A BOY'S WILL

"Mom, can I talk to you for a minute?"

 

As Catherine glanced up from her lesson plan, Geoffrey's worriedface alerted her that this would be no casual conversation. Shecapped her pen and gave him her full attention.

 

"What is it, sweetheart? You look troubled."

 

He shook his head as he took a seat beside her. "No...not reallytroubled...but.... You know I've been spending a lot of time Abovelately. You said you didn't mind, and it's been kind of fun toexplore the city on my own."

 

Catherine patted his hand, reassuring him. "No, I don't mind. Youhave remarkably good 'street sense' for someone raised in theTunnels, Geoffrey. I know you're careful."

 

He ducked his head, embarrassed but pleased at her expression ofconfidence in him. "Yeah, well...see, I've kinda...made afriend...Above." He seemed to be struggling to express himself, soCatherine prompted him.

 

"A friend? A girl?"

 

"No!" Geoffrey's shy smile reminded her that, grown as he appearedon the outside, he wasn't quite at the point where he might actuallyseek out a "friendship" with someone of the opposite sex. Catherinecovered her relief with an answering smile and a nod.

 

"So...it's another boy?" He nodded in response. "Someone aboutyour own age?" Another nod encouraged her to continue her guessinggame. "And you've been spending a lot of time with this boy?"

 

Her son finally found his voice again. "Yeah. Even though he'sonly about 15, he's homeless...all alone. He's been sleeping inalleys, sometimes in shelters...but the older guys are pretty roughon him. He's had some...bad experiences. So he keeps mostly tohimself."

 

Still the attorney at heart, she gently questioned the seemingcontradiction. "If he 'keeps mostly to himself,' how did you befriendhim?"

 

Geoffrey grinned, not really minding the way his Mom's mindworked. He knew she wasn't challenging him, just probing. "I bought apopsicle from a vendor in the park one day, one of those kinds youcan break in two to share? He was kinda hovering nearby, andsomething made me go over to him and offer him half. He seemed reallysurprised and all, but he took it. I sat on a bench and ate mine, andafter he finished his half, he came over and sat next to me. Wejust...talked. About nothing. About everything."

 

Very curious now, she asked, "How long ago was this, Geoffrey?"

 

"A couple of weeks. I saw him again a few days later, and we satand talked again. I began going up every day after classes. He'salways there. We share a popsicle and spend about an hour fillingeach other in on our lives." At her frown he hastily added, "I'mdiscreet, don't worry." He sat forward in his chair, his expressionone of deep concern. "He's really lonely, Mom. He's got no one.Nobody cares whether he lives or dies."

 

Another "attorney" question: "He has no family?"

 

"He says he doesn't."

 

Catherine had heard stories like this before. Gently, sheconfided, "Geoffrey...most of the time, well...kids your age, whenthey're alone in the city like your friend...." She left her sentencedangling, hoping to coax a name from her son.

 

Geoffrey rushed to supply it. "Garth."

 

She nodded. "...like your friend, Garth, it's because they'rerunaways. They might have left home because of an abuse problem, orbecause they're troubled, or for any number of reasons."

 

Earnestly, he responded, "I know, but...I don't think that's trueof Garth. I believe him when he tells me he's on the streets becausehe has no choice."

 

Catherine sighed. She wasn't going to discourage her son easily.Resigned to following through on her inquiry, she urged him todivulge the information she needed. "What has he told you about hisfamily, about his life...before?"

 

Geoffrey frowned in concentration, thinking back on theirconversations. "Well...he told me he doesn't know who his Dad is. HisMom died in a fire in their apartment house several years ago. He wasin foster care for a while, but he always felt unwanted there. Thelast family had no time for him at all. One day he just walked away."Looking pleadingly at his Mom, he tried to describe the undefinablesomething he had felt when he spoke with this boy. "He doesn't wantto go into foster care anymore, Mom. I can understand that. But...hecan't keep living on the street! It's killing him inside. He'sbecoming...I don't know...kinda hard. He's got a real tough attitude,you know? But inside, I know he's just scared and lonely."

 

Catherine pulled out a clean sheet of paper and started takingnotes. "Do you know his last name, Geoffrey? I could get your AuntEdie to check on his story, to see if he really is who and what hesays he is. It's not that I doubt your 'read' on him, but...if we aregoing to offer him sanctuary, we must be certain we're doing moregood than harm to him and his family."

 

Geoffrey's smile lit the room. She always understood, even when hecouldn't find the words. Impulsively, he threw his arms aroundCatherine's shoulders and squeezed as hard as he could. "Thanks, Mom!You won't regret this, I promise!"

 

_ _ _

 

Edie's check had shown that Garth -- Garth Donnelly -- was anorphan who had vanished from a foster home six months before. Hismother's record with the police and Social Services was a lengthyone. She'd had a number of narcotics and solicitation arrests overthe years, she'd been the subject of several child neglect calls, andhad even lost custody of her son once, before a stint in drug rehabconvinced the court to release him to her custody. It seemed she hadpulled her life together a short while before the fire that destroyedthe only family Garth had in the world.

 

Of what Garth had endured since that time, Edie had no clue, otherthan knowing that custody had passed to Social Services. He was aminor, so his record was "officially" sealed, protected. Even so,Edie had been able to determine that he had passed through severalfoster homes in the fourteen months he was in foster care. Also, hehad no police record. Of course, as Edie readily admitted, this factproved nothing except that, if he had committed any crimes, he'd beenlucky enough or smart enough not to have gotten caught.

 

He presented an intriguing puzzle to Catherine -- but overwhelmingall was the fact that he was a lost boy who had reached out to herson, himself a lost boy when he'd been taken into the protective,nurturing environment of the Tunnels. She could understand whyGeoffrey championed this young man. He saw what he himself could havebecome when he looked into Garth's desperate eyes. And Garth was akid who seemed overdue for a break.

 

Catherine presented the case file on Garth to Vincent. Sheexplained the circumstances of its development and asked for hisevaluation. He accepted the file and advised her that when he wasready to discuss the situation, he would come to her.

 

_ _ _

 

"Catherine, I understand what you are saying, but still..."

 

Sensing his ambivalence, she urged him to reconsider. "Vincent,can't we err on the side of faith? I know that, at first blush, hedoesn't seem like a good risk. But Geoffrey knows him, and he vouchesfor him. He seems a kid on the edge. What happens to him now could bethe defining factor in his life. If we do nothing, he will soondisappear into the bowels of this city and he may be lost not just tous, but to himself."

 

Vincent sighed heavily. "Why did he go through so many fosterfamilies, Catherine? Can we determine that?"

 

She shook her head, regret shining in her eyes. "I'm amazed Ediegot that much information on him. Those child welfare records areusually sealed tighter than a drum. I don't want to think about howmuch I owe her for coming through on this for me. No, I'm afraid wehave nothing to go on now but gut instinct -- Geoffrey's, yours,mine. I've already explained to our son that if we three cannot agreeon this, we won't approach the Council about Garth. As I've told you,I'm willing to take a leap of faith, to try to save this one lifewhich has come to mean so much to him. But I know how difficult thedecision is. We both have agreed to let you make that decision forthe family, since you are the only one still dispassionate enoughabout Garth to see clearly."

 

Her husband gave her a wry grin. "Dispassionate. I never expectedto hear that description of me come from your lips, Catherine," hegently chided her.

 

She shook her head in mock frustration and then returned hissmile. "Only in this...one...singular instance do I require sucha...lack of passion from you, my love." She bent to kiss him on thetip of his nose, but he moved so that his lips were what sheconnected with. Not displeased at all by the turn of events,Catherine made the most of his mouth, and soon their hunger put anend to the discussion.

 

Several hours later, as they lay together in spent contentment,Vincent let his fingers trail lightly up and down Catherine's barearm. He accepted her shiver of response as evidence that he still hadwhatever it was that Catherine wanted. "I...apologize...for my lackof...dispassion, my heart."

 

He "oofed" as her elbow connected with his ribs. To spare himselffurther injury, he quickly changed the subject. "As I was trying tosay before I was so delightfully distracted..." He nuzzled her earand planted a kiss upon her cheek. "...I know how important Geoffreyfeels sanctuary is in Garth's case, and I acknowledge your point thatsometimes we must take a leap of faith. I cannot say that I have notrepidation about this boy...but I am persuaded that we shouldpresent his case to the Council."

 

Catherine raised up on one elbow and favored him with a radiantsmile. "Thank you, Vincent. I should go tell Geoffrey right now."

 

"I believe..." said Vincent as he pulled her back down into anembrace, "...that our son has a class at the moment. He will,however, be free in another...half hour or so. If you would not mindwaiting until then." He began to lick and nibble tantalizingly uponher right shoulder, and as he moved lower and to the left,Catherine's response was swallowed up in her groan of ecstasy. ButVincent was sure she was not averse to the wait.

 

_ _ _

 

The Council had struggled with the issue of offering sanctuary toGarth, but in the end Geoffrey's zealous defense of his friend swayedthe vote to his favor. It was decided that, since Geoffrey knew himbest, he would be the one to approach the homeless boy...alone, so asnot to frighten him. If he seemed interested, Geoffrey would offer tointroduce him to Catherine, who would then, with her son, provide anorientation designed to ease his passage into their world Below.

 

_ _ _

 

When Geoffrey told him of a haven where he would be fed and keptwarm, where he would be cared for and about, Garth at first didn'tbelieve him. Geoffrey described his home, his family, the uniquesocietal structure that existed which ensured that all within it weresustained and nurtured. Gradually, Garth began to trust his friend,wanting to believe in this place which seemed like a paradisecompared to all he'd known before. When Geoffrey finally asked him tocome to a coffee shop and meet his mother, Garth, although wary,agreed. It was, after all, a public place, and he could run if hethought this was some sort of trap to get him back into SocialServices' clutches.

