Dark Shadows: Risk of Discovery
Chapter 5
It seemed Collinsport got its share of rain and storms. Thunder could be heard in the background. Professor Stokes turned the windshield wipers to maximum in an attempt to keep the windshield clear of the heavily falling rain. Dr Julia Hoffman sat in the passenger seat beside him.
Julia was concerned Dave Woodard wanted to talk to her about the blood of the woman found murdered on the docks near the Blue Whale. Any test he ran would be far from normal. It would certainly contain the venom of the vampire who drained her of her blood. If they were lucky, he drained her completely, and Dave was unable to figure out an explanation as to why the woman didn't have a drop of blood in her body. Julia knew one thing for certain. She had to protect Barnabas at all costs. He was not the one who drained the woman. The vampire who came to call on Barnabas was the one responsible.
She worried that the rogue vampire was up to no good. She didn't buy his explanation. He knew very well he wasn't supposed to feed in another vampire's territory. Even if he had, he was breaking the council's rules by draining the woman to the point of death. Vampires were only supposed to take enough blood to sustain themselves. Otherwise, they risk discovery. Julia didn't believe this new vampire cared one way or the other.
"You certainly are lost in thought, Julia," Professor Stokes said, drawing her out of her private thoughts.
"I must admit, Elliott, then I am worried. I just cannot shake the feeling that Desandro is here to cause Barnabas problems. There must be a way we can check into the background of this vampire."
"We can talk to Barnabas about that when we get back to the Old House. I would think he could check with the vampire council and find out if this vampire has caused problems anywhere else. It could be a possibility that he was aligned with the vampires that tried to take over the council."
"If that is the case, then it is definitely reasonable to believe that he is here to either destroy Barnabas, or cause enough problems that would cause him to leave Collinsport."
Stokes covered her hand with his in a comforting gesture. "I think he would find Barnabas a very worthy adversary. We have known him a long time, and he has never been one to back down from a confrontation. If this man is in Collinsport to cause him problems, he is in for a rude awakening. Don't you worry, Julia, Barnabas can handle him."
When they arrived at the hospital, Stokes parked his vehicle, got out and walked around to the passenger side. He opened the door, took Julia by the hand, and guided her out of the vehicle. Together they walked into the hospital and headed for Dr David Woodard's office.
When they arrived, the door was closed. Julia reached out and knocked.
"Come in."
Professor Stokes opened the door and stepped back to allow Julia to enter in front of him. Behind the desk, Dr David Woodard rose to greet them. "Julia, thank you for coming. I appreciate it. There is something I would like to discuss with you."
"Don't mention it, Dave. I am always happy to help." She pointed to Elliott. "I assume you know the professor?"
"Of course." Woodard reached forward and shook Stokes' hand. "You are the one person I don't mind having in on this discussion. I know you will keep an open mind." He gestured toward the chairs he set in front of his desk earlier, in anticipation of the meeting.
Julia and the professor sat down. "Alright, you got us here. Now, will you tell us what this is all about," Julia said.
"I have finished my investigation into the death of the young lady found murdered at the docks behind the Blue Whale."
Dr Hoffman and Professor Stokes already knew what Woodard was going to tell them. They were well aware what killed the woman, and furthermore, they knew exactly who did it. They were here to protect Barnabas. Julia was very aware Dave Woodard didn't like Barnabas. She didn't know why, but she was sure it was the case. Someday, when Barnabas was not at risk of discovery, she was going to ask him. She didn't know of anytime Barnabas had given him reason for the way he felt about him.
"What were your findings?" the professor asked.
"The woman didn't have a drop of blood in her body." He watched the two of them closely for their reaction. He had his reason for doing so.
Julia and Elliott held their poker faces despite it not being the best way to react. They both realized they should have shown shock instead. Nobody dies of a complete loss of blood unless they have been in a horrible accident and murdered in such a way a loss of blood is possible.
"Did you hear me? She had no blood in her entire body," Woodard repeated.
"We heard you, Doctor. It is just unbelievable. How does a person lose all of their blood? We saw the body. There wasn't any sign of a struggle, let alone anything that would indicate any loss of blood to begin with," the professor pointed out.
