The next day Julia made arrangements to rent the house she and Barnabas had been using for several days, and saw to the bank loan using the gold and diamond locket she’d been wearing. It didn’t mean anywhere near as much to her as Barnabas’ ring did to him and she willingly gave it over to Mr. Bodkin as collateral against the loan, despite Mr. Bodkin’s initial reservations. That evening she did what she could to clean the place up and waited nervously while Barnabas moved his coffin from its hiding place to the cellar, which they had secured against both daylight and the curious eyes of anyone who might want to see what the ‘new people’ were up to.

The day Barnabas was planning to ‘arrive’ in town, Julia was outside, washing the front windows, making certain she was seen getting the house ready for occupation. She glanced up at the sound of a horse drawn wagon passing down Front Street. That in itself was hardly unusual for a town the size of Dodge City, but the accent of the driver caught her ear, and Julia saw a gypsy wagon roll past. They had apparently been to Dodge City before, for she heard several people call greetings of welcome to the driver, and Julia watched when the wagon drew up in front of the Marshal’s office. The driver got down and stepped onto the boardwalk, where he was met by Matt Dillon. Not wanting to appear too curious, Julia turned back to her task. The accent had sounded so much like Magda’s accent. Julia smiled briefly to herself, remembering the flamboyant gypsy woman, then went back inside the house, knowing Barnabas was safely hidden in the basement, but unwilling to leave him unguarded for any length of time.

Long used to acting out the fiction he created for himself, Barnabas Collins made it seem as though he stepped off the train with the other passengers that night. He glanced around, as if looking for someone, then asked the station master for directions. Carrying the suitcase he’d found in the house he and Julia were renting, Barnabas headed for Front Street of Dodge City. In the distance he could hear what sounded like gypsy music. He smiled briefly, remembering Magda and Sandor, then continued down the street. His intention was to ask after Julia’s whereabouts until someone could tell him where to find her, unwilling to draw possible attention by going directly to the house in a town he was supposed to have just arrived in.

Entering the first respectable place he saw, Barnabas paused a moment, realizing it was the Long Branch. When the woman who had been his first victim in Dodge City, Kitty Russell, glanced up, Barnabas caught and held her gaze for a brief moment, willing her to not remember ever having had any contact with him before. He then crossed to the bar, where she met him.

“Good evening. What can I get you?”

“I am seeking information.”

“What kind of information?”

“I am to meet my wife here, in Dodge City. Where might I inquire after her whereabouts?”

Kitty studied Barnabas for a long moment, sensing something very familiar about him, but unable to put her finger on what it was. Then she blinked and shook her head. She directed Barnabas’ attention to a nearby table where two men sat.

“Ask the Marshal.”

“Thank you, Miss.”

Barnabas nodded to Kitty, then continued over to the table, prepared to play the next scene in his masquerade.

“Excuse me, Gentlemen.”

Matt and Doc looked up at the well dressed stranger.

“I was informed you might be able to help me locate my wife. I was to meet her here in Dodge City.”

“What’s her name?”

“Julia Collins.”

“Doctor Julia Collins?”

“Yes, that is correct. Do you know her?”

“I do indeed. I’m Doc Adams, and this is Matt Dillon, Marshal of Dodge. Doctor Collins has been working with me the past few days, as my associate.”

Matt glanced up at Kitty came back to the table, carrying a tray of drinks. Matt moved the chair out for her and smiled up at her.

“Have these two been any help?”

“Kitty, this is Mister Collins, Julia’s husband. Kitty Russell.”

Kitty smiled a greeting as she placed the tray on the table.

“Glad to know you. Would you care to join us, Mister Collins?”

“Thank you, some other time, perhaps. If you could direct me to where my wife is staying?”

“She took a house just a couple of blocks down, you must have passed it if you came in on the train. Here, let me show you.”

Doc stood and led Barnabas over to the batwing doors of the saloon, then outside and to the end of the boardwalk. He pointed the house out to Barnabas, making certain he saw it and knew which one it was. Barnabas thanked him, the two exchanged good nights, and Doc started back toward the saloon doors as Barnabas headed down the street. He was aware the old man watched carefully and he smiled, pleased these people seemed to be looking out for Julia’s welfare even after only a couple of days.

Stopping before the house, Barnabas studied it for a long moment, then opened the fence gate, entered, closed it and mounted the two steps leading to the roofed porch. He knocked. Julia opened the door, smiled, embraced him, then stood aside so he could enter.

Doc waited to be sure there were no unpleasant surprises for Julia Collins before he returned to the Long Branch and his friends. He sat across from Matt and Kitty and sipped his beer, curious about the look on Kitty’s face.

“Something disagree with you, Kitty?”

“No, Doc, it’s just... Mister Collins seemed awfully familiar. I’m sure I’ve never met him before, and yet... I have this odd feeling I known him from somewhere.”

“With the number of cowboys and drifters that come through here, maybe he just looks like one of those.”

Kitty shook her head, doubtful of Doc’s theory.

“Maybe...”

“I known what the trouble is, you’re working too hard, Kitty. Matt, you should get her out of here for awhile -- take her fishing for a couple of days. Take Festus with you so I’ll get a rest as well.”

Kitty shook her head and chuckled as Matt tried to avoid giving an answer by sipping his beer. When he finished, he excused himself to do his late rounds, telling Kitty he would see her later. Over the years that had become their signal that he’d be back to spend the night with her. Kitty smiled and watched as Matt left the saloon, still unable to get the feeling she knew Barnabas Collins from somewhere out of her head.

Julia shook her head as she surveyed the contents of Doc Adams’ medication case. Several key ingredients in her serum for Barnabas were absent, and she knew she could not make any substitutions that would be effective. The only way for her to really help Barnabas was to get him back to their own time where what she needed was readily available. To do that, Julia was sure they would have to rely on the Circle of Rings, but since neither she or Barnabas understood how it worked, or even how to make it work, there was little hope to be gained from that. Julia sighed. They had to find someone who knew about the Circle of Rings, who could tell them what they needed to know about it, and how to achieve their goal. Where they would find such a person, she just didn’t know...

“Jenny! Jenny, you come back! Ah, Jenny, why you run?”

Barnabas looked up at the sound of an oddly familiar voice. He squeezed Julia’s elbow and nodded toward the street where a young gypsy woman tried to catch up with a young child. Not only the voice was familiar, but the woman’s face and the sound of the young child’s laughter. It was not yet tinged with the madness that would beset the woman when they met her in 1897... over twenty years in the future - from this point in time.

“Julia! That’s Magda... and Jenny?”

“It must be. You said Jenny was much younger than Magda.”

“Perhaps Magda or Sandor can help us.”

He started toward the dark haired gypsy woman, but Julia held him back and shook her head.

“No, Barnabas. She won’t know us. For her, we won’t meet for another twenty years or so.”

