SCENE 6
"Peter came to my cell and told me about the latest attacks. Abigail dead, Naomi incoherent, Sarah ill with fever. We both realized that Angelique must be involved in some way. But it wasn't until Peter told me that Josette, Millicent and Daniel had all spoken of Barnabas in their delirious states that I realized why Angelique wanted to destroy me. For I was in love with Barnabas as well. Natalie duPres had suspected a vampire had been attacking Josette. I suddenly realized that my Barnabas in 1991 was the same Barnabas that was here in 1790. He was a vampire."
Julia started as the mesmerized Victoria said this. So, the doctor thought, you did learn Barnabas' secret. Victoria continued her narrative, but Julia was barely listening. We will definitely have to take care of that. Dr. Hoffman stared out the window, remembering all that she and Barnabas had been through together. She wasn't even sure how long it had been when Vicki said something else that caught her attention.
"Just before they came to take me away to the gallows, Peter told me this would not be the end. He promised to find a way to come back to me, wherever I was. It was ironic that we found our love for each other just seconds before we would lose it forever."
Julia smiled to herself. The lovely Miss Winters fell in love with a man 200 years ago. That could be extremely useful. I - The doctor began to realize that Vicki was becoming agitated.
"I watched from the gallows, horrified, as Peter rushed forward, trying beyond reason to stop the hanging." Her breath was coming in short gasps as she continued. "Suddenly, he fell, shot in the back by a guard. I watched him dying as they put a black hood over my face." Julia took Vicki's wrist in her hand, feeling as her pulse rate started to rise. "Even in the dark, I could feel the rope being placed around my neck." She started to shake. "It seemed like an eternity of waiting, but then the platform gave way under me and I started to fall - No! No! No!" She screamed.
Julia held the flailing Victoria and spoke strongly to try and break through her panic. "Victoria, you are back now. You are safe. Calm down. Relax." Slowly, she started to respond to the doctor's voice. "That's it, Victoria, listen closely to my voice and only my voice." Vicki settled completely. "I want you to blur the experience in 1790 in your mind. You will remember nothing about 1790 clearly. The images will circle and spin in your mind, blurring into unrecognizable shapes." Julia took a deep breath and continued. "Except your feelings for Peter Bradford. Let those feelings sharpen as the others dissipate. Concentrate on his promise to come back to you. Believe in that promise. Believe that Peter will come back to you." She sat back and relaxed. "Now come back to the present. When I snap my fingers, you will not consciously remember anything of this session, just feeling refreshed and safe, only your subconscious mind will act on my instructions."
The doctor snapped her fingers, and slowly Vicki awoke. The light came back into her eyes, and she shook her head. "Dr. Hoffman?"
"I'm right here, Vicki."
She swiftly turned to face the doctor. "What happened, Julia? What did I say? Did you learn anything?"
"Vicki, Vicki, slow down." Julia stood and moved away. "I'm afraid we didn't learn much yet. But it's our first session. You talked a lot about a man named Peter. Other than that, you weren't able to remember much." She turned back to Vicki, who looked visibly disappointed. "It did go well enough that I think we should continue."
"When can we try again?"
"Well, I don't want to overdo it. We'll have another session in a few days. Now, I better let you get to work. I've kept you from David long enough." Julia started for the door.
"Good-bye, Dr. Hoffman. And thank you." She said it so sincerely, that Julia actually felt a twinge of guilt as she closed the door behind her.
SCENE 7
Elizabeth paced in the foyer, glancing at the clock every so often. Soon she heard the sound she wanted: the front door opening. Before it was even fully opened, she called out, "Roger, is that you?"
"Yes, Liz, it's me." He removed his key from the door, and came in, Maggie close behind. "Now what is so important that you had to drag me all the way back here? And this has better be good."
"Let's go into the study. Then we can talk."
Roger grew puzzled. "Why not the drawing room? It's more comfortable."
"I'd prefer the study. I don't want anyone to interrupt. Or overhear." Elizabeth headed toward the study. Roger and Maggie exchanged looks, then followed. Elizabeth stopped at the door. "Roger, why don't you get the brandy? I think we may need a drink shortly."
Roger gave Maggie another look, then headed off to the drawing room. Maggie followed Liz into the study, closing the door behind them. Maggie turned to Liz. "Is something wrong, Mrs. Stoddard?"
Elizabeth stopped her. "Please, Maggie, I'd rather wait until Roger comes in." Maggie turned away. Liz interpreted the sign correctly. "Maggie, I like you very much. I'm not concerned about your relationship with my brother. I think it's a good thing." Maggie looked up at her. But Liz's face grew grim. "Unfortunately, we have another problem at this time. We all do."
Maggie started to say something, when Roger came in carrying a tray with the brandy decanter and three snifters. He placed it on the desk and poured himself a drink. "Alright, Elizabeth. We're here, we're private, so what's all the mystery about?"
Elizabeth pulled an envelope from a drawer in the desk. "This letter arrived special delivery for you this morning."
He turned away in disgust. "Surely the mail could have waited until I got home."
"No. This couldn't wait." Something in her voice made him turn back. She held the letter out to him. "Just read the letter, Roger." Her brother took the envelope, and she sat down.
Roger glanced at the envelope. "This has already been opened." He looked at his sister. "So you're reading my mail now? Liz, this is inexcusable."
She quietly interrupted him. "Look at the return address."
He turned the envelope over and examined it. The expression on his face changed from annoyance to - Surprise? Fear? Maybe both? - as the blood drained from his face. Maggie straightened up, concerned. "What's wrong, Roger?"
His mouth went dry. "It's from Briarstone." Maggie started over to him as he pulled the letter out and read it. He collapsed into a chair, stunned.
"Roger?" Maggie questioned. "Are you all right?"
He stared blankly into space as he held the sheet of paper out to her. Maggie walked over and took it from him. She started to read. " 'Dear Roger, I know you will be surprised to hear from me, especially after the last time I saw you. But the doctors say I have made remarkable progress in the past few weeks. I wanted you to be the first to know. They plan on releasing me at the end of the month if I continue to improve. I so look forward to seeing my family again. I will come to you as soon as I am able. With love, Laura Collins.'"
