Terry S. Bowers

September 4, 2002

“We call upon the spirit of Bartholomew Collins, asking his guidance and knowledge, desiring to learn how to use the Circle of Rings.”

“David...”

“Hallie, be quiet. We must concentrate.”

“I don’t like this, David.”

“Now you’ve broken the quiet. We’ll have to start again.”

“David...”

“Fine. I’ll do this by myself. If you’re so afraid, leave.”

“No... No, I’ll stay. I’ll help.”

“Do you promise to be quiet and concentrate?”

“... Yes.”

David gave Hallie a hard glare, then looked back at the table and the Circle of Rings that was between them, next to the single candle, its flame flickering slightly in the air currents of the drawing room. He held her hands more tightly, shaking his head when a thunderclap overhead caused Hallie to jump nervously. He thought the storm a bonus, but it sure had Hallie spooked. Maybe he should do this by himself.

“Go ahead, David.”

He met her gaze, then looked at the candle flame. Taking a deep breath, David began again, the thunderstorm making the sound of the front door opening and closing beyond the closed drawing room doors inaudible.

Barnabas and Julia entered the Collinwood foyer, shaking light rain from their coats before removing them and hanging them in the entryway to dry. Barnabas turned to Julia, about to reach for her arm, when they heard David’s voice coming from the drawing room.

“We seek the spirit of Bartholomew Collins, asking his guidance and knowledge, desiring to learn how to use the Circle of Rings.”

“No...”

Barnabas grew pale as he hurried across the foyer and pushed open the drawing room doors. His one concern was preventing David from saying any more, for knowledge of the Circle of Rings could be very dangerous. No one really knew what its powers were, and the last time Barnabas had seen the artifact, it had been in Eliot Stokes’ possession.

“David, Hallie, no!”

“David, stop, right now.”

Hallie jumped, but David held tightly to her hands as Barnabas burst into the room, Julia right behind him. They both lunged toward the small, round table where David and Hallie sat. Barnabas reached it first, snatching the Circle of Rings from the table. Julia was right behind him, one hand resting on Barnabas’ arm, the other hand grasping the artifact as Barnabas also held on to it. Barnabas turned to reprimand David. Just as he was about to speak, lightening flashed and thunder boomed. Barnabas and Julia, both holding the Circle of Rings, vanished in the flash of lightening. David stood, fascinated and terrified by what had happened, ignoring Hallie’s screams of frightened panic.

******

Julia felt more than heard a frightened scream of panic as she slowly became aware of the fact she was no longer in the Collinwood drawing room. Then she realized it was she who was screaming, and abruptly stopped, the silence ringing in her ears. Blinking against the near total darkness, Julia tried to get her bearings. She remembered... David and Hallie... the Circle of Rings... Barnabas!

Glancing around, Julia realized she was in a graveyard, but it wasn’t Eagle Hill. The grave markers were made of wood, not stone. The grass beneath her, although wet from the dew, was coarse and rough, dry, as though it were subject to not enough water and too much sun. She stood carefully, to make sure of her balance and footing, then slowly turned in a circle. The graveyard seemed to be on top of a hill, and in the near distance, she could see dim spots of light. Perhaps a home or farm. Perhaps they could tell her where she was - where they were.

“Barnabas, are you all right?... Barnabas..”

He did not reply and Julia began to realize she had not heard anything that could mean he was nearby. She took a deep breath to calm her suddenly racing heart, knowing it would do no good to panic. Slowly Julia again turned in a circle, staring into the darkness, listening for any indications of movement. Only the sounds of night creatures could be heard. The howl of a lone wolf sent a thrill of dread through Julia, and she swallowed it down.

“Barnabas... where are you?”

Knowing she couldn’t stay where she was all night, Julia slowly headed toward the cluster of lights she saw. Somehow she was going to have to find Barnabas, and find out where she was.

Barnabas Collins glanced down at the metal ring he held in his right hand, then up at the night sky. The stars were brilliant, much as he remembered them from his youth. Wherever he was, there was the distinct lack of the light pollution that dimmed the night skies and obscured the brilliant lights overhead.

“Julia...”

There was no sound, no answer as Barnabas slowly looked around, his keen night vision telling him he was alone on the vast and very flat expanse of land. He wasn’t at Collinwood any longer, but he knew that just from the scents carried on the light breeze. He smelled the odors of his youth. He smelled horses, tobacco, and stale ale. He also smelled... blood. The smell was overwhelming, the need for blood beginning to grip him with a relentlessness that had only one solution. He needed to feed. He needed blood.

No! It couldn’t be! He had reverted. He didn’t know where he was, but Barnabas was certain of two things. He was again a vampire, and come morning, he had no coffin. He had to find Julia.

Slipping the Circle of Rings into the pocket of his suit coat, Barnabas turned toward a dim cluster of lights in the near distance. The strong smell of blood came from there.

Tinny piano music assaulted Barnabas’ ears as he quietly passed through the shadows of the small, rather primitive town. Plank boardwalks and dirt streets seemed to be the predominant theme as he surveyed what appeared to be the business district of the town. There were a couple of hotels, a general mercantile, a bank, and more taverns than he could count. It was to one of these saloons that Barnabas gravitated, knowing he could easily find someone among the patrons or staff who would meet his needs. Barnabas studied several of the establishments, finally deciding on a place called The Long Branch Saloon. It seemed to be the busiest place, and the least seedy. Uncertain of not only what he would find, but of the entire situation, Barnabas continued to move through the shadows and along the side alley. He did not want to chance being seen entering through the main door. Deep in the shadows of the alley, Barnabas found an unlocked side door. He slowly turned the knob and let himself in.

