Subj: Dark Light -- 26
Date: 6/12/99
From: Flashman

Chapter 26-End Game

Willie had called Barnabas collect from the Boston airport. Cassie Layne answered the telephone. She informed him that Barnabas was at Spaulding Manor. Willie replied that he had the number and would call him there.

When he reached the second number, the man who answered at first refused to accept the charges. Then, Barnabas came on the line and said he would accept. Willie told Barnabas all about what had occurred that night with David and the Lewises. Barnabas said not to worry. We still have the advantage. He would send someone out in the afternoon to pick Willie up at the Springfield airport upon his arrival.

Barnabas informed Alan, Annie, and Beth of what Willie had relayed over the telephone. Fran was in her room sleeping. Barnabas had decided to keep Cassie in the dark as much as possible now. Her blood ties with Reva could prove to be stronger than his hold over her. That was why she was at his house.

"That rat Willie," said Annie. "I just knew he'd be the one to talk."

"Annie, don't blame poor Willie too much. He told me that Reva pointed a gun at his head and threatened to kill him if he didn't talk," informed Barnabas.

"Yeah, that sounds like Reva," responded Annie.

Alan spoke up, "Mr. Collins, I think it's time to cut our losses. Thanks to your man Loomis, Josh and Reva know the whole story now. They know what you and Annie are. Let's pack up right now and leave Springfield. Maybe we can return at a later date."

Beth agreed, "I'm with Alan. Don't forget I'm the one with the most to lose. None of you guys have committed any crimes, at least in the legal sense. I killed Harley. They'll destroy me for sure."

"I tend to agree with Alan and Beth. It may be time to put an end to our little game here in Springfield," said Barnabas.

Annie was shocked at what she was hearing. A fine bunch of vampires and stooges they were. Wimping out like this at the first sign of trouble. Well she wasn't going to allow it. She had returned to Springfield for revenge and she was going to get it.

"Well, would you look at this! Just look at it! As General Patton would say, 'you're all a bunch of goddamned cowards.' We've still got the advantage if we strike quickly at Josh and Reva before they have a chance to get organized. We can still win. They don't realize that we know all about what they've been doing.

"They don't know how many vampires they're facing or how many people we have under our control. And besides, we have Cassie. Josh and Reva aren't going to rush in blindly as long as she's under our control. Reva, even as impulsive as she is, isn't going to do anything to endanger her sister."

"What if they bring in the police?" asked Beth.

"Shit, Beth. The police aren't going to believe their story, at least not for a while," replied Annie. "And even if the police come at us with an entire army, we're the Undead. We have powers."

"You forget Annie, I'm a mortal man. I can die very easily if what you said happens," pointed out Alan.

"Well Alan, you cowardly rat, you may have to take a bullet for the cause," said Annie.

She continued, "Anyway, go if you want to. I'm staying here. I'm going to get what I came here for. Just remember this, each of you. Alan-Josh and Reva have embarassed you repeatedly over the years. Barnabas-Reva will hunt you down now that she knows what you are. She'll do anything to save her sister. What if she somehow gets in touch with that warlock Nicholas Blair you told me about? What if Reva makes a deal with him? And finally Beth-What do you think you have coming? Somebody's going to put two and two together and figure out you're the only one with a real motive for killing Harley. Then you'll not only have to worry about Josh and Reva but Phillip as well."

Barnabas, Alan, and Beth paused to consider what Annie had said. It was all true. If they didn't nip things in the bud, there would be plenty more trouble. Reva was ruthless and she had friends. Friends who would eventually believe her story. They would all have to spend a long time running. As ruthless as they all knew Reva to be, they might not be able to run forever. No, they would have to stand and fight. Annie was right.

First Barnabas, then Alan, and finally a still reluctant Beth all agreed with Annie.

"Good. Good," said Annie. "Here's what we're going to do tomorrow......"

