In Plain Sight

Collinsport. Dr. Artemis from the Mistatonic University has mysteriously journeyed from legend haunted Arkham to the dark shadows of Collinsport in order to enlist the aid of Nichole Collins. A request, which Nichole finds to be as oddly suspicious as it is flattering, seeing as how the doctor has long made it known his feelings toward the Undead. And so on her way back home to the Old House she takes note that there are lights on at the Nightingale. As she seeks advice from Rhyaad, she will soon find even more disturbing facts concerning the present dangers confronting her by clues concealed within the past.

Act 1
Nikki had closed up Collins Investigations for the night. On her way, on her way home . . . and she decided to give Rhyaad a call, he was just closing up the Nightingale – Nikki checks the time, 12:12. She told him she would stop by.

“Good evening, Nikki. “ Rhyaad says as Nikki strolls over to the table, “I’ve tried to reach Esther but she’s unavailable. And Meili may or may not return.”

“Ah, well, Esther was headed home, and her cell battery . . . needs recharging.”

He nods, “I would suggest she get an extra battery—at times like these, with madmen and necromancers running about, it’s wise to have a back-up battery.”

Nikki smiles and nods, “Yes, times like these.” She looks over at Elanor, who seems to be looking not at her but through her, as if she were not there.

He motions to an empty chair, ‘Glass of blood my lady,” He grins and points to the gold stemmed goblet.

“I am not interrupting anything?” She asks.

Rhyaad shakes his head, “Oh, no. Elanor has been in Collinsport more often recently. I think there was just so much unpleasantness in Scarlet Creek. But you’d have to ask her about that.”

Nikki saunters over and lazily takes a seat. She lifts her glass and smiles noting that it has been warmed; she takes a sip.

“Troubles in Scarlet Creek? Elanor, what unpleasantness is happening there of late.” Nikki asks, aware, even as Rhyaad never seems to be, that Elanor will not answer. Elanor looks at Rhyaad and continues to pretend Nikki is not there.

Nikki settles back in her chair prepared to listen to all of Elanor’s silence.

“I have not seen Medri – I think the last time was the funeral.” She says to Rhyaad, wondering when he will notice that Elanor refuses to acknowledge she is even there.

“Well, I mean in the past. You know. The trauma of what happened when Medri Harker was… possessed. What happened to the “were” pack. It was all pretty disturbing.” He says and looks down into his drink, sadness in his eyes, “I have spoken to him but once. I’m afraid he seems more like a stranger to me now.”

“Yes, well – I don’t think we will ever forget that.” Nikki reflects, “He used to stop in Collinsport on occasion but now – he stays in Scarlet Creek.”

Rhyaad nodded. “I never quite forgave him for the comments he made to me. About how never to compare his sufferings to ours and how he ‘lets me live.’ He’s just not the same man to me anymore.”

Nikki nods, “True – I fear he will never be the same . . . maybe I should stop and see him when I travel down to Arkham and Providence. And now Innsmouth, also.”

“Innsmouth?” he shuddered at the very mention of the name. “Whatever would you be going to that forsaken place for?”

“Esther and I were going over the poem, the crazy witch riddle.” Nikk begins, taking a sip of her drink. “She has discovered that the small drawing on the original document – the drawing of what looks to be an island matches the Devil’s Reef in Innsmouth.”

“Oh. But that’s a horrid place, you know. The people are . . . strange.”

“That is what I have heard,” She says turning the glass of blood slowly, twisting the stem between her fingers, “In fact we were discussing it with Dr. Artemis tonight.”

“Artemis?”

“Oh, yes, he stopped by the office and he confirmed that the island drawn on the poem is in fact the Devil’s Reef.” Nikki continued, “I think he knew that it was the Devil’s Reef long before Esther discovered it. He suggested I go down there – and not Esther.”

“To Innsmouth . . . “

“I know a bit of its history—but, Artemis had the same reaction as you just to merely mentioning the name of the place – so, it seems its apparently still fairly dangerous. I figured I will stop by as I go down to see if Sam was right about the possible location of Picksman’s Camera.”

“I thought that was in Boston ?”

“Well, Providence is on the way to Boston, and I have heard of this mysterious group I wanted the check out — I guess it’s a road trip, as they say.”

“That sounds like a lot. You are to do all this while Meili and I make our little raid on Mr. Blair’s residence?”

“‘Yes – we need to see if those films are still there and then perhaps we can also find some clue as to what precisely what Blair is up to” She replies, and looks up from her glass, “Artemis also wants me to help this little girl name Abby who is being threatened by some Gang called the Black Death.

“It all sounds confusing. And this Innsmouth part sounds frightening. I have been there before you know, though not intentionally. It is a very strange place.”

“I must say, I am not really looking forward to going there, from what I hear about it.”

“Perhaps we should hit Blair’s place first and then all go off on a trip. No doubt the old necromancer will be angry when he discovers his films and projector are missing. But, tell me more “Now tell me more about Artemis and this conversation please . . . I mean it is very odd that he would ask us for help, I mean considering his opinion of vampires.”

“Precisely,” Nikki agrees, “And yes, it was very odd. But, it seems he is trying to protect a five-year-old girl, Abby, who is being threatened by a street gang. The Black Death. Apparently, and I am uncertain as to how, she has come into possession of a key that unlocks some file cabinet that contains a lot of critical evidence against this Black Death Gang.”

