said.
"We won't be on that flight It will be a diversion. I have arranged to go on the Concord tomorrow. That way we will be there in time for the meeting Dracula is having with Ironside."
"But they will be watching you. How are you going to get on the Concord without them knowing?"
He grinned. Walking over to a closed door in his chambers, he opened it. Morgan stepped inside and motioned for Miranda to follow.
Laying on a table was an exact double of Morgan. A woman was working on the doppelganger. Morgan looked back at Miranda and said, "I will have her begin one of you as soon as mine is completed."
Chuckling, she looked up at her fellow vampire and smiled. "I should have known you would be a step ahead of the council. Where did you find someone that could make doppelgangers?"
"When I left the council, I decided to begin planning immediately. I contacted Angelique in San Francisco. She told me who to contact."
"Then Dracula will know we are on our way," Miranda said.
"I did not want to have him and Collins attack us the moment we appeared. Angelique will tell him when he awakes. Remember, they are on the other side of the planet. He is sleeping right now."
"Then there is nothing to do but wait."
"And wait we shall until we can safely travel to America."
Jordan watched as they loaded both coffins on the plane. He cursed the day he had met Ramon at that pub. Since that faithful day he had been enslaved by the bloodsucker. He had not even known that vampires actually existed except for in American movies. Damn his love of the ale!
Once they were in the air, he looked to see where the flight attendants were, and then headed to the back of the plane. When he was sure no one was looking, he opened the door that contained the elevator which went down to the belly of the plane. He worried about whether or not there would be air in the section of the plane where the vampires would be, but he had been assured that they were being placed in the same area where live animals were transported. He stepped into the elevator and pushed the button. It began a slow descent to the lower level. The door to the elevator opened and Jordan stepped out. His presence caused a Doberman to begin barking. He watched as the dog bared its teeth. As far as he was concerned, the vampires could feed on the nasty beast. He passed the barking dog and looked for the box marked with Andrew's family crest. He was unsure how the hell the damn blood sucker expected him to open it, but he knew he better find a way. Andrew would not be understanding if he did not stake the two bloodsuckers. He didn't think the Vampire Council knew about Andrew's activities. It was his understanding, according to some members of the council, that the two bloodsuckers were to be watched only.
He was in a no win situation. No matter what he did, he was going to upset a vampire. When he got to San Francisco, he was going to get lost. Ramon was in Romania. His hold on him could not possibly be strong enough to control him this far away, at least he hoped not. He would surely kill him for betraying him.
He spotted a crow bar that was attached to the box. Removing it, Jordan pried it open. Contained inside the box were two stakes and mallets. He took them out and headed to the coffins where the bloodsuckers were sleeping the sleep of the undead.
He pried the first coffin open. It was the male vampire. Placing the stake over his heart, Jordan pounded it into the vampire with the mallet.
Something was wrong. He was told the bloodsucker would scream and the blood would pour out of his chest and mouth. There wasn't any blood coming from either. He wondered of he had missed his heart. Jordan pulled the stake out and prepared to reposition it when he noticed the hole left behind was smooth and simply looked like he had stabbed a piece of putty. He put his finger into the hole. He had been told that all vampires had all the same organs as a mortal, they just did not function as they were not needed. Yet he remembered Andrew telling him that blood was the one thing that a vampire would dispel if his skin was penetrated, but that was not happening with this bloodsucker.
Jordan realized that this was not a vampire at all. It was something... not real. It was a... what did they call it... a doppleganger!
He opened the coffin of the female vampire and staked her with the same result. The bloodsuckers had outsmarted Andrew! These were fakes! Not the real bloodsuckers!
Now he knew he was really in trouble. Andrew would never believe that he had staked them. He would think he had disobeyed him and he knew what that meant... certain death. He had no choice but to test Ramon's hold over him.
*
Robert Ironside paced in his office waiting for Barnabas to awaken. He was not comfortable with this meeting. What if Dracula was not being honest? He could possibly be using this as a way to get into his office to kill all of them. The detective had learned long ago that there was no honor among thieves, so why would he believe there was honor among vampires? Dracula may to using Barnabas, allowing him to believe that he owed him for saving his existence.
"Ed, you have made sure that all of us are protected from Dracula if he is only coming here to kill?"
Before Ed had a chance to answer, Doctor Hoffman spoke up. "He will not betray Barnabas, Chief Ironside. You have nothing to worry about."
"Nothing to worry about?" Mark said sarcastically. "We have the most powerful vampire in the world coming here who is supposed to kill the chief and Barnabas, and we have nothing to worry about?"