 

As they approached the table, Garth had his first glimpse of thewoman Geoffrey introduced as his Mom. His breath caught in histhroat. She was...beautiful!

 

He thought back to his own Mom. The mixed feelings churned in hisstomach -- love,

fear, the sense of abandonment, disgust.... So many disparateemotions spilled over whenever he thought of her. When she was offthe stuff, she could be caring, gentle, thoughtful. But when she wasneedy, when her drug habit was really bad, and she brought homethose...men, those...animals.... He could still hear the noises theymade as he lay on his filthy mattress, pillow held over his ears todrown out the worst of the sounds. Her cries, the groans, the fleshynoises as those brutes mistreated her, or took her in what amountedto sanctioned rape.... How he'd hated her then, for what those menhad made her do, had made him listen to. But this woman before himnow, she wasn't like that. Her arms were smooth -- no tracks marredthem. Her eyes -- so lovely, warm and sympathetic -- were devoid ofany evidence of the kind of hard life his own Mom had led.

 

He was instantly mesmerized by those friendly green eyes -- eyesthat seemed to look into his soul and tell him that everything wouldbe OK, eyes he believed he could trust, eyes he knew he could...love.He sat quietly and allowed her words to wash over him. It didn'tmatter what she said. He'd do whatever she wanted, whatever allowedhim to be near her.

 

He couldn't imagine this woman was Geoffrey's mother -- she was noone's mother, certainly nothing like his own. She was...an angel. Inthe space of a few heartbeats, Garth had become enraptured by thisheavenly being who reached out to touch his hand -- she was so kind,she smelled so sweet, she didn't seem to mind at all how dirty hewas, how disheveled. She could read what was in his heart, he justknew it. Maybe...just maybe, this might work out.

 

Catherine studied the young man before her as the introductionswere made. Garth seemed, in many respects, just a slightly olderversion of her own son -- tall and slender but possessing a wirystrength, he had a mass of unkempt brown curls and a wash of frecklesacross his nose. He also had piercing, guarded brown eyes. Those eyesaffected her deeply. They had seen a lot; they were not young eyes.

 

Catherine carefully explained about the place they would be going,the people he would meet, the questions he would be asked. Sheprepared him gently for the astounding reality he was about to face-- a secret world of sanctuary which could become his. She asked himthen if he understood -- about the opportunity being offered, aboutthe secrecy demanded in exchange -- and saw him nod mutely. She knewhe was frightened and in awe, but sensed he was also excited andanxious to take the next step.

 

After paying the waitress, the three left the coffee shop, the twoboys flanking Catherine. Garth didn't trust himself to speak, but hiseyes constantly strayed from the sidewalk to concentratesurreptitiously upon the slim woman beside him, taking in her softlyflowing hair, her full lips, the ripeness of her body. The thought ofa safe place with warm beds and hot meals was uppermost in his mind,but not far from that thought was another: he'd do whatever he mustto stay within this glorious creature's presence.

 

_ _ _

 

The adjustment had been difficult, but it seemed that finallythings were becoming normal and familiar to him -- things like thedimness of the tunnels, the constant background noise of pipes andsubways, the frank and friendly people who inhabited this strangeworld. Garth was getting used to everything -- except one. He thoughtback to the first time he had encountered Vincent.

 

He had been in the Tunnels for over a week, having passed thescrutiny of Father and selected members of the Council and beengranted acceptance into the community Below. Since he was so close toGeoffrey, arrangements were made to house him, temporarily, in thechambers which held Vincent's family -- the chambers which, althoughsomewhat remote from the Hub, were made warm and inviting by theloving affection so evident in the small family unit.

 

He had been placed in the same classes as Geoffrey, and histeachers were quite impressed with the scope of his knowledge. He wasa bright boy, and it didn't take much to spark his desire to learn.He didn't tell them that, for a time, school had provided a sanctuaryof sorts for him, with teachers who had cared about his progress andencouraged him. Once he went into foster care, however, his schoolinghad been disrupted and he had lost interest in learning aftersuffering through a series of detached, apathetic teachers. He haddropped out of school shortly before he had left his last fosterfamily, frustrated and dejected, the last oasis in his life havingbeen lost to him.

 

Garth always watched, with a tinge of jealousy, the easycamaraderie which existed between Geoffrey and his Mom. They touchedeach other casually all the time, hugged on the spur of the moment,laughed a lot, and generally made it very obvious that they lovedeach other. He had never had such a relationship with his own Mom.Indeed, she had been like a child herself, always trying to score,bringing men home at all hours, sending him off into the streets orto play by himself when she was "busy." His home life, such as itwas, bore no resemblance to the caring environment Geoffrey enjoyed.

 

He knew, from their first conversations, that Geoffrey had beenorphaned and brought to this community as a child, and that severalyears ago Catherine had adopted him. Garth also knew that his friendfelt very lucky to be Catherine's son, and Garth could see forhimself why this was so. If she were his Mom, he'd feel the same way-- and he understood himself well enough to be sure he would neverwillingly share her attention and affection with anyone else.

 

Yet Geoffrey was generous in sharing his home life, including hisMom's time and "ear." He and his Mom gave Garth -- a relativestranger -- complete access to their home, inviting him to spend allhis free time with them, if he wished, until he made more friendswithin his new world. He accepted that offer gratefully, and baskedin the kind attention of the woman to whom he had become devoted. Thethree of them made a happy team -- exploring, talking long into thenight, becoming closer...like family.

 

He also found himself drawn unexpectedly to the unique and caringatmosphere that pervaded the lives of all the people Below -- by theopen, loving way he was treated. Unused to the displays of kindnesshe received every day, he didn't know quite how to respond. He wasn'tready to trust them completely...not yet, and it amazed him that theyhad no concerns about him. But he knew what a good thing he had, andhe wanted badly to hold onto it, no matter the cost. He figured hecould do it. He could be whatever was asked of him, whatever it took.These people were easy to please, considering what he'd had to do tosurvive these past months. Just smile and act pleasant, and lifecould be good. Life could be...just about perfect.

 

And then...he had come. Vincent...he had heard everyone speak ofthis Vincent since he came Below. He could see that Catherine missedhim a lot, and he was intensely curious about the man who could havesuch a powerful hold on a woman like her. He imagined him to besomeone incredible. But, on the eighth night of his new life, Garthlooked up from his homework to discovery this...thing...looming inthe doorway. A second later, Catherine looked up and saw it too. Shejumped up and ran to it, throwing her arms around it, for God's sake!He was repelled by the creature -- this huge, misshapen animal withhis clawed hands wrapped around the waist of that tiny woman. Whatwas going on?!

 

Geoffrey hastened to greet it, too -- and waited patiently andgood-humoredly for his Mom to finish welcoming the third member oftheir family back from the work detail which had kept him from homesince Garth's arrival. In his turn, he reached up to hug the man whomhe had described as "my father in the truest sense." Then he turned,one arm still slung over the grotesque man's shoulders, and walkedhim over to where Garth sat, immobile, staring.

 

"Garth, this is Vincent...my Dad."

 

The man with the animal face contorted his lips into a smile andextended one claw-tipped hand toward him. Garth swallowed hard andtried to hide his distaste as he met the hairy appendage with hisown. He forced his own face into a smile and nodded in greeting.

 

Geoffrey laughed and clapped his friend on the shoulder. "Don'tworry, Garth. My Dad gets that reaction a lot from people when theyfirst meet him. He's not offended. He understands."

 

"Geoffrey's right, Garth. I know my appearance is...disconcerting.I hope you'll give me a chance to get to know you better. I promise Iwon't bite." The smile was meant to be reassuring, but Garth washorrified by the prospect of spending any time with this...monster.He couldn't understand how Geoffrey could want to touch him likethat. He suppressed a shudder as he disengaged his hand -- the feelof that hairy paw in his own had been awful. He couldn't wait to pullaway from that touch.

 

No one seemed to notice Garth's reaction, or perhaps, as theysaid, they were used to such reactions by now, and thought nothing ofit. He knew one thing: if he wanted to stay near Catherine, he'd haveto act as if he didn't mind being near this Vincent guy; he'd have topretend to enjoy his company. If anyone ever suspected how Garthreally felt about him, he knew quite well which one of them would beasked to leave. And God knew, he didn't want to leave.

 

After his initial shock, he managed to reconstruct his facadequite well. Dissembling came easily to him. He'd been forced to liefrom an early age -- to policemen, probation officers, judges, fosterparents. He knew he could mask his true feelings and actually seem tobe the happy, well-adjusted kid they expected -- no, demanded. But noone had ever penetrated to the core of him. He wouldn't allow it.Better to appear, to seem to be what others expected. He kept histrue feelings and thoughts to himself. He knew how to get what hewanted -- it was a habit ingrained deeply from years of dealing with"the system." But as he listened, his eyes took in his surroundings-- assessing, evaluating, considering the probabilities andpossibilities. Old habits died hard.

 

As Vincent sought to make Garth comfortable, asking him about hislife Above and how he was settling in Below, Garth answeredpleasantly. He noticed the looks that often passed between Catherineand Vincent, though, and he couldn't believe the love that was in hereyes when she looked at him. Soon enough, Vincent turned hisattention to other matters, and Garth went back to his homework.

 

_ _ _

 

"C'mon, Garth." Geoffrey nudged his friend's shoulder. "We shouldleave now."

 

"Hmmm?" Garth looked up from his schoolwork. "But, it's only about8:00. We don't need to go to bed so early tonight, do we?"

