Chapter 17

The next week Catherine was very busy in the shop. Louise and Helen had finished their first set of classes. Word had spread about how good the classes were so all the new classes were full. The shop was full of new and old customers, many even getting an early start on Christmas present ideas. Neither Joe nor Diana had told her of any new developments in her case.

Saturday Catherine hoped to get out early to meet with Vincent Below to make some wedding plans. Helen noticed her continually looking at the clock. "Got a hot date with a black cloaked long blonde haired hunk?"

"What?" Startled, Catherine hoped Vincent hadn't been seen leaving mornings from her apartment.

"Honey, don't look so scared. Louise and I are helpers. We know all about Vincent and the world Below. We used to help Nancy many times sewing and getting fabric down there. We even taught some classes for Ruth Ann's sewing group."

"We've been waiting for the right time to tell you how happy we are that you are Vincent's Catherine. We noticed your ring. I guess that means you're engaged," Louise said.

"You know? I've been working so hard to be sure there is never any evidence that Vincent has been here or that I've been going Below."

"We'd never have known if we were not helpers and talked to the women Below. Everyone is so excited for you both. They have all seen the depression Vincent has been in frequently over the last ten years. It's as if a great weight has been lifted from his shoulders to be replaced by a wonderful happiness. How can we help?"

"I can't believe you two know about Vincent and me. I've missed not having anyone to talk to about our happiness. I'm ready to burst with all the joy in my heart."

"Have you decided on a wedding dress design," Helen asked.

"I have a design in mind. Maybe you both can help me sew it. I ordered fabric and threads last week. Vincent and I hope the wedding can be in June. We are setting the date tonight. That is why I am in a hurry to meet him."

"You go, we'll lock up. You can show us what you want us to do on Monday. I'm sure Ruth Ann would love to help too."

Catherine hugged both women. "With your help I can make the dress more elaborate, maybe even add a cloak. I put a rush on my order, hopefully everything will come next week"

"You could get married in pj's and Vincent wouldn't care he's so happy," Helen laughed. "Now go meet your beloved."

"It's so nice out I think I'll walk in the park first to relax and go in through the drainage tunnel. I'm sure Vincent will sense I'm going that way. Just in case would one of you check to be sure he isn't waiting at my basement door later? I guess you know there is an entrance to the tunnels down there."

"Yes, Nancy showed us many years ago. We have not used it since you bought the shop, though I noticed how you disguised it and set up an office there." Helen smiled at her.

"I'll see you both Monday morning." Catherine grabbed her coat and headed to the park.

The days were getting longer and many people were enjoying the extra daylight in the park. She could smell the sweet fragrance of early spring flowers blooming everywhere. She was not far from the trees blocking the drainage tunnel when she thought she was being followed.

"Catherine, Catherine Chandler," she heard behind her. She kept walking, fear in her heart. Few knew she was alive and they knew to call her Elizabeth Collins. Could this be someone connected to her kidnapping, testing to see if she had her memory back. She continued to walk at a brisk pace ignoring the person calling her. How could she keep Vincent from rescuing her. If he showed up the man would know she was Catherine Chandler.

She tried to focus her thoughts to Vincent. I'm okay, stay Below, wait.

She felt a hand on her shoulder, "Cathy."

She turned and saw a complete stranger. "Let go of me or I'll scream. I don't know who you think I am. I certainly don't know you." Her eyes flashed angrily.

The man had cold gray eyes. He was taller and younger than her, dressed neatly in jeans and a sweater. His dark hair was cut very short. "I'm sorry, you look just like a woman who worked in my office. Catherine Chandler."

She fought hard to look him straight in the eye without dropping her own. She kept her voice steady. "That is not my name." She shrugged her shoulder away and walked briskly toward a group of mothers pushing baby carriages along the path.

The man watched her go. His eyes narrowed in thought he headed out of the park. A black sedan stopped and he climbed in closing the door quickly.

"Well. Does she have her memory back?"

"I don't know. She had no reaction except anger to the name. She could be putting on a big act or her memory may still be gone."

"Keep an eye on her. I want to know what she does, who she sees, where she goes. If her memory has returned you'll see her with that man-animal Vincent at some point. Be careful of him, he is very dangerous. They will both have to be killed if she remembers. I won't let them destroy all that I've achieved."

