“Vincent!” she cried, remembering that he had been shot. She tried to sit up but was held down by strong, insistent hands.
“He’s all right, child,” a gentle voice tried to sooth her panic. “He’s asleep right now, over there.” She turned to her left and found him as the voice had said. Peering up at the person standing over her she met the compassionate blue eyes of an older woman. “Mary?” she inquired, recognizing her instantly.
The pale blue eyes widened slightly. “You know me?”
Catherine smiled in remembrance. “You’re exactly as Vincent described you. How is he really, Mary?”
“He’ll sleep for about three days then wake up almost healed. He does this each time he is injured.” She looked at Catherine with an open, friendly expression but her eyes held an unspoken question.
“What is it, Mary?” It was obvious she wanted to ask her something.
“Why did you do this?”
“Bring him home?”
“Yes. That was a brave thing to do.”
“Not so brave, it just seemed the right thing to do.” She had to see him again to make sure he was still breathing and as she did a softness came over her face that Mary recognized.
“You love him,” she stated.
“Yes, I suppose I do.” She thought for a few seconds then grinned widely, “In fact, I know I do.”
“Good. He has needed someone for a very long time.” After giving Catherine a swallow of water she told her, “Rest now. Everything is all right.”
Catherine mumbled as she closed her eyes, “We’re home in the tunnels, aren’t we?” and drifted into that soft, dark place that held Vincent. She was satisfied and didn’t hear Mary’s soft, “Yes.”
****************
Gradually, Catherine improved and was sitting up by the time Vincent opened his eyes. Busily chatting with Sarah, whom she had taken to the first time she met her, she felt someone looking at her. Turning around she found Vincent staring at her.
“Hello, you.” Even though the tunnel dwellers were unconcerned about the length of Vincent’s sleep she had begun to worry about him. Her relief was evident in the broad smile directed his way. “How do you feel?”
“Hello, yourself,” he returned the greeting. “I feel fine.” Swinging his legs off the table he sat up and stretched impressively with both arms then shrugged his shoulders grunting a little. “That feels much better.”
Sarah watched their happy byplay with growing interest. They seemed so at ease with each other.
He hopped off the table and moved to her side inquiring, “How are you?”
“I’m coming along great, aren’t I, Sarah?” She wanted corroboration from a very interested bystander.
“Oh, yes, we have had her up and walking today,” Sarah said then added, “I’ll go and see if they have your chamber ready.” Gracefully, she ducked around the curtain.
“You have a wonderful family, Vincent.”
“Yes, I couldn’t exist without them.”
An uneasy silence stretched between them. They had so much to say but didn’t know how to begin. Then in unison they said, “Vincent . . .” “Catherine . . .”
With a small bow and a light laugh Vincent encouraged her to continue.
“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our little trek and I will keep your secret guarded in my heart.” She grasped his hand and held it to her heart.
Vincent gasped at the warmth that flooded through his entire body. My god, what her slightest touch did to him. “I wanted to thank you again. I can never repay you for all you did.”
Catherine gazed slyly at him, a twinkle in her eyes, “What’s that old saying, something about the life you save becoming your responsibility. You’re my responsibility now, Vincent, and I take this very seriously.” It was all said in a light tone but with a background of steely resolve that told him how serious she was.
“Lie back, Catherine, you will tire yourself.” Discomposed, he turned his head away so she could not see the tears in his eyes. No one in all his life, not even Father, made him feel so loved and cared for as this woman. And he suddenly knew that he would give his life to keep this woman safe and in his world.
****************
Catherine was settled comfortably in the guest room. This had been swiftly accomplished when Vincent scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the chamber in spite of her protestations otherwise. The chamber was large with a huge four poster bed, an old refinished chest of drawers, an etagere, a large reading chair, a bedside table, and a steamer trunk standing on end. All were decorated with dainty lace doilies and several candles. She lay amidst sundry patchwork pillows and a beautiful handmade quilt covered her. Several books were stacked on the table and among them she noticed Great Expectations, Pride and Prejudice, and Jane Eyre. That had to be Vincent’s handiwork and it brought a tender smile to her face when she thought how thoughtful it was of him to remember her favorite books.
