"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, you may now unfasten your seat belts." The calm voice of the pilot penetrated every part of the aircraft as it now cruised at thirty thousand feet. Catherine Chandler settled back in her plush seat in the first class compartment and smiled at the person next to her. Then, reaching for her custom made hand luggage, she opened it up, to reveal papers and folders. A sigh left her lips as she pulled out the notes Joe had given her when she left the office the previous night...

"Here, take these with you, Radcliffe. Shame to sit there with nothing to do, now you can use the time to catch up on a few loose ends." He smiled his twisted smile.

"You're a slave driver, Joe Maxwell... maybe I'll do them... and maybe I won't." She gave him as good as he gave her. Now it was her turn to look impish at him.

"Oh... playing difficult to control, are we?" he laughed.

"Joe, slavery went out years ago, but I love you just the same," her banter continued.

"My heart sings at your praise," he laughed, as he rounded the desk to where she stood. Then holding out his arms, he came towards her. "Take care, you hear me?"

"I hear you, Joe."

"Come back in six months to us, don't let the big boys convince you they need you more than we do, you hear me?"

"I love New York, Joe, I love my job here... and yes, even my boss, the slave driver, so I promise to return.., try keeping me away." She poked him in the ribs playfully.

They hugged each other, then pulled away. Joe had enjoyed the excuse for a hug, but Cathy had tears in her eyes and they weren't for Joe Maxwell. He was well aware of that fact. He knew he was missing her already, deeply. Picking up the papers, Cathy hurried from the office.

"I'm gonna miss you like hell," Joe mumbled to himself... (what the heck, she didn't realise his need of her.)

As the aircraft continued on, Catherine spread out the notes and papers on the dinky pull down table in front of her. Where to begin! Sighing, she started sifting through them, fingering and separating them into some sort of order. One heading caught her eye, that of a Vincent Clarke. He had held his wife hostage to his sexual needs in their own home and, only the fact her neighbour popping in unexpectedly, had brought the whole nasty incident to a head. Catherine read his name again... Vincent... Vincent... again and again, 'til the name swam before her and in her mind's eye, a very different Vincent filled her vision.

There he was, tucked in the far corner of the aircraft, dressed in dark clothes, hidden from view. She caught her breath; was he really there? Their eyes met, he smiled a sad smile and was gone. Cathy swallowed the lump in her throat as the emotion she felt caused tears to invade her eyes. She couldn't keep them back and they silently spilled over, trickling down her cheeks. With the back of her hand she brushed them away, but what she couldn't brush away was the reason she was now high above New York City, heading for Kentucky, and a life without Vincent.

It would be half a year before she would be back... maybe not even then. Life sucks, she thought. Memories came flooding back of all the different reasons she was now here, in this mess. The mist in her mind cleared to a month ago, when it all started.

Elliot Burch, on a whistle stop visit to his beloved New York, and his office, from construction work needing him in Kentucky, had left a message on Catherine's answering machine, saying he had two hours to kill and would like nothing better than to use up this time in her company (the only woman he'd ever proposed to and been turned down flat). On her arrival in from work, she turned on the answer machine to listen to the messages as she fixed a coffee. It made her smile... poor Elliot, would he never accept she had given her heart to another? But, writing down the number, she set about ringing him back.

"Elliot? Hi, I just arrived in and got your message."

"Well, hi yourself, long time no see... are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Good.'

"Are you happy, Elliot?"

"I'm doing okay, honey, but only you back in my life would make me really happy."

She felt his smile and she imagined she could see the dimple in his chin, which always did the strangest things to her. She had loved that dimple; the things she had done to that dimple in the past... but that was water under the bridge, as since she realised it was Vincent she truly loved, Elliot could only ever be a friend, and this he found very hard to accept, after all the time they had once spent together.

"Cathy, are you still there?"

"Yeah, I'm still here, sorry Elliot, just got a little side tracked."

"Okay, well can we meet?"

"Yeah."

"I promise, no strings, just friendship... a shared meal, some good wine.., shared dreams... please, Cathy."

"Yeah! Okay, Elliot, why not. I didn't have anything planned for tonight, except a few papers to catch up on from Joe."

"Do you still see... what's is name... er..."

