556 - Angelique sits up in her coffin, opens her gorgeous eyes and stares around, realizing what has happened to her. Upstairs in Nicholas' house, looking stunning in black and white, she asks him why he made her a vampire. You were a nuisance as Cassandra, he answers, smirking--but may be useful to me this way.You can't be this cruel, she says, I'd have preferred death to this. Nicholas, grinning wickedly, says Barnabas Collins probably felt the same way a number of times. She's pissed at him for the grin, chastising him for torturing her, but he says he enjoys the irony of poetic justice. She was so anxious to make Barnabas revert to what he was and now she has his affliction--that's poetic justice. He tells her she may stay as she is indefinitely, and is irritated when she begs him, "Please!" He finds begging so boring. She says this isn't fair, but he says as Cassandra she never helped, she was always a hindrance who disobeyed him. How can I redeem myself? she asks. Follow my orders, he says--you are totally my slave and will do only what I tell you. She agrees. He will choose her victims, and she won't attack anyone unless her tells her to. She must resist the blood craving, he warns--she is to stay away from Barnabas or suffer the consequences. He's concerned about Barnabas because of Adam, because of his plan. When she asks about his plan, he informs her slaves aren't supposed to ask questions. Angelique apologizes. He decides to share it with her because even thinking about it pleases him (such ego!). He's going to create a race of superbeings who will serve his master and control the world. He knows where the power is. Adam came to exist as a human being created by another human being, just as Adam was the first of his kind. Nicholas uses a scale to show her what he means. He will set the balance on his side. The original Adam had sons, borne to him by Eve. All of HIS Adam and Eve's children will be controlled by their master, just as Adam is controlled by Nicholas. Angelique points out that this Adam exists alone. True, says Nicholas, but Julia Hoffman does know, and Barnabas will persuade her to go ahead with another experiment. If they refuse, asks Angelique. They will agree, Nicholas assures her confidently, because control is mine, the power belongs to me--Victoria Winters. He dumps the remaining coins on one side of the scale, sending it plunging down on HIS side.

In the room, Vicki bangs on the door, crying for help, and finally sinks to the floor in depair, crying.

Angelique answers a knock at the door. It's a really cute member of the Collinsport Police Force, asking to see Nicholas. She invites him in, explaining how busy Nicholas is. She tells the cop she's Nicholas' "secretary", and he says he has questions about Thomas Jennings. Oh, the fellow who was attacked, says Ang, she read of it in the paper, and it was dreadful. She knew him slightly--he did some work for Mr. Blair, some electrical wiring and was working there the night he was attacked. (Angelique is checking this guy out like a box of chocolate, her eyes huge and hungry.)He notices her scrutiny and mentions it; she apologizes. She says she was doing so because he's so handsome. She sits on the sofa, and he tells her she's the best looking secretary he's ever seen. She invites him to sit next to her, pointing out that they're obviously attracted to each other. He sits, she reaches a hand up to his shoulder, then another, and is going in for a bite when Nicholas interrupts. Like a teenage girl caught making whoopee on the sofa, Angelique hastily covers her mouth while the cop explains he came to ask about Mr. Jennings, who is still alive, in a coma, but not expected to live. Nicholas says he's sorry to hear that, and Ang looks uncomfortable. The cop asks what time Tom left the house, and Nicholas says 8:30, quarter to nine. He didn't mention meeting anyone and left alone, saying he'd return the next day. The cops thanks him for his time, and Nicholas assures him he's at his disposal if necessary. The cop leaves and Nicholas tells her what she was about to do would have been a bad mistake. I didn't do it, she says, Bart Simpson--like, and he points out that's only because he stopped her. The temptation was overpowering, she complains, but he reminds her of the rules. He tips up her face and says, "You disobeyed me the first chance you got." She asks what he's going to do, and he says he could deny her her coffin, forcing her to face the sunrise, but he won't do that--he'll forgive her, but only because he has something for her to do, and if she EVER disobeys him again. . .she says she'll do whatever he asks. He orders her to go see Vicki--and make it a terrifying experience!

Vicki lies on the bed, sobbing. The door opens and Angelique, dressed in 18th century garb, enters the room. "So we meet again," says Ang. You aren't real, assets Vicki. Ang assures her she is quite real. It isn't possible, you're dead, protests Vicki. Ang giggles--she isn't a ghost, and asks Vicki to touch her and prove she's made of flesh and blood. She takes Vicki's hand, proving her ghost is flesh and blood. You are real, says Vicki, but you died in 1795--is it possible?--have I gone back in time again and am living in 1795. It's possible, says Ang, and might be true. Ang can't tell Vicki why she's there or who is keeping her. It must be a dream protests Vicki, but I can't wake up. Ang says it's no dream, she really exists in this place--perhaps you're lost in a void in time suggests Ang, caught between present and past but belonging to neither.Vicki refuses to believe this. Ang says she's come to help her escape. Vicki wonders why, considering how vicious and cruel Ang has always been to her. Huffy, Ang starts to leave, but Vicki says she'll accept anyone's help. Angelique demands Vicki's engagement ring; she'll take it to the man she loves, and through it, he will find her. Vicki refuses, and Ang says she can't help her--and she's the only one who can. Vicki asks where she's going--why would Ang take her ring if she isn't trying to help her? Angelique explains she doesn't exist in time, and wordily possessions mean nothing to her. Vicki fears she wants it because it's her last link with reality, and refuses to give it up. So be it, say Ang, turning to leave. She won't come back, and neither will anyone else--Vicki will face eternity in the room because she refused her help. She bids Vicki goodbye and says she pities her. Vicki tells her to wait, and says that while she still doesn't trust her, if there's one chance in a million she's telling the truth. . .reluctantly, she drops her cherished ring into Ang's hand. The man you love will find you, Ang assures her. Yes, give it to Jeff, begs Vicki, so he'll know I'm alive. This name is strange to Ang, who tells her Jeff Clark doesn't exist, only Peter Bradford. Ang takes the ring, leaves, and locks her in. Vicki bangs at the door, begging her to explain--tell me what you mean--you have to explain it to me! She hears only Angelique's cruel laughter, mocking her.

