"What? Say again, Robbie-what happened?" Rick scarcely heard the sharp intake of breath from the back seat.
"Mom's leg was hurt…somehow her jeep rolled back toward her when she was getting Rob's stuff. Rob yelled for her to move, and she managed to jump out of the way, but she fell, and I think she sprained her left ankle. Mom doesn't want to go to the hospital, but we've got her in bed with ice and Uncle Rudy's on the way." Robbie explained.
Instantly Barnabas told him sternly, "Have everyone get into the house, Rick….and ask him to stay with Laurie…."
"Robbie, did you hear Barnabas?" Rick asked, then was relieved to hear his son reply, "Yes, Pop…I think the kids are all in, and I'll sit with Mom."
"Good, we'll be there in about 15…be careful, son." He told him. Ending his transmission, Rick swore under his breath as Quentin growled, "I was afraid of this..Blair has found a way to exist…but how?"
"He's never been able to survive a defeat then rise from the same place before.." Barnabas remarked gravely. "Hopefully we can find the answer in one of Kasey's stories…"
"Yeah, Laurie once told me you..uh…you and Grandmother Kasey worked together to defeat Blair in the caverns under the hospital…you think this has something to do with it?" Rick asked, turning onto Scott Road.
"I'm afraid so, because the dream I had showed Blair rising from beneath the altar in that room he was buried in. I couldn't move or make a sound as I watched him approach someone on the marble slab. Suddenly there was a bright light, then I was horrified to see Laurie chained to the altar, then Blair…only his face showed, then it changed. I didn't recognize his new face, but it was familiar in some way." Barnabas said.
As Rick pulled into the parking area of the ranch, he saw Ramona watching from the front door of the ranch house, and instantly he "called" to his wife.
"Darlin'….I'm home…are you all right?"
A strong feeling of relief filled him, as she responded, "I'm okay, darling".
"I love you, sweetheart.. I'm here…"
Within minutes the Collins men were unloaded and welcomed into the house, while Rick parked the car then followed them in.
"Pop!" Ramona came forward and hugged him, then shyly greeted Barnabas and Quentin as Rick headed for the bedroom. Rudy opened the door to him, saying, "Missy's all right, son…"
"Thanks, Rudy.." he managed, then saw Laurie, propped up in bed, her left ankle wrapped in an ice pack. Robbie was sitting with her on one side, with Robin on the other, and all three looked up at his voice.
"Rick…" Laurie smiled up at him as he embraced their children, then Robin made way for Rick to sit on the bed and gather Laurie into his arms.
"Sweetheart, what happened?" he asked, anger replacing the fear inside him. She rested her head against his shoulder as she told him, "I know I set the parking brake, love…I had just let Rob out, then I parked in my spot and got out to unload his bag for him. I had my back to the jeep when he yelled for me to "look out!" I turned to see my car rolling back at me, and I had to jump out of the way. I guess I landed wrong, cause my leg gave way and the next thing I know I'm on the ground."
"She's lucky, Rick…just a sprained ankle and some bruises on her knee and leg." Rudy interrupted her. "I don't want Missy up today, Rick… I think a couple of days rest will help you heal faster. And no …." He wagged his finger as Laurie started to protest, "Let the kids take care of things."
"Thank you, Rudy…..hear that, Darlin'" Rick laughed when Laurie pretended to pout.
"Everyone's a critic…all right, Rudy.." she sighed. Just then Barnabas and Quentin appeared in the doorway, and she brightened up.
"You're here!"
"I'll let you guys talk.." Rick got up and meeting Quentin's eyes, nodded at the suspicion in them. At that moment Jack's barking got his attention, and he grinned.
Going into the living room, he was startled to find the little terrier growling at a puzzled Rob, who had sat down in Rick's chair.
"Jack! What's your problem, buddy? Rob can sit in my chair." Rick told Jack, then plopped onto the sofa and welcomed him into his lap.
"I think someone wants attention…" Rob told him solemnly, then gave a faint smile with Robbie said, "yeah, he doesn't like it when Mom's not in here….he knows she's a soft touch."
