Dark Shadows: Risk of Discovery
Chapter 7
1
Barnabas, Julia and the professor arrived back at the Old House. Barnabas opened the door. Julia and the professor followed him into the foyer. After hanging up his cloak and cane on the hall tree, Barnabas led them into the drawing room. He walked over and sat down in the chair next to the fireplace.
Willie Loomis heard the double doors close. He came down the stairs and joined them in the drawing room. "Well, was it a vampire?"
Barnabas decided to let Julia answer him. He sat with his elbows on the arms of the chair and his fingers of one hand touching those on the other. There wasn't any doubt a vampire ended the life of the young woman. Prostitute or not, she didn't deserve to die that way. Barnabas still felt regret for the lives he ended before he learned to control the blood lust. Whoever was doing this had to know that Barnabas resided in Collinsport. If so, then the vampire was also aware he was breaking the Vampire Council's rules. Even though it gave him the right to destroy the vampire, Barnabas was concerned for his own safety and discovery. Sooner or later, someone was going to come to the conclusion the only explanation was a vampire was in Collinsport.
"Yes, Willie, it was most certainly a vampire," Julia said.
"I told you Desandro was up to no good. That makes two women he has killed since he arrived here."
"I am afraid not, dear boy," the professor said. "Desandro was here with us when the killing took place. He could not possibly be the one who did it."
Willie turned pale as the recognition of what that meant. "There is another vampire in Collinsport!"
"It is looking that way," Julia said.
"We must find him and stake him," Willie said in a shrill voice. "We can't let suspicion fall upon Barnabas. How do we know Desandro didn't bring another vampire with him."
"We have no proof of that," Barnabas said.
"How much proof do we need," Willie said. "Desandro killed a woman and now some other vampire has killed again. Barnabas, you should have allowed me to stake Desandro"
Barnabas stood up. "I am going to go out. I want you and Julia to stay in the Old House. Professor, you should go straight home. Don't stop for anything. I am aware you know how to protect yourself from a vampire. I still do not want you taking any chances until I am able to find this man. I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to you, Willie or Julia."
"Are you sure I can't help you with what you plan to do tonight?" the professor asked.
"No. Just go straight home when you leave here."
"Barnabas, what are you going to do?" Julia asked.
"I am not entirely sure. I want to look for this vampire. If I can find him, I can destroy him immediately. I would prefer Willie not have to do it. I don't want to put him in any danger. This man must be stopped. I am the only one who can handle him at night."
Without giving Julie or Willie the chance to object, Barnabas left the drawing room. After putting on his cape, he opened the door and prepared to leave.
"Barnabas," Julie called out to him as she entered the foyer.
He turned to face her. "Yes, Julia."
"Where are you going?"
"I told you. I am going to see if I can locate this vampire."
"No offense, my love, but I can tell when you are keeping something from me."
"I am not keeping anything from you. I told you what I am going to do."
"Alright, I won't push you any further. Please be careful. Whoever this man is, he is a vampire as well. You don't know how long he has been a vampire."
Barnabas walked over to her. He placed his hands on her cheek. "Dear Julia. You are always looking out for me. I must find him. He is putting me at risk of discovery. I can't have that."
"All right, Barnabas. Just be careful, that's all I ask."
"I will." He opened the double doors and left the Old House. Although finding the rogue vampire was definitely a priority, there was something he had to do first. He didn't want Julia to know what that was. The vampire turned into a bat and flew away.
2
Desandro arrived back at the cave. Lorenzo was waiting for him. "I trust you were with Collins when I drained the woman," Lorenzo said.
Desandro took a close look at Lorenzo. He definitely was the same size as Barnabas Collins. Furthermore, he wore his hair similar to how Collins wore his. It was perfect! There wasn't any doubt that someone could identify Lorenzo as Collins from the back. Although that would not convince them of his guilt, it would at least get the sheriff looking in his direction. He didn't stop to think that Barnabas Collins had an alibi the same as he did. Even if he were to say that Collins was not with him, Hoffman and Stokes certainly would. Hoffman would be considered a biased individual, but the sheriff would certainly believe Professor Elliott Stokes. Desandro checked into Stokes as well. He had an excellent reputation in Collinsport. The sheriff would not doubt his word.
