Chapter 21

Monday Vincent walked her back to the shop. "I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know what’s going on in the news about me."

"If you need to, come Below."

"I will."

He checked out the shop and apartment before he let her come in. "Everything looks like we left it." He kissed her before leaving.

Louise and Helen came in early. "You’ve been in the news all weekend," Helen said.

"In the newspapers too," Louise put a few on the counter. One headline blazed, WHERE IS CATHERINE CHANDLER.

"I’m sure today they’ll know. One of our customers will tell them." Catherine sighed.

"Look, Miss Congeniality herself is the first one here," Louise nodded toward the door watching Amanda Northrup come in.

Catherine felt like a brick hit her stomach. Was the woman here on her own or had her husband sent her?

Amanda Northrup looked terrified. "Ms. Collins, I must talk to you in private. Please."

Catherine lead her to the alcove at the back of the shop.

"Ms. Collins, I guess I should call you Catherine Chandler."

"I’ve been on the news."

"I couldn’t sleep last night Ms. Chandler. I was going to make myself a cup of tea. My husband and some of his colleagues were talking in the library. I heard them mention your name. I crept back to my room, sounds travel through the heating vents between these two rooms. Ms. Chandler," the woman was shaking uncontrollably, "my husband plans to kill you Wednesday night," she whispered.

Catherine felt a cold chill and hugged her body. "Kill me? Why?

"The way he was talking I think he was involved in your kidnapping ten years ago. He thinks you’ll remember him and he’ll lose all he worked for," stolen and killed for she thought with a shiver.

"Mrs. Northrup, do you know how he got where he is? How he made his money? How long have you been married to him?"

"We’ve been married twenty three years. He has always been a lawyer. We have lived well, I never questioned him about his work. I thought he made good investments. About ten years ago he started to get abusive. I thought it was the pressure of work. I liked my lifestyle so just tried to stay away from him when he was in a bad mood. The abuse lasted for about a year and then he started making more money. He was now doing real estate law and we became very rich. He changed his appearance and thought a different name would sound more elite. We moved to an up class apartment here in the city from New Jersey Made new, different friends. Things were going well for us until January when the abuse started again. He became very interested in your shop. Told me to come and find a quilt I liked and become friends with you.

"That didn’t go well. When I told him you wouldn’t sell the quilt I liked, he hit me and I guess he sent someone here to destroy it. Then he sent me to buy any quilt and ask you a bunch of questions."

"Why are you telling me this. Won’t you be in danger coming to me?"

"Ms Chandler, I know I’m not always a nice person but you have always been nice to me. You don’t deserve what has happened to you. You shouldn’t be killed by my evil husband if I can save you. Run and hide. Get your fiancé Ms. Chandler and run," she sobbed.

Catherine tried to comfort her. "What will you do? You can’t go back to your house."

"My husband thinks I went to visit my sister in Connecticut. I am going when I leave here. I told him I was going to do some shopping first. I frequently drive myself and have the car with me now."

"You better go. I know my place is watched. You don’t want to be seen here."

"You know about my husband?"

"I suspected. I have never seen you husband, only pictures of him. What was his name before?" Catherine asked her.

"Jonathan, Jonathan Pope.’

Catherine felt a stab in her heart. She had been right. Otis Northrup and Jonathan Pope were the same man.

"Run Catherine Chandler. If you are not here Wednesday night he cannot kill you."

"I will. You run too. Do not ever go back to him."

Amanda Northrup left her and went right out the door. Catherine was stunned. What should she do first? She wasn’t in immediate danger if Amanda was right. She called Vincent in her mind. Come to me Vincent. Please, come now. I need you so badly.

Helen came to check on her, "Are you all right my dear?"

"No, Helen. I have to get to Vincent right away. Is there anyone in the shop?"

"A few of our regular customers. They wanted to show you their support. They’ll understand if you can’t speak to them."

"Please, Helen, help me get to the basement unseen. I may not be back today. I hope you and Louise can cover the shop. I’ll explain tomorrow. Don’t let anyone into the basement."

She flew down the stairs and opened the door to the tunnel praying Vincent would be there soon.

He was there. "Catherine, what’s the matter. I heard your call. I feel your fear"

She threw herself into his arms. "Hold me Vincent, hold me tight. Don’t ever let me go."

He wrapped her in the warmth and security of his arms. He could feel her whole body tremble against him. "I am with you forever Catherine. Tell me. What frightened you so?"

She took a steadying breath, "Amanda Northrup just left. She told me her husband is planning to kill me Wednesday night." She told him all that Amanda said. "Vincent, she said his name used to be Jonathan Pope."

"You believe her."

"I do."

"We must get in touch with Joe and Diana."

"My office phone is not private. I’ll use my cell. Joe’s could be bugged. I’ll call Diana’s cell." She dropped the phone. "I’m shaking."

Vincent picked it up for her and placed it in her hand, squeezed her fingers in encouragement. He put his arms back around her giving her strength.

Diana answered on the first ring, "Diana Bennett."

"Diana, it’s Cathy, can you talk?"

"Yes."

Catherine told her about Amanda Northrup.

"I’ll talk to Joe right away and call you back."

"Diana, get a hold of Devin. Make sure he gets Jenny Below today."

"I will. Where are you, are you with Vincent?"

"He’s right here with me. We’re just outside my basement door."

"Both of you stay there. I’ll get right back to you."

"Catherine, come Below. You’ll be safe there."

"We have to wait for Diana to call back. My cell won’t work that deep underground." She burrowed into him. "Vincent, will it ever be over? Will we ever be safe?"

"Stay where I can protect you."

She leaned back against his arms, raised her eyes to his. She could see the worry in them, for her. "If Diana and Joe have no plan that you feel will keep me safe Above, I will come Below. I will do nothing to jeopardize my life with you and JV. You two are more important to me than anything else in my life. Believe that, Vincent."

His eyes softened, he lowered his mouth to hers and drank in her sweetness. "I love you." Her cell phone rang. Vincent listened with her.

"It’s Diana. Ask Vincent if there is a tunnel route to Suttcliff House?"

"He says yes, but it’s far."

"Have him get you there as soon as possible. Joe and I will meet you there."

The trip through the many twists and turns of crossing tunnels took them an hour. A long ladder led up out of the tunnel into a large basement. Diana was waiting for them.

"Vincent, you can come up too. Just Joe and I are here. Devin is bringing Jenny." She led then to a brick lined room. "Even the staff don’t know about this room."

Joe was inside. Devin and Jenny arrived right behind them.

"You believe Amanda Northrup?" Joe asked.