“Well Rhy, it was nice seeing you,” Elanor rises to leave.

“Oh are you leaving us?”

“It is late.” She states.

“Good night, take care.” He said rising and giving her that slight bow of his.

“Good Night Rhy.” She turns and strides off.

“Good Night Elanor.” Nikki says.

There is only the sound of departing silence.

“A little girl named Abby who is being threatened by some Gang called the Black Death – what’s that all about?” Rhyaad says sitting back down, “And where is she? In Arkham?”

“’Yes, at a Foster home, she is an orphan. Artemis has hired someone to guard her.” Nikki says and takes another drink from her glass of blood.

Rhyaad sits thoughtfully, “So, this Black Death—are they any connection to any of the nefarious groups we’re after? Or who are after us?”

“No,” She shakes her head, “At least I don’t think so. It’s just another case. It would seem that since St. Clair left Arkham Artemis has a very low opinion of the local law enforcement.”

“Really low if he is asking for our help.” He said with a wry smile, “Well, you know, everybody can’t be St. Clair. But I think they have a competent new police Chief there don’t they?”

“I hear Chief McCloud is very competent.” Nikki nods.

At that moment the phone rings and Rhyaad answers. “The Nightingale”

“Yes, I say, Mr. de’Annar?” The voice on the other end is that of Dr. Praetorius, and rather than the muted sounds of a laboratory, which Rhyaad associates with him, there is a noisy background with music playing.

“Doctor P, is that you?’ Rhyaad says looking over to Nikki and mouthing the words, Doctor Praetorius, “Noisy spot you got yourself into.”

“Stopped off for a bit of gin, you know, old boy.”

“That stuff will rot your guts Doctor. What can I do for you this evening?”

“Are you not looking for Nicholas Blair?” The doctor replies.

“Well, yes, we are in fact. But we would not want him to know this.”

“Oh, good because I am looking at him right now.”

Nikki looks at Rhy was a quizzical expression.

“You are? I’ve never seen the bast… um…. gentleman.” Rhyaad says, “Should we come get a surreptitious glance at him?”

“Oh do. Stop by if you might, Collinsport Inn, the bar. Mr. Blair is talking to a lovely lady and I think he will be around a bit. And they do have lovely gin here.”

“I must ask you, Doctor. Him being a necromancer and all—is he going to have some magic power to notice us?”

“Well, of course that is possible, but it is a public place, don’t think he would whip out some charms in front of everyone, but then again, you never know, Blair is a wild one.”

“And he does seem very interested in the lady?” Rhyaad asks. “Perhaps we’ll meet you first, and observe him from a distance. I hope his belly is full of gin and his eyes glued to the lady.”

“I have a table and will be expecting you, see you soon. Oh, and do bring the charming Miss Collins if she is about, which I suspect she is, you know.” The Doctor said and then seemed to be speaking to a waitress as she order another drink, “See you in a bit,” he then says to Rhyaad and the connection is disconnected.

Rhyaad puts the phone down and smirks at Nikki. “It seems we are going to have drinks with Dr. P. at the Inn. Guess who else is there?”

Nikki gives him a look, “Who?”

“Blair. The necromancer.”

“What?” Nikki says astonished, “At the Inn? Oh, we do have to see this gentleman.”

“I have a confession to make, Nikki. Necromancers scare the shit out of me. I’ll be packing .45’s under my coat.” Rhyaad tells her as his hand moves to pat at the lump now conspicuous since he has drawn attention to it, “I just hope he doesn’t have some special juju to see us for what we are from across the room.”

Nikki rises and takes a long drink of blood, “Well, it will be nice to finally meet Mr. Blair.”

Rhyaad rises from the table and begins to gather his things together. Nikki stands uncertain as to whether or not it was Blair who cast the glamour upon her – and whether or not he would rise something overt in a public place, as she watched him. She saw him at apparently pondering something as he suddenly takes off his ankh necklace.

Keys in hand he stood shaking them, “Well, are we ready?”

“Yes—let’s go.” Nikki tells him, decision made.

Nikki grabs her coat from the coat rack near the door and makes her way out to his car. Rhyaad does wear a overcoat, though not as thick as a human would wear.

“I can not believe he is that the Inn, all this time” Nikki says as she opens the black GTO’s passenger door.

“Hiding in plain sight, as the saying goes. Then again, I wouldn’t know him from a rabbit anyway.”

“Let’s hurry before he leaves the Inn.” Nikki says

Act 2
Opening one of the glass front doors for Nikki, of the newly renovated Collinsport, Rhyaad is confronted by what sounds like late 60’s or early 70’s jazz influenced Lobby Musak. Nikki saunters in and Rhyaad follows, his hand instinctively touching his concealed gun. He all but expects to see several necromancers holding hostages and preparing to cast spells which would – he is not certain what they would do . . . he doesn’t want to dwell on the prospect too long. Only at this hour the lobby is all but deserted.

“Did he say where he was?” Nikki asks.

“No, but I imagine he’s not far from the bar.”

