A Criminal Mind

Margaret Noel

Studying his reflection in the mirror the man began to laugh. "OhI am!"

Catherine Chandler sat at her desk. To all outward appearances shewas calmly concentrating on the file that lay open before her. Insideshe was seething. Her mind kept returning to the scene that hadplayed out in the tunnels the night before. At that moment she couldnot decide whom she was angrier with, Father for being a pushy,opinionated, old man or Vincent for defending him!

After work the previous evening she had rushed home showered andchanged. A little after seven she had made her way to the tunnelentrance below her building. Vincent was waiting for her. Seeing himhelped settle the butterflies that had taken up residence in hermid-section. Taking her hand in his larger one Vincent smiled.

"I'm really nervous about this Vincent. What do you think Fatherwill say?"

"I fear there is only one way to answer that question" Togetherthey headed into the tunnels.

They had decided the time had finally arrived to share with Fatherthe news he was to become a grandfather. As they approached the studyCatherine's steps began to drag. Telling Vincent had been difficultenough, the thought of admitting to the patriarch of this undergroundworld that she had broken his most rigid taboo by having sex with hisunique son, was truly daunting. The thought "Father will not bepleased" reverberated in her mind.

Catherine snorted. Not pleased was putting it mildly. Once theinitial shock of their news had warn off Father had turned onher.

" So what do you have to say for yourself" he demanded. Hisusually dower expression growing darker with each passing moment. Histone left no doubt as to whom he felt was responsible for the entiresituation.

"How could you have been so careless as to allow this to happen?"Father glared at her over his glasses. "What on earth were youthinking?"

The tenuous hold she had been keeping on her temper snapped. "Iwas thinking about SAVING your son's life!"

Walking to the desk Father was seated behind Catherine leaned overand looked him squarely in the face, her nose just inches from his"Do you think I planned this? Do you honestly believe I set out toseduce Vincent? Admit it! You're mad because you were wrong in yourassumptions and pronouncements. You're trump card is gone."

Vincent, who had remained silent during the heated exchange,intervened "Catherine please"

She whirled on him "No Vincent! Not this time! He has alwaysviewed me as a threat to you and this world." Fixing her gaze onFather once more she continued adding salt to the wound "Not onlywere we together it was beautiful!"

Suddenly all the fight was gone and she found herself on the vergeof tears. The last thing she wanted was to give that mean spiritedold man the satisfaction of seeing her cry. Turning on her heal shedarted out of the chamber. Vincent caught up with her part way downthe tunnel

"Where are you going?"

"I don't know. Home, away from here, away from him!" The tears shehad been fighting slid unheeded down her cheeks.

"Catherine, Father didn't mean the things he said. It'sshock."

The embers of her temper flared to life, "Don't you dare standthere and defend him! He meant it, Every word!" With that she turnedand headed back down the tunnel. Vincent fell into step behind her.Without sparing him a glance she said, "I can find my own wayout"

Her emotions were literally screaming at him through their bond."Leave me alone" they said. Vincent watched her retreating figureuntil she disappeared around a bend.

The sleepless night that had followed had done little to improveher mood. She was tired, irritable and feeling less then charitabletoward the male species in general. Knowing Vincent was aware of howshe was feeling she wrapped all her resentment, anger, and hurtaround her like a cloak.

"I'm miserable" she muttered "and I WANT you to know it!"

Unconsciously her hand rested on the slight rounding of herabdomen. A single tear rolled down her cheek. "Oh little one, Godprotect us from all men!"

****

In another part of New York, far below the city streets a solitaryfigure stared unseeing into space. Vincent sat slumped in a chair.His thoughts were on Catherine. Her distress was eating at him. Afterthe disastrous turn of events in Father's chamber the night before hewas completely adrift as to what to do. After her abrupt departure,Vincent had returned to Father's study, hoping to find the older manin a more reasonable frame of mind. Such was not the case if anythinghis mood had deteriorated.

"I take it she's gone?"

Vincent nodded. He opened his mouth to speak but Father silencedhim. "I know what you are about to say, that I was too hard on her.Well what did she expect that I would welcome the news of herfoolhardy act with open arms?"

"Father, Catherine did not become pregnant alone. I am as much toblame"

"Humph! You had no idea what you were doing. You were ill. No, theblame for this falls at her door. I suppose she intends to haveit?"

For a moment Vincent's brain refused to process Father's words."Surely you are not suggesting that she …" the unfinishedthought hung in the air.

"We have no idea of the risks or what we could be dealing with.The danger involved. It is the only reasonable course of action."

Vincent was ashen; he could not believe what he was hearing. " Ishould be infinitely grateful MY mother never felt this way."

His control slipping Vincent knew he had to get away. He soughtsolace in the dark streets. He walked for hours, eventually findinghimself on Catherine's balcony. Her misery washed over him in waves.He had been about to tap on the door when the sounds of her muffledsobs reached him. The small figure curled in a protective ball on thebed was clearly visible in the moonlight. She did not want hiscomfort, not that night. He sadly turned away.

The rising sun had forced him to return to the tunnels. He triedto write. Words had abandoned him. He tried to sleep. It would notcome. He had flung himself into his chair with only his thoughts andCatherine's anguish for company.

