Part 5

Chapter 11

"So you have a whole different world down here? Amazing!"

"I was on my way back when I was trapped. It can give you detailed directions to find the nearest pipes and you can tap out a message to let my friends know where to find me. You must take great care and follow my instructions carefully to prevent you from becoming lost."

Leaning over, Vincent dragged a clawed finger in the dirt to sketch out a rough map. After going over it a few times, he erased it and had Katie re-draw it so that he could be sure that the route was clear in her mind.

"I’ve got it. How will they know where to find me once I get to the pipe? I can’t exactly give them directions."

Vincent grabbed two smooth stones and tapped them together in the rhythm of his name. "Tap this code on the pipe and they will trace it through the system. You may need to stay there and repeat the message for some time until they can get to you."

"Does anyone there know Morse code? I could use that to give them more detailed information and let them know you need medical help."

"How do you happen to know Morse code? From what I know of the world Above that would seem to be a skill not much in demand."

Now it was Katie’s turn to smile. "In high school it was our "secret" code. My friends and I drove the teachers crazy with our annoying finger and pencil tapping. They never had a clue that we were talking to each other! It was great fun!"

Vincent lowered his head and chuckled softly. It sounded like the sort of mischief the tunnel children might attempt.

"Yes. Pascal, our pipe master, would know Morse code."

Katie got to her feet and picked up the flashlight. "Great! Sooner gone, sooner returned. Time for me to get to it. You get some rest. I’ll leave Hawk here again to keep you company."

This time Vincent lifted his cloak to accommodate the dog without hesitation. As soon as they were settled, Katie left to find the pipes.

A bit over two hours of walking led her to the pipe she and Vincent had discussed and she started tapping out a message. "Vincent…need help…Vincent….need help."

Deep in the pipe chamber Pascal was waiting when the faint message came through.

"Zach! Run and find Catherine quick! I think we may have found him!"

It wasn’t long before a concerned face appeared.

"Zach told me you had heard something. Tell me what it says Pascal!"

"I think it’s him but can’t be sure. Its pipe code for his name but then it turns into Morse code. If it was really him, Vincent wouldn’t be using Morse code."

"It’s him. It has to be. Can you find out where it’s coming from?"

"Give me a minute."

Pascal initiated a rapid series of taps and then listened intently.

"Whoever it is doesn’t know pipe code. I’m going to go slower and use Morse code"

This time they got a hesitant answer.

"Whoever is using the pipe knows where he is. Go tell Father we are finally ready to send out that search party!"

Chapter 12

Despite her discussion with Vincent, Katie had not known exactly what to expect and was excited and relieved when she heard an answer to her tapping and knew that help was on the way. It took far less time than she would have thought between sending that first message and seeing a group of people approaching her. They treated her to some suspicious looks until a slender, determined looking woman stepped forward.

"My name is Catherine. Where is Vincent? How badly is he hurt?"

"Wow! Glad to meet you Catherine! He has told me about you. All things considered, he seems to be doing pretty well. He can’t walk very easily so that is why I’m here. Let me take you to him."

The trip back took quite a bit less time than the trip to the pipes had taken. She was now familiar with the route and the people she was guiding were very anxious to reach their destination. It was long enough however for the group of rescuers to develop respect and gratitude for Katie and Hawk for their ingenuity in helping a much loved member of their community.

As they came into the cavern where Vincent was waiting, Ladyhawk jumped up and stood protectively in front of him. No one was going to get to him without going through her first!

Katie called out "Hawk! Stand down! These people are his friends."

The dog’s demeanor immediately changed from protective wariness to happy anticipation as the group approached. Vincent had struggled to his feet and was standing near the cavern wall as they came forward.

Catherine couldn’t wait any longer. She ran ahead and held him to her in a fierce hug, nearly knocking him down.

"Vincent, I am so relieved that you’re safe! Please, please don’t ever block me like that. We are all so afraid for you!"

"I’m sorry Catherine. I never meant to put you through so much worry. I was only trying to protect you. I have finally realized that by doing so I was only harming us both. Forgive me?"

"As long as you’re safe that’s all that matters. Promise me that you will never do that again."

"I will do my best. It is a hard lesson for me it seems."

By this time the rest of the group had caught up with them.

"Kanin! Cullen! I am so glad to see you. Mouse and Jamie! You do not know how I have missed you!"

Cullen was uncomfortable with this, for Vincent, effusive show of emotion. "We all ready yet? We’ve got a ways to go."

Vincent and Catherine exchanged a knowing look.

Vincent answered briskly "Of course, we should get started. Kanin, Cullen, do you mind if I lean on you? My legs have been injured and I would be grateful of your support during the walk home."

The two men exchanged amused glances and Cullen spoke up again. "Actually you get a free ride this trip. That’s what the stretcher is for."

Vincent released an indignant protest. "I am perfectly capable of walking! I just need a little support while I do it!"

Both men shook their heads and gestured to their three female companions, all of which had the same determined look on their faces. Catherine pointed to the stretcher without saying a word.

Giving her a dark look, Vincent moved towards the stretcher. Before lying down, he rummaged in his pack, past the medical kit he still had not used, and retrieved a piece of paper.

"Katie?"

"Yes?"

"It seems that I have interrupted your holiday. Can you spend a few days with us so that we may make it up to you?"

"Is Hawk invited?"

"Absolutely. I would never have been freed of my imprisonment if it had not been for her."

"Then you have a deal. I will have to find some way to let my mom know I will be gone for a few more days though."

"We can make arrangements to see to that."

Turning back to Catherine with a mischievous glint in his eye, Vincent addressed his next words to her.

"I trust this does not violate our agreement."

"Our agreement?"

He handed Catherine the "Visit Las Vegas" flier.

"You said that I would be safe as long as I didn’t come home with lipstick on my collar. You never said anything about not coming back with another woman."

The look on her face was priceless and Vincent mastered his own only with great effort. Turning once more, he laid down on the stretcher with immense dignity.

"Now I’m ready. Let’s go home."

*Hawk is the name of a search and rescue dog featured in a bronze memorial to firefighters and other emergency personnel. He was the only live model used for that memorial. I named the dog Ladyhawk out of respect for those that put themselves at risk to provide help whenever they are called.