Newly arrived in Collinsport, Nicole Collins, having taken up residence in the “Old House”, finds there are those in the village who have long memories. For Nikki Collins has found that among many residents of the small village there had been a sense of relief with the ancient house was partially burned six years ago — bit now that she has restored the old structure and taken up residence, so that a Collins lives there again, there are those who have begun to less than quietly whisper about this young cousin from England. The whispers now growing louder as they discover the name of her father.

Nikki Collins is taking a leisurely stroll along the dusk darkened avenue of Collinport’s business district, when two visitors approach her. “Miss, we hate to bother you, but do you know anything about this structure?” They ask. The first gentleman introduces himself as Dr. Artemis from the Miskatonic University, in Arkham Massachusetts; and motioning to his friend, announces that he is Mr. Rhyaad de’Annar. They are enthralled with the pyramid structure that has been built on the Shinning Ankh Interfaith Ministries campus. Nikki explains that she knows very little about the Interfaith Ministries, other than the fact that her cousin, David Collins, has allowed them to build an educational center and temple. As their conversation continues, they decide to cross the street to one of Collinsport’s finer restaurants in order to enjoy a cup of tea. Inside the discussion continues as Dr. Artemis and Mr. de’Annar seek more information regarding the Shinning Ankh Interfaith Ministries, the Doctor seems particular interested in knowing more about their beliefs. But, looking at the time, the Doctor must excuse himself as he has to be back in Arkham for a meeting of university staff. Mr. de’Annar remains to continue his conversation with the fascinating Nikki Collins, who has captured his attention. He observes how she seems to look longingly out the window into the lowering night; how she seems to move with such a sensuous grace; how her hands seem to express themselves with these wonderful languid flourishes; how she seems to blink as if remembering at times to do so; how blue her eyes are. More importantly, how they seems to shift shades of blue to reflect her moods. A very tall and strikingly beautiful woman soon arrives and walks over to the table in response to a motion from Nikki. She is Satset from the Interfaith Ministries. Nikki informs her of Mr. de’Annar, as well as a Dr. Artemis. “From the Miskatonic?” Satset asks. “Yes,” Nikki replies. “They are both very interested in learning more about the Interfaith.” Mr. de’Annar and Satset begin a conversation about the Shinning Ankh Interfaith Ministry. At some point it becomes obvious to Mr. de’Annar that the restaurant staff seems to be intentionally ignoring them. Mr. de’Annar happens to overhear one of the waiters, in an whispered argument with another waiter, as he his rather forcibly declining to wait on the table, explaining that he is not going anywhere “near her.” “But, you know she is,” the other waiter tries to explain. Mr. de’Annar asks those at the table if anyone other than myself has noticed how they are being rudely ignored. Nikki responds by telling him she has had found “there are some here who don’t seem to take well to strangers.” “In a tourist town?” He asks incredulous. At first it would appear that Nikki’s comment may concern some prejudice on the part of the village toward members of the Interfaith, and in particular Satset, but then Mr. de’Annar overhears the waiter say, “Well, I don’t give a damn whether she is a Collins or not. I am not waiting on that table, period.” His suspicions are aroused. Once more observing the languid movements of the young woman seated across from him, as well as the occasional look of some preoccupation as she glances out the window into the night beyond, he asks rather pointedly: “Have you had any trouble being accepted here in town, seeing as how you are a stranger also.” Nikki idly running her fingers back through her hair, smiles, “It is most likely because of me that they are ignoring the table. There are those who didn’t seem to think very kindly of my father.” Mr. de’Annar, irritated by the rude service rises and goes over to the waiters demanding some service, which he gets. In the distance the sound of a dog howling can be heard, and he notes how Nikki seems to respond to the sound by her blue eyes growing darker. “You said something about your father, Miss Collins, and who might that be?” Mr. de’Annar asks. “Barnabas Collins.” Nikki says as the waiter arrives. Mr. de’Annar takes note of the name but does not say anything. When the waiter takes the order and Nikki does not order anything he begins now to grow far more suspicious of her true nature, for Mr. de’Annar shares that nature with her. Arising from the table, Nikki excuses herself and leaves Mr. de’Annar and Satset to continue their conversation. As she exits, she turns slowly and levels a gaze upon the waiter who refused to serve her table. He drops several dishes. Nikki smiles and turns to leave. Stepping out into the night, she is thrilled to feel the wind in her hair. Outside the restaurant, Nikki walks into the darkness beyond a streetlight and seems to fade away.

Cue end of episode music

 

 

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