Episode 116 - 12/5/66

Vicki tries to get out, but Matthew won't let her. He warns her not to scream. He says Collinsport was the last place he thought anyone would look for him, and that her snooping around led her to him. Vicki asks what he's going to do, and Matthew says he won't let her leave. He says that everything that has happened to him is her fault. He tells her to forget trying to escape, or he won't be responsible for what happens. He leads her into a secret room behind a bookcase.

There's a knock at the door at Collinwood, and Mrs. Johnson answers it. It's a cab driver. She invites him in and calls for Vicki. Mrs. Johnson says she must have gotten a lift into town, and sends the driver away.

Vicki looks around the secret room. Matthew says only he knows about it, so no one will ever find either of them there. Vicki asks how he can live or eat. He says someone is looking after him. She asks who, and he only says it's a friend. He says Vicki turned Mrs. Stoddard against him. He asks why Vicki hates him. He doesn't believe her. She says he's insane, which sets him off. He says he should have choked her when he had the chance, and throws her to the ground.

Liz asks Mrs. Johnson if she's seen Carolyn. She explains that she thinks she went out on a date. Liz is surprised Carolyn didn't tell her. Liz also asked if Vicki got off alright. Mrs. Johnson says yes, and then mentions the cab driver showed up. Liz checks where she thought Vicki's bag was, and it's gone. But we see it's in the foyer still.

Liz and Mrs. Johnson discuss Matthew. Liz feels bad for him, but Mrs. Johnson does not, feeling too connected to Bill Malloy. She's surprised Liz considers Matthew a friend. The phone rings, and it's Frank calling asking about Vicki. Liz says she must have just missed the bus, since her suitcase was gone.

Matthew tells Vicki to get up. She does, and he tells her she's lucky he didn't kill her. She says she'll do whatever he says. She says that everyone knows Bill's death was an accident. She says that Liz told the sheriff that. Matthew says that someone told him the police were all over the place. Vicki says they've been gone for days.

Liz talks to Frank, who confirms Vicki didn't arrive on the next bus. Mrs. Johnson suggests maybe Carolyn drove Vicki to Bangor, and they stopped along the way. Liz calls Joe to see if he can confirm that. She leaves a message for him. Mrs. Johnson offers to check for Carolyn's car, as if she were on a date with Joe, it would still be there. If it's gone, she probably drove Vicki to Bangor.

Matthew says he believes her. He'll go outside to look around, and if what she says it true, he'll leave. All he says is that she has to stay in the room and be quiet for the next couple of hours. He says she better do as he says, or she'll be sorry. He leaves the secret room, and leaves the old house to look around. Vicki opens the secret passage and steps out into the old house. She goes to the front door, opens it, and steps outside. Matthew grabs her from behind and drags her back inside. He says he knew he couldn't trust her, and she screams as he approaches.

Our thoughts

John: So it appears David is trying to manipulate Matthew into staying by telling him the police are still around searching for him.

Christine: David must enjoy feeling needed. How is it that nobody can see Vicki's enormous suitcase standing next to the door? It was pretty funny the way Liz had to walk to the foot of the stairs and stare at the floor to determine that this huge piece of luggage wasn't still standing there. I was wondering how many plausible stories Mrs. Johnson would come up with to explain why Vicki did not cancel her cab and has not arrived in Bangor.

John: So was Matthew just waiting to see if Vicki followed his instructions? Or did he actually look to see if the police were about?

Christine: I like how Matthew tells Vicki that no-one will find them in the secret room when we can still clearly see his footprints leading up to it.

John: Oh, Vicki, all you had to do was be a little patient, but no... you had to leave immediately, running the risk of bumping into Matthew.

Christine: That wasn't very smart of her, and she can't expect to escape so soon. So, Carolyn is out and didn't tell her mom where she was going, which means it's likely she's in a certain hotel room and not on a date with Joe, and her missing car will have the two ladies believe she drove Vicki to Bangor.

What was that loud sound that made Liz pause?

The Collingsport Star?