(II)

Josh and Reva sat aboard the commuter flight from Chicago to Springfield. It was the final flight out of O'Hare to Springfield. It would be after 10:00 p.m. when they arrived at their house. They had been unable to get in touch with Matt and Vanessa Reardon all day. Those damn cell phones. Hopefully, Marah and Shayne were with the Reardons, as Laura had said, and not with Cassie. Reva still loved and trusted her sister but better the children to be out of harm's way. No need to have them used as hostages by Barnabas Collins.

David Collins had offered to come with them to Springfield that morning. Josh and Reva had refused his offer. Better for him to remain in Collinsport to protect his family should something happen there. Maybe Barnabas Collins had a few followers in the Collinsport area who would come after his family when he was gone. David had agreed to remain but told the Lewises to keep him informed of the situation in Springfield.

Josh and Reva had packed several crosses as well as some wolf bane in their luggage. They would place the wolf bane on the doors and windows of their home. David Collins had told them that according to legend the wolf bane would keep a vampire from entering their house. They hoped he was correct.

David informed them that he had run Willie Loomis off of his estate the night before after they had departed. Goodbye and good riddance, he had said. Reva and Josh only hoped that Willie hadn't somehow gotten in contact with Barnabas Collins.

As the plane began its final taxi toward the runway of the Brandon Spaulding Memorial Airport in Springfield, Josh and Reva were nowhere near as confident as they had been when they departed for Collinsport. What they had found out there had shocked and firghtened them both. Reva had a gut feeling from the beginning that Annie Dutton might be the person behind the recent chain of events in their lives. But she was in no way prepared for the shock she had received when Willie Loomis revealed to her what Annie had become. So now, her very own Frankenstein monster had become her very own Countess Dracula.

Reva tried to perk up her own spirits and confidence was well as Josh's during the entire return trip. They had emerged from difficult circumstances before with flying colors. Besides, she was Reva Shayne, and she always landed on her feet. She was Reva Shayne and she always triumphed. It would be the same this time, she had said to Josh.

They both knew they would need allies. Forget Laura Murdoch. She was a relative newcomer to their lives and there was no need to endanger her. Billy was still in rehab so he was out but there were still plenty of others. Reva's brother, Rusty, was a cop in Tulsa. He would help. Hopefully, he could supply them with a large quantity of silver bullets. David Collins had kept his pistol containing the silver bullets. He wanted to be safe. Josh and Reva had understood.

How about the others? Blake Marler would help even though Josh and Reva knew she was basically a physical coward. Matt and Vanessa Reardon would be glad to help, also. Phillip Spaulding would definitely want in and if they could somehow convince Frank Cooper of the truth of their story maybe he could sick the entire Springfield Police Department on Annie, Barnabas Collins, and their mob.

I would be fairly late when they returned home. No need to get started until tomorrow morning. They would be safe then. All the vampires, however many there were, would be dormant then. Maybe they could do a quick strike and catch a few of them in their coffins. Reva was going to enjoy pounding a wooden stake into Annie's heart. This time Annie, you're going down forever, thought Reva.

When they returned home Josh and Reva would put crossed and wolf bane all over their house. That should allow them to be safe from the vampires. And Josh always kept a pistol in his bedroom dresser drawer. That would protect them from any of the stooges. A mortal man or woman didn't need silver to be sent to the promised land.

The plane landed. Josh and Reva disembarked, picked up their luggage, and went to their car. The drive home took approximately fifteen minutes. They would unpack and then get the children. They wanted Marah and Shayne both close by tonight where they could protect them.

Josh and Reva opened the door to their home, turned on the lights, and received the shock of their lives. There, in their living room, stood Willie Loomis and Fran Ridgkins. Both were holding guns.

"Surprised to see me? Looks like I'm the one holding the gun this time," said Willie.

"You!" cried out Reva. "How did you get here?"

"I drove to Bangor and took a flight out of there last night. Got into Springfield this afternoon. Search them, Fran. Make sure they don't have any weapons. No funny stuff, either of you, or you'll never see your kids again."

Reva held out a cross. Willie just laughed.

