Beholder's Eye

by Beth Gualda

Written in 1988 but never published

The taste of rain that lingers
A shell of time encased,
Love touches with its fingers
Feelings like smoke, never to be erased.

Power to fall for grand,
This king shies his space.
Warmth felt as we stand.
An existence
A poor man's race.

Catherine looked up from the legal pad she was reading from. "Whatdo you think?"

Vincent's face was unreadable. He tilted his head, his eyesdistant, considering her poem.

She was watching him, anxious for his opinion.

"It's has beautiful rhythm," he sighed. "But....what exactly doesit mean?"

She leaned over and whacked his arm playfully with the pad. Helaughed in return.

"It's my first ever," she informed him. "I wrote it when I wassixteen for a creative writing class I had in school. My teacheradored it and found all this symbolism in it that even I wasn't awareof. I got an A on it too." Catherine feigned annoyance. "I thoughtyou liked poetry."

"I do," he replied with a sly smile. "It is beautiful. After all,it came from you, Catherine. It couldn't be anything else."

His fond gaze made her blush. She examined her prized poem oncemore, then went to put the pad back in her briefcase.

"May I?" Vincent asked, extending his hand towards it. Pleased,she tore off the page the poem had been copied on and handed it overto him.

He took it and placed it inside the cover of a book lying on thetable across from his bed. Then he sat back, tucking a leg under him,and looked at Catherine with unconcealed love.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "I hope it is not your finaleffort."

She shrugged. "I never thought of myself as a poet before. I guessit all depends on inspiration."

He smiled warmly. "I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon."He gestured at her briefcase. "You must have come right from youroffice."

"Well," Catherine explained, "To be honest, I was coming to seeFather. He said it was urgent in his note and--"

"He sent for you?" Surprise filled Vincent's voice. "Why?"

She shook her head. "I thought you knew. I don't. The note justsaid to see him as soon as possible. So I came right away. Some ofthe children were playing near the entrance. I asked them to bring mehere." She paused and looked around. "He must not have expected me sosoon or he'd be here, I'm sure. Where did you say he went?"

"He's helping with supplies. I'm sure he'll be here soon." Vincentstared at her. "Strange. Why didn't he mention any of this tome?"

Catherine easily read the look of concern clouding his featuressuddenly. Reaching over, she squeezed his large hand. "I'm sure it'snothing. Try not to assume the worse. It probably slipped hismind."

Vincent knew better. He sighed heavily, then sat forward suddenly,looking past Catherine. She turned to see Father entering theroom.

"Ah Catherine," he greeted. "The children told me you had arrived.I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."

Catherine shook her head. She glanced back at Vincent. "I had goodcompany."

Father made his way towards her, taking his time. "Would youplease excuse us, Vincent? I need to speak with Catherine.Alone."

A mixture of confusion and worry flooded Vincent's mind. He roseslowly. His body language showed he did not like being purposefullykept ignorant in matters involving the people he loved, butrespectfully, he obeyed his father. Silently, he backed away fromthem then threw his cloak over his shoulders and strode out.

Catherine gave Father an incredulous look. "What is this allabout? Why don't you want Vincent here?"

Gesturing for her to keep her voice down, Father waited until hewas satisfied Vincent was well out of hearing range before he saidanything. His expression hardened as he faced Catherine again.

"I need your help. You are the only one I know whom I can turn toin this matter. I don't want Vincent to know why I sent for you." Hewithdrew a crumpled letter from an unseen pocket and held it outtowards her. She took it from him and read through it quickly.

"What is this?"

"Perhaps, I should start from the beginning." He sighed heavilyand settled down on the edge of Vincent's bed. "Legree is a formermember of our community. He grew up here. He was a child of a friendof mine who has since passed away." He paused and took a troubledbreath. "I exiled him a long time ago. He was always trouble. Acriminal in the world above. As it was, he only left because hefeared Vincent. But he kept sneaking back down. He would rig traps.Endanger lives. He caught me off guard one time. Thank God Vincentcame along when he did. I think Legree would have killed me. He wasthat angry. But he got above before Vincent could get to him. Thatwas the last we ever heard from him. Or so we thought. Now, after allthis time, I get this."

Catherine looked steadily at Father. "This doesn't sound like thesame person."

"I know," Father agreed. "That's what frightens me. He could be upto his old tricks again. Trying to catch us off guard."

"This letter is full of 'I love you', 'I'm so sorry', 'I miss youand I want to come home.' Sounds pretty repentant to me," Catherinestated. "Have you spoken with this Legree?"

"No."

She sighed. "Why was he exiled exactly?"

Father exhaled miserably. Painful memories began to reflect on hisface. "He was always a disturbed child. He would do vicious,heartless things.....to Vincent mostly. I didn't even realize atfirst." Catherine reached over and touched his hand reassuringly. "Hewas older than Vincent. Bigger. Well, Vincent was just a childpractically. Because he is...the way he is, Legree delighted intorturing him, physically and mentally. But as Vincent grew, hebecame the stronger of the two and was able to fend Legree's abuseoff after a time."

"Vincent never told you this boy was hurting him?" Catherineasked. Her eyes were watering at the thought of someone beingdeliberately cruel to her gentle Vincent.

"No. The only reason I discovered it at all was because Legreesuddenly came to me one day and accused Vincent of almost killinghim. When I confronted Vincent, he wouldn't say anything. He neitheradmitted nor denied it. That is what was so startling. But Vincent'sfriends came forward. They told me Vincent had only hurt Legree inself defense. They told me what had been going on between those twofor a long time. I think Vincent was beginning to hate him." He shookhis head regretfully. "All those years. I just didn't see it. In theend, I had to decide. It was either Legree....or Vincent."

Catherine put a cool hand to her forehead to soothe her flushedskin. "I don't care it this person teaches Sunday School now, I don'twant him anywhere near Vincent."

"Neither do I," Father said with the utmost certainty. "Even if hehas changed, maybe I could forgive him for lashing out at me the wayhe did, but not for what he put Vincent through. And Vincent lostwhat little compassion he had left for him when Legree tried to harmme. I fear, if my son ever did see Legree again, he would end upkilling him."

Catherine took a steadying breath. "Well what is it that you wantme to do?"

Father leaned forward. "We have to keep Vincent underground. Hecannot be allowed above until we find Legree. I believe this may allbe a trap of some sort. To draw Vincent out. Legree will be watchingthe tunnel accessways I'm sure. If he spies Vincent above....Well,above he would have the upper hand." He gazed at Catherineunfalteringly. "You can help by finding this man for me. Do what youcan to make him leave again...or find something on him to put himaway for good. I know he has a police record. With the access topersonal information you have it will be easier for you than any ofus. Anything would help."

"But what about Vincent? What are you going to tell him?" Herheart was hurting.

"I'm not going to tell him anything at this point. Right now, mymain concern is to keep him safe in the tunnels. We've changed themsince Legree left the last time. So most likely, Legree won't be ableto venture down. But Vincent has to stay here. It's imperative." Hesighed heavily. "This is probably the hardest thing I'll ever ask youto do, but you must tell him you don't want to see him for awhile.Tell him you need time to think."

"Well, I'll tell him I'm going away on business," Catherineoffered.

"You can't just tell him you are going away because I know he'llsense you. Make up something. Tell him you want to see another man. Idon't care. But tell him to stay away."

Catherine paled. "I can't do that to him!"

"You must!" Father insisted. "Just until we know what Legreereally wants. Vincent must not know anything about this. He'll seekhim out, I'm sure." He rose stiffly, settling his weight on his cane."When Vincent gets back, he can guide you home. Please, tell himthen." He turned away. "I'll see if I can find him."

Catherine followed him out of Vincent's chamber. "Even if I dotell him to leave me alone for awhile, there's no guarantee he'llstay below."