Disappointed, but realizing Julia was right, Barnabas returned to her side as he nodded his agreement.

“You are right, Julia. I had hoped...”

“I know, Barnabas. Magda may not be able to help us, but perhaps one of the elders can.”

“How do we arrange that?”

“Doctor Adams was telling me this caravan comes through Dodge every few years and invariably they offer their talents and skills to the people - for a price, of course.”

Barnabas smiled and nodded.

“Then we shall have to take advantage of their talents and skills when they offer.”

Julia nodded as she watched Barnabas reach toward the pocket where he kept the Circle of Rings with him at all times. They exchanged a glance, then continued on their way home for the evening.

Barnabas reached for Julia’s elbow as he helped her around a mud puddle. Rain the night before had made the ground soft and muddy, but it had not deterred any who wanted to take advantage of the gypsy carnival along the river bank that evening. The gypsies had set up tables or benches near their wagons and each one had something different to offer. Julia called Barnabas’ attention to the table where Magda was telling Kitty Russell’s fortune, while Doc and Matt looked on, skeptically amused. Not wanting to intrude, but still curious, Barnabas led Julia closer. Magda was telling Kitty she would love one man only, but that man would resist doing what he knew was best for them both. Magda shot Matt a curious, angry look when the next card told her Kitty might always stand alone, even though there would be much happiness and shared joy between them. The man would always be within reach, but always hesitant to be close enough. Again Magda glared at Matt Dillon and shook a bejeweled finger at him.

“The future is not certain until it is the past. You - change what I see, make her happy. Do not let her always be alone even when she is with you.”

Kitty glanced up at Matt as he nervously adjusted the position of his hat on his head, and Doc chuckled behind his hand as he swiped it over his mustache. Matt just gave him a dirty look as Kitty stood and turned to face the men. Doc wasn’t going to let it rest just yet.

“You should listen to her, Matt, she has good advice, same thing I’ve been saying for years... Oh, good evening Mister Collins, Julia.”

“Good evening Doctor, Miss Russell, Marshal.”

Grateful for the distraction, Matt smiled and nodded to Barnabas and Julia as they stepped up to the group of Dodge City citizens.

“Are you two enjoying yourselves?”

“It is unlike anything we have experienced before, Marshal.”

“Be sure you catch Sandor’s knife throwing demonstration. It is different every year.”

Barnabas smiled at Doc, well aware of Sandor’s knife throwing act.

“Magda will tell your future. I use cards, or crystal ball. Which would the lady choose?”

Julia began to shake her head to decline, when Doc chuckled again.

“She’s very good, Julia. Give it a try.”

Julia glanced nervously at Barnabas, unable to graciously decline, then nodded and took a seat across from Magda. She indicated she would like the tarot cards. Magda shuffled them and began to lay them out in a pattern Barnabas had seen her use often in the future. Shaking her head and frowning, Magda looked up at Julia, then back at the cards. She laid out a few more cards, her puzzled expression deepening.

“You should not be here. This ain’t your place. Forces, terrible, bad forces bring you here. Darkness and evil that is not evil come with you, stand by your side... No... No.. You got to go back, you got to go or many terrible things will come if you stay.”

Magda shook her head, fear touching her features, and reflecting in her eyes. She looked at Julia, then up at Barnabas and pulled in a deep breath.

“Darkness and evil that is not evil, they are closer than you know. Go back like you come. Go back.”

Gathering up her cards, Magda snatched up the coin Barnabas had placed on the table, then hurried away, muttering something about Sandor and his knives. The three Dodge citizens exchanged curious glances, not seeing the worried ones Barnabas and Julia gave each other.

“I wonder what she meant by all that.”

Kitty shook her head as she watched Magda hurry away.

“It was rather enigmatic.”

“At least when she told Kitty’s fortune, we knew what she was talking about, didn’t we Matt?”

Dillon shifted uncomfortably again, hitching his thumbs on his gun belt and looked at Kitty.

“Are we through here? I should keep moving.”

“Oh, Matt, Doc was just teasing.”

Kitty shook her head and smiled, grateful to have Doc on her side, but knowing all the cajoling and subtle hinting in the world wouldn’t move Matt toward marriage any faster than a boulder could walk across the desert. She was content to wait. It was all she could do unless she wanted to find another man, and that was not an option as far as she was concerned.

“Come on, Matt. I’d like some of that soup that was so good last time. Remember?”

Kitty’s eyes sparkled with amusement. The woman who had sold it to them assured Kitty the soup had aphrodisiac properties. Kitty wasn’t sure if it had been true, but she did remember that she and Matt had thoroughly enjoyed their night together. Judging by Matt’s smile, she was sure he remembered too. He chuckled and reached for her arm.

“All right. Come on.”

They exchanged greetings with Barnabas and Julia, and wandered off toward where food was available, with Doc ambling along behind them. Barnabas took Julia’s arm and steered her away from the main flow of traffic, his concern clearly evident on his face.

“Julia, how could she know?”

“I don’t know, Barnabas, but she gave us good advise. We must get back. To do that we must find someone who knows more about the Circle of Rings than we do.”

Barnabas nodded, and together he and Julia returned to the main area of activity. They continued to stroll through the crowd, pausing to look at various things. It was an elderly man who sat before a table of oddities that caught their attention. Among the various trinkets he displayed, near the back of the table, was what looked like another Circle of Rings, but smaller and more delicate. Barnabas reached for it and the old man caught his hand before he could touch it.

“No. That is not for you.”

“May I ask why?”

“It has not the power to put right that which is wrong.”

“I am not certain what you mean, sir.”

The old man eyed Barnabas carefully, then looked at Julia.

“I heard what my wife’s daughter told you. She sees, in the cards, what others do not. Return as you came.”

“We... don’t know how.”

The old man reached out and touched the pocket in which Barnabas carried the Circle of Rings. Their gazes met and the old man stared into Barnabas’ eyes.

“You must return as you came, all must be as it was. To stay will be dangerous, to go will be more dangerous still. You cannot escape what the future holds for you.”

Slowly Barnabas removed the Circle of Rings from his pocket and held it out to the gypsy. The old man reached to touch it, then recoiled.

“What is it, what is wrong?”

The man shook his head as he took a step away from Barnabas.

“It is powerful, it takes you far away and into danger. It makes stronger that which you desire least. You must go back, go back...”

The old man began to turn away just as a young girl of about 7 ran up to him, her long red hair shimmering in the torchlight.

“Papa, Papa! Mama says I may dance and sing this night. Will you play for me, Papa?”

Fear left the old man’s eyes. It was replaced by love and joy. He smoothed his daughter’s hair and nodded.

“Yes, Jenny, yes. I will play for you. Come.”

He shot a wary glance at Barnabas and Julia over his shoulder, then followed his daughter toward the large bon fire that had been lit.