"Oh, there was one mark that not only showed a struggle, but also could explain the loss of blood." He turned his attention to Elliot Stokes. "Professor, you have studied the supernatural for some time, haven't you?"
Here we go,thought Julia. There wasn't any doubt where he was going with this. Explanations were running through her mind.
"Yes, I have always had an interest in it, why?"
"Because I believe the death of the young lady is completely tied to that."
Stokes sat forward in his chair. "How so?" Yet, he knew exactly how and what he was going to say.
Woodard reached into his desk drawer. "I have not revealed this to Sheriff Patterson. He would think me crazy if I did. However, I know neither of you will." Pulling out a manilla envelope, he opened it and removed two photographs. He turned them around and set them in front of Elliott and Julia. He watched them for their reaction once again.
Julia looked at the two puncture wounds on the victims neck. "An animal perhaps?" But, she knew better. She was bitten by the vampire who showed up in Collinsport.
Woodard studied Julia Hoffman. He had known her for years. The good doctor was showing signs of nervousness. He was certain of it. But why? She had no reason to be nervous … unless she already figured out what those puncture marks were. "Hardly, Julia, unless you can name one animal in this area that could make those marks."
Of course she couldn't. The professor could see Julia was demonstrating behavior she should be containing. He decided he better intervene. "What are you trying to say, Doctor? In your opinion, what could have made those puncture wounds and account for a complete loss of blood in the woman."
"Something right up your alley, Professor." Looking him straight in the eye and said, "A vampire."
Julia feigned an incredulous look. "You must be kidding! There is no such thing as vampires, Dave. I believe in the supernatural, such as ghosts, but vampires! That's ridiculous!"
Dr Woodard stood up and reached into the cabin behind him. It was set up for the right conditions to store vials of blood. He reached in and removed one vial. Holding it between his thumb and index finger, he pushed it forward. "This contains what little blood I could retrieve from the two puncture wounds." He set it down in front of them. Woodard then reached into the manilla envelope and pulled out a copy of the blood sample.
"Can you explain that?"
Of course Julia could explain it. It showed the venom of a vampire in the blood sample. Fortunately, most medical personnel couldn't explain it. They would have no idea what it was. Julia knew that Dave Woodard believed in the supernatural. They discussed it on many occasions. From the look on his face, he already figured out the sample contained a vampire's venom. Her only recourse was to play dumb.
"That is rather strange. I have never seen anything quite like it," Julia said, as she stared at the blood sample.
"Oh, but I think you have. You pretend not to believe in vampires, but I know that you do. I have seen this before, right here in Collinsport. This is not the first time that this rather strange thing, as you put it, has shown up in blood samples of patience in this hospital. It has been a long time since I have seen it."
Professor Stokes looked at the copy of the blood sample. He didn't pretend to know why it was any different than any other blood sample. He watched Dr Hoffman. He was impressed with the poker face and her ability to hide her true feelings. "Doctor, I believe in the supernatural probably more than you do. I have studied it for years. Having said that, I have never ever run across a vampire. Wouldn't you think if they really existed and one was in Collinsport, that we would see this continually. If the folklore is actually true, vampires have to feed continually. You wouldn't see it once and then have it disappear for years. There must be an explanation for the abnormal blood sample. I must agree with Dr Hoffman. Until I see real evidence of a vampire, I cannot believe in their existence."
Woodard stood up and walked around his desk. Sitting down on the edge of it, he looked directly into Julia's eyes. He picked up the copy of the blood sample report, held it up in front of her and said, "I don't expect the professor to understand this report. However, you are a doctor and a damn good one. How do you explain this?"
Despite feeling uncomfortable, she wasn't about to let Dave Woodard know it. She had to protect Barnabas. He was not responsible for the attack or the blood sample, but she didn't want Woodard sniffing around the Old House either. She studied the report and responded. "Dave, I can't explain it any more than you can. Jumping to the conclusion that is caused by a vampire isn't exactly medically scientific. There could be a medically sound reason for it, or it could be some new blood disease we have never dealt with before. I wouldn't go around telling people there is a vampire loose in Collinsport. You could end up one of my patients at Wyndcliff."