The man jumped out of the car. Catherine was no longer with the baby carriage pushing mothers. He searched the park without finding her.

Catherine saw the man get into the black car. She ducked behind the trees. No one was in sight, she ran to the drainage tunnel where Vincent was waiting for her. He pulled her in, shut the gate and closed the sliding panel making sure it locked. She fell against his chest. "Hold me."

"Catherine, I felt your fear, also that you wanted me to wait." His arms tightened around her, his lips brushed her hair.

"They know I'm in New York. I didn't know the man who called my name. I think I was able to convince him I wasn't Catherine Chandler. After I walked away I saw him get into a black car. Then I ran here."

"We are going to have to be very careful, Catherine. Go no where on your own. If you have to go anywhere, travel the tunnels. We have to let Diana and Joe know what happened. I can get a message to Diana. Let's go, Father and JV are waiting to have dinner with us."

"I was looking forward to making some wedding plans with all of you tonight. Now I know someone is looking for me he's taken the joy out of the evening."

"Catherine, I will not let anyone harm you. We have a wonderful evening planned. Let's not let anyone ruin it for us."

She raised her head from his chest, "With your arms around me Vincent, I always feel safe."

His arms tightened, "I'm right here, always. Hold onto me."

"I'm sorry. I feel foolish. I'll be okay." She turned her face into his neck. Somehow the scent of him gave her strength. She slid her arms around his waist.

He put a finger under her chin, turned her face up to his. His mouth sought hers and found it warm, soft and loving. He needed another minute of her, of the taste of her. Time was lost to him.

"Mom, dad. Are you coming?" JV called.

Reluctantly, Vincent released Catherine’s mouth. "We’re coming," he answered. He kept his arms around her.

"You two are always hugging and kissing," JV said.

"We have a lot of years to make up for." Vincent ruffled JV’s hair. Catherine blushed at their son’s observation. "I love your dad very much. People in love hug and kiss all the time."

"I know. I can’t get used to dad acting like a teenager. Grandfather says you’d better hurry if you want a hot dinner."

"Lead the way, JV," Vincent said. He took Catherine’s hand in his and they followed their son through the tunnels to Father’s chamber.

"I thought you’d never get here," Father admonished them.

"I’m sorry Father. Catherine and I were delayed."

"Too busy hugging and kissing," JV laughed.

"And other reasons," Vincent said seriously when JV was out of earshot. "We’ll tell you later."

After dinner they worked on a wedding date. "I would love to be a June bride, but with all that is happening I don’t know what to do."

"It might take months to capture these people who are after you, Catherine. If your safety is in danger, you can stay down here. Don’t put off our happiness."

"Mom, are you in danger?" JV looked at her fear in his eyes.

She put her arms around him. "Yes, we believe the people responsible for me being separated from you for so many years want to separate us again. Your father has promised to protect me, to keep me safe."

"Dad?"

"I will keep your mom safe, JV. Pick a day in June Catherine."

" How about the second weekend in June? That gives me six weeks to make my dress and finish some projects I’m working on. I learned today that Louise and Helen are helpers for you. They will help me with all the sewing I want to do. I’m sure Jenny will help me with many of the other things."

"Jenny?" Father asked.

"Jenny Aronson, my best friend since college."

"Yes, I remember. Vincent told me about her and Joe Maxwell helping you find out what happened to you."

"Second weekend in June is good for me," Vincent said happily.

"Everyone down here will want to help you plan your special day. Let me know what I can do to help." Father hugged them both. "I want you to have a day to remember."

"First Father, would you be my best man?" Vincent asked. "Next to Catherine and JV you are the most important person in my life." He hugged the older man and kissed his brow.

"I would be honored."

Catherine turned to JV and took his hands in hers. "JV, would you walk me down the aisle on your arm and place my hand in your father’s?"

JV was overjoyed and hugged her tightly. "You’ll be proud of me, mom."

Catherine wrapped her arms around him, her eyes full of tears.

"Don’t cry mom."

"I’m just so happy."