Barnabas returned the Circle of Rings to his pocket as he glanced at Julia. She was biting her bottom lip, her brow creased in concentration.

“I think... I understand what he meant, Barnabas. ‘Return as you came,’ means use the Circle of Rings. ‘All must be as it was...’ There was a thunderstorm, Barnabas.”

“You mean we must recite the same words David used and recreate as best we can the same setting during a storm?”

Julia nodded slowly.

“Yes, I think so.”

Barnabas frowned slightly, but slowly nodded. He could see no other way. Meeting Julia’s gaze, he took her arm and they resumed walking.

Standing a quarter of the way around the fire from Barnabas and Julia Collins, watching the young gypsy girl dance and sing, Kitty glanced to her left and studied Barnabas Collins more closely. She was still sure she knew him from somewhere.

Feeling someone’s eyes on him, Barnabas glanced around the fire and caught Kitty Russell’s gaze. He narrowed his eyes slightly, trying to re-enforce his earlier command that she not recall him, but was unable to continue when the scent of human blood came to him on the air. Behind him they heard a cry of pain, followed by what had to be angry cursing and accusations in a language other than English. Turning with the crowd, Barnabas saw there had been an accident with Sandor’s knife throwing act. Magda, blood staining her blouse, was loudly venting her feelings on Sandor. When Magda went down in a faint, Doc and Julia hurried forward to the make-shift stage, offering to help.

The moment Barnabas smelled, then saw the blood, his needs began to grow. He’d fed briefly earlier in the night, but it had not been enough. He quickly turned away from the crowd, melting into the night.

Kitty, who’d stayed back with the crowd when Matt went to see if he could be of help with Magda, turned slowly toward Barnabas Collins. She heard, she understood.

Keeping to the shadows behind the gypsy wagons, Barnabas made his way carefully back toward the town. Perhaps he could find someone there. The soft swish of a skirt caught his attention and he stopped, waiting silently for the woman to pass. She did not. She stopped before him and stepped closer.

“You needn’t go anywhere else.”

Kitty Russell’s voice was quiet, but filled with a need, a hunger Barnabas understood with his entire being. She wanted to give what he needed, and although he had not summoned her, she knew. Barnabas shook his head.

“No. Go back to the crowd. I do not want you.”

“Yes you do. You need me.”

Kitty met his gaze with a look Barnabas could not resist. His need was urgent and he did not know if he could control the hunger until he found someone else. Julia’s warning about this woman echoed in his ears, but Barnabas was past the desire or ability to control his need. He stepped forward, drew Kitty into his arms and bent toward her neck. She cried out softly as his fangs pierced her healing wounds, then surrendered to his control as he fed.

Julia and Doc Adams exchanged satisfied glances, then looked back at their patient. Magda had lost a fair amount of blood from where Sandor’s knife had lodged in her arm. Together they’d worked to stop the bleeding and stabilize her. Now she was resting quietly while Sandor and the woman they realized was Magda’s mother fretted nearby.

“Stay with her. I’ll talk to the family.”

Julia nodded and watched over their patient while Doc went to talk with Sandor and Magda’s mother. She noticed the old man who had spoken to them earlier, and the child Jenny hovering nearby. Julia could not hear what was said, but did hear Sandor’s worry and Doc’s reassurances in the soft murmuring of their voices. Together Doc and Sandor came back to where Julia waited with Magda, and they were soon joined by the rest of her family.

“Just do as I told you -- keep her warm and quiet, let her get a lot of rest, and be sure she eats well, and she’ll be back on her feet again in no time.”

“Good. I take her home now?”

“Yes.”

The sturdy gypsy knelt down, gathered Magda into his arms, stood, and carried her to their wagon, only a few doors down. With the excitement over, Matt was urging the crowd to disperse. Julia turned to look for Barnabas, but could not see him. Matt was likewise looking for Kitty. She was not to be seen.

“Where’s Mr. Collins?”

Julia shrugged as she continued to look for him in the flickering torch light. She was uneasy, but could not let Doc know that.

“He may have gone home, expecting me to be occupied for awhile.”

“Well then, let me walk you back.”

Julia smiled her thanks, then glanced up as a scream tore through the night, followed by startled oaths and confusion.

“Marshal! Marshal!!”

Dillon turned and hurried toward the noise, hand resting on his gun as he ran. Doc and Julia followed behind and stopped short as Matt Dillon knelt beside the unconscious form of Kitty Russell, the flickering torch light revealing blood smeared on her clothing and trickling from two large wounds on her neck.

Julia went pale, knowing Barnabas had done this but not knowing why. Pushing her worry for Barnabas aside for the moment, Julia hurried forward and knelt beside Kitty to give Doc all the assistance she could.

More than willing to tend to the cleaning of the wound, Julia allowed Doc Adams to assess Kitty’s overall condition while she cleaned the blood and dirt from Kitty’s neck and wounds. Julia carefully assessed the damage done, her concern for Barnabas growing. She needed to go to him and find out what had happened, why he’d been compelled to feed from Kitty in such a... savage way when she knew he’d fed earlier in the evening. She knew his condition was not as stable or predictable as it had been at other times, and she could only deduce from Kitty Russell’s condition that he was growing worse. Julia knew she needed to be with him, but she also knew she could not leave until Doc Adams was satisfied Kitty would be fine.

“Dear Lord. Julia, what could have done this? It looks like some... some animal just tried to rip her throat out.”

Julia nodded as she continued to blot the blood while Doc held a lamp close to carefully examine the long gashes on Kitty’s throat. The wounds were not deep enough to have done her permanent damage, to interfere with her trachea or esophagus, but they would be a very long time healing.

“I don’t know, Doctor.”

“Matt has Festus out there, looking for animal tracks, but with so many people tramping around...”

Julia nodded and glanced over her shoulder toward the far side of the room where Matt Dillon waited.

“How’s he doing?”

Doc just shook his head and resumed examining Kitty’s wounds.

“Very few things rattle that man, but when it comes to Kitty... Let’s get the bleeding stopped and those wounds dressed before we let him see her.”

Julia began to prepare what they would need, unable to keep from worrying about Barnabas.

Dillon entered Doc Adams’ back room slowly. He was well acquainted with the room, having spent time recuperating within its walls on more than several occasions. He disliked it enough when he was the patient, but liked it even less when Kitty was there. The Marshal glanced at his doctor and friend, who stood at the foot of the bed, then turned his gaze on Kitty. He felt his heart leap into his throat. She looked so pale and frail, so fragile. That was not the vital, healthy woman he knew; that was not the woman he loved. Swallowing hard to be sure of his voice, Matt lowered himself into the chair beside her bed and reached for his lady’s hand.

“Kitty...?”

She moaned softly, whether in reply to his voice or his touch Matt didn’t know or care, so long as she responded.

“Doc?”

