A Mosaic Story

The atmosphere became even more oppressive after one Tunnel dweller was found lifeless at her desk, her pencil still in hand. Her last words were undecipherable.
Apprehension, fear and uncertainty rippled through the tunnels. There were many rumors about what she had been writing, as she kept her writing hidden, awaiting a final unveiling once it was complete. The girl was only 19 years old, full of life and beloved by the entire community. No one could understand why she had died. All they knew was that a life had ended, and any one of them could have been responsible...or even the next victim. Did the clues lie in her past? Her life in the tunnels? Or was the reason she was gone connected to what she was writing? While they mourned her loss, they had to find out what happened to protect the rest of the community both Below and Above. Catherine took the note. "Catherine, you must come at once. Bring with you someone that can be trusted. Meet me at the threshhold below your apartment. Vincent" Catherine walked to Joe's office, "I need your help. No one can know. Trust me. Okay?" Joe, looking doubtful and puzzled, replied, "Sure, Radcliffe. Whatever you say...I think." Catherine sighed. "Good. I need to find a way to decipher this writing. The writer, a young girl, was murdered in the act of composing this. I think it holds a clue

"Murdered?!? Catherine the police need to be...." he trailed off as her expression hardened into the sternest resolve he had ever seen as she shook her head slowly.

"No police, Joe." There was no room left for debate in that quiet yet firm statment. "Ok, Ok Cath, but what have you got yourself into? What aren't you telling me?" he pleaded. Catherine tried to side step the questions. "Joe, If you've ever trusted me, trust me now. I need a friend right now, as much as I need your detective skills." Joe's instinct battled against the depth of his friendship for this formidable lady. He *knew* there was important info not being said, and yet she asked for trust. "OK Cath...I will trust you... Can you trust me enough to answer some of my questions?" "Yes," she said , "but not right now. First we have to meet with someone. Someone very special. After we meet him, I'll tell you everything you need to know. But we must hurry now, it's important that we don't keep him waiting. Catherine turned to lead Joe out to her car and then to her apartment basement. "Hey, where we going Radcliffe?" Joe tried to hide his growing nervousness.

Catherine smiled reassuringly. They stopped in front of the boxes that concealed the tunnel entrance."Before we go any further give me your gun." At that request, Joe stopped in his tracks. "Now, just one minute..." before he finished, Cathy heard a noise behind the boxes. Joe drew his gun. "What is it Radcliff?" "Nothing to be concerned about. Stop waving that gun about, you'll..." Thankfully Joe is a bad shot when he's nervous. Catherine took the gun and sent Joe down. She covered the hole and climbed down. "Cath, why are we here?" Just then a shadow appeared. Jerking Joe saw the shadow and turned to see Vincent as his hood fell away and a beam of light rested on his face.Vincent braced himself and hoped for the best. Joe froze in shock then darted glances between Catherine and Vincent trying to absorb what his eyes were showing him.

"Joe.. this is Vincent." she said.

"Please... don't be afraid. Mr. Maxwell, Catherine has told me so much about you. She trusts you and therefore, I must trust you," said Vincent. "This for real?" Joe whispered to Catherine.

"Joe, both Vincent and our need for your assistance are very real. Will you help us?" Catherine softly pleaded. Joe straightened up his back and held out a hand to Vincent to shake, "Joe Maxwell how can I help?"

Vincent visibly relaxed and extended his hand to Joe. Joe, hesitated for just a moment, then grasped Vincent's hand in a firm hand shake. Now that the introductions had been made it was time to get down to business. "Has anymore been learned?" Catherine asked Vincent. Joe still slightly puzzled looked on and tried to keep up.

"Nothing so far...no one Below nor our helpers have any clue." Both Vincent and Catherine turned to Joe. Joe looked puzzled. "You brought me here for a reason. Isn't it about time you told me what's going on?" Vincent explained the details. "I'll need to see the writings, and we'll need to interview everyone." Said Joe. I'm no cryptologist, but I know one who owes me a favor if we need it. "Do you have any background info on Clara? This seems a little odd for a 19 yr old former run away to be writing. There has to be a piece we are still missing in this puzzle. When I can speak to the others?" Joe asked. "We can help with that," offered Catherine. "Vincent, can you call everyone to the hall for a formal meeting. Maybe someone knows something that can give us a clue." As Vincent turned to leave, Joe said, "Others? Hall? What IS this place Cathy?"

