A/N Was feeling a bit generous, after I managed to finish the packing ealier than expected. Enoy!

Dane

Chapter 5

Willie paused on the steps leading down into the cellar, a tray laden with food in his hand. A distant glow showed that Julia was still hard at work, trying to find a cure for Barnabas.

He sighed; hoping that would be successful. When Barnabas had first been cured, things had been good for awhile; at least he didn't have to worry that every knock on the door, could be a potential threat that would lead to Barnabas being discovered. Life had been simpler, if not easier.

He carried on down the steps, and walked the length of the hall, then entered Julia's makeshift lab. She was bent over her microscope, checking yet another sample. He put the tray down close by, noting that the food and coffee he brought down hours earlier still remained untouched.

"I brought you some fresh coffee, Julia," he said hesitantly, running a hand through his blond hair.

"Just leave over there, " said Julia, not looking up from her work. "I'll drink it later."

That had been exactly what she had said before too. He sighed again, wondering what Barnabas would say, to get her to eat.

"It'd be better if you drank it while it's hot, Julia. The first's gone cold."

She looked up for the first time since he's entered. "Oh?" she said absently, then noticed the small collection of food and cups that had begun to form. "Thank you," she said, reaching for the fresh coffee, and taking a sip. She closed her eyes briefly. "Hmm, that tastes good!"

Willie began to gather the other plates and cups, placing them on the tray.

He turned to leave, and then stopped. "Can you help him, Julia?" he asked his tone hopeful.

She sighed deeply, and rubbed the back of her neck with her free hand. "I honestly don't know, Willie," she said, shaking her head. "Everything I've tried is useless. There is a way to defeat this, I know! But finding it," she stopped unable to go on.

"There was another attack in the village last night," said Willie, taking the folded newspaper from his back jeans pocket, and handing it to Julia.

"Was she seriously hurt?" she asked, taking the paper from him, and opening it up.

"Nah, just the usual talk about a loss of blood and strange wounds on the throat. He's getting out of control Julia," Willie said plainly worried. "It's happening too often. He can't control it as well as he used to."

"I know!" said Julia exasperated, tossing the paper down. "I'm trying the best I can!"

"I didn't mean..." spluttered Willie holding up his hands defensively.

"I know Willie, " said Julia, calming down. "I just feel so useless. I'll do all I can for him, Willie. There's something I'm missing, but what!" She stopped, looking thoughtful. "Willie, where did Barnabas tell you put those journals of Dr. Lang?"

"In the attic. Do you think you might find the answer there?"

"It's a possibility, Willie. Also, see if my notes from 1897 are with them, would you?"

"Sure Julia!" he said eagerly, and grabbing the tray hurried out to do as Julia had asked.

/

Dane arrived at Collinwood shortly after eleven o'clock. Roger greeted him, eagerly, and ushered him into the drawing room, after instructing Mrs. Johnson, to take Dane's suitcase up to his room.

"Join me in a brandy?" he asked, as his guest entered the room, and made himself at home.

"No thanks. It's a...little early," he said, with his easy smile.

Roger shrugged, and said, "Julia's out I'm afraid. Once she and Barnabas are on one of their little projects, you hardly ever seem them."

"Oh?" asked Dane raising an eyebrow. "Is Barnabas feeling better today?"

"I couldn't say," said Roger with another shrug. "Julia, left early this morning, and nobody has seen either of them. I could send David, my son, to the Old House, if you like?"

"No that's alright. She seemed concerned about your cousin last night. If I know Julia, she wouldn't appreciate being disturbed while she has a patient to treat."

"As you like. But, I thought she'd be here to greet you. After all, you are close friends."

"I've waited this long to see her, I can wait that bit longer, if I have to."

/

"Are these what chya looking for Julia?" asked Willie, carrying several boxes into the lab.

She looked up from her notes, and smiled at the sight. "Put them down here, Willie," she said, clearing a space. He puffed out his cheeks and hastily dropped the boxes. "There are million more where those came from," he wheezed, slumping into a chair.

Julia delved into the box and brought out a journal. Leafing through she discarded it, and dove for another. Again, she leafed through it, only to discard it.

"Didn't Dr. Lang cure Barnabas through that experiment with Adam?" he asked curiously. "You aren't going to go through all that again are ya? Diggin' up dead people." he's voice trailed off, and he shivered at the grisly thought.

"No, we're not going to do all that, Willie," said Julia her voice betraying slightly her own horror at the thought. "But Eric mentioned a formula which helped Barnabas before. Perhaps, I can duplicate it. At least it will be a place to start."