"Lady, I'm not a vampire. That stuff doesn't work on me."

Fran grabbed the cross from Reva's hand and tossed it onto the floor. She searched Josh and Reva. They were clean.

"Okay, let's go out and get into your car. You drive, Mr. Lewis. You take one wrong turn and I'll shoot your wife. Not to mention you'll never see your kids again. We're going to Spaulding Manor. Barnabas and Annie want to have a word with you," said Willie.

Josh and Reva did as they were ordered. Josh got into the driver's seat. Fran climbed into the front passenger side. Willie and Reva sat in the back seat.

As they drove off Reva thought that maybe she could reason with Willie and Fran. Maybe she could convince them to help her.

"Mr. Loomis, why don't you help us? From what David Collins said you were a virtual slave to Barnabas Collins for a long time. You help us and you'll be free of him forever. We won't press any charges against you and we'll try to help you get your job back."

"Lady, Barnabas Collins is my friend. Despite how things may seem he's always been there for me. Besides, I don't like you one damn bit. You didn't have to humiliate me the way you did last night," answered Willie.

"How about you, Fran?" asked Reva.

"Forget it, I'm in too deep already," she replied.

The Lewis car pulled up to the gates of Spaulding Manor. The guard opened the gates and motioned them on through. Josh parked the car in the driveway and they all got out. They entered the front door of Spaulding Manor. Josh and Reva first, followed by Willie and Fran. In the living room sat Annie Dutton, Barnabas Collins, Alan Spaulding, and Beth Raines.

(III)

Reva stormed over to where Barnabas was sitting and spat, "Where are my children, you monster?"

"Your children are fine, Mrs. Lewis. They're at my house now with Cassie. She phoned me right before you arrived. They're both in bed, safe and sound," was the reply.

Alan spoke next, "Loomis, you and Fran go out on the porch. Stay there in case someone tries to break through the gate or one of these two tries to escape. If that happens, shoot to kill."

Fran and Willie did as they were told.

"I should have known from the start you were behind all this," Reva said to Annie.

"Nice to see you again too, Reva. Sit down on the couch and let's chat for a little while. It's time we got acquainted once again," said Annie.

Reva did as ordered. She sat down on the couch. Josh followed her and did likewise.

"I'm most concerned about my children, Mr. Collins. What are you planning to do with them?" asked Josh.

"Mr. Lewis, I give you my word that no harm will befall those children regardless of what happens here tonight," replied Barnabas.

"Yeah, Josh. You ought to be thanking us for what we did the other night, espceially Annie. You see, Laura Murdoch was going to kill your children in a fire. She's what you call a phoenix," revealed Alan.

Josh and Reva sat on the couch stunned. Neither could believe what Alan had just said.

"So, Laura's a part of your little gang, too?" asked Reva.

"No, I had her in place as a spy for me long before Mr. Collins and Annie showed up. She was just a wild card. A joker in the deck. Annie stopped her from killing Marah and Shayne. You won't have to worry about her anymore, at least for a while. We sent her out to California. We gave her Billy as a consolation prize," said Alan.

"So, Annie," said Josh. "This man Barnabas Collins has turned you into a vampire, a monster."

"No, Josh. You did that. You and this bitch here." Annie then slapped Reva hard across her face.

"Annie, just listen to me. I'll come back to you if you'll let Reva go. I'll do whatever you want. I'll be your slave, your stooge," pleaded Josh.

"Josh, you're yesterday's news. I wouldn't take you back for anything in the world," said Annie.

"Okay," interrupted Reva. "How about the murder of Harley? Did you do that, Annie?"

"No, Reva," Beth spoke for the first time. "I did."

Beth then arose from her chair and slapped Reva across the face. Her slap was even harder than Annie's.

"That's for testifying for Phillip at Lizzie's custody hearing."

"How many of you are vampires?" asked Josh.

"We prefer the term Undead," replied Barnabas. "Only three of us. Myself, Annie, and Beth. Alan here is still mortal."