Father continued walking, searching. "We can keep him busy. We candistract him easily if he isn't going above to see you. You mustthink of something convincing to say to him. This cannot wait,Catherine." They walked slowly together through the tunnels in atense silence. Turning a sharp corner, they spied Vincent headingtowards them from the opposite corridor. They met each other in themiddle of the passage.

"Father," Vincent greeted formally.

The older man merely nodded. "Catherine is waiting for you to takeher back up." He gave her one last look of urgency before turning tomake his way back to the library.

As soon as Catherine drew near him, Vincent turned, heading backdown the tunnel he had just emerged from. Reluctantly, Catherinefollowed. Her mind raced, struggling to come up with something totell him. It was Vincent who finally broke the uneasy silence betweenthem.

"I won't ask you to reveal to me what Father has entrusted to you,but I sense a fearful sadness within you that was not there beforeyou two spoke." He glanced back at her and waited for her to catch upto him. "Is there anything I can do to take it away?"

Catherine was finding it hard to look into his eyes. She took adeep breath. "Vincent, I wasn't being truthful with you before. I wasthe one who arranged this meeting with Father." She stopped, herthroat tightening uncomfortably. "I needed his advice, you see.Because I have something to tell you.....and it may hurt you." Sheblinked her eyes against the oncoming tears.

Feeling tenderness for her, Vincent cupped her chin with his hand,tilting her eyes up to his. He spoke softly. "Tell me."

Summoning every ounce of her strength, she began, "I'm confusednow. I'm not sure what I want anymore." Vincent watched her,listening intently. She continued, struggling. "All I do know is thatI want to be sure and I'm going to need some time alone to thinkthings through. I would rather....you not...come to me for the timebeing."

Vincent's expression remained seemingly unchanged. "This is whatyou say, but it is not what you want."

"It is," she told him firmly, trying her best to add conviction toher words. "I've met someone. We've been seeing a lot of each otherlately. I really like him."

Inhaling slowly, Vincent looked away from her. "Don't do this," hepleaded.

Catherine stifled a sob. "Please...just take me back up."

Catherine closed the door to her apartment. She leaned against itand bowed her head. Tears began streaming down her faceuncontrollably. Vincent had escorted her to the threshold and thenwordlessly, turned and walked away. She thought she had never felt soalone and she hoped in a small way, he didn't believe herexplanation.

"What was that name again?" Eadie asked Catherine, peering closerat her computer moniter.

"Anthony Legree," Catherine repeated.

"The actor?"

"Actor?" She looked at her friend curiously. "You've heard of thisman?"

Eadie nodded, punching in his name. "Yeah. Stage actor. Reallycame up in the last few years or so." Words covered the computerscreen. "There. See, got his first starring role in 'Pepper Man.'"Eadie smiled. "I saw that. He was great."

Catherine continued to stare at the screen. "Present address?"

Eadie pointed it out, and Catherine scribbled it on hernotepad.

"Any current run ins with the law? These are all old."

Eadie scrolled through the information slowly. "What is this? Whatare you looking for?"

"Anything I can use," Catherine answered coolly.

"Here. There was a preliminary hearing. That's all," Eadie saidafter scanning the paragraph she'd just found. "The evidence wasinconclusive. That was about three years ago. He's cleaned up his actsince then. No pun intended."

Catherine didn't look up from her pad and continued writing. "Whatwas the hearing for?"

Eadie sat back and frowned. "Rape."

Catherine sighed heavily. "I need everything you can get me aboutthat case. Victim, evidence, dates. Police reports. Everything."

Shaking her head, Eadie began printing the file. "You planning ondoing a little blackmailing on the side or something?"

"Or something," Catherine said, rubbing her arms. She suddenlyfelt cold.

Father looked up occasionally, watching Vincent pace restlesslyabout the chamber. He sighed finally and closed his bookresoundingly. "Please don't be angry with me," he implored hisson.

Vincent stopped pacing long enough to give his father adisquieting glance, then continued to walk the floor of thechamber.

Father took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "You can't go onlike this. You're making this harder on yourself than it has to be,"he scolded.

Vincent whirled around so fast it startled Father. "What did yousay to her? Why did you send for her?" he snapped.

"Why are you acting this way?!" Father retorted, trying to bevague. "If she told you she needs time to think, you must simplygrant her that courtesy."

Vincent ran a hand through his bangs in frustration. "Because Iknow she was lying."

Father thought desparately to come up with something to calm hisirate son. "When she is ready to talk to you about it, she will. Inthe meantime, you have to let her have her privacy, Vincent."

Pacing again, Vincent turned away from his father. "Tell me youhad nothing to do with her decision," he demanded. "I know youdisapprove...of us."

Father's heart twisted. "I don't disapprove. I just don't want tosee you get hurt. I didn't know how you two would ever make a lovework, but you have. I can see that now. The love you share with herenables both of you to transcend boundaries. It's inspiring.Really."

Vincent lowered his head and sighed. "So it was her decisionthen?"

"Her decisions are her own. She alone, chooses what she feels isbest," Father replied. He knew his son was hurt and confused, but hewasn't sure what to do to help him without disclosing what he andCatherine knew. "Vincent," he began, rising from his chair andwalking to him. He took his son's head in his hands and tried tosmile reassuringly. "She loves you. She'll come back to you."

"Radcliffe?" Joe called. "You plan on going home tonight?"

Catherine looked up distracted. "Oh, bye Joe. I'll see you in themorning." She turned over the paper she was reading.

Joe walked over to her desk and gestured at the file folderslaying about. "What is all this? We just wrapped up the Albany case."He read over her shoulder. "Cathy, in case you haven't noticed, thatcase you're reading about has been wrapped up too. Charges weredropped three years ago. What gives?"

Massaging her burning eyes, Catherine faced the deputy D.A. "Justsome personal investigating."

"Anthony Legree?" Joe continued to read over her shoulder. "A rapecase?"

She nodded. "There was no real evidence against him, or at leastnot enough." She sighed. "The victim's testimony is off."

"What are you looking for?"

She shrugged. "I'm not sure."

Joe smiled. "Go home, get some rest. There are plenty of recentcriminals left to prosecute, Cathy. You don't have to look throughold files for something to do." He patted her on the back.

Catherine watched him leave. She stuffed the papers back into thefile folders laying on her desk and slipped the folders into herbriefcase.

She was tired, but going home just didn't sound appealing lately.Maybe she'd drop by Eadie's for a late night cappuccino.

On her way to her car she pondered what she had just read. Shethought of the letter this man had written to Father. She thoughtabout what he was accused of doing to a twenty year old girl. Andthen she recalled what Eadie had told her. He was an actor. A goodone apparently. Catherine was starting to believe Father'ssuspicions. More than likely, the letter was a trap. She knew beforeshe went to bed she wanted to reread the entire file.

The next morning came all too soon. Catherine's alarm clock buzzedfor attention. She groaned, covering her head with the pillow andhitting the snooze button. She rolled over, and lay motionless,struggling to wake up, but instead allowed her mind to wander back toher dream.

Her hand slid over the pillow and was caught and pressed into warmand supple lips...He moaned seductively and stretched and was takingher in his arms, drawing her to him...Looking at her with such loveand passion...She reached out to brush aside the tawny hair from hissky blue eyes and then there was this annoying buzzing. It grewlouder and louder, pulling her away from him.

Catherine's eyes popped open. She grabbed her alarm clock andhurled it across the room.

Vincent woke suddenly. Her thoughts filling his mind. They hadcome so quickly and unexpectantly, he barely had enough time to graspthem before they were gone. He leaned his head back into his pillowand sighed. Is this what you wanted time alone to think about,Catherine? he smiled knowingly to himself.

Eadie folded the newspaper in thirds, isolating the one articleshe wanted Catherine to read and tossed it on Cathy's desk.

Cathy looked up. "What is this?"