Nicholas walks through the woods, calling for Adam, who appears beside him. Nicholas orders him to go to Barnabas, tell him he's holding Vicki, and he must go ahead with the experiment or Vicki will die. He gives him the engagement ring as proof they are holding her--once Barnabas sees it, he will surely go ahead with the experiment.

Barnabas sits at home, reading, wondering where Vicki is and what's happening to her. Is she still alive? She's got to be! Adam appears in the room and tells him they'll talk. Barnabas demands to know where Vicki is, and Adam assures him she's safe. He won't tell him where she is, but he gives him her engagement ring, proving he knows her whereabouts. She's still alive, for now, says Adam. You can't hurt Vicki, protests Barnabas, she's done nothing to you. But you have, says Adam, by refusing to do as I ask. Barnabas says it's impossible, he can't create a mate. "You made me live," points out Adam. I had very little to do with it, says Barnabas, Lang created him, Julia completed the experiment that gave him life. Then Julia can do it, says Adam, but Barnabas says she won't even think about it. Then Victoria Winters will die, insists Adam. Barnabas argues with him--he can't do that, Vicki is innocent. "You love her!" accuses Adam, and Barnabas retorts, "You can't kill Vicki simply because you hate me. Kill me." No, says Adam, he wants him to be lonely always, and if refuses to create a mate for him, Barnabas, too, will be lonely always. (I guess Nicholas hasn't mentioned that a man can love another if the first love dies, a definite blank in his education.) Barnabas tells Adam he cannot do this.Decide, orders Adam, by tomorrow night, or Victoria Winters will die. "Adam!" calls Barnabas. "Adam!!" But the big guy leaves Daddy alone, contemplating Vicki's engagement ring.

NOTES: Nicholas isn't very smart, and it appears that Angelique already is easily fooling him, apologizing for being bad, but still fully intending to be bad. His trusting her AGAIN, giving her guidelines under which she must live as a vampire, will prove to be the worst mistake he ever makes.

Adam is so obnoxious now. I liked him innocent, yearning for Carolyn.

Clever way to get Vicki to give up her engagement ring, huh? Send in Angelique to confuse the already-confused girl, then get the proof they need that Adam is holding her. The ball is in Barn's court now.


557 - Barnabas soberly gazes at Vicki's ring, then calls to Adam to come back. Adam does so. Barnabas asks if he knows where Vicki is. Adam will only say the ring proves he is holding her. Barnabas says he can't give him an answer now, and Adam follows him into the house and slams the door. He asks him if he loves Vicki, to which Barn replies of course--that's why you kidnapped her--what you're doing is monstrous, adds Barn. Adam feels it's fair. Barnabas loves and can be loved, and Adam wants the same--what would Barnabas' life be like without love, asks Adam, to be alone and lonely, and not wanted by anyone--"then think of Vicki, and you will give me what I want or never see her again!"

Barnabas sits in his usual chair, miserable. Julia stops by and says he looks exhausted. I've been up all night, explains Barnabas, who tells her that being rid of Cassandra hasn't ended their problems; they're just beginning. He tells her about Adam's threat--he has Vicki and will kill her if they don't create a mate for him. They have no choice, insists Barnabas, but Julia says they can't. She knows he's worried about Vicki, but another experiment is out of the question. You did it before, points out Barn, but Julia says she merely finished what Lang had started. Barn reminds her she has Lang's journals, but Julia says she wouldn't do the experiment if she could. Look at what Adam has done--the thought of a mate for him is frightening, says Julia, they'd be responsible for creating a race of monsters.Then you are willing to let Vicki die? asks Barnabas. Julia wants them to learn who put Adam up to this. Who? Stokes or Nicholas, suggests Julia, but Barnabas doubts Stokes is responsible. Julia knows they took Adam in, protected him--but why? They should visit Stokes and check it out. Barnabas wants Julia to take care of other problems--such as Tom Jennings--while he goes to see Stokes. Barnabas tried to visit Jennings in order to look at the wound on his throat, but wasn't allowed in. They both know what the man is suffering from, but Julia says the thought of a vampire is too terrifying to contemplate. When that man dies, says Barnabas, he will become a vampire, which will result in the whole town being in trouble. Barnabas figures with Julia being a doctor, they will let her see Tom, so he sends her on her way. There is a knock at the door before Julia leaves. It's Jeff, who insists Barnabas speak to him--about Adam.

Barnabas admits to knowing the name Adam. Jeff comes in and Barnabas tells Julia to go on. Jeff wants her to stay, but Barnabas says she must go. It will only take a moment, says Jeff, who is staring at him. He wonders why they aren't asking about Vicki. Jeff explains that early this morning, one of the sheriff's men saw a man resembling Adam running through the woods. Jeff knows of Adam and some of what he's done, but it has occurred to him that this Adam could possibly be Lang's creation. That man was superhuman, as Adam is reputed to be, and when Lang died, there were no accounts in the papers of a body being found in his lab. Either someone took the body or someone finished the experiment for Lang and brought his creation to life. Jeff knows they were involved in the experiment, so. . .?Barnabas denies they finished the experiment. Jeff says if Adam is Lang's creation, he could be the reasons Vicki's missing, making them responsible. Barnabas says Jeff's first theory is the correct one--they disposed of the body after Lang's death, burying it in an unmarked grave. Jeff says it's weird Adam fits the description of the man Lang made. Jeff reminds them Adam escaped jail, leaped from Widows Hill, survived a gunshot wound, killed Sam Evans and nearly killed Joe Haskell--quite a track record for an ordinary human being! screams Jeff. Barnabas again assures him Adam isn't Lang's creation. Jeff says he has no choice but to believe them, but his tone belies what he says. He must see Adam himself, says Jeff, one good, close look, and he'll know if the man is Lang's creation. Jeff leaves Barnabas and Julia staring at each other in concern.