As they walk across the soft carpet of the lobby, Rhyaad notes that the Collinsport Inn is designed to look more like a resort, a large fireplace with a still well stoked fire, thick, comfortable sofas and chairs positioned around it for lounging or conversing. There’s a large piano set off as a piano bar – closed at the moment. The front desk is apparently an antique retained from perhaps the Inn from before the renovation. Which has not been all that long ago as there still remains the olfactory hint of newly lain carpet – as they move across the lobby.

He can hear now the refrains of music – from the open bar off to the left further back, and leads the way as Nikki follows. The attractive receptionist looks up and smiles as they walk past.

As they turn the corner and step into the bar, they see a tall, well dressed gentleman standing at the bar talking to a very attractive red-haired young woman in a extremely tight leopard pint cocktail dress. “Yes, and My dear, I must say you have the most amazing emerald eyes.”

The woman at the bar giggles, “Thank you.”

“Oh, so awfully good of you to come.” Dr. Praetorius says as he motions them over to the table where he is sitting, which is very close to the door. He has taken the seat that is certain to put his back to the wall – and so that he has an unobstructed view of the bar.

The young receptionist looks up now as one of the doors to the Inn opens and watches as a gentleman dressed in a black suit and a black wool overcoat enters. Dr. Artemis unbuttons his coat and shivers a bit from the cold as he looks around the deserted lobby.

Nikki steps into the entrance of the bar and glances at the tall man and then takes a seat beside Doctor Praetorius, asking as she sits down, “Is that him?”

“Yes. My dear Miss Collins, that is Nicholas Blair.”

Rhyaad follows Nikki, being careful to not look at the gentleman at the bar and rather stares at the oddly clad lady.

She takes her coat off and drapes on the back of her chair.

“Excuse me, Miss.” The Doctor asks as he approaches the reception desk, removing a pair of black leather gloves, careful with the right one, to not disturb the bandage upon his hand. “Did I see Miss Nikki Collins arrive?”

“Oh, yes, Doctor Artemis,” She says with a smile, “She went into the bar.”

“Thank you, my dear.”

“Oh certainly, Doctor.” The tall brunette says with a bright smile. “Do you need anything?”

“Oh, no thank you for asking.” All charm.

Rhyaad leans forward and is assailed by the lit scented candle lit centered on the table, “Should we be afraid, Doctor?”

Dr. Artemis slides his black gloves into his overcoat pocket as he now follows the sounds of music and voices further into the Inn.

“Well, as I said, I don’t think he would do anything in a public place – but old Simon is a bit unpredictable, you know.”

Dr. Artemis steps into the entrance of the bar, looks around and see’s Nichole Collins sitting with Rhyaad and Dr. Praetorius—not a group he would have expected to have gone out for drinks, “There you are, Miss Collins.” He says above the music as he enters

Rhyaad, his back to the entrance, recognizes the voice of Dr. Artemis and cringes as he calls out Nikki’s name – could he not be any more noticeable if he used a megaphone?

“Oh, Doctor Artemis, nice to see you again tonight.” Nikki tells the approaching doctor.

“May I join you?”

“Certainly” And she moves to allow him to remove his overcoat and drape it over an empty chair at the table next to them.

He steps over to the table and nods at Rhyaad, “And de’Annar, as well.”

“Well at least now we’ve had a look at the person in question. Um—unpredictable? In a violent sort of way?” Rhyaad asks Praetorius.

“Thank you.” Dr. Artemis says as he sits down and adjusts his vest.

At the bar, Nicholas Blair smiles, “Now, I cannot believe that you are a dental hygienist, with those cheekbones, surely you must have done some modeling.” His finger reaching to brush the woman’s high cheekbone.

“Yes, yes, doctor, now if you could be very discrete, Artemis, please”, Rhyaad asks him in a low voice. He takes notice of the doctor’s bandaged hand but says nothing.

The woman at the bar, far from blushing, tosses her hair back over her shoulder, “Oh aren’t you so charming—now, what did you say your name was?”

“Garner. Richard Garner, my card.” He hands her a business card. Garner & Garner, Attorneys At Law 1212 Old Town Square, Bangor Maine.

Dr. Artemis gives Rhyaad de’Annar a strange look, “’Thank you’ is indiscrete.”

Nicholas Blair smiles and looks at the table across the room, lifting an eyebrow.

Dr. Artemis, looking at de.Annar, says in a low voice, “It’s nice to see you again, Praetorius.”

Nicholas Blair, looking at the svelte blonde woman – he knows she is Nichole Collins, as he knows it has taken her some time to find him, even when he was not at all concealed. Or, perhaps has she known and this appearance is but a clever stratagem, a ruse perpetrated by her and Praetorius—he had been warned by Marceline de Chameaux back in Paris not to underestimate the Wizard’s Daughter as she had read his cards . . . sitting in that dark wood drawing room, the wallpapering from before the war, antiques, mismatched and gathered from all over the continent, oak doors with odd etchings cur into the wood, the ceiling painted to resemble a vault of clouds above, just days before he planned to board his plane for New York. Of course, he questioned that she still took time to read the cards – while she questioned that he did not, even as she turned the card over told him – this represents Nichole Collins. He sat silently looking at it. The Magician. The next card – The Tower.

Rhyaad looks the other way, pretending to be staring at Nikki, and ignores Artemis for the moment.

Blair looks away from the table and back at the lovely red-head beside him, “May I buy you another drink my dear?”