 

The younger boy's face flushed. "Well, no...but...well, Dad's beenaway for a long time...and he and Mom...I think they'd like to bealone for a while."

 

Although his face betrayed nothing, Geoffrey's implication hitGarth full blast -- she was going to bed with that...monster? She wasgoing to let that hulking beast put his paws on her? No, it couldn'tbe. The disgust he felt at the thought made his gorge rise. He saidhis goodnights and left the room, walking to Geoffrey's chamber --his temporary home -- in a daze. But instead of entering the chamberwith Geoffrey, he made straight for the bathroom chamber and retchedhis disgust into the basin.

 

_ _ _

 

"Garth seems...sullen, Catherine."

 

They were curled up on the loveseat, sharing the Sunday New YorkTimes. Catherine looked up from the crossword puzzle and remarked,"Does he? I don't see it. I know he has a bit of a smart-guyattitude, but he's always very open and friendly with me. Perhapshe's still...intimidated by you." Gently, she offered,"Sometimes...no amount of good intentions can make people...likeyou."

 

Vincent nodded in acknowledgment of that fact. "Still, I feel heis always somewhat constrained in my presence. But...you're probablyright. I will continue as I have always done with him, and hope forthe best."

 

Catherine kissed him lightly and smiled. "When did you become suchan optimist, my love?" she asked wryly.

 

"The day you agreed to Join with me." A slow smile spread acrosshis face, and he clasped his lover to his chest with a prayer offervent thanks to the beneficent gods. At that moment, Garth strodeinto the common chamber they all shared. Wrapped up in each other,neither of them saw the look of revulsion that passed briefly overGarth's features. By the time they noticed his presence, his face wasblandly neutral once again.

 

"You...wanted to see me, Vincent?" the boy asked, a hint ofchallenge in his voice. Try as he might, he couldn't help theattitude that leaked through his polite veneer. This man was gettingto him in a way no other authority figure ever had. His resolutionseemed to melt when that slanted blue-eyed gaze settled upon him --questing, probing, seeking to uncover the secrets of his soul. Hetried so hard not to react, but he could not relax in the presence ofthe thing that everyone else treated like a normal man.

 

The tension between the two seemed more obvious now thatCatherine's attention had been called to it. Still, she believed thateventually Garth would become comfortable with the imposing man sheloved. It was, she thought, inevitable. No one could get to know himand not be charmed by him.

 

"Garth." The object of Catherine's affection turned to face theboy. "Thank you for coming so promptly. You're getting quite good atdiscerning the messages on the pipes. I marvel at your adaptabilityand determination to make your new life work. Everyone has told me ofyour efforts to become useful and helpful."

 

The compliments did not affect the boy. He shrugged his shouldersin acknowledgement and dismissed it. What this creature thought ofhim and his abilities mattered not at all to him.

 

Vincent continued. "I must return to the worksite with Cullen andthe others. Since we finished the clearing and shoring up two weeksago, we've been designing the second phase of the project andcollecting materials. Now, nothing's left but the actual work. Iwould appreciate it if you would assist Catherine and Geoffrey inanything that might come up while I'm away." He gave the young man apiercing look. "In the short time since you've joined us, you havebecome a good friend to this family, Garth. I don't believe what I'masking would be considered a burden, am I right?"

 

With a show of manly pride, the boy responded, "No problem.Geoffrey's like a brother to me, and I think of Catherine as myown...Mom."

 

Whatever trepidation his heart held, he was determined to givethis manchild the benefit of the doubt. It meant so much to hisCatherine and their son. Vincent pushed the niggling tendrils ofuncertainty and apprehension firmly to the back of his mind. Henodded solemnly. "They are my two most precious reasons for living,Garth. I know I leave them in good hands."

 

_ _ _

 

Several days had passed since Vincent had left with the work crew.Garth was ecstatic. It seemed like old times again -- if a time justa few weeks in the past could be considered "old." He was untroubledby the image of that hulking monstrosity absorbing all of Catherine'sattention like some obscene vacuum sucking all her love to him. Hecould pretend again that she was "his." He didn't mind sharing herwith Geoffrey; the kid was OK, and he kept to himself a lot. Garthwas able to have her to himself much of the time. Yesterday, in fact,after his chores and studying were done, he and Catherine had gone ontheir own to explore some parts of Below he had not seen yet.

 

She showed him the Chamber of the Winds and the Great Hall whereWinterfest was held, explaining as they went along more about thehistory and unique culture which had grown in the years since Fatherhad taken over as leader of the community. And he was fascinated --but more by her than by anything she said. He listened raptly, askingquestions when conversation lagged, if only to hear her voice again.She was the most incredible woman he'd ever known. She made him feelpowerful and important. And she was so kind to him, so open and warm.She was...everything.

 

One thought kept troubling him. Finally, he was compelled to askthe question which mystified him so. "Catherine, can...can I ask yousomething?"

 

They were clambering over an outcropping of rocks near the Falls,so she was panting slightly as she replied, "Of course. You can askme anything."

 

Garth stopped to take a swig from the canteen slung over hisshoulder. "It's about...Vincent." He tried to keep the contempt outof his voice as he spoke of the hated man. "What's the storythere?"

 

Puzzled, she turned from the rock she was about to negotiate andasked, "What do you mean?"

 

Feeling he could be completely truthful about some things, hecommented wryly, "Well, he's not exactly a movie star. How'd you guysever hook up?"

 

Catherine smiled, then found a convenient rock ledge and pulledherself up on it. "You might as well sit down. This is a longstory!"

 

_ _ _

 

In his bed that night, Garth went over and over the story in hismind. He guessed he could understand Catherine being grateful tosomeone who had saved her life. But...marrying him was carryinggratitude too far. He couldn't imagine she really loved somethinglike that. It was too sickening to be believed. Yet she seemed tolike him touching her. As bizarre as that was, she actually seemed toenjoy his attentions. Maybe she wasn't as perfect as he'd thought.Maybe something in her was...sick, too.

He closed his eyes and tried to imagine her and Vincent havingsex. The guy was huge..and she was so small. Vincent was thisenormous, slobbering thing, and he undoubtedly was even morerepulsive with his clothes off. Garth shuddered. He actually touchesher with those claws, rubs his hairy body against her silky paleskin, makes harsh animal noises when in his lusting, rutting moods -this last Garth knew for certain. He knew because one night, verylate, he'd padded softly into the common chamber to pick up a bookhe'd left there earlier in the evening, and he'd...heard them.

 

He'd stopped dead for a time, repelled yet spellbound to hear themin there, to hear him...and the sounds of their coupling. He had beenshocked almost to flight by the knowledge being forced upon him. Buthe'd stayed. He'd stayed -- stock still -- and listened for over anhour. The murmur of voices, the muted laughter, the soft growls andcries transformed themselves in his mind, until he was listening onceagain to his Mother as she catered to her leering customers withtheir foul cravings. And when he finally returned to the chamber heshared with Geoffrey, he'd thrown up as he had the night he'd firstmet the beast who dared to love his Catherine.

 

Now, this night, as those sounds replayed in his head, he began toimagine what they looked like...together. His hand crept beneath thecovers, and as he imagined it, imagined them, recalling the soundsand matching them to the motions of lovemaking, he placed himself inVincent's stead...and masturbated furiously as he groaned over andover, "Catherine! Catherine! Catherine!"

 

_ _ _

 

Garth spent most of Friday working on a project for his scienceclass. He'd been excused from his other classes so he could consultwith Mouse. The strange man had been of some help, Garth had toadmit, but he was so...weird. He thought he'd met every weirdo in NewYork City during his time on the street, but Below seemed to have itsown share of oddities. Mouse and Vincent were certainly nothing ifnot odd.

 

When he ambled into the family's common chamber, Catherine wasthere. Since it was early afternoon, he was surprised to see her.

 

"Hi, Catherine! What's up?"

 

She was in a happy mood, and almost bursting with her news. "Ijust heard a message from the work crew. They'll be finishing up muchearlier than anticipated. They may even be home as early as tomorrownight! Isn't that wonderful?!"

Garth sighed to himself. For her he put on a grin and said,"Great!" Yeah, just great...his idyll was coming to an end. God knewwhen that gross freak would get another long assignment like the onehe was finishing. Now he'd have to share her again...and watch thetwo of them together again...and pretend to smile. He couldn't bearthe thought...he couldn't....

 

_ _ _

 

Garth looked at the illuminated dial on his watch for the tenthtime since he'd gone to bed. Geoffrey was asleep -- the kid was adeep sleeper, thank God. Once his head hit the pillow.... EvenCatherine could hardly wake him in the mornings. It was 2:00 a.m. Thetunnels were silent. Even the pipes were quiet, except for the tersesentry reports. Here on the outer edges of the Hub, it was rare forfoot traffic even during waking hours -- at this time of the morning,nothing and no one stirred.

 

Stealthily, Garth pushed the covers back and rose from his bed. Hedidn't need a candle -- he knew the way by heart. Quietly he slippedfrom the chamber, turned into the main tunnel, then glided around thecorner into the entry of the family's common room. Using his sensesto guide him, aided now by the soft glow from the one candle stillburning in the bedchamber beyond, he passed like a ghost into theroom used by Catherine and Vincent.

 

After he entered, he turned and felt for the heavy privacyhangings and drew them down over the entrance. He looked aroundquickly -- he had never been in here before, never having a reason tocross this threshold. Dimly, he saw a painting on the far chamberwall -- and shuddered at the possessive embrace with whichthat...monster held his Catherine. Turning his face from that image,he approached to within a few feet of the bed.

