Dark Shadows: Back to the Past

Chapter 29

1

Quentin Collins never felt so confused in his life. He no longer loved Jenny, if he ever did. For a long time now, he believed she was dead. Quentin couldn't believe his family could lie about something so important. Why didn't they tell him Jenny was alive. They should have told him she was insane. Furthermore he couldn't believe they didn't put her in a sanitarium. Well, he supposed he knew the answer to that. The Collins family would hide anything that might cause them a scandal, and a Collins that was insane would certainly cause them embarrassment. Still, they had no right to keep it from him. After all, she was his wife. Then again, if they had told him, would things have been any different?

Quentin thought about Eve Ironside, or whatever her name really was. He really felt something for her. Now, what would he do? Should he pursue a relationship with someone who was a time traveler? That was something else to think about. Did he really believe they were time travelers? Would he actually kill Jenny as they had predicted? Would Magna actually curse him to become a werewolf, and finally would Count Petofi save him from that fate only to take over his body? It all sounded so crazy. Yet Quentin had seen plenty of crazy things in Collinsport. So many questions with no immediate answers.

He had to get out of the Great House, but first he was going to confront Judith. Quentin left his room and headed down the hall. As he got to the staircase in the foyer, he went swiftly down the stairs. When he arrived at the bottom of the stairs, he headed directly for the drawing room. Judith was sitting in front of the fireplace with her back to the door. She didn't turn around when Quentin entered the room. Yet, she knew exactly who had come in.

"Good evening, Quentin."

"Judith, I would appreciate it if you would turn around and face me. It is the least you can do after what you have done," he said.

She turned around immediately to face her brother. "After what I have done? How dare you? All I have done is to protect the family from your actions. You married Jenny against the wishes of this family. You were unfaithful to her and you abandoned her by leaving Collinwood. All of this is your fault. You never have been able to take any responsibility for your own behavior."

Quentin walked over to the fireplace and sat down in a nearby chair. "You had no right to keep it from me. I should have been told Jenny was still alive. Instead, I was told she was dead."

"Tell me, Quentin, would it really have made any difference if you had known? Would you have come back and stood beside a wife who had gone insane? You were the cause of her insanity. Why would I believe you would return and take care of her?" She stared at her brother, daring him to say otherwise.

Quentin's anger dissipated. He hated to admit it, but she was right. He would not have come back had he known. He sat there without saying anything further.

"Since you came back, you have been messing with that servant, Beth. That is, until you met Constable Ironside's daughter." When she saw the look on his face, she continued, "You think I didn't know? It is all over Collinsport."

"Judith . . . "

"No, Quentin, I don't want to hear any excuses. It is time you grow up and act like a man. You must take responsibility for your wife. Nothing else will be acceptable. Otherwise, you must leave Collinwood forever."

Before Quentin could respond, a servant came running into the drawing room. Judith could tell something was terribly wrong by the panic on the servant's face. "What is it?"

The servant looked over at Quentin. Reluctant to say anything in front of him, she just stood there. Judith sensed the reason for her hesitation. "Quentin knows about Jenny. Now, what is wrong?"

"It is Miss Jenny! She has escaped!"

Quentin's face paled. He remembered the conversation he had at the Old House with Barnabas and Chief Ironside. They said she would escape and attempt to kill him. Only it would be he who killed her. That is what would bring down the werewolf curse upon him. They had been right about Jenny being in the tower. Could they really be time travelers? And if they were, how could he stop from accidentally killing Jenny?

He had to think, and he couldn't do it in the Great House. Quentin had to get out of there. He felt trapped. He got up and headed out of the drawing room.

"Quentin, where are you going? We have to find Jenny before something terrible happens." Judith grabbed his arm before he had gotten out the door.

"Don't you think I know that? I have more to lose than anyone. I am going to go look for Jenny. You do what you have to do." Without looking back, he left Judith standing there as he raced out of the Great House.