"But I'm having the time of my life. Seeing you both here squirming in fear. At first I hated being under the control of the Undead but then I remembered that I hated both of you much more," said Alan.

"What are you going to do with us?" asked Josh.

"You're both going to live. I've decided on a fate worse than death for both of you. Alan here gave me the idea," replied Annie.

"What are you going to do?" asked Reva.

"You'll find out right now. Beth here is a virgin. Oh, I don't mean sexually. But as one of the Undead she's never tasted blood. Reva's going to be her first. Get her, Beth!" ordered Annie.

Beth grabbed Reva's throat and bared her fangs. She sunk them deep into Reva's jugular vein. Josh leaped from the couch to aid Reva but was restrained by Alan and Barnabas. Reva soon passed out on the floor as Beth continued to drink her blood.

"Easy, Beth. Don't drink too much. We wouldn't want you to get contaminated," said Annie snidely.

Beth pulled back from Reva and stood up. Blood was smeared all over her face.

"What now, Annie?" asked Josh.

"Beth and I are going to leave Springfield. We're taking Reva with us. She's going to be our slave. She'll be that way for the rest of her natural life. You're going to stay here. You try and come after us and we'll kill her," replied Annie.

"I've decided to remain in Springfield, Mr. Lewis. I'm going to keep an eye on you myself. Laura Murdoch will probably return in a few days. She's going to move back into your house. She'll help care for your children," informed Barnabas.

"Yeah, Josh is going to need somebody to look after those kids. Last time Reva left he spent most of his time on barstool mountain," said Alan.

"You see, Josh. That's my punishment. That's my final revenge. I'm going to keep you and Reva apart forever. That's all you two really care about. Yourselves and your own little world together. You don't care who you hurt or who you destroy as long as you and your Reva are together. Well guess what, Josh? You're going to have to learn to get along without her. Take a look at here there, lying on the floor. That's the last you'll ever see of your precious Reva," said Annie. She then slapped Josh Lewis, knocking him out of his chair.

"I'm the one who gave Annie the idea, Josh. She wanted to kill you both tonight. I talked her out of it. I told her that if she were to separate you two forever it would be a fate worse than death for both of you," said Alan.

Beth and Annie then lifted Reva's unconscious body from the floor. They were going to take her to one of the upstairs rooms where she could recover.

"Say goodbye to Reva, Josh. Goodbye forever," said Annie.

Josh Lewis then broke down and began to cry.

(IV)

It was the following afternoon. Willie and Fran sat in the living room of the Lewis house watching Jerry Springer on television. Willie loved Jerry Springer especially the parts where fights broke out on the show. Fran enjoyed the show too. She had always liked that bald-headed security guy.

They had been staying in the house since the previous night. Willie, Fran, and Beth had brought Josh Lewis back from Spaulding Manor. Barnabas had felt it best to have a vampire go along in case Josh attempted to escape. Once they had arrived Fran gave Josh a shot containing a sedative. She gave him another when he awoke in the morning. Barnabas had instructed Fran to keep Josh unconscious until Annie and Beth were safely out of Springfield with Reva. He didn't want any rescue attempts. Willie would leave with Annie and Beth.

When they had arrived at the Lewis house the previous night Josh had pleaded and groveled. Anything you want, he had said. Name your price. He would give anything to save Reva. Willie had laughed in his face. Fran said she could care less. Beth had then slapped Josh and told him to start acting like a man. Then, he had been sedated.

Willie had liked Beth Raines from the first. She's a hot number, he had thought upon being introduced. Beth and Annie had both invited him to come with them. They would leave Springfield tonight on the Spaulding corporate jet bound for Palm Springs. Annie would meet up with Laura Murdoch there and return her lamp. Most likely, Laura would return to Springfield in a few days.

Barnabas and Cassie were moving into Spaulding Manor. Security there was tighter and they would have more privacy. Matt and Vanessa Reardon would keep Marah and Shayne. Cassie had informed them that Josh and Reva would be out of town for a few more days. She stated that she was going to start a new job at Spaulding so she wouldn't have time to watch them during the day. The Reardons had agreed to this arrangement.