In a few minutes both Barnabas and Quentin returned, just as Robin brought in a tray of drinks.
"Ah….this looks good…thanks, Robin.." Quentin accepted a glass of her signature tropical lemonade, then laughed as Jack left Rick's lap to sit next to him.
"Little guy, you sure remind me of Mike…same disposition…" he remarked, then listened as Andy then Lala told of his exploits. While the teenagers entertained their guests, Rick wandered into the kitchen, finding Ramona putting the finishing touches on a plate of appetizers.
"Just in time, Pop….let me know what you think…" she smiled, handing her father-in-law a flauta. Taking a bite, Rick was impressed by the mixture of flavors, and said so.
"Oh, I'm glad it turned out…Robin uses corn tortillas, but Uncle Rudy said to cut back on so much corn in our diets, so I tried baking them using flour…and Robin's guacamole."
"Mmmm, let me see, I think I have to make sure I like it…" he teased, taking another one.
"Pop! You'll spoil your dinner, although I don't blame you.." Robin came back into the kitchen and pretended to yank the platter of flautas from under his hand.
"These are good, honey….have I said lately how much I like having two cooks in the family?" Rick chuckled, then snagged a couple of the hot treats to take to Laurie.
"Oh, here…if that's for Mom…" Ramona added a scoop of guacamole and some chips to the plate, and Rick carefully took it into his wife.
After "helping" Laurie with her snacks, Rick carried her into the living room as the rest of the family arrived for dinner.
"Honey, what happened to your leg?" was Oscar's first words as he entered the ranch house, and soon Laurie was occupied explaining her accident, leaving Rick free to slip into his office with Barnabas and Quentin.
"I don't buy Laurie's brakes "suddenly" going out, Rick." Quentin said, as soon as Rick closed the door.
"Neither do I; thank God Rob was able to warn her…" Rick answered, trying not to picture what the outcome could have been. "But how could that monster come back to life?"
"It could be one of several ways….but I'm hesitant to rely on any one of them…at least until I look at one of Kasey's journals…does Laurie have them all here?" Barnabas asked gravely. Rick nodded.
"All the originals are in a fireproof box in our closet, there was a break in a year or so ago at the Cultural Center, so after that we thought it would be better to keep them here and just have copies in the museum there."
"Good, because memories of my days here are not good, and Quentin…well, " the older Collins hesitated, only for Quentin to finish his words.
"I was under the influence of Blair at that time, Barnabas helped me break free back in Collinswood, but at a cost… "
A sudden knock on the door interrupted them, startling the three men.
"Come in.." Rick responded, then sighed with relief when he saw who was at the door.
"Boy, am I glad to see you."
"I hoped to meet your cousins the next time they came." Father Nick stood in the doorway. Rick introduced the Collins cousins, then filled him in on what had happened.
"I was afraid it wasn't just an accident, especially with ….well, I think I know him pretty well, but something's wrong with Rob." Father said at last, getting a nod from both Quentin and Barnabas.
"You are right, Father….I've only met him a few times, but there's a worry about your friend…." Barnabas concurred, as Quentin agreed.
"Like he knows something."
"Well, we'll have to find out what it is after dinner, I hear a mischief maker.." Rick snickered as he went to the door, then pulled it open, revealing Melly, A.J.'s youngest.
"Uncle Rick! How did you know I was there!" she giggled, and he shook his head.
"Little bird told me, now you go ahead and let your auntie know we're ready to eat."
The presence of their grandchildren and nieces and nephews helped lighten the spirits of the adults at dinner. When Cecilia and Father Nick told a few stories of the Simon brothers and their antics growing up, the laughter was so loud it took a few moments for anyone to hear the gate buzzer at the front door.
"I'll get it, Pop.." Robbie left his second helping of fry bread and carne asada to peer out the front window.
"It's Ron and Abby, and Joey….they did get back.." he announced, and promptly Robin got up to make up 3 plates while Rick undid another leaf to expand the dining room table.