“Oh yes, please, Richard.” And she nods.

Dr. Praetorius nods to Artemis, “So good to see you again doctor. I say, what brings you to way up to Maine on such a cold night?” and he lifts his hand to the passing waiter, “Another gin my good man, if you please.”

“Oh, Miss Collins and I are putting our heads together on a couple matters.” Dr. Artemis says trying to speak in a low voice over the music in order to be discrete.

“Yes, Dr. Artemis—it is a rather frigid evening.” Rhyaad nods, coldly. “Oh, the matters in Arkham, yes. We will attend to them shortly. I think we’ll all be making a business trip.”

Nikki looks at Praetorius, “How did you know he was here, doctor.”

“Oh, I would love to say, it was my superior investigative skills. But, I just happened to have stopped in for a gin . . . and there he was.” Praetorius lifting his empty gin glass and looking to see if there might be anything remaining within, “He is staying here you know, I checked. He’s been here for a month. He is registered as Richard Garner, from Bangor.”

“A month?” Rhyaad says and seems surprised. “All this time. . . . ”

Dr. Artemis can’t help but look at the two of them puzzled.

Praetorius nods, “I would say he’s read a bit of Poe, don’t you think, the best place to hide being of course in plain slight, so to speak.”

Dr. Artemis turns to the bar, “A Poe fan? I’d like to meet him.”

“I do hope he comes back with my gin.” Praetorius looks in the direction of the missing waiter, and then looks over at Dr. Artemis, “Mr. Blair or Mr. Poe?”

“Do you think he’ll notice us, Doctor P? And just what has he been doing here all this time? Curious.” Rhyaad asks, sitting next to Praetorius and speaking in a low tone. “And, I should enjoy meeting Poe much more myself.”

“Blair? I don’t know the gentleman.” Artemis replies.

Nikki watches the man intently – somehow feeling now that it was not him . . . it was not him in the Mercedes, nor the one to cast the glamour.

The bartender places two drinks on the bar, “Yes, please put that on my tab, room 12.” And he places the electronic room key and it’s folder down on atop the bar, displaying on the number 12.

Rhyaad’s sharp ears twitch. Ah, he has his room number! But, that was too easy – did he do that intentionally . . .

“Now where were we, oh yes, your lovely eyes.” Blair sips his drink aware he the group behind him continues to glance his way. He smiles.

Dr. Artemis sits back a bit as he looks at Rhyaad’s ears.

The Bartender nods, “15.86, Mr. Garner.”

“Yes, Yes, keep them coming.” He replies sipping his martini.

“Good,” Rhyaad mutters. “I hope he’s too drunk to notice much about us.”

“Artemis, I am sorry—we have not apprised you of the situation, we have just found Nicholas Blair.”

Dr. Artemis looks back at Nikki, “Oh . . . yes.”

The waiter arrives with Praetorius’s drink, “Your gin sir, and now, anything for your party?” He asks looking at the new arrivals.

“So—remind me again, who is Blair?”

Rhyaad stares at Artemis. “You don’t know?”

“Coffee, please. Non-dairy creamer, if you have it.” Dr. Artemis says to the waiter.

“That gentleman at the bar, is Mr. Nicholas Blair, who in reality is really Simon Orne” Praetorius says and takes a refreshing sip of his drink, “Just in a different body, don’t you know.”

Rhyaad frowns, “I wonder how many bodies he’s had.”

The waiter looks at the grey-haired gentleman with the British accent and the very finely tailor suit, aware the man has been downing gins rather rapidly.

Dr. Artemis nods, “Yes, Nicholas Blair. I have heard the name, yes, now I remember and . . . you say Simon Orne?” and he inadvertently turns and looks at the bar and then quickly turns back.

Nikki looks up to the waiter and waves her hand, “Oh, nothing for me, please.”

“I will have San Peligrano,” Rhyaad tells the waiter.

ProfessorSteam has joined the chat

Nikki leans close to Dr. Artemis, “Yes, he is the one who used the projector to switch Vera and Natasha Snow.” Nikki explains.

“Now, Miss Collins.” Dr. Praetorius says pedantically.

Rhyaad also leans close and whispers. “Well, so now you’ve seen your first necromancer. They usually see right through us.”

“It was not at all the projector. As I have said, Orne used the projector, but it was his magic that made the transformation possible, don’t you see.” Dr. Praetorius corrects.

Dr. Artemis looks at Nikki, “Wait. Vera Snow and Natasha Snow were switched?”

“Liilian. Lillian Snow,” Praetorius also corrects and sips his drink, ‘Oh, yes, that is very nice.”

“And with a projector?” Dr. Artemis asks, “The one that was stolen from the display at the Miskatonic University Creative Arts Department?

The tall red-head steps closer to Nicholas Blair, “And so, Dick. What do you do?”

“Ah, but that’s not all.” Rhyaad hold up a finger, “You need a special camera, and a special projector, and a special magical drawing. All were necessary before Orne could do his work.”

From behind a corner a woman in a rather odd uniform she stepped out and suddenly collapsed, falling to her knees as she weakly lifted her arm to look at her watch. Whatever she saw there caused her to sigh. She closed her eyes and shook her head. The receptionist, aware she appeared to have been coming via way of the piano bar was not uncertain that she had perhaps been over-served, although, the piano bar was closed, had been for over an hour, and so leaning on the polished antique wood of the front desk to peer around the corner, she now noticed that the woman’s face was bruised and her head was bleeding. The woman suddenly just sat down and seemed to be looking around as if trying to determine just where she was – even as the receptionist tried to determine how she arrived at the odd corner.

