FLIGHT OF HOPE

Alison Duggins

　

Devin looked up as the flight attendant announced that they would start serving the in-flight meal shortly. He unbuckled his seatbelt and decided to go to the bathroom before the aisle got crowded.

As he moved toward the back of the airplane, Devin tripped over a passenger’s bag that was poking out from under the seat. He reached out to the nearest passenger seat to steady himself; then, looking up, he gazed into the startled eyes of Catherine Chandler! He gasped to himself ‘But she’s dead!’

"Are you all right?" her seatmate asked, as Devin continued to stare at Catherine.

Devin finally came out of shock enough to say, "Yeah, I’m sorry." Then to Catherine: "Did I hurt you?"

"No." Catherine said somewhat hesitantly.

Devin straightened up slowly, trying to compose his features.

Catherine’s companion stared at him. "Are you sure you’re all right?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you." Devin answered, finally composed.

Devin’s mind raced with thoughts of Catherine, very much alive in front of him. He reasoned he must find out what her circumstances were before he said anything to Vincent. He’s suffered enough since her "death"; he’s finally been able to deal with it. So Devin decided to keep mum till he learned more.

"I hope we can meet again." Devin said with an appreciative glance at Catherine.

"I’d like that." she answered.

As Devin moved away, Catherine’s companion turned to her. "Are you sure you’re all right? He bumped you pretty hard." her companion commented.

"Yes, I’m fine." she answered

"Once we land, we’ll meet with Joe Maxwell at the DA’s office. There you will be able to find out about your friends and family." he said.

"No more guards?" Catherine asked.

"No more guards." he answered with a grin.

As Devin returned to his seat, the flight attendant announced that they would be landing in New York in about an hour or so. As Devin ate his meal, he occasionally glanced back at Catherine who smiled and nodded at him.

"Do you know that guy?" Catherine’s companion asked looking suspiciously at Devin.

"Yes, he’s the brother of the man I was involved with before Gabriel...He’s probably on his way to see him. I'm just surprised to see him." Catherine answered as she glanced at Devin.

"Would you like him to go with us to meet Mr. Maxwell?" he offered.

"Yes, I would. Could he...please?" Catherine said.

"Ok, when we land, we’ll talk to him. I’ll let him know to wait for us when we land" he said as he got up.

Catherine watched as the agent went and whispered something to Devin who looked back at Catherine with a wide grin.

Once the plane landed, Devin moved quickly to the exit. He wanted to make sure he met up with Catherine and the agent guarding her. As Devin waited at the gate, Catherine finally came into view. Devin greeted Catherine with a giant bear hug.

"I can’t believe I’m doing this" he said as he hugged her.

"I’m so glad you’re here" Catherine said with a watery smile.

"When I realized it was you that I fell into, I just couldn’t believe it" Devin said as he released her. "At first, I thought I was seeing things. Then when your companion came up to me, I was ready to jump for joy."

"Devin, this is James Cox, the special agent who has been helping me," Catherine said as she introduced the two men.

"Hello Mr. Wells," Special Agent Cox said as he shook Devin’s hand. "Miss Chandler said you are the brother of the man she was involved with before her kidnapping."

"Yes, I am" Devin said as he gave Catherine a squeeze, his arm still around her after they embraced.

"It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Wells. This is the first I’ve heard of any gentleman involved in Miss Chandler’s life" Agent Cox said.

"Cathy was always a very private person" Devin said. " My brother was devastated when he heard of Catherine’s death and he has never recovered."

Catherine’s eyes widened with alarm at Devin’s words.

"Devin, he didn’t..." Catherine asked in horror as she sank to her knees. Devin knelt next to her.

"No, Cathy. Physically he’s fine but mentally he’s destroyed. Nothing and no one has been able to cheer him up, not even little Jacob. He continued for the baby’s sake, nothing more."

"Little Jacob? He named the baby after Father." Catherine realized. " I knew he would."

"Mary and the children help him as much as they can but his spirit is gone." Devin said with a touch of grief in his voice.

"Oh my god! I have to see him! Tell him..." Catherine cried as she clung to Devin.

