Subj: A Return to the Shadows part 17
Date: 3/11/01 9:48:41 PM Central Standard Time
From: KimD
A Return to the Shadows
By
Vicki Reed and Kim
Part 17
Maggie walked outside. She needed a cigarette to calm her nerves. She had
felt overwhelmed with Julia and Elliot. They wanted her to contact spirits again.
She had hoped that was something she wouldn't have to do again. In her past
experience it had always been disastrous, but more than that she was afraid
that there was no other option. She finished the cigarette, snuffed it out and
walked back inside.
She walked into the cafeteria, not ready to face anyone yet. She scanned the
room and saw Vicki sitting with a man she didn't recognize. Vicki looked up
at her, smiled and actually looked relieved to see her. "Vicki, Hello," Maggie
sand as she walked over to great them.
"Maggie, it's good to see you. Please have a seat." Vicki was glad that Maggie
came. She needed to have the buffer between Quentin and herself. He seemed so
caring and understanding while he was listening to her talk about her relationship
with Barnabas. Quentin really did look so much like Jeremiah. It was becoming
hard for her to remember that being with him would only hurt Barnabas. No matter
how complex their relationship had become she didn't want to hurt anyone.
"Oh, I wouldn't want to interrupt anything."
"No you're not interrupting." Vicki seemed to be imploring her, so Maggie sat
down. "I don't believe you've net Quentin Collins," she said gesturing to her
companion. "He's a distant relative of the Collins family from California."
Maggie and Quentin greeted each other.
"Carolyn woke up a short while ago."
"That's wonderful news," Vicki said.
"She woke up screaming. I think Dr. Hoffman is examining her now."
A premonition and a terrible feeling of what was to come suddenly assaulted
Maggie. She could see Vicki's terrified face and a brief glimpse of fangs and
then it was gone leaving Maggie with an unsettled feeling. "Vicki," she said
urgently, "you need to very careful."
"Why? Is something wrong?" Vicki asked.
"What happened to Carolyn could happen to you. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I'll be fine." Vicki wasn't sure how to take Maggie's words.
"I can't stay any longer. Pop is expecting me back at the Blue Whale." Maggie
got up and walked out of the cafeteria and out of the hospital.
Carolyn relapsed into unconsciousness once she was out of her room and away
from Barnabas. Julia checked her vital signs and ran a few tests. She was only
marginally stronger than when she had first came in the hospital. She took Carolyn
back to her room and went the waiting room where she found Liz, Roger, Barnabas,
and Elliot. All eyes turned to her expectantly. "I'm afraid she didn't stay
awake for long. She's resting again."
"She'll be alright won't she?" Liz asked.
"I can't say for sure yet. I'm going to return to my lab now, to work on a cure.
I'll return tomorrow to check on her. Barnabas, can I see you for a moment,"
Julia said as she left the Collinses. "You realize that it was your presence
that excited her don't you?"
"Yes, would you prefer me to stay out of her room?"
"I believe it would be best for now. She will be in danger until I can come
up with more of the cure."
"Alright Julia," Barnabas said and walked down the corridor.