Chapter 36

Bangor Airport Terminal

Willie waited at the airport for Barnabas and Vicki to disembark the plane. He smoked nervously by the front doors. Watching as the red cap rolled their luggage out of the terminal. Willie dropped his cigarette put it out by smashing his tones on top of it and walked around to open the trunk of the estate car. "Barnabas Vicki, hi, did you guys have a good time?"

They looked tanned and happy as they waited for Willie to load the car; Barnabas stepped over to open the back door for Vicki and then joined her in the car. Holding hands in the back seat, Vicki and Barnabas glanced at Willie. The night air had turned brisk and Vicki hugged closer to Barnabas needing his heat. Willie slid into the driver's seat, "Oh, Julia and Professor Stokes are waiting for you back at the old house."

Barnabas smiled and nodded his approval. Vicki brightened, "Oh good I brought them back a lace table-cloth and matching napkins I can give them. They are French lace. I found the most wonderful coverlet for your bed Willie, I hope you like it." She sounded so excited and happy. Willie glanced in the rearview mirror at Barnabas, who looked upon his wife with total adoration.

"Yeah, I needed something for my bed, with the great taste you have I am sure it will brighten my room and make me warm." He smiled shifting his glance back to Vicki. "I am sure the Stokes will like the lace a lot." He had no idea what lace was or the importance of where it was made mattered. He knew she was trying to be a sweet and giving person. "Vicki, I bet they will like it a lot because it came from France."

Barnabas noticed Vicki was getting sleepy so he cradled her close to him and then spoke to Willie, "So, have all the improvements been made to the house Willie?" Vicki loved hearing his voice as he spoke. The base vibrated against her cheek and she rubbed her cheek against his chest, yawned and then let her eyes close as she dozed.

"Oh yeah, they finished the cellar, we put a few light switches in the cellar and Julia had her lab wired, she paid for that Barnabas. Also, the contractor thought it might be a good idea to have a back up generator if we lose power in the storm and for when we needed to take shelter down there we converted one of the rooms into a storm shelter. I was thinking of putting in some cots and bedding if you had to sleep down there."

Barnabas nodded, "Thank you Willie, I suppose that would be helpful. So all the updates to the house have been made and we are no longer inundated with carpenters and electricians?"

Willie nodded, "Yes, and the plumbers put in the last of all the bathrooms. We went ahead and put in a shower, toilet and sink in the cellar."

Barnabas sighed as he felt Vicki shift against his chest. "Good thinking Willie."

Willie looked in the rearview mirror and asked softly, "She asleep?" Barnabas nodded. "Good, cause there is something you need to know. There has been this strange lady hanging out at the Blue Whale asking a lot of questions about you and Vicki."

Barnabas frowned. "A lady?"

One Week Prior

Blue Whale, Collinsport, Maine

Willie had just returned from taking Barnabas and Vicki to the airport. He stopped by the Blue Whale and noticed it was fairly busy for late afternoon with supper fast approaching. He had taken his time on the drive back from Bangor and was glad he would have some free time. Barnabas had given his pay for the week and he needed a beer. He had promises himself he was not going to worry about Vicki now she had married Barnabas.

Sliding on the stool he turned looked at the sun setting in the west. Looking at Bob, he hunkered over the bar. "Draft Bob, when you get time." He fished in his pocket and pulled out a five and laid it on the bar. Bob drew him a long tall glass cold beer and sat it in front of Willie, Bob made change sliding three dollars and seventy-five cents to Willie.

"Not hungry Willie?" Bob asked looking at the man and having a new respect for him. He had changed a lot in the past year and a half. It all began after he went to work for Barnabas Collins. Bob figured Collins kept him too busy to cause trouble.

"Yeah, might as well have them fix me a club sandwich and I want to pay for another beer." He shoved over the change. Taking a wadded dollar from his pocket he threw it in the tip jar.

With the rush of a cold wind Willie turned to look over his shoulder at the exotically beautiful woman that entered the room. With a seductive sway of her hips she walked to the bar and slid on the stool next to Willie. Her beautifully intoxicating eyes immediately struck Bob. "What can I get you?" He was polite waiting for her to order.

"How about a light Rose' wine and some information?" she pulled out a twenty dollar bill and slid it with a smile across the bar. Her hair hung to her hips, and was as dark as midnight, her eyes a wide bright blue and her lips were kissable full and luscious looking with that red lipstick. Bob poured her a house special wine, slid the glass to her and took the twenty and started to make change. "I said I wanted information. Keep the change and come talk with me a while."

