Father took a deep breath.

"I'm so sorry Vincent, truly; don't for a moment think I don't understand, because I do, I know how much Catherine means to you ... how close you are but, don't let jealousy cloud your vision, please," he pleaded.

"What am I to do, Father?" his strong hands tore into the air; for a moment, neither of them spoke.

Getting up from his favourite old chair, Father leaned heavily on his stick, as he shuffled towards Vincent's side. Placing a reassuring hand on his son's mighty shoulders, he spoke in a hushed voice, but with the conviction that comes from experience in such matters.

"This empathic bond you share, trust in it Vincent, let it guide you. Catherine's love for you will not falter or waver, because temptation is put in her way, believe me, your fears are unfounded. Why punish yourself so?"

Nodding his head in agreement, Vincent stretched out his arm, to hold Father's in his hand, then looking up into the old man's face, he let out a deep sigh, that seemed to come from the very depths of his soul.

"I know ... I know, but Father, it hurts. I wish it could be me that's with her, my heart aches for her, yet I must forever be in the shadows, unable to be fully whole, because fate has set me adrift in this world, because of who I am and what I am. It's so terribly unfair. If I was as other men, I'd be a king among men, having Catherine's love, knowing she truly loved me," he sobbed, his tortured body shook. Father silently left the chamber, he knew his son needed privacy, time alone to collect himself.

The reason for Vincent's dark moods of late, was as always, his beloved Catherine. Over the last few months, their relationship had deepened. Both of them realised how dependent they were on each other. The fear both of them shared, should anything happen to either of them, was now paramount in their thoughts. So they had talked long and hard over her taking less demanding cases, so her life wouldn't be put on the line so often.

"One day Catherine, one of us won't be so lucky, for me, life without you would be no life at all," he pleaded, holding her tiny hands against his heart.

"Me neither, Vincent. You are my life," her eyes mirrored her pain.

So by mutual agreement, it was decided Catherine would put in for a less demanding work load. She would see her boss personally, over this now urgent matter.

Nervously, Catherine knocked on the frosted glass of John Moreno's office door; an impatient voice muttered her to enter. Her boss was on the phone, but he signalled her to sit down and wait, while he finished his call.

Looking around the office, Cathy noticed familiar things; the names carved in the wooden panels behind his desk, of past DA's; the Venetian blind sagged where repeatedly it had been pushed down, to view the happenings below; the worn carpet beneath her feet, reminded her what a busy office this was. How different it all was, from the tranquillity that had been her Father's office, of luxury everywhere.

His voice brought her back from her private thoughts.

"You said it was urgent."

"It is," she confessed anxiously. Shifting about in her seat uncomfortably, she finally got up, pacing the floor - a habit she'd picked up from Vincent.

Once she found the right words, the explanation was easy. John Moreno was visibly shocked, to think his number one investigator wanted out. But, he respected her wishes, knowing it must be of extreme importance to her, if she saw him personally over this matter, instead of using the usual channels to tunnel such a request.

The week came and went uneventfully, then Joe passed on to Cathy, the message the message that "The Boss wants to see you, Radcliffe," a twinkle in his eyes, suggesting he knew why, but wasn't telling.

"You wanted to see me?" Catherine asked, as she entered the DA's office.

"Yeah, sit down, Cathy. That matter about which we spoke the other day," he eyed her above his glasses, then loosening his tie, continued, "I believe I have a solution."

"You do?" Catherine wasn't sure what was coming next, but what ever it was, the look on her boss's face, told her it looked hopeful.

"How would you like to work along side Joe Maxwell, as special investigators. You'd still keep your desk of course, to catch up on the reams of paper work, but this job would fill your need for less danger in your life, at the same time, doing a vital role for this office, as undercover agents."

"Undercover, me and Joe?" she looked puzzled.

"The way I see it, it'll take a few weeks to set it all up and get it working," he explained, as he came from behind his desk and perched on the corner of it, nearest to Catherine. "I want you and Joe to be seen together, out on the town, a couple ... an issue," his eyebrows shot up in a knowing way. "Once this is an acceptable fact, we're in business."

"What business?" Catherine asked, now eager to find out more.

"There are worms and vermin in our society as you know, only too well. They get let off for horrendous crimes for lack of evidence; the courts are powerless without proof. The system cannot afford, neither the manpower nor financial implications required, and because of this, they go free ... This is where you and Joe come in." Getting up he returned to his seat and picking up his pencil, he tapped it a few times, as he collected his thoughts, ready to speak. "I think you'd make a great team with outstanding success, for all concerned. I have every faith in you both."