"I was indeed."
"Good, you will be able to deny having anything to do with the woman's death since you were with him." Lorenzo stepped closer to Desandro.
"I don't have to deny anything, actually. No one knows I am in Collinsport. Nor will I allow anyone to know it."
"But, Desandro, I thought you said you ran into Carolyn Stoddard when you first arrived. She would back up Collins that you are indeed in Collinsport."
Desandro frowned. He hadn't thought of that. In fact, he forgot altogether about running into the young woman. If it hadn't been for the appearance of Barnabas Collins, she would have been his first victim in the area. At the time, he didn't know who she was to Collins. Fortunately, he asked her for her name. Having researched the Collins family, he recognized her immediately when she said her name was Carolyn Stoddard. He definitely would not kill her as soon as he knew who she was. He would have ruined his plans. Barnabas Collins would have come after him with a vengeance.
Killing the woman near the Blue Whale was a mistake as well. He never should have done it. It immediately made Collins suspicious of him. Going out of the area to feed made much more sense. Desandro was upset with himself for not realizing it from the beginning. He could have befriended Collins much quicker if he had only done so. Now, it would take longer, if ever. He could be faced with destroying Collins himself. The problem with that was, Barnabas Collins had become a legend among his kind. He was known to be much stronger than his time as a vampire would indicate. Desandro didn't know if he could successfully take him on and destroy him. It might mean his own destruction.
The only other option was to have his servant stake and destroy him in the daytime. The problem there would be Willie Loomis. It was known that Loomis was extremely loyal to the vampire. He couldn't even be considered a servant. Loomis was more of an employee and friend to Collins. He might have to kill him in order to allow his own servant a means to obtain entry into the Old House to stake Collins. Hoffman would not be any trouble for his servant. He could easily get past her to get to Collins.
"You are right. Carolyn Stoddard did see me. So did the strange young man she was with. That is not a problem for us. We can always eliminate them if it becomes necessary. Right now, let's just concentrate on befriending Collins. Once I have his confidence, it will be easy to destroy him."
"Whatever you think. That's the way we will do it. I just wanted to point out that she would back up Collins and Hoffman that you do exist and are here in Collinsport."
"Thank you, Lorenzo. I appreciate your loyalty."
Lorenzo bowed to the older vampire. "I owe you my life. I will do anything you ask me to. It is the least I can do for all you have done for me."
How stupid could one individual be? Desandro only helped him in order to control him. He didn't care at the time, and he didn't now, about the stupid young vampire. He couldn't even see Desandro was using him. It was just as well since his time as a vampire was numbered, and it didn't mean curing him of his vampirism. He would be destroyed when the time came, and he would help Barnabas Collins do it.
"Lorenzo, I am going to have my servant move your coffin."
Confused, Lorenzo didn't understand. "Why would you do that?"
"It is simple. If my plans go bad, it would be too easy for Collins to have both of us staked. This way, if I am staked, you would be left to carry on and see to it that Collins is destroyed. You would do so if something happened to me, wouldn't you? Would you continue the plan to have him destroyed?"
"If he staked you, I would be happy to exact revenge on him for doing so. You are my friend. I would do anything for you. But, don't worry, he isn't going to stake you. I will never allow it. I would destroy him first."
Desandra couldn't believe how stupid and naive Lorenzo was. Collins could do away with him without breaking a sweat, that is if vampires could sweat to begin with. "I have found a place for your coffin, we will move it tonight."