As soon as Quentin got outside, he stopped to slow his breathing. The implications of what might happen to him if Barnabas and Ironside were right scared him. He couldn't become a werewolf. He had to stop Jenny and put her in an institution where she belonged. Damn the Collins family! They were more concerned with what people would think of them than they were about Jenny's safety. He didn't love her, but he cared enough for her to be sure the right thing was done by her, and being in an institution where she could get help was the answer; not keeping her locked up in the tower. It wasn't a wonder she was insane. Anyone would go insane locked up in there pretending two toy dolls were live babies.

He walked through the woods with no place in mind to go. Quentin was unaware he was being followed. Knowing that roaming around the woods wasn't accomplishing anything, he headed in the direction of the cottage he used as a get-a-way from his family. He could think there. He could decide what was best for Jenny. Quentin was her husband. Her welfare was his decision alone. He headed in the direction of the cottage.

Jenny Collins watched her husband. She waited until he was far enough ahead of her before she set out to follow him. In her right hand, she held a butcher knife.

2

Barnabas Collins returned to the Old House. Once again he had to deal with Angelique. Would he ever be rid of the wretched witch? Would he ever stop paying for the mistake he made so long ago? He tried to take comfort in the fact that in the present time, she had left with Dracula. That would put her half-way around the world. Still, he didn't know if she would tire of Dracula and return to become a thorn in his side once again. Even with the knowledge she was not interfering with his life in the present time, she certainly was doing so here. Barnabas had no idea what she was up to and when she would strike next.

He opened the doors of the Old House and entered. Removing his cloak, he placed it on the hall tree and set his cane there as well. The vampire entered the drawing room. He found Professor Stokes and Robert Ironside deep in conversation. So much so, they didn't even notice he had returned.

"I found Rachel," he told them.

With their backs to the vampire, Ironside and Stokes quickly turned around to face him. Ironside lowered his brow which seemed to Barnabas almost to be an accusation. He couldn't blame him really. The vampire knew his behavior had been less then stellar since they arrived in the century they now found themselves in. Since he knew what Robert was thinking, he decide to head off the obvious question.

"I didn't attack her, Robert." Changing the subject, he informed them. "I ran into Angelique. I have no doubt she is going to be a problem. She plans to stop me from returning to our time, or at the very least, she plans on following us there." Once again, Barnabas changed the subject. "Have we heard back from Quentin?"

Ironside walked over to the vampire. "No, we haven't. The professor and I are concerned for his safety. We have decided we should begin at once to tail him in order to keep him out of trouble."

A puzzled look appeared on the vampire's face. "Tail him? I do not understand."

Stokes smiled and answered before Ironside had the chance. "It is police talk for following him."

"I see. I will never understand the way people speak in your century." Barnabas shook his head. "Who will we assign to follow him?"

"I think I should do it, Chief," Eve said. "I have already built up a rapport with Quentin. He wouldn't realize I have been assigned to keep an eye on him."

Before Ironside could say yes or no, the door to the Old House opened. Magna came rushing into the room. She headed right to Barnabas Collins. Her face was flushed red with anger written all over it. "You filthy blood sucking demon! You knew my Jenny was alive and being held in the tower of Collinwood, and you never told me!"

Ironside stepped in between Barnabas and the gypsy. He could tell by the rage on the vampire's face that Magna went too far. The detective was concerned Barnabas would lose his temper and kill the gypsy on the spot. Despite the fact it would take care of the problem of stopping Quentin from becoming a werewolf, Ironside would not allow Barnabas to kill her.

"How dare you talk to me that way!" Barnabas shouted. With no effort at all, he pushed the big California detective out of the way. Grabbing Magna by the throat, his fangs elongated and his eyes turned black.

Realizing the vampire was going to kill her, the terror shown on her face. Sandor ran into the drawing room. "Mister Barnabas! Please don't kill her. She is distraught about Jenny. We just found out she is alive and was being kept in the tower at Collinwood."

