Subj: Quentin's Thoughts and Barnabas' Demise IX
Date: 5/21/99 8:50:28 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Mysterious Millicent
Quentin's Thoughts and Barnabas' Demise IX
Outside the main doors of Collinwood.........
Rachel helped Quentin up to the door, and then tried the knob. For some reason, it was unlocked. Quickly, she helped Quentin inside. From on top of the stairs Beth saw them coming in and rushed down the stairs. "Quentin, are you alright?"
Rachel looked at Beth and said, "I think he is injured Beth, and he is very weak. He needs a doctor."
Beth took Rachel's place at Quentin's side and said, "It's ok Rachel, I will help him." And she helped to guide Quentin up the stairs. Rachel watched them until they were out of sight through the upstairs door.
"Miss Drummond! What are you doing here?" a sharp
voice came from behind
her.
Rachel turned around to see the face of her enemy. "Reverand Trask!"
"Yes." The tall, lean man with the gray hair and matching sideburns said. "I asked you a question. What are you doing here?"
Rachel began to back away towards the front door, "I.. I... ........"
At just this time Angelique and Aristede arrived at the front door. As they entered the opened door, Rachel ran out the door and into the bright light.
"Miss Drummond! Miss Drummond come back here this instant!"
Trask shouted as he ran towards the door, almost running over Aristede who stepped
quickly out of the way.
Turning back in irritation the Reverand suddenly realized someone had walked in the door. When his eyes fell on Angelique he too was spellbound. He smiled widely and said, "I'm very sorry for that outburst. My name is Reverand Trask. To whom do I owe the pleasure?"
Angelique smiled sweetly and said, "I am a friend of Quentin's, Reverand Trask. And this is Aristede. We have come to see him. Is he home?"
Reverand Trask said, "I am not sure. But I think he came in a few minutes ago."
Angelique continued to smile, "Good. Then Aristede and I will go to see him now, if that is alright with you, Reverand Trask."
The Reverand bowed low and said, "Of course my dear. May I show you the way?"
"No, that is not necessary. We can find it. Come along Aristede." Angelique smiled again at Reverand Trask and then turned and started up the stairs with Aristede following close behind. Reverand Trask watched her until she and the man following her had disappeared through the upstairs door. He continued to stare for a few more minutes, then suddenly shook his head as if he were coming out of a trance. {That is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen!} Then he suddenly remembered Rachel. He walked over to the door and opening it went outside and slammed the door behind him. {I will find that little snoop and punish her good this time!} And he began to walk towards the school.
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Quentin's room
Beth had managed to help Quentin up to his room. But by this time he was himself again and going through the door managed to push her away. "I don't need help Beth, I am perfectly able to move on my own."
Beth looked at him. She felt so sorry for him. And she understood his frustration and anger. But she did not know what to do for him. He moved over to the cabinet and his brandy. Taking the container he poured a generous portion into a glass and gulped it down in one motion. Then he poured himself more.
"Quentin, you need to change your clothes." Beth said quietly.
"Why?" Quentin said sarcastically. "So you can't see the monster that stands before you?"
"Quentin please don't!" Beth said. "I know this isn't your........."
"Fault?" And Quentin began to laugh. "Of course it's not my fault. I didn't kill anyone. The beast did. How convenient, huh? To change shape and no one knows you are the killer!" And he poured himself another drink. He was just about to drink it when the glass went flying out of his hand, and the liquid was splattered all over the carpet. Quentin looked up and saw Angelique standing in the doorway, with Aristede behind her.
Beth looked at Aristede and smiled. She moved closer to him and he put his arm around her to comfort her. This little scene did not go unnoticed by Quentin. But he was more concerned with why Angelique was here.
Angelique moved over to Quentin. "That right Quentin. Just drink your problems away. That is how you handle everything isn't it?"
Quentin looked at Angelique and then picked up the glass and went back to the brandy. Angelique stepped between him and the decantor. "No, Quentin! No! I need you sober!"
Quentin backed away a bit and said, "I am sober, that's the problem!"
Angelique looked directly into Quentin's eyes and said nothing, but the gaze was hot enough that he blinked his eyes and moved over to the chair and sat down. Well, actually he fell down into the chair.
"That's better!" Angelique said, and then motioning for Beth and Aristede to come further into the room, she picked up the parchment on the desk and threw it at Quentin. "Read this Quentin. It is important!"
Quentin picked up rolled up scroll and began to untie the ribbon. He unrolled the paper and began to read:
THE ROMANO TRIBE OF MASSACHUSETTS
DECLARATION OF PRICE AND BOND FOR SERVICES RENDERED TO ONE COUNT ANDREAS PETOFI........
When Quentin had finished he looked at Angelique and said, "What is this all about?"
Aristede looked very uncomfortable. He knew all about the hand of Count Petofi and its powers. And he also knew that the Count was searching for it. That is why they were in Collinsport, because he was sure the hand was here.
Beth looked very confused and a bit frightened, and Aristede could feel her tremble. He held onto her tighter and smiled at her to reassure Beth. She smiled and stopped trembling.
Angelique looked at Quentin and then at Beth and Aristede. "Aristede, I wanted you here because after tonight you will be an enemy to your master and will be in danger. I want you to know the situation you are in and why I need you. And Beth, you too will be asked to do things that may put you in danger as well. But if both of you want your freedom and the chance to be able to do as you please, I can help you, but you must help me first. Do you understand?"
Beth looked at Aristede and he returned the look and then they both said at the same time, "Yes."
Quentin, now totally confused wished he hadn't drank that much brandy so quickly, because his brain was a bit fuzzy. He looked up at Angelique and said, "What is going on here?"
Angelique looked back at Quentin and said, "I have something to tell all of you. It is important that you listen to me because it will explain why I need your help." She turned away for a minute and then taking a deep breath began her tale.