"Something I ran across in the paper today. I figured you mightfind it interesting."

Her curiosity aroused, she put aside her writing to read theprint.

"Cast party tonight at Remy Theater. The cast and productioncompany of this year's off-broadway hit 'Toasts to All', is playinghost to a party open to the public to give critics and theater-goersa chance to meet the cast. The party is scheduled to begin at eightat 1412 29th Avenue in the theater basement. Among those scheduled toattend are producers Ginny and Russel Dent, director Mark Foreman,and actor Anthony Legree."

Eadie smiled. "Would you like some company?"

Catherine looked up. "Anthony Legree. He'll be there. I could justwalk right up to him." Her mind started racing.

That night, she left work early. She couldn't concentrate anyway.Her thoughts shifted from Vincent, to Legree, to the party, to therape case, and back to Vincent. By the time she got home, her headwas aching.

She took a hot shower and some aspirin. It occurred to her thatshe didn't feel like going to a party and being sociable tonight.What she wanted to do was spend the night on her balcony, her hairloose, doing nothing in particular. Nothing but listening to thesound of Vincent's voice as he read sonnets to her.

Checking over her dress quickly, and giving her lips another coatof gloss, she almost started to cry. She missed Vincent so much. Shewondered what he might be thinking right now. Quickly, she grabbedher purse and opened the door.

Mouse frowned and shrugged. "Why me?"

"Because," Vincent explained, pacing restlessly, "He won't let meout of his sight. I haven't been above in nearly a week."

"Father will suspect."

"No. He's used to you coming to him with your ideas. I've seen youspend hours with him. If you go to him tonight, it won't be anythingunusual."

Mouse shook his head. "He'll know. Know you talked to me."

"He doesn't know I'm here. I finally managed to slip past him whenhe got distracted with the children. But I need more time. That'swhere you come in."

Mouse grinned. "Vincent sneaking?!" He always liked sneaking.Suddenly he frowned, turning away from his friend. "Father will say'same as lying.' Get us both in trouble."

Vincent sighed and tried another approach. "Mouse. I have to goabove to see Catherine. She won't talk to me and I know something iswrong. Please, help me."

"Hmmm," Mouse considered. "Talking good. Don't like the silence."He smiled and patted Vincent on the back. "Okay. Mouse willhelp."

Catherine felt uncomfortable. She floated around the room, sippingfrom her drink, trying to listen in on each introduction. Finally,she found an empty sofa and sat with a heavy sigh. The idea of cominghere had sounded perfect. Their meeting would be so inconspicuous.She'd talk to him, try to get to know him. Then all those stingingquestions would be answered. Her headache was back with a vengeance.She leaned against the arm of the sofa, placing her chin in herhand.

"It's my personal duty, self-assigned naturally, to make sure allour guests are having a good time," a voice from above informedCatherine solemnly. She looked up and saw a dazzingly white smile,shining green eyes, tousled blonde hair, and a square masculine jaw.She tried to smile in return, but was too caught up in just looking.The man moved, seating himself beside her and continued. "I've beenwatching you since you arrived. You make it look like I'm not doingmy job."

Catherine found her voice. "Oh. I'm just waiting for someone toshow up."

"Ah," the man said. "The star. Everyone waits for the star."

"I was trying not to look as out of place as I feel," Catherinesaid. "I'm not sure what I'm doing here."

The man laughed easily. "You're brightening a rather dull party.Don't get me wrong, I'm doing my job. Look at them. They're allhaving a great time. All but me." He suddenly smiled at her. "Untilnow. Misery loves company you know. And here I am with you." Hestudied her expectantly. "You were supposed to laugh. That was a linefrom the play. My scene with Kevin Vicks."

"Oh," Catherine flushed, embarrassed. "I am sorry. Like I said, Idon't know what I'm doing here. I haven't even seen the play."

"Well, there goes my groupie theory," the man replied. He gazed atCatherine with a puzzled look. "You said you were waiting forsomeone? Who? Maybe I could help you."

Catherine sighed. "I'd like to meet Anthony Legree."

The man's handsome face brightened with an amused smile. "You wantto meet that conceited, up-staging, embarrassment to the actingprofession?" He laughed, covering his eyes. "I thought you wanted tomeet the star."

Catherine stared back at him, confused. "I do. I thought you saidLegree was the star?"

"I said no such thing," he answered, shaking his head. His thickhair swayed with the movement. "Legree is not the star. Heavenforbid. Kevin Vicks is the star."

"But I read in the paper..."

"Precisely why Kevin Vicks won't be here. The media is alwaysmentioning me and not him."

Catherine laughed lightly. "I told you I don't know why I'm here.I'm going home. It's been a long day." She got up. "It's really beennice talking to you though. If it wasn't for you, I don't think Iwould have smiled all night."

He rose. "Don't I even get to know why you wanted to meet me sobadly?"

Catherine's smile cracked. "Meet you?"

He threw his head back and laughed. "I don't think I've everbombed out with a beautiful woman as badly as I have tonight. Don't Ieven get a name?"

"....Catherine Chandler," she said, thoroughly confused. "I'mafraid I don't understand."

"Mmm, that's obvious," he grinned. "Catherine, I'm Tony Legree. Iguess you missed my subtle introduction a ways back. I was toyingwith you. Trying to find out why you were here. You didn't see theplay and you apparently didn't even know what I looked like. I'msorry." He took her hand.

Catherine lost all the color in her face. She jerked her hand freeand backed up. "You're Legree?"

He nodded slowly. "I'm really sorry. I should have just told you.I was trying to cheer you up." He stepped towards her but she backedup more.

"I have to go," she said quickly turning. Her breath felt trappedin her lungs and she wanted to get out into the air where she couldbreathe again.

Legree caught her shoulder. "Wait, Cathy, please. Don't be upset.What can I do to make it up to you?"

"Look, it's not your fault," Catherine fumbled. "I just need to gonow."

Capitulating, Legree released her, watching her push her waythrough the people to the door and disappear. He stood staring at thedoor as a woman walked up to him, clucking her tongue.

"Lose something?" she cooed.

He nodded, staring blankly. "Cinderella just realized her limo wasturning into a pumpkin, I guess." He looked around the room andfrowned. "I'm taking off. Cover for me will you?"

"Vincent, thank God! Where have you been?" Father sighed. "I turnmy back for a moment and you disappear."

Vincent glared at his father. Without answering, he dropped into achair.

"I was hoping you would help me with these new shelves. You know Iwas counting on you," Father went on, gesturing at a stack of lumberand a pile of metal brackets.

"I went for a walk," Vincent confessed.

Father's brow raised. "Above?"

"No, not above! How dare I go above lately?! How dare I evenconsider such a thing!" Vincent snapped.

Father pointed an accusing finger at his irate son. "You arebecoming intolerable lately." He sighed heavily and ran his handthrough his hair in frustration. "Marcus told me you snarled at himearlier. You had no right. He was only doing what I told him todo."

"He was spying on me!"

"He was merely keeping an eye on you. And since when doessomething like that, provoke that kind of reaction from you? Jamietold me you all but ignored her yesterday when she was trying to talkto you. And when Pascal tried to get you to move those new pipes, yougot angry with him."

"I feel like a prisoner!" Vincent retorted. "I feel everyone'seyes on me constantly." He rose suddenly and strode to his room,abruptly ending their argument.

Father took a deep breath, and started after him.

He cleared his throat, pausing at the entrance to the chamber.Vincent was seated on the edge of his bed, his eyes fixed on thefloor. He didn't bother to look up.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm sorry for everything. I'mworried...about Catherine." He looked into his father's eyes at last."I know this all has something to do with what you spoke to herabout." He took a ragged, emotion-laden breath. "It's as if you arepurposefully trying to keep me from her. I didn't think she was beinghonest with me when she told me she didn't want to see me. Has sheasked you to do this? To make sure I stay away? I don't understandwhy you and Catherine would do something like this to me."