As the three of them wound their way through the tunnels, Joe's sense of the unreal grew stronger. How could this place exist? How did Cathy learn about it? Joe shook his head. Right now he had more important things to think about. Murder. But once this was all over Joe had a serious bunch of questions for Catherine. Joe followed Vincent and Catherine through tunnel after tunnel, very quickly realizing that he would never find his way out on his own should he want to. And what was that tapping coming from all those pipes? Before he got an answer, someone tapped him on the shoulder. Mouse, who had been following them for some distance, quipped "I know things."
Vincent, who had been aware of Mouse all along, turned and said. "We know you do, Mouse. And we're hoping you can help us solve this mystery. Mouse replied happily, "OK, good! Ok, fine! But....show, not tell. Follow Mouse." And off he went, moving rapidly into the candlelit gloom, with Catherine, Joe, and Vincent following hastily behind. "Ok, so who the heck is this Mouse guy?" Joe thought to himself as they picked up speed. Mouse led them down further and further into the heart of the tunnel world. They approached the main hub of chambers and people wondered who this topsider was running with the group. Out of breath they finally came to a stop. They were at the doorway to the whispering gallery. Joe was overwhelmed by the voices and didn't want to move on. The others were in the middle of the bridge begging him to come. Mouse came back and grabbed his arm. "Okay good. Okay fine. Mouse help." But stil Joe hesitated: "Listen, kiddo, I’m not going anywhere until you tell me who’s here. And what exactly is this…kid wants to show you?” br “Oh Joe, don’t be such a baby. They’re just echoes, no real people.” Catherine didn’t recall seeing him look ing quite so uncomfortable...ever. "Come on, Joe", said Catherine.
In the middle of the bridge Mouse stopped. "Mouse listens," he said, "Mouse heard voice, doesn't belong....bad voice". "When did you hear this voice?" Asked Vincent. "Morning...Very early...Arthur stole one of my gizmos, stole not borrow or take...stole. He ran here and the voices scare him." He looked at Joe who rolled his eyes.

Vincent urged Mouse to go on, "Mouse, what did the voice say? How did it sound?"

"Sounded scary. Sounded bad. Mean man. Didn't like it." Mouse shook his head to add to his point. "Said better stop writing." Catherine didn't like this not a bit. She gathered all the patience she could master and addressed Mouse seemingly calmly. "Try to concentrate, Mouse: Did this voice sound some way familiar?" "Nope." he replied. Joe, still in disbelief, spoke up. "If this...boy...heard something maybe someone else did too. Call that meeting, and let me see what she was writing. I think that would be a good place to start. Was everything she wrote in cryptic?"

The call for an emergency meeting went out on the pipes while the three of them searched Clara's chamber for more of her mysterious writing. Several pages were found...all in a code none of them recognized. If there was a code there must be a key. Just then some papers rattled. Arthur looked out to see who was disturbing his scavenger hunt. Arthur loved shiney objects. Beneath his paws was a small, round, silver locket. Upon inspection, it was noticed that the chain was broken, as if it had been pulled roughly from around someone's neck. "Mouse," said Vincent, "can you see if you can get the locket from Arthur without scaring him. If he runs we might never know where he puts it." Mouse had no trouble trading a scrape of food for the locket. Inside was a slip of paper on which was written :1-W,2-G,3-L,4-Q,5-Z,6-D,7-O,8-B,9-E,10-R,11-I,12-F,13-N,14-T,15-Y,16-M,17-U,18-C,19-P,10-J,21-S,22,K,23-X,24-H,24-V,26-A. "Well, said Joe.. "I know someone who's great at decrypting codes like this." How would you feel if I gave him a call? Then Joe got a funny look on his face as he realized there were probably no phones here...wherever here was. "We have to be careful who we show this to.... Who did you have in mind calling?" Catherine asked, a bit guarded despite her trust in Joe himself. Whatever that message was it could involve the tunnels and such information had to be carefully kept. Just then, Mouse piped up. "Code? I know code. No need to go Above." All three pairs of eyes turned to Mouse.

In the meantime, everyone had gathered in the hall. Still in shock over the death of Clara, speculations of every kind were bantered back and forth until Father stood up to quiet the group. "It's a sad time," he said, "For Clara's sake we must be calm. We must not start idle rumors which might hinder the investigation. For our own sakes, we must be very careful. Now I'd like to introduce Mr. Joe Maxwell..."

"You're Catherine's boss!" one of the children shouted out, resulting in chuckles from everyone, including Joe. "Who did it?" came a question from the back. "Well", said Joe, "that's what we here to find out. Does anyone recall anything out of the ordinary over the last few days? Strange people, sounds, objects or talk?" "I heard Clara say she wasn't coming to dinner," another voice added. "When I passed by her chamber just AFTER dinner, she was busy writing something at her desk. I thought it was just one of her bedtime stories for the children."

"We want to question you individually, so please don't discuss any facts you know with each other till we have had a chance to talk to you individually to prevent any confusion. "Father, we will need a chamber to do the interviews, and can you help organize everyone into a line so we can get started?"

"Of course, Mr. Maxell", said Father. "In the mean time, added Vincent, I think we should have Mouse work on the code." That might give us some much needed clues. Up to this time, Mouse had been diligently busy working on the code. It was a combination of letters and numbers. The last entry Carla had made was where he concentrated his efforts. The last few pieces of code were: P3E26S9 F26T24E10. At last he knew what Clara had written on that little slip of paper and hid in her locket. He knew the solution to the code in the locket, so he knew the last two words Carla had scratched before she died. He couldn't wait to tell the others. He decided to take a short-cut up through one of his "secret" passages. But half way there he dropped the slip of paper and Arthur snatched it up. "Arthur! Give that back! Important message!" Mouse chased after the raccoon, but the pet was too fast. Finally Mouse went to report to the others what he thought he remembered the message to say.

Mouse arrived in Father's Chambers where Joe was currently talking with Mary. Vincent, standing on the second level, noticed that Mouse was very excited and was practically bursting with some kind of news.

"Mouse? Do you have some news for us?" Vincent asked.