Stokes is reading, monocle in his eye, when someone knocks at the door. "Go away, go away, there is no one at home," he mutters (LOL, love this man!), then, when the knocking continues, says, "Damnation." It's Barnabas. Stokes knows he'll come in even if he says no. Stokes wishes Barnabas had called; he detests unannounced visitors. We need your help, says Barnabas, which has a familiar, unpleasant ring to Stokes. Barn tells him of Vicki's disappearance. Stokes is surprised. Do you know what's happened to her? asks Barnabas. Stokes suggests he's taken leave of his senses. Barnabas wants to bring everything out into the open, and Stokes demands to know what he's talking about. Vicki has been abducted by Adam and is being held prisoner, reveals Barnabas. This stuns Stokes--why? Barnabas asks if he knows, but Stokes assures him he doesn't. Barnabas says Stokes could be poisoning Adam's mind--he did hide him and teach him, after all. Stokes doesn't deny this, he felt sorry for Adam, and more important, he had faith in his potential for learning. His aim was to broaden Adam's mind, not poison it. Stokes confesses he did tell Adam of his origins, and Barnabas informs him that Adam now expects Barnabas to provide him a mate. Stokes asks Barnabas if he didn't have some basis for thinking Barnabas created him, but Barn says it's too complex to explain. Stokes says that's usually true in matters concerning Barnabas, who is very miserly with his information (get him, TS!). The point is, says Barnabas, that Adam has abducted Vicki and threatened to kill her if he doesn't meet his demands. Stokes says he never anticipated this, and admits he's partly responsible for what happened. There was no evil plot, but he did tell Adam the truth about his origins--because he felt he had to know. Why, asks Barnabas, but Stokes says he can't tell. Barnabas says he had better, but Stokes reminds him that considering his and Julia's lack of cooperation in the past, it's ungracious of Barn to demand answers from him now. Stokes is aware of the danger Vicki is in, and promises to see to it that she isn't harmed. Stokes admits to knowing where Adam is, but won't tell--I have a better chance of getting through to Adam than you do. Barn will go to the Old House and wait for Stokes to speak to Adam.Stokes adds to bear in mind that if he and Julia were the only ones involved, he'd allow them to stew in their own juices, but he does want to help Vicki. If the situation has gotten too far out of hand, warns Stokes, his best may not be good enough.

Collinwood - Stokes goes to Adam's room. Adam asks what he wants and Stokes says he must speak to him. Stokes asks him where Vicki is, but Adam denies even knowing her. Stokes tells him not to deny it, he knows what Adam wants and what he's done to get it. He taught him it was wrong to lie, why is he lying now. Adam denies lying, but Stokes says he doubts Barnabas would fabricate such a story and told him everything. "Barnabas will be sorry!" says Adam through gritted teeth, but Stokes reminds him that hurting the innocent is wrong. Adam feels getting what he wants is all that's important, and Stokes asks him if the end justifies the means--he never taught him that. There are many things the professor didn't teach or tell him, accuses Adam. Stokes asks where Vicki is, but Adam refuses to tell him. He assures him she's safe. Stokes says sooner or later the police will find Vicki, and Adam asks him if he's going to the police--he'll hurt him if. . . Use your head, begs Stokes, remember what I taught you. He can't go to the police, or he'll be placing Vicki's life in more danger than it is now. Adam admits that's true and tells Stokes to leave. Stokes notices a remarkable change in Adam--what caused it? Stokes himself, by what he told him, says Adam. No, says Stokes, I didn't make you depressed or embittered, and don't believe what I told you would have turned you into a cynical, scheming person--who else has been guiding you, telling you things that will harm you? He's only talked to Carolyn, says Adam, but Stokes accuses him of lying again. "Goodbye, Professor!" roars Adam. Stokes says that perhaps what he wants from Barnabas is right, he can't pass judgment on that, but what's wrong is using Vicki, an innocent person, to get it--Vicki had nothing to do with this and isn't responsible for his loneliness. Barnabas loves Vicki and will give me a mate because he fears what will happen to her, points out Adam--if it's wrong to hurt innocent people, then why did Barnabas hurt me?--once, I didn't exist, then Barnabas gave me life, now I exist and am nothing. "I want to be something--I want to be loved!" rages Adam, nearly sobbing."And I will have a mate and she will love me or Barnabas will be punished by seeing Vicki die!"

NOTES: In a way, you can see Adam's point. He feels Barnabas betrayed him in many ways, and now is refusing to give him someone he can love the way Barnabas loves Vicki. But Adam is also aware that Vicki loves Jeff, not Barnabas, so can't he figure out that love isn't necessarily a two-way street and a mate created especially for him might not love him?

Stokes is fabulous, kind, reasonable, intelligent--so much better than Barnabas' bull in a china closet approach. Stokes listens to Adam, to Barnabas, pieces the story together the best he can. You can see he's on Adam's side here, but he doesn't want Adam to get into trouble for kidnapping/murdering Vicki in order to get what he wants. Both Stokes and Barnabas know someone else is working on Adam, and have a pretty good idea who it is.

When Stokes baldly informs Barnabas that if this problem didn't involve others, he wouldn't help, and you've got to love the man for that. He's so honest it hurts, but both Barnabas and Julia deserve that kind of honesty, given that they're so closed-mouthed themselves.

Love, Robin

554 - Jeff and Barnabas search the woods for Vicki, both calling her name. The dogs howl, making Barnabas very nervous--he wonders why they are doing that. He's cured, so they must sense something else--what? Why do they keep howling that way, he asks, fear-stricken.Thunder rolls and lightening fills the woods as Jeff joins Barnabas. They haven't found her, and Jeff wants to call the police. Barnabas asks about the howling dogs, thinking they were his imagination. Jeff wonders, irritably, why he'd imagine dogs howling. Never mind, says Barnabas. Jeff asks if he's all right, and Barnabas says he's worried about Vicki. They decide to continue searching and split up again. Once more, Barnabas hears the howling dogs and Jeff notes the expression on his face--almost wild. Barnabas assures him he's OK, they're wasting time, and walks off. Jeff observes him, puzzled.