"Yes, she was very convincing. Especially when she told me his name used to be Jonathan Pope."

"This might be our chance to catch him."

"How?" Vincent knew he wouldn’t like the answer.

"We set a trap. Trusted people only."

"Who’s the bait?" He really didn’t have to ask.

Catherine moistened dry lips, "It has to be me."

"No Catherine."

She placed her fingers over his mouth. "I want this to be over Vincent. I want to enjoy my life with you and JV, not be looking over my shoulder every day. I want my life back."

"What about Jenny?" Devin asked.

"She needs to be out of danger. Take her Below, Devin," Catherine told him. She went to her friend. "You’ll go?"

Jenny held up her hands. "Hey, I’m no hero. I’ll go where you tell me. I’m just excess baggage. Killing me to get to you won’t do anyone any good and it certainly doesn’t help me."

"Devin, you can take Jenny to one of the guest chambers. Show her around. Catherine has a room off mine," Vincent started pacing the room.

"I want in on this Maxwell," Devin demanded."

"You will be. You’re one of the few I can trust completely besides Vincent and Diana. I’ll be in touch with all of you when I have everything set up. Cathy, try to do what you would normally do at the shop. I don’t want to alert Northrup. Vincent stay near her. Diana, I need you to help me put together a task force of trusted individuals. I need helicopters, police sharp shooters and SWAT teams." As he and Diana left, Catherine heard him mention paramedics and ambulances.

She looked at Vincent, "I guess this is it."

He held her close. "I’ll be right there with you Catherine."

Devin placed his hand on Vincent’s shoulder, "Sorry. I’m taking Jenny to her place to get some things before I take her Below. Will we see you later?"

"Jen, I’ll see you this evening. Devin can show you were to meet me." She hugged her friend. "You’ll be safe. I’m sorry you had to be involved in this."

Jenny whispered in her ear, "I’ve got my best friend back and I’ve met this very handsome bodyguard. See you tonight." She went to Vincent, placed her hand on his arm, "Protect her."

He covered her hand with his, "With my life. Pack warm clothes. It’s quite cool Below."

He walked Catherine back to her shop. "Are you sure you want to go back to work?"

"I need to put some things in order in case something goes wrong Wednesday night."

"I’ll be near, Catherine. Always."

She reached for his hand and rubbed the soft fur against her cheek. "I want you to know how much I love you but I have to do this."

"I know. It’s who you are Catherine. Who you have always been. Let me hold you for a moment." He gathered her close, gently touched his lips to her brow, her eyes, her cheeks her mouth. "I love you. I’ll be here when you’re ready to leave." He let her go reluctantly and watched her walk through the basement door, away from him. He leaned against the tunnel wall, slipped to the floor and rested his forehead on his knees to wait.

She sat at her basement office desk and wrote two letters, one to JV, telling him how wonderful it was to find him after all these years, how much she loved him and she hoped he would never get this letter. She had written five pages without even thinking about it. What could she write to Vincent. She stared at the blank page for what seemed like hours. She looked over to the basement door knowing he was just on the other side waiting for her. She opened her heart to him:

 

Vincent,

If you read this letter it means I was killed. I had to try to end this madness so we could have a wonderful life together with our son in peace. In your world. You understand me so well. Know that I couldn’t just leave this threat hanging over my head in my world and hide Below.

Vincent, I can let no poets speak for me at this time. I want to use my own words as best I can to tell you how much I love you and what your love means to me. From the moment you saved my life I felt drawn to you. Through your kindness and strength, you taught me how to be strong. I found hope again that night. The night I gave you my rose I told you until you came into my life, I’d forgotten how it felt to know that someone was thinking of me, watching over me. Know my heart is always with you.

Please do not mourn me as you did before. I know how deeply you love me Vincent, how devastated you must be. I’m sorry my love to have caused you so much pain and suffering. Be strong for JV again. He’ll need you more than ever now. He’s had me for so short a time. When your life is lived, know that I’ll be waiting for you, that we will be together once again. I believe we will be together and happy again for eternity. I believe this with all my heart. I want you to believe it too. Do not cry too long for me, my love. Live for me and our son. I love you with all my heart.

Catherine

She wrote out a short will leaving everything to JV with Jenny as the trustee. She would have Helen and Louise witness her signature. She knew Jenny would see to everything being properly handled. She wrote Jenny a note telling her what to give to Vincent.

She spent the rest of the afternoon in her shop. Her customers did not pester her with question. They just wanted to say hello and wish her well. She locked the door at five and rested her forehead against the frame.

Helen came to her and put an arm around her shoulder. "What happened this morning with Mrs. Northrup? Can you tell us?" Louise stood nearby looking upset.

Catherine explained all that was going on. She showed them the will she had made and asked them to witness her signature. She told them she would put the will along with the letters she had written in her desk in the basement.

"This Joe Maxwell seems to have everything in order," Louise said encouragingly. "You’ll be okay. And Vincent won’t let anything happen to you."

"I know. Meantime I’m supposed to run the shop as if nothing is wrong. I hope the press doesn’t get into this until it’s over. I don’t even want to deal with Michael right now."

"Michael," Louise said strangely.

"Yes the reporter who did the exclusive on me. As nice as he is I just don’t want another interview right now. Maybe after, if everything goes okay."

Louise was about to say something to her but Helen stopped her. "Go, be with Vincent. We can open in the morning if you are late."

"Thank you."

Walking back with Vincent they stopped at the Chapel to pray. "Dear God, Vincent says you wouldn’t bring us together after ten years only to separate us again. I believe him. Please, let us have a future together with our son. I love them so much."

Vincent sat beside her, his arm around her offering up his own prayer. "Believe it Catherine. We’ll be together forever and always," he whispered. She could feel his strength seeping into her.

"I do, Vincent," her heart lightened.

They met Devin and Jenny in the dining chamber sitting with Father and JV. Devin has been showing me around," Jenny smiled. "This is a fantastic place."

"Remember, aunt Jenny, no one can learn about this place. It’s a secret."

JV said seriously.

She locked her lips with her fingers. "My lips are sealed, JV. I’m just here for a few days so your mom and I can go over a few wedding things. We’re always too busy with work she thought I might like to visit her here."

"Uncle Devin, are you here for the wedding too?"

"You bet," Devin tousled his golden hair. "Can’t let your dad get married without me. I’m his older brother. We grew up together down here."

"How come I haven’t met you before?"

"I’ve been studying police work in Chicago. This is my first time to New York in many years."

"Did you know my mom, before?"