Father walked over to Vincent and sat beside him. Vincent loweredhis head to the older man's shoulder dejectedly. Father put his armaround him and kissed his hair affectionately.

"Just know that we love you. We all love you so very much."

Catherine was furious with herself. All her professionalismabandoned her when she needed it most. The party was a perfect placeto talk. But he had caught her so off guard, he wasn't anything likeshe had been expecting. He was supposed to be ugly and mean andsadistic. Instead, he was handsome, friendly, warm, and charming. Sheknew she had screwed up her one big chance. She couldn't approach himincognito now.

She had to think of another way to get close to him withoutlooking suspicious. But how?

"Catherine is very upset right now," Vincent told Father suddenly,looking up at him, begging to be set free to go to her.

"If you see her now, it will only make her angrier," Fatherinformed.

Vincent shook his head. "I know she has been very unhappy since Ilast saw her. She thinks of me often. I can feel her heart callingout to me."

Father persisted. "Stay away, Vincent. When she is ready, she willcome to you."

"Are you so certain?"

Father nodded. "She just needs time to herself now."

He stood up slowly, stiffly, and gazed sympathetically at his son."Listen, Mouse wants to see me tonight. He wants to go over someplans for that new hydraulic lift he's been working on. Promise me,if I give you some space and leave you alone, you won't doanything...rash."

Vincent calmly met his father's gaze. "How do you definerash?"

"Vincent! I'm warning you---"

Mouse hurried into the chamber. "Father! Ready? Come now! You'lllike, I know! Be surprised!" He and Vincent exchanged knowinglooks.

Father sighed heavily in resignation.

Anthony Legree was still a good distance from Catherine, but hehad her in his sight. He had been following her since she left thetheater, hoping to talk with her some more but she had gotten too farahead of him so he decided to hang back and see where she ended up.Strangely enough, she headed for the park with a determined stride.She walked right up to a large drainage tunnel and stopped justinside. Legree knew this place from his childhood and he stared atCatherine dumbfounded. She acted as if she also knew there was moreto that drainage tunnel than rainwater. She appeared to be strugglingwith the decision to venture in any farther. Finally she turned onher heel and hurried out.

"Well, well," Legree said under his breath. "How interesting." Hestayed by the tunnel access, wondering, watching; letting Catherineget away, but too immersed in his thoughts to really care. What couldshe possibly have to do with the tunnels? he pondered. As if inanswer to his question, a figure immerged. Tall, cloaked, stately.Legree could feel his skin crawl and chills run down his spine."Vincent..." he hissed. He watched wide-eyed as his arch enemy turnedand headed in the same direction Catherine had just gone. "I'll bedamned," he muttered.

Catherine tightened the belt to her robe and poured a cup of tea.She turned on the television to catch the news and sat on her couch,drawing her legs under her. She picked up a yellow legal pad layingon the coffee table and uncapping a pen, began to write.

After awhile, she paused, reading it back to herself. Sighing, shetossed the pad down on the couch cushions. She felt too sad to writepoetry now. And she didn't want her poem to be sad. Just then, sheheard a tell tale thump coming from her balcony. She jumped up, eagerto open the doors, when the phone rang. Without thinking, shesnatched it up.

"Yes? I mean, hello?"

"Cathy? It's me Tony!"

Catherine inhaled sharply. He had called her. She'd been givenanother chance. She knew she couldn't mess this up.

"I'm glad you called," she assured.

"I got your number from the phone book. I hope you don't mind. Youmean that? You are glad I called?"

"Yes," she smiled, trying to sound pleased. "I'm sorry I ran outon you like that. I was feeling a little overwhelmed is all."

"No, listen. Don't apologize. I called to apologize to you, notthe other way around. I figured since my first apology didn't havemuch pull, I'd try a more sublte, sincere approach. Would you havedinner with me?"

Catherine bit her lip. "Dinner? Yes, I'd like that."

"Maybe dancing?"

"I'm not much of a dancer."

"How 'bout a walk, then? Do you walk?"

Catherine laughed. "Yes. And maybe walking with you will improvemy image."

"Such undeserved flattery."

"Oh come on. You're very handsome and you know it."

"Tell me that's why you ran out on me. Even if it wasn't.""I gotflustered."

"Well, that's okay," he conceded. "I'll pick you up at seventomorrow? How's that sound?"

"Wonderful? Here's my address." Catherine relayed the necessaryinformation then hung up the receiver. He was sweet, she thought. Shewas having a hard time connecting him to the man Father spoke of.Suddenly, she remembered the balcony. She ran to the doors and threwthem open but it was empty. "Must have been the wind," she muttered.Maybe that was a good thing. She sure didn't want Vincent to hear thephone conversation she had just had. Gratefully, she turned off thetelevision and headed for bed.

Back in his chamber, Vincent tore off his cloak and flung it overa chair. He paced hotly around the room, growling to himself, hismind full of indignation and confusion. Was it true after all? Wasshe really seeing another man? Her words and actions told him shewas. Her emotions and thoughts told him something different.

Her phone conversation replayed mercilessly in his mind. She hadsounded so pleased to be talking to this man. She had said he washandsome. He had flustered her. It would improve her image to be seenwith someone like him. In her heart, Vincent had felt her excitementgrow as she talked to this man. He knew she was relieved in a waythat he had called her. This entire perplexing scenario was makingVincent's head spin.

Needing to release his escalating torrential emotions, Vincentseized the edge of the table and toppled it over, sending itscontents flying. He moved on to the next piece of hapless furnishingand then stopped suddenly. On the floor, the book in which he hadcarefully tucked Catherine's poem lay open on its spine. The brightyellow paper had fallen from its protective cover and was laying justbeside the corner of the overturned table. Vincent dropped to hisknees heavily and reached for it. He lifted it slowly, settling backon his heels and hugged it to his chest.

The truth evaded him and with it, any understanding. There wasnothing left to do now but wait for Catherine. Vincent tried toconsole himself by thinking she would want to talk to him soon. Heknew she still thought of him and even missed him. He would just haveto give her the time she needed, he decided. He also came to theconclusion there must be a good reason behind all this. But what?

Work was slightly more tolerable today, Catherine thought toherself. She had slept better the night before and the idea offinally wrapping this whole Legree situation up and being able to seeVincent again, made her anxious.

"Cathy Chandler is the lady in the green sweater," she overheardJoe say. She looked up to see a colorful basket of flowers coming herway, via a delivery person. He placed the basket on her desk andhanded her a tiny card.

"Thank you," she said accepting it. She slit the envelope openwith her thumbnail and pulled the card out. "To brighten your day.Looking forward to tonight. Tony." She frowned, suddenly unnerved.They hadn't even been out together and here he was sending herflowers. He genuinely seemed like a nice guy. Maybe he had changed.Maybe his letter to Father was sincere. After all, it had been threeyears since his last run in with the law.

Perhaps if she talked openly to him. Explained everything,including the apprehension Father felt. Maybe he would decide itwould be better not to try to return to the tunnels. Maybe he wouldeven leave New York. It was the only thing left for her to do.

Catherine sighed softly. Whether or not this entire plan succeededdepended on her being able to find out all she could about AnthonyLegree. Going out on a date with him would make that easy.

After work, Catherine went into the basement of her building andbanged on the pipes for a guide down. She figured one of the childrenwould come and get her. But it was Vincent who heard her message andhe came to meet her. She was surprised, but not unhappy.

"Vincent," she greeted and smiled, stepping toward him to give hima hug. He made no move to reciprocate. He said nothing and looked ather with an unwavering gaze. He seemed to be waiting and expectant.Catherine sighed heavily. "I need to talk to Father," she went on."Please take me to him."

