Ep. 5: 'Shadows of the Night' Chapter 1
"A witch you say?" Eliot Stokes asked Barnabas, as both men stood facing each other in the drawing room of the Old House.
Barnabas Collins retained eye contact with the Professor as he nodded his head in confirmation. "Everything that I've told you about Angelique is true."
He continued, "I realize that this is a lot to take in, Eliot."
"I must put her to the test in order to confirm your accusations for myself. If you are in fact correct, I will help you to vanquish Angelique's spirit," Professor Stokes explained.
"Professor, you gave me the impression earlier tonight that you were not a firm believer in witchcraft," Barnabas questioned.
"I lied earlier this evening when you asked me whether I believed in witchcraft. The truth is that I absolutely do believe in the existence of witches, and even warlocks, for that matter. I have witnessed many horrific incidents involving the supernatural, but did not feel it appropriate dinner conversation." Professor Stokes admitted.
"Of course, I understand. But how are we to denounce Angelique?" Barnabas inquired.
"The reflection of a witch's vessel in a mirror will confirm our suspicions. You see, her vessel's appearance will not cast a reflection, instead only her true form will be visible to us," he explained.
"I see, and when are we to perform this test?" Barnabas asked.
"Tomorrow evening would be ideal. That is, if you're available," Professor Stokes replied.
"Unfortunately, no. I have dinner plans. Perhaps next week on the eve of Halloween. I will be throwing a party here at the Old House," Barnabas retorted.
"That would be excellent. An inconspicuous opportunity to put our theory to the test," Professor Stokes proclaimed quite gleefully.
The Professor continued, "Well it's getting late and we must be getting back to town. You have been an exceptional host this evening, Mr. Collins."
They both shook hands as Barnabas escorted Professor Stokes out of the drawing room. "It has been a great pleasure having you and Amy over for dinner, Eliot."
"You're too kind. I look forward to the party. It's been a long while since I've dressed up myself," Professor Stokes let out a light chuckle.
Amy Stokes and Julia Hoffman made their way down the staircase to where the two men stood to greet them.
The four of them had bade each other a good night before the Stokes' family left the Old House.
It had been over a week ago that Barnabas and Professor Stokes met. It was now the thirty first of October. The Autumn sun had began to set, burning bright orange throughout the hazy overcast sky above. As night approached, Collinsport prepared for Halloween-exuberant trick-or-treater's were already out and about running as fast as they could from door-to-door dressed up in their various costumes.
From an outsider's perspective everything seemed cheerful and innocuous. There were, however, unforseen malevolent forces at work just beneath the town's charming facade. But it was all about to rise to the surface.
Although much of his family believed Halloween to be the ideal holiday for him, David Collins had little to no interest in celebrating this year. "I don't wanna go out," he protested to his Aunt Elizabeth.
"But why not, David? Wouldn't it be nice to go out and collect candy with children your own age?" Elizabeth asked him, somewhat puzzled by her nephew's odd behavior.
David shook his head rebelliously, "Trick-or-treating is for little babies."
"I want you to go spend time with your mother, David. You've been cooped up in this house for too long now." His Aunt stated rather authoritatively.
"I'm not going!" David exclaimed as he ran up the staircase.
"Da- David!" She started to go after him as a sudden knock was heard at the front door. Elizabeth turned around and proceeded to answer the call.
Victoria Winters stood in the doorway. Elizabeth walked forwards to embrace her. "Vickie! It's so good to see you again."
Victoria was surprised by the warm welcoming. "Hello, Mrs. Stoddard?"
"I apologize. Yes, please come in. Shall we go into the drawing room?" She asked.
Victoria nodded as they made their way inside. "It's been so long since I've seen you last. You must forgive me, I had forgotten that you don't remember us," Elizabeth retorted.
"It's all so new to me still," Victoria said with a smile.
She continued, "But I have had ample time to catch up."
"Everyone here has missed you very much." Both women took a seat on the couch. Elizabeth continued, "Can I get you some coffee, tea or something?"
"No, thank you. I can't stay long. I must make a trip back into town before I return for Barnabas' Halloween party tonight," Victoria explained.
"Oh, I see..." Returned Elizabeth.
Victoria continued, "Will you be going to the party as well?"
