Dark Shadows - A New Beginning

Chapter Two

The engine of Adam's car accelerated as the vehicle struggled to make the final stretch up the steep incline of Widow's Hill Road. 

"This hill is murder on a car," Adam remarked. "The Collins family must go through several..."

"I still wish you'd tell me," Stanley said. "...about how you know the Collins family."

Adam's expression took on the same dark look as earlier in his auto garage. 

"You're better off not knowing, but perhaps I can put your mind at ease a little. It isn't David Collins you need to worry about."

"You're so cryptic about Collinwood," Stanley pointed out. "How can you expect me to be on my guard against something you won't tell me?"

Adam frowned, but something else in his expression told Stanley that he'd made a decision. 

"There used to be a Mr. Barnabas Collins who lived on the estate," Adam began. "If he still does, I warn you not to go near the Old Collins House. The other house on the estate. To the extent that you value your life, you must do that. If Barnabas Collins is there, stay away from the Old House. I know things I didn't know when I..."

Stanley wondered what Adam didn't want to say. 

"...when I used to work for the Collins family," Adam blurted. "...so now you know. I know what I didn't know then. I know what Barnabas Collins is."

"You used to work for the Collins family?" Stanley asked with a curious gleam in his eye. "Well now, that is a surprise, I'll admit. Alright, Adam. I trust you. If there's a Barnabas Collins living on the estate, I won't go near the Old House."

Adam let out an audible sigh of relief. 

"You'll never regret it," Adam promised, as the car ascended the crest of the hill where the cement road ended.

He drove past a main gate on an old-looking, worn dirt road and hit the brakes.

"I won't go any further," Adam said. "It isn't a far walk. You can see the house through those hedges."

Adam pointed somewhere just left of the road. 

"I guess you have no desire to revisit Collinwood?" Stanley picked at him with a playful smile.

"None whatsoever," Adam confirmed. "If you want to talk, this is my phone number."

Adam handed him a business card for his auto garage.

"I'm sure we will talk again," Stanley assured him. "You've been so nice, and I had a good time with you. Lunch was a lot of fun. Thanks again..."

Adam waved and did an improvised U-turn. Stanley watched his car dip back down the hill. 

There was no need to put it off any longer. Stanley gathered his courage and cut through the hedges, seeing a very large mansion just across a well-kept green. 

It took him about three minutes to cross the lawn at his pace. In truth, it was a little faster than he would usually walk. His nerves helped drive him on. He wanted to get the interview over with. He was so worried that Mr. Collins might not hire him.

He proceeded to the wooden double doors and used the heavy metal knocker to knock three times. 

It took half a minute for the man he assumed was David Collins to answer. 

Why! He can't be much older than me - Stanley thought to himself.

David looked to be about 30 years old. Perhaps a little older. He stood at what Stanley estimated was about six foot and had a clean-shaven face with light brown hair.