Nicholas stands over a coffin, caressing it (as he once might have caressed Angelique, perhaps?) He smiles and leaves, closing the iron door behind him. As he's starting to lock it, Tom Jennings appears, startling Nicholas. I finished the wiring, the handyman says--was there anything else you wanted, Mr. Blair? No, says Nicholas, it's late, you'd better go. Tom wants to check out the cellar, see what else needs doing, but Nicholas assures him the cellar is in good condition. Tom wants to check the foundations and barges into the room Nicholas never had a chance to lock. He's surprised to see the coffin, which Nicholas says was there when he moved in.Tom is surprised and rather grossed out, but Nicholas says it's empty and he's getting rid of it--it was probably left as a practical joke. Tom doesn't find it funny. He says he'd better be going, and leaves, quickly. Nicholas says, "Too bad you had to open that door, Jennings. I could almost pity you, knowing what must be in store for you now." And he again caresses the coffin.

Tom Jennings, scared, wipes the sweat off his face in the woods, wondering about the coffin. The Collinses wouldn't store a coffin in the basement of one of their houses (have you met Cousin Barnabas?) Blair was lying, realizes Tom, if he had, he'd have done something about it. He was living there for days, what would he want with a coffin?--there's something weird going on, and he's going to tell the sheriff. He won't return to the house until he finds out what's going on there. He hears leaves crunching. "Who's there?" he calls. He spots someone and asks, "Who are you? What are you doing out here? Why don't you say anything? Why don't you answer me?"

Jeff searches the woods. He hears a man's terrified scream and races to investigate. He calls to Vicki, but finds a man propped up against a tree, eyes wide, staring. Jeff touches the man, who falls over onto the ground. He checks his pulse, finds two bloody puncture wounds on his throat, rubs his hand through his hair in fear. Nicholas watches him, saying aloud and to himself, "And so it has begun. . .poor Jennings. I didn't intend to begin it with you. Pity you had to discover Angelique's coffin, but then, you aren't the only one who is going to suffer--another will know far greater suffering than you." (Barnabas?)

Barnabas, terrified, staring at the night sky, hearing the dogs howling, lets himself back into Collinwood. He seems almost in pain, limping, and sits down in the chair beneath his portrait. Julia comes over, looks at him, concerned, and asks what's wrong. He has no idea what he's doing there; a moment ago, he was in the woods, now he's here, he doesn't understand what's happening to him! She suggests he suffered some kind of blackout and asks to examine him. Why? he wonders--listen! he cries, the dogs haven't howled that way since. . .since you were cured, finishes Julia. He wonders what it means, and she says perhaps nothing. It must, he insists, something happened in the woods tonight, he can feel and sense it. He doesn't know what, and the possibilities are horrifying. Julia gazes at him, upset, then the camera focuses first on Barnabas' portrait, then his fear-filled face.

Julia tells Barnabas to come into the drawing room, she wants to check him out. He can't, he says, Adam has kidnapped Vicki and is holding her for ransom until he gets what he wants--a mate. Julia is stunned. Barnabas explains Adam's demand, and his promise to take the mate and go away. He told Adam it was impossible, but he didn't believe him, and said he'd make him sorry--that's why he's sure Adam kidnapped Vicki--he saw them together, realized Barn's feelings for Vicki and chose to seek revenge through her. Julia asks if he's sure Adam is responsible, and Barnabas feels events prove themselves. Vicki's been missing an hour, says Barnabas, and Jeff was awaiting her at Collinwood. She left the Old House and just disappeared somewhere between the Old House and Collinwood. Julia finds it hard to believe Adam could come up with so intricate a plot, but Barnabas says Adam has changed a lot--his speech is coherent, and he doesn't know who is teaching him. All Barnabas knows is the change in Adam is amazing, and he's far more dangerous than before. Julia asks if he knows what it means, and Barnabas says they must find Vicki before Adam can harm her. No, says Julia, it means much more--it means Adam knows what he is, knows he's a creation, about the experiment, everything, and he's able to communicate what he knows. Someone had to have told him about the experiment, she says, but who? Barnabas has no answers, but says he's calling the police, Vicki's in danger. Julia reminds him if the police capture Adam, he'll tell them about the experiment and both of them will be exposed. Barnabas insists he's willing to take that risk for Vicki, but Julia doesn't agree. They start to fight over the phone, but a knock at the door interrupts them, It's Nicholas, who asks for Carolyn. She went to town, says Julia, and Nicholas observes how distressed she is. She tells him about Vicki's disappearance, and he expresses his concern and hope she's all right. That accounts for Barnabas' odd behavior in the woods, says Nicholas. He saw him running, and he had a strange expression on his face, distorted as though he were angry or frightened, and he seemed to be running from something--curious, most curious, says Nicholas, smiling, and Julia watches this scene intently.Barnabas tells Blair he was searching for Vicki and he's very worried. Nicholas offers his help. Jeff runs in, he has to use the phone. He dials the police, it's an emergency. Barnabas and Julia exchange glances and Barnabas asks if it's Vicki--she isn't. . .Jeff tells the sheriff he found a man in the woods--he's close to death, explains Jeff, if not dead already, and my fiancee has disappeared. He fears the same maniac has kidnapped Vicki, and tells him to come right away and bring plenty of men. Julia asks Jeff about the dead man he found in the woods, but he doesn't know him. He was attacked, says Jeff, and had two gaping wounds in his neck. Barnabas and Julia stare at each other, considering the import of this, while Jeff worries about the same madman getting hold of Vicki. Jeff wants to go wait for the sheriff by the gate, but Julia says he should tell her where the man is, perhaps she can help. Jeff insists he's a long way from there, and the sheriff will bring doctors and an ambulance, and find him quicker than they can. Jeff runs out. Barnabas asks Julia who could this man be? Where's Blair? They don't know, and Julia doesn't care. She grips his lapels, "Barnabas we must talk now!" she insists--are you responsible for the man in the woods? No, he says. She demands the truth--has he become. . .NO, Julia, he says, despite his peculiar behavior. I didn't do it during his blackout, I've been cured, he says desperately. He swears he knows nothing about the man, and Julia, swallowing, says she believes him. A man was attacked, however, she reminds him, and they know how he was attacked.If it wasn't Barnabas, then someone else did, and THAT means somewhere in their midst--"there is another vampire", says Julia, horrified.