"You bet I did. I even worked with her for awhile but I decided I didn’t want to be a lawyer."

"You’re a policeman now."

"Sort of."

"Good, then you can help dad protect mom," he said positively.

"I’ll do my best, JV. A lot of people are protecting your mom." Did this young boy suspect how serious the danger was to Catherine. Did he have any kind of bond like Vincent and Catherine to his parents. He wouldn’t doubt it. He tried to lighten the mood. "Why don’t you girls go do the girl wedding thing and us guys will make some plans of our own."

"Did Devin show you Vincent’s chamber, where we’ll live."

"No, he said he rather you show me. I can’t believe this place is here, all under the city and you never told me. You never told me about Vincent either."

"JV is right, Jenny. No on can know about this place. Too many lives depend on our secrecy. Vincent’s most of all. Few above would accept him. If he wasn’t killed he’d be put under a microscope in some lab."

"I’ll tell no one Cathy. You can trust me."

"I know Jen. I’m sort of protective of Vincent."

"Just as he is of you."

They arrived at Vincent’s chamber. "The place looks like a tornado hit it," Catherine laughed. "So many are trying to get it ready for us. I see changes every day." She showed Jenny around. "The outer chamber will be a combination living room, dining room, library This will be our bedroom," she led Jenny through the finished doorway, and then into her room. "This room Vincent is making for me"

Jenny rubbed her arms, "Is it always this chilly down here?"

"I’m afraid so. The tunnels are always cool. We are quite deep underground."

"Where is the bathroom? There is a bathroom down here isn’t there?"

"Not much of one I’m afraid. Vincent and Mouse are working on something better as a surprise for me. There is an area with "special toilets" and the bathing pools are quite nice, and hot. The guest chambers are not far from them. There are wooden signs you can put out when you use them so no one disturbs you. They are quite private. Want to try them out?"

"Later. Who is Mouse?"

"He’s our resident eccentric whose mad ideas can sometimes turn into something beautiful."

"Thank you, Catherine," Mouse said behind her.

"You are as silent as a mouse too," she laughed for the first time in hours. "Jenny, this is Mouse. Our miracle worker."

"Welcome, Catherine’s friend. Working on something special for you and Vincent. Surprise for wedding," he left.

"It will be wonderful or terrible but typical Mouse. Let me show you my dress" She took the dress and cloak out of the wardrobe. "I have to take it to Mary and Ruth Ann for some fittings. Come on."

Mary, Ruth Ann and a few women Catherine did not know were working in the sewing room. "I brought down my dress and cloak to try on and show Jenny." Since her prayer in the chapel her heart had lightened.

"Put them on, let’s see what we need to do.’

Catherine slipped the wedding gown over her head. "I still have more embroidery to do but you’ll have an idea of the design."

"Cathy, it’s beautiful," Jenny whispered, fingering the lion and roses.

Catherine pulled the white cloak over her shoulders.

"You look like someone out of a fairy tale," Jenny sighed. "You even have a fairy tale husband. My dress is not going to be right."

"I hope you don’t mind Miss Aronson," Ruth Ann began.

"Jenny, Please."

"Jenny, I asked Devin to bring your dress down after Catherine told me what you planned to wear. Please don’t be angry. We made a few adjustments to it." She brought the dress to Jenny.

"This is my dress?" she said in awe. A jacket had been added to her gown and Catherine’s rose and leaf design had been sewn throughout the dress and jacket.

"Try it on," Catherine urged.

"You both look so beautiful," Mary said, tears in her eyes. "Catherine, Vincent is like a son to me. Now I feel like I’m getting a daughter."

Catherine reached out and hugged the older woman. "I feel like all of you are becoming my family. I’ve had no one for so long."

"Come, see the quilt." The pattern was finished and the quilt was stretched on a frame. Some of the quilting already started. Catherine felt tears run down her face, "How do I thank all of you. You are making my wedding so special."

"We love you and Vincent. Whatever we can do to make you both happy makes all of us happy. You are both special to us. We marked off the center for you to quilt what you want. I have the pattern of your original idea if you’d like to do some now. "

"Let me change out of my dress and I’d love to do some stitches." Catherine changed and picked up a needle and thread and started on her lion.

Ruth Ann asked, "Are you keeping that monster bed of Vincent’s?"

"Yes, he won’t fit in anything smaller and it is quite comfortable," she blushed.

"Good, because this quilt is huge."

Catherine and Jenny spent the rest of the evening with the women. Ruth Ann helped Jenny quilt a small section of the quilt when Catherine was busy looking at the things being made for Vincent and JV.

"It’s getting late, we’d better head back Jen, especially if we want to go to the baths." They stopped at Jenny’s room first to get her bath things and then went to Catherine’s. She looked in JV’s room to see if he had returned. He was still out with his father she thought even though it was getting late. She left a note for Vincent telling him she and Jenny were at the baths.

"You’ll enjoy this, Jenny." The bathing chamber was quite large with many bathing rooms and one large enough to be a hot tub for four to six people to relax in.. She showed Jenny how to use the signs for privacy. Each bathing area entrance had a jog for even more privacy. Some had one tub, some two. "Do you want to put your bathing suit on and soak in the hot tub first. It looked empty so we’ll have it to ourselves"

"Yes, that sounds delightful." Catherine picked a bathing area to leave their things and put out the occupied sign. She and Jenny put on bathing suits and eased into the hot water. A few lanterns burned brightly nearby. "This feels great," Jenny sighed. Catherine put her head back on the bathing pillow she brought and closed her eyes and relaxed."

"Now Vincent, if that isn’t a sight for sore eyes," Devin punched Vincent’s shoulder playfully. "Mind if we join you?"

Catherine knew Vincent would be uncomfortable with Jenny there. " I’m well heated Devin. Why don’t you join Jenny. I need to talk to Vincent about some wedding things. Goodnight Jen. I’ll see you when this is all finished. I’ll leave the occupied sign out for you."

Vincent helped her into her terry robe and put his arm around her and held a lantern to light their way back to his chamber.

Devin joined Jenny in the hot tub after changing to bathing trunks, threw his arm across her shoulders.

"They’ll be okay, won’t they Devin?"

"Those two have been through more than you could ever imagine. They get through because they have each other and their love."

"Someday I want Cathy to tell me their story. It must be pretty incredible."

The following night Joe and Diana came to the shop. Joe laid out the plans for the next night. He looked at Vincent seriously, "I didn’t realize you had so many friends in police work. Before I started to put a team together I had all kinds of volunteers slip into my office telling me they wanted to help Catherine. They mentioned your name so I’d know they were on our side. Most of my team is made up of these people."

