A Collinwood Carol--Chapter 3
From: Julianka
Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 00:26:47

"BOO! HA! Got you!" crowed a man lying on Elizabeth's bed.

A first Elizabeth could only draw startled gasps as her eyes bugged out, then she let loose scream that rang through Collinwood from the attics to the basement as the strange man on her bed convulsed with laughter.

"If you could see your face!" he roared aloud.

"W-who ever you are, my family will be here any minute! You had better go while you can!"

"Ah..Now that isn't very friendly, now is it?" the man said sitting up and wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes. "Gracious me! I haven't had a good laugh like that since.. ..? Ha-ha! I can't remember when."
 
The man got to his feet and Elizabeth back slowly away from him until she was pressed against the wall. "Where was Roger? Where was Carolyn, Vicki, David and Mrs. Johnson?!! Surely they had heard her scream?!!"

Elizabeth opened her mouth to let loose another scream, when the man snapped his fingers and said,"Won't do a bit of good my dear. No one can hear you and there won't be anyone to rush to your rescue. So be a good girl and come along now.'

Elizabeth looked at him with dread, "Are you a robber? Take what you want and please leave!"

"You don't recognize me, do you my dear?"

"Please go! I don't know you! Please!" Elizabeth begged.

"Tisk-tisk! Calm yourself. You've seen me everyday of your life. My portrait hangs down the corridor from this very room."

Elizabeth started ticking the portraits off in her mind and came up with the answer. "Carl? Carl Collins?" she said in disbelieve.

"The one and only!" He grinned and bowed with a florish.

"What-why-I don't understand!" Elizabeth stammered.

"You will in time. Now put on your robe and slippers. We have much to do and the night won't last forever. We should be on our way."

"On our way? I'm not going anywhere and especially with you!"

"You haven't any choice in the matter." he smiled. "None at all." 

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.