Julia slowed as she came to the outskirts of a town. It was fair size, and judging from the sounds coming from not so far away, it had a fairly lively night life. She cautiously followed the sounds of tinny piano music and drunken laughter, taking care to stay to the shadows and not be seen. She’d decided she needed to find out where she was, and then concentrate on locating Barnabas. Julia wouldn’t allow herself to consider the possibility Barnabas was not in approximately the same place as she. Julia would only allow herself to think they had been temporarily separated.

Glancing first one way along the dirt packed street, then the other, Julia saw a number of horses tied to wooden hitching rails. The largest numbers of horses were clustered around the many saloons this town sported, and Julia realized the smell she had been trying to both identify and ignore was horse manure. Things were beginning to come together. Julia was nearly certain she had arrived somewhere in the Old West. She shuddered, dismayed by the power of the Circle of Rings. David and Hallie should never have touched it, and she was certain Eliot would have more than a few words of reprimand when he realized their curiosity had caused them to act foolishly.

Shaking her head, Julia turned toward the quieter end of the street. It looked slightly more residential and represented her best chance of not being seen. If she truly were in the past, she would need to find appropriate attire. She doubted her 1970's clothing could pass for the ‘indecent’ clothing reportedly worn by saloon women. Julia huffed silently. Working a saloon was something she was not prepared to do. Maybe this town had a doctor. If so, she could pass herself off as a nurse. Or maybe as a doctor, depending on how open minded the man was. She’d worry about that later. Now Julia knew she needed facts. Staying to the shadows, Julia made her way to the end of the street.

An empty table in the far back corner of the room allowed Barnabas to quietly observe the activity around him. No one seemed to notice he was there. No one seemed to notice much of anything that went on in the main room of the tavern - saloon - unless it directly affected them. He’d watched as several couples climbed the stairs to the second floor. The men were dressed as, what David had once told him was a ‘cowboy’, and the women in short, colorful skirts with many petticoats, most sporting bare arms and shoulders. He’d been around enough to know what kind of activities took place in the rooms on the upper floor. It was there he would find what he needed. His bloodlust was growing, but he had to be careful. He would have preferred to find someone outside, but as far as he could tell, all the women were accompanied by men when they went out, unlike the women who worked the docks in Collinsport.

Barnabas knew a lone man, dressed as he was, ascending the stairs unaccompanied, might attract attention, so he stood slowly and left the saloon by the same side door through which he’d entered. The place most likely had an outside entrance to the second floor, should some of the patrons wish to be discreet. He would find that entrance, select a room, and wait.

A slightly ajar back door caught Julia’s attention. She stepped from the shadows of the alley and pushed the door open further, cringing when the hinges creaked in protest. No lights came on, no angry voice called out demanding the identity of the intruder. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness of the interior, and Julia moved cautiously through the room and into another room. The building had the smell of having been abandoned, and a thin layer of dust confirmed for her the house was unoccupied. She had not smoked in several years, but Julia still carried a lighter out of habit. She ignited it and looked around, seeing a lamp on a table. On closer inspection, she found the lamp still contained some fuel, and Julia put the flame of her lighter to the wick of the lamp. It sputtered, then caught and cast a dim light around the room.

Julia took stock of her surroundings, deciding the place was safe enough for her to spend the night. Come morning, she would explore more fully and learn what she needed to know. Selecting a place that would afford her easy escape should anyone else seek refuge there, Julia extinguished the lamp and settled down for the night. Her thoughts lingered on Barnabas, hoping he was not too far away and was all right. She had no idea of where to look for him, or she would be doing so right then. Perhaps in the morning she would be able to learn something regarding Barnabas.

Barnabas tensed slightly when the room door opened. A woman entered and closed the door behind her, moving across the floor toward the table, reaching to turn up the lamp on the table. Barnabas moved swiftly. He stepped behind her, covered her mouth with his hand to prevent her scream from being heard while at the same time pinning her arms to her side and holding her around the waist, pulling her back toward him. Barnabas heard her muffled scream of fright before he lowered his mouth to her neck and took the blood he needed. Within seconds she had ceased struggling. Barnabas took only what he required to sate his needs, then released her. Slowly Barnabas turned her around and made eye contact. She nodded, then began to get ready for bed. Barnabas left her room, knowing she would be ready for him when next he needed her.

At the top of the outside entrance to the second floor of the saloon, Barnabas melted into the shadows, wondering how he would ever be able to find Julia, hoping she was in the same town as he and they had not been separated for more than a brief time.

Waking with the sun, Julia was able to explore her refuge in the growing daylight. It was a small house, and judging by the number of belongings left behind, the previous occupants had departed in haste. Among the items she found was a trunk full of clothing. Julia found a dress that would fit her, and a set of men’s clothing that would do for Barnabas - provided she was able to locate him. Doing her best to blend in, Julia stepped from the alley behind the house to ease her way into the morning bustle. She still had to discover where and when she was. Julia headed back toward the business district at the other end of the street. That was where she would learn what she needed to know.

“Marshal!”

Matt Dillon paused on his way to the Long Branch for his daily morning coffee with Kitty, Doc, and whoever else happened to show up, and turned toward the sound of the voice that had hailed him. He saw Percy Crump, Dodge City’s undertaker, headed across the street toward him. Matt hitched his thumbs on his gun belt and waited for the cabinet maker and undertaker to join him.

“Morning, Percy.”

“Good morning. Marshal, I have a rather... odd crime to report.”

“Oh, how’s that?”

“Well,... one of my coffins is missing. Things have been kind of quiet lately, and I had four made up ahead - just in case. This morning I found one missing.”

