Subj: Collinwood 2001 Part Twenty Six
Date: 6/25/01 2:54:45 PM Central Daylight Time
From: N.E. Collins

Pepe had just made it to Burke's table and was just about to give them a greeting when Nurse Worsinski's cell phone rang. "I thought you were off for the night?" Burke said angrily. "When are those people gonna realize that slavery is over and that you work for them to acquire money and not to be at their damned beck and call?"

Carol made an hushing noise at Burke and answered her phone. "Yes?"

Pepe stood there nervously. She knew she really should move on, but she also knew that the call could only be about old lady Collins and she, like so many others in the small town of Collinsport, was eager to hear the outcome. "I understand. I'll be right there!" Carol clicked her phone off and shut it. "I have to go to the hospital. They are bringing Nora Collins in."

Carol got up and and just started to walk away without another word. Burke got up and went after her. "Waitaminut! How are you going to GET to the hospital, huh?"

Carol stopped and then she looked blankly at her escort. "Will you take me, Burke. Please. I KNOW it's asking a lot. I know how much you hate these people, but what did this old lady ever do to you?"

Burke softened, but only a bit. "Nothing. She's done nothing. C'mon. I'll take you."

Carolyn was in midlaugh when her cell phone went off. "Oh, bother! I don't why I brought this silly phone! Remember when we didn't have cell phones?" She pressed the button. "You have reached the party girl. I'm sorry, but the party can not do without her so make it fast whatEVER it is."

Joe and Vicky laughed at Carolyn wickedness. David was too busy taking in all the sights to have heard.

Carolyn's face went ashen pale. "What wrong with mother? What do you mean she's acting funny? Funny, how?"

Joe and Vicky got very quiet very quickly.

"Uncle Roger, if there is something wrong with my mother then why didn't you send her to the hospital along with Aunt Nora!" There was a pause and then Carolyn all but exploded. "I DON'T GIVE A DAMN IF SHE WANTS TO GO OR NOT! I don't know why you cannot stand up to her! Oh, wait. Of course. She's got the keys to the kingdom, right? So, you don't want to do anything that might jeopardize your assuming her status. Can't afford that, can you? Well, I'm sorry if I've offended you, Uncle Roger, but we are talking about my mother's safety here!" Another pause. "Well, fine. FINE! I will take care of it myself! You just don't worry about it!"

And with that she hung up and stood up and walked over to the DJ booth and opened the door and walked right in. Pushing Flip aside, she grabbed the microphone and made her announcement. "Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, is there a doctor in the house? I need one for an emergency house call!"

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.