"Wait for us in our chamber," Vincent told JV. "We have a few things to talk over with your grandfather before we come down." He told Father all that had happened to Catherine in the park.

"Please be careful, both of you. Catherine, I’m sure you remember many of the tunnels. Please use them freely whenever you can. Now off with you. A young boy is waiting for his parents."

Catherine hugged him and kissed his old cheek.

JV was waiting for them reading on Vincent’s bed. "Dad, will we stay here or get a new chamber?"

Vincent looked to Catherine for an answer.

"I hope we can stay here. I’ve always loved this room. Can we enlarge the area? If not I’d still rather stay here."

"I have this main chamber, JV’s room and the tiny bath. I believe there are two smaller chambers that could be incorporated into mine. Let me see what I can do."

"I’d like to keep my shop and apartment. You can both spend some time with me there too. The basement entrance makes access easy. The light is much better for my sewing. I have a few favorite things I’d like to bring down if you have room."

"The Lion quilt," JV piped in.

"Yes, the Lion quilt most of all if your father can find me some wall space to hang it."

"I will make room for anything you want, Catherine."

They laughed and talked and planned into the night. JV fell asleep on Vincent’s bed.

"I hate to move him," Vincent said, looking at Catherine longingly.

"Let him sleep awhile." She moved into his arms and whispered hesitantly, "Maybe we should stay celibate until our wedding night."

He sighed, "I’ll try Catherine, but it will be very hard. Especially if you are sleeping in my bed." He picked her up and carried her to his big chair. He sat with her on his lap and she nestled close in his arms.

She looked at JV sleeping. "I remember the night he was conceived, Vincent. The night when we made love for the first time."

He held her tighter. "Little did we know we were going to lose each other for so long."

"You were so ill in my apartment. That night I thought you were getting over the worst of your illness. You were determined to leave in case the worst was not over."

"I was losing the fight of my life, Catherine, but I wanted you to know how much I loved you."

She framed his much loved face with her hands, kissed the soft muzzle above his lips. The fine hair covered softness always amazed her in its sensuality. His lips covered hers hungrily, feasting on their sweetness.

"Oh Catherine, how will I ever wait six weeks for all of you again."

"It will be hard for me too Vincent," she breathed into his neck.

"I think we’d better stay right here in the chair for the rest of the night."

"There is no place I’d rather be than in your arms." She snuggled into him and fell asleep surrounded in his warmth.

He watched his beloved sleep cradled in his arms. He sighed deeply, rose and placed her in his bed without waking her. He carried JV to his own bed and kissed his brow when he stirred. "Go back to sleep, JV."

He returned to Catherine and lay beside her.

"Vincent." She laid her head on his chest sleepily.

"I’m here Catherine." He wrapped his arms around her, pressed his lips to the top of her head and was finally able to sleep.

Chapter 18

 

The next morning there was a message from Diana to meet her in Father’s chamber.

"Joe was able to get an order to have the body in Catherine’s grave exhumed. The body is now in the hands of the NY CSI unit to determine age, cause of death, and the identity of the woman. We’ve been checking missing persons lists from ten years ago. I’ve also brought pictures of Otis Northrup. Does he look familiar to either of you?" She handed the photos to Catherine.

"Pope had a mustache," Catherine said.

"His hair was very dark," Vincent added.

"Darken his hair and add a mustache and I’m sure this is Jonathan Pope." Catherine looked through the photos with trembling hands and backed into Vincent’s protective embrace.

"We can’t confront him as I only have your word and you wouldn’t be safe. I can’t bring you to court Vincent. With all Northrup’s connections he has become a very powerful man. At least we know who he is.

"Yesterday someone approached me in the park and tried to get me to admit I am Catherine Chandler."

"I have some pictures of people who are always around Northrup. Is the man here?" Diana handed Catherine a stack of photos. "Study these so if any of these people confront you you’ll know who they are."

Catherine pulled out a photo of the man in the park. "This is the man who spoke to me," she showed the picture to Diana.

"This is one of his bodyguards, George Rush. I’ve heard he has killed a few people though we have never been able to prove anything. Be very careful Cathy. If Northrup-Pope is already sending out feelers about you, you are in greater danger than we thought. If he learns you are back with Vincent both of you are in danger. I don’t think he’ll bother to kidnap either of you, just kill you both."