Vincent's eyes narrowed. His stare became oppressive. Suddenly heturned and without a word, started back up the tunnel. Catherineskipped after him. He seemed to be purposefully maintaining adistance between her and himself, lengthening his stride untilCatherine had to run every few steps just to keep him in sight.Finally, out of breath and patience, she stopped and yelled his name.She almost expected him to keep walking, but he paused and glancedback at her.

"Wait...please," she panted. She looked unhappily up at him. "Canwe at least talk to each other?"

Slowly, Vincent turned and walked over to where she stood. "Onlyif you agree to tell me the truth," he replied quietly.

Catherine's shoulders drooped. She ran her hand across herforehead, pushing aside her bangs and took a deep breath. "How longhave you known I was lying?"

"From the beginning," he told her, sounding insulted that shewould not have realized this.

Catherine felt somewhat relieved. "Is that because you sensed it,or am I just a bad liar?" She offered him a thin smile.

"Both," Vincent answered, his mood lightening. "Your heart did notstand behind what you said." He shifted, positioning himself directlyin front of her. "I'm worried about you, Catherine. I have felt yourunhappiness. Your apprehension." He took a deep breath. "But when Iwent to see you last night---"

"So it was you! I knew I heard something!" Catherine frownedsuddenly. "You left without seeing me."

"I overheard you talking," he began tentatively. "What yousaid...confused me."

"On the phone?" Catherine shook her head. Enough was enough. Shetook hold of his hands and squeezed them tightly. "Vincent, look atme. Feel the truth in what I'm saying now. I'm not seeing anyoneelse. I never was. I've been helping Father. He doesn't want you toknow why just yet. If you did, things could become dangerous and hefears for your life."

"My life?" Vincent replied, startled. "If what you are doing ispossibly dangerous for me, it must also be dangerous for you. Howcould he ask you to place yourself in danger?"

"No, it's not like that," she tried to reassure him. "Please,don't be angry with him. There is no danger in this for me. That'swhy he asked me to help him." Catherine realized she had disclosedtoo much and at this point Vincent was not going to settle foranything less than the whole truth. "I know you must have beenmiserable these past few weeks, but we were trying to protectyou."

"All this was to protect me? From what?" he demanded. Thensuddenly, quietly: "From who?"

Catherine decided there was no sense in trying to keep anythingfrom him any longer. She sighed and licked her lips. "Father receiveda letter from someone he exiled a long time ago. This person hasasked to be allowed to return to the tunnels. He claims to be a newman. The letter was so sincere sounding, begging forgiveness for allthe wrongs he had done to the community before, but Father is wary.He thinks it might be a trap to get to you. He asked me if I couldfind out more about this person. See if he really is reformed or ifhe has ulterior motives."

Vincent's mind raced. For a moment he was lost in concentration.Then slowly his whole countenance changed. His eyes ignited withanger and his lip curled menacingly over his teeth in a silent snarl."Legree," he growled, then suddenly turned away from Catherine,struggling with himself.

"We've been trying to keep you below, because if it is a trap, hecould be lying in wait," Catherine reluctantly continued. "I'mbeginning to think he has changed however. He doesn't seem anythinglike the person Father described to me. He seems very nice now."

Vincent whipped around to face her. "You must not have anything todo with this man!"

"I'm just going to talk with him," Catherine tried to placate him."I already met him. He was charming and friendly and maybe, all hewants is just to come home again. After all, he grew up here."

Vincent was shaking his head. "I know him! You don't," he seethed."He thrives on domination, fear, and pain. He humiliates and insultsand terrorizes. It's how he is. A person such as this cannot change.His heart is blackened beyond change."

Catherine reached up and layed her hand soothingly on Vincent'schest. "I know what he did to you. But I don't want you to worryabout me. Trust me when I tell you, he won't harm me. I must talk tohim. It's the only way."

"I don't want him near you!" Vincent persisted.

Catherine shook her head and put her hands on her hips defiantly."I promised Father I would help."

Vincent suddenly grabbed her hand, hauling her after him as he allbut ran through the tunnels. Catherine soon found herself beingdragged into the main chamber very much out of breath. Father stoodup, sensing something was amiss. Vincent released Catherine andturned on Father.

"You should have told me Legree was back!"

Father shot a fast exasperated look at Catherine and threw hisglasses angrily on the table. "What, and risk your life? I knew youwould react this way. It proves my case in point. I feared what youmight be driven to do." His voice became quiet. "I know you almostkilled him once."

"This isn't about me," Vincent countered. "It's about Catherine!How could you ask her to do something like this, knowing Legree theway you do?"

"She is not at risk. She never was."

"She is! His wickedness knows no bounds!"

"Then credit her courage," Father continued. "Her willingness toaid us when we needed her."

"She didn't realize what she was getting into," Vincent growled."You did! And you still asked her. That is unacceptable."

"I would never knowingly put Catherine in jeopardy!" Father yelledback.

"Stop it!" Catherine's raised voice broke in suddenly. "You'reboth talking about me like I'm not even here." Having gained theirsilence and their attention, she went on. "Please credit me withenough intelligence to make my own decisions. I know what I'm doing.And I wanted to help."

Vincent walked slowly over to her. His voice soft, his eyesimploring. "You are everything to me. You are my life. If I were tolet you go to Legree, it would be the same as placing my veryexistence in his hands. I know he'll harm you."

Catherine sighed. "Why would he want to harm me?"

Vincent could feel his heart melting as he gazed at her. "BecauseI love you." He turned, lowering his eyes in resignation, and stalkedout of the room, leaving Catherine staring quizzically after him. Shelooked over at Father.

His face was pale and he looked somewhat fearful, understandingVincent's lividity. "My god, Catherine, he's right," he whispered. "Ihadn't thought about that."

"I don't understand," she told him in a small voice.

Father took a deep breath. "Whatever you do, don't let him knowabout your relationship with Vincent. If he is in any way, the sameperson I exiled, I'm afraid I have put you in danger."

Catherine could hardly believe her ears. "He hates Vincent thatmuch?"

Father nodded. "Yes. That much," he said gravely.

"I've made a date with him tonight. I thought it would give me thechance to really talk to him," she informed. "I have to tell you, sofar, he's been incredibly sweet and likeable."

Father went to her and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "Becareful, Catherine."

"I will." She tried to smile. "I need to get going." She gesturedin the general direction Vincent had gone. "Take care of him for me.Until I get back."

Father smiled and nodded.

The evening was clear and warm. It would have been a nice night tospend on the balcony, Catherine thought, as she closed the frenchdoors behind her and went to answer the soft knock on her frontdoor.

"Hi there," Catherine breathed nervously as she opened the doorand saw Anthony Legree.

"Hello. Wow, you look great," Legree responded and smiledwarmly.

Catherine caught herself staring at him, taking in his tall leanbuild and handsome features. He reminded her of one of the dashingmovie stars back in Hollywood's gilded age, like Tyrone Power orStewart Granger. She thought with a face like that, it was no wonderhe was a performer.

"I could say the same for you," she said at last.

He helped her with her jacket, and then guided her out the door.They went to an Italian restaurant that specialized in vegetablepasta and seafood. Catherine discovered Legree was a vegetarian anddidn't drink alcohol ever. Throughout the meal, he was the perfectgentleman. He kept the conversation light, telling stories of onstagemishaps, auditions, and the basic life of an actor in New York.Catherine listened intently and laughed in spite of herself at hiswit and charm. She thought if this were an actual date under normalcircumstances, she might have really enjoyed it, but she had onesingular purpose in mind and that was to get him to talk about why hewanted to go back to the tunnels. Not once, however, in the course oftheir dinner, did he say anything that would indicate he was in theleast bit vengeful or bitter about his past and Catherine'sconfidence in him grew steadily throughout the evening.

Back at her apartment, she busied herself making coffee.

"I've been rambling on all evening," Legree said suddenly. "Ihaven't given you a chance to say two words."