As their friends came into the house, Laurie glanced at a quiet Chief Rob, and was surprised at the malevolent expression on his face.
"Rob, are you okay? Would you like to lay down for a while?" she asked, worried, then was confused by his sudden change of mood.
"I'm alright, Light…." He said impatiently, then simmered down when Robbie turned and shook his head.
"Dad….calm down…Mom just wants to see if your head hurts."
"Sorry, son…..just not used to being waited on…..I'm sorry, Light….don't mind me.." Rob said sheepishly. Relieved, Laurie told him that it was okay. For a few minutes he was fine, then the next statement out of his mouth was a surprise.
"So, Quentin….did anyone ever tell you how wolves are a powerful symbol in our culture.." Rob casually asked the older man.
At that Rick turned, a prickly feeling in the back of his neck. If he didn't know better, he'd swear his friend was baiting Quentin. A quick glance at Laurie's face told him she was shocked at the tone of Rob's voice, but his face was pleasant enough.
"Yes, I believe I've heard about the part "brother wolf" plays in many tales of the people." Quentin replied, his expression guarded. Immediately Rick opened his mouth to interrupt, only for his wife to do the honors.
"And I believe Grandmother Kasey talked about how she and Rainbird wanted to "adopt" a wolf cub they found near Silver Rock…I've always thought about writing that story.."
Laurie said conversationally. Barnabas smiled at her when she added, "The only reason I didn't do it before is I was afraid some child might take it to heart and try to befriend a cub."
"Not a good idea, my dear…" Barnabas nodded, as Quentin grinned. "I can just see it, cousin.."Famous author inspires impressionable kid to bring wolf home, lawsuit to follow!"
Amid the laughter that followed, Rick saw Rob frown, then that look of puzzlement come over him again.
"Rob, you okay?" he asked quietly. The tribal chief sighed.
"I've got another one of those headaches, Rick….I hate to eat and run, but I'd better go lay down."
"Sure you don't want me to drive you home, Dad?" Robbie spoke up, and hastily Rob nodded his head.
"Yes, thank you, Robbie…..it's not that bad…I'll feel better tomorrow." He replied anxiously, then said a quick goodbye as Robbie grabbed his keys and headed out.
As soon as he had closed his door, Robin frowned. "Pop, is it me or did Rob seem a little…off?"
Rick thought about it a moment, then nodded.
"I think something's bothering him, but he's so stubborn. I'm just glad he's going home to get some rest."
"Well, I'll stop by and check on him tomorrow." She decided, as Laurie smiled.
"That's my sweet…while we're waiting for your brother to come back, why don't I tell you a story…"
At that Barnabas imperceptibly shook his head, and Laurie amended her suggestion to say, "About how Kasey's Uncle Arty saved her from marrying a crook…."
"Oh, Mama…that would be great…." Robin beamed, then quickly all but the oldest teenagers got closer to Laurie. Rick got up and draped a blanket over her shoulders, as she pulled out one of Kasey's journals.
While his wife told the story of Kasey having to climb onto a ledge at her mother's estate in Lexington to keep from being forced into marriage, Rick poured over the oldest of Kasey's journals. At last he came to the entry he needed, and called his brother over.
"A.J…look".
The younger Simon peered over his shoulder, then murmured, "There it is….how did we miss the location when we looked at the Elders map, though?"
"I don't know, but as soon as the kids are in bed…." Rick replied, then perked up his ears as Laurie told of the ultimatum Kasey's mother presented her with.
"You can just stay out there all night for all I care…either you marry Clifford Douglas, or you are on your own."
I stared back at the angry face of my mother, and realized she had never loved me. With my Uncle Bob far away in Arizona, my only hope was Uncle Arty…but would it be too late?
"I guess you've made your choice, Mother." I replied with a shaking voice. "I can't believe you would choose money and Douglas's name over what I want."
"What you want is nothing….just like your father…." She sneered, then backed away from the window and slammed it shut. I heard the snick of the lock, and took a deep breath. I was trapped out on the balcony, with no way into the house. I couldn't even climb down as there were no handholds or drainpipes to hold onto.