"Yes, I'll be going. Perhaps we can talk more then," Elizabeth replied.
"I would like that very much," Victoria said cheerfully.
Chapter 2
Meanwhile upstairs, David stopped running as he came to a large doorway, different in design from the others located upstairs. It was a double door built from solid Oak featuring two glass panes and old ivory handles. The wood carvings were quite unique and intricate by design-one that was identifiable by the period in which it was crafted.
After nervously glancing over his shoulder, David opened the doors and hurriedly crossed the threshold, entering the long abandoned West Wing of the Great House of Collinwood. It was practically pitch black inside. His eyes seemed to slowly adjust to the new lighting conditions as he looked around. He reached out in front of him, grabbing hold of what appeared to be a large, thick curtain.
David parted the curtain open and walked into the room hidden behind it. The first thing he noticed was the windows located to his left. As he panned over to his right, overturned armchairs and various furniture were visible. David continued to the end of the room, eventually making his way to yet another door. However, this one was locked; and after a few moments of trying to get it open, he gave up and turned around.
David started to move various clutter from his path as he explored the room attentively. This room seemed to be an old library of sorts, featuring at least three large bookcases. As he continued, the door leading into the next room slowly creaked open and a melody began to play. He immediately stood frozen in his tracks, mesmerized by the haunting sound he heard coming from inside the next room.
In somewhat of a trance, David slowly walked towards the door. Upon entering the next room he discovered the source of the melody-a gramophone playing an old record. Besides the gramophone, this room consisted only of a large sitting chair, one table, an office desk, and a fireplace. A voice suddenly broke out from behind David Collins, who remained inanimate, still observing the archaic musical device in front of him.
Shadows of the Night...
falling silently
echo of the past...
calling you to me
Haunting memory...
veiled in misty glow
Phantom melody...
playing soft and low
In this world that we know now
Life is here, then gone
But somewhere in the afterglow
Love lives on and on
Dreams of long ago...
Meet in rendezvous
Shadows of the Night...
Calling me to you
A dark, shadowy figure suddenly revealed themself; slowly making their way towards David. The boy's eyes grew wide with fear as he turned around, coming face-to-face with the ghostly apparition.
The man was tall and thin in appearance, featuring long dark hair and well-rounded sideburns; and wore a late 19th century frock-coat. The apparition towered over the boy. His piercing blue eyes targeted David with fierce penetration, keeping him locked into a hypnotic state of mind.
David inquired nervously, "Who are you?"
The apparition's stare intensified. He finally replied, "Quentin Collins is the name." His dreary countenance quickly shifted as he displayed an unsettling, rather sinister grin towards the boy. He continued, "You and I are going to be rather good friends, aren't we David?"
The two of them continued to stare at one another as distant sounds emanated from outside of the room. The footsteps of Laura Collins, in search of her son, drew nearer. "David, where are you?" She called out. Only silence on David's part.
Laura finally reached Quentin's room, entering with great haste. "David, darling... are you alright?" She inquired, rather concerned by his peculiar silence. He didn't flinch once at the sight of his mother, remaining fixated upon the spirit that only he could see.
Laura embraced David as she sat with him. "You must speak to me David. Tell me, what's wrong?"
A profile of intrigue and slight confusion spread across the face of Quentin's apparition. He seemed to vehemently admire Laura Collins' beauty, circling her and David repeatedly; still no change in the boy's behavior.
"Very well," Quentin retorted, vanishing from the room; thus freeing David from his dominant grasp.
"Mom? What happened? What are we doing here?" David asked worriedly.
"It's nothing, we should get you back to your own room." Laura told him. He nodded his head, still shaken by his encounter with Quentin Collins.
Laura and David exited the room together, gradually making their way back to the central wing of the Great House. "How are you feeling, David?" Laura asked, very concerned for her son's health.
"I'm alright now. Can we go out?" David asked.
"Your Aunt Elizabeth told me you didn't want to go trick-or-treating."
"Not trick-or-treating. I want to go to the party at the Old House!" Said David enthusiastically. An unanticipated change seemed to come over the boy as he appeared unusually excited.
"But if that's what you want to do..."
"Very well. I will put on my favorite costume and we will go," David proclaimed.
He continued, "I will meet you downstairs in fifteen minutes, mother."