Dillon frowned as he followed Percy across the street to his shop.

“I don’t understand why anyone would want to steal a coffin, Marshal.”

Julia Hoffman, who had been casually wandering the street, paused a moment, her heart pounding hard. A missing coffin? Could that mean the wolf she’d heard the night before... did that mean Barnabas... no... Being as careful as she could, Julia turned and followed the two men. The fact the undertaker also seemed to be a furniture maker gave Julia a reason to linger outside the store, ‘window shopping’, while the two men discussed the theft inside.

“I mean, if someone really needed a coffin and was unable to pay...”

“That could be the case, Percy, or... someone might be trying to keep a death from being noticed. Was anything else taken?”

“No, nor was anything else disturbed.”

“Any damage?”

“There doesn’t seem to be. I’m not even able to discern how the locked was picked.”

Matt nodded as he checked the locks on both the front and back doors. He could see no signs of forced entry either.

“I’ll have a word with Doc, see if he has any idea what this might be about. I’ll do what I can, Percy.”

“I appreciate it, Marshal. I don’t mind losing the coffin so much, but if someone has passed on, well...”

Dillon nodded, took one last look around the shop, then left and headed back across the street to the Long Branch. Doc should be there by now. Dillon didn’t notice the red headed woman who lingered a moment outside Percy’s shop, then followed him across the street.

Pushing one of the bat wing doors open, Matt Dillon stepped into the Long Branch and glanced across the room toward the large, round table where they usually sat for morning coffee. No one was there. He looked toward the bar, hoping to find Sam, the bartender about, but he was either busy elsewhere or not in yet. Dillon was about to turn and leave when he heard a familiar footstep on the stairs and looked upward.

“Morning Doc.”

“Oh, Matt, I’m glad you’re here. Did you see Kitty last night?”

“I was in about an hour before closing. Why?”

“She’s not feeling very well this morning.”

“What’s wrong?”

“She’s tired, weak, and the light hurts her eyes. She’s not running a fever, but she is pale, and seems to have caught a chill. She doesn’t remember passing out, but I think she must have. She can’t remember going up to her room, and she has two small cuts on her neck, about here.”

Dillon had crossed the floor in several huge strides and stood at the bottom of the stairs as Doc slowly made his way down them.

“Is she all right?”

“As far as I can tell, but... I’m kind of worried about her. I’ve told her to take it easy today, to get some extra rest and allow herself to get better.”

“Is it all right if I go up and see her?”

Doc nodded once as he swiped his hand across his mustached upper lip, then shoved that same hand into the pocket of his trousers.

“All right, but not for long. I think she lost some blood when she hurt her neck, but I couldn’t find any trace of bleeding, except for two small spots on her pillow. I’ll tell you one thing, Matt. I’ve never seen anything quite like this, and I don’t like it, not one bit.”

Dillon was frowning, not liking the sound of it at all, and especially not liking that it was Kitty who wasn’t feeling well. She hardly ever got sick.

“Thanks, Doc.”

Adams stepped from the bottom step onto the floor as Dillon started up the stairs. He was on the second from the bottom step when Doc spoke to him again.

“Oh, Matt, see if you can get her to eat something. She’s feeling a little queasy, but needs nourishment to make that blood back.”

Dillon nodded and continued on up the stairs. Doc watched a moment or two, shook his head, shifted his medical bag from one hand to the other, then left the Long Branch.

Standing on the boardwalk corner across the side alley from the Long Branch, Julia pretended to be studying the products on display in front of the general store. She kept a wary eye out for Doc Adams, to see where he went. He angled across the dirt alley and Julia inched toward the corner, seeing him climb a flight of wooden steps. His shingle hung on the side of the building. Julia made a mental note of his office location.

Trying not to attract attention to herself, Julia slowly walked along the boardwalk, reviewing all she had been able to learn. A stolen coffin and a woman who seemed to have all the symptoms that indicated a vampire attack. Unless this area was rife with vampires, and she doubted it, for the doctor had said he’d never seen anything like it before, Julia was nearly certain it was Barnabas who was responsible for both incidents. But how could she find him? He could be hiding anywhere, and she couldn’t be certain Barnabas would even be looking for her. So much depended on his own mental state. He could be acting on nothing but instinct or he could be acting logically and rationally. She just didn’t know.

Pausing in front of a restaurant, Julia glanced over her shoulder. The best way to find Barnabas would be to intercept him before he could call for or go to his victim again. To do that, she would have to be with the victim. Taking a deep breath and nodding her head once, Julia turned around and headed back the way she’d come.

Knocking on the door to Doctor G. Adams’ office, Julia took a deep breath and waited for an answer. She jumped slightly when the door opened and she faced the local physician.

“Hello.”

“Good day. Are you Doctor Adams?”

“I am.”

“I’m Julia Collins. May I speak to you for a moment?”

Adams nodded and stepped aside to let Julia into his office. She glanced around and accepted his offer of a cup of coffee. She sat in a chair and faced him as he sat at his roll top desk.

“Now, what can I do for you Miss...”

“Mrs. Collins.”

“What can I do for you, Mrs. Collins?”

“My husband and I are new to the area. In fact, he sent me on ahead and will be joining me in a few days. I find myself running a bit short on funds, I’m afraid we underestimated some of the costs involved. I’ve had extensive medical training and a good deal of experience. I was wondering if you might be in need of an assistant, to help with the patients, watch the office while you’re out on calls, assist with surgeries...”

Doc was studying her closely and Julia let her voice trail off. She didn’t want to push and scare him off. Slowly Adams sipped his coffee, then blinked.