"Code. Figured it out. Clara's words on little paper." Mouse gushed excitedly. "What did it say?" Catherine prompted. Mouse was afraid to answer. Clara's last two words were "Please...Father" Everyone looked at Father. Father was speechless. "What does she mean?" said Vincent, decending the stairs. "I wish I knew." Father replied. Then Joe spoke up. "Who's her Father?"

Father looked uncomfortable. Vincent explained, "We don't know who her real Father is. And we all call Father, 'Father'." Then Vincent paused. "Clara was a nun before she came to us. Perhaps she was refering to a priest she once knew." Joe's experience prompted some questions. "Does 'Please..Father' mean she's asking for help FROM someone named or is a Father, or is she asking 'Please..Father' STOP"? And 19 years old is a bit young to be a nun. Father where were you that night?" Vincent practically growled, "And what does that mean? You can't really suspect Father!" Vincent turned to Catherine, looking for her support.

Catherine looked between the three. She could see the torment in both Vincent and Father's eyes and the seriousness in Joe's. Why would Father hurt any of them? She saw the pleading in Vincent's eyes. She turned to Joe, "Joe."

"Radcliffe!"

Vincent, Father, it's okay. The sooner Joe clears you, the sooner we can concentrate on someone else. We question ones we know to be innocent all the time, to get that out of the way.

Meanwhile, I'll go above to research churches & priests nearby.

Joe continued questioning people. He learned that she was seen leaving her chamber around 9:00 but obviously returned. He also learned that she had a collection of postcards and had a friend above named Amy. He needed to find the murder weapon. It had to have been a heavy, blunt object, going by Father's report it was a blow to the head that killed the young woman. Most likely someone she knew for the murderer to get that close with such a weapon. There was no blood at the scene and several items in her chamber were disturbed or missing. Joe went back to her chamber to have a look around. When he arrived, a brown haired girl was standing in the middle of the room. She was about 19, he'd guess. Well dressed compared to other denizens. "Who are you?" He asked. "Amy", she said "and you?"

"Joe Maxwell, D.A."

"She finally made the call! Don't know why she waited."

"Call?" Joe asked.

The girl looked uncomfortable. "Where's Clara? She asked me to meet her."

"I'm sorry, but she won't be meeting you here tonight. Have a seat."

Amy moved to the only chair in the room. "Ok, Mr. Maxwell. I'm seated. What is going on with Clara?" "Amy, I'm sorry you have to find out this way, but Clara is dead." Joe hated telling loved ones when someone was gone.

Amy looked at Joe in shock, "Dead?"

Keeping a steady watch on Amy's response Joe continued, "Murdered in fact, and I need to know if there is anything, anything that you can tell me that might shed some light on this situation.

Amy stood up & began to shake violently. Joe tried to steady her. "I need help in here!" he shouted.

Mary, who had been waiting nearby, rushed in. "What is it?"

"She's terribly shaken. Can you get something to calm her? A drink or something?"

As Mary flew from the chamber to get some brandy, Amy became more and more unsteady in Joe's arms.
"Murdered? How can it be!" she cried. "I just...I never meant to..."
Suddenly everything turned black and she couldn't add more.

Meanwhile...

"Father, are you sure they never had visitors at all since arriving?" Catherine asked the young priest. You'd think family would have checked on them ccasionally."

"Ma'am, we're a CHURCH! What do you think goes on here? REALLY!"

"Father, I'm just trying to solve a murder. Please anthing you could tell me would be helpful", said Catherine. "Well, in that case. I only know that she used to come here with a family friend, an attorney, I believe. He specialized in private adoptions".

"This could be very important. Please, think back. Can you remember the attorney's name, anything about him that you might remember?" "I do know that Amy was his daughter and Clara's friend. His office has to be nearby because they walked to church. Wait, I rememeber, over on Myra Street. One down from the hosital. He looks to be about 45. So I don't think anything funny was going on."

"I assume you won't be leaving town anytime soon, Father?" Catherine asked over her shoulder as she turned to leave.

"Amy. Amy!" Joe called as he tried to get the girl to sip the hot tea spiked with Father's brandy.

Worried, Mary asked, "Do you think she will be OK? She looks to be in shock.
"We can let her calm down, but I do need to talk to her. I have a feeling she holds a key to this mystery and might be in danger herself now, due to her knowing Clara." Joe pointed out. "Oh dear" said Mary, wringing her hands. "Watch her Mary, I've got to meet Catherine now. Don't worry." he said.

"Joe," said Catherine, "I think Father MAY know something. This attorney knows both girls, and Father met with a helper just before Clara arrived and this helper also knows the attorney.

"Father," Catherine began, "do you know anything about an adoption attorney's meeting with a helper just before Clara arrived?"

"Well yes, but how do YOU know, and what does that have to do with Clara?" he answered, seemingly confused.

"Apparently not long before her arrival, Clara was searching for her biological father. Why she stopped we'll never know. I have to ask you, Father, just for the record of course, you're not Clara's real father are you?" Father closed his eyes and took a big sigh before answering. "No, I'm not".

"But you do know something."