"Was being held?" Ironside questioned. "What in the flaming hell are you talking about?"

"She is not in the tower any longer, Mister Ironside. She escaped," Sandor informed them.

That seemed to calm Barnabas and he removed his hand from the gypsy's throat. "You will stay here. We will find Quentin and stop him from killing Jenny."

Fury returned to the gypsy's features. "What do you mean stop him from killing her? Is he going to try to kill her? I will curse him for the remainder of his days!" She shouted at the vampire despite almost losing her life for angering the creature of the night.

"Eve, you stay her and make sure these two don't leave the Old House. We will go out and find Quentin or Jenny."

"I am not staying here!" Magna shouted. "I am going to find Jenny!"

Once again, the vampire grabbed her by the throat. He got directly in her face. "You will do as you are told or forfeit your life."

Sandor placed his hand on Barnabas' wrist. "Please, Mister Barnabas, I will make sure my wife stays here in the Old House."

The vampire loosened his grip on Magna's throat, but didn't let go. "We will finish this conversation when I get back." He released the gypsy and pushed her with force against Sandor, who nearly fell backwards with the force Barnabas used.

"Professor, you go to Collinwood. Find out if Quentin is there. If he is, bring him back to the Old House," Ironside said. "I'll check to see if Petofi has him. Barnabas, you use your talents and see if you can spot him from the air."

The vampire understood exactly what his friend was telling him. He was to turn into a bat and use his superior eyesight and attempt to locate Quentin. The three men left the room.

"I don't care what the bloodsucker wants; I am going to find my sister." Magna tried to step around her husband. Both Eve and Sandor stepped in front of her.

"You heard Barnabas, Magna," Eve said. "You are not going anywhere. Barnabas and Chief Ironside will find Quentin. When they do, they will likely find Jenny as well. I suggest you sit down. It could be a long wait, but we will wait nevertheless."

The gypsy knew she would never get past both of them. She walked over and sat down in one of the chairs next to the fireplace. She stared at Eve with hatred. These people didn't belong here. How did they know Jenny was still alive? And how did they know she was being held in the tower? There was plenty strange about these people, including that little box they took away from her.

She couldn't believe Sandor would just sit and do as the vampire ordered. He should fight back like she was trying to do. A vampire was evil, a creature of the night. If only Sandor would allow her to stake him, they could go on with their lives, which right now included Jenny. She had to find a way to help her.

3

Rachel Drummond wandered the woods in a daze. She was only slightly aware where she was. All she knew was something told her to go to the Old House. That was all right with her. She wanted to see Barnabas. She had to see him. Rachel had been drawn to him from the moment she met him. Why? She didn't know or care. She simply had to be with him.

She looked up the steps of the Old House. There were plenty of them to climb. Rachael started up the steps, but then hesitated. Something was stopping her. She didn't want to be discovered entering Barnabas' home. Rachael shook her head. That simply didn't make any sense. Why couldn't he know she was there. Yet, she knew he couldn't. Hurrying around to the back of the mansion, Rachael found the door leading into the kitchen. She smiled when she found it was unlocked. This was a much better way to enter without being noticed.

Reaching for the door, she turned the knob and entered. Now, she only had to head into the basement without being discovered. Why was she supposed to go to the basement? She didn't know, she only knew she was. Rachael quickly looked around the very large kitchen and determined no one was there.

She traveled through the kitchen and peaked into the foyer. She could hear voices coming from the drawing room. Since she had been in the mansion once before Barnabas Collins arrived, she knew the basic layout of the home. The basement was across the hall. All she had to do was cross it and descend into the cellar. The question was would she find the basement door locked or unlocked. She didn't know, but she would soon find out.

As quietly as she could possibly move, she crossed the hall and went to the basement door. Rachel reached for the doorknob. It was locked. It wouldn't turn. She couldn't believe it. For some unknown reason, she found herself standing at the door. She was supposed to go into the basement. She didn't know why; she only knew she was supposed to.