“I’ve been on my own in practice so long I’m not sure I’d know what to do with help. I admit it would be nice to have someone who knows what she is doing helping with surgeries instead of whoever is handy... Let’s see what you know.”

Doc began to quiz Julia on anatomy, then the treatments for various common ailments, followed by a demonstration of her knowledge of the surgical instruments and the care of wounds. He nodded thoughtfully and met her gaze.

“You’re very well grounded, in more than the basics, Mrs. Collins. If I were to take you on, I’d want it to be a long term association. Are you certain your husband won’t mind your working?”

Julia hesitated a moment, then nodded.

“Yes. It is how we met, and he knows how important medicine is to me.”

Julia told Doc Adams no more than the truth. Before they’d married, she and Barnabas had a long discussion about continuing her career. Having a wife who actually worked outside the home was unheard of to Barnabas. Julia maintained she needed the challenge and activity of her career to keep her from being bored. Julia also pointed out that if she were to continue to be called upon to act as physician for the family’s medical needs, she would have to keep her accreditation current, thus giving her access to any supplies she might need, including the ingredients she could not keep on hand for Barnabas’ serum - should he ever need it again.

Doc Adams nodded slowly as he removed his glasses and returned them to their case, placing the case in his shirt pocket. He looked Julia in the eyes and she met his gaze levelly.

“Tell me something, Mrs. Collins.”

“All right.”

“You’ve not told me exactly what kind of medical training you’ve had. Something tells me it is more extensive than you have implied.”

Julia breathed slowly, knowing her answer could keep her from getting this job, but also knowing Doctor Adams was a shrewd man. He was used to reading people by actions, and indications rather than words. Finally, Julia nodded.

“I’m a trained and licensed physician.”

Adams nodded, remembering well the extreme competence of another female doctor he’d known. He blinked, tears threatening when he thought of Sam McTavish, then he leaned forward and held a hand out to Julia. She took it and they shook.

“Welcome, Doctor Collins.”

“Thank you, Doctor Adams.”

“Now, I have some calls to make, and it will take me most of the day, but I have one patient I’m kind of concerned about. She’s...”

Julia listened while Doc outlined Kitty’s condition. She knew precisely what the problems was, but she couldn’t admit it to her fellow physician. Perhaps she could do something to help when she went over to sit with Miss Russell.

Matt Dillon paused outside the door to Kitty’s suite of rooms above the Long Branch, and listened. There was no sound or movement, so he knocked lightly then let himself in. Kitty was asleep in bed, the shades drawn against the morning light. Matt crossed to her side, studied her for a long moment, then sat down and reached for her hand. She stirred slightly, slowly opened her eyes and smiled drowsily.

“Matt...”

“Are you all right, Kitty?”

“Tired.”

“I saw Doc downstairs, he told me what happened. Do you remember anything more?”

“... No.”

Dillon nodded and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Can I get you anything? Doc said you should eat something - maybe some soup?”

Kitty shook her head and moaned slightly. The thought of food was almost more than she could handle. Matt chuckled softly and nodded.

“All right. Get some more rest, Kitty. I’ll come by again this afternoon.”

“Sure.”

Again Kitty smiled weakly, then drifted back to sleep. Matt watched her for a long while. Finally he stood and quietly left her room, closing the door behind him. He left the Long Branch and headed over to Doc’s office. Entering, he paused briefly when he saw Doc was with a patient.

“Sorry. I’ll come back later, Doc.”

“No, Matt, wait. I’m glad you’re here. This is Julia Collins - Doctor Julia Collins. She’s going to be working with me, and I’ve asked her to sit with Kitty today while I’m out on calls.”

Matt removed his hat and nodded once to Julia as he nailed Doc with a hard look.

“You said Kitty would be all right.”

“She will be, Matt, but I’m... I’m just kind of worried about her. Doctor Collins has done extensive work with blood diseases and problems, and considering the blood Kitty seems to have lost... well, I’ll just feel better, having her with Kitty, just in case.”

“If you’re sure, Doc. Pleased to meet you, Doctor Collins.”

“Julia, Matt Dillon. He’s the U.S. Marshal in these parts, and a good friend of Kitty’s.”

Julia reached to shake Matt’s hand and met his gaze.

“Marshal. I’ll take good care of her.”

Matt nodded, then looked back to Doc Adams.

“Kitty is why I stopped by. I just left her, but wasn’t able to get her to eat anything. She just didn’t seem interested.”

“I’ll see what I can do, Doctor.”

Matt and Doc both nodded, then Doc reached for his bag.

“I’ll take you over to Kitty’s and let Sam know what’s going on.”

“Doc, could I see you for a moment?”

Julia smiled and nodded.

“I’ll wait outside. Excuse me.”

She nodded to Matt as he opened the outer door for her, and she started down the steps, but paused when the door to Doc’s office closed. Listening carefully, Julia heard the Marshal ask Doctor Adams about the missing coffin. Adams expressed surprise and bewilderment, but had no suggestions for the reason or who might be in need of one. Julia bit her bottom lip as she continued down the stairs.

A few moments later, Dillon, followed by Doc Adams came down the stairs. Matt nodded to her as she turned to see Doc carrying an extra medical bag. He handed it to her, and together they walked the short distance to the Long Branch.

Julia knew simply by Kitty’s reactions that it was nearly sunset. Asleep since she’d arrived in her room, Kitty slowly became restless and agitated. Moving the chair on which she sat closer to the bed so she could more easily prevent Kitty from going anywhere, Julia watched the woman closely. She smiled gently when Kitty opened her eyes, and frowned.

“Who are you?”

“Julia Collins. Doctor Adams asked me to sit with you while he is out making calls.”