“She’s lost a lot of blood, Matt. She’ll be weak and a little incoherent until she makes some of it back.”

Dillon was nodding his understanding even though he did not take his eyes off Kitty. He held her hand firmly but gently and just watched her. Doc touched Julia on the shoulder and nodded toward the door. The two physicians left Matt alone with Kitty and closed the door behind them.

Lost in thought, Julia contemplated Kitty Russell’s condition, wanting nothing more than to go find Barnabas and do what she could for him but she could think of no excuse for leaving the patient that Doc Adams would accept. She could hardly tell him her husband was a vampire and responsible for Kitty’s condition.

“Julia?”

She turned to face Doc Adams and smiled weakly.

“I was considering ways of treating Miss Russell, but...”

“Kitty is a strong, stubborn woman. She’ll come through this.”

“She’ll need every bit of strength she can find.”

“Hmmm. Why don’t you...”

“Doc! Doc!!”

Dillon’s shout from the other room alarmed both doctors and they hurried into the back room to find Matt struggling with Kitty Russell, who was determined to get out of bed.

“Let me go! Get out of my way, he needs me! I have to go. Leave me alone, I don’t want you to touch me!”

The anger and hatred in Kitty’s eyes startled Matt enough so he let go of her arms. Kitty used the opportunity to try and scramble from the bed, but Matt and Doc both blocked her way.

“Hold her down, Matt.”

Torn between going to Barnabas and breaking his control over Kitty, and preventing Kitty from going to Barnabas, Julia dashed into the main room and got the bottle of ether Doc kept in his medicine cabinet. It was dangerous to use the ether on Kitty when she was so weak, but they had to get her calmed down. Julia knew if Kitty was deeply unconscious, she would be less able to respond to Barnabas’ commands.

“Doc!”

She showed the ether to the older man and he nodded, moving in to help Matt with Kitty. Between the two, they held Kitty as still as they could and Julia moved in to place the mask over Kitty’s mouth and nose. Almost immediately Kitty began to quiet, her struggling to still, and when she slept, they all breathed more easily.

“Doc, what is wrong with her? She was fighting like a bear.”

Matt rubbed his arm where Kitty had bit him but not drawn blood as he looked down at the now sleeping woman.

“I don’t know, Matt. I’ve never encountered anything like this before. Julia?”

Julia Collins shook her head as she studied Kitty Russell carefully. Was Barnabas’ vampirism to be a constant companion, no matter when or where they were? Julia looked up and met Dillon’s worried gaze.

“I don’t know, but I do suggest she not be left alone, for even a minute. She could seriously injure herself if there are any additional episodes like this.”

Doc nodded his agreement as Dillon’s shoulders slumped and he turned back to watch Kitty. He would be going no where that night. Julia watched the Marshal, knowing the best way to help Kitty was to help Barnabas, but how could she get away? Closing her eyes, Julia leaned against the door frame and sighed quietly. She opened her eyes again when she felt a hand come to rest on her arm.

“Here now, you’re exhausted. I want you to go home to that husband of yours and get some sleep.”

“But...”

“No arguments, Julia. I think Kitty will sleep well for the rest of the night. If there are any problems, Matt and I will handle them. Go home.”

Julia wanted nothing more than to do just that, but met Doc’s gaze with worried eyes.

“You’re sure?”

“I am. Matt, will you see Julia home safely?”

“No, he should stay here with Kitty.”

“I think Doc is right, if whatever did that to Kitty is still out there... I’ll see you home.”

Julia agreed, said goodnight to Doc and allowed Matt to walk her home through the quiet of the slumbering Dodge City. As they reached her front door, a dog howled nearby and Julia started, knowing well what that sound meant. She had to get to Barnabas.

“Thank you, Marshal. If you or Doc need me...”

Matt nodded, touched his hat to Julia, then waited to see her safely inside with the door locked before turning and hurrying back to Doc Adams’ second floor office.

“Barnabas?”

Julia moved slowly through the house, alert for any sound that would indicate where Barnabas might be. She desperately hoped he was there, and was about to open the basement door when she heard his footsteps behind her.

“... Julia...”

She turned, alarmed by his weak, unsteady voice. He was clearly in distress and Julia stepped toward him, but Barnabas shook his head and backed away.

“No. Don’t come near me...”

Julia ignored him, closed the distance between them and put her arms around Barnabas’ waist. He again tried to push away from her, but was too weak to be effective. Julia helped Barnabas downstairs and to his coffin, not allowing her panic to take control. She knew how much blood he’d taken from Kitty, and if his condition was this serious, Julia didn’t know what to do for him.

“Julia,... I didn’t... she knew... she ... came to me...”

Julia glanced at Barnabas as he sagged against her before getting into his coffin. Her eyes went wide as she began to realize what was implied by his claim.

“Barnabas, are you telling me Miss Russell just... came to you, with no instructions from you?”

“Yes. I tried to... go away, to send her away, but... she was just there... Did I...”

“She’s in serious condition, Barnabas, but I think she’ll recover.”

‘If we can keep you away from her,’ Julia added silently to herself. Barnabas didn’t need that guilt. This was all beyond his control. Julia had been examining Barnabas as best she could as he settled into his coffin. She didn’t like what she found, and studied Barnabas with worried eyes. She could do nothing for him, and a lump formed in her throat when she realized whatever was happening to Barnabas could destroy him.

Reaching into his pocket, Julia removed the Circle of Rings and placed it aside for the moment. She would take it back to the Gypsies in the morning, perhaps use the excuse of checking on Magda’s condition and see if anyone could tell her any more about the artifact. It was their only hope.

“Rest, Barnabas, I’ll be right here...”

Collins’ eyes closed and Julia shuddered. She would never grow used to seeing Barnabas like this, and did not like to even consider it might be something other than temporary.

Not understanding what was happening to her, Kitty Russell tossed restlessly in her sleep. She knew Matt was beside her, worried about her, and normally that would have given her a feeling of great comfort and security, but now she resented it and all she wanted was for him to leave her alone. Matt was not the one she wanted; she did not respond to his every thought and need. Only one man filled her mind, and she wanted to go to him, to be with him, to be for him all he needed, but Matt prevented her. Why? Why did he prevent her from going to him?! She knew why - he was jealous. He didn’t want her to be with anyone else, he didn’t want her to love anyone else, so Matt kept her from him. But... he didn’t want her either. He did not call to her, he refused to let her sate his needs. No! Matt cared about her, he loved her he wouldn’t... But why... help...

“Help! Help me!!”

“Kitty, be still. I’m here. You’re all right, Kitty, you’re safe now. I’m here, Kitty, I’m here.”