3
Barnabas Collins arrived at the hospital where Dr David Woodard's office was located. This visit was what he couldn't tell Julia about. He didn't want her to know. If it went as planned, then Barnabas would tell her. Barnabas didn't like keeping anything from her. It was the only way to avoid arguing with her over this visit. She would not approve as she would be afraid of what he might do to Woodard. Despite his dislike and distrust for him, he didn't want to hurt Julia in any way. Woodard was her friend. He would try to resolve this without having to kill the man. Yet, he knew if Woodard continued his investigation of him, Barnabas would have no choice but to do away with him. Julia would have to understand that he was only protecting his existence.
Barnabas entered the hospital and headed for the elevator. A nurse was coming down the hall. "Sir, it is past visiting hours. I am sorry but you should not be in the hospital at this time."
He wasn't about to allow the nurse to stop him from what he must do. Barnabas looked directly into her eyes. When he was certain she couldn't look away from him, he said, "You did not run into me. You never saw me. Is that understood?"
"I never saw you," she said in a vampiric trance.
"Now, go about your business." He watched as she walked away. The trance would not last long, only long enough for him to remove his presence from her sight. Since there was the possibility he would run into more nurses and hospital personnel, he decided he better disappear as soon as he got into the elevator. He reappeared outside of Woodard's office. Barnabas didn't have to worry about the camera which covered the hall. He would not appear in the film anyway. When he knocked on the door and it was opened by Woodard, it would simply appear the door was opened and shut. Taking one more look at the camera, Barnabas knocked on the door.
"Come in," Woodard said from the other side.
The vampire opened the door and entered the doctor's office. He could see Woodard was uneasy at his appearance. "Is everything alright, Doctor. You seem nervous."
Woodard stood up. Regaining his composure, he replied, "No, everything is fine. I am just surprised to see you here at this late hour. Visiting hours are long since over and nobody is allowed in the hospital besides hospital staff. Didn't anyone stop you, Mr Collins?"
"No, but then I didn't see anyone on the way up here. Perhaps they were in patient rooms. There was only one nurse at the nurse's station and her back was to me. I don't think she saw me," the vampire lied.
"Well then, what can I do for you?" he said nervously. Woodard realized he must control his emotions in front of Collins. He calmed himself and walked around the desk. Offering his hand, Barnabas shook it. Woodard noted the coldness of his touch. It wasn't proof of vampirism since it was cold outside. He would expect Collins's hand to be cold since he wasn't wearing gloves.
"I understand you had a conversation with Dr Hoffman and Elliott Stokes."
Woodard was taken aback. The last thing he expected Julia to do was tell Collins of their conversation. She had to know that if he was a vampire, it would put his life in grave danger. He remained silent to see where the conversation was headed.
"May I sit down?" Barnabas asked politely.
"Of course, Mr Collins."
After settling in the chair, Barnabas looked Woodard in the eye. The man had no idea that if it weren't for Julia, his life would end here and now. "Julia and Elliott tell me that you suspect the murder of the two women was done by a vampire. Is that correct?"
The doctor couldn't believe he was about to have this conversation with him. If he was a vampire, then he would never leave this office alive. "Well, it is one theory I have. However, Mr Collins, most people do not believe in vampires, and I have no proof that they do exist."
Barnabas smiled. "But you do believe they exist?"
"Yes, I do."
"Would it surprise you if I said I also believe they exist, despite Julia and the professor thinking it is ridiculous."
"Yes, it would surprise me," Woodard answered, even though Collins would of course believe it if he was a vampire.
"They also told me something else," Barnabas said, watching Woodard's reaction.
Did they possibly tell him he thought Collins was a vampire? How could Julia do that? She had to know it would put him in danger. "And what was that?"
"They said you think I am a vampire and responsible for the two womens' deaths."
Woodard raised an eyebrow. Right now, he didn't give two cents for the possibility that he would be able to walk out of the office alive. "I don't believe Julia would tell you that. If it were true, she would put my very existence in dire jeopardy."
"That is probably true. However your existence is in no danger from me," Barnabas said. "You see, Doctor, I am neither a vampire nor a murderer. So, you have nothing to worry about."