Bob leaned on the bar and smiled. "Thanks so what do you want to talk about?" She leaned over resting her heavy bosoms on the top of the bar and smiled.

"Why not begin with the people that live in the big house on the hill. They are the Collins family right?"

Bob nodded, "Yep, owns most the town and the cannery." He slid his gaze to Willie, who had hunkered more over his drink. Ducking his head and lifting to sip his beer.

He noted she had a heavy accent. Her voice was soft and what some men would call sexy husky. "I heard that there are three males, Roger Collins, Quentin Collins and of course the one that lives in that old mausoleum that sits back in the woods? I think his name is Barnabas? He recently married did he not?" she fluttered her lashes and since she was talking about something that was well publicized he felt safe to nod.

"Yep, married the Collins family governess Vicki Winters. Real nice girl, she came here and then found out she was the daughter to Elizabeth Collins Stoddard and the Sheriff. Long time ago George and Elizabeth were dating and she got pregnant, she gave the baby up for adoption and then brought her back to Collinwood to tell her Elizabeth was Vicki's mom. Made everyone happy I hear. I know she came in here a lot of with Burke Devlin when he was alive. He died and she kind of quit coming in. " Bob was not about to become more forthcoming he had spoken what everyone knew.

She felt Bob was shutting down so she picked up her drink looked at Willie, smiled turning her attention back to Bob. "So are they on their honeymoon?" She watched Bob shrug and glance to Willie again, and noticed Willie was becoming more withdrawn.

"Don know they did not invite me, I know if you want to go to Collinwood, they probably would talk to you about it. See they don't frequent this bar that often so I only get half-truths or rumors. I always found its best to talk to those that do know."

She smiled winked at him slid off the bar stool and walked to a corner table. Willie's sandwich arrived. Bob walked it to Willie and spoke softly, "You know her?"

Willie shook his head, "Nope never saw her before, thanks for not saying anything. Hey you don't know her do you? "

Bob shook his head, "Don't like gossiping about family Willie and you all are family to me."

Drive Home from Bangor

Willie nodded, "Yeah, I was in there the other night and she was sitting near the bar. She was Asking Bob Rooney about you and Vicki."

Barnabas frowned, "What did Mr. Rooney say?"

He shifted and dimmed his lights as another car passed them on the highway. "He said he did not know much about you, He said he had only known Vicki from her coming in with Burke Devlin. He did not tell her I worked for you." Willie sighed and then navigated around another car and back into his lane. "Later after she left Bob came over and asked if I heard her. I said Yeah and I thanked him for not sayin anything about you and Vicki to her. Bob said we were family and he don talk about family with strangers."

Barnabas held Vicki a little tighter as he pulled her close to him. She snuggled up to him and rubbed her cheek against his chest. "We are in danger Willie, I need security tightened up around the house. I do not think we have seen the last of some old foes that are back in the picture and I will not be happy until they are gone for good."

Willie looked worried. "Is that why the professor and Julia are at the old house?"

Barnabas nodded. "Our friend in Romania is back in the picture and wanting to make trouble he has enlisted the aid of Angelique."

Willie shuddered and tightened his grip on the steering wheel. "When is she gonna leave us alone?"

Barnabas frowned, "I suppose she will not be happy as long as I am happy and in love with someone as wonderful as Mrs. Collins." Barnabas adjusted his hold on Vicki, looked down at her with such loving tenderness that Willie had to take his eyes off the review mirror and continued to watch the road in front of him.

Willie smiled listening to Barnabas talk about Vicki as Mrs. Collins. "Gee Barnabas, that sounds so nice. Mrs. Collins and not Miss Winters." Barnabas was touched by his observations and smiled in return.

"I thought so too Willie, from this day forward she is in deed Mrs. Collins." Willie grew quiet watching the road and navigating the turn off to Collinsport. Barnabas used the quiet time to reflect on what his next step would be to protect his family from Angelique and Vlad.

He glanced down watching Vicki as she slept. There was no way this was going to turn out as it had with Josette. No, he would make sure that whatever it was Angelique had in store for him and his family would fail this time. No more would he allow his life to be used as a toy for a vindictive witch. He was growing angrier and his thoughts were turning darker and darker by the minute. Glancing up he noticed lighting over the entrance to the Old house road and the road had been covered by a black surface. "What is this Willie? When did this happen?"