Catherine shrugged and handed him a cup. "Well, I'm moreinterested in you and what you have to say," she began truthfully."Besides, I've never met an actor before."

He glanced at her sideways. "That's an old line if I ever heardone." He became serious. "I get the feeling, you're just not beingyourself. Do I make you uncomfortable?"

She sighed. Yes, she thought. I'm very uncomfortable. But said,"I'm just a little tense tonight. I've had a rough day."

"Well tell me," he continued. "Why were you looking for me? At thetheater."

"Oh, I heard about you, from a friend. I decided I wanted to getto know you." She took a quick sip of coffee, not liking thedirection this conversation was turning.

"Uh huh. Is this a mutual friend by chance? Someone who knows mealready?" She didn't answer, but smiled slightly. He went on. "Yourealize, I know nothing about you. You are quite a mysterious lady."He set his cup down on the coffee table and leaned back against hersofa cushions, studying her. Suddenly his face darkened. "Does thishave anything to do with the fact you work for the D.A.?"

Catherine felt a chill run down her spine. "By the way, how didyou find out I worked there?" she evaded.

"Your service gave me your work number. It was the DistrictAttorney's office."

She nodded. It was a reasonable explanation. He hadn't been spyingon her or obsessively following her. She told herself to calm downand reminded herself, innocent until proven guilty.

"Does this have anything to do with Amelia Moore?" he askedsharply.

"Excuse me?" Catherine feigned ignorance.

Legree sighed heavily. "This girl I was dating went a littleoverboard when I called off the relationship. She brought chargesagainst me. It was three years ago in Queens." He shook his headregretfully. "You know all about it though don't you? Please, Cathy,don't tell me you went out with me just to question me."

"I didn't," she assured him, forcing herself to touch his hand."I'm not going to question you about that," she confessed and smiled."Now look who's uncomfortable."

He rewarded her with an easy smile, his congenial air returning."I'm sorry to go off and get heavy like that. That...incident hauntsme to this day. Even though the charges were dropped, nobody seems toforget it. Nobody seems to want to believe the truth. I've been introuble a time or two. Mostly because I was a stupid kid. But I'vegrown up, I've changed and I know what is really important. Family,and friends, and home." He sighed heavily, clutching her offered handin a tight squeeze. "One of these days, I'm going to go home. It'swhere I belong. People there don't hold your past against you. Theyaccept you for who you are. It'll give me a chance to startover."

Catherine immediately knew he was speaking of the tunnels at last.She sat forward. "Why don't you then? It sounds like a wonderfulplace. Is it your career, as an actor?"

He shook his head, looking at her wistfully. "I have no career.It's just a job. A simple one for me. I act because I don't know howto do anything else. I have no real skills. And besides, in case youhaven't noticed, I'm not too shabby looking. The offers comeeasy."

"If it's not that, what's stopping you from going home?"

"A lot of things, I guess. Some of the people there. One inparticular."

Catherine's pulse began to race. "Maybe you could talk to thatperson. Maybe things have changed."

"Oh, I'll talk to him. In time." He took his arm and placed itcasually over her shoulders, inviting her closer to him.

"Why did you leave in the first place if you loved it there somuch?"

Legree frowned. "I was forced to go." He smiled suddenly. "Don'tlook so worried, fair Catherine. I'll get back there. Maybesomeday,I'll take you there." He leaned over her and kissed hersoftly on the cheek. "You'll get the feeling you've been therebefore. It'll be like deja vu. Won't it?"

Catherine suddenly detected a shift in his tone and mannerisms.She tried to inch away from him but he encircled her with hisarms.

"Why don't we stop playing twenty questions and concentrate onright now." His hand pushed back the collar of her blouse. He begannibbling her neck seductively.

Catherine tried to remain calm and gently pushed him away. "Couldyou excuse me a moment. I think it's getting warm in here and I'dlike to open the balcony doors."

He sighed and released her readily, somewhat unexpectantly, thensmiled. "Sure. Anything to make you more comfortable, Cathy." Heleaned back on the sofa and watched her disappear into thebedroom.

Catherine stood in the middle of the room, trying to calm down.She couldn't help thinking about what Vincent had told her and heranxiety was beginning to show. What really made her nervous was thatLegree seemed to be implying that she was aware the tunnels were the'home' he pined for. He also implied he knew Catherine was somehowconnected to the community below. But he had yet to mention Vincentand that was her one consolation.

She looked shakily towards her living room, knowing she needed toreturn to him. She forgot all about opening the balcony doors.

"Feel better?" Legree asked as soon as she appeared from thebedroom.

Catherine nodded. She remained standing.

"What's the matter, Cathy? Did I say something wrong?" He roseslowly and walked over to her. She tried not to back away fromhim.

"No, why would you think that?" She shrugged and tried to soundnonchalant.

"Ever since I started talking about going home, you've kinda beenon edge." He placed his hands on her shoulders, his eyes driftingdownward like a feather in a breeze.

"Why do you think your home would be familiar to me?" she wantedto know.

He moved a little closer to her. "Just a hunch." He suddenlycrushed her to him and kissed her. Catherine managed to manuever herarms up and gently push him back.

"I think we better say goodnight," she told him.

He released her again without hesitation. "I don't understand. Ithought this was what you wanted," he said, sounding a littledazed.

Catherine took a deep breath. She didn't understand either. Shedidn't know why she was feeling the way she was, because he reallyhad done nothing out of the ordinary. Certainly not anything to besetting off all the alarms ringing in her ears. "I'm sorry. We musthave gotten our signals crossed. You are moving just a little tooquickly for me."

Legree stood looking at her. "You're a real mystery. Everythingabout you and this whole evening. Why did you agree to go out withme, Cathy? I thought it was because you were interested. If not in arelationship, than maybe a one night stand? I wouldn't mind. Not witha beautiful woman like yourself." He reached up and touched her cheekwith his hand. "You are so very beautiful and I love beauty. I loveto surround myself with it. I strive to possess it. It's just a thingwith me. I can't stand ugliness. Ugly people...or things. Ever sinceI was a kid. I just hated anything ugly."

Catherine knew he was referring to Vincent and her heart clenchedpainfully inside her. "What makes a person beautiful usually comesfrom within," she told him quietly. "What makes someone ugly comesfrom within as well."

He smiled disarmingly. "Nah, I'm talking about skin deep beauty.What's on the surface. Usually I find beautiful looking people arejust as beautiful on the inside too. And the ugly ones, well, I justdon't bother getting to know them."

Catherine was finally getting a dose of his reputed cruelty. Shewas beginning to see the person Father and Vincent knew all thoseyears ago.

"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder," she went on. "What istrue beauty? You judge a person by contrived arbitrarystandards."

He laughed. "Hold on. Don't go getting so defensive. I said youwere one of the beautiful ones that I want to get to know better." Helooked at her quizzically. "Why do you defend ugliness? I can'tunderstand why anyone would do something like that." He took a deepbreath. "I used to know this...boy. He was the most hideous thing Ihad ever seen. He lived close to me. What I could never understandwas that everyone loved him. Everyone went out of their way to defendhim. I just depised him. Looking at him always made my skin crawl."He seemed to be studying Catherine closely for some sign of reaction.Her face was like a stone statue but his saw the the excessivemoisture pooling in her large green eyes. "His name was Vincent," heannounced and was rewarded when Catherine flinched painfully andturned away from him.

"I think you should leave," she managed to say. It seemed to her,Legree was undergoing a metamorphosis, changing from the handsome andcharming gentleman to the cruel, heartless criminal of the past.Catherine found herself wondering how she had ever found himattractive and sweet.

"Wow," he gasped. "I must have hit a nerve. You act as if Iinsulted your best friend! How could that be? Do you know a Vincent,Catherine? Is he as ugly as the guy I knew?"