"You will, Cathy, you will." Devin helped Catherine rise to her feet. Agent Cox offered her his handkerchief which she accepted with a wane smile.

"We can go now if you’re able." Devin said.

"Miss Chandler, you’re supposed to meet Mr. Maxwell at his office." Agent Cox reminded Catherine.

"You’re right, Jim, Joe will have the whole NYPD plus your superiors searching for you if you don’t show up." Catherine said as she tried to pull herself together. "You are coming with me to see Joe, aren’t you, Devin?" Catherine asked with concern as she turned to Devin.

"Of course I am. I am not letting you out of my sight." Devin said with conviction.

Devin, Catherine and Agent Cox picked up Catherine and Devin’s bags and went to the airport entrance where another agent was waiting for them. Devin put the bags into the trunk and climbed into the back seat, and put his arm protectively around Catherine at the same time.

"Does Joe know anything about this?" Catherine asked Agent Cox.

"I think so. All he was told by my boss was that I would be coming to his office with someone involved in the witness protection program. I called him before we left Denver and he said your friend Jenny would be waiting with him also. I think he knew you were coming." Agent Cox looked at her.

"How’s that?" Catherine asked

"Your friend Jenny told him she knew you were alive but he didn’t believe her until I called him." Jim told Catherine as they pulled in front of the DA’s office.

Suddenly Catherine started to shake uncontrollably in Devin’s arms. "I can’t believe I’m really here. That it’s really over." Catherine said as she buried her head in Devin’s shoulder.

"I’m here, Cathy, I’m here with you" Devin said as he hugged Catherine. Agent Cox helped Catherine out of the car.

"Hold on to me, Devin, or I think my legs are going to give out." Catherine leaned into Devin.

"I’ve got you, Cathy." Devin said.

Together with Agent Cox following, they crossed the lobby and got into the elevator for the ride up to the DA’s office on the 10^{th floor. Slowly they exited the elevator and Catherine stopped in front of the DA’s office.}

"Devin..."

"Come on, Cathy. Joe and Jenny are waiting."

"I’m scared."

Slowly Agent Cox opened the door. As they walked in, Devin saw that Joe’s office door was open.

"There’s Joe’s office, Mr. Cox."

"You two wait over there. I’ll speak to Mr. Maxwell first, then bring you both in."

Agent Cox walked to Joe’s door and knocked as he stood in the doorway. Joe looked up as he was talking to Jenny.

"Agent Cox?"

"Yes sir, I am."

Joe glanced at Jenny, "Is she...?"

"She’s fine, just scared after all she’s been through."

"Does she want to see us?"

"Yes, Joe. I do." Catherine said as she stepped out from behind Agent Cox with Devin close behind.

Devin closed Joe’s door as Joe stepped from behind his desk. Everyone stood awkwardly, staring at each other.

"Radcliffe..."

"Oh Joe..." Catherine cried as he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I’m glad to see you, kiddo. I’m sorry, Radcliffe, for all the hell you went through on account of me." Joe said as he hugged Catherine tight.

"Jenny...I’ve missed you so much!"

"Oh Cathy, I’m so glad you’re alive!" Jenny cried as she rushed to hug Catherine.

As Jenny and Catherine embraced, Joe noticed Devin standing by the door.

"I know you, don’t I?" Joe asked Devin.

"Devin Wells, Mr. Maxwell. I’m a friend of Catherine’s. We bumped into each other. Actually I fell into her on the flight here from Denver."

"You look like someone who worked here briefly…what was his name? Jeff, Jeff Radler." Joe said as he shook Devin’s hand.

"Jeff and I were roommates at UCLA. People have always said we looked alike. It’s nice to meet you Jenny, and you too, Joe." Devin said.

"Miss Chandler, I’ll leave you to your friends. Good luck" Jim said as he turned to go.

"Agent Cox, thank you for giving me back my life." Catherine said as she shook his hand.

As Agent Cox left Joe’s office, Jenny asked Catherine where she was staying. Devin told them Catherine was going to stay with him for the time being.

"This calls for a celebration. What say we four go out?"