Catherine and Father walked to the dining chamber, William brought tea on cue, Father explained. "Recently a helper asked for my assistance placing a baby for adoption. Whether the real purpose was to get info on a past adoption or not, we may never know." "I'm going to go back and talk to attorney Aldren again. He must know more than he was telling me. Don't worry Father, Joe and I will get to the bottom of this. Things are starting to make some sense now. I've got a hunch and I'm going to follow it through"

"Oh, you've spoken with him? I only spoke with MaeLi, our helper. She was interestd in finding someone to take the 3 month old infant of a young mother who couldn't care for her and needed shelter herself. Of course, I needed more information before speaking with our community." Cathrine met again with Joe and told him what she had learned. Joe said he'd stop by the court house to check records. Catherine then went to find Vincent to see if he had learned anything more. "Catherine", he whispered, how do you do this everyday?"

"Sometimes I wonder that myself," she smiled and took his hand. "There may be a child involved, or it may be a ruse to confuse the REAL issue behind this. I don't THINK the culprit's a Tunnel Dweller, yet we can't rule it out. Medical Records! I need to ask Fa ther if he knew of any. Come with me." When they arrived at Father's chamber, they found him unconscious, a blow to the head that could have killed him, and perhaps that was the plan. "Father, Father," Vincent pleaded, "Catherine get a Doctor!"

Catherine ran out and began banging on the pipes. Peter's office was near a helper with pipe access, and before Catherine knew it, Peter was below caring for Father.

Catherine said, "Vincent, it occurred to me that perhaps Clara had deliverd a baby before coming below. Autopsy should show..." "No," Vincent interjected. "Clara was in school up to the time she came here. I think Amy's the key to all of this." "I'll trust your instincts on this one, Vincent. By the way where is she?" Returning to the chamber Amy had been in, they found it empty. Vincent quickly tapped out an alert on the pipes to find her. Amy had come down to visit Clara several times before, but she was still a topsider that could easily get lost in the tunnels and she was in no condition to effectively move about Below. Back in the hospital room Below, Peter was examining Father.

"You're lucky,Jacob.You could have wound up like Clara. I always knew that hard head would prove good for you." Peter smiled. Father grimaced.

"I heard two voices just before I lost consciousness. I only heard 'sisters, father, scandal, and hide her.' But I don't know who they were. happy birthday vincent One voice sounded rather young...couldn't tell whether it was male or female...the other voice was male."

As they were speaking, Father noticed someone standing just outside the entrance. When Jacob paused, Peter asked, "Who's there?"

Amy came into the chamber, her eyes red, looking frightened.

"What is it child?"

"I think Clara was my half-sister." Just then Joe entered the room. "Not half sister Miss Alden, nice of you to drop by. You are under arrest for the murder of your sister Clara Alden and attempted murder of Jacob Wells." As he hand-cuffed her he said, "I'll read you your rights."

"Joe," Catherine said, entering the chamber, "Father Bennett called. Seems while Amy was helping Clara search for her birth father, they discovered that Amy's father was Clara's father, too. Clara's mother was murdered, and I think that's why Amy is scared now." "Almost right. But it was Clara who discovered Amy was her sister. Clara had been put up for adoption prior to their marriage. Amy was greedy and wanted her father's fortune for herself. When she learned of Clara, well, she had the motive and opportunity. "I need to speak to my attorney," said Amy. As soon as we get you all comfy in your own jail cell," Joe commented. Turning to Cathy, he said, "I'll need a guide uptop." "Coming Joe." Catherine turned to Vincent. "Can you met me later?" "I'll make sure Father is resting in comfort and I'll meet you at the threshold. Catherine, what will happen to Amy?" Catherine looked unsure. "If we can prosecute her for her mother's death, maybe Clara's can stay a secret. We'll talk more when I see."

Amy interrupted. "Together we found out we shared a father. We realized he'd had an affair with Clara's mother and probably killed HER so MY mom wouldn't find out. I led him right to Clara, not knowing. Maybe he killed her, too! He might blame me that you know."

"Save it for your deposition," Joe interrupted. "Are you coming Cathy?" Catherine smiled reassuringly at Vincent and whispered softly for his ears only, "Later then, I'll be waiting." With that the three headed out of the home tunnels. Tired from all the stress, Catherine longed to be near Vincent. Just a few moments longer and she would be near him, alone and safe. As they reached the entrance, "I think you can make it from here Joe. I'm taking a few days off." With that, she hurried to her apartment to freshen up for her rendevous with Vincent.

She showered in a flash, grabbed a few things and raced to the threshold. Vincent was waiting, as always with that tender smile, and whispered "Cathrine". She looked into his eyes and saw desire.

"Joe, that murder stumped us back then." Moreno told him, "Seems Mrs. Alden murdered Clara's mom. When her husband found out the girl was searching for him, he needed to know why. There was an altercation; he swung at her in a rage. We just picked him up."

As Vincent held her they both thought back on what had happened. Catherine could see his distress. "Vincent?"

Catherine we believe we are safe here. A woman was killed in our home. If they found her they can find me."

"Vincent, no it's safe as anyone ever is in this world...yours or mine. Each day is a risk, but to live we must take those risks, or else life is mere survival not living." Catherine snuggled close to him. Vincent thought on Catherine's words.

"He just found out about his lover's murder a few years ago," Moreno continued. "Didn't know his wife did it until last May. Then when Amy told him about the girl, he thought Clara knew the wife was guilty and tried to shut her up. A priest begged the girl to report it.",p>"Mr. Alden fathered Amy via his wife and Clara with a mistress," Joe said. "Mrs. Alden found out and murdered her husband's mistress, Clara's mother. Mr. Alden didn't know about the crime till recently when Amy told him about Clara and then Mr. Alden killed Clara?"