"Yes, I still see him and his name is Vincent, as well you know!" They both laughed. "I'm not seeing him tonight," or tomorrow night, she thought, "So my time's my own. He's also away working, so looks like the evening belongs to us, Elliot."

"Fine, I'll pick you up about eight o'clock.

"I'd like that, bye," she whispered.

"Bye, honey. Take care now," and he was gone.

She would have to be careful that Vincent didn't pick up on this through their bond, and as always, totally get the wrong idea.

Cathy replaced the phone and stood thoughtfully for a moment, then walked over to her bedroom, throwing her coat on the bed, kicking her shoes off, to fall where they shot to, then unbuttoning her blouse, she hurried off into the bathroom. Her body needed the cooling cascade of water to remove the heat and dirt of a day working in New York City in the heat of July.

Following the shower, wrapped in a toweling sarong, Cathy fixed herself a snack in her small kitchen, then curled up on her couch to sort out the 'homework' Joe had given her as she made to leave the office - a trick he seemed to enjoy. Soon her eyes became heavy and, hugging a cushion, she drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

The phone woke her with a start and lazily, she picked it up. Jenny's voice penetrated her consciousness.

"Hi, Jen, how are you?" Her eyes sparkled at the pleasure of talking to her dear friend. On and on they talked, 'til suddenly looking down, Cathy glanced at her watch. "Oh no! Oh, Jen, I'll have to call you back tomorrow and we'll fix a day to meet for lunch.. stop grunting, I promise. I've a million things to do 'til my date at eight o'clock."

"This guy, Vincent, sure has you running hot, girl!" Jenny teased.

Before Catherine could stop herself, she rebounded with, "It's not Vincent... it's Elliot."

"Ho, ho, ho... go for it, gal!" came the quick reply.

"It's not like it sounds," she pleaded.

"Sure it isn't. You society friends of mine, sure make my life look like the pits."

"Bye, Jen, I'll fill you in soon... bye," and with that she hung up.

The next twenty minutes were hectic, but as the fingers on the clock showed eight o'clock, so a tap came at the door. Still fastening her earring in place, Cathy hurried to answer it and didn't notice the note which had been placed under it that now lay half under the rug, but still partly visible.

Opening the door, Cathy's breath was taken away. There stood Elliot, wearing a dark grey suit, white shirt and silver-grey tie. His hair was much longer than she had ever seen it before and she liked it, it suited him, sitting on his suit collar. He was no longer clean shaven, but now possessed a short beard, giving him an the air of a swash buckling hero. Cathy felt her legs go weak, but quickly pulled herself together.

"Hi, Elliot, please come in."

He handed her a see-through box, which had one single red rose in it. "For you, honey."

"Thank you, Elliot, I'll put it in water, then we'll go." She hurried into the kitchen to pop it in water, then returning, picked up her wrap and purse. "Ready."

"You look lovely, a vision..." His lips twisted into a sexy smile, as only Elliot knew how.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," and together they headed for the elevator and the evening ahead.

Far below New York City, in the tunnel world, a place of safety to all who called it home, life went on its way. The pipes tapped out their endless messages and everyone went about the jobs assigned to them, in order to remain Below, in their safe haven.

The talented, lonely rejects of society, who were now a part of their new family Below, lived together in harmony, with Father as head of this subterranean life.

"What is it, Pascal?" Father asked as the small man hurried over to him.

"It's Vincent, he's sent a message on the pipes from the lower levels. Says the work wasn't as bad as we first feared, so they are returning early tonight"

"Good, delightful news, thank you, Pascal."

"That's not all. Vincent says will you send a note to Catherine, telling her of the change of plan, and that they can make it to the concert under the park after all. She's to meet him early for a walk first; eight o'clock, by the carousel."

"Of course, thank you, Pascal. I'll send Samantha with that right away."

"William said dinner will be early tonight, Father, it is warmed up soup from yesterday." With that, he was gone.

Father wrote out the message, Samantha delivered it; what could possible go wrong!

"Ah, there you are, Vincent. My, you look very grand tonight, is that the new tunic Martha's been making you?"

"Mmm. Her talents are a bonus to us all. I think she has excelled herself this time."

"I do indeed agree with you, Vincent." Father came up close to finger the wine coloured baggy shirt, belted loosely around Vincent's small waist. "New jeans also." Father's eyes widened.