"We would not have anything to worry about if Barnabas had allowed me to shoot the damn vampire instead of stepping in front of him," Ed complained.
"We could not have a better ally if Dracula decides to join us, Sergeant Brown," Professor Stokes said.
"If he decides to join us," Eve pointed out, "or we just might be signing our own death warrant."
"You don't understand vampires," Willie said. " Even if Dracula does not decide to join us, he will not attempt to harm us at this meeting. It will be neutral ground. He will do that out of respect for Barnabas saving his existence."
"Oh great, he won't kill us this time, just next time," Mark said.
The door to the room Barnabas was staying in opened and the vampire entered the room. He immediately went over to Chief Ironside. "What time is it?"
Ironside checked his watch. "It is five minutes to eight. Your friend should be here any minute."
"He said eight, he will not arrive before. Dracula will do nothing to startle you into acting. He realizes you will be mistrusting of his motives.
Five minutes later, the Count's voice sounded around the room. "Chief Ironside, may I enter?"
"Count Dracula?" Ironside asked in confirmation.
"Yes, Chief Ironside."
"You may enter, but I caution you, we are prepared should you decide to attack us."
"You have my word, I will make no such attempt," Dracula assured him.
"Then you may enter, Count," Ironside told him.
Count Dracula appeared across the room in a gesture that Ironside figured was to keep everyone from panicking.
"Good evening," he said in a thick Transylvania accent.
Ironside nodded at the vampire. Barnabas could read the mistrust in the detective's eyes. If he did, he had no doubt the Dracula did. However, he knew that Dracula was expecting it, it was the reason he entered the way he did.
"Hello, Count," Ironside replied.
Dracula noticed that each of Ironside's people, as well as Barnabas's friends were all wearing crosses. He could not see them, but he certainly could sense them. "Barnabas seems to think that we can work out our present problem."
"Only if you realize I cannot allow Peter Adell to leave this city," Ironside said.
"Chief Ironside is determined to bring Peter Adell to justice," Doctor Hoffman said.
"That presents a problem, Chief Ironside. I have been given instructions to return him to Romania for punishment. I think maybe there is a way we can work this out."
"How?" the detective asked.
"I will give you my word that after I return him to Romania, I will personally end his existence," Dracula promised him.
"How do I know you will keep your word?" Ironside said.
"Robert, if the Count gives his word, he will keep it," Barnabas said.
"Chief, if you can't trust Dracula, I suggest you trust Barnabas," the professor said. "If he gives his word that Dracula will keep his, I think that is good enough."
Ironside stared at the tall man in the cape. He wondered if the vampire realized that he would stand out in today's society. If he was trying to stay under the radar, he certainly would not do it in that get-up. The vampire had probably not changed his attire in hundreds of years.
Dracula waited. He knew the detective would struggle with both leaving the punishment of Peter Adell to someone else, but more importantly he would struggle with whether he could trust him to keep his word. From everything he had heard about this man, his trust could be won, but it would not necessarily be easy, especially since he knew the powers and capabilities of a vampire.
"Can you destroy this vampire?" Eve asked.
Dracula looked at the pretty policewoman. Fresh in his mind was the way she had defended herself against him. He bowed towards her but noticed she was not looking him in the eye. "Do not fear me, Officer Whitfield. You may look me in the eye. I will not attempt to control you."
Eve hesitated but finally looked up. She did not feel any pull from his eyes. True to his word, Dracula was not trying to control her, but then again, it was not surprising he would not do it with Barnabas Collins present since he had once bitten and had her under his thrall.
"I can destroy him," Dracula replied. He then turned and looked into the eyes of Robert Ironside.
"I will warn you, Count, Robert can't be controlled by a vampire. None of us know why, but I discovered it when he came to Collinsport."
"I know why," the count said. "It is nothing more then sheer will. I have seen it before. Fortunately for our kind it rarely ever happens. I have only seen it two other times in all the years I have been a vampire. I am not surprised this man is able to resist our power, at least that one."
Ironside wondered if that was a warning that there were other ways Dracula could overwhelm him and his officers. His tone did not display any menace though.
Suddendly two vampires appeared in the chief's office. Ed and Eve drew their service revolvers. Ironside reached into his suit coat pocket and pulled out his as well. Both Barnabas and Dracula positioned themselves between the new arrivals and the mortals in the room. Both vampires were hissing as their canines elongated.
Angelique Bouchard burst into the office from the door and ran in between what could have have escalated into a fight before they knew why the vampires had arrived.
"No, Dracula!! They are hear to help. You were gone before I could inform you of their arrival. Please listen to them!"