"That's about it," Moreno confirmed, "but we don't know if Alden intended to kill the girl. He wanted to shut her up, walked in while she was writing the note, and flew into a rage. She may have ONLY been asking the priest, 'Please, Father don't make me report it.'"

Vincent wanted to take Catherine to a calm quiet place. He wanted to feel her close to him, to draw on her strength. She dealt with this sort of thing in her world. Now it had been in his world, and he wanted her strength. So often he helped her, now it was time for the roles to be reversed.

"Damn, I really thought I had this one," Joe said.

"You're usually right,don't worry about it," Moreno answered.(turning to Amy)"You can go, Miss."

"I have noplace to go," she said.

"I'll handle this," Joe told Moreno. "I owe her one."

How had he managed to keep the Tunnels out of this? Vincent and Catherine tried to forget about the events of the past two days. They were happy to be together and Catherine still wanted to feel his heart beating next to hers, to feel his strong arms around her and his gentle voice in her ear. Vincent also wanted to say forever the way they were and shut out the rest of the world, but they had to go Below as the ceremony for Clara was about to start and each wanted to say their goodbyes. Amy would be there as well, and there were rifts to mend.

Joe didn't know the full meaning of BELOW but knew it had to be protected at all cost."Release the body to me;I'll send it to her aunt. "Cathy would handle the arrangements, and he wanted to get to know this Vincent character. Explanations were in order.

"Joe, I wanted to thank you for all your help...and for keeping our secret safe. It means the world to me." Catherine smiled.

"Yeah no problem Radcliffe...umm about Vincent... "Joe didn't know how to ask without sounding like he was prying and yet....

"Cathy, you know how much you mean to me. I mean, you're a hard worker and a friend. I'm...I mean...Hell, Cathy, what..who is this Vincent guy and what is he to you?"

There, he'd said it. He didn't mean to blurt it out that way, but he NEEDED to know.

Catherine's defenses sprang up, and she was going to insist she didn't owe him an explanation then storm out, but Joe's innocent and confused expression won out and softened her resolve. "Vincent found me when I was attacked...saved my life, and now...I love him, Joe."

"Love? Whoa Radcliffe...isn't that a bit strong? I mean how long have you known this Vincent character? What do you know about him? He looks like an animal...are you sure he's safe? I mean...Cathy...HE"S NOT EVEN HUMAN!"
"Joe, he is more human than most of the people I deal with everyday. "Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.

"Cath...Look I'm sorry. I'm just worried about you. I care about you and don't want to see you hurt," he relented.

"Joe, if there is one person in the world who would NEVER hurt me, it would be Vincent. He would give his life for me without hesitation. He is my life, he is my love, he is my everything."

Joe didn't know what to say. He'd meant, many times, to tell her how he felt, but the time was never right. Now she seemed so happy;it was too late.He'd lost his opportunity while working on case after case after... Still, he needed to make sure she w ould know that she could always count on him. "All right Cath...but if you ever need someone...I just mean I'm there for you, or want to be there for you if you need someone to count on."

Oh my...it just clicked that Joe cared more than he had let on before. How had she not realized that Joe had feelings for her? How strong were these feelings? She'd always been able to count on him, and now she'd unintentionally hurt him...her friend. She had to make sure he got to know Vincent so he would understand.

"Joe...I care about you too...You've always been a good friend. Vincent is the one secret I couldn't share, not even with you. But now the way is open if you would like to come Below with me this evening to see yourself who he really is." Catherine offered. Vincent knew from what he had seen that he was a decent man who cared very deeply for Catherine. If they shared a love it would be so much easier for Catherine. Maybe he should tell her. But how could he ever let her go? Who wouldn't love her?

Catherine saw Joe approach with his overnight bag. He'd given a big case as his excuse for being out of the office for three days. Moreno didn't have to know he'd solved the case only yesterday. Jack owed him; he'd keep the case a secret. Joe needed time below.

Catherine led Joe Below where they met Vincent at the guest chamber. "Mr. Maxwell, I hope you will be comfortable here...there is a little time before dinner if you want to get settled," Vincent explained.

"Call me Joe," he grinned as he watched Vincent and Catherine lock eyes.

Now that he had time to wind down, Joe realized that many of his questions over the last few years had now been answered. Cathy's trips across the park at night. Her disappearing each weekend. Now he knew. He needed to get to know Vincent, to make sure that his best investigator got the best guy. He washed up using the basin & towels provided, changed into comfortable clothes provided by someone he'd passed before reaching this "room" and sat, waiting for someone to escort him to wherever the hell it was these people ate. He wanted to learn more. This world...so different and a stone's throw away from the violence of the world Joe knew all too well from the day to day grind at the DA's office. There was a part of him that envied those living here Below and wondered how Catherine left it over and over.

"Ready, Joe?"

"Sure, Ca..." His voice caught in his throat. She looked beautiful. Cathy had a glow down here that she didn't have Above. Tonight he'd find out what Vincent has that put it there. He'd never before seen that look of love in her eyes.