Catherine knew he was being facetious now. "You need to leave,now."

Instead, he came up behind her and put his arms around her as ifto console her. "I'm sorry, Cathy. It's just that I get crazy eventhinking about him. If it weren't for him, I'd still be home. Hetried to kill me once. But instead of getting rid of him, they gotrid of me. They all love him and he's nothing but an animal really.Some hybrid freak of nature." He leaned his head over her shoulderand whispered in her ear, "But you know that, don't you? You knowVincent and Father and the secret world below this city and that'swhy you so desparately wanted to meet me isn't it?"

Catherine's eyes grew wide in astonishment. How could he havepossibly known all this? How could he have connected her to thetunnels? She took a shaky breath and nodded, resigned. At least shecould lay her cards on the table now. She didn't have to pretend tobe the sociable date anymore.

"Father wanted me to ask you why you want to come back," shebegan.

Legree smiled triumphantly. "It's my home. Mine. I would havenever left if it weren't for that animal that lurks around downthere."

Catherine fought to keep her voice level. "Father is worried aboutyou. He doesn't think things would work out if you came back. Youshould just leave them alone."

Legree tightened his hold on Catherine. "Because of Vincentright?" he hissed. "You know, I have just as much right to live thereas that creature. I was born there. I was happy. Do you realize whatit was like for me to be forced to go? To know if I didn't, I wouldbe torn into shreds while they all stood around and watched."

"You can't go back there," Catherine persisted and tried to wigglefree of his arms.

"I had it all figured out," he continued. "A way to dispose ofFather and his pet in an accident. Cave ins are unfortunately commondown there. With them out of the way, I'd be free to live my life inpeace and everlasting beauty."

Catherine finally managed to pull away from him. She turned tolook at him with undiguised revulsion. "I didn't want to have toresort to this but, I found evidence enough to reopen the AmeliaMoore case and I promise you, it will go to trial and you will go toprison. I know why your victim changed her testimony. Maybe...youought to think about leaving New York entirely." Catherine hoped herlying this time was convincing.

Legree laughed humorlessly. "You little bitch," he seethed. Heturned and lifted his jacket from her chair. "I'm leaving, don'tworry your pretty little head about this matter anymore. I can seenow, nothing has changed down there. I would still be second in lineto that...that mutant." He started walking for the door. "So what'sthe story with you and dear Vincent?"

Catherine tried to keep her voice as steady and toneless aspossible. "He's a friend."

"A friend?" Legree smiled slyly. "Have you ever seen him? Or doeshe just talk to you hidden in the shadows or behind a wall like thephantom of the opera? You know, I once told him, that no sightedwoman with any sense would let him within fifty feet of her. I toldhim women would find him even more repulsive than I did and the besthe could ever hope for by way of companionship was maybe some greasyalley cat in heat."

Catherine's tears spilled from her eyes.

"Of course he'd just be your friend," Legree pressed on. "Whatelse could he be to you?"

Catherine bowed her head, determined not to let him see how upsetshe was.

"Hey Catherine, when you decide you want a real man, give me acall."

With that, Catherine could contain herself no longer and leapttoward him in a fit of rage.

"Vincent is real, and beautiful, and I would make love to him ahundred times before I would even consider someone like you! You aresoulless and unconscionable and so very ugly to me! Get out of herenow! Get out of my sight!"

Legree merely smiled slowly. "Sounds like quite the, ah,friendship..." He stepped towards her. "Could it be, that monstrosityfound himself someone to love? You must love him. How else could yoube so blind?" He laughed coldly. "I actually suspected as much. Hownice of you to confirm it for me." With lightening speed he grabbedCatherine in a vice-like grip. "Hey, I just thought of the mostsplendid idea. A sweet final revenge on my part. Something that wouldtear open that oversized heart of his until he bleeds to death inagony." He suddenly started dragging her to the bedroom. Catherinewas almost too stunned to react. She struggled but he was ten timesstronger than he looked and she couldn't seem to get enough leverageto throw him off her.

"What...are you going to do?" she gasped, panic filtering throughher voice.

"Sometimes," Legree explained calmly. "The most effective way tohurt someone is to hurt the one they love."

Vincent suddenly sat forward. Father was still talking to him, buthe didn't hear him anymore.

"Vincent? What is it?"

Pain. Fear. Desparation. A flood of frightening emotions surgedinto his mind and gripped him with astounding clarity.

"Vincent?!"

"Catherine," he managed to convey. "Something is wrong." He wasalready up and on his way out when Father yelled his name again.Sensing a panic in his father equal to the one he was sensing inCatherine, he turned, confused.

"Hurry. Legree is with her tonight," Father confessed.

Vincent spun around and charged out of the chamber.

Legree managed to throw Catherine on the bed and back-handed heracross the face. She rolled away from him, but he pinned her downwith his body. He hit her again and she drove her elbow forcefullyinto his chest, knocking him back momentarily. He swayed backwards inpain, swearing furiously, and Catherine stretched towards her bedsidetable, pulling open a drawer, uncovering her gun.

Legree suddenly saw what she was after and grabbed at her wristjust before she was able to reach the gun. He planted his knee intoher elbow and yanked her arm viciously back. There was a loud crackand sudden, overwhelming pain. Catherine screamed, then felt faint.Legree seized the gun, aiming it at Catherine's temple. He turned herover and sat on her legs.

"Don't scream anymore, Cathy," he said quietly. "It makes it soundas if you're not enjoying this."

He leaned down and kissed her tear stained cheek softly. Catherinetried to turn her face away. She was dizzy with pain and fear, butlucid enough to try to plead with him.

"If you do this...Vincent will kill you. He knows...what I feel.Leave now...while there's still time."

"Oh I have lots of time. He won't be able to find me."

"You don't understand," Catherine continued hurriedly. She begantrembling as Legree unbuttoned her blouse. "He's coming here. Rightnow. He knows. He feels...whatever I feel."

"Interesting." Legree smiled, placating her, but not reallybelieving her, his hand reaching down to stroke her exposed skin. "Doyou think he'll enjoy this then? I certainly don't want him derivingany pleasure from our act of love. Maybe I should just kill you. Iknow he wouldn't like that."

Catherine screamed, doubling her efforts to fend him off. Hestruck her again and placed the tip of the gun barrel at the base ofher throat.

"This is the last warning, Cathy. No more screams." He cocked thegun.

Shattered glass fragments suddenly showered the bedroom from theimploded balcony doors and the sound of a blood curdling roar piercedthe deepest recesses of the night. Vincent lunged at Legree.

Shocked, Legree was momentarily paralyzed beyond reaction.Catherine seized her opportunity and pushed him off of her withenough force to knock him off the bed. He thumped loudly to thefloor. The gun went off and time itself seemed to come to a halt.Legree backed up against the wall and struggled to his feet.

"Back off!" he seethed and turned his only salvation on Vincent.Vincent froze but snarled menacingly.

Catherine clutched at her arm, feeling like she was going to passout again. Vincent spared her a fast look of concern. She tried toreassure him through their bond, repeating over and over that she wasall right.

"Well, if it isn't Vincent," Legree spoke again, his voicecracking. "She said something about you stopping by, but I reallydidn't believe her."

"Legree," Vincent growled, his fangs flashing unspoken threats."Is there no limit to your evil?"

Legree smiled and took better aim with the gun in his hand."That's kinda like the pot calling the kettle black, don't you think?You're as much a criminal as I am. But at least I'll be a civilizedkiller. Just a single gunshot between the eyes and down you go. Iwon't rip you open and watch you bleed. I really don't enjoy thatkind of carnage the way you do. Besides, if I killed you, I'd be ahero, not a murderer. I'd be ridding the world of a monster thatshould have never been allowed to reach his first birthday." Hepaused and gestured at Catherine. "The headlines will all say that Isaved a beautiful lady from the clutches of a beast."