In his upstairs bedroom Josh Lewis, though sedated, began to dream. Not the pleasant dreams he had the other night when he dreamed about travelling to Collinsport and finding information that would destroy Barnabas Collins. No, the dream was much darker this time.

Josh dreamed of an operating table. There were two figures standing over the table. There was a body covered in bandages from head to toe. Josh couldn't quite make out the figure lying on the table but the two figures standing over the table he could see quite clearly. One was himself. The other was Reva. She said to Josh that the experiment was finished. Their work was done. Their creation was alive. Josh saw eyes open from the body underneath the bandages. The eyes were green.

Reva and Josh then unwrapped the bandages from the body lying on the table. An image formed of the body. It was Annie Dutton. Reva and Josh both shrunk back in revulsion. The creature they had made was hideous. It had to be destroyed at once or else it would destroy them both. They started to begin the task but the creature who was Annie Dutton had escaped.

Next, Josh saw Annie being pursued by a mob out to destroy her. He and Reva were leading the mob. The mob had captured Annie. They were leading her away in chains. Away from their lives forever.

Annie had turned to them as she was being led away. She defiantly spat out, "Did I ask thee makers to make me this way? You may have won now but remember that I will soon have my revenge on both of you. I shall destroy you and the thing which you love most." Josh and Reva both shuddered when Annie made this remark.

Then Josh's dreams turned to the previous night. The events which had occurred at Spaulding Manor. Annie and Beth were dragging Reva's unconscious body away. Away from him forever. Annie looked at Josh and laughed an awful laugh. Terrifying in its sound.

"I've had my revenge on both of you. My victory is complete. You'll never again be together. You'll never see your precious Reva again."

It was true. Annie Dutton, the monster he and Reva had created, their very own Frankenstein monster, had destroyed both of them and had taken away from them the thing each loved most. Each other.

Josh awoke from his slumber with a start. He realized that Annie had been right that day in her jail cell where he had seen her for the last time prior to the previous night. Reva was his addiction. His fatal addiction. When Reva had disappeared and been presumed dead the first time, Josh had been like a zombie. He couldn't funciton without her. If only she had been there to tell him what to do.

Then he had met Annie Dutton. Sweet, troubled Annie. The woman had adored him and his children from the beginning. But she was no Reva. That he had known. However, he knew that she would make a good mother for his children. That's why he had married her. She would be a good mother to Marah and Shayne and he would spend the rest of his days married to her and try his best to forget Reva.

Then Reva had returned. She had come back from the dead. She had come back to him. His first instinct had been to rush immediately back to Reva. But no, he couldn't. Annie had been so loving and generous to him and his two children. Josh couldn't just abandon her. Maybe he could make it work with Annie. Maybe he could break his addiction to Reva. The addiction that had caused him so much pain in the past.

It hadn't worked though Josh had tried hard. On her mother's deathbed in Italy, Reva had finally made him realize that they belonged together. He decided to return to Reva and stay with her always.

But Annie had refused to give him up. Why had she done this? She had always been so sweet, gentle, and understanding in the past. Then Josh realized that he had been Annie's fatal addiction. Just like Reva had been his. Soon, this fatal addiction of Annie's would turn into a deadly hate toward both him and Reva. It became a contest that neither side could win without destroying the other. Josh and Reva both thought it had ended the day Annie had been extradited to Ohio to serve a five year prison term. Then, despite all she had done, Josh bore Annie no real malice. She had loved him the best way she had known how. But why couldn't she have simply stood aside?

Now, Annie had returned. Like a boomerang she had entered into his and Reva's lives once again. This time she had taken away Reva. Probably for good. He would never see his precious Reva again. Josh Lewis then began to scream. A scream that would wake the dead.

Downstairs, Willie and Fran both heard the blood curdling scream.

"Get the needle, Fran. Let's give him another sedative," instructed Willie.

Fran did as she was told. They both hurried upstairs.