Father strode in trailing Mary in his wake. “How are we feeling today?” he asked and bent to his examination.
“Do all doctors go to school to learn to ask that question?” She chuckled as he tried to look aggrieved.
“It’s called Boring the Patient 101,” he retorted. Her silvery laugh made him laugh along with her. “You seem to be much improved today, my dear.”
“Yes, your son is a wonderful nurse.” Catherine did not notice the slight frown that appeared and just as promptly disappeared across his face but Mary caught the frown and frowned herself, wondering.
“I taught him well,” Mary chimed in.
“Indeed you did, Mary,” Catherine agreed.
The subject of the conversation entered the chamber carrying a covered tray from which enticing aromas arose. “Oh, that smells wonderful,” Catherine said. “I’m going to have to go on a diet when I go home.”
Mary saw the look of pain that crossed Vincent’s face and the look of relief that crossed Father’s. She knew then without a doubt that Vincent loved Catherine with all his heart and soul. She wondered what Father would say about that.
“Well, yes, we want you on your feet and walking every day. That will build your strength and heal you much faster than laying around in bed. But be sure to eat William’s healthy meals, too.”
“I will see that Catherine does everything that is required of her, Father,” Vincent said, quietly.
“See what I mean, he’s a slave driver. Won’t give me a moments peace.” Catherine loved teasing Vincent and he enjoyed teasing her back. No one had ever teased him like this after Devin had left the tunnels or knew just how badly he had missed it.
“Don’t worry, Father, I won’t walk her legs off, just to the knees.” Father looked at him, astonished. Seldom, had he ever seen Vincent tease someone back. It was imperative that he talk with Vincent before things went too far between the two of them.
“Vincent, may I see you in an hour? That is, if you will be finished with Catherine’s rehabilitation.” His words came out much sharper than he intended. Vincent’s eyebrow rose questioningly.
“Yes, Father, I believe we will be finished by then. I’ll see you in your chamber.” He turned back to assist Catherine out of bed for her mandatory walk. He didn’t see the vexed look in Father’s eyes, but Catherine did and she wondered what Vincent would meet when he went to Father’s chamber.
****************
“How was Catherine’s walk?” Father greeted Vincent as he slowly walked down the small metal stairs.
“Fine, she is just a little tired but she gets stronger every day.” He settled into the large chair that Father kept for him and leaned his head against the back. “She is a remarkable woman, Father. Never once did she falter while she was bringing me home. I doubt if I would have made it without her.”
“Oh, I don’t know, you are very resourceful yourself and you would have eventually made your way back.” It seemed to him that Vincent gave far too much credit to this mere slip of a woman. He could have done it without her, of that he was sure.
“That is possible but it would not have been nearly as enjoyable.” Vincent was staring into the past, reliving those times he and Catherine were alone in the car, talking and laughing, him reading to her or reciting poetry. They had discovered a mutual love for prose and poetry. In a way, he wished they could be alone now. He would have to find a place for them to be alone.
“Vincent, what is this woman to you?” Once again, his words were sharper than he wanted.
Blue sapphire eyes bored into Father’s as Vincent contemplated his answer. Should he skirt the truth or be honest with this dear man who Vincent felt was afraid that he was losing him to Catherine. How could he explain that Father would always be dear to him regardless of what happened between Catherine and him? Father had always taught him that the truth was the best so he took a deep breath and stated, “I love her, Father. She is more important to me than my life.”
He got the expected reaction. “Vincent, this cannot be. You are too different; you live in two different worlds. This is what I always feared for you, that you would want the life that cannot be.”
“Yes, the life that cannot be but, Father, why can we not compromise . . .”
“You cannot compromise with that world above. Surely you know that?” He paced away from Vincent’s calm figure and spun around to him. “This can go no further. I forbid it.”
“You forbid it? Am I a child, Father, that needs your permission to scratch my nose?” Vincent leapt to his feet and advanced on the man that had raised him, angrier than he had even been at his father. His words grated angrily, “I am thirty three years old, a man, and I make my own decisions about the path my life takes.”
“No, no, Vincent, I didn’t mean it the way it came out. I know I can’t forbid you but I want you to seriously weigh this problem . . . and it is a problem, believe me.” He rested a conciliatory hand on Vincent’s tense arm.