Vincent was afraid. In all the years growing up in the tunnels hehad never doubted the love of his father. He still could not believeFather's ill-considered comments. More frightening still was howclose he had come to losing his control, unleashing the beast on theman who had raised him.

He sighed. The situation was intolerable. Being forced to choosebetween the two people he loved most in the world. In his heart heknew who would lose that choice. Catherine was carrying his child.She would never consider giving it up. He had never considered askingher; would never consider asking her. If he was being brutally honestwith himself, Vincent had to admit he wanted this child. It was asymbol of the life he thought he could never have with Catherine. Wasthis what she had meant when she said Father's trump card was gone?Was this why Father was so opposed to the situation? He had noanswers but made up his mind he would see Catherine that night. Hehad to apologize. He had to tell her he would be there for her nomatter what. He had to tell her he wanted this child to be a newbeginning for them. Father would just have to accept it.

Catherine breathed a sigh of relief when she finally returnedhome. The day had been unbearable. Her head ached and her shoulderswere in knots. Her inability to concentrate had put her behind onseveral cases she was working on keeping her at the office long aftereveryone else had gone home.

"Bubble bath" she announced patting her mid section. "Mommy feelswe have earned a bubble bath."

She set about filling the tub and lighting the scented candlesthat lined the vanity. "Oh yes little one, there is nothing betterthan a bubble bath to soak your cares away, even temporarily." Sheplaced the wineglass on the edge of the tub and shut off the water."All we need now is music and everything will be perfect." Scanningher choices she decided against her usual choice of classical music.Gowan would do nicely. He fit her mood.

She had just wrapped her robe about her when she heard thetapping. Vincent stood on the balcony. She wanted to throw herselfinto his arms but her pride and a fresh resurgence of anger kept herrooted to the spot.

Her anger hit him like a physical blow. For a moment he just stoodthere, bereft of speech. Finally he held out his hand, "I'm sorry.I'm so sorry"

That was all she needed. She flung herself into his waiting arms.He crushed her against his chest. He murmured soft loving words intoher hair. Stepping back he lifted her chin. An instant before ithappened Catherine knew he was going to kiss her. His lips brushedhers, tentatively at first as if asking permission. In response herarms wrapped around his neck bringing his lips more firmly in contactwith hers. Vincent needed no further encouragement. His tongue pushedinsistently against her lips seeking entrance. Catherine eagerlycomplied. The feel of his tongue, dancing with hers, his armspressing her tightly against him his hands roaming her form left hergasping.

The kiss ended. Vincent kept his arm firmly around her. He led herinside the apartment and closed the door.

"We have too talk." He stated simply seating her on the edge ofthe bed.

For a moment Catherine was to stunned to do anything but nod.Finally regaining the power of speech she asked, "What are we goingto do?" Tears threatened to choke her. Vincent sat beside hergathering her against his chest.

"We are going to be together, that is, if you will have me." Eventhough the words had been confidently said, the fear of rejection wasclearly etched on his features.

"Have you! Have you! Oh my God Vincent I've never wanted anythingelse!" to add emphasis to her words Catherine kissed him soundly,shoving him flat against the bed. Sprawled across him two thingsbecame evident at once. First, the evidence of his desires strainingagainst his jeans. The second that her robe had come open.

A faint pink tinge suffused her face. "I was about to have abubble bath when you arrived." She said by way of explanation of herunclothed state.

"It would be a shame to waste it" he replied. The implication ofhis words both a question and an invitation.

"Yes it would" she stated getting to her feet letting the robedrop to the floor as she did so. Taking his hand she led him into thecandle lit room.

Noting the wineglass he raised a questioning brow. "Wine?"

Catherine laughed. "Look again."

Vincent smiled. The glass was filled with milk. Other activitiestook the place of speech.

As she helped him out of the multiple layers of tunnel clothingVincent became vaguely aware of the music on the stereo. It was as ifthe lyrics had been written for this moment.

Her hands and mouth were doing such things Vincent was consumed bydesires he had not known possible. Desires he knew only Catherinecould fulfil. Giving himself over to the sensations he listened asGowan sang on.

Catherine could not believe it was real. She was here, withVincent, in her candle lit bathroom and in her bathtub no less. Shemarvelled at how beautiful he really was. Aside from a light dustingof golden hair that covered his entire body he was definitely andwonderfully male. More man than beast. His tongue was rough, sendingshivers down her spine. She couldn't wait any longer. Arching herback in unspoken invitation he thrust inside her in one powerfulmotion. The world shattered and spun away. They were truly finallyone.

When the water grew chilly Vincent carried her to the bedroom.Consumed by the newness of being lover's passion flared. They madeslow passionate love once more. On the verge of drifting off to sleepVincent heard Catherine's soft chuckle.

"Would you care to share what you find so amusing?"

"I was just thinking. This is the third time we've made love butit's the first time we've made it to a bed."

"I would say it was definitely worth the wait wouldn't you?"

"Definitely." Suddenly serious she asked, "Vincent what are wegoing to do? About Father I mean"

Catherine lay in the circle of Vincent's arms his hand resting onthe telltale roundness of her belly. Her heart ached. Even though hehad taken her side in the battle with Father she knew he had to beupset about the rift it had caused.

He sadly shook his head. " I don't know but I promise you we'llface it together."

As if it was a direct link to the baby Vincent slide down in thebed and spoke directly into her navel, "You tell your Mommy not toworry. We're a family now and nothing will ever keep us apart."