For hours I huddled into my thin jacket, praying my hastily written letter would find its way into my uncle's hands. As the moon rose, a chill wind came up, and I knew I would freeze unless I found a way down. I contemplated attempting to break the window, but I had nothing strong enough to wield against the leaded glass.
Suddenly I spotted my one chance in out of the elements; a nearby branch from the oak tree overlooking my window. I would literally have to jump and grab the tree limb in one motion, but the bitter wind was numbing me to the bone.
Clambering onto the balcony railing, I balanced myself on the thin metal, then leapt forwards, grabbing the branch with both hands then trying to swing my body into the tree.
Just as my feet touched the tree trunk, the sound of a horse's hoofs echoed in the distance. Glancing down the avenue, I saw a familiar figure on horseback, and I forgot my perilous situation.
"Uncle Arty!" I called out, then froze as an ominous crack sounded. I let out a scream as the tree branch broke loose and I started to tumble to the ground…
As I hit first a lower branch, then the top of the hedge that surrounded the house, I heard him shout "Kasey!". Crashing into the hedge, strong arms caught me, preventing me from striking the ground. Somehow he had ridden right up to the bottom of the tree, then got off his horse just in time.
"Uncle Arty! " I cried out, wincing as he lowered me onto the sodden grass.
"Kasey, what happened? I got your note, your mother was going to force you to marry some swindler?" His normally placid face flushed with anger as I explained what my mother had done.
"I'm so sorry, honey…I should have come sooner…" he said finally, as he picked me up, then placed me on his mount and headed away from what used to be my home.
It was now only a place I once lived.
"I'm going to get you to a doctor…then I'm going to make sure your mother pays for what she's done…"
"It's okay, Uncle Arty….leave her be. I need to get away from her…I don't want to ever speak to her again…." I told him.
"You'll have no problem with that…" he managed a smile. I knew then I was safe, and although he would disappear again and again from my life for long periods of time, I cherished the knowledge that at least he would always be there to protect me.
"Oh, Grandma…poor Kasey….:" Lala wiped her eyes as Katie and Davie sniffed. Seeing the children's sadness, Jack sat up and barked, breaking them up as Robin said,
"I don't think Jacky liked that story….but at least Grandmother Kasey had her Uncle…."
"Yes she did, and he's the reason she got to go to college and come out West." Laurie sought to cheer up her grandchildren. "Now….who wants Robin's Sundae Cookies?"
"Me!" Rick shot his hand up, and she giggled as he put down the journal and scooping her up, sat her in his lap.
"All right, Pop….I'll get you and Mom one….come on, kids…" Robin grinned at her parents as she led the eager children into the kitchen.
"Sneaky Rick…." Laurie teased, then laughed as Oscar added, "Gets it from his mother, I bet.."
"Just for that, why don't you help Robin with dessert…." Cecilia pretended to be cross at him, then smiled as he dropped a kiss on her cheek and headed for the kitchen.
"Darling, what did you find?" Laurie asked later, as the party dispersed and they were left alone with Barnabas, Quentin, A.J., Linda, Oscar and Rudy.
"A.J. found the story about the coven….." Rick explained, handing the journal entry to his wife. Everyone got comfortable as Father Nick came in from the kitchen, having insisted on helping clean up.
Scanning it quickly, Laurie shuddered as she found Kasey's story of the return of Barnabas Collins, and the reaction of Gene Adams when he found out he was back.
"Oh, Grandfather Gene was not happy….even when Kasey told him Barnabas had changed…." Laurie said, skimming the passages.
"What did he say, Sis?" Linda asked, and Rick put his arm around Laurie as she read it aloud.
"When I came back from the old manse that evening, Gene was waiting in the office, his lips tight with disapproval. I knew that look; he was angry but trying to control his temper to hear me out. My heart melted, but I had to explain my decision to meet with Barnabas.
"Gene, please sit down." I asked, then took the chair opposite of his.
"I need to tell you why I spoke with Barnabas Collins…and his cousin Quentin." I began.