"Won’t his suspicions be proved correct when he learns Catherine’s grave has been opened," Vincent asked.

"That will not be made public. Right now the body is a Jane Doe. Catherine’s name has not been used at all. Joe believes he can trust the judge he spoke to. We still have some time to work with, I hope. Both of you keep your eyes and ears open. If you have the slightest suspicion about anything, I mean anything, stay down here. In fact, I think you should stay down here every night Cathy after your shop closes or Vincent should stay up with you in your apartment. You better protect JV too. I don’t think they know what he looks like but if they see a young boy with you often enough they will know he is your son and harm him."

"He’d better stay down here until this is over," Father said. "He’ll be very disappointed not to be able to go on some of the outings planned for the children."

"We’ll have to plan something special for him here," Vincent said. "Many of the tunnels lead to things he is interested in and he can watch from below such as the concerts in the park even a Yankee ball game."

"Louise and Helen can manage the shop more often for me so I can do things with JV. If we are lucky maybe everything will be over by the wedding."

"You’ve set a date," Diana asked.

"It is in six weeks, the second weekend in June no matter what." Vincent told her.

"Keep the photos. Study them so you know all Northrup’s people. Has his wife been back to the shop?"

"No."

"We’re doing a check on her. We need to know if she is involved in any wrong doings connected to her husband. We are also looking for the oriental nurse who took care of you. So far no luck. Dr. Peterson is still practicing medicine in San Francisco. We have people keeping a watch on him. These three are the only ones still living who were connected to Gabriel as far as we know. We still need to find out if they are working for Northrup."

"We are looking into everything we can about him and his businesses. We know Gabriel brought down Elliott Burch before killing him and almost killing you Vincent. We are checking to see if any other developers or big business men also had trouble but never said anything to the police after Gabriel’s death. We don’t know if Northrup was satisfied with all the Burch and Gabriel holdings or if he went after more. There is so much we don’t know. So far all his holdings are checking out legally. We won’t stop digging. I’m headed back to the office. I’ll tell Joe about George Rush. Be careful."

Between customers the next morning Catherine went over her wedding dress plans with Louise and Helen. "I want to make a hooded cloak out of the white wool I ordered. It’s really more a cream that should match the silk for the gown. The fabric should arrive today or tomorrow." She showed them the sketches she made.

"You’ll look beautiful," Helen said.

"Simple but elegant," Louise added.

"I want to do this embroidery of a lion and a rose on both my wedding dress and the cloak. I hope I have enough time."

"We’ll get everything done. Ruth Ann wants to help out too. You’ll take Vincent’s breath away."

"She already does that," Ruth Ann said behind them. "I hope you don’t mind. I had to come and help from the beginning. Mary wants to help too."

Catherine hugged her, "I don’t know how to thank all of you."

Helen spotted the brown UPS truck on the street. "Maybe this is some of the fabric now."

Catherine signed for the boxes and the women rushed to open them.

"Here is the wool," Ruth Ann sighed. "It’s so soft." She looked at the sketch for the cloak. "It will be perfect. Let me get your measurements and Mary and I and our helpers can start today."

The next box held the silk. Catherine fingered it lovingly and held it up in front of herself, "What do you think?"

The three women looked at the fabric in awe. "It is so beautiful for what you have in mind," Louise said. "It’s just right for the embroidery. I can’t wait to get started. Ruth Ann, let’s get those measurements while no one is here. Helen and I can start on a muslin gown first so we can do alterations as we go. Then Catherine can get started on the embroidery."

The two remaining boxes held threads and flannel. "On top of everything I’m doing I want to make a special quilt for our bed," Catherine blushed. She showed them the pattern she wanted to make using the colors of the sun, mountains, lakes, the ocean and trees of her world and the colors of Below, the dark and grays of stone, the waterfalls and reflecting pools and the soft light of candlelight. "Not difficult but many pieces."

Ruth Ann took hold of both her hands, "Catherine, I know you want to make the quilt yourself, but all of us Below love you and Vincent so much. Please, let us make your design as our gift for you both. Something special we can do to show how much we care."