Matt tried to soothe Kitty’s restlessness as she tossed about, mumbling things that made no sense. It frightened him to see Kitty like this, not just because she was so ill, but because this was so unlike her. She didn’t give in to illness or weakness easily. She was a strong woman, in every way that counted; she had to be in order to cope with the uncertainty being a part of his life brought. Kitty was the one woman who hadn’t turned and run in fear the first time she saw him shot. She had stayed by his side, nursed him, bullied him, bribed him, and loved him. That was what fascinated Matt most about Kitty -- she loved him. Privately, Matt would admit that he loved her too, but never in front of others, although the whole town and half of Kansas knew it. Matt figured that was something he wanted to share only with Kitty, and it was nobody’s business but theirs.

Shaking his head and holding Kitty’s hand a bit more tightly, Matt continued to watch her closely, wishing he could face whatever tormented her and defeat it. He was at his best when he could face down or out wit an opponent, but this... He didn’t understand it any more than Doc or Doctor Collins did, and he didn’t like it one bit.

“Kitty, I’m here... Stay with me, Kitty, don’t go anywhere... I’m no good without you...”

Dillon reached over to gently brush Kitty’s hair from her face and neck. As much as he wanted to face and defeat whatever was causing Kitty’s illness, Matt even more wanted her to recover and be well again. Holding Kitty’s hand between both of his, Matt closed his eyes and prayed for Kitty.

Stepping close to the coffin, Julia looked down into Barnabas’ distressed, frightened eyes moments before he closed them to his daylight sleep. His symptoms had lessened slightly as dawn approached, and Julia had hopes he would be improved -- or at least be no worse -- by evening. Gently caressing Barnabas’ cold cheek, Julia reached up to close the coffin lid on him, shuddering and fighting back a sob. She would not give in to despair, she would not allow defeatist thoughts to enter her mind, but she did wonder how she could help Barnabas this time. The Gypsies spoke in riddles, and the only person who might be able to help them was nearly one hundred years in the future and half a country away - Eliot Stokes.

Taking a deep breath, Julia leaned on the coffin a moment, then straightened. She took the Circle of Rings from where she’d set it aside and began to climb the cellar steps. She would try to get a couple hours of sleep, then begin her day; a day she hoped would provide more answers than questions.

Having found a box in which to carry the Circle of Rings, Julia Collins left her house, and headed across then down Front Street. She began to climb the stairs to Doc’s second floor office just as the door opened and Doc Adams stepped out. He glanced down the stairs and smiled his welcome to Julia.

“Good morning, Julia.”

“Good morning. Did you get any rest?”

“I dozed in my chair on and off. Kitty had a pretty rough night.”

Julia nodded reflectively, certain Kitty’s hard night mirrored Barnabas’ difficulties.

“How is she this morning?”

“Still weak, but resting more quietly. Matt sat up with her all night.”

“Why don’t I stay with her awhile and the two of you go get some breakfast.”

“Matt’s pretty reluctant to leave Kitty, but we can sure try.”

Adams led the way back into his office. Julia placed the box on a corner of the desk and followed Doc into the back room where Matt Dillon sat dozing in a chair, Kitty’s hand held in his. Doc smiled and motioned Julia back. They closed the door and Doc swiped his hand across his mustache before sliding his hands into his pants pockets.

"Let him sleep... Say, Doctor, are you much of a cook?”

“I get by. Why?”

“I wonder if you’d make some broth for Kitty. Maybe she’ll take some when she wakes up.”

"I’ll be glad to.”

“Fine. I’ll bring something back for Matt. Can I get you anything?”

“No, I’m fine, thank you... Doctor, if you’ve no objection, later I’d like to go see how our other patient, Mrs. Rakozi, is doing.”

“Good idea, Julia. She seemed to take more to you than to me. Well, I won’t be long.”

"Don’t hurry. You’ve earned a break.”

Doc chuckled, then took his jacket from the back of his chair and left his office.

Julia was checking Kitty’s vital signs when Doc returned. Matt, who had awakened with a crick in his neck, hovered nearby and both joined Doc Adams in the outer room when Julia finished.

“She’s improving -- pulse and heart rate are both stronger, and her breathing is more regular and even.”

Dillon visibly relaxed as Doc nodded his satisfaction.

"Has she been awake at all?”

"Briefly. She said she was thirsty, I gave her some water, and she went right back to sleep.”

“Well, that’s all right. Sleep is the best thing for Kitty right now. Matt, I want you sit down and eat - no arguments.”

Matt was about to do just that but he glanced between Doc and Julia, seeing he would not win, so he sat and began to eat the breakfast Doc had brought him from Delmonicos. Doc nodded again, then wandered in to have a look at Kitty himself. Satisfied she rested quietly, he returned to the main room. Three minutes later, Julia was on her way to the Gypsy camp to see how Magda was doing and to learn what she could about the Circle of Rings.

“It is as I told the one who is evil but not evil, the one who is in your heart even though darkness walks by your side. You must return as you came. I can tell you no more.”

"Wait, please.”

Julia held out a coin to the old Gypsy. He paused, then shook his head.

"More gold will not increase my knowledge.”

“You must know more, something you have not told me, something I do not understand.”

He considered a long moment. This woman had been kind to Magda, who seemed to like her. He nodded as he turned back to Julia, his gaze resting on the box in which she carried the Circle of Rings.

"Keep it close, but not too near. It will increase that which you desire least. It will... strengthen the terrible things which come to you because of it.”

Julia met the old man’s eyes and he nodded as he lightly placed his hand on top of the box.

“Yes, you understand my words. You must accept them and do what is needed to save the one in your heart, to save all those around you. If you do not, the tragedy of one will affect the tragedies of many. One will die, another will be forever lost and a third left without purpose or hope. Do this to save yourself.”

Breaking eye contact with the old man, Julia also glanced down at the box. She was beginning to understand, but needed to know one more thing.

“Are you able to tell me when it will be as it was so we can go back as we came?”

“It will be soon.”

“Thank you.”

Again Julia offered him a coin, but he shook his head and glanced toward the wagon in which Magda and Sandor lived. Julia smiled and nodded her understanding, then glanced in the same direction as the door to the wagon opened and Magda stepped into the daylight. She glanced around, her gaze resting on Julia.

"Hey, lady doctor, you come to see if Magda follow your orders, eh?”

Julia smiled as she walked over to join Magda, reminded again of how refreshing she’d found this woman when they first met in 1897, some twenty plus years in the future.

“I came to see how you’re feeling, yes.”

"And why you care, eh? No, do not say. You want another fortune told and know only Magda can see for you. Come in.”

Magda turned around and re-entered the wagon. Julia smiled to herself and followed.

Kitty Russell’s eyes snapped open just as dusk settled on Dodge City. She pushed the covers aside and sat up, once again intending to leave. He needed her, she knew it. Even though he did not call her, she could hear his voice in her mind. She would go to him, give him what he needed, and be with him forever. As suddenly as she felt the need, felt the desire to give him what he required, that desire faded. She shook her head, confused. Reluctantly Kitty allowed herself to be eased back to the mattress. Matt pulled the covers over her again, and looked at Doc, who frowned as he watched her.