Willie smiled widely, "Roger and Elizabeth wanted to get you and Vicki a special wedding gift so they paid for the black top of the drive to the house." Willie was happy for this improvement because it meant he would not get stuck in the drive during the snow and rain He could not wait to see what Barnabas thought of the pole barn garage they had installed to replace the dilapidated stables that had been nothing more than rat infested building and about to fall in.

Old House Collinsport, ME

Willie pulled up front to the main entry way to the Old House. "I will let you and Vicki out here and bring in your bags."

Barnabas gently shook Vicki. "Vicki, wake up my dear. We are home." Vicki raised her head smiled at her husband and yawned.

"Wow, so soon?" Barnabas opened the door for them and helped her out.

"Willie will bring in our things and put our bags in our room. Come we have visitors." Vicki blinked and then noticed how bright it appeared.

"Goodness we have lights!" She smiled widely and slid out of the car to look at the front part of the old house. What a difference the electricity made to the house, lighting it up to allow for excellent navigation to the front door.

Barnabas led her up to the doors and opened them. Elliott and Julia stood in the hallway. "Welcome back newly weds!" Elliott was jovial and in a good frame of mind as he watched them come through the door.

Vicki went to hug them both. "Thank you! Oh, I have a wedding gift for you both, as soon as Willie brings in our bags, I will be able to get it for you."

The phone began ringing Vicki turned to answer the phone, "Hello?" Her faces brighten immediately. "Oh thank you mother, yes, we just came through the door." She listened and smiled again. "Oh yes, please I would love to see you and Father. Yes, Julia and Elliott are here, so come on over." She turned to look at Barnabas, "Is it ok for Mother and Dad to come for a short visit?"

Barnabas kissed her forehead, "Of course it is. Come Julia, Elliott, let's go have a glass of sherry and you must tell me what has gone on in our absence."

Willie walked down the stairs, "Vicki, your bags are on the bed, do you want me to unpack them?"

Vicki shook her head. "No, Willie, I will take care of our bags. Barnabas, Julia, Elliott, would you mind excusing me? I want to go and get your gift. With Mother and Dad coming over, I can get the things I bought for those at Collinwood."

Julia appeared gracious and nodded to Vicki, "Go ahead, we will wait here until you return."

Vicki kissed Barnabas lightly on the lips then moved to the steps. Barnabas watched her until she was out of sight. Turning to Elliott he waited, "Did you take care of the spell on Josette?"

Elliott nodded, "It was a matter of figuring out which spell she had used. Josette should be able to communicate again."

Barnabas appeared to relax. "She was so distraught when she appeared to me on the ship. Sarah was able to communicate the problem, and that was when I sent you the telegram."

Elliott held his monocle in his hand and frowned deeply. "If Tepes is truly back, we could be in for a nasty fight. I am sure he will not be too forgiving to any of us for what we did to him."

Barnabas stood and moved to peer out the window. "George Patterson and Elizabeth just pulled into our drive. Julia, if he is angry with anyone, it will be you and myself. I am sure he has something very nasty planned for the both of us. "

Elliott smiled widely, "He will regret coming after Julia, I have something pretty nasty ready for him should that happen, don't I my dear."

Julia smiled and nodded, "Elliott has researched this since he got your telegram Barnabas."

Barnabas walked towards the entry way as Vicki's parents knocked. "We will discuss this later." Barnabas opened the door and greeted his in-laws. "Elizabeth, George please come in and join us."

Vicki stepped out onto the upstairs landing and smiled down at her parents. "I will be down in just a second." She walked back to her room and gathered up the bags she left on the bed, coming back downstairs she walked to her mother and kissed her cheek and then got scooped up in a big bear hug by her father.

"Oh Julia, I hope this will work for you and Elliott." She handed over one bag. Julia pulled out the lovely tablecloth and properly made over Vicki's choice and the gift.

Julia gave Vicki a big appreciative hug. Turning to her mother and father she handed them each a bag. George opened his bag and pulled out the t-shirt and ball cap. "This will be perfect for when I go fishing this summer. Thank you honey."