Catherine burst into tears, "I would love for everyone to do this for us. I know Vincent would too. Thank you doesn’t seem enough to say."

"Seeing you and Vincent together makes us all happy Catherine. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen him so happy. With all he does for us, we love being able to do something for the two of you. I’ll take the wool with me and send Mouse for the flannel." She kissed Catherine goodbye.

The women spent the rest of the day working on the muslin dress making many adjustments between helping customers in the shop.

Just before closing Jenny Aronson came into the shop. Catherine introduced her to Louise and Helen before they left for the day, then showed Jenny her wedding gown sketches.

"Jenny, I could use your help with the wedding rings. Vincent and I want matching rings with a design carved in them. His idea was a rose and a lion. I thought I would do something along the same lines for my gown and cloak."

"I know just the man, he does the most beautiful designs. Benny Levine. I’ll make an appointment for you to meet him."

"You know Vincent lives in a secret place. I’ve talked to him and he says it’s okay for you to come there. He trusts you as I trust you to keep it secret. Will you be my maid of honor?"

"Me? You want me?"

"You’re my best friend, Jenny."

"I’d love to. When?"

"The second weekend in June. You can pick your own dress but I must warn you it is very cool Below so pick something warm."

"You’ve finally found your special man. He’s a little unusual but I can tell he’s the only one for you. Does he happen to have a brother?"

"As a matter of fact he kind of has a brother, Devin. There is no one like Vincent but the man who raised him has a son. A man of many talents. I have not seen him in over ten years. I’ll have to ask Vincent about him."

"About who?" Vincent asked. "Hello Jenny."

Catherine was used to his silent arrivals but Jenny yelped in surprise. "Where did you come from?"

Catherine went into his arms, "We were talking about Devin. Where is he now?"

"I haven’t seen him since he spent some time with me after your "death"

"I wish there was some way to let him know about our wedding. Jenny, would you like to join us for dinner?"

"You cook?"

"Enough to get by. Where is your bodyguard?"

"I left him on the sidewalk. I told him I’d be back in an hour. He should be there now waiting for me. He’s kind of cute, even with three long scars on his cheek. His name is Daniel Wells."

Vincent and Catherine looked at her stunned.

"It can’t be," Catherine said.

"It could be," Vincent whispered.

"What?" Jenny asked.

Vincent went to a darkened corner of Catherine’s apartment and looked out onto the sidewalk. "It’s Devin. Speak of the devil. Jenny, what does he know about us?"

"All he told me was that he was assigned to guard me. Your names were never mentioned and I didn’t say anything."

"Go invite him in for dinner," Catherine said. "He thinks you’re visiting Elizabeth Collins, right."

"That’s what I told him."

"Bring him up. He’s in for a big surprise."

Jenny went down to the front door, "Daniel, Elizabeth has asked us to stay for dinner. She doesn’t know you’re my bodyguard. I told her you were a friend."

The tall man with dark hair and engaging smile followed her up the stairs.

"Daniel, this is Elizabeth Collins. I’m trying to get her to do a quilt show for the gallery."

"Hello Devin," Catherine said.

He was stunned, "Catherine?"

"Where have you been all these years, Devin?" Vincent came out of the shadows.

Devin looked from Vincent to Catherine. "You died," he said to her. Looking at Vincent he said, "I’ve been set up."

"No Devin, we only just found out from Jenny you were probably her bodyguard." Vincent clasped him in his arms. "We all have a lot of explaining to do.

"But you’re dead," Devin said to again to Catherine, shaking his head,

She hugged him. "Do I feel dead. Vincent, he can come to the wedding."

Devin sat down abruptly, "Wedding? Whose? What’s going on?"

Vincent and Catherine explained all that had happened and finished with the news of their upcoming wedding.

"Catherine, are you sure you want to marry this guy."

She put her arms around Vincent. "I’m sure. Without him my life is incomplete."

Vincent pulled her close kissing her. "She’s my everything."

"What are you doing as a bodyguard Devin?" Vincent asked.

"After Charles died I went through the police academy."

"I heard about Charles, I’m sorry Devin." Vincent placed his arm over his shoulders in comfort.