"We have many helpers Above. I’m glad you have people you can trust. Catherine’s life depends on this."

"I have three helicopters that will be in the air, SWAT teams on the roofs, police on the ground, undercover people. Diana and I will be on the third floor. Devin will be in the back garden. Vincent you’ll be everywhere I guess near Catherine. We have no idea what time he’ll come nor how many people will be with him. I don’t think he’ll come before dark. Everyone will be set up before you close, Catherine. At six I have five police women coming. They will pose as students. I want the evening to look as normal as possible."

"Catherine, we only have Amanda Northrup’s word that her husband is ready to kill you tomorrow night." Diana said. If you suspect something is not right during the day call me immediately. I know it will be hard but try to act normally and go about your usual day."

"Hey kiddo, everything will be okay. We’ll meet you tomorrow." Joe reassured her.

She and Vincent stopped at the chapel again for a few minutes on their way to his chamber. She read some of ‘The Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse’ to JV. They both cried over the little horse’s tough life. When JV fell asleep, she tucked his blanket around him. She kissed his forehead, her fingers stroked his cheek.

She backed out of the room slowly into Vincent who had been watching her read to their son. He put his arms around her pulling her back against him protectively. He bent and kissed the tender skin along the side of her neck. She held his arms close.

"I’m here, Catherine." He turned her to him. "Stay with me tonight. Don’t sleep alone." He touched his lips to hers.

She walked with him to his chamber, opened her arms to him. "Make love to me," she whispered. She pulled at his clothes frantically. He had too many layers slowing her fingers. She wanted to feel his skin, his hair against her. His strength. Her fingers fumbled with his vest, his belt. "Help me, Vincent," she pleaded.

He captured her hands. "Steady, I’m right here with you. Hold onto me, Catherine."

She slid her arms around him under his shirt, spread her fingers across his back, held tight. He covered her mouth with his own. She drank him in thirstily. His kiss deepened. The taste of him warmed her.

She wanted to feel the warmth of him against her. She wrapped herself around him. Because she could hide nothing from him she let the tears fall. She wanted to crawl into him, feel his arms surround her in protection, feel all of him against her.

His arms held her tightly. "Catherine, look at me." Soft green pools looked into a blaze of blue. "I won’t let anything happen to you tomorrow."

"I know. Sometimes I don’t want to be brave, I just want to be taken care of." She sighed, felt his strength seep into her. "But, not tomorrow. I’ll try to be brave, Vincent. I will." She didn’t know even with all he could do if they’d live through tomorrow. She wanted them both to have this night.

They shed their clothes and lay on his bed. His body was hard, powerful, heated. Hungry for her.

She pressed herself into him. Her mouth slid down his throat, over his chest, his taut stomach muscles. She laid her lips upon his heart.

He rolled on top of her. Her skin tasted like honey. Her body trembled when his hot tongue ran over her breast, gently scraped her nipple with his teeth.

She ran her fingers down the muscles in his back, kneading, smoothing. His body felt so strong against hers, so solid, so powerful, it heated her blood. His skin quivered under her touch.. She fisted her hands in his hair and arched up. "I love you, Vincent." She felt his shattering release, her own followed. "Forever, Catherine."

He lay in the dark, all the candles gutted out. Catherine curled against him, her head nestled on his shoulder, finally sleeping. He kissed her head softly. She was his and tomorrow he might lose her. He’d die if he lost her again. Even his love for JV wasn’t strong enough to hold him in this world. He knew she was still afraid and trying to be brave for him, for herself. She turned in his arms, pressing closer, seeking his warmth. A tear rolled slowly down his cheek. He would do anything to protect her, even die for or with her.

Chapter 22

 

Catherine locked the shop door after Helen and Louise Wednesday evening. She turned and saw Vincent standing in the basement doorway. "Everyone is downstairs."

She closed her eyes, feeling the world spin. He reached out for her. "I’m here for you, Catherine."

It was time to fight. She gripped his hand, let him pull her for a moment into his embrace. She took a deep steadying breath and descended to the basement. Someone had covered the windows with something black.

"Cathy," Joe called her over to the worktable he’d set up. It was covered with papers. The undercover police women will be arriving at six."

"One is a helper," Vincent whispered in her ear. He stood close, his hand rested on her shoulder.

"Diana and I will stay in your apartment," Joe continued. "Devin will pose as one of the students’ husband and stay in your back garden."

"Won’t Northrup’s people recognize him from being with Jenny?" She asked.

Devin showed her a gray wig and mustache, "I have a disguise. I’ll also be wearing a wire to let Joe know if anyone tries to enter through the back."

"Vincent?"

"I’ll be near in the shadows. No one will see me."

"I don’t think Northrup will come in himself. He’ll want you brought to him. The idea is to let his men in. I don’t think they’ll hurt you but take you to him. Then we can close in on everyone. There are a lot of people keeping watch. You’ll be taken to a car out front or to the roof."

"If he thinks you are in too much danger, Vincent will get you out of here." Diana said. She knew Vincent’s instincts and bond with Catherine were her best defense.

"Everyone go to your places," Joe said at five forty five.

Vincent gave Catherine a swift, hard kiss and disappeared into the shadows.

Promptly at six women started arriving with quilting projects. They each wore a cameo so Catherine would know they were part of the group. Devin slipped in at the end and went right to her garden. She locked the front door and went up to the classroom. She recognized one of the women from Ruth Ann’s sewing group, Patty.

She treated the women as if they had come to a regular quilting class. Each had brought a project that she could help them work on. She worked along with them on a New York City quilt. All the women, except Patty, whose sister was a policewoman, a helper, were connected to the police department in some way. They shared a common interest in quilting. They laughed and joked with her about funny mistakes they had all made. At nine they all left each saying they would like to sign up for classes in the future.

She locked the door. Devin had not followed the women out. Was he still in the back? Had anyone come in while she was upstairs? The garden was dark, she saw no one outside.

Joe hadn’t said how long she should busy herself in the shop. She decided to do what she would normally do. She checked the shelves of fabric, made notes of any colors that needed to be replaced. She couldn’t make herself go to the basement.

She turned off the first floor lights and the lights on the stairs to the second floor. She would sew until eleven then go to her apartment. She didn’t see Vincent but felt his nearness. She thought she heard a sound at the back door, Devin?

Cautiously, turning on as few lights as possible, she made her way back down the stairs She stood completely still, alert and wary. Nothing moved and there were no sounds to be heard but the normal noise of the city.