"Thank you ... What does Joe have to say about it all?" she enquired.

"Joe's in full agreement, if you are. Do I take it the answer's yes, then?"

Once more he left his chair and came in front of Catherine, who now stood directly in front of him. Holding out his hand, the shook on the deal.

"Looks like our expense bills will get high," she smiled. "And thank you for coming to my aid so quickly with my problem. I really appreciate it."

"This way we'll both win," he shrugged.

Smiling, Cathy left his office. Joe must have been waiting close by, because no sooner had she closed the office door, than he was by her side, nervously playing with a rubber band.

"Hey Radcliffe ... are we partners?" he smiled cheekily.

"Looks like it, Joe."

"So, I finally get to take you out, eh? Wine and dine you, with the tax payers money and Moreno's blessing ... I'm impressed." His grin was even more cheeky.

"Stop teasing, Joe. This is an assignment, remember that," she blushed, looking coyly at him.

"Hey hey, lay off, we're not married yet, Radcliffe," he teased, "But we'll make a good team, kiddo." Then turning, vanished back into his office.

The stillness of the empty tunnels, echoed Cathy's steps, as she descended down the ladder from the basement of her apartment. Catherine sensed Vincent was near, as he stepped out of the shadows, to encircle her in his embrace, as she finally put both feet on the ground.

His arms held her close, then leaning from his embrace, she tilted her head up, as Vincent's lips sought hers. His immense size and power excited her; her smallness and beauty delighted him, her perfume intoxicated his senses. Their kiss deepened, until finally they had to pull apart, breathless with desire.

"I've felt your joy today, Catherine. Tell me, what is it?" his velvety voice was hypnotic to her ears.

Her whole face lit up, with joy and anticipation, as she unfolded to Vincent, the events of the day at work. Instead of seeing joy in his eyes for her, Catherine saw sadness, only for a fleeting moment, but it was there, nevertheless.

"What? Tell me, what's wrong, Vincent," she pleaded, her eyes full of love and concern for him.

Moments passed, unspoken words filled the air, then Vincent put both his powerful hands on Catherine's shoulders, for her undivided attention.

"This man, Joe - your boss - he will be with you, out of working hours ... you'll be in his company most nights ... Catherine, I fear for us," he sighed.

"How d'you mean, Vincent?" Cathy urged.

"What if he should fall in love with you ... or you with him." He turned his gaze away from her so she wouldn't see the deep sadness this possibility brought to him.

Grabbing roughly at his chest, her voice almost out of control she spoke. "Vincent, stop it ..."

"Catherine, I'm not stupid, I know only too well what it feels like to love you ... to want you ... yes, even to desire you. But my hands are tied, because of my appearance, my frightening looks ..."

"Stop it, stop it," she pleaded.

"I know in my heart I have no right to speak to you like this, I am what I am. But deep inside me, I'm like any other man, with feelings and desires. Yes, I do love you, deeply. To lose you, would make my life meaningless, worthless, empty." A sob shook his body as he lowered his face into her hair, kissing the top of her head.

"Vincent, never let me hear you put yourself down like that ever again. You are my world, my life, without you there is nothing for me." Tears now flowed down her flushed cheeks. As she tightened her grip on him, she felt his body tense, then slowly begin to relax under her assurance. Both sighed deeply.

Catherine pulled back to look at him.

"Vincent, this new job,it's what we both wanted, it will take me away from danger yet, I'll still be able to help put away people who do harm. Joe is no threat to you, my love. I like Joe, we'll have fun yes, but you alone own the key to my heart, it is totally yours," she whispered.

"Yes," he sighed deeply. "I know."

"Vincent, the time we spend together is the most wonderful part of each day for me." She lifted her hand to his chin and made him look directly at her. Slowly he lowered his head, then his lips caressed her hair, her temples, her cheek. A moan escaped her lips as his hot breath came closer. The moment was intense, as tenderly his mouth sought hers; a light feathery kiss, as their lips touched, causing sparks of passion to pass between them. Then their kisses became more inflamed, as Catherine allowed him to capture her lips in total surrender ... Vincent was the aggressor now.