"Alright David. Fifteen minutes it is," Laura replied, leaving her son in front of the doorway to his room.
Chapter 3
Shortly thereafter at the Old House, Barnabas' party had just began and almost all of the people he had come to know over the last year were there. Roger Collins and Maggie Evans were the first to arrive, followed by Laura, David, Elizabeth, Carolyn, Mrs. Johnson, Eliot, Amy, and finally Victoria.
It was not a very formal gathering by any means. However, everyone seemed to be in good spirits. Some were dressed up in their costumes, socializing and enjoying each other's company.
Barnabas was dressed in 18th century attire that was not nearly as elaborate as the clothing he had worn to the Collinwood Ball the previous year. He was, nonetheless, quite handsome.
Appearing more beautiful than ever before, Victoria Winters arrived dressed in an exquisite 18th century dark blue dress. She was very much her own woman, bearing no resemblance to Josette whatsoever.
Captivated by her beauty, Barnabas excused himself from his conversation with Elizabeth and Dr. Hoffman, making his way towards Victoria. "You look magnificent this evening," said he with a smile.
"Thanks. You're looking quite handsome yourself," she replied, blushing.
Barnabas smiled happily. "Would you like to dance?"
"I'd love to," she replied.
Angelique had stood watching the two of them from across the room, featuring a countenance of the utmost displeasure. Professor Stokes caught a glimpse of this and retrieved from his coat pocket a gold pocket watch. It was seven thirty exactly. After having tucked it back into his pocket, the Professor walked towards Angelique to greet her. "Hello, I don't believe we've met. I'm Eliot Stokes."
She returned a faint smile. "How do you do, Professor? My name is Maggie Evans."
"It's very nice to make your acquaintance Ms. Evans," Professor Stokes retorted.
"Likewise," said she.
Angelique crossed her arms and continued to look on across the room. Professor Stokes read her impolite body language and decided to walk a few paces behind her. He proceeded to take a small compact mirror out of his other coat pocket; and as he shifted it to his right he was able to see Angelique's striking blonde hair from behind.
Somewhat surprised by his discovery, he carefully turned around to make sure that Maggie's hair was indeed brunette. Barnabas' accusations were in fact correct. The Professor placed a folded note inside the compact and closed it. He then hurriedly walked towards Dr. Hoffman, handing it off to her as he passed her by. "Thanks Julia." She seemed to have been caught off guard by his sudden actions.
Professor Stokes, whom seemed slightly shaken by what he had seen, walked with rapid pace into the foyer where he encountered David and Amy talking on the stairs. "Come on Amy, we have to be going now."
"Why so soon, father?" She asked innocently.
"There are some things we have to do before it gets too late. Now come along."
She reluctantly stood up and followed her father towards the door. "Amy, when will I see you again?" David asked.
Amy shrugged in return as both her and the Professor exited the Old House.
Barnabas and Victoria stopped dancing as Julia started towards them. "Barnabas, can I talk to you alone for a few minutes?"
"Please excuse me Vicki," he said softly.
"Of course, Barnabas." Victoria smiled at him before walking away.
"Eliot left in great haste, Barnabas. As if though he were frightened of something," said Julia.
"Did he tell you what was wrong?" Barnabas inquired.
Julia handed the compact over to him. "There's a note inside."
Barnabas opened the item, retrieving the note. He unfolded the tiny piece of paper and began to read it.
Barnabas,
If you're reading this letter it means that I have seen Angelique with my own eyes. And, as much as I would like to help you triumph over her spirit, I am unable to do so. I have my own personal reasons for backing out of my commitment. You may think me a coward; and perhaps you are in fact correct in your assertion. I wish you the best of luck.
~Eliot Stokes
After he finished reading the letter, Barnabas handed it to Julia. He appeared quite sad and doubtful thereafter.
Upon thanking his friends and family for their presence that evening, Barnabas ventured forth upstairs to his old room where he laid down upon his bed, deep in thought. He had closed his eyes, trying to imagine himself being human once again; relying on past memories as a point of reference. A short amount of time had passed before Victoria entered the room. "They've all left," she whispered, making her way to the bed.