Woodard was totally surprised at the direction the conversation had taken. He was certain Collins was a vampire. Yet, despite his suspicions, Barnabas Collins just told him he was in no danger from him. Why was that? Could he be wrong? Could Barnabas Collins just be another ordinary individual? He didn't know what to say. If he asked him to prove it, and he was a vampire, he could change his mind about letting him live.
Barnabas watched the doctor closely. He could see he was struggling with what he had just been told. His nervousness when Barnabas came in was apparent. Now, he seemed to have settled down a bit. "What can I do to convince you that I am not a vampire? I will be happy to do whatever you would like in order to prove that I am not."
"Would you give me a sample of your blood?"
Barnabas was expecting this. "I'll tell you what, I will be more than happy to come into your office tomorrow and have you draw that blood."
Dave Woodard thought about it. Vampires could not come out in the daytime. The sun would burn them up. If Barnabas Collins could come to his office in the daytime, there would be no reason to draw his blood. It would be proof that he wasn't a vampire.
"I'll tell you what, Mr Collins, if you can come to my office tomorrow in the daytime, there will be no reason to draw blood. It would be living proof that you are not a vampire."
Barnabas knew he took a very big chance. What if Woodard wanted to listen to his heart, or check for his reflection in the mirror? Of course, both of those things were something he could not allow. It would only confirm that he was, indeed, a vampire. Could Julia produce serum for him to walk in the daylight for a few hours the next day? He certainly hoped so. Otherwise, Woodard would become even more suspicious. "Then I shall take the time off work to do exactly that. Then we can concentrate on finding the vampire and destroying him."
"Then you think it is a vampire who has killed the women?" Woodard said.
"Yes, I told you I believe vampires exist. I can't think of anything else that could remove every ounce of blood from a person's body, can you?" Barnabas asked.
"No, I cannot. Then I will see you tomorrow." Woodard stood up. If Collins was a vampire, he just called his bluff. He really didn't expect to see him tomorrow. Woodard truly believed Collins was bluffing. He would come up with some excuse for not being able to come to his office in the daytime.
"That you shall," Barnabas said with a smile and bowed. He turned and left Woodard's office.
4
"David, what are you doing up?" Victoria Winters said. His governess sent the boy to bed hours ago. When she came into the drawing room, she found the lad fully dressed. Lowering her head and frowning, she said, "You aren't planning to go out, are you?" She didn't really need to ask. It was obvious to her that was exactly what the boy intended to do. Everyone in the mansion was already in bed. Victoria came down to sit in front of the fireplace and read. She wasn't able to sleep. The murders that took place near the Blue Whale worried her. Collinsport was a small community. Murder was something one would expect in a large city.
"I was just going to go outside and get some air, Vicky. I couldn't sleep. I am worried about you and Carolyn. Someone is murdering women."
Victoria changed her tone. David was just a youngster. She hadn't thought about how the murders would affect the lad. "I am sorry, David. I didn't think about how you would handle all of this."
He shrugged. "It's okay. I just couldn't sleep, that's all."
The governess smiled and ruffled his hair. "Well, alright. Would you like a glass of milk? I was going to get one for myself. I can pour two glasses if you would like."
"Yes, I think I would," David answered.
There was a knock on the double doors. David and Victoria looked toward the foyer. "I'll get it," David said.
Victoria knew exactly who would be on the other side of the door. Only one person visited this late at night. "No, I'll get it." She left the drawing room and prepared to greet their guest. Victoria opened the door.
Barnabas smiled. "Good evening, Victoria. I hope I am not disturbing you."
"Of course not, Barnabas. I am always happy to see you. Come, we'll talk in the drawing room."
The vampire followed her inside. He was surprised to see David. "What are you doing up so late, David?"
"I couldn't sleep. Vicky was going to get us both a glass of milk."
"That can wait, David," Victoria said.
"Please, do not let me stop you. Go ahead and get the milk. I would like to speak with young David anyway. Please, Victoria. Give us a few minutes."
