Subj: Shadows Over Sunnydale (01/??)
Date: 8/23/01 11:35:44 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Niklarus

The wind whipped wildly along the streets of Sunnydale as the white-haired old gentleman pulled his cape more tightly to himself and trod on through the night towards The Magic Box. Aside from the click-clack sound of his shoes and cane against the ground, it was the only sound to be heard that night.

'And to think,' he mused, 'we sent the boy here to keep him safe. What fools we were.' Leaning on his cane, he determinedly made his way against the wind. 'If only you could be here, Julia, to see this.'

The light from the street lamps reflected off the pure silver, wolfshead-shaped top of his cane and was absorbed by the deep black of the onyx ring he wore on his right forefinger. He stopped in front of The Magic Box and moved the cane into his left hand. Opening the door, he stepped inside to find the showroom occupied solely by a middle-aged British man dressed in tweed.

"Can I help you?" Rupert Giles asked the older man. There was something about this stranger, Giles thought, that simply commanded respect.

"I am looking for Alexander Harris," came the reply in a cultured, rich voice. "I have been told that he can often be found here."

Giles adjusted his glasses and studied the man with a measured look. His gray business suit was clearly custom-tailored. The confidence with which he wore it and his layered, waist-length cape added a rather dangerous touch to the newcomer's appearance. His completely white hair was combed over and his eyes were those of a man who should never be trifled with. "I see," Giles replied with forced calm; his nerves jangled by the vibe the old man gave off. "If it would not be too much trouble, I would like to know why you might be looking for him."

The gentleman smiled. "Loyalty and caution are fine traits everywhere, Mister Giles. Here in this town, I would imagine they are also essential to survival. I am a friend of Alexander's real parents. My name is Barnabas Collins."

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.