“Why? I’m fine.”

“Doctor Adams was rather worried about you earlier today.”

“There was no need for it. I’m fine, and I don’t need to be looked after. You can leave. I have to get ready for work.”

“I don’t think I should. Doctor Adams would be rather unhappy if I left before he has a chance to examine you again. You’ve been sleeping most of the day. Would you like something to eat?”

“No, I just want to be left alone.”

“So you’ve said, but for now, I think I’ll stay here.”

Kitty glared at the strange woman, then slowly turned her head to look toward the window. Behind the drawn shades, the sky was slowly darkening and Kitty felt an uncontrollable, overwhelming need to get out of bed and slip out the back door to the alley. Glancing over at the woman called Julia, certain she was otherwise occupied, Kitty slowly and carefully moved the covers aside and stood from her bed. She headed for the door to her room, only to find it blocked by Julia Collins.

“Get out of my way.”

“I can’t do that.”

“You don’t understand, I have to go...”

“I do understand, and you can’t leave here, Kitty.”

“I must. He’ll... No!”

Kitty tried to rush Julia, but Julia was ready for her, caught Kitty by the arms and wouldn’t let her past. Kitty slumped in Julia’s arms, and Julia helped her back to bed, then turned the lamp down low and stood quietly in the shadows. She hoped that, via Kitty, Barnabas would realize where she was, but also knew he might be beyond logic and reason, knowing only the need for blood.

Keeping a wary eye on Kitty, Julia stepped further back into the shadows, knowing Barnabas was near by Kitty’s reactions. Her restlessness calmed and she opened her eyes, staring ahead of her toward the door to her room.

Julia heard the hall door open, allowing piano music from downstairs to briefly fill the air, then it became more distant as the door closed. She tensed, hearing, then seeing Barnabas as he moved across the room toward Kitty in the bed. He was intent on her, his physical senses alert to external noise, but his gaze and mind focused on Kitty. Knowing it was dangerous, but also necessary, Julia stepped forward and into his path.

“Barnabas.”

He snarled, revealing his fangs, then he realized who had interrupted him. He pulled back and looked away.

“No,... Julia.”

He mastered himself, then looked back at Julia, his gaze darting toward Kitty.

“Julia, I must...”

“I know, Barnabas, but not her. I’ll explain later.”

“Julia... I need blood! I’m what I was. I must...”

“Not her, Barnabas. It’s too dangerous.”

“Then who, Julia? Not you. I will not harm you this way, you know that.”

“Yes, Barnabas, I know. There are other.... options.”

Julia stepped forward and took Barnabas’ hand, meeting his gaze. She was not afraid of him, his needs or any power he might try to exert over her. Julia knew she was safe with him, no matter how strong his need for blood became. Barnabas nodded reluctantly, then once more looked at Kitty.

“Are you all right, Julia?”

“Yes. Barnabas, there is an abandoned house at the far end of this street, across from an empty lot. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Meet me there after...”

“I’m sorry, Julia.”

Barnabas touched her cheek lightly, then was gone. Julia turned back to her patient. Kitty was restless again, but Julia knew she was in no immediate danger. Julia was certain Barnabas trusted her and would follow her advise, even if he didn’t know her reasons for giving it.

Hearing someone in the hall outside the door, Julia straightened from examining Kitty as Doctor Adams entered, followed by Matt Dillon. She smiled at them, glanced at Kitty, then joined the men on the far side of the room. Julia noticed the intense worry in Matt Dillon’s eyes as he looked over at Kitty, only glancing back toward Doc and herself when they spoke.

“How’s she doing?”

“Resting quietly. She slept most of the day, was awake for a few minutes just before sundown, then fell back to sleep. She wasn’t awake long enough to get any nourishment into her.”

Doc nodded as he ambled over toward her bed, able to tell by Kitty’s color and breathing that she was improved from that morning. Julia joined him by the bed and reported the results of her exam, and Doc nodded again. He gave Matt a quick glance and a nod, them met Julia’s gaze.

“I suspect she will sleep through the night, and be greatly improved come morning.”

“Have you encountered cases like this before, Doctor Collins?”

Julia heard Matt shift a bit but did not look away from Doc Adams. She could hardly tell the man the truth, so Julia looked at Kitty and studied her a long moment, then looked back to Doc.

“Not exactly like this, but similar. The ailment was short lived and the recovery very swift.”

Adams rubbed his hand over his mustache, then stuffed his hands in his pockets. He again nodded.

“I hope you’re right. We’ll see, come morning. Thank you for staying with her, Julia. Go get some rest. I’ll see you up to the office tomorrow morning.”

“All right. Good night Doctor, Marshal.”

Julia smiled at each man, then left the room as she heard Dillon cross the floor to join Doc by Kitty’s bed, asking if she really would be all right. Julia didn’t hear the reply, and knew that no matter how much knowledge she had of Kitty’s condition, she couldn’t share it, couldn’t do anything to endanger Barnabas. She hated being in that particular position, but had experienced it before and feared she probably would again so long as the vampire curse was a part of her life with Barnabas.

Entering the abandoned house by the same back entrance she’d previously used, Julia listened hard for sounds of Barnabas’ presence. She stepped into the front room and quietly watched while a shadow moved, then emerged from the other shadows. It was Barnabas, and she knew simply from his posture that he had been able to find what he needed elsewhere.

“Julia.”

“Barnabas, are you all right?”

“For another night, yes, but... Julia, how did you come to be in that room, with that woman?”

Julia crossed the floor to join Barnabas, then took his hand and led him to the spot where she’d spent the previous night. He glanced around, then sank down beside Julia and met her gaze.