The gloved hand that covered Catherine’s mouth was sudden and stifled her gasp of surprise. At the same time a strong arm circled her waist painfully and yanked her back against her attacker. She couldn’t move. She felt cold steel at her temple.

"One sound Ms. Chandler and you’ll never make another. Understand." George Rush said smoothly. "Release her, Ed." She was thrown to the floor.

"Someone wants to see you." Rush grabbed her arm and twisted it behind her back, pulled her to her feet. He pushed her towards the stairs. Waving his gun at her he pointed to the stairs. "The roof."

Rush tapped on the roof door, it was opened from outside. The air was cold and wet with the rain coming down. Catherine saw men in black scattered across the roof. Were they Northrup’s men or Joe’s?" She saw a flash in the shadows at the edge of her roof, Vincent.

A ladder leaned against the building next to hers. Rush pushed her toward it, "Higher."

She crossed three more rooftops, each time going higher. In front of her was a helicopter. She saw him, recognized him. Pope.

"Well Ms. Chandler, we meet again."

"Get inside," Rush pushed her toward the open door.

She fought. She kicked behind her connecting with Rush’s knee. She heard him yell in pain. She wasn’t fast enough to get free. Pope reached out and grabbed her arm, the other man, Ed pushed her from behind. She screamed, "Vincent."

He was too far away. "Catherine," he roared.

The door closed, the chopper lifted, blades whirling noisily. A war of sound erupted around them. Joe’s three helicopters surrounded them in the air trying to force them down. Catherine could see the flash of guns below.

"I see that freak Gabriel was so excited about is still around. I could never figure out what the attraction was. I wonder if his son turned out like him." He looked at Catherine. "I never heard if he lived or if Gabriel killed him after all. What does a woman like you see in that animal."

The rain was coming down heavier. Catherine looked for Vincent.

"He isn’t an animal. He’s more human than you and Gabriel put together."

"I saw what he was capable of doing, those men he ripped apart. The cage. Look at him now roaring and snarling for you, like some big cat. He won’t have to wait long for your return."

"Why? Why all this?" she asked. "Why did Gabriel and then you keep me alive? Why did you steal ten years of my life?"

"Ah, Gabriel. At first I think just because he could. He had a perverse nature. He liked to see people suffer. Then your son got sick. He had Vincent in a cage but he wasn’t sure your son would survive so he decided to keep you alive for two reasons. First in case he needed your blood for the boy. Second, I believe he wanted to breed Vincent to you for another baby. Create some kind of super family." His smile made her shudder.

Catherine looked at him in disbelief. "He couldn’t make us have another child."

"He could have forced you. Held the safety of your child over you and both your safety and the boy’s over Vincent."

"Why did you keep me alive after Gabriel died."

"I don’t really know. At the time your life or death made no difference to me. I knew Gabriel had access to drugs to make you forget, so I had them given to you, dumped you on the beach in San Francisco. I made sure the nurse who worked for him got a job at the hospital where you were taken. I already had a doctor there working for Gabriel and then me. They made sure you were continually drugged. I conceived a plan to take over Gabriel’s and Elliot Burch’s holdings Everything was going well. As long as you had no memory you could live. I had no problem with that. But you had to move to New York and regain your memory. That just won’t do Ms. Chandler."

"The police know you are Jonathan Pope."

"With you dead they can’t prove it. I have enough people in high places, no charges will ever be brought against me."

Joe’s helicopters were keeping Pope’s from moving forward, but it had risen far above the rooftops.

"Well Ms. Chandler, this isn’t what I had planned for you." His smile sent chills down her spine. But it’s as good an end as any I think. You’ll still be dead, at your lover’s feet."

He slid open the chopper’s door and gave her a hard shove out.

"Vincent," she screamed in terror.

Vincent watched from a nearby rooftop. He tore off his cloak, hunched down as low as he could at the roof’s edge, his eyes locked on Catherine. She fell swiftly toward him, to certain death if he missed. He just would not miss. He sprang into the air, arms out, his body stretched taut. Bands of steel clamped around her.

"Don’t move Catherine. I’ve got you."

Her roof rushed up to meet them. He hit the wet surface hard with his shoulder first. Catherine heard and felt the impact. They were still moving, sliding, rolling. His arms, his legs, his body wrapped around her protectively. The roof trim stopped them abruptly.

Joe and Diana fired on the helicopter from Catherine’s roof. Joe took careful aim and hit the pilot who lost control. The chopper started to spin wildly, falling out of control it hit the ground in Central Park and exploded in flames. Devin signaled from another rooftop. He had Rush and Ed captured with the help of the SWAT team.

Joe and Diana ran to Vincent and Catherine. "Oh God, what was he trying to do?" Diana yelled to Joe. The rain whipped their faces.

"No one could pull off a stunt like that," Joe reached them first.

Neither Vincent nor Catherine was moving. Joe couldn’t break Vincent’s grip. He totally surrounded Catherine with his body. His head was bent protectively over hers.

Devin appeared with Vincent’s black cloak. "I don’t think any part of her touched the roof. Look, all you see is Vincent. He took the full force of the fall."

He pressed his fingers to both their necks. "I feel pulses. Vincent, Catherine."

"I’m okay, I’m okay. Vincent."

His eyes opened slowly, he relaxed his hold on her. He took a deep ragged breath, another, trying to draw air into his lungs. His eyes never left her face.

Devin threw Vincent’s cloak over then to protect them as much as possible from the rain.

"You saved me Vincent." She touched his face with trembling fingers.

"If you died Catherine so would I," he gasped harshly, still trying to get air into his lungs.

Someone called from the doorway, "Do you need the paramedics?"

"Catherine?" Diana asked.

"I’m okay."

"Vincent?"

"They can’t help him. Devin?" She remembered one of his aliases had been a doctor many years ago. "Can you help him?"

"You can send the paramedics away," Diana said.

"Wait," Joe shouted. "Have the teams check all the rooftops and streets. Make sure Pope has no more men around. Who’s in charge in the park?"

"Captain Cooper, sir."

"Get me any information on the chopper. See if there are any survivors."

"Yes, sir."

Vincent staggered to his feet not letting go of Catherine. He was shaking so badly he fell to his knees with her still in his arms.

"Devin, help me," she called.

Vincent got back to his feet, took a step and fell again.

"Vincent, you’re hurt," Catherine cried. "Where?"

"Everywhere."

Devin reached to help him up, touching Vincent’s right shoulder. Vincent snarled and growled in pain. "Catherine, let me take his good arm. He either has a broken or dislocated shoulder on top of having all the air knocked out of his lungs. Are you sure you’re okay?"