And he knew in that moment that no matter how much he loved her, Catherine was Vincent's forever. Somehow seeing her that happy made the bittersweet realization easier to live with. She smiled and took Joe's hand to lead him to the dining chamber. On the way they discussed Amy's prospects. Both parents were in custody; there was a chance her father might serve a shorter sentence. Below might be a temporary sanctuary. She was of age where she didn't have to report to her extended family.

"Vincent!" Samantha called out. To have Vincent sit at your table was always a prize to the children Below. Catherine smiled at them both and took the seat on the other side of Vincent with Joe sitting opposite the triumphant child now seated to Vincent's left. Stories travled quickly through the Tunnel Community, and several chldren stopped to give Vincent a quick hug to show their support in front of this new visitor. It didn't go unnoticed. Vincent couldn't decide how to handle this. Though he felt possessive of Catherine, perhaps it was time she had someone close to her Above that she could talk to about the tunnels. Catherine beamed at Joe when the children showed such obvious love for Vincent...what monster could he be after all with the adoration of children. Amy stopped by their table to thank Catherine and Vincent for helping and letting her stay Below until MaeLi and her family could take her in. They always help children, after having lost two of their own in infancy.

Joe watched with fascination the interactions of these people from various backgrounds all sharing and helping each other. So different from the world he knew. Vincent casually watched Joe take it all in, awaiting the questions he was sure the man would have. After dinner Vincent thought it was time. "Joe,may we talk?" Vincent's's gaze indicated he meant privately. "Mr. Maxwell"

"Joe. Any friend of Cathy's.."

"Joe, I know you must have questions about our world, though some things have been explained, I'm sure."

Joe grinned. "Damn right."

Vincent smiled, knowing all too well what questions had been put to rest.

The two walked the tunnel alone. Vincent stopped to look Joe in the eyes. "Catherine is my world...without her, life would lose it's meaning for me. I will love her and protect her till my last breath. Please know that. "Joe choked up at the raw honesty and devotion Vincent emanated.

"I've never seen Cathy look so happy. I don't know what to say..." Joe choked up at the thought of never having given himself a chance for true happiness. He'd made a bad mistake not so long ago, yet sometimes it seemed eons ago. "You know, don't you?"

"I know you love her too, and we both are blessed to have a friend in you," Vincent gently smiled.

"Dinner's over," Catherine announced as she walked up to them, noticing the glistening in Joe's eyes. "Are you OK Joe?"

"Yeah, sure, no problem, Radcliffe..." Joe played it off. "So,Vincent promised me a tour."

Vincent and Catherine strolled through the Tunnels hand-in-hand as they explaind more of the various areas and their significance to the Tunnel Community. By the time they returned to the main hub, none was more tired than Joe, who needed a good ni ghts sleep to wake up and make sure this wasn't all a dream. After goodnights were said, Joe dressed for bed and wondered how Cathy had come to find this place, how many nights she'd spent here, and how many of those nights had been spent in Vincent's arms. He drifted off to sleep knowing that tomorrow was a new day, a new begin ning with new choices available that he never would have dreamt of only a week ago.

"Thank you, Vincent for allowing Joe here. I can't return his feelings, you have my heart, but I don't want to ignore his feelings either. Do you think I should bring it up to him?" Catherine asked.

"Yes," Vincent replied, looking into her passion-filled eyes.

Catherine decided she would confront Joe on this issue when they were returning back above. She didn't want it lingering to interfere with their interactions at the office, and it was better to be open and honest than try to pretend those feelings weren't real.

Catherine asked, "Shall I set out the lantern?" Vincent knew what she meant. She was asking if she could spend the night in his chamber and set out an unlit lantern, which was the Tunnel Community's signal for "Privacy". "Yes, my love, anything your heart desires."

Her impish grin told him careful what he asked for as he may get more than he thought possible.

"So you're not worried about Father?"

"It was Father's idea many years ago to set out a lantern, just after he walked in on a couple... well, you know..." Vincent blushed. "He has never had that happen again. No. I'm not worried about Father."

" Oh, my!"Catherine exclaimed as she tried to stifle the giggles." I can just see Father's face now!"

"Yes, well...I hear the red didn't leave his face for quite some time." Vincent smiled.

"Then I guess we really won't have to worry tonight,Vincent."

The next morning Eric was sent to show Joe the way to breakfast. "Hey you are Catherine's boss aren't you?" Eric exclaimed. "Guess I am." Joe smiled. "Ellie and me are sure glad you guys got us out of Ridley Hall...that place was creepy. "Eric smiled back. Joe remembred that case very well, as it'd seemed terribly important to Cathy.

"I'm glad you're safe," he said to the almost toothless, smiling boy.

"You'll LOVE breakfast here. William fixes everything at once when we have guests."

Joe couldn't wait. He followed the boy to the dining chamber and there looked around to see if Vincent and Catherine had arrived yet. Eric ran off to join a group of kids lining up with plates as Jamie caught sight of Joe and walked over. "Catherine stayed below last night..they will probably get brea kfast a bit later. Whenever Catherine spends the night, William saves them a hefty tray. Catherine's always STARVING at breakfast!" Joe looked uncomfortable. "Mind if I join you?" Jamie asked as she slid onto the bench beside him. "After breakfast, I can sho w you around some more if you would like. Catherine and Vincent are likely to be awhile yet, and I'm sure there is plenty here Below you have not seen yet. "Jamie rattled on, a bit nervous due to a developing crush on Joe. Still half distracted, Joe replied, "Sure...That would be great, kid."