“I found this place last night. It’s safe for now. This morning I overheard the undertaker report a stolen coffin to the Marshal, and I knew.”

Barnabas nodded as he stared at the ground. He knew none of this was his fault, his doing, but he still felt guilty and responsible. Julia gave his hands a squeeze and smiled when he looked up at her.

“When I heard about Kitty’s symptoms, I was certain.”

“Kitty?”

“Kitty Russell, the woman whose room I was in. She owns the saloon.”

“I see.”

“Barnabas, she’s also... Well, no one will openly admit to anything, but I got the distinct impression she and the Marshal are more than ‘just friends’. That’s why I was so insistent you go elsewhere tonight. I was in her room because I went to the town doctor, presented my credentials, and have been hired as his assistant. I’ll take his office hours while he’s out making calls.”

Barnabas nodded as he glanced over Julia’s shoulder, then reached into his pocket and withdrew the Circle of Rings. He held it with one hand and both stared at it.

“If I knew more about this, if I knew its powers and how to use them, I would take us out of here now, Julia.”

“I know... Barnabas, I told Doctor Adams that I came ahead to find a place to live, and that you will be joining me in a few days. I know this place is rather centrally located, but I also think it will be safe for you during the time we are here.”

Collins glanced around, grateful for Julia’s ability to think clearly in most any situation. So often his vampire needs and instincts took control and he could do nothing but what he was compelled to do.

“Is there a cellar?”

“Yes, and a storage room down there that we can be certain is sealed against any light that may make its way that far into the house.”

Barnabas reached for Julia and pulled her into his embrace. He held her closely and felt Julia settle her arms around his waist, her head resting on his chest. They had married just over five months before, quietly and with no hoopla. While cleaning out a corner of the attic prior to moving some furniture up there for storage, they had come across a trunk belonging to Bartholomew Collins. In that trunk had been the Circle of Rings, which they’d shown to Eliot, who began researching its powers and history.

“I’m glad you’re here, Julia.”

She chuckled and gave Barnabas a gentle squeeze, then eased back to look into his eyes.

“So am I. There’s a trunk of clothes over there with a suit or two that should fit you... Barnabas, what are we going to do about money?”

He sighed heavily as he held Julia’s hand. During previous trips into the past, they had always been in Collinsport and near the Old House, where Barnabas could access his hidden stash of jewels to sell for cash. Now they only possessed what was on their persons when the Circle’s powers had sent them to this place.

“You’ve done enough for one day, Julia. I’ll solve that problem - somehow. Rest now.”

Barnabas pulled Julia back into his embrace and settled them both for the night. He smiled and placed a light kiss on her head as he felt her relax into sleep. He would wait to move his coffin until it was certain they could rent this place, but he trusted Julia’s judgment and knew he need look no further for a safe hiding place.

Matt Dillon paused outside the abandoned house as he made his rounds of the town. He thought he’d heard movement and whispered voices inside, but as he listened carefully, all was silent. From where he stood, he could not see Kitty’s second floor window at the Long Branch and he felt his pulse race just a bit as he thought about her, worried about her. He knew Doc said she would be all right, but he needed to know, for sure, for himself. He started forward again, planning to finish his rounds and spend the night sitting beside Kitty. That way, he could be sure.

Barnabas woke Julia just before dawn. They made arrangements to meet that evening as soon after sundown as possible, then Barnabas kissed Julia and left the house.

Just as Barnabas was settling down for the day, Kitty Russell began to stir. She rolled over and opened her eyes, blinking against the strengthening day light. A large, very familiar form was asleep in the chair by her bed, and Kitty frowned, puzzled as to why Matt was sleeping there. Kitty propped herself on an elbow and reached out to touch Dillon’s arm.

“Matt.”

He started awake, then smiled lazily and sat forward, his gaze locking with Kitty’s.

“Morning, Red.”

“Why are you over there?”

Dillon studied Kitty a moment, then sat forward even more.

“I was worried about you, Kitty.”

“Since when does that entail sleeping in the chair and not with me?”

“Because you were pretty out of it yesterday, and I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“I don’t follow, Matt.”

Kitty sat up more completely and faced Dillon. He glanced down a moment. Doc had told him Kitty’s memory might be a bit sketchy.

“What’s the last thing you remember, Kitty?”

“Coming upstairs to get ready for bed.”

“What night was that?”

“Last night - Tuesday.”

“That was two nights ago, Kitty. Today is Thursday.”

Frowning, Kitty shook her head, trying to remember something - anything - about the previous day. Vague images and strange voices teased across her memory, but she could grasp nothing.

“Why? What happened?”

“Doc said you were unconscious, had maybe tripped and hit your head. He also though you maybe cut yourself, because he found traces of blood on the pillow. You came around enough for him to talk to you, but you couldn’t remember what had happened.”

“I still can’t. Matt...”

He smiled gently and took Kitty’s hand, patting it, then he moved over to sit on the bed, meeting her gaze steadily.

“It will come back to you. How do you feel now?”

“Still a little tired...”

“Maybe because you haven’t had anything to eat since supper on Tuesday. Feel up to breakfast at Delmonicos?”

“Are you buying?”

“Anything you like.”

Kitty chuckled, then got out of bed and began to get ready for the day.

“Matt, who is that woman?”

Arm around Kitty’s waist, Matt followed the direction of her nod, to see Julia Collins crossing the street ahead of them and heading toward Doc’s second floor office above the General Store.

“Her name is Julia Collins, a doctor. She’s working with Doc now.”

“Since when?”

“Yesterday. Why?”

“Was she in my room yesterday?”