Victoria smiled. "Of course, Barnabas. I'll be back in a few minutes. She left the drawing room.
"What did you want to talk to me about, Cousin Barnabas?"
David was the only member of the Collins family who knew his true nature, so Barnabas didn't have to keep up any pretence with him. "I wanted to tell you there are two vampires in Collinsport."
"Two! Gosh, Cousin, that's terrible. Everyone is in danger. Obviously they are not like you. They are killing people."
Looking at the boy and seeing he was fully dressed, Barnabas had no doubt he intended to sneak out of the Great House. "I don't want you, Carolyn or Victoria out after sunset until I can find and destroy the vampires who are doing this." He reached down and touched the jacket David was wearing. "You weren't going to go out, were you?" he said, knowing fully well that was exactly what David was going to do.
"I was going to come see you, Barnabas. Everyone is worried about the murders. I just want to see if you were able to find the vampire, but now you tell me there are two of them."
"Yes, one of them came to see me. He asked that Julia help him become human again."
"Just like she is trying to help you."
"That's right."
"Do you believe him?" David asked.
"I am not sure. He seems sincere, but I don't trust him. He claims he didn't mean to kill the woman. He came from Romania and needed to feed. He went too far."
"Too far? Barnabas, I heard she had no blood left. Is that true? No one will answer my questions. They treat me like a baby," he said with disgust. One of the reasons he respected Barnabas so much was he didn't treat him that way.
"They are just trying to protect you. But, I see you as a young man wiser than his years," Barnabas said.
David beamed. Barnabas trusted him with information the rest of the family did not. After all, he was the only one in the family who knew Barnabas was a vampire. He trusted him with that information. No one else was allowed to know. "So, is it true, Cousin?"
"Yes, David, it is true. Come and sit down. I want to talk to you."
Barnabas led him to the davenport and sat down beside him. "David, it is too dangerous for you to go out after sunset. Only you and I know why."
"Yes, we do, don't we?" David said. "How long will it take you to destroy the vampires?"
"I don't know. I have to find them first. There are so many places they can hide their coffins in Collinsport. It might take some time."
"But he could kill several more women if you don't find them right away."
"I will find them as quickly as I can. Don't you worry. You just stay in the Great House after dark. I don't want you coming in contact with either of them."
"But, Barnabas, the vampires are going after women. I am perfectly safe after dark."
"No David, you are not. Just because they only target women so far doesn't mean they won't attack you. Vampires aren't particular about who they get blood from. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you. So, do as I say. Just until I am able to track down the whereabouts of these two. Promise me you will not go out after dark until I resolve this. Promise me."
"Oh, alright, I promise. How will I get hold of you if I need to talk to you?"
"Dr Hoffman had a telephone installed some time ago. You can call me," Barnabas told him.
"But I don't have your number."
"Your Aunt Elizabeth keeps the phone number in a book by the phone. I am certain you can find my number there."
"Well, then, I suppose it's okay." David looked down. He made a promise he didn't think he could keep. Barnabas did so much for him. When Quentin tricked him into traveling to the past, Barnabas came after him. David felt like he owed him. He felt obligated to help his cousin. He would find out where the vampires were resting. He knew every inch of the estate. David knew it better than anyone in the Collins family. He would find the vampires, and then Barnabas would be so proud of him.
Victoria walked back into the drawing room. She carried a tray with three glasses of milk. Taking it over to where Barnabas and David were sitting, she handed one glass to David. "I brought you one as well, Barnabas."
"Thank you, Victoria, but I don't drink milk. I appreciate the thought," Barnabas said with a smile. The vampire could drink an occasional glass of alcohol, but his stomach could never tolerate milk.
David drank from his glass as Victoria watched. "Barnabas, you must have noticed David is not wearing pajamas. He went to bed several hours ago. He was in pajamas then."