Catherine didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Vincent's softlywhispered promise had touched her deeply. "You're really happy aboutthe baby aren't you."

Gathering her once more in his arms he kissed her. All the love,joy and tenderness he felt was expressed in its depths. "Do you evenhave to ask?" He made love to her again with such deliberatetenderness, handling her with such fragile care, Catherine thoughther heart would burst from the sheer beauty of it.

Before she drifted off to sleep she whispered, "I'd move belowtomorrow --; if you asked me to."

Vincent, already sleeping, did not reply.

Saying good-bye to Vincent as the dawn rapidly approached had beensad and wonderful. Sad because she had not wanted the magical nightto end but wonderful in the knowledge they were finally, trulytogether.

She had arrived that morning to find a large manila envelope onher desk. Tearing it open she was stunned by the contents. Pictures!Pictures of her, pictures of Vincent, pictures of the drainage tunnelin the park spilled on to her desk. "Oh Vincent, how will we facethis?" her knees were shaking so badly they would no longer supporther.

Dropping into her chair, Catherine took stock of the situation.The first thing she had to do was relax. The last thing she neededwas Vincent reacting to her distress.

"Okay Chandler breath" she muttered kicking into efficient lawyermode. It was obvious that someone knew about the tunnels and Vincent.Equally obvious was the fact this knowledge had not yet been sharedwith the general public.

"Whoever took these pictures wants me to know he knows my secret,"she concluded. "That means he wants something. Sooner or later hewill have to contact me to make his demands."

Looking heaven ward she added a silent prayer, "Please God let itbe sooner. I don't know how long I can keep this from Vincent." Inher heart Catherine knew she wouldn't be able to keep the existenceof the pictures secret for long. She knew the council would have tobe informed. They would have to make whatever plans they feltnecessary to protect the tunnels.

"FATHER!" The thought of telling him caused her already queasyinnards to drop into her feet. She raced for the bathroom.

Joe Maxwell caught her on the way out. "Are you alright Radcliff?You look like hell."

Catherine brushed away his concern, "I'm alright I just didn't getmuch sleep last night." At least that wasn't entirely a lie.

Joe watched as she walked away. He shook his head. CatherineChandler was a mystery he would never understand. There was much moregoing on in her life than she would admit. Maybe one day she'dconfide in him until that day arrived he'd be there whether shewanted him or not.

****

Vincent sat at his writing desk contemplating the events of thenight before. He still could not believe Catherine's complete andtotal acceptance of him. His pleasure was cut short as the cold rushof fear, her fear, gripped him. The sensation did not last long. Hefelt Catherine's attempt to block their connection. He had no time tocontemplate further as Father entered the chamber.

"Well you've finally returned. I assume I've no need to ask whereyou were all night."

Distracted by Catherine's obvious distress Vincent's tolerance waslimited. "I'm in no mood to be lectured old man," he warned with abarely suppressed growl.

Father was momentarily taken aback. Then he lost his temper. "Whathas gotten into you?"

Rising to his feet Vincent glared down at the smaller man. "Icould ask you the same question. How could you even suggest thethings you did yesterday."

"I was only thinking of you. I am trying to protect you."

"From what; the woman who loves me, who has completely acceptedme? The mother of my child." He was shaking with barely controlledrage.

Father turned to leave. "It is pointless trying to talk to youlike this. When you get hold of yourself I'll be in my study"

"Answer one question. Why wasn't I considered a threat?"

"Don't be ridiculous, you were an infant, how could you be athreat?"

Vincent pounced. "Exactly! So how can you consider this child athreat?"

Sinking into the chair Vincent had vacated, shoulders slumped helooked the pitiable figure. "Your going above was never an issue. Youhad no one but us, no one to pull you into that world."

Understanding dawned. It wasn't the child Father saw as the threatbut Catherine and her ties to the world above. Understanding did notmean acceptance

Father's temper flared again. "Catherine is a prominent figure.The newspapers love her. How long do you think it will be before newsof her pregnancy gets out? How will she handle questions she cannotpossibly answer?"

"Do not force me to choose. You will not win."

"I don't expect you to choose Vincent. I am not asking you to. Ijust want you make Catherine see reason. Since she plans to have thischild she must move below."

"Catherine understands the baby will have to be born here. Thepossibility the child could be like me is to great to risk having itabove. We have already talked about that. As for Catherine giving upher life above, that is something I cannot ask her to do. We willjust have to find a way to have the best of both worlds. Thissituation is still so new we have yet to discuss it let alone workout all the details."

"Humph! A life in both worlds --; impossible!"

Vincent was tired; he did not want to fight with his father anylonger. "Can't you even try to be a little happy for us?"

Father rose to leave. Stopping at the chamber entrance he turnedand looked sadly at his son. "Mark my words Vincent. The day is goingto come when someone will become curious or you will become carelessand then we will all pay."

""What if the payment you expect is too high?" Vincent asked "Whatthen?"

Vincent reclaimed the chair he had vacated earlier. He couldn'treally blame Father for being shocked at the news he was going to bea grandfather. His own reaction had been one of stunned disbelief.Thinking back he remembered the night, just a week ago, whenCatherine had shared the incredible news with him.