"You are very observant, Father," he said, leaning back as he combed his still damp hair from his much needed soak in the pool.

"I could hardly miss that, dear god, Vincent, they are... far er, far too tight... may be the shirt should be allowed to hang a little lower. and less... revealing... I fear for your safety from Catherine in those," he pleaded, smiling, pointing his stick in the general direction of Vincent's crotch.

"Really, Father.. trust me, there is no need to worry so," he smiled.

"You have been warned, remember that. So, why is this evening so special then?" He waited for the answer.

"Catherine and I have reached a crossroads in our relationship. She has never asked much of me, but now it is her desire that we go forward, together... as one."

"Indeed."

"And I have been putting the matter off for weeks, but, working far below with only my feelings for company, I have felt our bond call me. I've wrestled with feelings I never dared allow to be mine, 'til now."

"I see... and these feelings... Catherine wants this... knowing the dangers?"

"Yes, but she will not wait much longer, I fear. Two years I feel, is quite long enough. Topsiders, Father, don't wait this long, I can't ask her to wait any longer... I can't lose her to another."

"To Elliot Burch, don't you mean?" Father's eyebrow shot up as he spoke.

"He can offer her so much, yet, she wants only me. We... have to take this step, we have to, Father."

"I see. I wish you'd reconsider this fool hardy idea, Vincent, I really mean that."

"Father, I'm a grown man... a virgin. I am not worldly, I know nothing of what is expected of me, except what I have read in books." He sighed. "Catherine is a woman who has experienced these things; knows of them... desires them with me, with me, Father. Now I too want this and desire it so much. Give me your blessing, Father, not your disapproval, please."

"Very well, Vincent, you have my blessing. Dear god, I feel you will need it. And Vincent, be careful."

"I will, thank you." Then, with a quick flick of his heavy cloak he was gone, almost running to the meeting place, by the carousel, to start a new and happy chapter in their life together.

"Shall we walk through the park and then go for a meal, or would you like a meal first and then a walk?" Elliot asked.

"I'd like a walk first. There is a concert there tonight, so that would be lovely." Catherine slipped her arm through Elliot's as they strolled towards their destination. "Look, Elliot, the carousel. Let's go and look, they are such lovely things." Cathy tugged at his arm.

"Sure, honey." He lowered his head near her ear as he spoke, 'til Catherine felt his warm breath. Danger signals made her withdraw a little, Vincent mustn't sense this, he was so far Below, where all the danger was, the last thing she wanted was for him to get upset, just when their relationship was finally taking a step forward.

"Oh, it's closed, Elliot, what a shame, it's so pretty. I so wanted to see it, I came to it a lot as a child, and have such happy memories of time spent on the horses.

"Who needs it, when I can look at you and see my whole world, Cathy."

"Please, Elliot, let's not start something we can't finish." She patted his arm.

"You're right, I'm sorry, but you make me feel like a sixteen year old kid; you know how I feel about you," then he bent his head and kissed her on her lips so gently, then it went deeper until Catherine had to pull away and smile. Then, without another word, they set off in the direction of their meal.

What they didn't see, hidden in the shadows, was Vincent, who couldn't hear every word, but saw the kiss. Suddenly, his new found world started to fall apart. He'd waited too long to tell her; he'd lost her. All his tear-filled eyes could see, was his Catherine in Elliot's arms at last. He had lost her... his dream was gone, he no longer wanted to live without his heart's best treasure. Tears flowed freely down his face, wetting his new tunic and the jeans. What had promised to be the most wonderful night of his life, had become his worst nightmare.

"Vincent, is that you?" Father shuffled into his son's chamber. On entering, he saw his son sitting in his high backed leather chair, the cloak thrown across the bed. "What's wrong? What has happened? Tell me," he begged.

There was no response from Vincent, so Father eased his way nearer still, then placed a hand on his large shoulder. "Dear god, what has happened, tell me." Fear now loomed in his voice.

Vincent put his large hand over his father's, then looking up, spoke in a whisper. "It's Catherine. She chose not to share this evening with me. I saw her... with.. him."

"Hmm?"

"Elliot Burch.

"Oh, Vincent. I'm so deeply sorry."

"Maybe I was unwise to believe that... that we... could have a life together, a future. My life is over, my heart is dying." His voice broke with pent up emotion.