Rachel couldn't stand there much longer. She was afraid of discovery. If someone found her there, she would have no explanation of what she was doing there. Then she almost laughed when she noticed the key in the lock. How could she miss that? It was so obvious. Rachel was so nervous she hadn't even noticed it when she first approached the door. She reached down, turned the key and opened the door very slowly. Something told her it would creek, and she didn't want to draw attention to herself.

As she entered the basement, she pulled the door shut behind her, careful to do it as slowly as she could. Once it was closed, she waited until her eyes adjusted to the darkness. She was unaware the key on the other side had slipped out of the lock and fallen to the floor. Rachel looked down at the stairs and could tell they were very steep. She began to descend them. With her hand on the wall, she navigated each step carefully to be sure she didn't miss one. The last thing she wanted was to go tumbling down the stairs.

When Rachel reached the bottom, she stood there momentarily trying to determine which way to go. The basement, from what she could see in the poor lighting was extensive. It seemed to go on forever. She turned to the right and almost screamed as she walked directly into a lot of cobwebs. Something was compelling her to the basement, but nothing seemed to be in her mind as where she should go. She didn't even have any idea why she was down there in the first place. She only knew she was supposed to look. But look for what?

Rachel turned and went in the opposite direction. There weren't any cobwebs to run into, only more darkness. Despite the torches that were on the wall, it was still very dark. She continued until she came upon a room that was much brighter. There were several torches which were lighting up the room. Rachel had to put her hand over her mouth to stifle a gasps when she spotted it.

There was a coffin in the middle of the room on a large slab of cement. Why in the world would Barnabas Collins keep a coffin in the basement of the Old House? Well, maybe he wasn't the one that put it there. After all, he'd only been here for a short time.

Curiosity got the better of her. She entered the room and walked over to the coffin. Suddenly, she heard a voice inside of her telling her to open the coffin. Rachel had no idea why she was supposed to open it, but she began doing so as if she was somehow programmed to. When she had the lid completely up, she found that it was empty. Naturally, it was empty. She really had not expected to find a body in the coffin.

The voice inside her started talking to her again. "Climb inside, Rachel."

Without questioning the voice, Rachel did exactly that. Once inside, she lay down as she pulled the lid down over her. Crossing one hand over the other, Rachel closed her eyes and went to sleep.

4

Quentin Collins arrived at the cottage he so often went to for solitude. He felt confused and uncertain of what he should believe. So far, Barnabas Collins and Robert Ironside had been correct. Yet, the nagging feeling that they were trying to trick him would not go away. At least here, at this cottage, he could spend his time in a quiet room and think. Think, yes, that is exactly what he needed to do. He had to figure out whether he could trust Barnabas and Ironside. That was the key to knowing what he should do.

The black sheep of the Collins family sat down in front of the fireplace and put his head in his hands. The events of the evening were giving him a headache. Rubbing his temples, he began to go over everything in his mind. It still didn't make sense to him. Certainly Barnabas and Ironside had been correct about Jenny being held in the tower room, but he didn't see how she could escape from it. She was locked in the room, her food was brought to her, and she was being taken care of. She didn't appear to him that she was trying to get out of the tower. Then again, she wasn't exactly sane. Maybe she was content to stay there with the dolls she thought were their children. Insane people rarely knew they were insane.

He thought again about the part which they said he would accidentally kill her, and as a result, Magna would put a werewolf curse on him. Again, did he really believe in werewolves. Barnabas Collins and his vampire fangs kept coming to mind. If there were vampires, than why not werewolves. His head was spinning. It was just too overwhelming for him to think about.