NOTES: Great scene with the unseen attacker and Tom. Poor Tom. Nicholas turned in a first-rate performance, of course, and Frid's terror, wondering if he'd become a vampire again, was palpable. Grayson Hall looked gorgeous today. Carolyn should have checked Adam's closet. She can't be that gullible, but she seems to want to think the best of Adam.

So, there's another vampire at Collinwood, and he/she's already claimed a first victim.


555 - Nicholas goes to see Adam and asks where Vicki is. Adam claims not to know, but Nicholas knows he's lying and assures him he understands why. Nicholas says he won't tattle on him, that he's his friend and saved his life. He wants to know where he'd hiding Vicki. Adam opens the closet door to reveal his kidnap victim, and Nicholas smiles at the sleeping Vicki. (if she'd been awake and spotted Blair, that would have been interesting!)

Nicholas closes the closet door and assures Adam he didn't do anything wrong; he was very clever! They will use Vicki to force Barnabas in to making him a mate, and Nick will help him. Adam listens eagerly. You can't keep Vicki here long, says Nicholas, there are too many visitors to your room. Adam assures Nicholas he lied to Carolyn about Vicki, but didn't like doing so. Lie to Carolyn again or your plan will fail, warns Nicholas, and Adam says he understands.Keep her quiet until tomorrow night, says Nicholas, when we will move her to my house, where she'll be safer--we don't want anyone to discover her, says Nick, so leave Vicki to me. He gives Adam a vial of drugs that will make Vicki sleep--put it in her food and she won't give you any trouble, Nicholas assures him, and in the meantime, keep Vicki quiet. He pats Adam's arm approvingly and leaves. Adam gazes at the vial of sedatives (stolen from Julia?)

Nicholas encounters Carolyn as he's heading downstairs. He saw Adam, he tells her, he questioned him about Vicki--there's no doubt he knows nothing about her. Carolyn asks if he's that convinced, and he says yes, Adam is completely innocent. Carolyn still doesn't look so sure. She says she spoke with Adam, too, and while she'd like to believe him, Barnabas came earlier that evening and claimed Adam came to see him at the Old House, and that Adam IS responsible for Vicki's disappearance. What would Adam's motive be? asks Nicholas--why go to the Old House to see Barnabas? Carolyn doesn't know the answers, and Nick says there are a great many unanswered questions. Nicholas thinks Barnabas a very clever man, and is using Vicki's disappearance to learn Adam's whereabouts--he concocted the whole story just to frighten Carolyn into revealing where Adam is. Possible, says Carolyn, but why? To turn him over to the authorities, says Nicholas. Jeff, looking disheveled and upset, comes in to ask if there have been any phone calls. The police have found no sign of Vicki, and both Carolyn and Jeff are concerned. Jeff fears they'll find Vicki as they found the man in the woods. The man, Tom Jennings, was taken to the hospital and given a transfusion, says Jeff, but he's barely alive. Carolyn knows him as a nice local handyman. He has no enemies, says Jeff, which makes his attack even more mysterious and frightening. Jeff says the sheriff is outside organizing a search party. Carolyn, wanting to go outside and give them some tips about where to search, leaves. Nicholas starts to tell Jeff something he "shouldn't say." It may or may not relate to Vicki's disappearance, hints Nicholas--it's about Barnabas Collins--on his way to the house, he saw Barnabas in the woods, behaving strangely. He was running, in panic, as if running from something. What could that be, muses Jeff, but Nicholas says he doesn't know and shouldn't have mentioned it. (Why is he casting suspicion on Barnabas?) Jeff says when he and Barn were searching for Vicki, he was acting peculiar, standing as if dazed or scared. Nick admits this IS weird, and Jeff says he's beginning to wonder about Barnabas, asking himself lots of questions about him.Nicholas' lips twitch as if pleased for what he said and the direction in which he manipulated Jeff's thoughts.

Collinwood, West Wing - Adam paces his room, holding the vial. He leans his ear against the door, wondering if Vicki is alive. He's about to open the door to find out when Carolyn knocks. Adam pockets the sedative. Carolyn has his breakfast. She's been up all night, worried about Vicki, she says. He assures her Vicki will be all right, and she says he's just saying that to make her feel better. She tells him the cops are still searching, and she can't stay--she must stay by the phone.For once, he doesn't give her a problem about not staying, and she seems puzzled by that. He tells her to go ahead and see to her business, then, after she goes, opens the closet door to check on Vicki. She awakens and looks at him over the gag. He helps her to her feet and out of the closet. She faints in his arms; he lifts her and places her on his bed, removes the gag, unties her and gives her some water. She pushes it away and he tells her not to be frightened, he won't hurt her. She asks why he's doing this to her. Adam asks if she loves Jeff, and she says yes. This seems to confuse him--you don't love Barnabas? he asks. What difference does that make? Questions Vicki--why are you holding me? He says he has no reason, yes he does, but he can't tell her (sounds a lot like Barnabas). Vicki says it makes no sense, and he gets angry and tells her to stop asking questions. He offers her food, spilling some of the medicine into the beverage. She tries to escape, and he grabs her and covers her mouth. He orders her to be quiet or he'll kill her, and she nods that she will, covering her face in misery. She sits on the bed, sobbing, and he again tells her to be quiet. He offers her something to drink, but she refuses. Adam insists, and Vicki drinks, looking quite disheveled. Adam asks if he hurt her, and she shakes her head and says Carolyn told her about him--that he was very kind and gentle with her--if that's true, please, take pity on me, begs Vicki, don't torture me, let me go.She begs a little longer, then falls asleep. "Sleep now," soothes Adam, patting her hair (the boy does love long hair)!