“Oh, a little of this, a little of that . . . mostly research.” Nicholas Blair told the red-haired woman.

“OH, research? What about?”

“Let’s say I am forever looking for the meaning of life and death.”

The young receptionist, having dealt with a fair number of drunks, in the short time she had been on staff, asked, “Are you alright Miss?”

Rhyaad and Nikki looked at each other as Rhyaad sniffed the air. “Someone is injured. At least that draws attention away from us.”

“They are?’ Dr. Artemis asked, looking around, “Where?”

The woman sitting on the floor looked across the way to the pretty, young woman behind the front desk. Her watch suddenly sparked and she leaned her head back, “No I don’t think I ever will be.”

Nikki looks at Dr. Praetorius, “If that is really Simon Orne—just how old is he?”

Dr. Artemis aware of the expression that had momentarily crossed Rhyaad and Nikki’s face looks at the woman with Orne to see if he has hurt her in anyway, before he turns back to look at Nikki.

“Simon? Oh, my – well, he was born sometime in the 1670’s, I would say . . . he does look remarkably well for a man his age doesn’t he.”

Dr. Artemis nods, “According to the court records, they go back to the time of the witchcraft trials,” he says and then looks over at Rhyaad, “You said someone was injured.” He stresses now the importance of someone being injured, concerned that the vampire’s only interest in a possible injury to someone was whether or not that person’s injury would served as some diversion for their surveillance – oh so very typical of a vampire.

Rhyaad rather off-handedly replies, “Oh, someone . . . over that way is bleeding,” he pointed out of the bar and toward the main lobby for Artemis, “I must say it is good that Orne seems far more intent on a romantic encounter with Miss Leopard-Skin Dress.”

Nikki looks back toward the bar entrance, “Is anyone attending that woman?”

Dr. Artemis jumps up as Rhyaad says ‘bleeding’

“Oh Yes—“ Praetorius says and takes a drink of his gin, “Mr. Orne and Edward Hitchinson and a Joseph Curwin—they all signed in the book, long, long ago. They were members of the same coven as well as someone here in Collinsport.”

Dr. Artemis hurries to the reception desk, but stops as he sees the receptionist leaning on the front desk and he flows her line of sight to see a woman sitting on the floor. He hurries over to her, “Professor Steam!” He exclaims as he recognizes the woman, “What has happened?”

She sighed coughing a little, “All lost . . . . all lost . . . it was all a sham.”

“Judah Zachery?” Nikki asks.

“Precisely Miss Collins.” Dr. Praetorius nods, “Judah Zachery – it was he who started the Collins Family curse, you know.”

Dr. Artemis begins to look over Professor Steam’s injuries.

She looked over to Artemis with a sad smile but she looked like she had been through the battle of her life: “I—I . . . the Yithians are gone and I . . . I was fooled into working for them—“

The woman at the bar sips her drink through a very small straw, which is really a stir-stick, ”Life and dead? Are you a doctor?”

Professor Steam falls over in pain coughing. Dr. Artemis looks up fearing internal injuries.

“Started the Collins Family curse?” Rhyaad asks in a low tone, almost a whisper, “Just how old is this Zachery, Doctor P.?”

Dr. Artemis hurries over to the front desk, “A first aid kit, quickly my good woman.”

“Beverly.”

“What?” He looks at her bewildered.

“Oh . . .” The young girl nods and heads down the front desk away from Artemis, stops, turns and returns back to there she was and bends down to open a sliding wooden door, from which she extracts a metal medical kit and hands it over to the man in the black suit and the bandaged hand.

Dr. Artemis takes the kit, smiles at the girl, and then says, “Quick, call an ambulance!”

Nicholas Blair laughs, “No, no, not at all. Besides, I would say that Collinsport already has more than an abundance of Doctors—“ He leans in closer to her, and raises an eyebrow, “I dare say there is no doubt at least two doctors . . . within thirty feet of us right now.”

Dr. Artemis returns to Professor Steam and checks her pulse. It’s weak but steady. He then checks her respiration.

“Okay, so, I understand he was here to affect the transformation of Miss Endecott, Lillian Snow—for whatever reasons, but, doctor, after that – why is he just here, at the Collinsport Inn, flirting with the ladies . . . I man what are his intentions?” Nikki asks leaning forward toward Praetorius.

“Oh, so, sorry Miss Collins, I thought you understood, Orne here is merely awaiting the arrival of a very old friend of his, one Edward Hutchinson, or, as he is perhaps known to you as Count Pefoti.”

Dr. Artemis removes the sword from Professor Steam’s back to make her more comfortable.

She seemed now to be breathing slowly, evenly as Artemis took a pillow someone hands him and he puts it under her head as he lies her down on the floor, on her side.

“That’s why we have to do what we have to do . . ..” Rhyaad explains, “If that ghost can be believed.”
Dr. Praetorius hold his glass of gin half-way up from the table, “We are aware he is on his way, even now to Collinsport. He was last sighted – and very inconveniently escaped off an Italian Cruse ship. You might have heard about that little incident.”