Devin gripped his arm in response, then continued, "I didn’t want to do regular police work. I got into bodyguard work through the police department and do guard work in different states. I was hired to protect Jenny. I was never told anything about you Catherine."

"Vincent and I and our son are all in danger, Devin. Also my best friend."

"Your son. You were just starting to look for him when I saw you last Vincent. You insisted that I go back to stay with Charles."

"Who is Charles?" Jenny asked.

"He was a deformed man I rescued from a circus over ten years ago. Catherine, you remember him. His brother used him as a side show freak. I thought he could stay in the tunnels but he really wasn’t happy there. He was only comfortable with Vincent, not the rest of the community. I took him to the mountains where we lived happily for a few years before he died. So, you have a son Vincent. What’s his name, how old is he, what’s he like?"

"His name is Jacob Vincent, everyone calls him JV. He’s nine and a half and he’s beautiful. Come Below and meet him," Vincent told him. "Catherine has a picture of his." He passed the framed photo to Devin.

"He’s a good looking boy. I can’t wait to meet him."

"You’ve been in NY all this time and never come Below," Vincent said accusingly.

"No, I trained in Chicago then got sent all over the country. This is my first assignment in NY. The police wanted an unfamiliar face for Jenny’s bodyguard. I was coming Below at the first opportunity. Honest. How is Father?"

"He is fine. He’ll be happy to see you. I’ve asked him to be my best man at my wedding. Jenny is going to be Catherine’s maid of honor. You better come to our wedding Devin."

"Wouldn’t miss it."

The front doorbell rang. Catherine laughed, "No one has to eat my cooking tonight. There’s dinner." She handed Devin money, "Please get it Mr Bodyguard."

The four of them talked all evening over Chinese food. Catherine told him all that was happening and what had gone on over the past years. Why her life was in danger. Vincent told him of their joy at finding each other and the return of Catherine’s memory.

"I always thought you two should have been together ten years ago. Vincent, you were always coming up with reasons to prevent your own happiness. I guess it’s never too late."

"Never," Vincent agreed, looking at Catherine with love.

"I’d better get Jenny home before someone realizes she has been in here far longer than someone just trying to set up a gallery show. Tell Father I’ll be down as soon as possible." He hugged Catherine, kissed her cheek. "Welcome back from the dead, little sister to be." He shook Vincent’s hand, punched his shoulder in brotherly affection, then led Jenny from the apartment.

"Catherine, I wish you would stay Below until all this business with Northrup is resolved.:

"This will be my last night here Vincent. I’ve packed some bags you can take down in the morning. I don’t want to jeopardize our happiness, you and JV mean more to me than anything else in the world. I’ve changed the night class schedule so I will not be teaching any of them. I should be safe working here during the day. I don’t want to be a prisoner here or Below. I have to be able to get out now and then. Oh God Vincent, I’m sorry," she threw her arms around him and held tight.

"How thoughtless of me. Many times you must feel like a prisoner Below."

"Not really. I grew up in the tunnels. They are my home. After I met you Catherine a different world opened up for me. Through your eyes I saw many marvelous things. When I thought you were dead, I really didn’t care about what I might be missing. JV made me happy. Now that you are back in my life, my world is full. The most wondrous of all is you." He kissed her tenderly.

"I’ve brought a book to read to you. Shall we go to your secret arbor, it’s a nice night."

They went out into the warm night air. They sat and leaned against the brick. His arm tight around her he pulled her close to him until she rested her head on his shoulder.

"What did you bring to read?"

"I have Ranier Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet. Father gave it to me a long time ago. This is one I like." He read...

"How should we be able to forget those ancient myths that are at the beginning of all peoples, the myths about dragons that at the last moment turn into princesses; perhaps all the dragons of our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us once beautiful and brave. Perhaps everything terrible is in its deepest being something helpless that wants help from us.

So you must not be frightened if a sadness rises up before you larger than any you have ever seen; if a restiveness, like light and cloud-shadows, passes over your hands and over all you do. You must think that something is happening with you, that life has not forgotten you, that it holds you in its hand; it will not let you fall.

He could feel her softening against his side sleepily, her lips, her breath against his neck. He closed the book, rested his chin lightly on her head.