Vicki sleeps. Adam watches her. Nicholas returns and says he can take Vicki away now--my house isn't far, he says, pleased that Adam used the drugs he gave him. Vicki will sleep several hours, says Nicholas, and will awaken in her new hiding place. She won't know where she is. Don't harm her, demands Adam, and Nicholas promises she won't be if Barnabas cooperates. Adam wants to come along, but Nicholas refuses--you must stay here. Adam wants to go to ensure Vicki's safety. You must trust me, says Nicholas. Adam continues to insist, and Nicholas says it would be a problem if he disappears from this room--Carolyn would immediately suspect Adam was connected with Vicki's disappearance and call the police. This convinces Adam to stay where he is. Nicholas tells him to stay a few hours, then leave--meet me in the woods near the Old House--I have a plan, and I believe it will work--tonight, Barnabas Collins will begin the experiment. Nicholas lifts Vicki into his arms and carries her away. Adam looks unhappy.

Vicki sleeps in a narrow bed in a strange room. She wakes up, wondering where she is. She calls to Adam, but no one answers. He's gone, she realizes, she's alone. She looks out a window, tries the door, but it's locked. She bangs on it, crying for help, but again, there is no answer. She can't hear a thing, where is she? Did Adam move her there? She can hear the sea, which provides a clue as to where she is, but what is she doing here? She closes her eyes miserably.

Nicholas enters the basement room dressed in his robe, carrying a candle. He caresses the coffin. "All right, my dear, you may arise again," he says, "I have further plans for you." He opens the coffin. Inside is Angelique, vampire fangs protruding over her lower lip!

NOTES: Whoa, baby, so THAT'S what happened to Angelique after she died as Cassandra! What irony! Surely he did that to her so she'd know the misery she put Barnabas through--not that he cares a bit about Barn, but he does love teaching Angelique a lesson. So we now know who attacked Tom in the woods and left those gaping holes--come on, who thought Barnabas had slipped a little in his cure? He sure was concerned about that possibility!

Now Nicholas and Adam are in cahoots--what plans does he have for Vicki, who is constantly someone's prisoner on DS? We assume he approves of Adam's plans to keep Vicki hostage until Barnabas relents about creating a mate, but what new twist will he add to the mix?

Imagine what a vicious vampire Angelique will make? Already spiteful as a witch, having sharp fangs at her disposal can only mean scary happenings. And you know who she'll want to claim as her victim--Barnabas! The Dream Curse might not have gotten him, but she sure as hell will! I also wonder why Nicholas allowed Tom to become vampire food when he could have just erased his memory of finding the coffin?

Love, Robin

I own all of them and enjoy them immensely.  You might find them for better prices if you check eBay, but I bought all of mine from MPI and experienced no problems.  It's wonderful to pop one of them into the CD player while reading DS fan fiction!

Love, Robin

552 - Barnabas is quite surprised at Adam's request. It's impossible, he says, but Adam says he can and will. It isn't within his power to create life, says Barnabas, and he didn't create Adam. Lang found the way to artificially create life--that is the truth. Adam refuses to believe, but Barnabas says he can't do it because Dr. Lang is dead. When did he die? demands Adam, and Barnabas explains it happened two days before the experiment. Then Lang didn't give him life, points out Adam, Barnabas did. Barnabas explains he was part of the experiment himself, he understand how difficult life has been. While he sympathizes, he can't help him. Adam refuses to believe him. If he came alive two days after Lang's death, someone else completed the experiment. Barnabas notes Adam is capable of reasoning, but not understanding. "It was you who finished his work," says Adam, but Barnabas denies this--it was Dr. Hoffman who completed the experiment. Adam orders Barnabas to get her and she will help him. It isn't that simple, explains Barnabas, try to understand. Adam understands only one thing--he can't be happy until there is another like himself. He has great strength and a good mind, but he also gave him strong feelings with which to love--but what good it is to love, if he can't be loved? (good point.) If Barnabas creates a woman for him, he'll take her and go away and never see or trouble him again. But if he doesn't do this. . .Willie interrupts this discussion, asking Barnabas if he can go into town tonight. Adam greets him, and Willie whirls around, terrified. Adam assures him he won't hurt him. Willie asks what Adam wants, and is shocked at how well Adam speaks now. Adam says he wants nothing from Willie, just Barnabas. Barnabas tells Willie to go downstairs, but poor Willie can't get over how well Adam communicates now. Defiantly, Willie tells Adam to take his learning somewhere else; he and Barnabas don't need him. Adam tells Willie he doesn't need HIM, but he does need Barnabas. Barnabas won't explain the situation to Willie but tells him to go downstairs. Willie is about to go, but Adam stops him--stay, Willie, maybe you can convince Barnabas to help. Barnabas tells Willie that Adam wants him and Julia to create a woman for him. Willie calls Adam crazy, but Barnabas assures him the big guy isn't crazy. I knows what I want, insists Adam--it can be done, it will be done, and very soon. Barnabas says he can't believe Adam came up with this idea alone--who helped you? No one, says Adam, and Barnabas says now he is the one who is lying. Who else knows of Adam's origins? asks Barnabas. No one else, states Adam--I have to leave and I want an answer. Barnabas says he can't give him what he wants. Adam says he doesn't believe that. He'll give him time to change his mind, until 9 PM (20 minutes hence).