Professor Steam suddenly gasps and looks up to Dr. Artemis, “Who! What? Where?”

“Steady, Professor.” He says, taking a firm grip upon her and not letting her get up from the floor, “Now, please – just stay where you are. You fainted. But you are okay. You’re going to the hospital as soon as the ambulance gets here.”

“You mean – that poor ship in the news?” Nikki asks.

“Thank you Artemis.” The professor says and pats his bandaged hand.

Sirens blare outside the front doors of the Inn. Red lights stroking through the glass to dance about the main lobby of the hotel.

“And surely Hutchinson didn’t sink that cruise ship just to cover his escape, or did he?” Rhyaad turns to look at Praetorius.

“Ah, finally.” Artemis says and he arises from beside the professor.

“I was in a battle to escape. Apparently I had been fooled.” The professor tires to explain.

“Don’t talk, Professor. We are going to get you rehydrated and your electrolytes stabilized.”

Two EMTs enter the lobby with their collapsible stretcher, which they snap into an upright position.

“Yes, we had an agent attempt to take him, but . . . ah, well, before he could be stopped he invoked something from the sea.” Praetorius explains

Rhyaad noting the sounds from the lobby looks at Nikki, “It seems Dr Artemis is handling the situation of the injured person. Glad he was here.”

“Beware the time keepers . . . beware the quatch.” Professor Steam tires to tell Artemis as she lifts her hand.

Dr. Artemis steps back as the EMTs take over.

Nikki nods, ‘Yes, it was fortunate that he was here – he is such a good doctor.”

“Yes, and I’ll beware the snufferish Bandersnatch, as well.” Artemis tells Professor Steam as the EMT’s begin to examine her.

“Invoked something from the sea? You mean these people can summon sea monsters?” Rhyaad asks.

Dr. Artemis talks with the EMTs who confer with his diagnosis as they nod. They work to get her onto the stretcher and then they quickly wheel Professor Steam outside. Artemis follows and then climbs into the back of the ambulance. Professor Steam reaches out for Artemis, “The old ones are behind it beware them!”

Dr. Artemis stares at Steam in shock.

The driver closes the door.

Praetorius leans forward, “These gentlemen Mr. de’Annar are adept at communicating with those creatures some call Great Old Ones, as well as the Outer Gods. They have been at it for hundreds of years. See Mr. Blair over there. Well, Orne took possession of that body, who knows when, or why?”
“Gads…. not *them* again.” Rhyaad pauses, glancing at Blair before turning back to Doctor P. “We need your help, Doctor. Your advice. How can we prevail against these men who can summon such things?

The woman at the bar smiles, “So you are a scientist?”

Nicholas Blair leans forward and whispers in her ear, “Actually I am an alchemist . . . a wizard.”

The woman giggles, “A wizard? Dick, do you have a magic wand?”

“I don’t need one you see . . .” Nicholas Blair says with a wide smile, “You see, I have been doing it for a very long time.”

“So they are all gathering here Doctor, Orne, and this Petofi . . . ”

Dr. Praetorius nods, “I suspect Curwin is around here too, somewhere.”

“But—I looked into that Doctor, it looks as if Curwin, who was attempting to use one of his descendants as a host was eliminated back in the 1930’s”

“Yes, so it would seem,” The doctor says and places an elbow on the table to wave his hand and glass rather dramatically “But, do you by any chance happen to know who was the attending physician at the asylum he was being held in?”

“No.” Nikki admits.

“A Doctor Jonah Snow.”

Nikki looks at the Doctor, “Not of the Ipswich Snows?”

“Vera’s father?” Rhyaad asks.

“Vera’s Uncle.” The doctor corrects. “We strongly suspect that he helped gather back up Curwin’s essential salts. And then Curwin when undetected.”

“Petofi? He is on his way, this is confirmed?” Nikki asks.

“On his way,” Praetorius nods, “We know he came through London, and we think he is seeking to enter the United States by way of New York . . . Now the question is, have you found Vera yet?”

“Well, as you know Natasha’s Ghost visited Rhyaad, she indicated that she is being held prisoner somewhere . . . a farm.”

Rhyaad nodded. “We know where she can be found.”

“She is the key – we jolly well must find her – get her way from them before Petofi arrives for he is quite intent on contacting Richard Pickman.” Dr. Praetorius looks at his glass; “You know they just never put enough gin in these glasses.”

“Pickman plans to send some man in yellow in exchange for Vera. Natasha also said her brother seeks the Shinning Trapezohedron. It’s like their whole cult is gathering here, and we don’t know who to believe” Rhyaad tells the doctor.

“Could we have another round, my dear?” Blair says to the bartender.

The doctor nods, “That is a bother you know—but as I said, I would never truly trust a ghost, especially one with the last name of Snow. “

“If I were her – I would want my body back.” Rhyaad nods.

The bartender sets the two drinks on the bar and smiles.

“I would think so too. She may want you to get Vera in order to do that, but I must admit I do not understand why she asked you to destroy the films.” The doctor begins to look again for the waiter.

“Still, even if she’s lying, I think the items in mention should be in our possession, if not destroyed.”
Rhyaad glances over to Nikki.