"I’d like that, Joe, but not tonight" Catherine said. "I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by all this. I’d like to take things one step at a time."

"Sorry Radcliffe, I wasn’t thinking" Joe said with a slight grin.

"I’ll give you a call in a couple of days. Right now, I need to contact someone and let him know I’m ok." Catherine looked at Devin who gave her a nod and a wink.

"I sure am glad that you’re ok." Jenny said as she gave Catherine a hug. "Call me, SOON!"

"I will" Catherine said as she released Jenny.

"Keep in touch, Radcliffe." Joe said as he put his hand on her shoulder.

"Count on it, Joe. Just give me some time to get reacquainted with my other friends first."

Catherine took Devin’s hand and gave it a tight squeeze. Devin guided Catherine out of Joe’s office and out into the hall outside the DA’s office.

"OH MY GOD...!" Catherine cried as she collapsed against the wall.

"I didn’t realize...Devin! We have to get to Vincent. I need him. I don’t want to wait any longer."

"We will, Cathy, we will." Devin said as he helped her to her feet.

They left the DA’s office and slowly made their way to Central Park. As they ducked through the drainage tunnel, Catherine breathed a sigh of relief as the hidden door opened before them.

"Welcome home, Chandler" Devin said as the door closed behind them. Devin tapped a message on the pipes inquiring Vincent’s whereabouts. Vincent sent a message that he was with Father and that he would meet with Devin shortly.

"I’m frightened, Devin, frightened of what Vincent would think of me. After what I did to him, wondering if he still loved me?"

"OF COURSE HE STILL LOVES YOU!" Devin and Vincent both said as he came into view.

Vincent pulled Catherine into a tight embrace. "I will love you with my dying breath and beyond. I have never stopped loving you." Tears were running down both their faces.

"Catherine, you are my life. I was lost without you. Even Jacob could not ease the agony of losing you." Vincent looked into Catherine’s eyes and gently kissed her lips.

Devin cleared his throat and the two of them reluctantly pulled apart.

"Devin, how on earth...? How can I ever thank you for returning Catherine to me? There are no words..."

"No thanks are necessary, Vincent. I’m just glad I "fell" into her when I did" Devin said as Vincent touched his shoulder with his hand.

"Fell into her?"

"Yeah, on my way here I literally fell into Catherine’s lap. I tripped over someone’s bag on the plane and when I looked up, lo and behold I’m staring at Catherine, alive and well. Once I realized who she was, I would not let her out of my sight." Devin said with a glance at Catherine.

"Take me to see our son, Vincent. I need to hold him." Catherine whispered.

"Come."

Vincent picked Catherine up and started to carry her down the tunnel.

"Never let me go, Vincent. I love you so much. I want to be with you always." Catherine whispered as she nuzzled his neck.

"Never again, Catherine. I promise never to let you go away from me again." Vincent said with conviction.

Devin followed them as they proceeded down the tunnel. As they neared Father’s chamber, the delighted laugh of a baby wandered through the doorway. They stopped outside the chamber entrance. Devin indicated to let him go in first. Father looked up as Devin walked through the entrance.

"Devin! What a pleasant surprise! What brought you here for an unexpected visit?"

"I did, Father" Catherine said as Vincent carried her into Father’s chamber.

"I DON’T BELIEVE IT!" Father stated in shock.

"Catherine! Is it really you, my dear?"

Father handed Jacob to Mary who was also staring in shocked silence. As Vincent set Catherine on her feet, Father approached her.

"It really is me, Father, I’ve come home."

"Yes you have, my dear sweet Catherine, yes you have." Father gently took Catherine in his arms and softly kissed her cheek.

"It’s a miracle" Mary exclaimed as Vincent took Jacob.

"Welcome home!" Mary embraced Catherine.

As Mary released Catherine, Vincent approached carrying the baby.

"Vincent, he’s beautiful." Catherine raised her arms and hesitated to take her son in her arms for the first time. Devin put his arm around Catherine to support her as Vincent placed Jacob in her arms.

"MAMA!" Jacob said as Catherine took him in her arms. Catherine cried with joy as she looked at Devin, Father and Mary who had wide grins in their faces.

