Subj: Petofi's Maze chapter 17
Date: 3/7/99 4:03:13 PM Central Standard Time
From: miranda

Chapter 17

The moment after Angelique uttered the last word of her spell she began to experience everything that Tom Jennings was sensing at that moment. He materialized at Collinwood near the basement door. He could feel that Julia was near. Her happy voice could be heard coming from nearby. Tom listened intently and was perplexed to hear that the family believed Carolyn had only been mistaken dead. Tom surmised that someone besides Nicholas was behind this scheme as Barnabas' voice could be heard amongst those speaking to Julia. If Nicholas had been the one to resurrect Carolyn then Barnabas would be dead and Jeb his new slave. Nicholas would be very interested to hear of this bizarre turn of events. Someone else must be present in Collinsport with power comparable to Nicholas.

Tom moved further into the shadows as Julia walked towards the basement. Tom began to salivate at the thought of piercing her slender neck and tasting the delectable blood that flowed within. Barnabas called out that he would be down shortly to assist her and reminded her not to go into the maze alone. She unlocked the door and descended the basement steps. Busying herself with the equipment Julia did not notice Tom silently walking down the steps behind her. He stood studying her and savoring the smell of the blood flowing through her veins.

Julia positioned some lights at the entrance to the maze and then turned on her own flashlight. She took a few steps inside and looked around, hoping that Barnabas would hurry and join her.

"J-u-l-i-a," Tom whispered from directly behind her.

Julia quickly jumped forward and whipped around. Her heart pounded quickly with fear. Tom inched forward, taunting her, "Julia, I hope you've missed me because we're going to be together for an awfully long time."

Thinking quickly, Julia pulled out the cross that she wore inside her blouse since she first became aware of a vampire being in Collinsport. She thrust it forward onto his forehead, breaking the chain. Tom yelled out in pain as the cross burnt its impression into his dead skin. He forcefully pushed Julia's hand away, knocking the cross to the ground. As Tom held his burnt forehead, Julia retreated further into the maze.