Winds Of Eternity Part 23

"She's in shock, Barnabas. She hasn't spoken a word since - since Chris died. His note said she was to be sent to you - or here."46.

"Yes. I promised Chris once that if anything ever happened to him that I would take care of her."

"She reminds you of - Sarah, doesn't she?"

His smile was tinged with the sadness that remembering his dear little sister brought. "She's like Sarah in several ways." His shoulders set in determination. "I have to see her."

Julia sighed with relief. He was showing an interest - a real interest, in something at last. "I hoped you would want to. Chris' lawyer brought her here. He has a sealed letter for you from Chris."

"Then I'd better speak to him first. Have you called Quentin?"

"I wasn't sure I should."

"He has to be told."

"You're right. I'll do it now." She dialed the number.

"Collinwood."

"Mrs. Johnson. It's Julia Hoffman. Is Quentin there?"

"He's in the drawing room, Doctor. How is Mr. Barnabas?"

"Better. I need to speak to Quentin."

"I'll get him for you."

The next voice was Quentin's. "Julia. What's up?"

"I think you'd better get up here right away."

"Why?"

"Amy was admitted today. Chris -Chris committed suicide a week ago."

"My - " She could tell he was struggling to control his reaction so not to alarm anyone with him. "I'll be there as soon as possible."

"Amy talked a lot about you, Mr. Collins. She thought as much of you as she did her brother."

"The feeling is mutual, Mr. Danvers," Barnabas said. "Amy is very important to me."

"Here's the letter Chris addressed to you. I've already given Dr. Hoffman the will."

"Thank you. And thank you for bringing Amy to me."

"I didn't mind. Would it be alright if I see her before I leave, Dr. Hoffman?"

"Of course.

"I want to say good-bye."

Julia closed the door behind him and turned to where Barnabas stood, unmoving, staring at the envelope in his hands. "Are you going to read it?"

"I know what it says," he said with a sigh. "But - " He used the letter opener on her desk to slit the flap and then removed the letter.

"Barnabas,

As I write this, Amy is asleep in her room, a drug induced sleep to make her forget Sabrina's death earlier tonight. She told me that a giant wolf killed Sabrina. I know it was the werewolf. There was no full moon last night. I was at my office, intending to work late when the pains started. I tried to call Sabrina, to warn her, to let her know I was going to my hiding place. I didn't make it, obviously.

I can't go on any longer. Waking up every day wondering if Amy would suffer the same fate as Sabrina - I know it's the coward's way out, and that Amy may never forgive me. I just hope she will understand why I had to choose this way. I'm sending her to you, knowing that you'll take care of her as if she were your own sister.

I will leave it to your discretion about when to tell her about the curse. She will have to be told. This curse must end.

Thank you for all you and Julia tried to do for me, and take care of Amy.

Chris."

Barnabas looked at Julia. "He's right, Julia. It has to end."47.

"I agree, Barnabas. But you can't tell Amy."

"Not right now," he agreed. "When can I see her?"

Paula was just leaving Amy's room when she saw Barnabas and smiled. "Mr. Collins. I had heard you were back."

"Miss - Steele, isn't it?"

"Yes," she said, smiling, flattered that he remembered her name.

Julia's voice was more sharp than she planned when she spoke. "Any change, nurse?"

"No, doctor. She just sits there. It's like there's no one else in the room with her."

"You're going off duty, aren't you?"

"In a few minutes. Dr. Mitch.e.l.l's still in there. I hope I'll see you again, Mr. Collins," she said, then departed quickly at Julia's look.

Barnabas followed Julia into the room. "Stay here a moment," she told him softly, then crossed to the chair where Amy sat. Lee looked up. "Danvers just left. She didn't respond at all."

"I didn't think she would." Kneeling, she said, "Amy, there's someone here who wants to see you." She motioned for Barnabas to approach.

Stopping before the girl, he spoke softly. "Amy."

Julia and Lee exchanged glances, confirming the tensing of Amy's hands in her lap. Julia nodded encouragement to Barnabas.

"I heard about Chris and Sabrina. I'm very sorry."

The red head slowly lifted as Barnabas knelt. "B-Barnabas?"