"I am surprised at you, Julia. With all of your study of the supernatural, I would have thought you were the one person whom I could depend on to help me investigate this. With or without your help, I intend to find the vampire who is responsible for the woman's death." Woodard wondered if Julia was trying to protect someone. The logical person would be Barnabas Collins. After all, Dr Julia Hoffman claimed to be treating him for a blood disorder. Exactly what that blood disorder was, he didn't know. Maybe it was time he found out.
"Julia, you are treating Barnabas Collins for a blood disorder. Can you elaborate on that? What exactly is the affliction he is suffering from?"
Alarmed at his question, Julia answered in the only way she possibly could. "Dave, you know full well I cannot discuss that with you. It would be a violation of the HIPPA laws. Even if I could, at the very least, it would be unethical for me to discuss Barnabas's health with you."
"As unethical as treating a patient you are romantically involved with?" Woodard demanded. He was going to find out one way or another what Collins' blood disease was. He couldn't remember a time since Collins came to town when he saw him in the daytime. "Everyone knows you and Collins are a couple. Yet, it doesn't seem to bother you that you are treating him. If you really are so concerned about ethics, then I suggest you turn your patient over to me and I will treat him for his blood disorder."
Julia was taken aback by the ferocity of his demand. It left her speechless for a moment. She wanted to measure her words, but she was angry. Hers and Barnabas' relationship was none of his business. She couldn't tell him that not just anybody could treat Barnabas for obvious reasons.
"You're stepping over the line, Dave. I have been Barnabas' physician since he arrived in Collinsport from England. He would never agree to a new physician. He trusts me. Under normal circumstances, I probably wouldn't treat him. The circumstances are not normal. It is a very rare blood disease. One that I have come in contact with before." That was not exactly true as Barnabas was definitely Julia's first vampire. "You wouldn't begin to know how to treat it. Furthermore, Barnabas would never agree to switch to you as his physician."
Woodard walked across the room. He had to calm himself and speak to her as one physician to another. Losing his temper with her would not get him what he wanted. "I apologize, Julia. I shouldn't have said that. I want to help. If you would allow me to work with you on Mr Collins' blood disorder, I will be able to learn a lot from you and him."
She wanted to be careful not to dismiss him right off. He was already suspicious, she could see that. Julia wanted to head off any problem with him. If he started any medical investigation into Barnabas, it could lead to a swift death. She had known Dave Woodard for many years. Julia considered him a friend. It was not her desire to see anything happen to him. However, if she had to choose between him and Barnabas, Dave Woodard would lose. Therefore, she had to try to protect him from himself.
"I will discuss it with Barnabas. However, Dave, I must warn you that he doesn't change his mind easily. All I can do is promise you that I will try." Julia knew she was only lying to him. She had no intention of trying to convince Barnabas to allow him to study his blood disorder. He would find the same abnormality in Barnabas's blood.
"Well, I guess I can't ask for more than that. In the meantime, I am going to conduct more tests on the blood sample. Whether or not you believe in vampires, I believe that you will come to agree with me that they do exist. I intend to expose this vampire before he kills again."
Dr Hoffman stood up. "I understand your position. The difference between you and me, Dave, is I would be looking for a medical reason and not mythical vampires."
Woodard walked over to her. Taking her hand in his. "Dear Julia, I will make a believer out of you. I intend to find and expose this vampire."
She didn't like the look in her friend's eyes. He would be risking his life if he pursued this avenue.
The professor stood up. "I must say this has been a very enlightening conversation. You are right that I believe in the supernatural, spirits and such, but vampires? That's a bit of a stretch." The professor shook the doctor's hand, took Julia's arm, and headed for the door.
Behind them Dr Woodard called out to them. "Is it a stretch, Professor? Why does he only come out at night?"
Julia turned sharply toward Woodward. "What are you implying, Dave?"
With a sly smile, he said, "I am simply implying vampires don't come out in the daytime."
Julia glanced up at Elliott and allowed him to lead her out of Woodard's office. When they arrived at the professor's vehicle, he opened the passenger door and Julia got in. The professor started up the vehicle and pulled away from the hospital. Both were silent for a while. Finally, Julia broke the silence.
"He is going to be a problem."
"As much as I would like to disagree, I can't. He is not going to let this go. Julia, I think he suspects Barnabas is the vampire that attacked and killed that woman."