What Quentin really wanted to think about was Eve Ironside. She was so beautiful. Much more beautiful than either Beth or Jenny, and far more intelligent too. He was sure of that. Quentin had been concentrating so hard he did not hear Jenny Collins enter the cottage. With a butcher knife in her hand, she quietly approached Quentin. As she reach him, she raised the knife above her head and prepared to sink the blade into his back.

When she begin to bring the blade down in what would be a killing blow, Barnabas appeared in the room. "Quentin! Lookout!"

As Quentin turned around, the vampire used his supernatural speed and raced over to the two of them. Quentin reached out to grab her arm, but the vampire already removed the knife from her hand. He allowed Quentin to subdue his wife.

Quentin looked at Barnabas. All of his mistrust of the vampire disappeared completely. "Thank you, cousin." He continued to struggle with Jenny who is fighting him with all of her strength.

Barnabas elongated his fangs. He pulled Jenny away from Quentin Collins and sunk his teeth into her neck; taking only enough blood to control her. She went limp in his arms. Barnabas set her down on the couch. "She will not present a problem any longer."

"What have you done!" Quentin shouted.

"Relax, cousin. I only took enough blood to control her. She will recover quickly. She will, however, be under my thrall. Jenny will do exactly as I tell her to do. We cannot take a chance of a repeat attack upon you."

"This is all my fault," Quentin said with remorse. What will I do with her?"

The vampire stopped to consider the century he was in. Wyncliff did exist at this time. "There is an institution called Wyncliff. Do you have access to a horse and buggy?"

"Yes, there is one at Collinwood."

"You will take her there and have her committed," Barnabas said.

"I don't think the family would approve of that."

"You are her husband. Her well-being is entirely up to you. Do you want her to attempt to kill you again? Quentin, she needs psychiatric help."

"I know you are right. I can't help but feel responsible for the condition she is in. All right, I will go to Collinwood and get a carriage. Barnabas, can you stay here with her?"

"Yes. Knowing the lateness of the hour, the vampire added, "You must hurry. I don't have a lot of time. I must return to the Old House before daylight."

"I will make haste. When I come back, you leave immediately. I know where the institution is. I will take her there." Quinton left the cottage immediately; leaving Jenny in Barnabas' care.

5

There was a knock on the double doors at the Old House. Eve nodded at Sandor. The gypsy immediately went into the foyer and headed for the doors. He opened them to find Aristede holding a gun on him.

Sandor backed away from the young man. "Very good, gypsy. Now where is Constable Ironside?"

"He is not here."

"Good! I thought I saw him leaving. It will make my job much easier. Let's go into the drawing-room."

Sandor did not argue with him. He turned and walked into the drawing-room. At the site of Aristede holding a gun, both Eve and Magna stood up.

"What is the meaning of this?" Eve demanded.

"Well, the count would like the pleasure of your company." He looked at her and an evil grin appeared on his face.

"You can tell the count, I am not interested in his company," Eve told him, although she knew she wasn't going to have any choice.

The young man began laughing. "Do you really think that makes any difference? You can come along peacefully, or I can shoot you. I have been given the authority by the count to do exactly that if you refuse."

Eve thought back to the last time she had traveled to Collinsport with the chief, Ed, and Mark. She had been murdered by the warlock, Nicholas Blair. She certainly did not want to live through that nightmare again. Yet, she knew she had no choice but to go with Aristede. She had no doubt that he would shoot her.

Sandor took a step toward Eve in a protective move. Aristede turned his weapon on him. "Don't be a hero, gypsy. I will not hesitate to kill you."

With that, Sandor stepped back. He could not save Eve, and he would almost certainly lose his life. Aristede left the Old House with Eve Whitfield.

6

Robert Ironside knocked on the door of Count Petofi's cottage. Within a minute, the count opened the door. Surprised to see the time traveling detective, he stepped back and let him in.

"Chief Ironside, I was not expecting to see you so soon. What brings you here? Have you decided to tell me how you traveled to this century?"

"No," Ironside said bluntly. "I came here to find out if Quentin Collins was here."