“Doc?”

“I don’t understand this at all, Matt, she shouldn’t have enough strength to get out of bed, let alone struggle like that. She’s quiet now, let’s be glad of that.”

Dillon nodded his agreement and just sat, watching Kitty, frustrated because he could do nothing to help her.

Down the street, in the cellar of the home Barnabas and Julia were renting, Julia Collins waited apprehensively until Barnabas raised the lid on his coffin. He sat up and stared at her, unhappy she was there.

“Julia...”

His voice was rough with need and Julia did not flinch. She knew he would not hurt her no matter how much he needed blood.

“... You should not be here.”

"Don’t summon any of them, Barnabas. I’ve brought you an... alternative.”

Julia indicated a container sitting on a nearby table, then turned away, knowing Barnabas disliked anyone watching him get in or out of his coffin. She heard movement behind her, then the sounds of Barnabas consuming the cow’s blood she’d gotten for him. They both knew it was only a temporary solution to his needs, but Julia hoped it would be adequate. They needed to talk.

“... Thank you, Julia.”

“How do you feel tonight, Barnabas?”

She turned to face him and was relieved to see his condition seemed much better than the night before.

“Better. I am not well, but... I am able to endure the need, which is no longer so overpowering.”

Julia nodded as she closed the distance between them. She met Barnabas’ gaze as she took his hands.

“I went back to the Gypsy camp today, Barnabas. I talked with the old man from last night. He did not tell me anything new, but... I think I better understand what he said last night.”

"Tell me.”

“We were right in thinking conditions must be the same in order for us to use the power of the Circle of Rings to get home. And I also understand what he meant when he said the Circle of Rings will strengthen that which you desire least. You were in constant contact with it, Barnabas; you were carrying it in your pocket and it was causing your strong and overwhelming need for blood. The longer you were in contact with it, the stronger your needs became.”

Barnabas slowly nodded, realizing what Julia said was true, to the point where it had gone beyond his control. It had emphasized his needs so much that he’d not had to summon a victim, they came to him. His connection with Kitty Russell seemed the strongest.

"Miss Russell?”

“She’s recovering, Barnabas. She had a bad night, no doubt mirroring what you experienced, but she was steadily improving all day and was much stronger when I left about an hour before dusk.”

“Good... Was the gypsy able to tell you anything more? What significance the Circle of Rings has, why we were brought here... anything?”

“No, only that he believes conditions will soon be right for our return. He did emphasize the need for our return, Barnabas, and predicted... well, he implied things would be worse than they are now.”

“That I would cause Miss Russell’s death.”

"Perhaps. He didn’t say so, but... that was the feeling I got.”

Barnabas nodded slowly as he studied his wife’s face. Perhaps there was no reason for them being in Dodge City at this particular time as there had been with all their other trips into the past. They had not chosen to be there, they were not trying to avert a disaster or save someone’s life. There were no family ties, no supernatural events to alter or prevent. They were simply there because of David’s ignorance as to the dangers of invoking powers he did not understand.

"Did he say when conditions might be right, Julia?”

“No, only that it would be soon... Barnabas, I know the cow’s blood will only be a temporary solution...”

“Yes. I will need to hunt this night, Julia, but I believe I will be able to control my needs so I will endanger no one else.”

Julia watched Barnabas warily, wanting to believe him. He did seem much better, and removing the Circle of Rings from his person seemed to be the turning point. Finally Julia nodded. She had to trust Barnabas, for he knew his own responses better than anyone else.

“Barnabas...”

“No, Julia. I will not. One of us must remain calm and rational. If I were to accept your blood and something more happened to me, we would, both of us, be in great danger. I understand your motives and I thank you, but... I can not. I dare not.”

Julia nodded and went into Barnabas’ embrace as he pulled her toward him.

“When we get home, we need to have a long, serious talk with David... We will get home, Barnabas.”

“We must, Julia. These... remissions I experience may always be a constant companion to me, to us, and if that is to be the case, I want to be in a time and place where you can help me.”

Julia nodded against Barnabas’ chest as he held her close. After a long moment, Barnabas eased back a bit and met Julia’s gaze as she raised her head from his chest. She smiled in response to what she saw in his eyes. Barnabas took Julia’s hand and led her out of the cellar.

The storm began about midnight. Barnabas, who had been out hunting, finished quickly, made sure the girl would not be exposed to the storm, then hurried back to Julia. She had a candle lit, and the box containing the Circle of Rings on the table beside it. Carefully, Julia removed the object from the box, and met Barnabas’ gaze as he reached out, stopping just short of touching it.

“Julia, if I should react badly again...”

“It’s the only way we can go home, Barnabas.”

He nodded, then reluctantly grasped the Circle of Rings with both hands as Julia touched his arm with one hand and the Circle of Rings with the other. He glanced at her, and repeated the words David had spoken.

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

Julia saw and felt Barnabas go rigid with tension and need. He snarled at her as she cried out his name, holding to his arm. His roar of anger was drowned out by the boom of thunder overhead. Barnabas glared at Julia and pushed her away from him, knocking her into the wall and stunning her. Barnabas advanced on her, fangs ready to take what he needed. His instincts ruled, his logic and reason were completely submerged. Barnabas knelt beside Julia, ready to take her blood, his eyes fastened on the blood oozing from a cut on her forehead when he sensed someone else nearby. Dismissing Julia as troublesome and insignificant, Barnabas stood and moved toward the one to whom he was all ready connected, the one who knew what he needed and gave it willingly.

A high pitched, female scream was heard from behind the Long Branch in the few seconds of relative silence between rumbles of thunder. A second scream followed, and was partially cut off by a loud clap of thunder. Several moments later, Matt Dillon heard a commotion begin and his name being called. He glanced at Kitty, not wanting to leave her alone. Doc had stepped out for a moment and was not back yet, but the sound of Festus Haggen’s jingling spurs coming up Doc’s steps told Matt it was urgent. He stood and left Kitty’s side, closing the inner door behind him, just as Festus hurried in.

“Matthew, Miss Jenny was near attacked out back of the Long Branch. She didn’t see who done it, but...”

Matt was putting his hat on his head as he followed Festus down the stairs, closing the outer door to Doc’s office as well. He accompanied Festus through the alley to where Jenny, one of the girls who worked for Kitty, was sobbing. When he got her calmed down and could see she wasn’t hurt, learning little that would help him find the man who had tried to attack her, Matt turned Jenny over to couple of the other girls. They promised to calm her further and get her into bed.

Frowning as he looked around the alley, Matt realized any clues that might have existed had been obliterated by those who responded to Jenny’s screams. Sighing heavily, Matt turned and headed back towards Doc’s office.