Catherine was a nervous wreck. He arrived on her balcony to findher furiously pacing its length. Through their bond he knew somethingwas troubling her. Hoping to ease her mind he said, "Whatever it is,it might help to talk about it."

She looked at him with a helpless expression; "I don't know whereto start." She shook her head in frustration. "I have something Ihave to tell you and I don't know how."

Taking her hand he looked deeply into her eyes, "Surely it cannotbe as bad as all that now can it?"

Pulling her hand free she began to pace again. "No it's not bad,not to me. I think it's wonderful and miraculous but…" Shestopped pacing and took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant. You're going tobe a father."

His legs refusing to hold him from the shock, Vincent sat downhard, almost missing the chair. "That's not possible." The words werebarely audible.

Catherine knelt before him. "I know you don't remember, that's whytelling you was so hard."

Still reeling Vincent could manage nothing more than single words."How?" --- "When?"

"It happened during your illness. In the cave below thecatacombs." Lost in the memory everything she had felt that night theterror, the desperation and the love flowed over him.

"My god Catherine, someone should have stopped you! I could havekilled you!"

"There was actually a moment when I thought you might strike me,"she admitted. Seeing his anguished expression she quickly continued."I screamed your name and you stopped. You recognized me and then youcollapsed."

Tears welled up in her eyes. "I thought you had died. I was soangry, angry with God for taking you and angry with you for leavingme. There were so many things we hadn't shared. I hadn't even kissedyou, not a real kiss, not like I had always wanted to. So I kissedyou and that's when it happened."

Vincent's expression was hidden behind a vale of golden hair.Taking his face in her hands Catherine forced him to look at her."You responded to that kiss. I knew in that moment what I had to do,what we had to do, to bring you back. It worked Vincent you came backto me."

He wanted to ask what had happened but couldn't find the words.Reading his thought she continued. "Willing as you were you were into condition be of much help. It was just the most basic act but itwas beautiful. The inevitable union of two souls."

Her words helped put him at ease that at least he had not hurt herbut he could not fight his fear for her safety. Her expression toldhim the answer but he was compelled to ask, "Are you sure, abouthaving the baby? We have no idea of the risks."

Placing a finger against his lips she silenced him. "Vincent eventhough we were told it was impossible and too dangerous we've beentogether and nothing has happened. The earth did not crumble and thesky did not fall. I cannot believe a God who would give us thismiracle would be so cruel as to let it be anything but perfect."

Her total conviction that everything would be all right convincedhim. His heart swelled with joy. "You do realize the baby could belike me."

Her smile told him she welcomed such a prospect. "I know and Ialso know I will have to be below for the birth. Promise mesomething." At that moment he would have promised her the moon hadshe asked for it. "Promise me that our child will be born in your bedand that you will be with me the entire time."

"I promise."

****

The music faded away. "Oh I am." The man grinned. "I wonder ifCathy still likes Gowan. She always did like obscure artists. PerhapsI'll ask her."

Buttoning his shirt the grin faded. He ran shaking fingers overthe jagged scars that criss-crossed his chest. The return of the furybrought the return of the voices.

"Yes I know! Shut up!" Placing his hands over his ears heresponded to the voices only he could hear, the ones that whisperedwhat had to be done.

Taking a last glance in the mirror the grin returned.

"ShowTime!"

The morning had passed in a blur and Catherine's nerves werestretched to the breaking point. Joe Maxwell's well meaning repeatedinquiries if she was all right had not helped. She had finally losther patience threatening him with bodily harm if he did not go intohis office and stay there. When a male figure stopped in front of herdesk, assuming it was Joe, she did not look up immediately.

When she finally did raise her head the acerbic remark she hadbeen about to make died on her lips.

"YOU! --- HOW?"

"Surprised to see me aren't you?" he continued before she couldreply, "Of course you are. I'm sure you never thought you'd see meagain. That is if you ever actually spared me a second thought."

Catherine thanked god she was seated. She was not certain shecould stand if she had to. She could not believe, Stephen Bass, aface that haunted her nightmares was standing before her.

Regaining some semblance of composure she asked, "How did you getout? I thought…"

"Oh come now Cathy, admit it, you never gave me a second thought."Walking behind her he placed his hands on her shoulders massagingthem. She could not control the shudder that ran through her. Hecontinued "I had plenty of time to think. I thought of you everyday.And HIM!"

His hands slide around her neck. Leaning down he whispered"Especially him!"

Catherine pulled away. "My God you really are insane! How did theyever let you out?"

Facing her he sat on the edge of the desk. "It's quite simplereally. To get out, tell them what they want to hear. The truth willset you free, rubbish. As soon as I stopped trying to tell them whatreally happened I made a rapid recovery. They pronounced me cured andset me free!"

Catherine was reeling. This was the last thing she needed to dealwith. "So what do you want?"

"Temper, Temper Cathy. Did you get my little gift?"

"Little gift, I don't know what --- The pictures. You sentthem."

Nodding he leaned forward. Looking around to be sure no one waslistening he smirked, "People with secrets should really be morecareful."

For a moment she didn't know how to respond. Finally she asked,"What do you want?"

He fained ignorance, "Want?"

Catherine trotted out her best courtroom voice. "You didn't do allthis, the pictures, coming here, without expecting payment. So I askagain, what do you want?"