 

There she lay, sleep-rumpled and completely unsuspecting. Thesight of her took his breath away, and his heart began to hammer inhis chest. Her skin, creamy and flawless, took on the soft goldenglow of the candle. She was so lovely, so enticing...so vulnerable.

 

For a long while he just stared at her, drinking in her beauty. Helicked his dry lips as the hunger in him grew, as he imagined her inhis arms, giving him everything he so desperately craved. He began totouch himself with one hand, stroking and pulling his already achingflesh until he was fully engorged, throbbing. She turned in hersleep, throwing one arm over her head and extending the other ontothe pillow beside her. The curves of her body as she moved beneaththe covers were too tantalizing to resist any longer. He paddedcloser to the bed and slowly -- excruciatingly slowly, so as not toawaken her -- he lifted the covers off of her, peeling them back tothe foot of the bed.

 

Catherine frowned in her sleep and began to toss her head. Quicklyhe leaned to whisper in her ear, "Sleep, Catherine." This seemed tocontent her, and she quieted. He used that moment to grasp the knifehe had brought with him more tightly. He edged to where her legs layand picked up the hem of her nightgown. Taking a fold between twofingers, he used the knife to start a slit in the front of the gown.The action made almost no noise, but he couldn't trust his luck toofar. He tossed the knife aside and tore the thin material the rest ofthe way, revealing her nakedness to his ravenous eyes. He got only aquick glimpse of ripe rounded breasts, the soft curve of her hips,the dark curls at the juncture of her thighs. His mind reeled -- sheoffered all of this to that...horror on two legs?

 

She became restless -- he knew she would soon awaken. He quicklyblew out the candle and crawled on top of her, pushing her legsapart, positioning himself to penetrate her. Unsure of his welcome,Garth took the precaution of binding Catherine's wrists together withone hand; he pulled them above her head, to free her face and bodyfor his enjoyment of her. In his mind, he believed that, once hebegan to make love to her, she would participate gratefully -- shehadn't had a real, normal man in years. Then he lowered his mouth tosuck hard and heavily against one breast. He had imagined this for solong -- now the taste of her pliant flesh let loose a frenzy in hisblood. Taking as much of her into his mouth as he could, he suckledin earnest, dragging his teeth against her tender skin so roughly hedrew welts.

 

Coming awake with a start, Catherine was unnerved to find someonecovering her, pressing her down. The mouth on her breast was replacedby hard fingers rubbing and squeezing her painfully, and she gaggedas a hot tongue was forced into her mouth to slide clumsily acrossher tongue. She thought, Vincent?, but immediately dismissed theidea. This was not Vincent. THIS IS NOT VINCENT!! With that thoughtclanging through her brain, she began a fierce struggle against theunknown assailant who was forcing the breath from her lungs, weighingher down with his hard body.

 

Garth, realizing she was going to fight him, clamped down hard onher wrists, the fingers of his hand digging deep into her flesh.Catherine twisted hard against his grip, but succeeded only inwrenching the muscles of her shoulders and upper back; he still heldher cruelly, her arms useless. She was impeded and constrained by theposition she was in, and they both knew it.

 

While Catherine struggled to find a purchase from which to mount acounterattack, Garth pressed his advantage. He was trying to forcehimself inside of her, battering against her, his penis a cudgelwhich he wielded with one hand, ramming it repeatedly against her.She was virtually defenseless with her legs spread so wide, butneither was her body ready for such an intimate penetration, and herlack of desire manifested itself in a physical tightness thattemporarily thwarted and frustrated him. Finally, he used his hand topry her vagina open enough to ram himself inside, heedless of harmingher, determined only that he would have her.

 

She began to feel lightheaded; her frantic struggling had depletedher of oxygen. Although he no longer had his tongue in her mouth,fearing her teeth, his mouth still covered hers, denying her the gulpof air she desperately needed. Turning her head sharply to one side,she succeeded in dislodging his mouth long enough to take a deepbreath. With everything in her, she screamed.

 

Raising her knees to the sides of her chest, she began to pummelhim with her legs as she bucked hard, trying to force the rapist offher. She couldn't see, could hardly think. But he clung with afierce, desperate strength, plunging deep into her, tearing her inhis mad thrusting. Suddenly, she heard him grunting, "Cath'rine!Oh...God...." and she recognized the voice.

 

"Garth?! Why? Please...stop!" Writhing frantically, she didn'tnotice the pain arcing through her as he tore into her, ramminghimself all the way inside of her, filling her now, viciously,callously. Catherine began to bleed inside.

 

As the blood seeped down her warm channel, he gloried in thewetness he felt, assuming it was the result of her desire for him.She thought she could resist him -- but she couldn't, not really. Herbody betrayed her even as she fought him. She was really perverted!Just like his own Mom, he thought. She was no different. He'd thoughtshe was an angel, but she was just as disgusting, as filthy as...thewhore his Mother was. Oblivious to the pounding she was delivering tohis legs, back and sides, he pumped himself hard into her, brutallydriving her down into the bed.

 

Savagely, he squeezed her wrists, grinding the bones, and rasped,"You give yourself to that...that...thing! He's nothing but someweird animal and you...you let him...you let him...." Beyond wordsnow, he drove into her with a previously unmatched ferocity, all hisrage and confusion unleashed against the woman trapped beneathhim.

 

Wild to escape from him, fighting with every ounce of strength shepossessed, she twisted in his grasp, pushing, kicking, bruisingherself as well as him. "The only animal I know...is YOU!"

His outrage that she would insult him like that resolved itselfinto a fist -- he used it to punch her in the face. She thought shewould pass out, but fought against the nausea and the whirling stars,focusing on the taste of blood. She let it fill her mouth and spat itat him. "You're SICK, Garth. Get...OFF ME!!!"

 

Finally she broke her arms free of his grasp, but he archedagainst her at that moment, spewing his seed deep inside her. Sheslashed at him with her nails, shoving him off her, then pummeled himwith her fists. "Get OUT! Get away from me!! GEOFFREY!GEOFFREY!!!"

 

Garth scrambled away from her, screaming, "I loved you! But youcouldn't see me -- all you saw was HIM! So I just gave you what youlike -- what he gives you every night. It's disgusting. I couldhardly stand to think of you with him that way!"

 

As he was speaking, Catherine grabbed the sheets to cover herselfas best she could. Whatever Garth was saying to her, she didn'tlisten -- none of it mattered. She was bruised and bleeding, soakingthe sheets, her lips were cut, and she felt her right eye swellingshut. But already she was turning away from conscious thought of theoutrages done to her physical being to concentrate on the one personwho had shared the full torment of the past moments with her. Closingher eyes, concentrating all her strength and love to him throughtheir Bond, she willed Vincent to know that she had survived and,whatever had happened, she was alright.

 

Garth turned and ran as he finished pouring the poison of hisheart out to her. She never cared for him. All she cared about wasthat filthy creature. She wasn't worth his love. She was just somesick bitch who liked it real rough. Well, he gave it to her, didn'the? He gave her just what she was asking for.

 

Geoffrey, awakening groggily as he heard some kind of commotion --was someone screaming? -- fumbled to light a candle. Garth appearedin the doorway and crashed into the furniture. He began rummagingfrantically, grabbing up his shoes, his jeans, his jacket. Garth'sappearance, wavering in the flickering candlelight, startledGeoffrey. He was naked, crying, wild-eyed. His hair was a mess, andhe had scratches on his chest and blood on his chin and genitals.

 

"Garth? Wh-what happened?"

 

Garth swiped at his eyes, hardening his face and his heart towardthe boy he'd considered his brother just minutes before. "Oh, shutup, you idiot! You haven't got a clue, have you?" Insolent throughhis tears, Garth threw the words at him. "You're precious Mom and Ihave just been entertaining each other in bed. Now I'm leaving. It'sbeen...fun. Later." And he dashed from the room, pelting down theside tunnels, running away from everything and everyone, escapingfrom his last chance, from safety, from warmth, from love...fromher.

 

Unable to believe his ears, Geoffrey sat stunned in his bed,unnerved, until his Mother's voice broke through his paralysis.

 

"Geoffrey!"

 

Catherine stumbled into his bedchamber. Geoffrey leaped up andcaught her as she sank to the ground, then guided her to his bed. Shewas bleeding, clutching at the edges of her robe. He noticed blooddripping down her legs and realized that what Garth had taunted himwith was true. He couldn't find his voice. "G-G-Garth?"

 

Catherine nodded shakily. "Listen to me, Geoffrey. Send a messageto your Dad now. Tell him I'm OK. Tell him not to worry. Then go getFather. Do not call him over the pipes. Tell him I've been raped,tell him who did it, and tell him not to try to stop Garth fromleaving. The sentries will see him go. We can decide what to do abouthim later. Do you understand everything I'm saying, Geoffrey? It'simportant that you do NOT call Father over the pipes, where your Dadcan hear the call."

 

"Y-y-yes. I..I understand. I'll be back as soon as I can." Hestarted to rush from the room, but turned to look at her. "Mom, I'mso sorry. I love you."

 

Catherine smiled and nodded weakly at him, then grimaced in pain."Go!"

 

_ _ _

 

Vincent had awakened at the worksite from a deep sleep as his restwas shattered by the resounding reverberations of Catherine's terrorand horror echoing inside his mind. Their Bond thrummed with thetorment she was experiencing. Wrenching, tearing pain gripped him,and he knew with certainty that his lover was being raped andbrutalized. Roaring as he thrust the blankets from himself, he jumpedup and began to run, then halted as he considered with sickeningclarity the tremendous distance which lay between his home chambersand this remote cavern. He stood for a moment in helpless rage, hishands gripping at phantoms before him, his frantic growls filling thesmall cavern.

