Unicorn Rising ch 2
From: Charlene
Date: Sat, 20 May 2000 16:41:18
Quentin Collins sat in his room in the West Wing of Collinwood listening to his "cousin" Carolyn's tale of college orientation. he smiled as she described the many new experiences she hoped to have as she started college at the University of Maine in Bangor. He remembered the excitement only youth could bring to new experiences. Somehow, he envied Carolyn her exuberance.
" ... and I even signed up for TWO of Professor Stokes classes. Can you imagine what those are going to be like?" she laughed.
"Quite interesting!" Quentin said as he glanced from Carolyn towards the window where he saw the large black bat. "Well Carolyn, I hope you enjoy all your classes. I think this is going to be a good experience for you. Besides, all those college men will get to meet you." he said standing up.
"Oh, Quentin, you're never serious."
"Too serious most of the time." he said with a little melancholia creeping into his voice. " And now, too old. I think it's time you young people left and let the old timers like me get our rest." He said flashing her that famous Quentin Collins smile.
"Oh Quentin. Sometimes I'm not sure exactly what to make of you. Good night."
"Good night Carolyn." he said as he led her to the door. As he closed it he said without turning around, "What brings you here so late Barnabas? And through the window rather than the door."
"We're in danger."
"What's new?" Quentin said with a characteristic growl as he turned to face his cousin.
"Petofi's returned." Barnabas said stoically.
"WHAT!!! That's impossible. He's dead."
"Quentin, you and I have both been dead at one time or another in various forms or another, it's not impossible. He's here. I just spoke to him at Widow's Hill."
"What does he want?" Quentin said as he grabbed the brandy decanter and began to pour two glasses.
"Quite simply, he wants us dead."
"That's nice of him. Here, have a drink, I need it."
Barnabas watched his cousin as he handed him a brandy. Petofi had once committed the foulest act against Quentin that anyone could perpetuate against another human being. He stole Quentin's body. Barnabas could only imagine what horror that must have been. He empathized with his cousin. Petofi was a man to be feared. But they would find a way to defeat him. They had to.
"I'll have to tell Julia when she returns as well. I'm sure Petofi remembers her. She'll be in danger too."
"The whole Collins family's in danger as long as he's alive." Quentin responded. " Well, tell me everything he said."
After Barnabas had related his meeting with Petofi to Quentin, Quentin asked, "So, what do we do now?"
"The first thing is to secure your portrait. I'll have Willie take it to my bank in Portland in the morning. I've a large safety deposit box in the vault, the portrait will be safe there."
"You don't think Petofi can get to the bank officials with that hand of his?"
"I'm sure he could, if he knew what bank and what name I have on the account. I don't have all my assets under Barnabas Collins."
"Why I didn't know you were so sneaky Barnabas. Then what do we do?"
"I think you should go into Collinsport in the morning. See if you can locate where Petofi is staying. He may be at the Inn or he may be renting a house. See what you can find out."
"And if I run into Petofi?"
"You'll think of something."
"You know, I think we ought to tell Professor Stokes about Petofi. He might know something we don't."
"Yes. That would be prudent. I'll have Willie stop by at his office at the University with a note that I'd like to see him tomorrow evening."
"You could just send it by Carolyn. She's in his classes this semester."
Barnabas turned toward Quentin, his left eyebrow raised at the thought, "No, I don't want the family involved just yet. But, keep an eye on Roger. Petofi might see him as the perfect person to use to insinuate himself into this family."
"I'll do my best. I'll call Julia and let her know what's going on. Perhaps she can come back from Wyndcliffe tonight and we all meet with you and Stokes."
"I'll see you tonight then. And Quentin, be careful." Barnabas said as he disappeared from the room.
Quentin walked to his window as watched as the large black bat flew towards the Old House. So. Petofi was alive and out for revenge. Quentin turned from the window and walked back to his brandy decanter to pour himself another drink.