"I can't believe this of Catherine, it's so unlike her."

"She chose to ignore my note. It's over, Father, my heart lies in tatters, but I am not mad with Catherine, I love her and only want for her to have a happy life, even if I am not the one to share it with her. Don't grieve for me, Father, please."

Silently, Father left the chamber to allow Vincent to come to terms with this new turn of events.

Later that evening, Catherine put the key in the door of 21E, opened it, flicked on the light switch and turned to Elliot. "Thank you for a lovely evening. We must do this again.. one day maybe Vincent could join us."

"I'd like that. Now, take care, honey." He planted a feather like kiss on her cheek, then Cathy watched as he turned and went in the direction of the elevator.

It wasn't until the door was closed and she leaned against it to kick off her shoes, that she saw a note half under the mat. Bending down to pick it up, Catherine expected to see Vincent's beautiful handwriting, but instead it was the scrawl she knew to be Father's writing. Father's! Panic besieged her. Was Vincent ill, hurt; had he had an accident? With the speed of light she ripped open the envelope and pulled out the folded piece of paper, then with eyes that went wider and wider, she read:

Catherine,

Vincent will be returning today and not in two days time as planned. He very much wants to take you to the concert tonight and asked me to pass this message to you. He would like you to meet him at the carousel at 8.00 pm.

Father

Suddenly the awful truth dawned on Catherine; that when she and Elliot met, walked to the carousel and kissed, Vincent had been there, waiting for her... he would have seen...

"Oh, Vincent, I'm so sorry," she mouthed to herself.

The single thing she had to do was to find Vincent and explain. She didn't even stop to shower, but quickly changed into jogging suit and trainers and hurriedly left her apartment for the tunnels. Her watch told her it was only ten fifteen, so everyone should still be awake. Her destination seemed so far away, would she ever get to Vincent's chamber?

Sweat trickled down her face and body, tears filled her eyes. What had she unwittingly done to Vincent?

At last the living chambers came into view. She tiptoed past Father's chamber and hurried on to Vincent's, slowing down as she arrived, breathless. The tapestry drop hung over the doorway; a signal in the tunnels that was respected as a time to not disturb those within. Catherine eased it carefully to one side and peeped in.

"There's no need to do that, Catherine, please come inside." His voice was unusually calm, which didn't go unnoticed.

"Vincent, I have to speak to you, I have to explain so much..."

"There is no need, Catherine." He stood with his back to her, facing the lovely stain glass window. She could see his shoulders were down, his whole body shouted his state of mind, echoing his loss. Bridging the distance between them, Catherine put a hand on his back between his shoulders, something Vincent loved her doing, but this time he flinched at her touch, causing her to frown.

"What?"

"Don't touch me, please. ~I feel your sadness, but truly you must not be so. I can see it all so clear now.. you must return Above, you have a life there, forget me like you would a dream. Pick up the threads of your life again, weave a new tapestry, but one without me. I release you from our bond. Rekindle all you gave up when our paths crossed. Your aloneness is over, go with my blessing... dearest Catherine." Then turning his head, he looked at her to savour the picture before him; to see her one last time. "Go, Catherine, before it becomes too painful for both of us."

"No... no... no... You can't mean this, how can you say this? Don't you know you can never lose me, I love you so much, Vincent!"

"Stop it, you must. We have always been honest with each other, Catherine, we both knew this day would come, when this dream of ours would end."

"Vincent, I've come here to explain what happened, to you. It is not as you think and damn it, Vincent, you will hear me out!" Her whole body was now shaking with emotion.

"I... saw you... with.. him." He sighed. "You both looked.. so perfect together... you were dressed so beautifully, Catherine. Elliot Burch loves you, he can give you everything I can't. It hurts me deeply inside.., but it is true. I would feel like a king if I could offer all that to you and look like he does... but we have to realise, what we shared was only a dream, a rare and beautiful insight into what might have been, had I not been born the way I am. You must go now, please." His voice caught in his throat and then he whispered, "If I hadn't come into your life, by now you would have been married to Elliot, even had.., children. Father was right, all this has caused you pain. I'm sorry."

Facing him now, she put her hand under the stubble covered chin, then eased his face upwards until their eyes met. A pool of unshed tears begged for release as Vincent struggled to keep control.