Surprisingly Vincent seemed unphased by his cruelty. He merelyshook his head. "I hardly find your words or threats disturbinganymore," he rumbled deeply. "I only find you pathetic."

Legree's smile slipped. He lowered the pistol slowly and Vincenttook a step forward. But then, Legree raised the gun at Catherine."No, shooting you wouldn't be enough for me. But if I shother---"

"No!" Vincent hissed, stricken.

Catherine looked from Legree to Vincent. She took a deep breath asLegree took aim.

"Bye Catherine. It could have been beautiful but it's all over nowand I'm tired of this game," Legree said calmly. "Vincent can kill meafterwards. I'll be gone. But at least I'll die knowing he'll be leftwith nothing." Legree cocked the pistol.

Catherine suddenly winced, and with a cry of pain, collapsedheavily to the bed, fainting. The distraction gave Vincent all thetime he needed to act and he lunged forward, striking out with honedspeed and accuracy and raking his claws down Legree's chest. Thepistol dropped on the bed and fully coherent, Catherine grabbed itand fired. Legree slumped forward without a sound.

Vincent froze, stunned. He stood over his enemy's lifeless form,breathing deeply, his eyes flashing wildly. Catherine began to cry.She dropped the gun and fell back on the bed, covering her face withher one good arm. Vincent turned to her and scooped her up carefullyin his arms, cradling her against him.

"Catherine. Catherine. Catherine," Vincent breathed, stroking herhead as she sobbed into his chest. In the distance the sound ofsirens could be heard. Then somebody was pounding on her front door.Startled, she pulled back and wiped impatiently at her eyes.

"Someone must have called the police," she whispered. The sirenswere getting louder.

Vincent was alarmed but was too concerned for her to flee. "You'rehurt..." He gently began stroking her bruised face with hisfingertips.

Catherine nodded. "He broke my arm." The pounding on the doorbecame frantic. Muffled voices were heard from beyond. "You have toget out of here!"

Vincent was trembling. "I can't leave you like this. Let me takeyou with me."

"No!" she protested. "Someone has to answer for this. The policeare coming! You need to leave now or they'll see you!"

Vincent tore himself from her, tears streaming down his face. Hedisappeared through the shattered remains of her balcony doors justas her front door finally gave way.

Joe Maxwell came flying into the room. "My god! Cathy are you allright?!"

"Joe?" She struggled to slide off the bed. "How did you know?"

He was looking around, taking in the destruction that once passedfor her bedroom. "I heard your address being given over the policescanner," he said numbly. "Gunshots fired." He suddenly spied thebody lying on her floor on the other side of the bed. He took a deepsteadying breath. Police came flooding into the apartment. "Getforensics down here," Joe said to no one in particular. He tookCatherine's hand and helped her up. "Christ, what happened to yourarm?"

"I'm a little dizzy," Catherine said somewhat dry mouthed. Shecouldn't think. Her only concern was whether or not Vincent hadgotten away safely. "I need to get out of here."

Joe took off his jacket and put it around her shoulders. He guidedher slowly into the living room. "Come on, I'll take you to thehospital. We'll get your statement there."

Catherine eased herself carefully down the ladder and walked outof the shaft of white light and turned into the dimly lit tunnelentrance. It was nearly morning and she was so tired and drained, shethought her eyes were playing tricks on her. She paused her descentand tried to make out the form half hidden in the shadows just aheadof her. Someone was sitting on the ground, their back to the craggytunnel wall. She stepped closer and smiled.

Her beloved slept there, his head resting on his folded arms whichencircled his knees. His long gold hair spilling down, veiling hisface. Bending down, Catherine began stroking his head softly. Hestirred and sat up suddenly.

"Catherine!" He was on his feet in seconds and gathering her intohis arms. "Are you all right? I waited here. It took all the strengthI had not to go back up."

She covered his face with kisses, hugging him tightly, feelingoverwhelmed. "I love you! I love you so much!"

He rocked her slowly, soothingly. "Please...tell me you're allright. I feel so many different things within you. I can't make senseof it."

"I just need some time. Time to heal. Time to be with you. I needyour love around me right now. I need you to hold me and never let mego."

Vincent sighed deeply. "Come." He took her hand in his and beganleading her down. He looked sadly at her arm, tightly bound, andfolded across her chest in a sling. Her face was bruised and cut inplaces and his heart twisted painfully inside him just looking ather.

"I'm all right," she assured, sensing the distraught nature of hisgaze. "Everything is all right, really. I had perfectly goodexplanations for what happened and although I'll be subjected to aninvestigation, I was assured it would come down to self defense. Adate gone wrong."

Vincent sighed again and shook his head. "I wanted to be with you.I knew how frightened you were."

"You were with me," she told him and tried to smile. "Feeling youwith me, gave me the courage I needed." She looked deeply into hiseyes, still so troubled and pained.

"None of that mattered to me. I only needed to know you weresafe."

Vincent raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. "I would havestayed with you if that's what you wanted. I would have faced them ifyou needed me too."

"I know," Catherine said. She squeezed his hand and smiled.

It was quiet in the tunnels now. Vincent wrapped a blanket aroundCatherine's shoulders for her since her arm was still in the sling.He settled into the chair beside his desk and faced her on thebed.

"With all this extra time you have lately, I don't suppose you'vebeen writing anything?" he hinted.

Catherine had been given sick leave to recuperate, being next touseless with her arm in a cast. She had chosen to spend most of itbelow, letting Vincent pamper and wait on her, knowing it made himfeel helpful. She smiled at him affectionately.

"As a matter of fact," she began. "I did start on another poem. Ihave the first stanza down, but now...." She gestured at her brokenarm.

"Of course," he noted duly. "But I can always write the rest downfor you."

She laughed. "You want me to dictate to you? I couldn't, it's tooprivate." He raised his brow with intrigue, which made her laughharder. "No, I mean it's about you. I can't have you writing it as Itry to compose it in my head. You're only supposed to see the tenthand final draft."

He smiled easily and picked up a pen and a sheet of stationeryfrom the desk. "Ignore me. Just let your words and feelings flow.Take your time to construct it in your mind first. Then tell me."

It was clear to Catherine, he wasn't about to let this drop. Shetook a deep breath and began to relay the verse she had alreadywritten. As she began relaying the words to him, he looked up fromthe paper with a startled expression.

"....That's beautiful," he breathed and quickly wrote it down. Hisheart began pounding madly inside him.

Catherine was enjoying his reaction. Her awkwardness dissolved andshe told him a second and third stanza.

Finally, he looked up at her, his eyes misting with emotion andlove. "Is it finished?"

Catherine smiled. "No. It'll never be finished. It'll go on andon." Then she had an idea. "We can write it together. Everytimeeither one of us feels inspired to do so. It's your turn now. Youwrite a verse."

He blinked up at her and sighed, then bent over the page with theutmost concentration, scrawling the fourth stanza on the paper aftera few minutes. Then he handed it to her. She began to read and heclosed his eyes, absorbing every word into his heart.

To have your soul within reach of mine
Bending back the grass of time.
Fields of passion with our love flower,
Having you near filling every hour.
 

His locks personify my sun.
An earthbound spirit allowed to run,
Flowing life into my veins.
Entrusting hands control my gains.

Whispered winds, my love's upswept
To look at him, my heart protects.
Mirrored morning in his eyes,
Breathing love to me, he sighs.
 

Her belief in me, she wonders
Who is the man, the beast, is under,
Feeling her love with mine entwined,
Slipping through worlds, our hearts combine.

Catherine took a deep breath and focused on Vincent. He looked upat her, his sky blue eyes shining, clearly reflecting the love hefelt for her.

"Have I ever told you," Catherine began softly, "How beautiful Ithink you are?"

Vincent took her small hand in his and simply smiled

End.