From Darkness It Comes

Sunday At Twilight

By the time they make it down to Elm Street, where the bookstore is located, the sun has gone down and the sky has turned dark blue. Most of the shops along the street have already been closed down for the night, with the exception of the restaurants and bars. As they approach Twilight Forever Books it appears to be closed as well.

"Damn, it looks to be closed." Lisa states the obvious.

"I'll just knock and see. Then we can go home and come back tomorrow."

Before they reach the door and have a chance to knock the door opens and three figured emerge speaking cheerily. A fourth, of an older woman, appears in the doorframe and wishes them farewell. The three leave, walking away down the street, and the old woman starts to disappear inside the darkened store.

Darrin is about to speak up when the woman steps out again and looks at the two of them. Her voice is strong but kind. "Well, come on you two. I'm not going to hold this door open all night."

"But... How?" Darrin starts to say with surprise.

Lisa just shoves him towards the door. "Move it, love."

They pass through the threshold and smell the smoky sweet smell of amber and sandalwood incense. The old woman waves them by with a "Come on you two." and closes the door behind them. "I know you have questions, so let's see what Madame Leveau can do for you."

Darrin looks around at the small store lit mostly by candles. The store is packed with shelves and racks of books, crystals, and hundreds of assorted strange items. They wander down a row of old tomes, with small charms and shrunken heads hanging from the racks. Two long glass cases are filled with all sorts of amulets, charms, rings, and assorted crystalline items. Darrin is obsessed for the moment with the look and scent of the place, but Lisa seems more interested in the old woman herself.

"That's you, isn't it?" Lisa gazes upon the old lady. "You're Madame Leveau, aren't you?"

"Oh yes, child." Kindness and care seems to ooze out ever pore of this lady. "I am she. Madame Abagail Marie Laveau out of Thibodaux Louisiana, at your service. But that's not what you came here to ask about. In fact, isn't it he who has the questions that need answers here?"

Lisa nods. "Yeah. We both kinda do, but yeah, mostly him."

Madame Leveau rounds to face Darrin and takes his hand, startling him. "Darrin, I think it's time you and I had that talk. Don't you, child?"

Darrin looks at her strangely but nods, not exactly comfortable but understanding that his could be his chance to understand what is going on. "Okay, something happened tonight and we want to find out what it means. Do you think you could tell us..."

Madame Leveau raises her hand to interrupt him. "Not here child. Let us get comfortable in the parlor and have tea before we start."

Darrin nods and Lisa smiles, saying, "Tea would be lovely."

Before any of them have a chance to move the door rings as it bursts open and Mr. Stark wanders in. The force of the door opening blows out several of the candles and leave him standing in the darkened entrance, silhouetted by the streetlights behind him. Madame Leveau's eyes narrow as she stares at the new arrival.

"Darrin, you have to come with me." His voice is tense and more rough than usual. "There is something I must show you and we have some things to discuss. The time grows short and..."

It is Mr. Stark's turn to be interrupted this time, as Madame Leveau speaks in a strong and serious tone. "Get out Jacob! I told you, you were not welcome here."

He glares at her. "Not without Darrin, Abigail. We have unfinished business."

"The child is staying right here and you are the only one going. You know you have no power against me Jacob, but I can make you leave. Don't make it come to that."

Mr. Stark glares at her a moment longer and then looks at Darrin with serious intent. "You know I have the answers you seek Darrin. If you want to know how to survive this you will follow me now."

On that he turns his spiteful glance at Madame Leveau again and gives her a small sarcastic nod. "Abigale." Before she can reply he has turned and is walking out the door into the night.

Madame Leveau shakes her head and tries to smile at the two of them. "I ain't going to force you to stay, but I do wish you would. That man brings nothing but trouble. I do, however, believe in free will for all God's creatures, so I leave the choice up to you."