"Come on, Vicky, I told you I couldn't sleep. I was just going to step outside for some air. I don't see why you are making such a big deal about it."
"Victoria is worried about you David, as am I. You should not be going outside after sunset." He turned to the governess and said, "David and I had that very conversation while you were getting the milk. I told him I didn't want him out after dark until we found the man who has been attacking the women. I impressed upon him that it is too dangerous for him to wander in the woods after dark. I don't think he will be doing it anymore. Isn't that right, David?"
"I guess so," David responded, without meeting Barnabas's eyes.
"I think you should return to your room. It is very late. Your father and your Aunt Elizabeth would be very unhappy with me if they knew you were still up. So, off to bed."
"But Vicky!" David protested.
"Now, David," Vicky demanded.
"Oh, alright." David looked up at Barnabas. "Goodnight, Cousin Barnabas."
The vampire smiled. "Goodnight, David. Pleasant dreams."
"I hate when people say that. I always have nightmares after that." David stomped out of the drawing room.
Barnabas chuckled. "He doesn't like to go to bed, does he?"
"No, he doesn't. I have to be very firm with him every night. Lately, he gets up after everyone goes to bed and goes outside. I hope he listens to you because I haven't been able to get through to him," Victoria said.
"You just let me know if he goes out. I'll have another talk with the boy," Barnabas assured her.
"Now, that is settled, you couldn't have come here about David sneaking out at night."
"No," Barnabas said, "I came to check on the family — to be sure no one is going out after dark until the sheriff finds the maniac who is killing the women at the docks near the Blue Whale."
"Mrs Stoddard won't let anyone go out." Victoria chuckled. "She doesn't even like letting anyone go out during the day, and only if there are at least two together."
"I am happy to hear it. Have you seen any strangers in Collinsport?" the vampire asked.
"No, I can't say that I have, but if I do, I will certainly let you know."
"Alright then, I shall take my leave of you so that you can get some rest." Barnabas headed for the double doors of the Great House. Victoria walked with him.
"I don't think you have any idea how much the family appreciates the way you look after all of us," she told him.
"It is my pleasure. I will always protect my family," he said. He opened the doors, said goodbye and Victoria shut the door behind him. Barnabas turned into a bat and flew back to the Old House. When he arrived, he returned to human form. Entering the Old House, he removed his cloak and hung it on the hall tree.
Julia came out of the drawing room. "I have been worried about you. Where have you been?"
He took her hand and led her into the drawing room. "Sit down, Julia." She did as he asked. "I went to see Dr Woodard."
Instantly alarmed, Julia exclaimed, "You didn't harm him, did you?"
"No, I didn't. I knew you wouldn't approve. That is why I didn't tell you where I was going. I needed to find out just how much he knows. Right now, all he knows is there is something in the blood of the victims he can't identify. I told him I knew he suspected that I am a vampire."
"Barnabas, you didn't!"
The vampire smiled. "Relax, Julia. He took it rather well. I told him I was willing to come to his office in the daytime to prove I am not a vampire."
"That will require the serum. I haven't perfected it enough to know how long you can be in the sunlight. You would be taking a chance with your existence. You shouldn't have done that."
"I don't have a choice. Your doctor friend will not give up until I prove I am not a vampire. I don't want to kill, you know that. The problem is I don't always have a choice. I know Dave Woodard is a friend of yours. I don't want to harm him, but I can't allow him to discover my true nature. You must understand that. Rather than kill him, I am willing to take the chance with the sun. Can you produce enough serum to allow me to tolerate the sun for a few hours tomorrow?"
"Yes, I believe I can. However, I cannot guarantee just how long it will last. The minute your skin starts to feel the heat, you must return to the Old House and retire to your coffin. Is that clear?"
"Yes, it is clear. I have no desire to put myself in danger of burning up in the sun. Then it is settled, I will go see Dr Woodard in the morning when the sun is not as hot."
Julia didn't like it. She hoped her serum would protect him. She would never forgive herself if anything happened to Barnabas.