Vicki smiled, "I bought the boys t-shirts and silver bracelets with their names engraved on them. Penny and Carolyn got sweetheart necklaces, and scarfs from Antiqua. I was able to get some wonderful West Indies Bourbon for Uncle Roger, I am sure he will enjoy it. It was duty free. "

Elizabeth opened her small bag pulling out four small cases. "Oh silver tea spoons to go with my collection. Thank you darling they are lovely."

"This bag is for David, and this one is for Amy. I thought they could use some books, so I bought David one on pirates. I also bought him a five masted schooner to go with his whaling ship. Then for Amy, I have a book on the tropical fishes of the west indies and a doll."

Vicki smiled watching he father take the bags out to the car. Turning she sat in a chair next to Barnabas and noted he had provided for the other guests. Barnabas stood and bowed to the ladies as George entered the room. "Ladies, I think I shall leave you to talk about the trip and gentlemen, if you will join me in my den, I am sure I have something more palatable for our taste buds."

The men moved to Barnabas' den leaving Vicki, Julia, and Elizabeth to sit cozily before the fire. It was Vicki's turn to tell them of their trip and how wonderful their curse had been. "Barnabas kept offering to book us another cruise and do that around the world cruise he had been wishing to make." The ladies chuckled softly.

Barnabas' den

Barnabas looked at Elliott and then turned to George Patterson. "George, because you are a part of my family, I feel I am compelled to tell you of an impending danger to our family."

George frowned sitting in a chair he looked at his new son in law. "I am not going to like what I am about to hear am I?"

Elliott sat opposite George. "I fear it is far worse than you could imagine. I am pretty sure it is not going to stop with Vicki and could very well involve your children, your step child and your future bride."

George sighed and sat back cradling the brandy in his hand. "I know I am not going to like this."

Elliott studied his drink before he proceeded, "Sheriff, you know this family and this town has been steeped in the supernatural for sometime."

George smiled at Professor Stokes, "I know that there were superstitious suppositions of ghosts, witches, and werewolves from way back."

Elliott glanced at Barnabas and then spoke openly, "They were not suppositions. There are ghosts, there are witches and we know of at least one occasional weir wolf. What you don't know about is the existence of vampires."

George shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "I am finding this hard to believe." He sounded skeptical.

Elliott allowed Barnabas to remain silent as he continued with his point. "No, Sheriff I can assure you that there are such creatures and there is one very old and very blood thirsty vampire that has taken an unhealthy interest in Vicki."

George stood pacing the room his anger levels were growing. He was finding what they were discussing upsetting and that it involved his daughter was bringing out the protective father gene.

"George do you remember about two months ago, when the tree ended up in the foyer of Collinwood. "

George quit pacing. "Yes, Vicki was hurt. We took her to the hospital."

Barnabas sat in his chair behind his desk and leaned back. "That night Vlad Tepes had come to Collinwood. When he saw Victoria he thought she was his dead wife reincarnated. He had Vicki kidnapped and they took her out of the country to his home in Romania. He held her prisoner there until Julia, Elliott and myself were able to rescue her and bring her home."

George tightened his grip on his drink. "Why am I finding out about this now?"

Elliott glanced at George through his monocle and smiled tightly, "Because we thought we had destroyed him. Apparently, we were not successful in doing so and now he is back with the help of a witch that has had a grudge against this family for nearly two centuries."

Barnabas sighed and shook his head. "My ancestor had an affaire with a witch by the name of Angelique Bouchard. When he rejected her, she cursed our family, more particularly my family. Her curse was that no one from the original Barnabas Collins would ever find love. She was the reason Josette Collins jumped from widows hill."

Elliott nodded, "What you do not know is that during a séance held in Collinwood, Vicki was transported back through time and exchanged places with a young lady by the name of Phyllis Wick." Elliott paused dropped the monocle from his eye and continued speaking. "Vicki lived her life that Miss Wick would have lived. Vicki did this for several months. Living her life with the original Barnabas Collins and his family and saw Angelique nearly destroy every member of the Collins family in her zeal to seek revenge."

George was growing more and more upset listening to what Barnabas and Elliott were telling him. "So, now this Angelique has joined up with this Vlad?"

Elliott and Barnabas nodded. "Yes, Angelique arranged for it to appear that Vicki was the witch and was practicing witchcraft at Collinwood. So Vicki was arrested and tried for witchcraft in 1795. Vicki was hanged as a witch. However, when the actual hanging took place, the young lady that exchanged places with Vicki in the 20th century exchange places once again and was the poor unfortunate Phyllis Wick was the one that was hanged and Vicki was brought back to the 20th century."