The humid haze that had lingered over the city all day, trapping in all the heat, was now causing the pace of life to slow to a crawl; the whole city seemed like a film in slow motion. Sharp contrast to the normal rat race of each day. The DA's office where Cathy worked, had a very expensive and superior air conditioning system, which was a life saver on day's like today. But once Cathy had left the building at 5pm, the intense heat hit her, like a smack in the face. The cab she finally hailed, crawled along at walking pace. In the traffic chaos, the air in the back of the cab was hot and stale; perspiration formed on her face, until finally it dripped off her chin. The dress she wore clung to her body like a second skin, silhouetting her lovely figure in no uncertain terms. Looking up into the driver's mirror, she could see the hungry eyes of the driver, drinking in her image, making her even more uncomfortable.

At last her apartment block loomed ahead.

"At last," she breathed, wiping away the sweat on her pretty white-lace trimmed handkerchief.

Once more the cab came to a juddering stop, surrounded by angry drivers, all hooting their horns and shouting abuse. Catherine couldn't stand it any more, so leaning forward, she tapped on the glass, indicating she wanted to pay and get out.

Slamming the cab door behind her, she slung her huge bag on her shoulder, tucked her shopping safely under her arm and made straight for the building ahead.

As the lift door closed in a near silent click, the wonderful stillness and peace surrounded her. The air conditioning was a life saver, the quiet was unbelievable.

Moments later, the lift door silently opened, delivering her to the 18th floor. After a quick fumble for the key, the door flew open of n° 21E. Once through the door, she kicked it closed with her foot, then dropping the shopping and bag on the dinky little couch, she kicked off her shoes, then ran into the bedroom, and under the shower, still fully clothed.

it was almost an hour later, when Catherine finally left the bathroom, a fluffy pale blue towel was draped around her body like a sarong. She felt relaxed and refreshed.

Cathy turned and mounted the two steps to the balcony. Opening the doors, the noise of the outside world reappeared, but now muted, as it all happened eighteen floors below her.

The sky was a symphony of light blue, orange and indigo as the twilight was dismissed by the powerful presence of impending darkness. Now the lights of the sky scrapers ahead showed up against the skyline, like a treasure trove of glistening gems. Cathy took a deep breath, savouring its freshness as the gentle breeze teased her damp hair.

"Are you seeing Catherine tonight, Vincent?" Father asked, his furrowed brow anticipating his answer.

"No, not tonight Father ... at least, not till very much later." A moment of silence lapsed. "She's on another assignment," he sighed deeply.

"I see." Father uncanny perception at such times told him to tread with care. This was delicate ground. One false move - even though he was trying to help - could have the reverse effect, then everything would be lost; even the confidence they shared.

Father eyed Vincent over the top of his spectacles; he could see how distressed his son was, his heart cried out to him.

"Will you join me then, Vincent, in a game of chess?" He stood, leaning against the desk, now facing him, the question awaiting an answer.

After a moment, Vincent lifted his head, looking directly at Father. "If you like," the velvet voice replied, but with noticeably lacking enthusiasm.

"Good, then let's get started," he urged.

Taking a careful and final glance at herself in the full length mirror, Catherine was well pleased with her reflection. Her mirrored image showed her a successful woman, very attractive, gorgeous figure, delightful hair, wearing a designer evening gown in dusky pink velvet, which had cost a fortune. The boned bodice was working wonders trying to hold up such a very brief and revealing top, exposing her gorgeous cleavage, leaving little or nothing to the imagination.

The skirt of the gown was pencil slim to the floor, with a curved slit nearly up to the waist at the front, allowing acres of leg to be revealed ... and more. Yes, she thought to herself, the money was well spent, the effect was perfect. Thanks to Daddy's money, outfits like these were as nothing. Opening up her jewellery box, Catherine selected a pair of long diamond earrings, a last present from her Father, before he was taken ill and died. As the last one was fixed in place, a knock at the door sent her hurrying to answer it.

"Hi Radcliffe ... Jesu ... you look gor...geous," his voice faded to a hushed murmur as he took in this vision of loveliness before him. Running his hands through his hair, he tried to get his thoughts straight as his heart raced and thumped in his chest as never before.

"Why thank you, Joe. You look pretty neat yourself in your tuxedo."

Unaccustomed to flattery, especially from Catherine, Joe felt very hot and bothered. Fearing the consequences of further flattery, Joe reminded her of the car, waiting below for them.

So, picking up her wrap and purse, Cathy switched off the lights and clicked the door shut behind them.

"Assignments like this I could get to like," Joe cheekily grinned as they walked to the lift.

"Me too," agreed Catherine, smiling.Once inside the lift, Joe reminded her. "You do know what we have to do; you have the tape in your purse, wait till he's confessed everything before getting up and going to the powder room. There, your contact will take the tape from you. After a few moments, you'll return, claiming you have a headache; that's when we leave." He waited anxiously.