Seated once more in the chair facing her he propped his feet onher desk. Leaning back he studied her for a moment before responding."What I've always wanted --; what we should have shared --; what wewould have shared if HE had not interfered! Quite simply I wantyou."

Whatever she had been expecting her expression told him quiteclearly his price for silence was the last thing she expected tohear.

"You can't mean…" Her voice was barely audible.

The sound of chair legs thudding back to the floor as he rose tohis feet echoed in her head. Everything seemed suddenly louder.Leaning across her desk his expression was hard his tone venomous."Oh yes my pretty Cathy. The price of my silence is you. Any time Iwant. Anywhere I want. Any way I want." Reaching out he stroked hercheek; "I shall enjoy that very much. Whether you do or not is of nomatter."

"You're mad!" she spat slapping his hand away.

"Perhaps" he agreed with a chuckle, "But I am not totallyunreasonable. You can have 24 hours to contemplate your fate."

Walking way from her desk he stopped and turned, looking back ather. "Give in Cathy, you have no choice."

Watching his retreating back Catherine finally lost the battle shehad been having with her innards. Clapping a hand over her mouth shebolted to the bathroom where she lost the remnants of her breakfastand her control. Seated on the floor of the ladies room, her headresting against the toilet bowl, Catherine went completely to pieces.She cried out her woes with only the porcelain god for company.

The sun had barely set that evening when Vincent arrived onCatherine's balcony. He tapped briefly at the door before opening itand stepping into the living room. She was seated on the sofa staringoff into space. Not wishing to startle her he knelt before her takingher hand. He could get no sense of her through their bond.Emotionally she had shut down.

He softly spoke her name. "Catherine." She did not respond.Finally he gently shook her. "Catherine!"

Suddenly aware she was not alone Catherine jumped. She did notspeak but instead dashed into the bathroom. Vincent followed. Notknowing what to do he hovered in the doorway. He was filled withguilt. He knew Catherine had not been feeling well, he had notrealized the extent of her misery. For her to be suffering so and forhim to be the cause made his heart twist.

Finally she looked up at him. "Is it always this bad?" he askedhanging his head. "I didn't realize. I'm so sorry."

A victim of raging hormonal mood swings Catherine began to laugh.She couldn't control it Vincent found her near hysterical laughterunnerving. She laughed till tears ran down her face. Leading her backto the living room he sat her on the couch.

Concern was clearly written on his features. "Tell me."

Gasping for breath she continued to laugh. "You're sorry! Oh Godyou're sorry!" The laughter dissolved into tears.

Vincent was adrift in the centre of an emotional storm asCatherine's rapidly shifting mood battered him. Finally he couldstand it no longer. "Please Catherine! Just tell me. What ever iswrong we can face it together."

Completely unhinged by that comment she broke into hystericallaughter once more. Going to her desk to retrieve the envelope shecontinued to laugh uncontrollably. "Face this!" She practicallyscreamed the words. "How are we going to face this?" She dropped theenvelope in his lap. The contents spilled to the floor.

For a moment Vincent said nothing, just looked at the pictures oneby one. After what seemed like an eternity to Catherine he spoke."Who?"

"Stephen Bass."

"BASS!" He growled the name. The muscles in his arm went rigidunder her hand. "How? I thought he was locked up."

"He was but now he's not. That doesn't matter. What matter's is heknows about everything; you, the tunnels, us."

The beast emerged. "I should have killed him." It snarled grippingher arm. "I still could."

She jerked away. "NO! Vincent no!"

The beast receded. Ashamed of his loss of control Vincent couldnot bring himself to meet her eyes.

"What does he want?"

At that moment she was thankful for her erratic moods. There wasno way she could tell him. For the first time since they had metCatherine lied to him. "He said he would give me twenty four hoursbefore he demanded payment."

Regaining his composure he finally looked at her, "We have to tellthe council."

Knowing he was right didn't make the prospect any easier. "IfFather blamed me before…" Overcome by the need to be sick yetagain she never finished the sentence.

Vincent met her at the threshold below her building. Stopping at anearby pipe he tapped out a brief message. Taking Catherine's handthey headed for Father's study.

****

In the pipe chamber Pascal and Max had been enjoying a few quietmoments together. Traffic on the pipes had been light. All thatchanged with the receipt of Vincent's brief message calling for animmediate emergency meeting of the council. The pipes screamed tolife.

Given Pascal's place on the council Kipper raced in to relievehim. "I'll take over here. You go on," he stated while efficientlytapping out a reply to an incoming message.

Pascal glanced at Max, his expression serious, "This sounds liketrouble."

Taking his hand Max headed for the exit. "I'm coming too."

Vincent and Catherine arrived in the study. The council wasassembled. Without preamble Father directed his question toCatherine, "What have you done now?"

Feeling like a sheep about to be slaughtered by an old grey wolf,Catherine was overcome by the urge to say "Baa."

Slumped in her seat she was the picture of abject misery. She waspale, her hair hung limply around her face, her features pinched. Herfighting spirit had deserted her.

Before anyone else could respond Max was on her feet. "Why don'tyou back off! Are you blind as well as heartless? Can't you see she'snot feeling well?"

Until she spoke Father had not noticed her presence. He had aboutas much tolerance for her as he did for Catherine. It was evident inhis tone. "You are not a member of this council. You are herestrictly as a courtesy to Pascal. I suggest, therefore, you sit downand keep your comments to yourself. If that should prove to difficultthe door is over there!"