“You will not speak of this to Catherine. She believes she is welcome here and everyone else has made her feel very welcome. I never thought you, my own father, would condemn someone without getting to know them first.” He shook off his father’s hand and strode to the stairs.
“Vincent, I’m only trying to get you to see reason. Of course, the woman is welcome here,” Father pleaded.
Vincent spun around to accuse him, “You cannot even call her by her name, can you, Father?” He took the steps two at a time and disappeared through the entryway.
Father sank into his worn, upholstered chair, dropping his forehead into his hand. He shook his head in distress. What had these six months away from his influence done to Vincent? He knew, he just knew, that he was in for a lot of pain, for a Topsider could not be trusted not to break his heart. How was he to extricate his boy from this situation? Things had progressed farther than he had realized. The way she looked at Vincent, it was evident that she loved him now, but how long would that last before she tired of him and threw him over. His self-confidence was shaky at the best and if she did that, it would destroy him. He had seen it happen with Lisa and he was determined that it would not happen this time if there was any way he could prevent it.
****************
A week after they had returned, Vincent carried Catherine into Father’s Library and settled her on a cot that had been prepared for her. They were going to tell the community the story of Vincent’s return. Father was none too happy to have her there basking in all the glory that rightly belonged to his son. Oh, she had helped, but Vincent would have made his way back without her. Mouse was the first there and promptly took a place beside Catherine’s cot. In his mind, she was a heroine as she had brought Vincent back home. Jamie sat next to Mouse when she arrived. By the time everyone had arrived the chamber was filled to bursting. Cheek to jowl, they sat, stood, and leaned wherever there was room.
Father called for order. “Quiet, please. We are gathered here to hear the story of Vincent’s return to us. I’ll let Vincent begin.”
Vincent told of his capture and sale by the ‘Silks’ to the carnival, leaving out the part about the torture. His family had suffered enough worrying about him. He skimmed over the time he spent in the carnival saying that it was uncomfortable and embarrassing. Catherine looked steadily at him at this time and he knew that she was aware that he was not telling all.
Then Catherine told of how she had had car trouble and was bored with nothing to do -- Father nodded knowingly, of course -- and decided to go to the carnival. She went into greater detail about the conditions that Vincent lived in and how he was treated by the attendants and the customers. When she told of the rapist and Vincent’s part in saving her there was universal praise that brought a flush of embarrassment to Vincent’s unique face.
Taking turns, they spoke of the flight to her motel, hiding from the police, changing cars, buying clothes for him, the relatively worry free drive to the city, the run in with the ‘Silks’ again and their consequent flight into the tunnels. The complimentary remarks and praise that was bestowed on Catherine put Father’s teeth on edge. Couldn’t they see that she was just a rich girl on a lark and that Vincent could end up hurt beyond repair? He pounded his cane on the floor, calling out, “William has prepared a small snack for everyone. Shall we repair to the dining room?”
The crowd slowly filed out leaving Catherine, Vincent and Father alone. The look that passed between his son and this woman kindled his ire even more. “That was quite some tale,” he said, testily. “I’m sure we did not get the whole story.”
“No, Father. There was no reason to distress them any more than what they were. I am safely home and what passed between Catherine and me on this return is for us alone.”
“I’m sure, I’m sure,” Father said. “Are you going to the dining room? William will be greatly disappointed if you do not.”
“I wouldn’t disappoint William for anything in the world,” Catherine laughed. “His meals have been as good as any I’ve had Above.” As if it was expected, she lifted her arms for Vincent to carry her to the dining room. Father’s eyebrows nearly left his forehead.
As he bent to take in his arms Vincent planted a light kiss on the top of her head. The old man almost had apoplexy. Thankfully, neither Vincent nor Catherine noticed as they were too wrapped up in each other. Holding her close to his breast Vincent exited the Library and turned to the right.
Father wearily fell into his chair passing a hand over his face. What was he to do? How could he combat this woman who had captured Vincent’s heart without destroying him? He shivered in fear, rose, and went to the dining room.