Barnabas and Dracula backed off, their canines retracted. Both vampires realizing that neither of the arrivals had showed their canines or hissed as was common when a fight was about to begin.
"Who are you?" Barnabas demanded.
"I know who they are," Dracula said. "They are members of the Vampire Council, Morgan and Miranda."
Both vampires nodded at them. Morgan stepped forward towards Chief Ironside in recognition that the man was in charge no matter that he had two vampires in his mist. He was a man used to being in charge and he would not relinquish command. Barnabas immediately moved to Ironside's side in a protective and threatening gesture.
"I mean Chief Ironside no harm, Mister Collins. We are here to help. We have come to warn all of you," Morgan said.
"Warn us about what?" Ironside said.
"The Vampire Council has had a meeting. There is a vampire here. His name is Damon. When he was a mortal, he was a police detective," Miranda said.
"He has been following Dracula and knows about this meeting. He relayed it to the Council," Ironside said.
Miranda and Morgan stared at the detective. Everyone else in the room except Dracula was smiling. "How did you know that," Morgan said.
"I am a detective," Ironside said. "You are hear claiming to warn us. If you are sincere and there is a vampire here, only one that had been a detective as a mortal would be able to follow Dracula without him knowing it."
Morgan smiled. "It has been said that you are the best in your field. I can see why. You are correct of course. The council knows of this meeting. They knew of the count's attempt to control your officer, and Mister Collins stepping in to save his life. Andrew figures that the count and Mister Collins would become allies and help you stake Peter Adell. He convinced the council to send several vampires to destroy both of you and kill Chief Ironside, his people and Barnabas's people as well."
"How do we know you are not being followed by this vampire?" Ironside asked.
"If you have been, you will be targeted as well," Professor Stokes said.
"We cannot be sure we have not been followed," Miranda said. "It doesn't matter if we have. We are already a target."
"Why is that?" Doctor Hoffman asked.
"Because I helped them," Angelique said.
Ironside didn't like the sound of that. He just could not bring himself to trust Angelique, not after what she had done to Barnabas over two-hundred years ago. There was just something about the witch that made the hair on the back of his neck rise. He could tell from the look on Barnabas's face that he felt the same. What bothered him even more was the look on Dracula's face. Something was amidst between the vampire and Angelique.
"I contacted Angelique to warn you, Count. I told her we could not abide by the council's decision. We wanted to come and help, but Andrew was having both of us watched. You see the vote was a tie. The vampires that normally vote with Andrew did so again. He has stacked the council with vampires loyal to him. The holdovers that were loyal to Julius voted against this."
"And Andrew broke the tie," Ironside said.
This time Morgan could only smile. The detective was indeed very sharp. "You are correct, Chief Ironside."
"How exactly did you elude Andrew?" Ed asked.
"That is where Angelique came in. The count was sleeping, so she could not consult him. We convinced her that we wanted to help but were unable to get away without assistance."
"So Angelique gave you the name of someone who could create doppelgangers," Ironside said.
"Does he always do that?" Miranda asked.
Eve smiled. "The chief quite often knows what we are going to tell him."
"It is simple deduction," Ironside said.
"You are correct, of course," Morgan said. We were able to get a flight on the Concord while the doppelgangers went on a commercial flight."
Dracula, who had remained quiet listening to the vampires, finally spoke up. "How many vampires is the council sending?"
"I don't know, Count. I only know that they are sending as many as they think it will take to defeat you and Mister Collins."
"Please call me Barnabas," the Collinsport vampire said.
Morgan nodded in acknowledgement. "We believe in the reason the council was created, but I cannot take part in what they are doing now. Andrew rules it and does exactly as he pleases. He sent Damon here without the approval of the rest of us, and the Council did nothing about it. He considers you a threat, Count, because he cannot control you. The only reason he has left Barnabas alone is that he has been afraid that you would come to his defence. But now that he has control of the Vampire Council, he is willing to take a chance that an army of vampires can defeat you and Barnabas."
"So instead of dealing with one vampire in my city, I will be dealing with an army of them," Ironside said, "and I only have two vampires on our side."
"No sir, you have four," Miranda said. "We are with Dracula."
"And so am I," said a voice before another vampire appeared in Ironside's office. The four vampires spread out to protect the mortals, but the newly arrived vampire went down on one knee.
"I am Damon, Count Dracula. I was sent here to follow you and report back to the council. I was not told they intended to attempt to destroy you. I will have no part of it."
Dracula stared at the young vampire. Everyone expected him to speak but it was Robert Ironside who spoke up. "You are Damon Jorgenson, Lieutenant Damon Jorgenson of the Miami Police Department."