Jeff, smiling confidently, arrives at Collinwood. Vicki answers his knock and flies into his arms. He told his boss he was sick, which is technically true--he's lovesick, a very bad case. Vicki leads him inside. He wanted them to go out, he says, to dinner. She says she's also going out, she wasn't expecting him--she's going to the Old House to see Barnabas.Why, asks Jeff, and she says she wants to tell him about their engagement. Jeff asks if she still feels that close to Barnabas, and she insists he's her friend. Does he have to be consulted on what you do? asks Jeff, why are you in such a hurry that Barnabas know?--he's also in love with you, Jeff points out, but that couldn't matter, could it? She asks if he's jealous of Barnabas, and he tells her not to be ridiculous. She and Barnabas are friends and she wants to tell him this important piece of news. The fact Barnabas is in love with her is something he can't change, but the fact that she is in love with Jeff is something Barnabas can't change. Jeff seems relieved, and tells her to go along; he'll go with her for protection. She reminds him Cassandra and Nicholas are gone, so there isn't any danger in the house or outside any longer. They kiss; she tells him to wait there for her--she won't be long. He's grinning as he stares at the clock, which reads 8:55.

Nine PM, the same time Nicholas gave Cassandra not long ago. Barnabas is sitting in the chair, Adam is right next to him, reminding him it's now nine o'clock. Willie stands watching. Barnabas says his answer is the same-no. Then I will leave now, Adam says. Barnabas asks why he must leave, where is he staying, who's been protecting him--is it Stokes? Adam won't give. He got his answer and that's all he came for. Barnabas promises him the same protection he's been getting, with him. Adam says he doesn't trust him and wouldn't stay there again. Barnabas asks Adam to stay long enough for him to get Julia. Why? Asks Adam. I don't want you to leave not trusting me, thinking I had lied, explains Barn--if you stay and sees Julia, you'll learn why we can't grant your request. Adam knows Julia is Barnabas' friend and will lie for him. Barnabas comments that whoever has been teaching him hasn't done him a favor by making him so cynical. All Adam knows is that he knows what he wants can be done, and Barnabas has the power to do so, but refuses."You will be very sorry, Barnabas, for your decision you will be VERY sorry." "Adam," says Barnabas sternly, but the big guy walks out the door, leaving it open. Willie tells Barnabas he must stop Adam, but Barnabas says there's no way to do so. Willie has a way, and retrieves the rifle. Barnabas orders him to put it away, but Willie argues with him--Adam threatened him and Willie, and they have to get Adam first! Barnabas can't harm him; he's heard the tape recording.Barnabas explains about Lang's message, and Willie recalls the tape David brought to the Old House a couple of weeks ago, looking for Julia. He asked a lot of questions about Barnabas, and Willie sent the nosy kid home. Barnabas says what is on the recorder is important to him, vital to his survival. Willie doesn't care about that, they have to find Adam and get rid of him permanently, and won't be safe until he is dead.

Adam walks through the woods and hears rustling. Vicki comes by, stops, goes on. Adam starts to walk away, then decides to follow Vicki. He sees that she is heading for the Old House.

Barnabas is pleased to see Vicki and invites her in. Adam spies through the window, peering in. Barnabas tells Vicki that now that Cassandra is gone, he'll spend more time at Collinwood. She says she wanted him to be the first to know of her impending marriage; Barnabas' feelings are very important to her. He doesn't have to ask the identity of the lucky young man, Jeff, but Barnabas points out she hasn't known him long.She feels she's made the right choice. He offers his very best wishes, he wants her to have every happiness. Adam watches as Barnabas kisses her cheek, then tells Vicki that this won't change his feelings for her, nothing ever will. Vicki thanks him, but says she must return to Collinwood; Jeff's waiting for her. Barnabas escorts her to the door as Adam hides, and again wishes her happiness. He watches her go, heartbroken, and gazes up at the moon, then goes inside. Vicki walks back through the woods and is horrified to encounter Adam. She asks how he got there. "You will help me," says Adam, covering Vicki's mouth. She passes out, and he carries her off.

NOTES: Whoa, baby, Adam has turned into quite a Nicholas clone, at least in his way of doing business. He observes Barnabas with Vicki, notes how much he cares for her, and varoom, he kidnaps the woman he knows Barnabas loves! Way to go, Adam, you get an A in Nicholas Blair's course for Wicked Intentions and Actions 101.

Why does Vicki want to marry Jeff over Barnabas? Sorry, I don't understand her preference here. Jeff's such a toad, too, questioning her reasons for wanting to tell Barnabas, I just wish he'd go away.

Perhaps Adam has a point. He knows Barnabas and Julia conducted the experiment without Lang and successfully brought him to life, so why would it be so hard to do it again and create a mate for him to love--especially since he's offered to go away?

I don't like this obnoxious version of Adam. He grates on my nerves.


553 - The way Adam subdues his victims is better than the Spock neck pinch, isn't it?

Jeff waits for Vicki to return to Collinwood. It's 11:30, a bit late for dinner, and he lights up a cigarette. When Carolyn greets him, he tells her he and Vicki have a date--she went to the Old House to tell Barnabas something, and she's been gone over 2 hours. Carolyn finds that odd. She offers Jeff a drink. He wants to go check on Vicki. He didn't want her to go to the woods alone, and now look. Carolyn suggests she and Barnabas, who are good friends, are just shmoozing. He insists on going out to look. He knows the way to the Old House, somehow, probably a Peter Bradford flashback. He tells Carolyn Vicki once gave him the directions and he remembers them. Carolyn stands there, finding it all very peculiar.

Adam carries Vicki into his room and places her on the bed. (no girls in your room, Adam!) She comes to and Adam orders her to keep quiet. She asks where she is, and he says she doesn't need to know. She says she's been there before, the West Wing of Collinwood. She asks why he brought her there, and he says she doesn't need to know that, either. She insists she has a right to know. He's only seen her a few times, once in the jail. He says he saw her kissing Jeff at the fountain. You were watching us, observes Vicki--you can't keep me here; I haven't done a thing to hurt you-why are you hurting me?He says he doesn't intend to hurt her, he needs her to help him. She remembers him saying that before--what does it mean? He says she needn't be frightened, just be quiet and not run away, and he'll be nice to her when he gets what he wants--if she screams for help or tries to run away, he warns, he'll have to kill her. Vicki looks terrified.