"Joe, I've got it, okay, I've got it. I'm just a little nervous. The last time we worked together like this on a drugs charge was when Detective Morelo was killed, as we investigated a source of the drugs that was mysteriously paid for in gold coins."

"Yeah. Sure, I remember, we never did find that guy," he mused.

The lift silently delivered them on the ground floor. The evening of new investigations lay ahead.

Following their game of chess, Father and son enjoyed an evening drink of hot chocolate and biscuits, before Father announced it was well past his bedtime.

"Good night, Father ... thank you."

"For what, Vincent?" his voice was so gentle.

"For being here, for understanding ... for caring."

Patting Vincent's arm in acknowledgement of his understanding, he left the chamber, carrying a candle. Vincent watched him shuffle down the passage until the shadow and candle light turned into the chamber and was gone. Left alone with his thoughts, Vincent longed for the time to pass quicker, he longed to see her, hold her, feel her presence. He couldn't settle, so stalked the chamber, like a caged animal.

Sleep evaded Father, as he knew it would. He lay on his back contemplating the last few hours they'd spent together. The evening had gone reasonably well, even though Vincent was visibly miles away. How he wished he could help him through these dark hours. He didn't like to see him so unhappy, knowing how under stress his dark would jump at the chance of taking him over; controlling him. Jealousy was a new emotion for Vincent, that only he could deal with. Even Father's wisdom and guidance couldn't help here, this was new territory, new danger for Vincent.

Then the pacing stopped.

"Thank God," sighed Father.

The clock chimed one o'clock, but even before the chime was done, Vincent hurriedly left his chambers, his step disappearing into the distance. Now a calm returned, Father turned on his side for sleep.

"Take care, Vincent," he murmured, as his eyes closed.

Vincent paused and took his breath as he arrived at Catherine's building. He looked around him to check it was safe and slowly started to climb, keeping in the shadows. Over and over again, Shakespeare's words invaded his thoughts.

"With love's light wings did I o'er perch these walls, for stony limits cannot hold love out, and what love can do, that dare love attempt."

"Ah," he sighed, "Shakespeare knew everything!"

His large hands gripped the wall as he landed with cat-like ease in the far corner of their balcony. The apartment was still dark, so Vincent leaned against the wall in the shadows, waiting patiently.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted as lights switched on inside, lighting up the balcony, casting shadows of light everywhere.

Vincent eased himself forward to see Catherine, standing in her doorway. Joe at least had seen her safely home.

He watched discretely in the shadows, taking in the scene before him. Catherine looked so lovely, so desirable, so happy, so at ease with Joe! Vincent's gaze turned to him. Here was a man who clearly adored Catherine; his every look told of his feelings. Then taking Cathy's hand in his, he raised it to plant a kiss on it, before his hands then gently held her shoulders, as their lips met, only fleetingly. But this sent a sickening surge of jealousy through Vincent's very being.

"No," he sighed. "No."

He didn't even notice Joe had gone, or that Catherine had closed the door. The black feeling inside him wanted to cry out. He tried desperately to hold in the deafening roar he needed to expel, that lay trapped inside him. His claws were grinding into the stone work, as he made a final attempt to control his pain.

What arrogant right did he have anyway, to be jealous? He wasn't this man's rival, how could he be. He couldn't take her out on the town, dressed in a tuxedo, or dance with her, holding her as they swayed to the music, or even offer her a life, with a home, family, car, holidays abroad. All the trimmings in fact, her childhood upbringing had prepared her for. Taking silent stock of the situation, he discovered that all he could offer her was his heart and his love; sadly, not enough.

With a sigh of realisation, Vincent knew, the only way to really prove his deep love of Catherine, was to release her from their mutual bond, so he could enjoy the life destiny had decided for her at birth. A world apart from his. Clutching his hand to his heart, he tried to ease the stabbing pain as the tears over spilled down his lion features.

He must go now, quickly, before she saw his tear stained face, but in his haste, his cloak wrapped around the back of one of the patio chairs, sending it crashing to the ground with a clutter.

"Vincent? Don't go, don't leave," she murmured as she flung open the doors.

Caught like a naughty school boy, in the act of escaping, Vincent stood motionless, staring at her in utter wonder. She looked so beautiful, the most lovely woman in the entire world. Her dress took his breath away, never had he seen so much of her before, it being so revealing.