"I don't want Elliot, I only want you. If I can't have you, then I will have no one. I understand how it all seems, Vincent, I'm Daddy's little rich girl, I have wealth beyond understanding, I could have any man I choose. The fact I want you, with no money, no real job, no real home and, as you say yourself, not as other men, you can't believe that this is what I really want. But it truly is." She pulled at his tunic. "Why aren't you man enough to do something about this situation and stop using me and Elliot as your scape goat to hide behind."

"Please, Catherine...

"I'm out of here. I can't take this any longer and I won't be back. You know where I am when you come to your senses and change your mind. But make it quick, because only yesterday, Joe asked me to go to Kentucky for six months... I turned him down flat, but now I will reconsider. I have an excellent reason to leave New York, thanks to you."

Slowly, she turned and left the chamber, leaving Vincent speechless at her outburst. It was all of five minutes before he realised Catherine had gone. Quickly, he picked up his cloak and threw it on, dashing after her. His long legs soon enable him to catch up to her.

"Catherine... wait, please."

His large hands stopped her, as he held her against the tunnel wall, his breathing was rapid and laboured in her face.

"Catherine, I had this evening planned, it was going to be... so beautiful.., so... perfect. We finished our work below early, so I sent word to Father to send you a message. I know it was delivered. I felt so sure you would come. Then, as I waited for you, I saw you and Elliot together... I felt my heart breaking."

"I didn't find your note until I returned, Vincent."

"Why did you let him... kiss you, Catherine. If you care for me as much as you say you do?"

"It wasn't what you think."

"What was I to think? Him, of all people, holding you, desiring you, when I thought you belonged to me.

"You didn't trust me, did you? Why didn't you listen to our bond, or were you so mad that you couldn't feel it? Don't you know I would never cheat on you, damn you, Vincent, trust is a two way thing!"

"Your date... why Elliot Burch, if you love me, Catherine?"

"Elliot contacted me, he was on a whistle stop visit to New York, on business, from his construction contract in Kentucky. He asked me if I could see him and help kill two hours before his flight back there. You were away, and I was sad and missing you. I thought you were to be away for two more days, so saw no harm in agreeing to seeing an old friend. Was that so damn awful of me?" Her tears ran freely now.

"Our bond is my window to your feelings, I know you care for him."

"But I love you."

"He adores you, Catherine."

"Grrrr," she growled, gritting her teeth in frustration at being unable to make him see sense.

"My feelings shame me, they consume me, being not as other men, to me, Catherine, I cannot cope with sharing you with anyone. This is one of the differences you have to contend with in me."

"Plain old fashioned jealousy, Vincent. We all feel this, believe me."

"These feelings are new to me, I feel cast out, adrift on a sea of emotion, with no destination."

"Words, Vincent, words. I want more than words from you, I... want you, body and soul, as my friend and lover. When Elliot kissed me, I ached with all my heart for it to have been you."

"Catherine... I need you so much, I truly do."

"Then why are we not truly together, eh? Tell me that."

"At first it seemed not possible for me, then, with your love and understanding a change started within me... then tonight I dreamed a dream. I have always wanted you, but felt once you knew me as a... lover, you would quickly end it, so I hung on, so we could delay the parting which would surely come.

"Maybe this six months in Kentucky is what we both need, it will -"

"Kentucky! Elliot Burch is there. No, no, please don't go there, don't do this, Catherine."

"I must."

"Will you ever come back? Will you return to me?"

"I need time, Vincent."

"I respect your wishes, I will send you a letter before you leave."

"Yes, do that, please." And with that she was gone, leaving Vincent to slide to the floor and weep the night away.

"Hey, Radcliffe, I'm impressed, in before me. Sure you're not sickening for something?"

"Hi, Joe, you know me too well," she smiled. "And I'm not sickening for anything but I do want something. Can I see you privately?"

"Sure, come in the office." Joe looked worried. "Tell me. You're making me nervous."

"Joe, I need to get away from New York... from all this. I've decided to take the job in Kentucky."

"Wow, you sure know how to surprise a guy."

"Can I go then?"

"You sure can.

"Thanks, Joe, I owe you.

"Can I ask you what changed your mind?"

"Sorry, no.

"More secrets, eh?"

"'Fraid so."