"I’m fine. Vincent protected me."

Devin didn’t think all the blood on her was Vincent’s but he didn’t say anything.

They managed to get down to her apartment. She and Devin helped Vincent out of his wet, bloody vest and shirt. She knew he would feel uneasy having anyone but her or Devin see his body. She reminded him, "You have no more hair than many other men."

He nodded.

"Whew," Joe ignored the hair seeing only all Vincent’s old scars and new cuts and abrasions.

Devin examined Vincent. "Your shoulder is dislocated, Vincent and you have a lot of abrasions under all this blood. It will hurt terribly but with Catherine’s and Joe’s help I can snap your shoulder back in place. Catherine, I need you to keep Vincent’s attention on you, not on what I’m doing. He could strike out and claw us when the pain hits. He won’t hurt you. I’m sorry Vincent."

"Just do it, Devin."

"Are you sure?" Joe eyed Vincent nervously.

"He’ll never hurt her," Devin said positively.

"Vincent, Put your good arm around Catherine. Now rest your head against hers, concentrate on her."

Catherine kept her face between Vincent and what they were doing.

"Joe, I’ll need you to pull his arm while I push on his shoulder from underneath. Diana, don’t let anyone in here."

Catherine heard low growls of pain from Vincent.

"Pull Joe, hard," Devin told him.

Joe pulled the big muscular arm as hard as he could while Devin pushed against the broad shoulder. Vincent gripped Catherine tightly. He roared loudly in pain. She held his face in her hands giving him all the strength she had.

"It’s in," Devin said.

Vincent dropped his head to Catherine’s shoulder, breathing hard, his face in her neck.

"I need to strap it for awhile Catherine, any suggestions what I can use."

"Muslin, I have some downstairs." She ran to the second floor and returned with a bolt of fabric and a roll of duct tape and a first aid kit.

"Perfect," Devin said.

He treated the cuts and wrapped the muslin tightly around Vincent’s shoulder and chest then taped it. "You better rest here tonight. Catherine?" She didn’t hear him. She stood behind Vincent, her cheek resting against his back, her arm around his waist.

Vincent could feel her start to shake. Her arms were cold and clammy against his skin. "Devin," he cried. Her arms had gone lax. She lay unconscious on him.

Devin carried her to her bed. "I knew all that blood wasn’t Vincent’s. Diana, help me. Vincent, you and Joe stay out there."

Diana cut Catherine’s blood soaked blouse off. A deep long gash ran down her side.

"They must have rolled across something sharp on the roof."

"No, Devin, That’s a knife wound. Pope must have stabbed her before he pushed her out of the chopper."

"She needs stitches but Vincent will never let us take her to the hospital. My father’s good at stitching wounds." He cleaned the wound and put a pressure bandage on it using the muslin Catherine had brought for Vincent.

Vincent was getting agitated waiting for Devin to tell him what was wrong with Catherine. "It’s taking too long," he told Joe. He staggered to the bedroom and saw Catherine’s wound before Devin covered it. His angry growl rocked the room.

"Vincent, she’ll be okay. Pope must have slashed her before pushing her out of the chopper. I’m going to get Father to stitch it up. Talk to her. She’ll wake up."

Vincent sat on the bed and took Catherine’s hand and brought it to his lips. "Catherine."

She turned to him, opened her eyes confused. "Vincent? What happened?"

"You fainted. You have a bad cut in your side. You’ve lost a lot of blood. Devin went to get Father to stitch it for you. Pope stabbed you."

"I didn’t feel it. Are you okay, Vincent?" She touched his cheek with her hand.

"I’ll be fine," he kissed her palm.

Diana left them alone. "Joe, any word on what’s going on?"

"Cooper says there are no survivors from the crash. Ten men have been arrested including the two Devin captured who forced Catherine to the roof."

"I guess everything is all over the news," she turned the TV on low. ‘Daring rescue in upper Manhattan.’

"Oh, no," Diana said.

"Isn’t that the guy Catherine spoke to?" Joe asked. "Michael."

"I hope he was smart enough to make sure Vincent’s face is not on screen."

"How did he know what was going down tonight?"

"I think he’s been keeping an eye on Catherine."

The news film showed Catherine being pushed out of the helicopter by Pope. They could just see the flash of a knife towards her just before she fell.

"That’s good Joe, the public can see who pushed Catherine."

The cameraman had followed Catherine’s fall. His voice husky, "My God she’s going to die." He caught Vincent’s dramatic leap and catch of Catherine before they fell to the roof. "My God, did you see that?" He did not film Vincent’s face. The screen was silent for a moment and then Michael’s face came on. "I’ve heard from a good source that the rescue was successful. No names have been released. The helicopter has crashed and burned in Central Park. It is believed all occupants are dead" Footage of the burning chopper was shown. "We will keep you informed as soon as we have more information and names are released."

"Vincent is pretty impressive, Diana."

"When it comes to Catherine, there is nothing he can’t or won’t do. Everyone will be banging on your door Joe. You better decide how much you want to say. Vincent’s name can never come out. Catherine has no choice of avoiding the news."

"Maybe that Michael guy could do another exclusive. Then Catherine can stay with Vincent until this blows over."

"This isn’t going to blow over for a long time Joe. Otis Northrup is big news. His connection to Gabriel will come out and that will involve Catherine deeply."

"Yeah, this is going to be one big mess. Help me sort it out Diana." He stroked a finger down the side of her cheek. He looked toward Catherine’s bedroom. "They are an unusual, incredible couple. Will they be okay?"

"Vincent will make sure of it."

"How did he make that jump?"

"I don’t know. For those he loves, he let’s nothing, and I mean nothing stop him. For Catherine, he creates miracles."

"What happened ten years ago Diana? Why couldn’t he save her?"

"They’ll have to tell you their story, Joe. It’s pretty incredible. I think after tonight you’ve earned their trust."

"What about your trust, Diana?"

"Mine too."

He wrapped his arms around her, pulled her into him. Her eyes were huge and bright, her lips parted when he lowered his mouth to hers.

"We make a great pair Vincent, the battle wounded."

"We’re alive, Catherine."

Her eyes filled with tears. "Vincent, you saved me. I don’t know how, why we are not crushed, broken and dead."

"Because of love, Catherine. I refuse to lose you again." He held her against his chest with his good arm.

"Vincent, I’m so cold." She burrowed into him.

He could feel her blood seeping through the bandage against his stomach. He pulled a quilt over them. Hurry Father, he thought. He pressed his lips to her hair. "Hold on Catherine." He wrapped her in his warmth.