“Most of the day. Doc had her sitting with you while he was out on calls. Do you remember her?”

“No, not really, just... I think I remember that she wouldn’t let me go someplace I knew I had to be, wouldn’t let me leave my room.”

Dillon pursed his lips to prevent himself from chuckling, and pushed his hat further back on his head.

“She stopped you from doing something you were set on doing? I’ll have to tell Doc he’s not paying her enough.”

Kitty glared at Dillon, then smiled when she saw the teasing gleam in his eyes. She chuckled and shook her head as they continued on their way to Delmonicos and breakfast. Kitty frowned to herself briefly as she remembered a bit more about the woman and her determination to keep Kitty from leaving the room. Kitty recalled a hushed conversation with someone else, a man, but no more. She’d have to ask Doc about it later. Right then she was hungry and intended to make good use of Matt’s willingness to buy.

Warned by Doc that many of his patients might be unwilling to be examined by her, and that some would be downright rude about it, Julia nodded and told him she was used to such responses. She’d experienced the distrust of patients for a woman doctor and knew if she waited long enough and they got to feeling bad enough, they would come around. Doc chuckled his agreement, gave Julia a tour of the office and supplies, then ambled off to begin a day of making calls, beginning with Kitty Russell. Julia sat back at the desk and opened one of Doc’s medical books, wanting to familiarize herself with the state of medicine almost one hundred years prior to when she’d begun her studies.

The sound of hesitant footsteps coming up the stairs distracted Julia from her reading. She glanced up and stood, opening the door seconds after someone knocked. A young woman stood unsteadily on the top step, her gaze going wide with surprise when Julia rather than Doc opened the door.

“Hello.”

“Is... is Doc in?”

“No, he’s out on calls. I’m his assistant, Doctor Collins. May I help you?”

“No, I don’t think...”

The young woman started to swoon. Julia reached for her arms to support her and helped her inside, then over to the exam table, where she helped her lie down.

“I’ll... I’ll wait for Doc and come back later.”

The woman tried to sit up, but felt too ill to do so. Julia shook her head and eased the woman back down to the table.

“I don’t think you’d better get up just yet. Lie still for a few moments.”

The woman swallowed hard, admitting to herself she didn’t think she could stand, even if she had help. Julia suspected she knew what the problem was, but did not push it. She couldn’t have this woman run out of the office, only to pass out and fall down the stairs.

“How are you feeling now?”

“... A little better...”

“Do you mind if I ask what happened?”

AI... don’t know. I woke up feeling so tired and weak.”

Julia kept the young woman, who said her name was Opal Cartwright, talking while she did a quick examination, confirming Opal had been Barnabas’ blood source the night before when she saw the bite marks on her neck. Julia did what she could for Opal and allowed her to rest until late afternoon, when she sent her home.

An emergency kept Julia at Doc’s later than she’d anticipated. He’d been back to his office for half an hour and Julia was just finishing her account of the patients who’d come by to see Doc and the very, very few who’d allowed her to examine them when a young farm wife brought her badly injured husband to town in the back of their wagon. Knowing she was to meet Barnabas as soon after sundown as possible, but also knowing she couldn’t leave Doc to care for the farmer by himself, Julia lent her assistance. She glanced out the window at the approaching dusk, hoped Barnabas would be patient, and concentrated on helping Doc Adams.

Barnabas moved cautiously through the back alleys of Dodge City, making his way toward the house he hoped would serve as his safe haven until he and Julia could return to their own time. He did not sense Julia’s presence inside, but was not overly concerned. If she were not there, he would spend the time re-exploring the house to be certain it would meet his needs.

Just as Barnabas was about to enter the house through the back door, the urge for blood became very strong. He moaned silently to himself and leaned against the wooden door frame. He’d fed the night before and hoped he would not need to now, but he was beginning to realize that each time he reverted, he lost whatever progress had been previously made when he was cured. Barnabas was also realizing that the closer in time he was to 1795 -- when he originally became a vampire -- the more demanding his need for blood became. He was now eighty years later in time from that event and his need for blood was still extremely insistent.

Straightening, Barnabas glanced around quickly, then continued along the alley. He was certain he would soon find someone to meet his needs.

Kitty Russell smiled across the table at Matt Dillon. She’d made dinner for them, assuring Matt she felt just fine and was fully recovered from whatever had kept her in bed a couple of days before. Privately, Kitty suspected she had kind of worried Matt, as he’d been a bit more attentive than usual the past couple of days, and she was going to enjoy the added attention while she could. All too soon Matt’s focus would be somewhere else -- on a bank or stage robbery, on some outlaw gang, on some range war or some crime that would take him away from her and place him in danger again. That danger had been a constant companion since the day she first met Matt, since the day they had both pretended not to notice each other across the crowded restaurant. Kitty had every intention of just passing through Dodge City that day, but... then she’d seen Matt and somehow managed to miss her stage. She’d never regretted missing that stage, although there were times when she contemplated catching the next one out of town. Slowly Kitty shook her head as she smiled to herself.

Dillon watched Kitty closely while he chewed his steak. He was still a little worried about her. Normally Kitty had the constitution of an ox, and didn’t catch whatever was going around. In all the years he’d known her, with all the people contact she had, Matt could recall less than a half dozen times that illness had kept Kitty from working and in her bed all day. He knew she said she was fine, but still he was worried.

“More coffee, Matt?”