"So what's new, eh?" he grinned. "Guess it must be a man, eh?"

"I really don't want to talk about it, Joe. Just... trust me."

"Okay, kiddo... I'm here whenever you need a shoulder to cry on."

"Thanks, Joe." With that, Catherine gratefully left his office.

Since that disastrous meeting with Vincent, Catherine hadn't seen him and, this morning, just before she left the apartment for the airport, a letter had been pushed under the door. She saw it as it came into view and quickly went to see who had delivered it, but all traces of the person had gone. Shutting the door, she fingered the long cream coloured envelope with the scripted hand writing, which simply said:

Catherine

Elliot, now back in Kentucky, had received Catherine's urgent cable, which said:

COMING TO KENTUCKY FOR SIX MONTHS, PLEASE FIND ME
ACCOMMODATION. SEE YOU ON THE 7TH.

CATHERINE.

As soon as Elliot received the cable, he saw his world at last taking shape. His Catherine was coming to him for a trial period of six months. This time he wouldn't let her slip through his fingers.

Manning quickly found a neat little apartment, which Elliot got tradesmen to transform into an even higher standard. This is where money talks, though Elliot. No expense was spared. Flowers were the final touch; they were everywhere. The wardrobe even had a new and elegant collection of clothes to greet her and, as Elliot looked around it, a smile of pleasure filled his face.

Then, he placed a small box on the night stand, which contained a flawless pair of diamond earrings, with a small hand-written note.

I chose these to welcome you, we will choose the ring together,

E

With champagne chilling in the fridge, the scene was set. Today she would be here with him; his dream was nearly complete. How proud his mama would have been to see him about to settle down with a girl like Cathy. The pain of losing her was forever with him. She had been the driving force which had got him this far; it had also been the time when his father had disowned him; when Stosh Kazmarek had died, and Elliot Burch was born.

After Elliot had given Manning the day off for all the hard work he'd done, he went for a shower and to get ready to meet Cathy at the airport. The soft droplets of cold water eased the ache in his body for her. Soon she would be his and his alone.

Now dressed in a white polo neck sweater and fawn slacks, he left his suite and went to the parking lot and the car.

The cool air conditioning of the aircraft felt in sharp contrast to the searing heat of Kentucky, as Catherine disembarked. A small sea of people hurried excitedly, collecting luggage and greeting friends. She stood for a moment, not knowing quite which way to go, then suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and another on her arm.

"Cathy."

"Hi, Elliot." Her pleasure at seeing him was reflected in her face.

"Good trip?"

"Yep."

"Welcome to Kentucky."

They both smiled and Elliot led her out of the terminal and into the waiting car. Once on the straight road ahead, Catherine was the first to speak.

"Do I have a place to stay?"

"You sure do, honey.

"I do?"

"I gave this little job my undivided attention." His face lit up, as only a man in love could look, with the woman of his dreams by his side.

"Why, thank you, Elliot. I do appreciate this. I'm sorry it was such short notice... something

came up."

Elliot leaned sidewards, took her hand in his, turned it over and bent down and kissed its palm.

"Keep your eyes on the road, Elliot, before we are both killed."

He stopped the car and taking her in his arms, kissed her on the lips. "Welcome home to the loveliest person alive."

"Oh Elliot, please."

He smiled a knowing smile and started the car up again, easing back into the traffic. They exchanged an easy banter of news and gossip. The time flew by 'til they arrived at a two storey building. This was to be her home for six long months, without her Vincent.

"Penny for them?"

"I was miles away, sorry. Come, show me this apartment." Elliot got out the key and opened the door.

"Oh, Elliot, it's beautiful, it's beyond my wildest dreams... the flowers, it's all... Thank you." She opened her arms to give him a thank you kiss, which took Elliot off guard, but he quickly recovered enough to be instrumental in the return kiss he warmly gave back to her.

"Welcome to Kentucky."

"Thank you, Elliot. I really don't know what to say..."

"Don't say anything... just say you will have dinner with me tonight." She nodded her answer.

"I'll pick you up around eight, eight thirty."

"Yes, eight will be fine."

Holding the handle in his hand, he closed her door and, like a willo' the wisp, he was gone.

Catherine walked around the rooms inspecting them, opening cupboards and drawers until

her eyes fixed on the box on the night stand. As she read the note and looked at the earrings, all she could manage to say was, "Oh."