 

His companions, awakened immediately by the frightening soundsemanating from his throat, stared in dread at their friend. OnlyCullen had the courage to question him. "Vincent? What is it?"

 

Vincent's demeanor changed suddenly. He stopped growling, and grewvery quiet. Then he dropped to his knees in hopeless surrender, hishands pressed to his heart. Slowly he turned to the others, and theysaw the tears streaming unchecked down his face. His voice a hoarsewhisper now, he stammered, "It...it's Catherine. I cannot h-h-helpher. Oh, God...I cannot help her." He wept openly, his griefoverwhelming his rage. Here, miles from the home tunnels, there wasnothing he could do. Even if he ran full out, he could not get to herfor several hours. By then.... He could only suffer with her as herravishment went on...and on -- and hope. His agony was palpable. Noone else in the tiny cavern moved a muscle. All their eyes wereriveted to the face of the strongest, bravest man they knew -- as hecollapsed in complete despair.

 

After a time, his weeping ceased. His eyes took on a faraway look,as if hearing a voice meant only for him. Then he turned to them andsaid, "It is over. She has...survived." He rose and without abackward glance he began the long trek back to her, leavingeverything and everyone behind. He couldn't help her, couldn't saveher any of the pain. He was desolate, bereft. He was so very far fromhome.

 

_ _ _

 

"Other than the discomfort from the wounds you received duringthe...assault, you seem fine. You have a badly sprained wrist, atwisted knee, a wrenched back, the black eye, of course, as wellnumerous contusions and...the other injuries, but no permanent damagehas been sustained, thank God." Father heaved a deep sigh andcontinued with the unpleasant task. "Ah, I would recommend that youdo not...er...do not engage in..."

 

She nodded once, wincing with the pain that slight movementcaused. "I understand, Father. For how long?"

 

"Well, perhaps for several weeks. We'll have to wait and see howyou heal. He...." Father's voice choked, betraying his attempts tokeep up his professional detachment. "He tore you up inside, Cathy.You must have fought him...very hard."

 

She touched her lower lip gingerly with her tongue and nodded."Unfortunately, he was...very determined." She grimaced. "I never sawthat rage in him, Father. Vincent...Vincent had his doubts about theboy from the start, but Geoffrey and I...we saw only his need, hisdesperate desire to belong. If I had had even an inkling...."

 

As he was wrapping her wrist, Father tried to console her. "Youcannot blame yourself, my dear. He fooled everyone. Vincent'sheightened empathic abilities permitted him a deeper glimpse insidethe child's soul, but if he had truly felt that rage, he would nothave consented to give him sanctuary here. Sometimes, despite all wetry to do...."

 

Catherine interrupted him, one thought uppermost in her mind. "Imust see Vincent as soon as he arrives, Father."

 

"Yes, I know. I can't imagine what he must have gone through,feeling your pain, knowing he was too far away to help you. He'salways been able to protect you Above...but here? Whoever thoughtyou'd need such protection here?" Father ran stiff fingers throughhis short gray hair, still stunned by the brutal attack on the womanhe had come to regard as a daughter. "Why did you not allow usto...to stop Garth before he left these tunnels? He may be lost to usforever Above. He might even divulge our secret to forestall anyfurther action against him on our part."

 

Catherine shook her head. "No, I don't think so. I don't know whatelse he might do, but I do know that he loved being here, in thisplace. He's a troubled boy, but not a traitor. He knew true safetyand acceptance here -- before he threw it all away. He wouldn't wantto hurt Geoffrey...or me...any more than he already has. I believe wecan trust him not to betray us. And as for punishment here Below --what could we do to him here, Father? Imprison him? We don't have thefacilities for it. What else could we do but banish him? And thathe's done for us."

 

Father shook his head, plainly disbelieving her. "I hope you'reright. Our existence depends on trust -- a trust he has alreadyviolated beyond belief."

 

She gripped the older man's shoulder with her good hand, willinghim to understand. "What he did to me -- that was personal. That camefrom someplace buried deep within."

 

Taking her hand from his shoulder, he kissed it, then held itgingerly between his own. "How can you be so...understanding? Hisattack on you was so violent, so cruel...."

 

Shuddering, she replied, "I didn't say I forgave him,Father...only that I believe he will not reveal our secret. I can'tbegin to say I 'understand' what he did. I don't want to 'understand'it."

 

_ _ _

 

As Father came out of the hospital chamber, a frightened Geoffreyjumped to his feet. "Is she OK, Father? Will she be OK?"

 

Patting the distressed boy on the back, Father held his gaze as hesaid, "She will be fine, my boy. She needs you to be strong for hernow. She's holding up so far...but inevitably, the impact of whatshe's been through will cause her...well, she'll need your strengthand comfort. Can I count on you, Geoffrey?"

 

The young man nodded, then asked in a voice cracking with emotion,"May I see her now?"

 

Father smiled his encouragement. "I think that might be just whatshe needs. Go in to her now. Go."

 

Needing no further urging, Geoffrey ran into the chamber. In ahoarse and muffled voice, he began, "I'm so sorry, Mom. It's all myfault. If I hadn't asked you to let him live Below...."

 

"Hush." Catherine stopped the anguished apology by opening herarms to her son. He ran straight into them. They held each othertight and for a long time, they just cried.

 

_ _ _

 

She had insisted that Father allow her to return to her ownchamber immediately and, assisted by Geoffrey, she made her way bylittle-used side tunnels to their home to bathe and dress. Someone --she suspected Mary -- had already straightened the disarray in thesleeping chamber and changed the sheets; the bloodied linens andCatherine's torn gown were nowhere in sight.

 

Catherine and Geoffrey settled onto the loveseat to awaitVincent's arrival. He could not reasonably be expected for severalmore hours yet, but they had no will or desire to do anything otherthan sit and be together. Geoffrey's arm encircled his Mother; herhead rested in the crook of his shoulder and her arms were wrappedaround his waist. They were as close physically as they could get,but mentally they were miles apart. For a long time, neither spoke.Finally, Geoffrey gathered himself and said, "Mom...I can't believeit happened, that someone I thought I could trust could hurt you likethat. I can't help but feel that I made a terrible error injudgment...and you've paid the price."

 

His Mother's arms tightened about his waist. "Before you take thisall upon yourself, Geoffrey, listen to me. I remember when I broughtsomeone to this place who I thought would fit in. She was lonely andvulnerable and desperate, just like Garth. At first, everythingseemed to be fine, she interacted well with everyone, made friends,contributed as much as she could. But then she abandoned her newbornchild here and returned Above...after an...encounter with your Dadwhich...caused us both a lot of pain. As it happened, I found heragain and everything worked out. But...."

 

She sighed heavily, remembering how close she'd come to walkingout the door before Lena called her back. "It could easily have endedbadly. What I'm saying is, you can't stop trusting, stop believing inpeople, because one person lets you down or hurts you. Yes, youshould be cautious, and yes, you should be prudent...but don't letthis...horrible experience harden your heart to those Above, to thosein need."

 

Geoffrey's whole body stiffened and his eyes betrayed his anguishas he spat his words out. "I...HATE him! If he were here rightnow...I'd kill him, I swear I would!" His grip upon his Mothertightened painfully. He didn't realize it until she gasped.

 

"No, Geoffrey, please, no! Don't think that way!" Catherine tookher son's face in her hands and forced him to look at her. "If anyonehas a right to feel that way, it's me. But I can't hate him. Idespise what he did to me. I feel so...violated and hurt..and angry.But...something twisted Garth into the thing he's become. It'swhatever did that to him that I hate."

 

His bitter tears washed over her fingers. "Mom, I can't standthis. How can I ever face Dad again? He'll blame me for this, andhe'll be right. He had his doubts about Garth, but I kept pushing himand needling him until he gave in."

 

Shaking her head, she dismissed such a notion. "Nonsense! YourFather would never blame you for what happened -- either to your faceor in his heart. And he is not so simple-minded that he'd be swayedby any argument if he truly believed something being asked of him wasnot in everyone's best interests." Her voice caught, an achingpleading giving it a ragged edge. "Don't do this to yourself, please,honey! I can't get through this if I have to worry about you feelingthis way. Please, Geoffrey!"

 

Seeing the compassion in her eyes and knowing it was all for him,Geoffrey felt a guilty blush sweep over his face -- guilt for causinghis Mother more torment, now, when she least could handle it. He hadno right to make this his problem. She was the one in pain, the onewho had been so violently assaulted. He managed to put a small smileon his face as he said, "OK, Mom, OK. I give! I do understand whatyou're saying to me. I love you more than anyone else in the world,and I wish he had taken his...whatever...his anger...out on meinstead of you. But I know what you're saying. I promise I'll work onthis...lousy attitude of mine."

 

Grateful for his attempt at humor, and relieved that he seemed toaccept what she had told him, she burrowed closer into his arms,hugging him tight, and savored his loving warmth.

 

When Vincent arrived several hours later, both Catherine andGeoffrey had recovered some of their equilibrium. He who had come tooffer his comfort found himself instead being the one comforted.Catherine rose to meet him as he entered the chamber. He wentstraight to her and knelt, wrapping his arms about her knees, andbegan to sob. She ran her fingers soothingly through his tangledmane, murmuring softly to him. Geoffrey silently left the room,knowing that at this moment he was an intruder on their own specialpain.

 

_ _ _

 

Vincent entered the darkened chamber. His eyes, better able topierce the gloom than those of the others Below, easily made out thefigure of the young man huddled miserably on the bed. He called outsoftly, "Geoffrey? May I come in?"