Not exactly what she expected from this handsome new visitor, but Jamie brushed it off. "She's pretty good at solving cases." No answer. She tried again. "How do you like your breakfast?" and again, "DID YOU SLEEP WELL, MR. M AXWELL??" This last statement was nearly shouted and finally broke through to get Joe's attention. "Huh? Oh yeah, I slept fine." Despite the tapping, he had surprising felt at peace and nodded off quickly the night before. Joe finally looked up &took notice of the young woman sitting beside him. "I'm sorry, my mind sorta.... It's a real nice place you got here, and the food is delicious. You say something about showing me around more?" he asked, putting down his fork & smiling.

Jamie beamed with happiness and quickly cleaned up their places. "Ready!" She exclaimed" You have got to see the Chamber of the Winds, the abyss, and wait till you see the chamber of the falls!" Jamie bounded through the tunnel with Joe trailing beside her.

By the time they arrived at the Chamber of the Falls, Joe was beat. "That Windy room was something else!" Jamie leaned her rear on a boulder and slowly slid down to the floor. "You're like one big family down here, huh?" Joe joined her. "We ARE family,Mr. ..." "It's Joe, please just call me Joe, OK?"

"Got it *Joe*," Jamie smiled, then they heard footsteps coming up behind them. Vincent and Catherine walked hand in hand into the chamber. "Finally up and around huh?" Joe teased the couple. Catherine smiled enigmatically back, "And I see you've sampled a little of William's good cooking -- a little of EVERYTHNG!"

Joe smiled, disguising the longing he felt, knowing that Cathy was a strong and determined woman. No longer the debutante who needed everything, Catherine would only want top-of-the-line. Catherine took one last look in the mirror and smiled. Yes, she was ready to meet Vincent at the threshold. One last small detail. She picked up her Winterfest candle and headed toward the door.

All the way down in the elevator her heart sang with joy and excitement. Maybe this Winterfest, she thought. Maybe. Vincent leaned back against the tunnel wall, hand pulled into a fist going to cover his pounding heart. His breath caught as memories came rushing into his mind. The memories came unbidden when least he expected them. He wipped sweat from his brow and slid down to the dirt of the tunnel path. He could hear her voice ringing in his ears again, it was almost too much for his heart to bear. Vincent raised his hands to the sides of his head as a vision appeared before him. "Vincent, you must carry on without me," Catherine said softly. "Your strength, your courage - you have so much left yet to do. I will always be with you - I am always within your heart. Live from that heart, from that love. Always." Catherine caught her breath with pleasure at the sight of Vincent, dressed exquisitely, waiting for her in the tunnel. The warmth of his hug - held just a little longer than usual - caused her heart to race a bit. Did he feel the same? As he pulled back slowly, she gazed into his bright blue eyes for any sign of his feelings. It was at times like these that she cursed the ineffectiveness of her side of the Bond. A gentle smile played around the corners of his mouth. "Catherine." She had given him no reason. He could see in her eyes, (how well he knew those eyes) that she was serious, dead serious. Then she just turned and walked away. Every cell of his being had wanted to stop her, but she was so determined. He had to "Yes, Vincent.." as if waiting for an answer to a guestion she had asked herself in a thousand deams." He looked at her as if it were the first time. How lovely she looked. How vulnerable he felt. "We must hurry or we will be late" he said, shifting his t go on about his business in the tunnels, in order to erase those images from his mind. He knew it wasn't doing him much good to dwell on what might have been, but still he couldn't seem to help himself. He wondered just how he could ease his mind. ender embrace to hold her hand gently in his. Catherine took a moment to marvel at how perfectly her small hand fit inside Vincent's. She matched her stride to his as he lead the way down the tunnel. But after a night filled with frightening visions, he woke with a determination. He could not let this rest. To try to find the answer would take great courage and risk. Risk, the kind he had avoided his whole life - contact with the world above. But who? "Vincent", she said, "tonight is a special night and I'd like to give you something special." He made a sideways glance in her direction and said, "Catherine, each time I am with you is special." "I know", she said, as she drew a small package from her evening bag. She passed it to Vincent who took it gently in his free hand. It didn't take him long to decide. He had been above many times under cover of darkness. The person he wanted to see would only be available during the day. Vincent smiled in spite of his worries, picturing himself scaling a building in broad daylight, or calmly taking an elevator. He carefully opened the small parcel,and then gasped when he viewed the gift. "Catherine, I am speechless. I don't deserve this." Catherine said, "Of course you do." "But a diamond ring? What can I say?" "How about thanks," she suggested,smiling. ********** "Of course! Thank you!" Vincent dropped the ring into his hand. He held it up and gazed at it as it glimmered in the light from the torches on the walls. "Um...Catherine...Am I mistaken or is this a woman's ring?" Catherine smiled up at him She wondered if he knew what she was thinking. Lately, he had been able to pick up on her thoughts more clearly. The Bond was getting stronger with each passing day. Catherine said, "I'll tell you later. Shouldn't we be going?" Vincent tilted his head to one side and stared deeply into Catherine's eyes. There was something there...something he couldn't quite understand.
Vincent, Winterfest is waiting," she said with a smile. Ha! Wouldnt all the city dwellers just stare in utter shock, jaws agape; were he to scale the building or take the elevator in broad daylight on any day except for the obvious day of Halloween? Vincent smiled sheepishly and took Catherine's arm again and headed down to the great hall.