The split up the front showed her legs fully as she walked, arms outstretched to him. Her hands locked together around his waist as she snuggled deep into his chest. His right hand rested on her hip, as his other hand he allowed to trace across her bare back. Her skin was so soft to his touch. Controlled restraint was driving him wild. He wanted her like never before, yet, he knew he had to break her heart and his, bringing all this to an end.

Then, taking her small hands in his, he stepped back to look directly into her eyes, so full of desire for him.

"Catherine ... please, we must talk," he tried to sound calm.

"What?"

"Catherine," he was breathless, trying to gain control. "I realise you do have a life apart from the one we share, a life that you must live to be a complete person. That is why, you have to forget about me, about us, even about our bond. It will be unbearable I know, but we both knew it would come to pass, when your life above would have a pull ... a call you would have to answer."

"No! Vincent ... how can you say that," she sobbed, aware that Vincent was deadly serious.

Lowering his voice to a mere whisper in her ear he continued. "Catherine, what we had, what we shared, will be with us forever, the love you showed me, I never believed possible. I will always be grateful."

"No! Vincent," she clung to his corded tunic. "No, I won't let you do this to us. I won't let you!"

"We must. When I leave you now, Catherine, this chapter in our lives will end. But you must see it as a new beginning for you. You have the strength, use our love we shared to guide you ... and know this, that I will always, always love you."

Then taking her face in his hands, he slowly lowered his head and kissed her. So consuming in passion was this final kiss, her senses engulfed her, her body begged for more, a flush crept into her cheeks.

When finally they broke away, Catherine was the first to speak.

"Vincent, we agreed, I only took this new assignment to keep me from danger. That was Joe you saw me with, Joe, my boss," she pleaded.

"I know, Catherine, but I'm not blind. I know he cares for you deeply ... what right have I to stand in your way?" he urged.

"You can't make me love someone else, just to ease your own conscience ... I won't let you do this to us ... You can't destroy what we have. I love you, Vincent," she sobbed,her body shaking. Then letting her head fall onto his chest, she sought his comfort as his arms held her tightly. "I'll give up my new assignment and go back to my desk job, nothing is worth the sacrifice of losing you ... nothing," she stressed.

"Oh Catherine, I so despise what I am ... it keeps us apart. I long to be as other men, to be acceptable in your eyes and that of your friends; also of society."

"Don't you ever speak like that again, Vincent. To me you are beautiful, you transcend all my dreams, don't you see, I wouldn't have you any other way, if I had the chance. Can't you believe that, can't you feel it?" Desperation hung in the air.

"Yes," he sighed. "I can feel it, but what use is it, Catherine? When I cannot offer you a life in the sunshine ... only a half life in the shadows," a sob caught in his throat as tears again made their way down his troubled face.

Walking towards him, Catherine took his large hands in hers, then slowly she started to kiss each finger individually, never taking her eyes off him, letting him know through their bond, that he and he alone, was the whole world to her. Then opening one hand, she kissed his palm. Vincent drew her to him, then resting his chin on the top of her head they clung together as one.

"I'm sorry ... I didn't mean to upset you like this, I felt by letting you go, to live your own life, I was doing the right thing. I only ever want your happiness, you know that."

"I know, Vincent," she smiled.

This feeling inside me, Catherine, has been burning its way through me, I had to heed it."

"What you felt, Vincent, was jealousy, a feeling you've never had to cope with before. It became a threat to you. Jealousy can eat people up, tear people apart, but not us. You know I would never look at another, but you must also know Vincent, there will be lots of times when Joe will take me on assignments. We are a team. Joe will also make passes at me, he does at every chance. He will flirt with me, even kiss me." She looked him straight in the eye as she set him straight, smiling.

Vincent put his head to one side, nodding now in agreement. Now slowly, a smile crept across his face.

"You will have to trust me, a I trust you, Vincent, to understand. Promise me one thing," she pleaded. "That you will always be here when Joe brings me back. I want you to see it all; no secrets, no mystery. I want you to see me say goodnight to him, then, send him away, so I can turn, and fly into your waiting arms, for all the love I need."

"Oh Catherine, I never dared dream we'd ever be so close," he murmured. "That you'd want me so much."

"I want us to get even closer, Vincent, I want to share the rest of my life with you, and you alone ... I also want you to share my bed."

A startled look crossed his face.

"I need you Vincent, so much."

"Oh! That need is within me too, Catherine," he admitted.

"I believe a new chapter is unfolding for us, Vincent. We'll look back on this night, in years to come, as the night when all our dreams started to come true." Then taking his hand, she led him willingly through the doors into their bedroom to start writing the first pages of the opening chapters of their lives together.