 

Hoarsely, the young man answered, "Shouldn't you be with Mom?"

 

The disembodied voice replied, "She's sleeping. She took a mildsedative that Father gave her. I'll return to her soon, but I need totalk to you now."

 

"I know what you're gonna say," came the resigned response. "Don'tworry. It's not like I haven't said it to myself a hundred timessince it happened."

 

Vincent walked over to the bed and eased his frame down to liebeside his son. He cradled Geoffrey's body with his own, wrapping theboy in his arms as he did so. Geoffrey lay limp and unresponsive."Tell me."

 

Geoffrey snorted derisively. "What's to tell? You know whathappened." His voice darkened with sarcasm. "And I was having such apleasant dream that I didn't even hear my own Mother begging me tohelp her. What kind of a son am I?"

 

Vincent hugged him more tightly. "The son she loves more than youcan know. The son she does not blame for anything. The son she needsif she's going to heal from this horrible nightmare."

 

The boy turned in his Father's arms and allowed himself to becuddled in a way he hadn't since he was a child. Gently, Vincentrocked him and whispered softly to him, "I need you, too, son. I needyou to hold on to. I couldn't...help her either. I..." His voicebroke and his tears shocked Geoffrey out of his introspection.

 

"Dad, no! Don't cry, please! Oh, Jeez..." He pulled out of hisFather's arms and moved to gather Vincent into his own, imitating thecomforting embrace he had just been in. He realized he had neverbefore been in a position to offer comfort to his Dad. It made himproud that Vincent had sought him out for this -- usually it was Momor Father who filled that role. Tonight he had come to his...son.Geoffrey felt a fierce protectiveness blossom within him. He alwaysknew his Dad loved him, but tonight his Dad needed him!

 

Stroking and patting his Dad's back, Geoffrey said nothing for along while. When he sensed his Father's tears begin to ease, he said,"We're a fine pair! Both of us feeling sorry for ourselves, as ifanything had happened to us."

 

Understanding that Geoffrey wasn't being critical, but only tryingto lighten the mood, Vincent raised his head and smiled, and eventhough Geoffrey couldn't see it, he felt it in his Dad's voice as hesaid, "Thank you, son." Vincent held him fast for a moment, thendisengaged and rose from the bed. "Try to get some rest. I'll be withyour Mother if you need me."

 

"Dad?"

 

Vincent turned and waited.

 

"I always need you. Thank you for...for needing me, too."

 

"Always, Geoffrey."

 

The sound of Vincent's soft footfalls receded as he left thechamber.

 

_ _ _

 

Every afternoon for a week after the attack on his Mother,Geoffrey went Above to the park, resuming his former routine ofeating a popsicle while sitting on one certain bench. His rationalmind told him that this was the last place to which Garth wouldreturn, but he couldn't help hoping. He wasn't entirely sure whathe'd do if he saw the boy, but he desperately wanted to talk tohim.

 

On this afternoon, seven days after the events of that terriblenight, a rustle in the trees behind Geoffrey alerted him to thepresence of another. He had just seated himself and unwrapped hispopsicle. He waited for the briefest moment, hoping the presencewould materialize beside him on the bench. Neither he nor the unseenperson behind him moved. Finally, Geoffrey broke the popsicle in twoand held one half of it out behind him, over the top of the bench.Otherwise, he did not change position. The popsicle was removed fromhis hand. Without turning, Geoffrey said, "Hello, Garth."

 

There was no response, but he knew the figure behind him had notleft.

 

"Mom's OK. You didn't do her any...permanent damage."

 

Still, there was no response, just the merest ruffle of foliage tolet him know the person behind him was still there.

 

"She doesn't hate you, you know. None of us does. I wanted to, atfirst. But she and Dad convinced me that hating wouldn't solveanything."

 

He could hear the unseen boy breathing, hear the sounds of thepopsicle being eaten.

 

"We're all real worried about you. Did you find someplace safe tostay? Are you OK?"

 

Only silence greeted him.

 

"We...we could find you someplace to stay. Not Below...butsomeplace else safe, where you could get the help you need. Would youlet us do that?"

 

The silent figure did not stir, did not respond.

 

"Father is concerned...but I told him you'd never tell anyoneabout where we live. I told him you would never do that, no matterwhat."

 

A soft shuffling close behind him made Geoffrey start. Alicked-clean popsicle stick flew through the air to land several feetin front of him. A low voice whispered close to his ear, "I won'tever tell. And tell your Mom...tell her...I'm so sorry."

 

Geoffrey turned, but caught only a glimpse of the swiftlyretreating form of the boy he knew now he would never see again.

 

_ _ _

 

It had been nearly two months since Garth's attack, and all ofCatherine's physical wounds had healed. Several weeks earlier, shehad approached Vincent and asked him to make love to her, knowing hewould be hesitant to make the first move after what had happened.Their loving had been tender, exquisite, slow. They had both wept. Ithad healed them in the secret places of their souls to be as oneagain. Since that time, Vincent had been careful never to allow themore...robust impulses he sometimes had to surface during theirlovemaking. There would be time enough for that -- years ahead inwhich to express the darker passions within him. For now, she cravedthe gentler side of him, and he allowed her to lead him only whereshe felt safe.

 

This morning they had made love before dawn, when only thesentries whispered on the pipes. As they held each other in quietcontentment, Catherine suddenly lurched to a sitting position.

"Catherine? What is it?" He could feel...something...through theBond -- not a pain, but a fuzzy sort of discomfort. Catherine threwthe covers back and hastily made her way to their lavatory chamber.He heard her moving about for a while, then heard her vomit into thebasin. Concerned, he rose and entered the chamber without knocking.She was wiping her face with a wet washcloth, holding onto the basinfor support. His arms came up to support her, then he swept her intohis arms and carried her back to bed.

 

"I'll get Father."

 

"No, Vincent. I'm all right now...."

 

Her protest fell on emptiness, for Vincent had departedimmediately, at a run. He returned so quickly with the older man thatCatherine was convinced he must have carried Father at least part ofthe way.

 

"What seems to be the problem, Cathy? Vincent said you were sickthis morning. Do you feel like you're coming down with something?"Father reached for her wrist and took her pulse.

 

She shook her head. "Not really. I'm just...queasy."

 

Pulling out his stethoscope and thermometer, Father began to giveCatherine what everyone Below called "the once-over." He straightenedsuddenly and turned to his son. "Vincent, could you give us someprivacy, please?"

 

Catherine grew alarmed. "Father, I don't mind if...."

 

Father ignored her protest. "Vincent. Please. Some privacy, if youdon't mind."

 

With a nod, Vincent retreated into the common chamber. Fathertwitched closed the privacy curtain, then turned back to Catherine."I believe I know what it is," he said briskly. "There is a moderninvention of which Peter has apprised me and which I find quiteuseful in such cases. Please, take this package and follow theinstructions. I will wait right here."

 

Catherine's confused looked turned into one of comprehension, thenof panic, as she looked down at the object he had placed in her hand-- a home pregnancy test. She looked up in horror. "Oh, no!"

 

Patiently, he urged, "Take the test first, please. I could bewrong. It's been known to happen."

 

Catherine clambered from the bed and entered the lavatory. Shereturned shortly and handed the test to Father.

 

"Well?" He looked at her in anticipation.

 

"I...I didn't look. You tell me."

 

Father gazed down at the results, then back at Catherine. Hesmiled. "It's positive. You're pregnant, my dear.Congratulations."

 

Catherine stared at him. "How can you say that? Do you realizewhat this means?!"

 

Stung by what seemed to be an unwarranted attack on hisprofessional competence, he snapped, "I think I do. I am a doctor,after all. I believe it means that you are going to have achild."

 

"But whose child?" she hissed.

 

Father's face fell, the full implication suddenly hitting him."Oh, my God!"

 

She sat down on the bed, her shoulders drooping. "Vincent andI...we've been together for so long. We've never...not even a falsealarm. After all this time...could it be possible? Isn't it morelikely that...that this baby is...is Garth's?"

 

Chagrin colored his face. "Oh, my dear! Forgive me for notthinking of that possibility. Yes, of course, the likelihood is quitehigh."

 

In a quavering voice, she asked, "Isn't there...some sort oftest?"

 

He shrugged. "We could do a test to determine paternity, ofcourse, but we shouldn't take the risk. You remember what the labsaid when Peter sent Vincent's blood in for analysis when he was soill."

 

Recalling the uncomfortable questions the lab had asked, shesettled the matter. "No, you're right. We can't take the chance."

 

Father tried to offer her some comfort. "It won't matter toanyone, Catherine, as long..."

 

"It will matter to me! It will matter to Vincent! How could itnot? Oh...God..." She began to weep, deep shuddering sobs racking hersmall frame. "I thought it was...over! Now it may never be over! Ican't bear it! I can't!"

 

Father rose and put his arms around the stricken woman, mutelyrocking her. He felt totally incapable of grappling with thecomplications she was now facing. Once he thought he had all theanswers...but now he could hardly frame the questions. Suddenly hefelt very old. One thing he knew -- he wasn't the one she neededright now. Murmuring softly, he suggested, "Why don't I call Vincentin so you two can talk?"

 

She withdrew herself from his embrace and squared her shoulders,willing her tears to cease. "I suppose that's best. We have a lot todiscuss. Thank you, Father. I'll be all right now." She brushed thetears from her face and ran her fingers through her disheveled hair."You can send him in."

 

Unable to meet his eyes, Father beckoned to his son. Vincententered the chamber after Father left.

 

"Catherine." He went to her side, sitting on the bed and openinghis arms to her. But instead of entering his embrace, she placed herhands on his forearms, forcing them gently down, then laid her handsatop his on the bed between them.