Damon smiled. "That is right, Chief Ironside. We met in Miami when our police department hosted the police convention. You were the guest speaker. We spent an evening together talking police tactics."
"I remember. You were said to have been killed that night and dumped in the ocean," Ironside said.
"Yes, that was arranged by Ramon. He was the vampire that turned me."
"Ramon?" Dracula said. "He did not have permission to turn anyone to my knowledge."
"He didn't. He threatened to destroy me unless I told him I had been shot in the line of duty and begged him to turn me. I had no choice." Damon finally stood up from his kneeling position.
"Then it is not really me you are here to protect, is it?" Dracula said with a slight smile.
Damon smiled. "I have a great deal of respect for Chief Ironside. He is the detective most police officers desire to be like. I did not ask for this existence, but since it has been forced on me, I will use it to protect the innocent."
"How do we know we can trust this man?" Miranda said.
Ironside turned his chair towards the female vampire. "You were asked the same question, remember? I know this man. He can be trusted."
"Chief, you met him and spent one evening with him," Mark said. "You can't possibly base your trust of him on that."
"I think Chief Ironside is an excellent judge of character," Barnabas said. "If he feels he can be trusted, then so be it."
Dracula walked over to the fledgling vampire. "You may not live through this."
"I know that, but I also knew that every time I went to work as a police detective. I mean it, Count Dracula, I want to help you and Chief Ironside. I will give my life to protect you both."
"Well, I don't trust him," Willie disagreed. "He could have been sent here to spy on us and report back to the Vampire Council."
Ironside looked into the eyes of the young vampire. "No, he will not help him. He is a cop and vampire or not, he belongs to a brotherhood. I trust him."
Ed and Eve exchanged a glance. They could not believe the chief accepted him so easily. It was unlike him. He scrutinized Morgan and Miranda, but accepted Damon almost without question.
"Damon, if you betray me, I will end your existence," Dracula said in a deadly voice.
"I won't betray you, Count."
"We need to find out when these vampires will arrive," Ironside said.
"I will find that out and report back to you," Damon offered.
"Good!" Ironside said. You can start immediately, Lieutenant."
Damon bowed and disappeared.
"Is he gone?" Doctor Hoffman asked Barnabas.
"He's gone," Barnabas replied.
"Chief, you can't possibly trust this vampire," Professor Stokes said.
"He doesn't," Dracula said.
"He wanted him to believe he trusts him," Barnabas added.
"But why?" Eve asked.
"If he is here to spy on us and report to the Vampire Council, I want him to feel comfortable. We can feed him just enough information to convince the council of our plans, which will be false. If he is on the level, it is one more vampire on our side. You are on our side, aren't you, Count Dracula?"
Everyone looked at Dracula. The vampire remained quiet. Looking into the detective's eyes, he could not help but respect the man. He showed no fear in the face of what could be certain death. Barnabas chose his friends well.
"The Vampire Council was created to keep our kind from killing and to not bring attention to themselves. Andrew Adell has been slowly putting vampires on the council who believe that our kind should take over the world. They don't seem to understand if vampires are out their doing what Peter Adell is doing, in addition to turning mortals at will into vampires, there soon would be no one to feed on. Andrew is not the least concerned that Peter is here killing mortals. What he really is concerned about is that he is still unsure that he can completely control enough members of the council. He is no different from his son. He must be stopped.
"First we must find Peter. When we do, Chief Ironside, he will be destroyed as you have requested. The vampires that come here will be destroyed as well unless they join Barnabas, Morgan, Miranda and myself. I have never liked or trusted Andrew. I now realize he cannot be allowed to remain in charge of the Vampire Council. He will be destroyed as well. Morgan, you will become the head of the council. I will help you in anyway I can to make sure that this never happens again."
"Can you stop an army of vampires," Ironside asked.
"Chief Ironside, you will see up close what I am capable of. They have no idea what they are going up against." He turned to Barnabas. "You are much stronger than your age. I have seen what you can do. You must have confidence that you can defeat vampires much older. You can do it, Barnabas. I will be proud to fight at your side."
Dracula walked over to Eve. He used his finger to lift her eyes to his. "Please forgive me, Eve Whitfield. I did what I believed to be necessary. I promise you it will never happen again."
Eve smiled at the vampire. "It is alright, Count, we were all doing what we believed to be necessary. Now we shall do it together."
"Miranda, you will stay with the mortals," Dracula said.
"Yes, Count." She bowed to the elder vampire.