“Yes, whatever her intentions, there are surely other things on those films that do not need to be released.” Nikki nods to Rhy, “We need to locate them and destroy them.”

“Also I don’t see how destroying the films would help her get her body back. So I’d tend to believe her claim that they plan to release other things from the films.” Rhyaad continues.

“Oh, well – you know, I would so like to see the Hound’s Daughter—they say it is truly unsavory, you know.” The doctor admits.

“I totally agree with Rhy on this.” Nikki replies.

“I hope you get your wish, Doctor. Soon.”

At the bar, Nicholas Blair takes a sip of his drink, and winks at the woman, “Now, I want you to stand here and wait for me, do you understand?”

“Oh, yes, certainly.” She smiles.

“Good. Won’t be but a moment.”

Rhyaad looks over at the doctor, “It seems more logical that if there was a way to put Vera back, she’d need the films, not want them destroyed.”

“Good evening Septimus so good to see you again.” Blair says as he walks up and sits down in the chair left empty by the hasty departure of Dr. Artemis. “You know, I am still incredibly surprised that the Undertaking did not box you up for their Collection, I mean—after all the things you and Victor did . . . some of which were very nasty indeed. And of course, we both know, you were always far worse than he.”

“Simon.” The doctor says with a frown.

Rhyaad immediately falls silent as Blair approaches and he pretends to be watching Nikki, and not the approaching Blair – when he is suddenly shocked as Blair treats Praetorius so informally, and seems to knows all about ‘Victor.’

Nikki looks at them, her eyes narrowing: “You know each other?”

“Oh, my dear Miss Collins,” Simon Orne, or Nicholas Blair says turning to look at her with a wide, mischievous grin, “The things I could tell you. But, then again, it would appear, there may be a great many things Septimus has failed to tell you. We once worked together—with Victor. Now, you do remember those good old days . . . don’t you Septimus? I do so know your fondness for gin.”

“That was a long time ago, Simon.”

“Oh yes—before you decided to joinThe Club. “ His eyebrows rising with disdain as he spoke the words, The Club. “So, Septimus what brings you to Collinsport? A taste for sea food?”

“You two worked with Victor Frankenstein?” Nikki asks once again of Praetorius – wanting to hear him say it.

“Yes, my dear. And I must say I am surprised that they have enlisted you Miss Collins.” Blair says with a smile, as he looks over to Doctor Praetorius, “But then again The Club has always been more sinners than saints. Miss Kaye must be turning over in her grave.”

“I will stop you Simon.” Dr. Praetorius says, his voice flat, emotionless.

“Try.”

“This is madness, Simon, what you are planning.”

“You think you know what I am planning?” Blair leans forward, “You may only know what we want you to know.”

He leans closer now to Nikki, “I really think you should know, The Count is so looking forward to meeting the daughter of Barnabas Collins.”

Rhyaad stares at the men, trying to hide his shock that they speak to each other about these affairs so openly, and recoils from Blair when he leans close to Nikki.

“Now, if you will excuse me.” Simon Orne as Nicholas Blair stands, “I have a lady to entertain. “ He starts to walk away, “For old times sake, Septmius, I would suggest you do not infer with his plans. And Miss Collins, may I say you are even far more beautiful up close than you appear farther away. London is such a wonderful place . . . you may wish you had never left.”

Nicholas Blair walks back over to the woman, “And now, where were we my dear.”

Nikki looks at the Doctor, her eyes hard, cold, and dark blue—”You know him? You have worked with him? You have something to say?”

“Setpimus?” Rhyaad asks the Doctor. “Yes, apparently you have been familiar for quite a long time.”

Dr. Praetorius picks up his empty gin glass and then sets it back down, “Yes, well we have all made mistakes in our past. We worked closely with Victor, yes – but that was a very long time ago and we have since then taken very different paths. ”

“And so, we are sitting here, you had us come here, knowing that he knew who you were all this time?” Nikki’s voice now filled with a growing anger.

“Victor Frankenstein. Since then – or before then. Just how long a time ago is it, doctor. And was it at all wise to tell him “I will stop you” to his face?”

Praetorius fidgets with his empty drink glass.

“How many of those godd****d drinks have you had?” Nikki snaps at him.

Rhyaad nodded at Nikki’s words – oh how true . . . here we are, in the midst of a battle with necromancers and our ally is an ancient alchemist drink. He shakes his head.

“Do not be misled by the glib Mr. Orne. They are as aware of what we know . . .”

“No! I am sorry Doctor . . . ” Nikki tries to suppress her anger, “But this is what you said of them – it is madness . . . madness on your part, you never tip your hand.”

“I have to agree.” Rhyaad sits back, uncertain now what they should do, “And if they are as you said aware that we know what they are planning . . . then what possible chance do we have?”

“My dear,” The Doctor turns now to look at Nikki. He is not the gin drinking doctor she has known, but rather, his face is now very stern, his voice hard and cold, he is the man who once sat beside Victor Frankenstein, “You never had much of a hand to begin with . . . “

Nikki’s eyes, dark and menacing stare into his—

“Nicholas Blair leans forward to whisper into the ear of the tall red-haired woman’s ear, “And so, shall we find a place a little less crowded by dear?”

She smiles, her teeth dazzling, “Oh yes, lets.”

