Subj: Something Wicked chapter 5
Date: 7/10/00 1:43:21 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Julianka
Quentin's body shuddered as he breathed his last.
"MY GOD! He's dead!" exclaimed Julia.
"Julia are you sure? He can't be dead!" demanded Barnabas.
Willie stood staring in shock as events swirled around him. He had worked so hard to make this evening a success and Barnabas proud of him. Now this! His attention stifted to the others in the room. Carolyn was sobbing. Elizabeth was trying to comfort her. Roger was headed to the brandy bottle, when he stopped. Took a long look at Quentin's body and thought better of it. If Willie wasn't so upset, he would of laughed.
As Barnabas bent to help Julia up, he turned a questioning look on Eliot. But Eliot didn't notice, as his attention was focused on Quentin.
Just then Quentin inhaled deeply and sat up.
Elizabeth screamed and fainted. Carolyn stuttered, "Motherrrr!" And joined her in her faint.
Barnabas, Julia and Roger rushed to Quentin's aid.
"Here old man, take it easy now." Roger said trying to prevent Quentin's rising from the floor.
"What hit me?" Quentin moaned holding his head.
"Roger, Barnabas please see to Elizabeth and Carolyn.
There are smelling salts in my bag. Quentin be still. I need to check your pulse."
said Julia taking Quentin's wrist. "A little fast, but well within the normal
range. Eliot, please help me get Quentin to the sofa."
"Of course, Julia. Allow me to assist you, Quentin." said Eliot.
Julia then turned her attention to Elizabeth and Carolyn. Who had been brought around by the smelling salts.
"Be still. You've had a nasty shock." Julia ordered.
"But Julia, you said Quentin was dead! And then he sat up! Alive! What happened?" exclaimed Elizabeth.
No one answered her as everyone was talking at once, until Barnabas questioned loudly. "Eliot, what is wrong with the wine? And how did you know?"
"Yes, Eliot please tell us." asked Elizabeth.
"Well as you may or may not know, I am an authority on many subjects. One of which is poisons. Add to that my highly devolped sense of smell and there you have it. I know that vintage of wine. A light, fruity wine. Perfectly suited to accompany dessert. It should never have a mossy undertone, that I detected as I inhaled the aroma of the wine. Therefore I shouted a warning. Too late for poor Quentin, here though."
"Willie!" demanded Barnabas.
"Yes, Barnabas?" answered Willie, stepping out of the shadows.
"Where did you purchase the wine?"
"Same as always. In town at the liquor store."
Roger interupted, "I suggest we have that bottle checked out."
"Yes. A brillant observation. May I see to that chore for you? I will take it to the chemistry lab at the college. My friend, Professor Joad should be able to identify whatever is tainting it." said Eliot.
What about Quentin, Julia? Shouldn't he be in the hospital? Is he still in danger?" asked Carolyn.
"I'm sure he is fine now. But I will keep check on him through the night. Right now I think we should return to Collinwood. Everyone could use the rest."
To be continued...........