Old House - Barnabas, reading, answers Jeff's frantic knocking at his door. Tell Vicki I'm here, instructs Jeff, but Barn says she left already. Jeff said she never made it back, or he wouldn't be here. Barnabas, perturbed, says Vicki left 40 minutes ago. Jeff wonders if there's another way back, but Barnabas says the path is the most direct way. Jeff says he should have run into her, then. Barnabas asks if he's implying he didn't tell the truth; his tone implies that. Jeff says he'll pose it another way--he came to get Vicki, and if they took the same direct route, they should have met at some point. Barnabas agrees, but. . .then Barnabas remembers Adam's threat that he'd be sorry for his decision not to give him a mate. "Oh my God!" Barnabas exclaims as an annoyed Jeff continues blathering. Jeff realizes Barnabas was thinking about something else, but Barn says he was thinking of Vicki, hoping she was all right. Barnabas says they are both to blame if anything has happened, for letting Vicki to walk alone through the woods. Now they must find her, says Jeff. Barnabas says he'll get some flashlights and they'll go search. Jeff asks if Barnabas has reason for believing Vicki is in danger; Barnabas sidesteps the question.Jeff has a feeling Barnabas knows something he doesn't, which Barnabas assures him is nonsense. Jeff glances out the window and waits.

A storm is raging as Jeff and Barnabas, flashlights in hand, call to Vicki. Barnabas suggests they split up and take two different paths. Lightning flashes. Jeff says if they don't find her, he's calling the cops--Barnabas agrees. They proceed on, separating.

Carolyn is working at the desk when someone knocks at the door. It's Barnabas.  He asks if she's alone, and says he must speak to her at once. He requests that they go into the drawing room, which they do.  He closes the doors. He tells her she must reveal Adam's hiding place, but she insists she doesn't know. Barnabas says he didn't believe her before or now, but now is different--Vicki's life may be in danger--she disappeared after visiting the Old House, and he and Jeff searched the woods and couldn't find her. Barnabas is certain Adam had something to do with it, Adam came to visit him earlier, too. Carolyn starts to say that's impossible, but stops, and he gazes at her, commenting that she seems upset by what he told her. She says she's surprised, she had no idea Adam was anywhere near Collinwood. Barnabas insists she and Stokes have known of Adam's whereabouts all along, and that Carolyn has been protecting him. Carolyn asks why Adam came to the Old House, but Barnabas refuses to say. Slyly, Carolyn says, "And you think I have something to hide."He asks if she is concerned about Vicki, and she says she is. If that's so, says Barnabas, you must tell me where Adam is. Carolyn wonders why he feels Adam is connected with Vicki's disappearance, and Barn says if she's really Vicki's friend, she'll be concerned about her whereabouts--they must hope Adam hasn't harmed Vicki. Carolyn still insists she doesn't know where Adam is hiding, and Barnabas says if Adam HAS had anything to do with Vicki's disappearance, she will be the one responsible. He gives her a "I blame you" look and marches out. Carolyn rushes upstairs to investigate this matter for herself.

Carolyn goes to visit Adam in the West Wing and see if he really does, as Barnabas suggested, have a girl in his room. No one answers her knock at first, but Adam finally opens the door. She's relieved to see him and asks why he took so long to answer the door. He was reading and fell asleep, he says. She asks if he's hiding something from her. He assures her he'd never lie to her and asks what's the matter.She asks, demanding the truth, "Did you leave your room this evening?" Adam admits he did, he went out to get a book. Did he leave Collinwood? No he says.  Did he go to see Barnabas? No, he says. She asks if he's only saying no so she won't be angry. He accuses her of not believing him, and she says she wants to. She doesn't understand why Barnabas would tell her he went to the Old House if he hadn't, and Adam says Barnabas is the liar. He seems to be barring the door, and she asks if there's some reason he doesn't want her to come into his room. No, he replies. She reminds him he always invites her in. He invites her in. There is no sign of Vicki. She looks around. She asks if he knows Vicki, and he says she once visited him in jail. He hasn't seen her since then? She asks. No, answers Adam. He observes she is looking for something and again says she doesn't believe him. Carolyn tells him how precious Vicki is to everyone in her family, and earlier that evening, she disappeared--Barnabas insists Adam had something to do with it, and she had to check out his claim. Adam is angry that she doesn't trust him; it isn't true! Carolyn says she does and apologizes for hurting him. She asks him not to be angry with her, and he says he never could be. She says she's glad it isn't true. He touches her shoulder and assures her he's always happy when she comes to see him. Once again discomfited, she says it's late and she has to go. She promises to bring him his breakfast and bids him goodnight. He closes and locks his door. "Good night, Carolyn," he says, then strolls over to his closet and opens it. Vicki, gagged and bound, is inside, and she gazes up at him.

NOTES: Adam bad. Adam lie. Adam picking up too many bad habits too damn fast!

Funny how Carolyn appears to be believing Adam over Barnabas. Would it have taken so much effort to check out his closet, the only possible place he could he hiding someone? I guess she chose instead to prove to him she believes him, a serious mistake. This is no longer her Adam, but Nicholas Blair's very large puppet.

Now, for Adam's threats-before, he only hurt people by accident, now it's by design. It's hard to believe this once-sweet man actually would go through with his threat to kill Vicki, even if Barnabas refuses to acquiesce to his demands.

Love, Robin

Connie, my condolences on your loss.

Your description of your phone call to Grayson is nothing short of hilarious.

And Mark, what you wrote in response to Connie's tale of calling Grayson is inspired!  

We all need to laugh sometimes, even in the midst of sorrow.

Love, Robin

I'm really enjoying this story, Mark, it's very suspenseful, sexy and scary.  You really know how to weave a wonderful tale!

Thanks so much for continuing this!

Love, Robin

What a happy looking group!

Thanks for the photo and the identifications.  

Wish I could have been there!

Sniff!

Love, Robin