Kitty Russell’s eyes shot open in response to a long, low rumble of thunder. She sat up and pulled the bed covers aside. Standing, unsteady on her feet but still determined, Kitty left her bed and the room, descending the stairs to Doc’s office with determined purpose.

Having stepped out for a moment, Doc Adams returned to his office, frowning when he saw the door standing wide open. He hurried in and to the back room, cursing to himself when he saw the empty bed.

Turning, he hurried back across to the still open door and started down the stairs. Dillon was on the street below.

“Matt! It’s Kitty! She’s gone.”

“How long?”

"Can’t be more than a minute or two.”

"Festus! Newly! Sam!”

The men came running and a search party was quickly formed.

Julia shook her head to clear the fuzziness from it, opened her eyes and stiffly stood. She glanced around, seeing no sign of Barnabas. As she moved forward, her foot bumped something and Julia bent down to retrieve the Circle of Rings from where Barnabas must have dropped it. At least he wasn’t still in contact with it. Perhaps the effects would lessen quickly so when she found him... Julia knew where he was going - to meet Kitty Russell. She had to find them both before it was too late.

Keeping to the shadows, Kitty Russell moved quietly toward her rendezvous, unaware of the commotion behind the Long Branch; a commotion that would distract those who might prevent her from going to meet him.

Kitty was also unaware that Julia Collins stepped from the front porch of her home and looked down the street in time to see Kitty disappear into the alley between the barber shop and Matt Dillon’s jail house.

Heart leaping into her throat, careful not to grasp the Circle of Rings too tightly, Julia slid it into the pocket of her skirt and hurried down the street toward the Marshal’s office. Barnabas must have created a diversion to get Dillon away from Kitty’s bedside. Although she didn’t want anyone else endangered, Julia hoped that was the case, otherwise Barnabas was behaving recklessly and foolishly. If he were caught... Julia shook her head. He would not be caught. She would make certain of that.

Kitty stepped from the shadow of the jail house into the darkness of the night.

“Come...”

A hand was extended to her and Kitty took it, the deep, demanding voice obliterating any thoughts which came to mind but those of strict obedience. The hand pulled her toward another patch of shadows and slid around her waist as Kitty sighed. This man was not Matt. She should not be here with him, but she didn’t care. He offered her ecstasies she never knew existed, he made her body respond in ways she’d never before experienced; he made her forget all about Matt Dillon and everything they shared. He made her want to die in his arms and tonight... tonight she would do just that. Smiling into his dark, hypnotic eyes, Kitty tilted her head back as she slid her arms around him, wanting and accepting what he offered. She shivered as his cold fingers caressed her neck and moved her hair away from her throat.

Julia heard movement ahead of her and slowed slightly, not wanting to startle Barnabas into harming Kitty Russell further. She saw the red-head move into his arms and tilt her head back, inviting Barnabas to take her. A cold shiver ran through Julia that had nothing to do with the strong wind and the rain that was beginning to fall. She remembered -- too well -- her own responses and desires when Tom Jennings made her his victim. She would have done anything to be with Tom, just as she knew Kitty would do anything to be with Barnabas. She couldn’t allow that.

Moments before Barnabas bent his head to Kitty’s exposed neck, Julia rushed forward. She knew it was foolish, knew it was dangerous to interfere, but she had no choice. Julia reached into her skirt pocket and withdrew the Circle of Rings before she grabbed Kitty Russell and half pulled, half pushed her away from Barnabas. Had Barnabas been expecting it, Julia could never have broken his hold on Kitty, but it came as a surprise and she was able to get Kitty away from him.

Snarling with anger, Barnabas turned on Julia, ready to attack her. Julia did not give him the opportunity. She shoved the Circle of Rings into his hands, put her hands on his arm and the Circle of Rings and quickly spoke the words David had used just before she and Barnabas stopped him. Julia could see Barnabas’ anger grow. Overhead, thunder reverberated as lightening flashed. Julia saw the flash, then heard Barnabas screaming. She closed her eyes and thought of nothing but returning to Collinwood, in the future, the Collinwood she and Barnabas had left.

More screaming could be heard over the thunder as Matt Dillon dashed between the barber shop and his office, heading for the back alley. He rounded the corner and in a flash of lightening, saw three people struggling. The lightening ceased and in the darkness Matt heard a woman’s voice muttering something he couldn’t understand over the sound of thunder. Another scream - male this time he thought - rent the night and in the lightening flash that followed, two of the three people were gone. The remaining person was slumped in a heap on the ground, the rain turning the dirt all around into mud.

Matt strode forward and knelt beside the slumped form, turning the person over and into his arms.

“Kitty!”

She was being soaked and beginning to shiver. Matt picked her up, stood, and turned around. He entered the jail house through the back door. Dillon placed Kitty on his cot, wrapped her in several blankets, then hurried across the room to the front door. He threw it open and peered into the lighter darkness of Front Street. Across the way, he saw his deputy.

"Newly! I found her. Get Doc!”

The gunsmith nodded and ran up the street toward Doc’s office. He hurried up the stairs and in seconds was coming back down, Doc following close behind. They had just reached the street when a large clap of thunder shook the ground. The wind picked up and over the sounds of the storm, the splintering of wood and breaking of glass could be heard. A large tree limb slammed into the roof of Doc’s office and back room, smashing everything in its way. Had Kitty still been in bed up there, she would have been killed.

Later, with Kitty clean and dry and safely tucked into her own bed in her own room above the Long Branch, Doc Adams checked her over carefully. Matt Dillon stood just inside the door, his wet shirt and vest drying on him as he kept a close eye on Kitty.

Finished, Doc glanced over his shoulder and Matt stepped closer to the bed, his gaze meeting Kitty’s. He gave her a quick smile, then turned his attention to Doc.

“How is she?”

"Just fine, Matt. I can’t find a thing wrong with her.”

“You make that sound terrible, Doc.”

"After all you’ve been through, Kitty... I just don’t understand it. Not a trace of injury.”

“Kitty, what happened out there? Who was with you?”

Kitty met Dillon’s earnest, worried gaze and shook her head. She glanced down and nervously smoothed the quilt on her bed with her hands.

“I don’t know, Matt. I can’t remember going outside, or even being hurt.”

Dillon was about to press her further, but shook his head when he met her gaze. He knew Kitty wouldn’t hold information back from him. He sighed and glanced at Doc. They all knew if Kitty hadn’t been outside, she would have been killed when the tree limb crashed through Doc’s roof.

“What is the last thing you remember, Kitty?”

“Meeting a Mister... Collins.”

“That was several days ago, Kitty, just before you got so sick... If you remember anything else, let me know.”

“I will Doc.”

“Now, Kitty, I suggest you get a good night’s sleep and tomorrow you’ll be just fine.”