Her suspicious nature was confirmed with the note. Elliot was back on course, running favourite in the marriage stakes; his own private Kentucky Derby.

Catherine unpacked and showered, made herself a snack and coffee,then sat down and yet again fingered the letter from Vincent, which now lay on the coffee table, still unopened. Time passed by and soon it was nearly eight o'clock.

The tap on the door could only be Elliot, as she made to open it.

"Flowers for a lovely lady." He handed her a spray for her dress.

"Orchids, Elliot," she chided.

"Here, let me pin them on for you," he said and, as he stood back to decide where this should be, he took in the vision before him. Catherine wore a plain black cocktail dress with tiny straps that tied at the shoulder. "You look perfect..." He pinned the flowers to the base of her right strap. Then his hand ran down her arm. He leaned forward and looked down into her face. What he saw was sheer beauty. "I'm glad you're here."

"The earrings, Elliot, I can't accept them... they are too extravagant."

"You must. Please wear them tonight, please, honey."

"All right, and thank you."

When she had them in, she turned to Elliot to show him, but he only had eyes for her lips, which he sought with a hunger which scared her. All the pent up longing for Vincent, all the needs that grew for him alone since their paths had crossed over the last two years, came crashing down on her. And, unbeknown to Elliot, Catherine was kissing Vincent. She was exploring his face, her tongue played tricks along his eyelids, the dimple in his chin; Elliot was a lost case.

"Cathy, I love you so much, I need to love you."

Suddenly, Cathy felt through their bond, the hurt Vincent was feeling and her heart ached for him. Holding Elliot by the shoulders, she whispered, "Let's go eat, shall we, I'm starving."

The restaurant was lovely and the food a pure delight, with helpings like she had never seen before. But there was a sadness about her that worried Elliot. He put it down to being jet lagged. So, as he returned her to her apartment, he didn't stay for coffee and what his heart and body needed. Instead he left, with the promise of picking her up to take her sight seeing tomorrow.

Elliot sat up most of the night, trying to sort out his feelings and what was wrong.

Far below Central Park, Father and Vincent sat playing chess. It had taken Father a while to talk Vincent into sharing a game like old times. Vincent had agreed, saying, "If you insist."

"I do, it will take your mind off things... and I do miss our little games.

"I've neglected you, I know," he mouthed.

"No. No, never that."

"I'll take your pawn."

"And I take your knight."

Suddenly, Vincent felt a pull at their bond. He tried to ignore it, but it was hammering at his heart and wouldn't go away. As Father anticipated his next move, the bond truly opened up. Suddenly, Vincent knew what game Elliot had in mind for Catherine, as Catherine's feelings warned her of the danger, so Vincent picked up on this, which because of the distance, he was helpless to do anything about. An overwhelming all consuming jealousy took over as Vincent realised Catherine needed him and him alone.

"Grrrgrrr." The growl that started deep inside him went louder and louder 'til at last it was a full blown roar.

"Vincent! Dear god, is that what I have to put up with, just because for once I have beaten you," he chided.

"GRRRRRRR."

"Tell me, what is it?"

Vincent rose and as he did so, caught the edge of the table, turning the chess board over and scattering the pieces on the floor. By the time Father had stood up, Vincent was long gone, but the roaring continued. Whatever stood in Vincent's way was thrown aside like a rag doll.

Finally, all was peaceful, except for the tappings on the pipes. Vincent at last returned to his chamber, after many hours deep in the belly of the earth. He walked slowly, is whole being weak from the stress of the last few hours. He had truly lost everything he realised as he threw himself on his bed and succumbed to a troubled sleep.

"Catherine... Catherine," were the last words he uttered as he slipped into a coma like sleep.

As the early morning light filtered through the window, Catherine sat up in bed. Where was Vincent? What was he doing? How she missed him. The letter.., she must read it. So reaching to the night stand, where she had put it late last night, she picked it up and with a deep sigh, opened it up.

Dearest Catherine

My heart is sad and lonely as I pen this letter to you. I knew one day I would have to write such a note, but I hoped, I dared to dream I would never need to. The last two years of my life have been the happiest, because you were there to share it with me. But I must now be the one to end it all. I have always hoped that one day a miracle would happen, so we could have and share a normal life together. It is what I longed for with all my heart.