Blair offers her his arm and she slips her hand around it and they walk toward the entrance of the bar. As they pass the table, Blair looks at the Doctor and smiles.

He winks at Nikki.

They turn the corner and are gone

Once again the doctor lifts his glass to find it empty, “I could use another drink.”

“I think you’ve had far too many already.” Rhyaad says.

Nikki suddenly backhand slaps the glass from his hand sending it flying against the wall, shattering.

Dr. Praetorius, turns now, remaining that man who once did unspeakable things in the night with Victor Frankenstein as he turns to look at Nikki, looks into those hard, dark blue eyes – and he does not back down, “You wanted to know where Blair was—and now you know. This is the game my dear and it has begun.”

“Game?” Nikki snaps, “This is not some bloody f**king game, Praetorius!”

“A game with our lives? With us as your pawns?” Rhyaad adds.

Dr. Praetorius does not look at Rhyaad, instead he keeps his cold, hard glaze upon Nikki, “This is precisely a game, Miss Collins, and it has been a game for a very long, long time. In fact, you really have no idea just how long this game has been in play, do you.” He leans forward, “Well, my dear, you are a player in this game, whether you wish to be or not – you have been every since they saw fit to turn you and they killed Dr. Hoffman.”

Nikki does not even try to control the rise of vampiric anger, “THEY killed Julia?”

“You see – your family has been in the midst of this game since the 1690’s”

“We are not pawns in your game, Praetorius!” Rhyaad snaps at him, his own anger rising.

The doctor turns a slow, cold gaze upon him, “No, not a Pawn. Miss Collins is one of the Queens.”

“Well, since you know all about everything we don’t, and you say you will stop Blair, perhaps you should. What do you need us for?’ Rhyaad says and pushes his chair back and stands up, “I will not be treated as a pawn. I need to know, does Blair know we plan to steal his projector and film?”

“I have no idea.” The doctor tells him.

“Game? What game? This is all to capture the Queen Nikki? What can that possibly mean?”

The doctor looks up at him, “This game Mr. de’Annar is between some very ancient forces and the family Collins. It goes back to the days of a betrayal and a curse – two curses in fact.”

Nikki stands up and glares at the doctor, “Every time you open your f**king mouth—it is yet to expose yet another bloody f**king fact that you have concealed. First about my parents, how I was conceived, your role in it, the role of Diogenes Club, Elizabeth Bathory . . . and now, and now – you have all this time concealed that these bastards killed Julia!”

Suddenly, she flips the table over and it spins like a coin before slapping into the floor twenty-five feet away. “I have f**king had it with you!”

Rhyaad stands cutting his eyes to where the table has landed, aware that the bartender is watching, and that few women could have flipped a table of that size so far, “I think we should go, Nikki. Let the Doctor who knows everything and exposes us to our enemies fight his own damn battles.”

“Rhy, lets go before I break his godd***ed neck.”

“Good idea”. He stomps away toward the entrance to the bar. He passes the waiter who stands looking wide-eyed at Nikki.

Nikki turns and walks out of the bar.

Dr. Praetorius looks up at the waiter: “I say, could I have another drink.”

Act 3
Rhyaad strides into the Old House and flings himself on the couch. “What an idiot! I just can’t believe it. Why should we even steal the damn projector now? Perhaps he has planned all along for us to get killed trying to get it – just one more scheme regarding Blair? Or Orne. Damned if they would stay in one body. I swear I can’t keep up. And what is all this now—you are the Queen? So what, you are the only person that matters in his little game. The rest of us his pawns? Is he that confident in his ability to stop the necromancers without us? or he’s a drunken moron. And he’s not a moron. No, he is too damned smart – he’s playing too many moves ahead.”
Nikki having stormed into the house, whipping off her coat and tossing it on the floor, continues to pace up and down the foyer, her eyes a blue blaze as she listens to Rhyaad. It had been a long drive in silence back to the Old House. Nikki seething – and he more than aware she needed to be alone with her thoughts.

“Bloody Bastard!” Nikki turns and looks at Rhy, “What is he thinking? Is he even thinking?”

“I don’t know, Nikki. I can’t fathom the man. I’m going to go to bed. Tomorrow I’ll decide if we should drop this case or not.”

“Yes! We must regroup . . . can you get Meili also, we are going to need him.” Nikki runs her fingers back through her hair. A game – a game that has been going on since the 1690’s – a betrayal and two curses. One of which has to be the Collins Family curse, that much she understands – but what of the second?

“I’ll get Meili, and I’ll tell him the truth. We’ll see what he thinks. But I, for one, don’t think Pratorious gives a damn about any of us.”

“I want to break this game wide-open Rhy.” Nikk says and she stops placing and looks at him, “I so Ineed f**king Vera!”

“Vera’s one of the cult. How can you trust her either?” Rhyaad asks.

“It’s not that I trust her, but she has information— and I am going to get it one way or another . . . I am sorry, Rhy, but, I may have to let my darker nature out before this is over. I am going to have to ask you to please watch me, don’t let me . . . don’t let me go too far . . .”

“Well, I’m too angry to sort it out now. As I said I will go to bed and rethink everything tomorrow. As for that, Nikki, you may be right. Perhaps you should use your ‘darker nature’. And Vera killed Natasha and who knows who else…. but I’ll help you.”

Cue Music and end of Episode