****************
Under Vincent’s solicitous care Catherine rapidly improved but with an unspoken conspiracy between them they managed to keep that news from Father. Using the walks mandated by him, Vincent introduced Catherine to his world. He showed her the school rooms, the weaving room, the chandlery, other work areas, the Mirror Pool, the Three Falls Chamber, the Whispering Bridge, she had already been in the library. She particularly enjoyed meeting his friends and family. Mary and Sarah were her favorites along with Jamie, Mouse, and William. But of all she met the children won her heart by their obvious love for Vincent. She loved to watch the interaction between the children and him. He was never too busy to hear their problems.
She was sitting in the middle of her big double bed reading the last chapters of Great Expectations when she felt him watching her from the doorway.
“You are so beautiful,” he said, “like an angel.”
Catherine laughed gently, “No angel, I fear. I only wish I was. Then I could arrange it so that I could stay here forever.”
“You have your life Above, Catherine. Your father, your friends, all need you.”
“I know but I need something else, I need this place, I need you.”
“And I need you. We will find a way to be together.”
She nodded slightly, playing with her hands. “How soon must I go back?”
“Father is chafing at the bit to send you back as of this minute but,” he grinned mischievously, “would you like to go to a concert?”
“A concert? Where?” His request intrigued her. Where could you go to a concert here in the tunnels?
“I have a special place where I can listen to the Concerts in the Park.”
“Oh, I’d love to go.” She clapped her hands in delight.
Her open delight warmed his heart. “Let me make the preparations and I’ll come for you at 7:30.”
“Wonderful.” She looked like a little girl who had been told that her dearest wish had been granted. It had been for she was to spend private time with him alone. There had been precious little of it since they had come back. Sometimes she wished their journey had never ended and she knew Vincent felt the same way and shared her nostalgia.
Promptly at 7:30 Vincent presented himself at her chamber. It pleased her to see that he had taken special pains with his appearance. His hair had been washed and brushed until it shone like spun gold. The shirt he wore was ruffled at the neck and wrist and of a soft ivory color, his pants were a dark green well-washed corduroy. Black knee-high leather boots were the finishing touch. She thought she had never seen anyone as handsome as he.
The way she stared at him made him uncomfortable. “Is something wrong?”
“Oh no, you’re just so handsome, you took my breath away,” she replied.
He ducked his head in shy acknowledgment of her statement then gasped as she stood to come to him. She wore tunnel clothes this night. A soft white peasant blouse with a variegated long skirt and soft leather tan boots had been her choice. She wore a minimum of makeup, remembering the comment he had made in the motel, and a light spritz of perfume. Her hair was held back by a set of whale bone combs that had been given to her by Mary, and small gold earrings graced her ears. To Vincent she was beauty incarnate.
He gulped as she rested a small delicate hand on his arm. “Shall we go?” he croaked, immediately embarrassed that he was acting like a schoolboy on his first date. He wasn’t a schoolboy but this was his first date.
Catherine seemed to understand and smiled beneficently at him. “Yes, I’d love to,” she admitted.
In a daze, Vincent led his love through the tunnels to a large unused storm drain. Earlier in the day, he had brought cushions and pillows plus a large quilt for them to sit on. He settled her on the quilt then piled cushions behind her.
Coyly she asked, “Aren’t you going to sit, Vincent?” She patted the quilt beside her.
He sat beside her not knowing exactly what to do next. Catherine solved his dilemma when she snuggled into his shoulder and pulled his arm around her.
Vincent couldn’t have said what had been on the program if he had been asked. He had spent the whole evening lost in the scent and feel of Catherine. She fit into his arms as if she had been born for that purpose. He hoped he had made sense when he was drawn into their conversation. For the life of him, he couldn’t remember anything they had said. But Catherine’s bubbling laughter and glowing eyes reassured him. As they strolled back to her chamber, he settled his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. Catherine leaned lovingly into him, holding his hand. At the entrance to her chamber they stood lost in their embrace, her cheek pressed into his vest and his chin resting on the top of her head.
“Father says it is time for you to return Above tomorrow,” he stated sadly, brushing a soft kiss into her hair.
“Couldn’t wait, huh?” Silently, tears began to slowly roll down her cheeks. “I love you, Vincent.”
He stiffened, then pressed her tighter to his breast. “And I love you.”
