Victoria lay back in the seat of Barnabas' car, allowing nothing to
bother her, she made up her mind that she would be fine and that when
she was divorced from Elliott, she and the children would make a
wonderful living on their own.
After hearing Elizabeth's will Vickie would go to Rockport, collect
the kids then drive to Boston for a nice little holiday. The sirens
made Vickie look up... "Gosh there must be a fire some where." Barnabas
heard the sirens of the emergency vehicles as well. "I hope no one was
hurt where ever they are going." He remarked.
Looking in his rear view mirror Barnabas saw that a large fire truck
was behind him, its red lights twirling and loud ear piercing horn
sounding... pulling over to the side of the road the trucks ran past
them. Barnabas and Vickie look at each other, "even in Collinsport."
He said.
It wasn't till they were closer to Vickie's house that they smelled
smoke. Vickie sat up and leaned forward. "Barnabas hurry! that fire
truck went down my street! Barnabas wasn't sure if he should hurry or
not, he didn't want Vickie to jump out of the car and try to go inside
her house if it was the one on fire. "Wait Vickie, it may not be your
house, please don't get out of the car." Vickie's face showed serious
concern. "Please hurry." Barnabas drives down the street, indeed
Vickie's house is ingulfed in flames. As they approached they could see
fire other fire trucks and fighters hooking up hoses, running towards
the house, large streams of water are beating at the flames. Vickie
began to cry as Barnabas stopped the car half way down the street.
Not thinking Vickie did exactly what Barnabas had feared, just as the
car stops she jumps out and starts to run towards the house. Barnabas
runs after her, catching her just in front of a neighbors yard. Vickie
stands watching as everything she owned is consumed in the flames.
Barnabas holds on to her shoulders. Vickie buries her face into his
chest. "Barnabas what happened? I know everything was fine when we
left." Barnabas can only try to comfort her.
Barnabas takes Vickie back to his car. "Stay here, I will go and find
out what happened. Vickie's first reaction is to argue. "No! its my
house I should go, its my responsibility." Barnabas takes her in his
firm hands. "Vickie, your upset, please let me find out what happened, I
won't be long." Vickie looks into his dark eyes. "All right." Barnabas
opens the door, Vickie gets in and sits down. Closing the door Barnabas
walks towards the large trucks. Vickie can see him talking with a fire
fighter who points to someone. Barnabas walks to him. Barnabas talks
with the man, who looks in Vickie direction.. he then speaks to
Barnabas. Nodding his head Barnabas walks towards Vickie.
Barnabas gets into the car. "I spoke to the fire chief, he said they
received a call from an unknown person, saying that the Stokes house was
burning." Vickie asks.. "Who called? one of my neighbors?" Barnabas
shook his head. "No, because after the first call they got a second call
saying they lived next door, and the house was on fire." Vickie looks
at Barnabas. "What else did he say Barnabas." Barnabas tries not to
respond. "That's all." He says with a grimace. But Vickie feels there
is something he is not telling her. "Barnabas, what aren't you saying?"
Barnabas bows his head. "I'm not sure but they said one of your
neighbors might have seen someone go inside the house before the fire."
Vickie's first thought was. "Elliott!"
Holding her arm Barnabas didn't want Vickie to try to go back towards
the house. "Lets go to Collinwood." Vickie bent forward in the seat and
wept. "Barnabas! I've lost everything!" locking the doors Barnabas makes
sure Vickie buckles up. They drive towards Collinwood.
As they arrived at Collinwood, Barnabas could see the family
solicitor's car, Tony Petterson. "I understand the reading of the will
is to be at 2:00 pm, its not quite that yet, perhaps Carolyn can help
you with something to wear." Vickie looks at Barnabas, her eye's red
from crying. Barnabas can't help but see how beautiful Vickie is.
Barnabas takes her hand as they walk to the house. The door is not
locked so Barnabas enters, leaving his coat and cane by the door.
Again he takes Vickie by her hand to the bottom of the stairs. "Wait
here." Vickie agrees. Barnabas walks to Carolyn who is sitting in the
chair her mother so often sat in. Bending down on one knee, he embraces
her, he then speaks to her, Carolyn quickly looks at Vickie. "Of
course." She says. Carolyn jumps up, she hurries to Vickie as Barnabas
walks behind. "Oh Vickie, I'm so sorry! Barnabas told me what happened,
come to my room, you can freshen up there." Vickie smiles. "Thank you
Carolyn, I can't tell you..." but Carolyn won't hear it. "C'mon what
are friends for." Vickie goes up the stairs with Carolyn, looking back
at Barnabas, she moves her lips to say. "Thank you." Barnabas smiles
and nods his head. He moves his lips to say.. "I'll be right here."
Vickie understands, she turns to follow Carolyn.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Ghost of Sarah Collins (1784-1795)
Sister to Barnabas Collins
"That evil is wicked is well understood,
the wicked are punished so you must be good."
(Sarah to Barnabas)
(All Characters are property of Dan Curtis)
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