"Yes, Jacob, this is your mama." Vincent said with pride.

"He looks just like you, Cathy." Devin said as he released Catherine into Vincent’s protective embrace.

"Mama!" Jacob pulled at Catherine’s hair to get her attention.

"Yes, Jacob, mama. I’m glad Vincent named him after you, Father."

"I’m very proud and honored to be his namesake." Father said with a slight touch of pride in his voice.

Jacob let out a yawn and laid his head on Catherine’s shoulder.

"He’s tired." Mary said.

"Let me take him while you talk with Father, Catherine,"

Catherine looked reluctantly at Vincent.

"Please, Catherine. Stay and talk with me awhile," Father asked as he took her arm.

Catherine gave Jacob to Mary and followed Father to his desk. Devin pulled up a chair as Vincent stood behind Catherine with his hands on her shoulders.

"Devin said he ‘fell’ into you?"

"Yes, on the flight from Denver, Devin tripped over a passenger’s bag and fell into my lap. I was so startled I glanced at the agent I was with to see what he would do."

"Yeah, it shocked the hell out of me seeing Chandler sitting there after what you and Vincent told me. When Catherine glanced at her companion, I knew not to say anything. Once the agent verified that it was indeed Catherine, I met her at the gate and she has not been out of my sight since. I could never come home to see you, Vincent, without Catherine , knowing that she was alive. If the agent had not spoken to me, I would have followed them until either I got arrested or spoke to Catherine" Devin said with conviction.

"I’m so glad you ‘fell’ into me, Devin. It made it so much easier to see Jenny and Joe with you there. If you hadn’t been there, I don’t know when or if I would be able to contact Vincent. Joe would have insisted on my staying with him or Jenny until things got settled. Joe thinks I am staying with Devin for the time being."

Vincent’s fingers slowly massaged Catherine’s neck. He had to keep his hands on her, he reasoned, to make himself believe that she was really there. Slowly his arms went around her and squeezed gently.

Father and Devin smiled as they saw the look of love that came over Catherine’s face at Vincent’s touch. They watched as a single tear gently floated down Catherine’s cheek.

"It’s good to have you home, my dear," Father said as he kissed her hand.

"I’m never leaving this world again. Aside from Jenny and Joe and my friend Nancy, the world above thinks I’m dead, let it stay that way," Catherine said. "My place is here with Jacob and Vincent."

"What about your estate and your assets, Cathy? The agent told us they released your assets on our way to Joe’s, remember?" Devin asked.

"We can improve things here, if Father would allow me to help. Besides Peter is in charge of my estate. We can decide things through him." Catherine answered.

"Speaking of Peter, where is he?" Father inquired. "He was supposed to see me about something."

"Does he know yet?"

"No, Agent Cox never informed him that you were alive, Cathy. I asked him while you were with Jenny and Joe" Devin stated.

At that moment, Peter came through the entrance to Father’s chamber.

"Jacob, I came to see how Vincent was doing? I thought maybe..."Peter stopped in mid-sentence as he noticed Catherine for the first time.

"Cathy? Cathy, is it really you? MY GOD!!!!!!"

Catherine rose slowly to her feet, Vincent behind her as Peter came into the chamber and stood near Father.

"It is you, Cathy!" Peter exclaimed as he took her into his arms. Catherine started to cry as Peter held her close.

"It’s a miracle! Vincent must be beside himself having you here." Peter said as he embraced Catherine.

"Yes, Peter. I am overjoyed," Vincent said. "Thanks to Devin." Vincent grabbed his brother’s shoulder.

"Devin!!!! I’m sorry I didn’t even notice you standing there. How are you? How..."

Peter glanced at Catherine as she slowly backed into Vincent’s protective embrace.

"It’s a long story, Peter." Father said "Sit down and we’ll tell you everything."

Everyone sat and they talked long into the night. Vincent, Catherine and the others discussed their future. Devin made a toast.

"Here’s to your future happiness."

Vincent and Catherine glanced at each other and said---

"Thank you, Devin, for everything."