"That is the exact impression he gave me as well," Julia agreed. " That last remark confirmed it. He wasn't talking about just any vampire not coming out in the daytime. He was talking about Barnabas."
"I believe that as well. With the experiments you are conducting, is it possible the serum can allow Barnabas to walk in the daylight?"
"Yes, I have been able to perfect it so that he can do that for two or three hours," she answered.
Professor Stokes turned on the windshield wipers as it started to rain. "Then I suggest he does exactly that. We need to make sure Barnabas is seen in the daytime. Woodard doesn't necessarily need to see him, but he needs to be seen by several people, so that it gets back to him. It just might set him off Barnabas's trail."
Julia rubbed her temples. "The problem is telling Barnabas that Dave suspects he is a vampire. You know how he reacts when he thinks discovery of his condition is at risk. Dave Woodard is a colleague and a friend. I must protect him from himself. He cannot pursue this, Elliott. If he does, well, you know what will happen."
"Yes, I certainly do." The rest of the ride was in silence.
2
Desandro opened his eyes. Pushing the lid to his coffin up, he got out. James Sawyer was there to greet him. "Good evening, Master." He didn't look Desandro in the eye. That would mean a beating. The vampire didn't allow him to ever look him in the eye. He made it clear James was only a servant and beneath him.
"Are you prepared to move my coffin when it becomes necessary?" Desandro demanded.
"Yes, Master. I have found a place and the outskirts of Collinsport. The house was torn down. However, the bomb shelter is still there. It is covered in foliage. No one will find you there."
"They better not. If they do, I will end your miserable life."
James didn't understand his compulsion to serve the vampire. He was cruel and didn't appreciate anything he did for him. Despite all of that, he wanted to serve him. He needed to serve him. "It won't come to that, Master. I would never allow anything to happen to you. I am your faithful servant."
Desandro didn't trust him, not even one bit. He was aware of a vampire's hold over a human. The hold was always stronger when a male vampire chose a female servant. It was the same when a female vampire chose a male servant. Sometimes, when a vampire chose a male servant, as he did, the vampire could run into problems with him. Quite often, they would rebel. The only way to keep them in line was to continually threaten and beat them if necessary. Desandro didn't hesitate to do so if Sawyer got out of line. Fortunately, all he had to do so far was threatened.
He didn't understand Collins's friendship with his servant. There was nothing more disgusting than a vampire that consorted with human beings. They were inferior to vampires. The fact that they couldn't stand against a vampire was proof of it. Yet, Collins chose to befriend his servant. What was even more disgusting was his romantic relationship with a human. If he wanted the human, he should turn her. Nothing less was acceptable, at least not to Desandro. He was quite certain that most vampires felt that way.
He planted the seed with Barnabas Collins. His plan was beginning to take shape. As soon as his vampire friend showed up in Collinsport, Desandro would move his plan forward.
Right now, he was aware that his blood sample landed in the hands of a Dr Woodard. It was time he sent the good doctor's suspicions at Barnabas Collins. He would visit him and do exactly that.
The rogue vampire turned into a bat and flew toward the hospital. Servants were good for some things. Sawyer had found out where the doctor kept his office. As strange as it seemed, Woodard didn't keep a practice outside of the hospital. Seeing him there ran the risk of many people who could recognize him later. He didn't want that. Therefore, he would have to use his vampiric powers to keep that from happening.
Without saying another word to his servant, Desandro turned into a bat and flew away. Since he had flown over the entire area of Collinsport, he knew where the hospital was. What he didn't know was where Dr Woodard's office was in the hospital. When he arrived, he decided he would wait for a nurse to come out. Desandro would be able to obtain the information he wanted without having to go into the hospital and search for the doctor's office.
Having changed back to human form, he quietly moved into the shadows to keep himself hidden from anyone who might come out of the hospital. It was important that the fewer people saw him the better. In this case, it would only be one woman, whom he could control through his hypnotic eyes.
He watched doctors come and go at the employee entrance. DeSandro would be patient and wait for the right individual to approach. As it turned out, he didn't have long to wait. A young woman in a nurse's uniform entered the parking lot. As luck would have it, she was headed directly toward him. Desandro waited until she was only a few feet away from him. He stepped out of the shadows and blocked her way.