Devin ran all the way to Father’s chamber. Father, his real father. He hadn’t know until ten years ago the old man was his biological father. They had fought so much when Devin was growing up. Father had always expected so much more from him. He ran away and had not returned until ten years ago. Catherine and Vincent had helped them reconcile. Devin still did not come back often but now, at least, he felt welcome. And this time he met Jenny.

It had been a long time since he’d had a woman in his life. One he wanted in his life. She was cute, not beautiful. Fun, full of laughter. Not especially brave, though she tried to be for her friend, Catherine. She didn’t seem to mind the three deep scars on his face, didn’t pester him on how he’d received them. Someday he would tell her about the fight he’d had with Vincent when they were children. She wouldn’t need his protection any longer. He wanted to keep her in his life.

He found his father in his chamber with Jenny. Father looked up, "Devin, what happened? Vincent, Catherine, are they all right?"

"They are both injured, Father, but alive. Catherine needs you. She has a serious knife wound and it needs stitches."

"My God, Devin. What happened?"

"I’ll tell you on our way to Catherine’s apartment. Vincent is with her."

"I’m going, too," Jenny insisted.

Father put everything he thought he would need in his medical bag. Jenny and Devin helped him to Catherine’s.

Joe had left but Diana was waiting for them, showed them to the bedroom "They are both asleep."

Father called softly, " Vincent, Catherine."

Vincent woke immediately. Catherine did not stir from his chest. "Catherine, Father is here." He lifted her gently from his chest. Her bandage and the strapping used on his shoulder were soaked with her blood.

"Help her, Father," he pleaded.

Father eased the bandage from her wound. He cleaned it and examined it closely. The edges were even. Catherine moaned under his hands. "She should be in the hospital, Vincent."

"She is all over the news, Father," Diana said. "She’ll have no peace. Can’t you help her?"

"She needs blood."

"Give her some of mine," Vincent insisted."

"Vincent, your blood.....it just won’t mix."

"We must be compatible. She had my child."

"I’ll take samples but I don’t think so, Vincent. It doesn’t always work that way."

"Devin, call Peter. Tell him you are bringing Vincent’s and Catherine’s blood samples. Have him test them. Tell him I need a match and blood for Catherine."

Father, took samples from each and sent them with Devin. Then he injected Lidocain around her wound and stitched it closed. "I tried to make this as smooth as I could Vincent so the scar won’t be too bad." He also injected her with antibiotics. He used some of her muslin to wrap around the dressing. The sutures stopped the bleeding but she remained unconscious.

"Vincent, while we wait let me change the muslin and tape on your shoulder. It’s soaked with blood." Father was afraid Devin hadn’t told him the truth about Vincent. He wanted to check himself. He found no serious wounds. "How are you Vincent?" He wrapped the shoulder tight and reapplied duck tape.

"I hurt everywhere Father but I’m more worried about Catherine."

"I can’t believe what Devin told me."

"Diana poked her head through the bedroom door. "Believe it Father. In fact, come see it on TV."

He limped out to the living room. "That’s Michael."

"Yes, he and his cameraman got everything."

Watching the news footage Father sat abruptly on the couch. "That Vincent would attempt such a jump, much less succeed...."

Devin was back. "Don’t question him Father. He did it for Catherine. He’d do it again."

"Did you bring blood?"

"Surprise, Father. Vincent was right. His blood is compatible with Catherine’s. Peter doesn’t understand it but he said to give her Vincent’s blood. He sent what you’d need to do a direct transfusion."

Jenny was worried. She watched Devin with dark, troubled eyes. Everyone was focused on Catherine and Vincent, what about Devin? He had been in the middle of all that had happened. Had he been hurt?

Everything had been so unreal to her until the other day. When she was taken Below. Catherine alive. Vincent. Having a personal bodyguard had been interesting. He followed her everywhere. She got to know him pretty well over the past few weeks, been drawn to him in a way no man had attracted her before. She understood why he couldn’t stay in the tunnels but to leave his family for so many years at a time baffled her. She had no family and missed having the closeness of relatives. Cathy had been the closest she had come to having a family. She was devastated when she thought Cathy had died.

Yet as close as they were, Cathy had never told her about Vincent. She was part of the secret now. She no longer needed a bodyguard. Would Devin stay in New York? Would he go to the wedding? She hoped so.

Catherine opened her eyes and looked at Vincent. "Hi."

"Hi yourself."

She reached out to touch him and noticed his blood dripping into her arm. She smiled and closed her eyes.

"Father," Vincent called.

"She is okay, Vincent. She is asleep." He disconnected the tubes then placed a hand on each shoulder. Sleep, both of you. You are safe and well." He watched Vincent pull Catherine close in his arms and covered them with her quilts.

He told the others, "Catherine has improved with Vincent’s blood. They are sleeping now. With a lot of rest they should make a complete recovery."

"We have to get them out of here soon. Before the media finds them." Diana said.

"We’ll get them Below, just give them a few hours to rest if possible."

"What about you, Devin?" Jenny asked. "I saw you in the thick of things on the news. Were you hurt?"

Father turned to him. "You were in the middle of all this too," he said incredulously.

"I’m a cop now Father. Almost everyone involved last night was a helper; knew Vincent and Catherine, volunteered to help. You would want me not to get involved?" Devin said angrily.

"No, no, it’s not that Devin." He reached out to his son. "I could have lost two sons and a woman who has become like a daughter to me. It is just a shock." He ran his hands over Devin. "You are okay Devin. Tell me you are okay."

Devin relented. His father must not have known all that was going on. He hadn’t said anything and was sure Vincent hadn’t either. He put his arm around Father. "I’m fine, not even a scratch from Vincent when Joe and I put his shoulder back in place. It took both of us. I like to think Joe and I are pretty fit men but we are children compared to Vincent. He has ropes of steel inside. I grew up with him and never realized he could be what he is."

"I don’t think Vincent knows what he can or cannot do. He wants something, nothing stops him. He just does it. Be it to protect us, save those he loves or finding his own happiness."

Diana turned to the TV. "They should both be dead. Look how far he jumped, how far they fell. If Catherine hadn’t been stabbed she wouldn’t have a scratch on her. "

"How do we explain it?"

"We don’t," Joe said. Michael and his cameraman Joel followed him into Catherine’s apartment. "I believe you know this man."

"Michael," Father held out his hand. "Vincent told me you were back. How did you get involved in all this?"

"Until Catherine gave me an interview I never knew she was the Elizabeth Collins of quilting fame and my wife’s boss."

"Your wife?"