He nodded yes and mumbled his thanks around a mouthful of beef as he held his cup out for Kitty to refill. Before she could begin pouring the coffee into the cup, Kitty felt... something... rush through her mind. She felt as if she had to go somewhere, that if she didn’t go, she would be in danger. Slowly Kitty began to rise from her chair, and experienced a moment of intense panic and anger when she could move no further. Something - someone - was restraining her, just like before. Kitty tried to struggle, to escape, but could not. Gradually a very familiar, stern, but worried voice came through to her. She blinked and looked up into the worried eyes of Matt Dillon. He held her by her elbows, and she shook her head, confused.

“Matt?”

“Kitty, are you all right?”

He helped her back over toward the table and into a chair across from where she’d been sitting. She felt odd, and gave an anxious start when she heard a dog howl on the street below.

“I... I don’t know. What happened?”

“You got kind of a far off look in your eyes -- the same kind Doc gets when Festus starts on one of his Haggen kin, then you put the coffee pot down, stood and headed for the door.”

“Why did you stop me?!”

Matt hesitated at the nearly hysterical tone in Kitty’s voice. That wasn’t like her at all. He studied her a moment, then slid his hands from her elbows, and down her arms to take her hands in his. He shook his head, the worry still clearly evident on his face and in his eyes.

“You were muttering something about going to him; that he was waiting for you, that he needed you... You scared me Kitty. You looked like... like the other day when you were so sick...”

Kitty shook her head, unable to remember anything but a compelling feeling to go somewhere.

“How do you feel now?”

Kitty shook her head again and looked up to meet Matt’s worried gaze. She held his hands and squeezed tightly.

“Confused, lost... as if I need to do something, go somewhere, but don’t know where.”

“Would you like me to get Doc?”

“No! He can’t help me... Just... just stay with me, Matt.”

He smiled and leaned forward to kiss her gently.

“You’ve got it, Kitty.”

Kitty smiled weakly, then looked down at her hands, clasped in Matt’s strong ones. She looked back up at Matt, instinctively knowing that whatever was happening was something Matt wouldn’t be able to protect her from.

“Barnabas?”

Julia stepped into the shadows of the darkened house and listened carefully. She was much later than she had planned to be, and hoped Barnabas hadn’t grown too impatient waiting for her.

“I am here, Julia.”

He stepped from the shadows and joined Julia on the far side of the room, drawing her into his embrace and holding her tightly for a long moment.

“Barnabas?”

“I hate this, Julia. I hate what I am and hate what I must do because of it. Tonight... was unbearable, overwhelming...”

Julia held Barnabas close but said nothing. There was nothing she could say “ are tired.”

“It was a long day, but I do have some good news.”

Barnabas smiled as he drew Julia over to the sleeping area and eased them both down to the floor. They spoke in whispers so that anyone passing by on the street would not hear them.

“During my lunch break I made inquiries about this house and learned it is for rent. Doctor Adams told me the asking price is a reasonable one, and was willing to advance me enough money from my pay so I can rent it tomorrow. Mr. Bodkin, the banker, seemed a little uneasy dealing with me and asked after my husband, but was eager to rent the place anyway. Apparently the last tenants skipped out in the middle of the night, owing back rent. His implication was they were one step ahead of Marshall Dillon.”

“Julia, we must not rely on the doctor’s generosity. Tomorrow... I’d like you to take this to the bank and see if Mr. Bodkin will give you a small loan with this as collateral.”

Barnabas removed his silver and onyx ring from his finger and placed it in Julia’s hand. She stared at him, but he shook his head to silence her protest.

“Make arrangements so that when we return to our own time and place, the loan can be paid off and I reclaim it then.”

Julia just nodded and slipped Barnabas’ ring into the pocket of her skirt. Then Barnabas pulled the Circle of Rings from his jacket pocket and look at it critically.

“If I knew how this worked...”

“Why do you suppose it brought us here?”

“I do not know, Julia, unless it is somehow... connected to this place. Perhaps it is here Bartholomew Collins first obtained it, or this is from where its power originated.”

Julia nodded and placed her hands on Barnabas’ arms as he held the circle with both hands.

“Barnabas, try to get us back.”

He glanced at Julia, met her gaze, then nodded. He closed his eyes, trying to recall what David had said.

“We call upon the spirit of Bartholomew Collins, asking his guidance and knowledge, desiring his assistance in using the Circle of Rings to return us from whence we came.”

Both waited for several long moments, but felt nothing. Their surroundings did not change. Julia sighed and slid her arms around Barnabas waist as he lowered the ring and returned it to his pocket.

“There is a stage arriving from points east about an hour after sundown tomorrow, Barnabas. There is also an eleven fifteen train the next night.”

“The train, I think. That will give you a chance to secure this place, and none will think it odd if we are up later than the rest of the town.”

“All right. Barnabas, earlier when you said tonight was so difficult...”

“Yes...”

“In what way?”

“My needs are... stronger, more intense. I am not able to resist or delay as long as I once could. Why?”

“The girl from last night was one of my patients today. She was weak, confused, frightened -- all the usual symptoms, but they seemed... amplified to a degree.”

“I needed more blood than is safe to take, Julia. I tried to restrain myself, but... Tonight it was the same.”

“I’ll check the supplies Doctor Adams keeps in his office. Perhaps I will be able to create a cruder variation of the serum that will at least dull your needs.”

“Please...”

Barnabas’ voice was soft with desperation, and Julia once again looked up to meet his gaze.

“None of this matters, Barnabas. I still love you.”

“I know, but I want so much more for you, I do not want you to have to endure... this, because of what I am.”

“What you are brought us together, Barnabas. I fell in love with you when you were at your worst, and nothing has been able to change that -- nothing will ever be able to change it.”

Barnabas smiled with appreciation and love, kissed Julia, then settled down beside her for the night, both knowing the morning would arrive all too quickly.

 Part Two