It was dark inside with the only light source originating from three flickering candles situated on a nightstand of sorts. Barnabas opened his eyes, turning to look over at Victoria. She gently caressed his head, her fingers running through his hair. She continued to lie down beside him on the bed. Both of them on their sides, facing one another.
"I couldn't stop thinking about you this evening." He told her, placing his hand gently on the side of her face.
"You've occupied my every thought since we met, Barnabas." She replied softly.
They were losing themselves in each other's eyes, slowly closing in for a kiss. Upon doing so, they found themselves overwhelmed with passion. Barnabas placed his hand on her waste as she climbed on top of him, unbuttoning his costume. "Wait, I-" Barnabas hesitated, afraid he may lose control of his vampire nature and hurt her.
"Are you alright? Have we not waited long enough?" Asked Victoria.
"Everything's fine. Let's get these costumes off." Barnabas told her, ignoring his unquenchable thirst for human blood.
Sometime later that same night, a lonesome Detective Devlin was seated at the bar inside of the Blue Whale drinking away his sorrows. "How 'bout one more shot of Whisky Sam?" He asked in a somewhat demanding and ill tempered tone.
Sam Evans seemed most displeased with his customer's attitude. He reluctantly poured Burke a relatively small shot of his favorite poison. Devlin shrugged as he grasped the glass tightly in his hand and poured the liquid down his gullet. "Ah. Sometimes you just gotta take what life, or your bartender, gives you. Ain't that right, Sam?" The Detective retorted sounding quite displeased.
Sam spoke up, "I think it's about time you took a break from the hard stuff Burke."
Devlin nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah, you know what? You're absolutely right, Sam." The Detective slowly got up out of his seat, putting on his coat. He continued, "The company around here sucks anyways."
"Oh, I doubt that," a man said standing behind Burke. He continued, "Can I buy you a drink? Perhaps something other than Whisky for my friend here please," the mysterious man gestured towards Sam Evans who nodded in response.
"Friend, huh?" Burke asked doubtfully, reclaiming his seat at the bar. "God only knows I've got enough of those," he whispered under his breath rather synically.
"Well, yes, I certainly hope so. Real, true friends are hard to come by these days," the stranger noted, taking a seat next to Devlin.
"You certainly speak the truth, Mr.-?" The Detective inquired.
"My name is Nicholas Blair. My friends, however, call me Nick," Blair replied with a smile.
A polite, mild-mannered Nicholas Blair opposite Burke Devlin was of average height, featuring short dark hair and green eyes. His only facial hair consisted of a well-managed mustache that seemed to curl up on both ends.
"Around here they refer to me as Detective, but I'd much rather go by Burke," Devlin confessed rather tipsily.
"Pleasure to meet you, Burke," Blair replied.
He continued, "So you're a Detective, huh?"
Devlin nodded, "For ten miserable years now."
"That must be a fascinating job. Ever solve any homicides?" Blair asked him.
Devlin grimaced slightly at his question. "No, I can't say I have solved any homicides. You know something, Blair? I can't say I'm really cut out for my line of work anymore."
Blair responded, "No? Why is that?"
Devlin elaborated, "I've picked up this unsolved case, right? A supposed homicide that seems more and more like a suicide as time goes by. I've just about given up."
"You wouldn't happen to be referring to the death of a Dr. Eric Lang?" Blair inquired.
Devlin responded rather surprised, "As a matter of fact, yeah. How'd you know?"
"You have an exceptionally small town, my friend," Blair retorted.
"You talk as if though you aren't from around here," Devlin replied questionably.
"That's because I'm not. I only just arrived a few days ago," Blair admitted.
Burke Devlin's countenance turned into one of intrigue. "Huh, and where are you from, if you don't mind me asking?"
Nicholas Blair remained totally at ease, confident and secure. "You don't want to hear my whole life story, I'm sure. The truth is, I've spent most of my life traveling abroad. Collinsport is just another pit stop, so to speak."
Devlin asked rather suspiciously, "So you don't expect to stay in Collinsport for very long?"
"No, but then again I never was any good at planning ahead. Who knows? Perhaps I'll settle down here. After all, the company isn't that bad." Blair stated, raising his glass into the air.
Devlin raised his glass too, "To new friends." A mutual smirk crept across both men's faces as they sipped down their respective alcoholic beverages.