Returning to her seat Max shot him a look that would curdle milk.Under her breath she muttered, "pickled old goat!"

Father glared at her. "Is there something you'd care to add Ms.Seaton?"

Never one to back down from a challenge Max smiled sweetly. "Oh noFather, I was just commenting I was chilly and should have brought mycoat."

Catherine gave her a faint smile of gratitude. At least she hadone ally in the room.

Vincent rose and addressed the assembled group. "We have aproblem." Taking the pictures out of the envelope he handed them tothe council.

He got no further with his explanation. Father was on his feet. "Iknew this day would come! From the moment you brought her here!"

Vincent lost his control. The beast emerged. It snarled at Father.Fangs bared. Pascal, who had been seated next to Vincent, placed hishand over the beasts clenched fist. Looking it squarely in the facehe said in his most soothing voice, "Please, calm down, we need coolheads. Anger is not the answer." Vincent re-emerged.

The entire exchange was too much for Catherine. She dashed out ofthe chamber. She made it to the tunnel outside the study before dryheaves racked her body. Mary and Max followed her concern mirrored onboth faces. From her seat on the stone floor she attempted a weakgrin, "They say no one dies from morning sickness. These mood swingsare another matter. I feel like I'm the only passenger on a dementedrollercoaster and I can't get off."

"You poor dear. It'll get better." Mary couldn't keep thedelighted smile from her face. "I take it Vincent already knows?"

Catherine smiled and nodded, "Yes."

"And Father?" Catherine's smile faded.

Max snorted. "I can just imagine his reaction to that piece ofnews."

All eyes fell on Catherine when she re entered the chamber.Vincent placed a protective arm about her waist. "I have shared ournews with the council."

"A baby." Mary beamed at the tunnels favourite couple "That's suchdelightful news!"

It was obvious that all but one of the council shared her opinion."How delightful will it be when this world is discovered; if Vincentis captured and caged? When this precious child is viewed as nothingmore then a laboratory experiment?" Father looked at the gatheredgroup. "Tell me -- how delightful will it be then?"

For a moment no one spoke. It was Kanin who finally broke thesilence. "I for one am not willing to just sit here and let thathappen! We have to protect ourselves. I suggest we start by sealingoff the upper entrances. That means no one leaves or enters thetunnels unless it is absolutely necessary. At least until we knowwhat he wants as payment."

In her absence Vincent had unwittingly added to her lie. He hadexplained to the council that Stephen Bass would demand payment in 24hours. "Catherine will send word when she has received hisdemands."

With a course of action decided upon the council meetingadjourned. Catherine had been about to leave when Father stopped her."May I speak to you alone for a moment please?"

Vincent looked as if he had been about to refuse on her behalf. "Iwon't keep her long. I'm sure Kanin could use your suggestions on thework to be done."

Seeing her brief nod of agreement Vincent reluctantly left thechamber.

" I'll get right to the point the demands have already been madehaven't they?"

For a moment she pretended she didn't know what he was talkingabout.

"Do you think I am a complete fool? I have had enough dealingswith men like Bass to know how they act how they think. They are thereason I left the world above. Now tell me what he wants!"

Seeing no way out she told him. "He wants to sleep with me. Thereare you happy now?"

Father had the grace to look mildly appalled. Her control broke."Now do you see? Now do you understand why I can't tell Vincent?Since you seem to have all the answers just what do you suggest Ido?"

"Pay the price. You have no alternative."

If he had physically slapped her Catherine could not have beenmore shocked. "You sanctimonious old bastard! How can you sit thereand claim to love Vincent and even suggest such a thing?"

He didn't flinch. "How can you claim the same thing and refuse?Remember without this world Vincent has no place he can be safe."

She choked on her retort as Vincent re entered the study. "I'llwalk you out." Glancing at his father he added, "That is if you aredone here."

They walked in silence each lost in their own thoughts. Outsidethe entrance to her building he gathered her into his arms. The kissleft them both breathless and wanting more. Stepping back Vincentlooked at her sadly. "We'll have to close off this entrance."

"I know."

"I won't be able to come above, at least for a while."

"I Know"

"I love you."

"I know."

Stephen Bass could find no peace. The voices taunted him."She's with him," they whispered. "She's with him."

"Alright! Enough!" He dashed from his apartment.

****

Stepping off the elevator Catherine froze. Stephen was waiting inthe hall outside her apartment.

Grabbing her wrist he pulled her against him. "You were with himweren't you?"

Struggling to get free she demanded, "What business is that ofyours? What are you doing here anyway? You said I had twenty- fourhours."

"Guess what, I lied," he snared tightening his grip on her wrists."I want my first payment now."

Catherine was reeling. Taking several deep breaths she tried tocalm herself. Vincent reacting to her fear would only make thingsworse. Like a litany she kept repeating "You can do this. For Vincent--- you can do this."

Opening her apartment door she led Stephan inside. Once the doorwas closed he grabbed her again kissing her. Shoving her away heripped open his shirt. "Do you see these? He did this. They are myconstant reminder of him." When she tried to look away he grabbed herhair forcing her to look at the angry scars.

Pulling her to him once more his lips crushed hers in a punishingkiss. "I want you to be his constant reminder of me! Every time helooks at you to know what you did for him. It will eat at him."