"Chief, I assume the rest of your people are as well protected as Miss Whitfield."
"They are."
"Then send them out with Morgan. We must try and find Peter Adell before the rest of the vampires arrive."
"Ed, Eve, you will work with Morgan. I am going with Dracula and Barnabas."
Dracula was about to object when Barnabas caught his eye. "He is much more resourceful than you know. We will have to carry his wheelchair and move faster than the human eye can see, but I assure you, he will be an asset. Besides, if we are the ones to find Peter, he should be the one that stakes him. This is his city."
Dracula bowed. "Then that is how is shall be. The rest of you will stay in this office under Miranda's protection."
"Count, I believe I can help," Angelique said.
"I don't trust you, Angelique," Dracula said.
"She did bring us here," Morgan pointed out. "She is the reason we were able to leave Romania."
"I must help," Angelique said. "I am the only one that can control the vampire bat."
Dracula's eyes narrowed considerably. "You are suggesting that you can turn the bat on other vampires?"
"I can and will. I owe it to Barnabas. I will not betray either of you, you have my word."
"Which has not meant much in the past," Dracula pointed out.
"She kept her word in Collinsport," Barnabas told him. "Although I doubted her sincerity when she came in, I am reminded of what she did to help us prevent the Leviathans from taking over.
Dracula's eyes bore into the witch's. "If you betray us, it will be the last thing you ever do, is that clear?"
"Yes, it's clear."
"You should not work alone," Barnabas said. "If only we could be sure we could trust Damon."
"I will go with Angelique," Professor Stokes said.
"No, I will not have a mortal put in danger," Dracula said. "You are no match for a vampire."
"Professor Stokes is the one that suggested controlling the vampire bat. I will need him. He knows of a professor that can be sure we can remain in control of the bat."
"I assure you, Count Dracula, I know what I am doing. I have studied the supernatural all my life. I can help Angelique," the professor said.
"You will be in grave danger," Dracula warned.
"I am aware of that and I accept it," Elliot said.
"Then you may join Angelique."
"Thank you, Count Dracula."
"I suggest we all get moving. This may be the only night we will have to find Peter Adell. He must be destroyed before the vampires arrive."
Damon suddenly appeared in the room. "It is too late. They are here."
His skin was burned and he had a stake in the middle of his chest. Falling to the floor with blood pouring out of his mouth and his fangs displayed, he all but whispered, "Count, Andrew and Ramon are here. They will lead the vampires against you."
Ironside made a quick decision. He wheeled over to the fallen vampire and pulled the stake from his chest. Looking up at Barnabas, he asked, "Will he survive with the stake removed?"
"He will, but it will take time for him to recover."
Ironside looked at Miranda. "Look after him. See that he recovers." He wheeled over to Damon.
The young vampire looked up at the man he admired. "I know you sent me out because you really did not trust me. There were four of them. They were going to drink from your citizens. I tried to stop them. They were stronger than me. I managed to destroy two of them, but the other two overwhelmed me. One of them staked me. When he tried to remove my head, I used every bit of strength I had to disappear so I could come here to warn you. I would never betray a fellow cop." He smiled up at the detective.
"How many are there?" Ironside asked.
"He brought fifty vampires with him along with Ramon," Damon reported.
Again, Ironside looked at Miranda. "Take care of him. Everyone get moving. These vampires must be stopped before they kill anyone else."
Morgan left with Eve and Ed. Dracula opened a window, nodded at Barnabas who picked up Ironside's chair and they left through the largest window in the office.
"Angelique," the professor said.
She took the professor's arm and they left together.
*
Gabriel came into the vampire's lair. "Where is Andrew?" he asked a vampire who was guarding the entrance.
The vampire pointed to a room with double doors. Gabriel headed for them, slammed the doors open and burst into the room.
Ramon and Andrew looked to see who had come into the room without permission and were ready to discipline the offender, but stopped when they saw the look on Gabriel's face.
"What is it, Gabriel?" Andrew asked.
"Four of our vampires were attacked by Damon. Two of them were destroyed. The other two were able to stake him, but he disappeared."
"He would have gone straight to Dracula," Ramon said. "He will pay for his disobedience. He was suppose to go to Dracula and convince him he wanted to help."
"He probably did, Ramon, but you underestimated his loyalty."
"I didn't believe he would be loyal to Dracula. He has been loyal to me."
"I am not talking about his loyalty to Dracula or Barnabas Collins for that matter. His loyalty is to another man."
Ramon turned directly to Andrew. "If not Dracula or Barnabas Collins, then whom?"
Andrew hissed out the name. "Robert T. Ironside."