Adams was packing up his bag as he spoke. When he finished, he pulled his coat on, put his hat on his head and grabbed his bag as he headed for the door. Matt joined him and stepped into the outer room.

“Any sign of Julia Collins or her husband?”

“No, the tree took out the entire house. If they were inside...”

Doc shook his head, not wanting to imagine what they might find when they could actually get to what was left of the house. Chances were they would find bodies rather than survivors.

“Are you gonna be all right, Doc?”

“I’m fine Matt. I’ll set up shop at the Dodge House until repairs on my office are complete. Make sure Kitty gets some sleep. See you tomorrow, Matt.”

Doc left as Matt chuckled softly and shook his head. The man was remarkable. Turning, Matt returned to Kitty’s room and smiled as he closed the door. She looked at him from where she rested in bed, her gaze telling him she wanted answers.

“What wasn’t he telling me, Matt? What aren’t you telling me?”

“You were pretty bad off, Kitty. Doc was kind of worried about you.”

He smiled as he sat beside her on the bed and reached for her hand. Kitty smiled in return, her eyes dancing with love.

“I don’t recall anything in detail, Matt, but I do remember you were never very far away.”

“I was pretty worried about you too, Kitty. I didn’t -- don’t -- want to lose you.”

Kitty smiled as she reached up to caress Matt’s cheek, then pull him close enough to kiss him gently.

“Don’t you know by now I’m a stubborn red-head and won’t let anything take me away from you?”

Dillon chuckled, then pulled Kitty into his arms for a long kiss. When they parted, he started to get up but Kitty shook her head and wouldn’t let go. Matt met her gaze, slowly smiling.

“Kitty, Doc told you to get a good night’s sleep.”

“I will... eventually.”

Matt grinned and shifted on the bed enough to remove his boots while Kitty began to remove his vest. He was glad not to be leaving her alone this night.

******

“David! No!!”

Barnabas Collins rushed to the table where David sat, touching the Circle of Rings. Julia was right behind him. Thunder and lightening added their voices to the room as Barnabas knocked the Circle of Rings away from his young cousin. It slid off the edge of the table, smashed against the fireplace hearth and broke. A flash of blue-white light exploded from each piece, melded into one bolt, and then shot up and out the chimney, joining with the lightening from the storm.

In the drawing room, Julia turned on several lights while Barnabas faced David and Hallie. His expression was one of displeasure and disappointment.

“Would you care to explain what that artifact was doing in your possession, rather than in that of Professor Stokes, where I left it?”

David and Hallie exchanged uneasy glances as Julia crossed to the fireplace and retrieved the broken pieces. She made certain none of them touched another piece, and moved to stand beside Barnabas, holding the pieces carefully in her hands.

“David? Hallie?”

“We... just wanted to know how it worked! We were going to give it back to Uncle Eliot tomorrow.”

“Both of you, come, sit down. I believe we need to have a talk.”

“We know we shouldn’t have taken it, Barnabas, but...”

“We will address that matter in due time, David. Julia and I are more concerned about your apparent... disregard for the danger you could have placed yourselves in. None of us knows with what powers this artifact might have been imbued, that is why it was in Professor Stokes possession -- so he could research it - safely and wisely.”

David and Hallie sat down on the couch, prepared for a long lecture. None of the present day Collins family could know that nearly one hundred years earlier, Bartholomew Collins had purchased the Circle of Rings from a passing peddler who dealt in oddities, or that the peddler had gotten it from an aged gypsy as he and his family made their way east out of Dodge City, Kansas.

EPILOGUE

Julia smiled and slowly glanced up as Barnabas stood behind her, his hand gently caressing the back of her neck. It was very distracting and he knew it, but she was determined to share her findings with him. Julia reached up and caught his hand, then eased back in the chair as she tapped the stack of papers in front of her.

“You wish to share something with me?”

“After we got back from Dodge City, I began to think about why we had been drawn there. I mean, there must have been a reason, a purpose for our being there.”

“I wondered that at the time, Julia, but could find no logical reason or answer.”

“I think I may have found an answer, Barnabas. I did some research into the people we met there.”

“And what did you find?”

“That we have a connection to Matt Dillon and Kitty Russell we could never have imagined.”

Barnabas was more than interested and drew Julia to her feet, then led her across the room to the couch, where they both sat. Julia had brought the papers with her, and indicated Barnabas was to look at them. He saw the familiar diagram of a family tree.

“They are related to us?”

“No, Barnabas, but... the great grand-daughter of Matt Dillon and Kitty Russell became a doctor. She was one of my instructors in medical school, and in fact had a great deal of influence in my life. She was the person who encouraged me to rise above the prejudice and distrust of a woman in medicine, and to show all the doubters I could achieve anything I wanted to.”

“She is responsible for making you so... tenacious?”

Julia chuckled as she glanced down at the papers in her hand.

“Yes, I suppose you could say that. She wouldn’t let me give up on myself, even when I wanted to.”

“Then I am most grateful to her, but I am not certain I see the connection, understand why we were sent back to Dodge City in that time...”

Julia dug in the pile and removed a photocopy of an old newspaper article. The mast head identified it to be the Dodge City paper, and the headline declared storm damage to the town extensive. Barnabas looked at Julia, hoping she would summarize.

“That storm took place the night we... left Dodge, Barnabas. The article states a large tree limb destroyed the roof to Doctor Adam’s office, adding it was fortunate no one was in the office at the time or they would have been killed.”

“Miss Russell.”

“Yes. If she’d stayed in bed, rather than answering her connection to you, she would have been killed. As... distressful and terrible as everything was, had we not been there...”

Barnabas nodded as he took Julia’s hand. Had they not been there to remove Kitty Russell from an accidental death, Julia might never have become a doctor and entered his life. He met her gaze, then kissed her hand.

“Never again will I question the... reasons for something happening, or the wisdom of placing us in the middle of those events.”

“I sincerely hope there will never be another time, Barnabas.”

“As do I. I spoke with Eliot earlier. He is of the opinion that it is fortunate the Circle of Rings was destroyed. His research indicates it was an... amplifier for destructive powers. That is what the gypsy meant when he said it strengthened that which I desired least.”

Julia nodded, then gave Barnabas’ hand a gentle squeeze.

“Yes... Barnabas, according to the paper, Barnabas and Julia Collins were killed in that storm. A large tree fell on the house, crushing it. The damage was apparently so severe they weren’t able to sift through all the rubble, and no bodies were ever found.”

“I cannot say I am sorry to hear that, Julia. It keeps questions from being asked.”

Julia nodded, then met her husband’s gaze again. There were so many questions surrounding them, so many they dared not answer truthfully. Having one less set to be asked was somehow comforting. Barnabas seemed to know what Julia was thinking and nodded his agreement. He slid his arms around her and held her close, grateful she had entered his life, grateful she was to be his constant companion.