 

Her voice a thin whisper, she began, "Vincent. I don't know how tobreak this news to you...."

 

Tenderly, he leaned forward to place a kiss upon her brow. "Youneed not try to find the words. You know my hearing is quite acute.I...couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Father."

 

"So. You know." She cast her eyes down and removed her hands fromhis. He clutched them quickly, before she could withdraw physicallyas it seemed she was doing through their Bond.

"Yes, my love." He hesitated, trying to think of the right wordsto calm her troubled spirit. "The chance to bring a child into thisworld has always been a dream of yours, Catherine..."

He paused and his head lowered, allowing his hair to fall forward,an old gesture designed to cover his embarrassment or shame --Catherine hadn't seen him do it in years, and it struck her to thecore.

 

Finding his voice again, he finished his thought. "...a dream...Icould never...fulfill."

 

"Oh, Vincent," she cried, pulling him to her and hugging himfiercely. "If you heard Father and me talking, you know what thismeans. I'm most likely pregnant as a result of...."

"I know, Catherine, I know." His large hands gently stroked herback, offering her his comfort, trying to calm her. "But it doesn'tmatter. This is a child of your body."

 

"And...his," she spat bitterly.

 

Refusing to focus on the painful past, he urged her to think ofthe future. "But you will carry it, nurture, raise it. This childwill know nothing of the violence that begat it, only of your warmthand love."

 

Shocked by his words, she pulled away from his enveloping warmth."You...you want me to keep this baby?!"

 

He seemed startled by her question. In his mind, he had alreadyaccepted this child. It existed. It was real. And no matter how itcame to be, it had its own value. But most importantly...it wasCatherine's child. All of a sudden, understanding dawned. He graspedthe implication of her question and struggled to come to terms withit. "You would..." his voice dropped to a hoarse whisper. "...youwould...consider aborting this child?"

 

Grimly, she replied, "I'm thinking about it."

 

Vincent sensed the desperate struggle within her. Her rational andemotional sides were engaged in a vicious tug of war -- the childversus the pain, the dream versus the nightmare. Although she hadnever spoken of it, he knew that to have a baby was her most profounddesire. Now she had that chance. He had to remind her of thatlong-held dream.

 

"Consider this another way, Catherine. This may be your...youronly chance to bear a child. Would you throw that opportunityaway...in bitterness and anger? You once told me that you werewilling to take a leap of faith to try to save one life. Could you dothat now...for this child?"

 

Listening to him expose her deep-seated yearning -- one shethought she had successfully hidden from him all these years -- hersmall frame began to tremble uncontrollably, shaking so hard that herteeth chattered. She felt so cold, as if nothing could ever warm heragain. Thoughts skittered through her mind, shredding herconsciousness on the sharp points of fear, remorse, anxiety, anger.Why would Fate offer her the fulfillment of a cherished dream at sucha terrible cost? It wasn't fair! What was she going to do? How couldshe live up to the challenge? And Vincent -- how noble of him to sayhe would accept this child, but how could she ask such a sacrifice ofhim?

 

Unable to cope now with the enormity of the decision before her,nevertheless she demanded that her Bondmate understand what hissuggestion entailed. "It's my body, Vincent. If I...kept it...all thetime I'd be pregnant, every moment, I'd be reminded of the horribleattack that caused it. You want me to put myself through allthat?"

 

Vincent was overwhelmed by her anxieties, by the turmoil withinher heart. Logic could not penetrate the beginnings of panic he feltin her. Flooding her with his own strength through their Bond, hewilled her to draw from it what she could. Gradually, slowly, hertrembling ceased. When he sensed she could listen to his words again,he continued.

 

"The...attack...was not this child's fault. But only you know howmuch the nature of its conception will affect you, how much of thepain of that knowledge you can bear. I know the decision is yours,and whatever you decide, I will support you. But know this -- I wouldwelcome this child into our lives. Do not make any decision basedeven in part upon a mistaken belief that I would not want this baby,to help raise it, protect it...love it. I want to do all of thosethings. Because, whatever else may be, this is your child."

 

Gazing into his earnest face, she thought with a burst of fiercepride, How like him. And she knew he would do all he said -- for her.But how many sacrifices must this dear man make for her? She'dalready asked him to accept Geoffrey into his life. Of course, heloved the boy like his own -- but he wouldn't have adopted the boy ifshe hadn't asked him to. And now...to expect him to accept anotherchild, one conceived in violence, when she had the means to preventsuch a sacrifice.... She knew she had much to consider...and had toresolve this complex situation on her own. She was aware of how hefelt, but ultimately, it was she who had to decide.

 

Catherine took a deep breath and stood up. "I...need time tothink, Vincent. I'm going to go Above for a few days, maybe visitwith Nancy and her family. Is that all right?"

 

Numbly, Vincent nodded. So much could happen while she was Above.

 

_ _ _

 

She was gone for eight days. Eight days, and she had sent no wordBelow. Father had asked Peter to contact Nancy, but Nancy hadn'theard from Catherine in almost three months. Geoffrey had gone up tothe apartment she still maintained Above, but by the accumulation ofmail and dust, he knew she had not spent any time there recently.Vincent felt the turmoil roiling through her, but knew she wasblocking much of what she was feeling from him. All he was catchingwas a trickle of her emotions, and even that was devastating to him.He wanted to go to her, to help her through this...but it was obviousshe would not welcome his comfort or advice. By leaving their home,she had made it clear she planned to make her decision alone.

 

_ _ _

"Mom! You're back!" Geoffrey ran the length of the tunnel to claspCatherine in a bear hug. His relief that she had returned home waspalpable, causing Catherine to whisper, "I'm so sorry,sweetheart."

 

Puzzled, he pulled back and looked into her eyes. "For what?"

 

"For...everything. For leaving so abruptly...for not letting youknow where I was...for not talking to you about this decision I'vemade." Her eyes were filled with tears. She had been determined tosee this through in a rational, matter-of-fact way, but her emotionaldetachment regarding her decision had been stripped away the momentshe was enclosed in the warm embrace of her son. Her son...

 

Seeing her tears, he grew concerned. "Mom? Are you OK? Don'tworry, it's all right. Dad knew you weren't in trouble. He said youneeded some time to think things through. I knew you'd be back."

 

She touched his cheek affectionately and smiled -- a pale, wansmile. "I can't stay away from you too long, that's for sure. I'dmiss you too much." She hugged him again -- a brief but warm hug."Where's your Dad?" She had thought he might be waiting for her atthe park entrance, and she was worried that he hadn't been there togreet her.

 

Geoffrey grinned. "He's helping Mouse on some pipe repairs thatPascal insisted couldn't wait. He told me you were coming home and Itold him I'd come get you."

 

"Just like old times!" She squeezed his arm and turned to walk therest of the way home with him.

 

_ _ _

 

Vincent entered their common chamber, still damp and grimy fromthe repair work. It was obvious he was anxious to see her -- soanxious that he hadn't stopped to make himself more presentable forher. "Catherine! I apologize for not coming to meet you myself."

 

She rose from the loveseat as she spoke. "That's OK. Geoffreyexplained."

 

He approached her as in their early days -- half hoping she would-- half expecting she might not -- welcome him to her. Quickly sheclosed the gap between them and buried herself in his invitingembrace. The sound of her sobs racked him. He stood silent, rigid,waiting to hear her decision. Finally she got control of herself. Ina low voice, he asked the question he could not bear to hold in anylonger. "Have you...decided?"

 

She bit her lower lip and nodded. "Yes."

 

"And?" That one word held a universe of emotion.

 

Catherine frowned, still uncertain how to break the news to him."Oh, Vincent, this was such a hard decision to make! I hope you won'tcome to hate me for this later...or regret my decision. I couldn'task you to be part of it, though. It wouldn't have been fair. Youmade your opinion clear, but in the final analysis...only I coulddecide." She clutched his shirt, her voice pleading now. "I'm sorryif I've hurt you by going away. It's not because I didn't want younear, or need you...but I had to face my demons and...and overcomethem...on my own."

 

"And have you?" The not knowing was unbearable. But he knew shehad to tell him in her own way.

 

She shook her head. "Not really. These demons are large,frightening. This decision cannot be reversed, once made." She took adeep breath. "I've decided...to have this baby."

 

Vincent felt his knees go weak. His head swam with joy. "Oh,Catherine! Thank you!" He wrapped himself around her, clung to her,rained sweet kisses on her face. His tears mingled with hers as theylaughed and cried...together.

 

_ _ _

 

When she entered his chamber, Geoffrey took her by the hand andsat her on his bed. As she started to speak, he laid a hand on herarm to stop her. He wanted to let her know how he feltabout...everything, and he wanted her to know it before she told himwhat she had to say.

 

"Dad told me why you had gone away. I...I was pretty upsetabout...you being pregnant...at first, but he explained to me that Ican't blame a baby because of how it came to be. I realized he wasright. After that, I just hoped you would make a decision you couldlive with...always. I tried to put myself in your place, but Icouldn't. It's just not possible for me to know what you must begoing through. But I love you, and I want to tell you that I willstand by any decision you make. If you can't bear to have this baby,I would understand. If you decide to have it, I'll do everything Ican to help."

 

Catherine had left Vincent to seek out her son, feeling that heshould be the next to know of her decision. The impact would affecthim more than anyone except herself and Vincent. She had been worriedthat he might resent her making such a momentous decision withoutasking for his opinion -- she'd made so many in the past without hisinput, always expecting him to understand -- but once again she hadbeen amazed by his maturity and thoughtfulness. He was such ablessing. She could ask for no more wonderful child of her body thanthis one of her heart.