The look on her face told the vampire she was very wary of him. Stepping back, she said, "Please move out of my way."
Desandro was not about to do that. He only had to get her to look into his eyes and she would do exactly what he wanted her to do. "I am sorry," he said with a smile. I didn't mean to startle or scare you. I was wondering if you could help me. I am here to see Dr Woodard. Unfortunately, when I spoke to him, I forgot to find out exactly where his office is. Can you tell me where to find him?"
"Go in the front door. This is the employee's entrance. You are not supposed to be using it. There is a sign on the door that clearly states that. You can go directly to the information desk and they can tell you where it is." She tried to step around him, but the vampire moved directly in front of her again.
Desandro could tell she was alarmed and afraid of him. Naturally, being a stranger in town, he wasn't surprised. Everyone in Collinsport was on edge, and that was just the way he liked it. He had every intention of putting all the suspicion on Barnabas Collins. If the people realized he was a vampire, his protection of the people of Collinsport would be forgotten. He knew human nature. After all, he was once a human. They would turn on him. The natives would be hell-bent on destroying the evil they would believe him to be. That was just exactly what he intended for Collins.
Instead of embracing his condition as a vampire, the traitor to the vampire race sided with humans, and was trying to become human again. He didn't even realize the advantages of being a member of the living dead. Why would he give up the speed, the strength, the ability to disappear and reappear, to become a bat and fly, not to mention being able to control and dominate human beings? He was such a waste as a vampire. Barnabas Collins didn't deserve the privilege and honor of being a supernatural being. Desandro intended to make sure he wasn't for much longer.
Drawing the woman in, she finally looked into his eyes. Now he had her. Like any other woman he came across since being a vampire, she couldn't look away from him. "I am not going to harm you if you help me. I need to know where Dr Woodward's office is. If you tell me, you will be allowed to go on your way." Desandro didn't have to really threaten her. She would tell him what he wanted to know. She had no choice. Still, he liked dominating and terrorizing humans. It was a perk of his condition.
Without further resistance, she gave him the information he needed. His office was on the third floor of the hospital. Holding her gaze, Desandro said, "You will not remember this conversation. You will not remember seeing me at all. This meeting never took place. Do you understand me?"
In a vampiric trance, the young nurse responded, "I understand. This meeting never took place."
"Very good. Now, be on your way." He disappeared in front of her, although she never realized it. Desandro turned into a bat and flew away. He would have liked nothing better than to drain every ounce of her blood, however, it would be reckless of him to do so. If he, as a stranger, showed up in Woodard's office, and the nurse showed up dead with no blood in her system, he would become Woodard's number one suspect. He wanted Barnabas Collins to have that honor.
The vampire flew up to the third floor on the side of the hospital the nurse indicated. Looking into the window, he checked to make sure no one was in the hall. He couldn't just appear out of nowhere in front of humans. When he couldn't spot anyone, Desandro disappeared and reappeared in the hall. He knew by what the nurse told him, Dr Woodard's office was just down a ways. This section was dedicated to doctors who worked in the hospital on a regular basis. Desandro continued down the hall until he came upon the door that supported a sign that read 'Doctor David Woodard.' The vampire smiled. Just the man he wanted to see.
He looked down at his attire. James provided him with the clothes of the day. Although he much preferred the clothes he wore in Transylvania, he would stand out like a sore thumb in this area. Even Barnabas Collins had enough sense to transform to the times.
"Come in."
Desandro assumed that was the voice of Dr David Woodard. He smiled knowing he was about to plant the seed that would bring down Barnabas Collins, the great protector of the Collins family. He would find out just how loyal they were to him when they found out he was an evil vampire. He opened the door and entered the doctor's office.
Dave Woodard stared at the man who just came in. He didn't look healthy. His skin was extremely pale. He was certain he must be looking for a doctor to treat him. Woodard would have to tell him he only treated patients who were admitted to the hospital. He didn't have a practice of his own. "Can I help you?
Desandro stepped forward. He was careful not to use his hypnotic eyes on Woodward. He didn't want to put him under his control. What the vampire wanted was to convince him to look into Barnabas Collins. Everything he found out about Woodard was that he believed in the supernatural, and that he would be susceptible to what he was about to do. "Actually, you can," he said with a smile and charm only a vampire could ooze.