After inviting Ironside to sit down, Petofi said, "Why do you think Quentin Collins would be here?"

Ironside grunted. "You have an obsession with him. I have no doubt your plans include abducting him. If he is here, I suggest you let him go now."

Petofi regarded the detective with disgust. "You have your nerve coming in here and accusing me of abducting Quentin Collins. Even if I had, do you really think I would tell you?"

"I am warning you, Petofi, if anything happens to Quentin . . ."

"You'll do what?" the warlock interrupted. "You cannot harm me, Chief Ironside. You are right about one thing. I do have plans for Quentin Collins, and the only way you can stop those plans is to reveal to me how you managed to travel through time."

"That will never happen, Petofi. I will not allow you to travel through time to cause havoc. You are staying right here. You will be taken care of by the gypsies. Quentin will be under my protection until such time as you are rendered harmless."

"I think you will come around, Chief Ironside. You see, Aristede is taking your Eve Ironside from the Old House as we speak. She will be taken to a location which you will never find. If you don't either give me the secret of time travel, or turn Quentin Collins over to me, your policewoman will die. She is your policewoman, isn't she? I doubt that her last name is Ironside either."

Anger welled up in the San Francisco detective. He moved quickly over to Count Petofi. If anything happens to Eve . . . "

"Don't bother to threaten me, Ironside. You are in no position to do so. Do as I ask and your policewoman will be released unharmed. You have warn out your welcome. I would appreciate it if you would leave at once."

Robert Ironside wanted to confront Petofi, but decided to hurry back to the Old House. He might possibly intercept Aristede. He turned and left Petofi's cottage without another word. He had to find Aristede before he had a chance to hide Eve. Ironside couldn't allow a repeat of what happened when he went to Collinsport the first time. The detective was determined not to allow Eve to die a second time. He wouldn't take the chance that he would be able to reverse it by traveling though time if it happened. He headed in the direction of the Old House.

7

Barnabas arrived back at the Old House just as Robert Ironside was walking up the steps. He looked at his detective friend. He could tell something was wrong. "Robert, what is it?"

Ironside stopped at the top of the stairs. "We must get inside. Petofi sent Aristede to abduct Eve."

The vampire didn't hesitate. He move quickly up the stair followed by Ironside. He threw open the double doors as both men entered. They were met at the entrance of the drawing room by Professor Stokes.

"Quentin was not at Collinwood," the professor informed them.

Barnabas looked around. "Where are the gypsies?"

"I don't know, Barnabas. They were not here when I arrived. Did you find Quentin?" Stokes asked.

"I did, just as Jenny Collins was about to drive a knife into his back. We stopped her. Quentin took her to Wyncliff Sanitarium. He will have her committed there."

Stokes smiled. "Then we can find the portal and return home."

"No," Ironside said, "we can't. Petofi has Eve. Aristede took her while we were gone.

Sandor walked into the drawing room. "That is correct, Constable. I was unable to stop him. He took her by gunpoint."

"Where is Magna?" Barnabas demanded.

"I do not know," Sandor said. "She was gone when I got back. I tried to follow Aristede, but somehow he slipped away from me. I was trying to find out where he took her."

"Find you wife!" Barnabas ordered, "Or this time you will not be able to stop me from ending her life." Sandor bowed and left the room.

"Barnabas, I am not waiting to find Eve. You must used your supernatural powers and do it now," Ironside said.

"I'll find her, Robert. Professor, you find Quentin and bring him back to the Old House."

Professor Stokes nodded and left the Old House.

"Robert, I would like you to go to the Great House and bring David back here. As soon as I find Eve, we will go to the portal and leave this century before Petofi finds out where the portal is. Quentin no longer needs us here. We have accomplished what we came here for. It should end the terror the ghost of Quentin has be waging."

Ironside and Barnabas left the Old House, each man reminded of the last time Eve Whitfield had been abducted by Nicholas Blair.