Elliott paused then proceeded with his explanation, "This situation created a lot of conflict for Vicki. Vicki suffered some memory loss of what actually happened and was slowly getting her memory back when once again; this Angelique came to Collinwood in the guise of Cassandra Blair."

George nodded, "I vaguely recall this woman. Didn't Roger marry her and then she disappeared?"

Elliott nodded. "Yes, and she apparently was thwarted in her attempts to destroy the family. She just as suddenly disappeared and had not until now been heard from."

George sat down and set his glass down. What he was hearing was making him furious. He did not wish to break the delicate glass or spill the liquor on the antique carpeting. "So, what are we doing about this situation?"

Elliott smiled and looked over to Barnabas. "We are preparing for his arrival and another attempt to take Vicki away."

George nodded, "So, I could post some guards around the house."

Elliott bridged his fingertips together having set his glass on the side table. "That would not help. They will use supernatural powers to affect the desired effect. What we will need to do is counter attack with our own supernatural remedies."

George stood controlling his anger, "I am not going to let my little girl be hurt by no monster."

Elliott smiled, "Which is why we will do all we can to counter any attacks that may come."

Barnabas glanced at the picture of Vicki he had on his desk. "I am not going to let a vindictive witch dictate my life or that of my wife. Which is why I wanted to let you know what is going on."

Barnabas opened the desk drawer and pulled out several little boxes with Braithwaite's logo. "Give these to your children. There is one for you. Make sure they wear them all the time. Vicki is going to give Carolyn, her mother, Roger and David one as a gift we brought back from our cruise."

George took the boxes and opened one. Lying on a bed of white satin was a silver cross. "So, this will help repel these vampires?"

Elliott chuckled, "There is one thing a vampire hates is a holy symbol. They are blood sucking unholy creatures that live by night and avoid sunlight and all that is holy and good."

George took the cross out of the box and put it around his neck. "So this is our first line of defense?"

Elliott stood and looked from Barnabas to George. "You will want to hang crosses over the windows and the doors. There was a thought at one time that Garlic was a deterrent. That was wrong. I am still researching what we can do to arm ourselves against the undead, I would suggest you get a priest to bless some water and keep holy water handy. You might wish to have the house blessed as well. "

The sounds from the drawing room let the men know the women had exhausted their topics of conversation. "I think the ladies will be looking for us." Barnabas stood and moved to the door waiting for Elliott and George to exit his den. "Ah, it seems my lovely wife is looking tired."

Barnabas noted entering the drawing-room. Elizabeth stood and walked to George's side, "Look at the lovely necklace Vicki gave me. She found it in Barbados."

George smiled and kissed her cheek. "It's lovely my dear."

Elliott stepped next to Julia, "I am thinking we need to let the newly weds get some rest, they had a long day."

Julia walked to get her coat and purse. "I will see you later tomorrow, I hope you both plan to sleep in and get lots of rests."

George was helping Elizabeth on with her coat. Leaning over he placed a kiss on Vicki's cheek. "I will see you tomorrow for supper I hope?"

Vicki looked at Barnabas; "Mother invited us to supper with the family tomorrow."

Barnabas put his arm around Vicki's waist and nodded, "Of course my dear. We look forward to it."

Vicki walked with Barnabas to the front door to escort their guests out. Standing in the chilled night air they watched as Elliott, Julia, Elizabeth and George left. Sighing contentedly she turned and walked back with Barnabas and let him lock the front door.

"So, here we are my love. In our home." Barnabas took her hand and led her to the stairs. "Now, its time for us to prepare for bed. I am exhausted as I am sure you are."

Vicki let him lead her up the stairs and to their bed. Knowing in her heart she was where she was supposed to be and wanted to be for the rest of her life. Pausing she smiled at her husband, "Now, I know our lives are complete and I am so happy you are my husband."

He kissed her lips and smiled into her eyes. "As I am happy to have you as my wife." They stepped towards the night of love and happiness, one thinking she could not get any happier. The other wondering when the next attack would come.

The next chapter is about to begin in the lives of Vicki and Barnabas. Join me for a new adventure in Shadows Deceptions, the Return of Vlad.