"Yes, Louise works here. Has since before we were married. She talks all the time about Elizabeth Collins and her beautiful quilts. I never met her because of my travels. After the interview, Louise told me Catherine was Elizabeth. Tonight she hinted that something big was about to happen. Joel and I have been hanging around."

"I met Michael at the helicopter crash site. He has an idea to protect Vincent and at the same time help Catherine not be bombarded by the media."

"You get an exclusive." Devin laughed.

"Well.....yes."

"You’ll have to speak to Vincent and Catherine in the morning." Father told him.

"Are they really okay?"

"Yes, they are asleep in the other room. Catherine lost a lot of blood but is doing better after having a blood transfusion."

"What," Joe exclaimed. "I thought she just had a deep scratch that needed stitches."

"No," Father explained. "She lost a lot of blood. I just finished giving her some of Vincent’s."

"Can I look in? Just so I can reassure Louise."

Father nodded.

"I heard you Michael. What’s this plan of yours?" Vincent lay in bed with Catherine nestled into his side, her eyes closed.

"Viewers understand undercover operations. I get an interview, scramble your voice Vincent, put you in shadow explaining you can’t be photographed for the safety of future investigations. I’m afraid I will have to interview Catherine. I’ll say she is being kept in a safe house until the investigation is over."

"Does it have to be today?" Catherine asked, tiredly.

"People don’t believe you both lived after the fall, especially Joel who filmed it. I can do a short piece right here. I won’t tell where you are."

"Okay, Michael. Give me a few minutes to get organized." She looked at him closely, "Did I hear correctly, you are Louise’s husband?"

He nodded.

"Small world. Get out of here until I call you back. Send Jenny in."

"Are you sure you want to do this Catherine?" Vincent asked.

"I’ll do the interview then we can go Below to hibernate and recover." She swung her feet out of bed and sank back feeling dizzy.

"Catherine," Vincent steadied her.

"Even your blood hasn’t given me back all my strength. I guess I’m doing the interview from bed."

"It does take a little while, Catherine."

Jenny helped her freshen up and propped pillows behind her back. Vincent sat in a chair by the window, keeping in the shadows, his cloak wrapped tightly around his bare shoulders.

Michael returned with Joel and his camera.

"I’m glad to see you’re alive Ms. Chandler, Vincent," he kept glancing over at Vincent.

"Most people call me Cathy, Joel. Go meet him, he won’t bite. Not too hard anyway," she laughed. "Ouch." The pain from the knife wound was still pretty severe.

"I’ve seen a lot of things during my travels around the world but nothing like you, sir," he extended his hand. "Michael never mentioned he knew you."

"Vincent, not sir," he shook Joel’s hand with his good arm. Joel’s eyes opened wide seeing how small his own large hand looked in Vincent’s. He said nothing about the hair and claws.

"Well," Joel walked around the room. "Vincent, you can stay where you are in the shadows for Michael’s interview." He showed him the camera. "When I press this switch your voice will be scrambled and the picture will fuzz some." He went to Catherine, "Cathy, are the backs of your quilts as memorable as the fronts?"

"Usually, but not this one. She turned it over, "There is blood all over the back."

"That’s okay. Our viewers will want to see you had some injuries. I won’t show all of it." He noticed a flash on her finger. "Is Vincent the man you are engaged to?"

"Yes, Joel."

"Good, good, umm...Michael, I’m ready."

Michael interviewed Catherine first. "I know we can’t say much now Miss Chandler. The first thing everyone wants to know is that you are okay, you survived that incredible rescue."

"I’m okay, Michael. I was knifed before I was pushed out of the helicopter and lost quite a bit of blood. I’ve been stitched, had a blood transfusion, now my strength is returning." She glanced over to Vincent, smiled. "Miraculously, I have no other injuries from the fall. I owe my rescue, my life to Agent Smith’s quick thinking. I can never thank him enough for risking his life to save mine."

"Agent....Smith," Michael said. "Everyone wants to know that you also survived. How did you pull off that daring rescue?"

"I was trying to protect Ms. Chandler. I was following her and her captors. I thought I lost her," he said softly, "when she was pushed into the helicopter." His mind had raged when he saw Pope push Catherine out. Knew he would catch her, somehow. "I’m good at physics and a little crazy sometimes. I just raced numbers through my head and leaped. I didn’t think about the landing." He rubbed his shoulder. "The rain helped me keep sliding. I got off easy I guess. Just a dislocated shoulder. All in a night’s work."

"Not many would say that, Agent Smith." Michael turned to the camera. "Catherine Chandler is going into a safe house for now until the police know if all the danger is past. Agent Smith will be back on the streets soon. Criminals beware. As soon as the police release information I will be back on the air with what went down tonight, who was killed in the helicopter and who was arrested. This story goes back at least ten years." He had Joel stop the camera.

"Michael, assure Louise I’m all right. Tell her I’m going to close the shop until next week and to let Helen know. I can’t believe you and Loiuse are married and neither of you told me."

"I’m sorry Cathy. We have been married for less than a year and I travel a lot. When I come home we don’t talk much," he blushed a deep red, "especially about work."

They heard a commotion in the living room. Mouse stuck his head through the doorway. "Help move Catherine." He brought in a stretcher with blankets and four strong young men to carry her Below. He shook his head at Vincent, "Hope you can walk, Vincent. Will need reinforcements if need to carry you."

"I can walk, Mouse."

Someone had turned on the television in the bedroom. Mouse watched the replay of the rescue, transfixed. Catherine reached for Vincent’s hand and lay her cheek on it.

All Mouse could say was, "Wow," and shake his head. "Must teach Mouse."

He helped Catherine onto the stretcher. "Hold tight. Get you Below safely."

Vincent walked beside the stretcher gripping her hand warmly in his. Many of the tunnel population lined the way, tears in their eyes. Catherine was touched by all their care and concern. JV and Father met them in Vincent’s chamber. JV pulled away from Father and raced to them. "Mom, dad."

"We’re okay." Vincent draped his good arm over JV’s shoulders to reassure him. "Your mom needs to get her strength back. She’ll need your help for awhile."

JV saw that Vincent’s arm and shoulder were strapped under the cloak. "Dad?"

"I just hurt my shoulder a little. It will be as good as new in a few days."

JV threw his arms around his dad’s waist and hugged him tightly, tears blinding his eyes.

Mouse helped Catherine get into her bed in the alcove. "Thank you Mouse." She held out her arms to JV. He flew to her. She winced but held him close, kissing his face.

"Mom," his tears overflowed.

"I’m okay, I’m okay." She rocked him, ignoring the pain in her side.