Catherine reacted the only way she could; she threw up on hisshoes.

Furious he slapped her, "You bitch!"

As frightened as she was Catherine couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Iguess my baby doesn't like the way you kiss any more then I do!"

"Baby! You're carrying that things baby!" The rage took over as hehit her again knocking her to the floor.

The voices started again. "Meet him, meet him, meethim."

He was unable to keep the revulsion out of his voice. "The pricejust went up. I couldn't be with you, not now, knowing. No I want tomeet him! I want to visit his world."

Catherine shook her head as she struggled to her feet. "They'llnever agree. The price is to high."

Opening her apartment door he looked back "Yes they will. Theyhave no choice! Arrange it! I'll be back here in the morning!"

When the door closed behind him Cathy leaned against it. Knowingshe had no choice she headed back to the tunnels.

In the tunnels Vincent was furiously pacing back and forth in hischamber. "She is blocking our bond. Something is wrong and she doesnot want me to know!"

"Vincent you said yourself that earlier in her apartment she hadshut you out. She was emotionally drained. She's probably trying notto batter you with her feelings." Pascal offered reasonably, doinghis best to calm his friend.

"Pascal is right," Father agreed as he entered the chamber"besides Catherine is a smart woman she will do what needs to bedone."

Max had been silent during this exchange. A thought struck her andshe stared at Father. "You know! Oh my God! You know"

Father bristled, "Know what? I've no idea what you're talkingabout!"

Three sets of eyes were fixed on her. "Catherine already knew whatBass wanted as payment didn't she?" Walking to Father she pointed anaccusing finger, "You told her to pay it!"

Vincent could not believe his ears. "Is this true?" Father lookedabout to deny everything. " I'm warning you old mad DON'T lie tome!"

"Alright it's true! That's what we were discussing in my study! Ipointed out she had no choice. Not if she wanted to keep yousafe!"

Vincent was shaking with the effort of trying to keep his control."What did you tell her to do? What did Bass want?"

While Father related what Stephen Bass had demanded the silence inthe chamber was deafening.

"And you told her to pay it?" Vincent was stunned; "If he hurtsher…" His threat was cut off by a message on the pipes thatCatherine was headed to his chamber.

Catherine had practically run through the tunnels. She arrived atVincent's chamber winded and doubled over by a stitch in her side.She collapsed into his waiting arms.

Taking in her torn blouse and bruised face Vincent assumed theworst. "No Catherine you didn't, not for me. Please tell me youdidn't?"

Realizing he knew about Stephen's original demand she quickly sethis mind to rest. "Oh no Vincent nothing happened."

Gently touching the bruise on her cheek he stated, "This is notnothing."

"He got angry when I threw up on his shoes."

Pascal was concerned. "If nothing happened then what does he wantnow?"

Catherine looked deeply into Vincent's blue eyes. "He wants tocome here. He wants to meet you."

"That is simply out of the question!" Father had been about to saymore but Vincent silenced him with a look.

"I'll meet him. Oh yes, I'll meet him."

Catherine was horrified. "Vincent you can't! He's crazy! He'sdangerous!"

"What would you have me do? Let him take you?" Reaching out helightly touched her bruised cheek, "Let him continue to beat youuntil the day comes when he completely loses control and kills you?You're right he is dangerous and I want you to stay heretonight."

"I can't, he expects me to be there to meet him in themorning."

Vincent would not be swayed. "We can send someone to meet him andguide him below."

Knowing he was right and wanting nothing more then the safety ofhis arms around her during the night Catherine agreed.

"Can I make a suggestion?" All eyes turned to Max. "I agree youhave to meet this man but don't do it here not in the livingquarters. Meet him in the chamber with the abyss and I would like tobe there for the meeting if that's alright."

Pascal gave Max a look that said he thought she had completelytaken leave of her senses. "Why on earth would you want to bethere?"

"Because I may be able to help."

"Help! How?"

Max refused to elaborate. "You just have to trust me. Rememberthere are more things in heaven than can be explained on earth."

Given that Max had already saved the tunnel world once her requestwas readily agreed to. Even Pascal had grudgingly given in with theunderstanding he would be there as well.

****

Lying in his bed Pascal couldn't sleep. Max was snuggled up besidehim but her breathing told him she was not asleep either.

"Max do you really think you can help?"

Propping herself up on her elbow she looked into his troubledface. "This is really important to you isn't it."

Turning to his side to face her Pascal nodded. "Vincent andCatherine have been through so much they deserve to be happy but it'smore than that."

"Tell me about it." They had not been together long but Maxunderstood how important it was to Pascal to have someone listen tohis fears. Talking helped him relax.

"You have only seen glimpses of the beast, Vincent's darker side.I'm afraid of what will happen tomorrow. Every time the beast emergesVincent seems to loose a little part of himself especially if he isforced to kill. We almost lost him recently because of it. Now withthe baby coming I just don't want to see it happen again."

Max was touched by his concern for his friends. "Pascal do youremember when we met? Maybe I should have said how we met" He hadquite literally fallen into her world. What he considered a hole in awall Max knew to be a weakness in the fabric of time. "It's thesetunnels they are a special place in the universe."

Max got no further with her explanation. Pascal's soft snores toldher he was asleep. Kissing his upturned face she whispered, " Thesetunnels have a power all their own and tomorrow I'm going to use thatpower to set things right. I promise you my beloved I will not letanything happen to your friends."