But the world conspires to keep lovers apart and it would seem that too, is our destiny. I know what I am, Catherine, I have no right to think I could be any more than your friend and protector. These last two years; seeing you, spending time with you, made my life more bearable. I came to live for the time we spent together. But when two people love each other as we do, then total physical love must be the next step. As much as we both wanted this, I could never allow this.

It's very hard to tell you, but I must confront you with the real reason. I've put this off to delay your rejection. I know what it is to love and I do desire you, my love, believe that, for it is the truth. Everything about my outward appearance is larger than the average man... except, Catherine, except the part of me you most desire. This breaks my heart. Forgive me, my Catherine. I'm glad you have found someone to really love you. Whenever you need my help, I will be here, to guard and protect you, to fulfill my promise to your father.

I love you. Have a happy life.

Love

Vincent

Catherine could hardly make out the last few words, for the tears made them swim together. Poor Vincent, hadn't he suffered enough, and now this. She had to return to New York, on the next flight; she needed Vincent now, more than ever before. If a union between them was impossible, she could accept that, but being apart she could not.

The doorbell rang and Catherine knew it could only be Elliot.

"Hi, honey." He stood there, in white shorts and a bright yellow tee-shirt, looking tanned and bursting with health and love for Catherine.

"Hi yourself."

"Is that coffee I smell?"

"Yeah. Sit down and I'll fix you a cup.

"Make mine black, my assistant drinks only black coffee, so I've picked up the habit." He followed her into the kitchen and, putting his arms around her, breathed into her ear: "Put your hand in my right pocket."

"Elliot, stop that at once!"

"Will you stop that and stop thinking you know best all the time! Put your hand in the goddamned pocket, will you woman?"

"Okay."

Slowly, her eyes fixed on his, she put her hand in the pocket of his shorts. There she found papers. Pulling them out, she looked at them. "Elliot?"

"Tickets, honey, for you, out of here at noon today."

"Elliot?" she repeated.

"I love you like I will never love any other woman on this earth, but I'm no fool and you don't love me in quite the same way. It's this guy, Vincent. I'll never be able to compete with him. Whatever it is I sure as hell don't have it. I want only your happiness, even if it has to be without you by my side."

"What can I say, Elliot?"

"That we can always be friends.., maybe consider me for.., godfather one day?"

"One day you will meet Vincent, this I promise you."

"I know, but for now, get packing." He slapped her bottom with the tickets. "I'll pick you up at eleven on the dot. Be ready." They exchanged an understanding glance.

Vincent had, since his binge of destruction in the tunnels, and to himself, calmed down and was resigned to his fate. But it was a calmness which belied his true feelings. He stood now, by the Mirror Pool, one hand near the waterfall, the other on the rock face. His cloak flowed with the wind as it gathered at this point from two other adjoining tunnels. The splashing waters drowned the tappings on the pipes as Vincent sought to calm his own torment.

"Vincent." A voice seemed to call him. "Vincent." A hand touched his arm. Turning slowly, he saw a vision before him.

"No, no more visions!"

"Vincent, I'm here, I've come home, forgive me, whatever we have, it's worth everything."

"Catherine, is it really you?" He straightened up to his full height and opened his huge arms to enfold this tiny precious gem that was his very life. "I thought I'd lost you forever."

"You know, Vincent, that is impossible, I love you so much." She snuggled up to him, her scent filling his very being. "I only read your letter this morning, I couldn't bring myself to read it before."

"I know of this pain.

"I couldn't bear the pain of losing you. Your letter made me love you all the more."

"And the problem I have?"

"Makes no difference to me, my love."

'Catherine, what ever did I do to deserve someone like you?"

"I'll take you anyway I can... trust me." She snuggled up, her body hugged and held him closer than before. "Vincent..."

He knew what she meant as, for the first time in his life, something stirred inside him, a part of him was coming alive.

"It would seem, Catherine, dreams do come true after all."

"I've dreamed of this, Vincent, I love you, so much."

They were last seen heading towards Father's study, to tell him of their rare and precious love, which would overcome all life could ever throw at them. But father was a wise old man and no fool, he was waiting for them, with wine, not herb tea this time. This was a special day, a day to celebrate.