 

She gave him her warmest smile. "Thank you, Geoffrey. I can't tellyou how much what you've said means to me. You are so special to me,have I mentioned that lately? My life would not be as rich and fulland happy if you were not such a large part of it."

 

He ducked his head the way he used to as a child when delightedand flustered, and she tenderly placed a kiss atop his bowed head."Would you like to know what I've decided?"

 

He looked up in expectation. "Tell me."

 

She smiled to herself. So, yet another generation of Wells men hasadopted that particular phrase!

 

Taking his hand, she squeezed it in gratitude, then revealed herplans. "I'm going to have the baby. I may have some bad days ahead,trying to come to terms with my decision, but basically it comes downto something your Dad said to me -- this child is blameless."

 

He nodded, encouraging her.

 

"It would be easier for me to be rid of anything which wouldremind me of that horrible experience, but that would be selfish. Iam a strong person, I am blessed with two wonderful, supportivemen...." She kissed his palm, then resumed. "...And God knows we havethe means and ability to raise this baby in a loving environment. Iam not going to go through this alone, nor will I have to raise thechild alone.

 

"I'm still not totally comfortable with this decision, Geoffrey.It's...painful even to think about this pregnancy. But just becauseit will be hard is no reason not to go through with it. Do youunderstand?"

 

Now he took one of her hands in both of his own, stroking itgently, reverently. He looked down at that soft pale hand which hadso often soothed his hurts and comforted him as he replied. "Sure,Mom. What you've said makes sense. But I still think it takes aremarkable person to put aside her own pain to give so much for achild she never wanted."

 

She caught his chin with her free hand, lifting his face to hers."You know, I wasn't looking for a son when I found you, Geoffrey. Ithink maybe this child will be just as much of an unexpected blessingas you were. At least, that's the way I'm choosing to look atit!"

 

His eyes grew cloudy, and she knew what he was thinking."Don't."

 

His startled expression indicated that he hadn't realized hisfeelings were apparent.

 

"Don't, honey."

 

He hugged her fiercely, and in a tight, muffled voice heresponded, "I can't help it. If I hadn't brought him Below...if I hadheard you when you were struggling with him...."

 

Catherine pressed him closer still. She could feel him begin tocry, his body quivering with his sobs. "Sweetheart, you can't shieldme from all harm. You're just like your Dad, you take too much of aburden on yourself. Sometimes, no matter how much we plan andprepare, things happen. That's life. We pick ourselves up and go on.You did nothing wrong, and could have done nothing to prevent whathappened to me. Please, honey, don't brood? One brooding man in thisfamily is quite enough, thank you!"

 

He pulled back and gulped, trying to stem his tears. "I know whatyou say is true, and yet..."

 

Smoothing the tears from his cheeks, she said, "It's natural tofeel bad that someone you love has been hurt. But you have todistinguish between empathy and guilt. I treasure the former, butwon't allow the latter. Do I make myself clear?"

 

Her mock-serious directive had the desired effect; Geoffrey smiledand nodded, relief visible on his face.

 

_ _ _

 

"Hey, you! Kid! Whatcha doin'?"

 

Garth raised his head and tensed. Caught! He'd been caught. Ratherthan respond to the rent-a-cop, he turned and ran. He had almost madeit out of the store when he was tackled sideways by another man. Whenhe was scoping this place out, he hadn't known about the other guard.He'd assumed the man on duty outside at night was the only onearound. So, his luck had run out. Well, as far as the cops wereconcerned, this would only be his first offense.

 

"I got him, Stan! I got the little creep!" The man who had tackledhim pulled him up roughly by the arms and stood, holding him in acruel grip, until the guard he called Stan ran over.

 

"Finally! We been watchin' for ya, ya know. Yeah...you punks thinkyou can bust in here anytime ya want and take whatever ya get a fancyfor. Well, that's gonna stop right...now!" Stan threw a vicious punchinto Garth's mid-section, bringing him to his knees. "Me and Artiehere've been waitin', just hopin' you'd try it again. That's why youcrooks always get caught -- yer stupid, plain stupid. Just 'cause yabroke in here once, ya think we're easy marks, huh? Well, we're gonnateach ya a thing or three about how easy we are, ain't we,Artie?"

 

"Ya got your shot, Stan. You hold him now, 'K?"

 

Hard hands passed him over, and suddenly a flashlight flared intoGarth's eyes. "Hey, Stannie, he's a cute one, huh? Not no more, kid!"The flashlight came down hard against Garth's right cheek, breakingit and caving in his eye socket. He knew nothing more. The beatingcontinued. When Artie's arm got tired, Stan dropped the unconsciousboy to the ground and they both began to kick him. Eventually, theydecided the young punk had had enough. While Artie acted as lookout,Stan dragged the boy out into the alley and down about 50 yards, farenough that no one would know where he had come from. Then he droppedGarth hard, spat on him, and left him.

 

Stan and Artie went back inside, laughing and congratulating eachother. Stan had a thermos bottle full of Jim Beam in his gym bag, andthey broke it out and toasted each other.

 

In the alley, a furtive figure came upon the unconscious boy. Defthands went through his pockets, taking the pitiful amount of changethe boy had secreted about his person. The kid had nice shoes, andhis jacket was pretty decent too. Soon, Garth lay stripped upon theground. The night grew cold as he lay bleeding there. He keptbleeding. It got colder. Finally, the body stopped bleeding. When itwas found a few days later, it was entered into city records as thethird John Doe found that month. He had never told. Now nobody wouldever know.

 

_ _ _

 

"The poor thing." Mary whispered to Father as they leftCatherine's chamber. "I've never known someone to have such a hardpregnancy. It's so awful, considering how this all came about, forher to have such a terrible time of it now."

 

Father nodded in agreement. "I have never seen the like myself.She is amazing, though. I always knew she was a strong woman, but sheis stronger than I ever thought. She has to be. She'll need thatstrength more and more in the months to come."

 

Mary's face reflected her sympathetic concern. "What if...Imean...if the pregnancy is this difficult, what about herdelivery?"

 

He shook his head, obviously distressed and frustrated. "We'vemade all the arrangements, Mary. I fear for her, but we can do nomore to prepare. If between you and me and Peter we cannot helpher...." Father ran his hand though his short-cropped gray hair andacknowledged, "I'm worried too. We must pray, Mary. Pray...andhope."

 

_ _ _

 

When her water broke a month before her due date, the contingencyplan swung into action. Peter was able to come Below almostimmediately, since it was a Sunday morning. Catherine's labor wasintense and prolonged, and she grew weak with her efforts. But theydared not attempt a c-section in their rather primitive hospitalchamber until it became a matter of life or death.

 

As Sunday faded into Monday, and then into Monday night, Vincentgrew frantic. He whispered to Father, "Did I make a horrible mistake,influencing Catherine to have this child? If she...if she wereto...die..." His voice choked off as half-formed, enigmatic visionsflashed across his eyes. His old nightmare! Was it somehow comingtrue?

 

Father took him by the shoulders and shook him until he felt hisson return to the present. "Don't even think it, Vincent! She isstrong. The baby's heartbeat is strong. You must be strong too."

 

Vincent drew in a harsh breath and clutched his abdomen asCatherine's latest contraction swept a wave of agony through him. Hecould not assist her as he'd wanted, due to his intense physicalreaction to her labor. He raged within himself for his uselessness.When Catherine needed him most...! But Geoffrey had stepped in asCatherine's coach, and he had been nothing short of remarkable.Knowing that his son was standing in his place prevented Vincent fromdescending into total madness over his inability to succor the womanhe treasured above all others.

 

Geoffrey sat splay-legged on the bed behind his Mother, cradlingher straining form, urging her into her contractions. When she couldrelax, he took all her weight as she leaned against him. He whispereda constant stream of reassuring words to her as he wiped her brow,encouraging her and praising her efforts. Father was much impressedwith his intuitive and compassionate grandson.

 

"Geoffrey, have you ever considered a career in medicine?"

 

Geoffrey looked up, blowing at a stray curl dangling in his eyes,and grinned. "Father, I don't really think this is the best time forcareer counseling, do you?!" He accepted a bowl of ice from Mary andplaced a piece to his Mother's lips, already concentrated fully onher once again.

 

_ _ _

 

"Vincent!!!"

 

"I'm here, Catherine."

 

"Push, Cathy! Push now! I see the baby's head! You're almostdone!"

 

"You can do it, Mom! Just a little more, and then you can rest.You're doing great!"

 

Catherine groaned once more, a sound echoed softly by Vincent, andthe child was born.

 

Father looked up at Vincent and smiled. "It's a boy!"

 

_ _ _

 

"Would you like to see our son, Catherine?"

 

An exhausted Catherine had been placed on cool clean sheets onanother bed in the hospital chamber by Vincent while Mary cleaned theinfant and wrapped him in a warm blanket. Now she and Father cametoward her, both beaming. Geoffrey's eyes were alight with happiness,and he relinquished his Mother's hand as Vincent reverently took thechild from Mary and placed him in Catherine's outstretched arms. Shelooked down into the face of her new son and astonishment swept hercountenance. In amazement she looked up at Vincent."Dear...God..."

 

Solemn blue eyes gazed unblinkingly at her from a face as familiaras the one she loved more than life. A riot of damp golden curlscovered his head, and soft down covered his eyebrow ridges. Hischeekbones and muzzle were prominent, but devoid of hair. His littlefist waved wildly before his face until instinct took over and heslipped his thumb into the cleft of his upper lip. He began towhimper.

 

""I believe...our son is hungry, Catherine."