****

Stephen Bass was feeling confident in the extreme when he steppedof the elevator the following morning. He was humming the tune toGowan's "A Criminal Mind". It had become his signature song. Hispleasant mood quickly faded when he was met by a strange man outsideCathy's apartment.

"Are you Stephen Bass?"

"I am and what's it to you?"

"You're to come with me." Kanin replied. "I'm to take you toCatherine."

Stephen was not pleased with this unexpected development. "Whereis Cathy and why isn't she here?"

"She is waiting for you below. Now are you coming or not?"

"Lead on." He completely ignored the voices that whispered "becareful."

Kanin lead him through the maze of tunnels. Down past the livingquarters to the cliffs around the abyss. "They're waiting for youhere." Without a backward glance he walked away.

Glancing about Stephen spotted Cathy and two people he did notrecognize from their size he knew neither one was Vincent. Walkingtoward them he demanded "Where is he?"

"Right here," Vincent responded stepping out from behind anoutcropping of rock.

For a moment Stephen said nothing. He circled Vincent, poking athim. "God you really are a freak! What gave birth to you?"

Vincent's only reply was a growl deep in his throat.

"Paracelsus wasn't kidding about you. Of course I did have somefirst hand experience."

"You knew Paracelsus?" Catherine could not keep the surprise outof her voice. "How?"

Stephen grinned. "Being crazy makes for strange bed fellows. Hewas in the asylum where I had been locked up. Horribly disfigured byfacial burns. He ranted about you Vincent. How it was all your fault.The Doctors thought he was just another loon who had flown the coopbut I knew better. I knew he was telling the truth. Once he saw myscars he knew I understood. An alliance was born."

Stopping directly in front of Vincent he continued. "I believe hehated you even more then I do. He hired Bernie Spirko to takeinvestigate and take pictures. They were really quite good don't youagree? Shame about Bernie's untimely demise. Paracelsus has quite atemper I'm afraid. Funny thing is Paracelsus disappeared. Youwouldn't happen to know anything about that would you Vince?"

While it was obvious he had his own theory about what had becomeof his partner in crime, the assembled group was not about to sharethe details of his death. It was one of the blackest moments inVincent's life. Paracelsus had been below, disguised as Father. Hehad provoked Vincent to the point of no return. The beast had emergedkilling him. Vincent still suffered horrible nightmares about theincident.

Looking about his surroundings Stephen turned his attention toCatherine. "How could you possibly want to be a part of this freakshow, let alone give birth to one of them?"

Grabbing her arm he yanked her to him. "No this is not acceptable,not acceptable at all. You are going to come with me. The price hasjust gone up." Gesturing at Vincent, "If you want to keep this thingsafe you will marry me --; just as you always should have."

****

Pascal spoke up, "And if she refuses? Did you honestly think wewould let you leave here with her?"

Dropping Catherine's arm he grabbed Pascal by the collar. " Andjust how do you propose to stop me little man?"

Vincent answered "He can't but I can!"

Dropping him Stephan started to laugh. "Do you really take me tobe such a fool as to walk in here without a guarantee I could walkback out? Those pictures you are all so interested in keeping secret.I left copies of them with my lawyer with instructions that if Idon't contact him by twelve noon today he was to open the envelopeand send the contents to every news paper and television station inNew York!

The voices rejoiced "They can't win!"

Stephen echoed their words; "You can't win!"

He was so busy congratulating himself he failed to notice Maxcoming up behind him. "Mr. Bass I'm afraid you are very wrong. We canwin."

He scoffed at the tiny red head. "And just what do you propose todo?"

"This!" With that she shoved him with all her might. He lookedmomentarily surprised as he fell into the abyss. Within seconds hehad disappeared from sight.

Pascal looked stricken. "My god Max, What have you done?"

Catherine wore an expression that mirrored Pascal's. "He's dead."Suddenly horrified she added "The pictures!"

"The pictures no longer exist." Max replied "And Stephen Bass isnot dead."

"But Max he fell into the abyss" Pascal was certain she had takenleave of her senses. Only Vincent seemed unaffected by Max's oddpronouncement.

She took advantage of this. "Vincent what can you tell me aboutthe abyss? Do you know how far down it goes? Or where it goes?"

"Not really. As children we assumed it was bottomless. Narcissaalways claimed it was a portal to another reality"

"Your Narcissa is a wise woman. The abyss is a portal. A portal intime. Stephan Bass is now residing in another time. That's why thepictures no longer exist. When a person ceases to exist in one timeall traces of that existence ceases to exist as well. No Stephen Bass-- no pictures. No pictures -- no problem."

Pascal was confused. "But Max if Stephen Bass has ceased to existin our time how come we still remember him?"

Max smiled. "Haven't you figured it out? It's these tunnels. Theyare a powerful conduit of time and space." Taking his hand shecontinued. "That's how you found me. Through an opening in time.These tunnels are truly unique. They insulate those here from theeffects felt in the outside world. Oh yes these tunnels allow for theexistence of many strange and wonderful things."

They all started to laugh at once. Max found herself the recipientof a huge group hug.

Later that year Catherine gave birth to a son. They briefly toyedwith the idea of naming him Jacob but some wounds still had nothealed.

They named him Max.