"Catherine," he whispered. "You should go to bed."

"Good night, Vincent." He felt her lips kiss his neck before she went indoors.

"What have you found out, Rush," Otis Northrup demanded.

"She never left the shop. People went in and out all day, she had deliveries. Just before closing that woman who does gallery shows was dropped off by a tall dark haired man in his forties. An hour later he returned and went in the shop. They must have stayed for dinner, Chinese take out was delivered and the couple stayed until ten. Lights went out shortly after they left. I didn’t recognize the man. No sign of cat man."

"If she remembers who she is she’ll get in touch with Vincent. I don’t know if Catherine Chandler knew the gallery woman but it should be easy to find out." Northrup was frustrated. "If she is remembering I want her dead, fast. That Vincent, too," he said angrily. "Who have you got working for us in the police department?"

"No one yet. I’m still trying to set it up. The DA’s office is a pretty close knit group. It’s not easy putting in new people."

"Do it or make it impossible for someone already there not to give us what we want. And keep an eye on that quilt shop. I want to know everything that goes on in there."

"I have someone signed up for a class next week. She can tell us more of what’s going on from the inside."

"Good. I’ll see what my wife can find out. It’s time she looked for another quilt to buy since she botched up the other quilt."

Rush fingered his long knife, "It shred real easy boss."

"Next time that Collins-Chandler woman will sell my wife the quilt she wants. I wanted Amanda to become friends with her, see what she could find out about her memories."

Amanda Northrup came into the quilt shop the next morning looking for Catherine. "Ms Collins, I’m still looking for a quilt for my home. Would you help me?"

"Of course," Catherine said. She noticed no new bruises on the woman’s face. Makeup almost covered the old bruises. "What are you looking for? I don’t have anything like Winter in the Woods. I have some nice ones of the city if you are interested. This one at night, this one of daytime just after sunrise and this one of Central Park with a horse and carriage. I also have another winter scene, or these of trees and flowers."

"I like the one of Central Park," Mrs. Northrup said nervously. Her husband had drilled her on the questions he wanted her to ask Elizabeth Collins with dire results if she didn’t get the answers he wanted.

"Have you lived in New York long Ms. Collins?"

"Please, call me Elizabeth. No I’m a California girl."

"Why did you move to New York?"

Catherine told her about her friendship with Nancy York, the woman’s illness and the opportunity to lease the shop. "I would never have come to New York otherwise. My heart is in California."

"Do you enjoy New York? You must be making a lot of new friends, or do you have many friends here already?"

Catherine was beginning to suspect the woman was on a mission with her questions. Was her husband behind the questions, trying to learn if her memory was returning?

"I knew no one in New York. My only friends are some very nice people I’ve met through the shop. The shop and quilting keep me very busy. I don’t have much time to go out and meet people. How about some tea or coffee Mrs. Northrup while we finalize the sale. Louise will wrap the quilt for you or I can have it delivered."

"I’d love some tea, Elizabeth. I’ll take the quilt with me."

Catherine took her to a small alcove set with a small table and a few chairs. She liked to make her sales more personal with tea and cookies or muffins. Even with people she didn’t like. The small antique cherry wood table was covered with a quilted runner Louise had made in blue and white. A small crystal bowl of tiny white roses, set in the middle of the table, filled the area with fragrance.

"Please sit down, Mrs. Northrup. Would you like sugar and cream in your tea? I have Chinese Jasmine or black tea."

"I’ll take the Jasmine, no cream or sugar. Thank you."

Catherine placed a simple white teapot and Chinese cups on the table along with a plate of muffins and cookies.

Mrs. Northrup looked around, "Very nice Elizabeth. All you need is a cat. I understand many quilt shops have a resident cat."

Catherine lied, "I much prefer dogs. I’m allergic to cats."

"Are you married, do you have any children?"

"No I’m not married. I have no children," she lied again. "How about you. Do you have any children?" She would have to speak to JV and make sure he never called her mom in the shop. She noticed a tear in the older woman’s eye.

"No. My husband doesn’t want any children."

"I’m sorry."