"Before you start, I must tell you, I do not have a practice. I am assigned patients to care for here in the hospital. So, if you are looking for a doctor, I cannot help you," Woodard told him.
"Actually, I am not looking for a doctor. I am from an organization you will probably find hard to believe."
The stranger had Woodard's attention. "And why would that be?"
"Because, Dr Woodard, I am a vampire hunter." He waited to see the doctor's reaction.
Woodard believed in vampires, but he would be careful how he handled this man. He could be someone trying to put one over on him. "A vampire hunter. You must be kidding."
Desandro took the liberty of sitting down in the chair in front of the doctor's desk, despite not being invited to do so. "I know you must think me mad, Dr Woodard, but I assure you, I am completely serious. I understand there was a woman murdered last night on the docks behind the Blue Whale. It is rumoured she had every drop of blood drained from her body. Tell me, did she have two puncture wounds on her neck?"
Woodard studied the man sitting in front of him. Could he be for real? Was he really a vampire hunter? How could he possibly know what he did? The information had not been released to the public. He decided to err on the side of caution. "Just exactly where are you getting your information, Mr …"
"Desandro is my name, and my information comes from my organization. I am quite certain you have never heard of it. However, we protect the world from vampires. I am what you might call a vampire slayer. You do believe in vampires, don't you, Dr Woodard? It is my understanding you have spent your fair share of time investigating their existence."
"You didn't answer my question. We have not released the information. Where did you get it?"
Desandro smiled. The good doctor was being very cautious. "Oh but I did, Doctor. The organization is secret, as you must understand. Most of the world doesn't even know vampires exist. I am from Transylvania. Now, since I know you believe in vampires, I am here to help you destroy the one who has descended upon your community, or would you prefer more victims?"
"If I am to believe you, I need to know how you found out about the blood being drained from the young woman," Woodard demanded.
"It is easy, Doctor. We have vampire slayers all over the world. When strange events occur, the Slayer Organization contacts the vampire slayer in the area to investigate. Now, usually we don't have any help from the authorities in the area. You should understand that, as most people believe vampires are the creation of Hollywood. It has long been discovered that you are a believer. I was instructed to make contact with you. Will you help me?"
Woodard couldn't believe it. This was the opportunity of a lifetime! He would actually be able to help find and destroy the vampire. He knew a blood sucking demon was responsible for the woman's death. "Alright, you have me convinced. What is it you would like me to do?"
"You know the people of Collinsport fairly well, do you not?" Desandro asked.
"Yes, of course. I have practiced here for years. Collinsport is not that big a town."
"Excellent! Do you have any idea or suspicions who the vampire might be?"
Woodard wanted to be careful. He did have his suspicions, but he wouldn't point a finger without some kind of proof. "I do, Mr Desandro, but I am not ready to say who. I must have some verification before I accuse someone of that. However, I do have a plan. I am going to force him to come out in the daytime. If he refuses, it will be a pretty good indication he is the man you are looking for."
"Will you keep me abreast of your findings?"
"Of course. Where can I get in touch with you?"
"I'll get in touch with you. Please understand I must keep myself hidden from the vampire until I am ready to make a move."
Woodard nodded. "Yes, that makes perfect sense."
"Alright, I will be in touch with you. I will befriend the man as soon as you can point him out to me. He will not suspect I am here to destroy him." Desandro stood up. Woodard offered his hand, but Desandro refused to shake it. He pretended he didn't see the gesture. His hand would appear cold to the doctor, and he was certain he would already have noticed his pale skin.
After he left the doctor's office, he left the building the same way he got in. He was met outside the hospital by James and another man. He smiled when he saw him. "Thank you, James. You may return to your duties," Sawyer left immediately.
"Desandro, it is a pleasure," the vampire said with a smile. "I am here at your service. My name is Lorenzo. As you know, last names are no longer used among our kind."
"Welcome, Lorenzo. I have been waiting for you. Are you prepared to do as I ask?"
"Yes, sir. My understanding is you want me to feed and kill young ladies while you are with the vampire, Barnabas Collins," Lorenzo replied.
"Exactly. It will give me the opportunity to befriend Collins, then you and I will destroy him together."