Once they reached the hall Vincent led her in. they walked over to the table and sat next to Mouse and Jamie. Vincent ever the gentleman held out the chair for Catherine. They spoke with the younger couple for a few minutes when the music began to play. "May i have this dance Catherine," Vincent asked. She nodded and placed her hand in his. As Catherine and Vincent began to dance the others stepped back and watched these two wonderful people.

He held her with a delicate passion, closely, gently. She moved her palm slowly across his shoulder to just barely touch the warm skin of his neck with her fingertip. His hand on her back urged her more fully into this public embrace. Catherine gently placed her head on Vincent's chest letting the warmth of his body seep into the her skin. In those armes she felt safe, warm, Loved. She could not remember a time in her life that she ever felt this content. This man was the one she had always dreamed of; or rather, now that she thought about it, she realised she had never had this dream, because she had never imagined someone like her Vincent could exist.
Vincent stopped, all of a sudden, one hand still warming Catherine's back, He looked down at her and placed a kiss on the crown of her head. Catherine lifted her head and their eyes met. they stood there stareing at one another. They moved closer and Vincent brought his lips to Catherine's for another passionate kiss. when the lights came back up she realized what was about to happen, and she allowed herself to reminisce in the reality? or was it fantasy, that she and her beloved Vincent could finally share within their precious but sacred Winterfest. She allowed herself time For now though,as evening approached he had to tend to the baby. Mary had been doing her best, but the baby only seemed at ease in Vincent's arms. He had made a place in his chamber for the cradle and other "baby" things,which he was slowly learning how to compose herself and then said in a voice just above speaking range, "Vincent, I love you." Of course several people couldn't help overhearing this overdue public declaration and immediatley cheers of jubilation filled the room. Vincent, feeling a bit embarrassed to be nearly "caught in the act," quickly led Catherine to the side of the Hall, where scrumptious slices of William's famous NY cream cheese cake awaited them. "Yum," thought Catherine wryly, "but not EXACTLY the treat I was longing for!" to use. He'd always been around children, of course, but hadn't truly considered that babies required quite so much care - and so much equipment! He chuckled, thinking perhaps the tunnel boys, not just the girls, ought to be assigned as nursery helpers. She picked up the plate with the treat and took a fork full and ate it, it was heavenly. As Catherine was eating she looked over at Vincent to see him wiht his own cake. Their eyes met for a moment then Vincent looked down in embarrassment. Vincent did indeed sense those green eyes piersing into his very soul. "What could I do", he thought, "to get a little closer to her tonight?"
Smiling to herself thinking about some comments she had overheard from some of the tunnel women, she thought "Does he want our dream as much as i want our dream. She felt giddy just thanking about that idea of getting to know him better and loveing him for the rest of their lives. Right now however that was not possable becasue Vincent needed to make the frist move. Still, she didn't want him to feel pressured in any way. "Would he believe, just because I want to reasure him and dispel his fears, that all I want now is to get him into bed? That is not so! My love for him is..."
Just then, he removed her plate from her hands and thek them in his. He brought them up to his chest and kissed them each in turn. Catherine was shocked. Such displays from him were nonexistant when others were around. They had only been allowed in private. His lips were so soft they made Her spine tingle with pleasure. she felt a faint blush creep up on her cheeks but pushed it a way for she was going to enjoy the pleasure.

When Vincent pulled her hand away from his lips their eyes met again for what felt like the 50th time that day.

Then Mouse burst in on the moment with his usual yet charming lack of finesse. "Vincent!"

Startled but finding his voice quicker than Catherine who was still trying to catch her breath, Vincent very quietly and with great effort responded to Mouse. "what can i do for you?" Vincent asked in a chiped tone. Mouse looked a little stunned he had never heard Vincent talk to him like that. Then he responded, "Mouse just wanted to give gift to Vincint now if not busy." Vincint smiled kindly as Mouse held Seriously, Vincent pondered again, that might be a very good idea. Surely would have been useful the past few months for certian. The boys would hate it at the time, but secretly thank them all later. up a small package wrapped in brown paper and string. "Do you want me to open it now, Mouse", he asked. "No later, alone," Mouse said and then turned to Catherine, "one for you too." "Thank you Mouse." Mouse turned with a smile and left the two staring

they stood stareing for a long time. Vincent and Catherine then looked at one anoter to try and recapture what was lost when Mouse interuped them. yet they could not so insted Vincint opted to take her hand and lead Catherine back to the table so she might have a chance to rest before dancing again. He wanted her in his arms for the whole evening but he knew others would want to dance or talk with her as well. Inside he swelled with pride that this woman he loved should be so loved by his family too. He realized then just how close Halloween really was just two days away. Maybe he really could talk to the one he needed help from.

Once Vincint and Catherine made it back to the table Catherine was once again all smlies. She could not stop smiling she was so happy. Happy that she had a second family with Vincent and his tunnel family. she wished so dearly to be a part of