"Oh, I don’t mind. At one time I thought I’d like children but I really don’t have time for them with all the committees and fund raisers I chair." She noticed Catherine’s ring, "Are you engaged Elizabeth?"

"Yes"

"When are you getting married?"

"We haven’t set a date yet," she lied.

Amanda Northrup’s hand was shaking when she put the teacup down. "Do you know my husband Ms. Collins?"

"I’ve never met Otis Northrup."

"Ms. Collins," She whispered. "I don’t know why my husband is afraid of something you know. Be very careful, he’s a very dangerous man."

"I can’t imagine what I would know that would interest your husband. I spend all my time sewing quilts."

Amanda Northrup rose from the table, "Just be very careful Ms. Collins." She took the quilt from Louise and left the shop.

"What was that all about?" Louise asked. Helen joined them.

Catherine debated what to tell them and decided on the truth. "Louise, Helen, you know who I really am. One of the men involved in my kidnapping and death ten years ago may still be after me. I believe he is Otis Northrup, Amanda’s husband."

"The big real estate lawyer."

"Yes, I can’t say more right now but be very careful. Please, don’t call me anything but Elizabeth except Below. Give no hint you know who I am and what’s going on. It could be dangerous to you and death to Vincent, JV and me."

"Death," Helen said unbelievably.

"They wiped out my memory years ago. If they knew it was back, that’s what they are trying to find out, they’ll kill me. Amanda Northrup was fishing for answers just now. She seems like a nice but very frightened woman under all that elegant snobbery . I don’t think she likes her husband but is afraid of him. Be careful what you talk about in your classes, especially about me or JV. Don’t let anyone know he is my son. Anyone of the class students could be a plant of Northrup’s looking for information on me. If someone asks about my engagement or wedding or the man I’m marrying tell them you don’t know the date and my fiancé travels a lot. Better yet if they have any questions let them ask me."

"They might think it odd we don’t at least know his name," Louise said.

"How about James–Jim. It’s easy to remember. We don’t have to know his last name," Helen suggested.

"I like it," Catherine said.

"On a happier note Elizabeth, your gown is finished in muslin if you want to try it on for size." Louise handed her the dress. Only a few alterations were needed. "Now we can start on the silk."

"I don’t want any outsiders to see the gown," Catherine told them. "Keep it in my apartment and sew on it up there. I have my machine set up all the time there. Keep the drapes closed and the door locked. From now on I’ll be sleeping Below. I know you’ll think I’m paranoid but I’m thinking of your safety too. No one is to be here after six PM except for scheduled classes. Luckily I’ve been able to change most of the evening classes to daytime or Saturdays. For the few I couldn’t change I want all of us here and Vincent will be near if there is any trouble. As the gown progresses we’ll have to start earlier in the morning if you don’t mind. My apartment will always be available to you both. I’ll do my sewing from there too."

"Everything will work out dear," Helen said brightly. "Now on another note. There is a group Below working on some new clothes for Vincent. I don’t think he’s worn anything new in years. Ruth Ann wants to know if she can put some of your designs on a few of his things he’ll be wearing for the ceremony and in inconspicuous places on some other clothes, maybe some of JV’s.

"I would like to embroider the vests I’m sure he and JV will be wearing. I’ll get them from Ruth Ann."

"No one is in the shop, there are no classes today so Helen and I will cut out the silk now upstairs. Block off the stairs. We need the big tables. After the silk is cut we can work in your apartment." Louise said.

"Okay, I’ll keep an eye on the stairs." Catherine worked on her notebook of wedding ideas. She went over the sketches of the lion, roses and leaves she planned for her gown and cloak. She modified some to use for Vincent and JV. Whenever a customer came into the shop she hid the notebook in a drawer. She locked the doors at five thirty. Vincent would meet her at six to walk her through the tunnels.

She went up to the second floor. Louise and Helen had finished cutting everything for her wedding dress. She showed them the pattern for the embroidery and how it would be placed on the silk.

"Wearing this gown you will look beautiful. Will you carry roses?" Helen asked.

"Yes, but I haven’t decided if I’ll carry long roses or a bouquet. I also want roses in the Chapel for the ceremony and then they can be moved to the reception area. Time to go home, ladies. I’ll see you tomorrow."