She stepped back and raising her face to his, pulled his mouth down for a tender loving kiss that left them breathless when they separated. Burying her face in his vest she groaned, “I don’t want to go.”
“I don’t want you to go.”
Smiling at him through tear dimmed eye, she said, “But I must. Not for my father or my friends but for myself. I need to grow up, become a better person, give meaning to my life. I have always taken, Vincent. Now I need to learn how to give, to be strong. I must learn how to become worthy of you.”
“You have given so much to me already, Catherine,” he said in her defense.
She patted him on the cheek. “You’re easy to give to and I loved it. You have taught me that life is important and it must be lived at its best. I have much to think about when I go home. It’s a good thing my father is not expecting me home for another week. I will have time to myself.”
“If I can help in any way . . . ?” he offered, his heart sinking. When would he see her again?
“You have already. Will you walk with me to the entrance tomorrow?”
“I wouldn’t let anyone else.” He bent and brushed his lips across her forehead. “Good night.”
“Good night, Vincent.” Her fingers trailed through his as she turned and entered her chamber.
****************
The next day Catherine was deluged by her newfound friends who came by twos and threes to say goodbye to her. They wanted to know when she would be back. She answered, “As soon as I can.” That seemed to satisfy them and everyone left her with a big hug and bright smiles. After lunch with Vincent in the main dining room she grabbed her jacket, squared her shoulders and approached Father. “I just want to thank you for all you did for me, Father. You saved my life.”
“I’m glad I was able to care for you, Catherine,” he replied.
With a twinkle in her eyes she said, “Ask Vincent what that entails.”
Father humphed and replied testily, “I’ll be sure to do that.” He was the only one that did not hug her but coolly kept her at a distance. Noticing the possessive hold Vincent had on her hand he thought that that was something he meant to put a stop to and with her returned to her life Above it would be much easier for him to make Vincent see the light.
“Well, thank you again, Father. I hope to see you soon.” She smiled brightly at him as he forced a returning smile.
“I will escort Catherine to the portal,” Vincent said, well aware of his father’s displeasure with the situation between Catherine and him. He expected to be lectured to when he came back but this time Father would not be able to sway him.
At the newly formed entrance to Catherine’s apartment, Vincent showed her how to enter the subbasement. “I didn’t know this was here,” she commented, running her hand over the freshly broken bricks.
“It wasn’t,” he chuckled.
Raising an eyebrow, she chuckled with him. “What do you mean?”
“The basement door and ladder have always been there but I made the tunnel entrance.”
“That’s where you were this morning. You wanted it to be easy for me to come to you.” Tears sat in the corners of her eyes as she smiled lovingly at him and fiercely hugged him.
“Yes,” shyly he whispered, overcome that she appreciated his desires and he rested his cheek on her head. “If you ever need to go Below and I am not available, tap on the pipes and someone will come for you.”
“Thank you, Vincent. I’ll remember my code”
“I’m sorry about the clothes and your car, Catherine. When Mouse and Kanin went to recover them, they were gone.”
“They were only things, Vincent. Replaceable things. What is important is that you are safe. You could never be replaced.” She smiled lovingly into his eyes gently stroking his golden cheek.
“Nor you, Catherine,” he whispered as he lowered his mouth to hers. The kiss slowly ended and, resting his forehead on hers, they lapsed into a sad silence. Neither one wanted to be the first to say good bye.
Finally, Vincent raised his head, “Catherine, I owe you my life. If not for you I would still be in that cage or dead somewhere between here and Arapahoe. I can never repay you.”
“I was well repaid when you and Father saved my life. Besides, you have taught me so much. You’ve changed my life, Vincent.”
“As you have changed my life. You have ended my aloneness.”
“As long as I live, you will never be alone again. That I promise you.” Tightening her embrace, she said, “Vincent, I need some time to myself. I need to figure out what I am going to do with my life. Give me a week and then we’ll meet and I’ll tell you what I have decided.”
The sadness that had filled his heart lifted with those words. Their separation was only temporary. On tiptoe, she stood and kissed him lightly. Any more and she would not be able to leave him. She turned out of his embrace and as she climbed the rungs of the ladder she looked back at him once again. “I love you,” she said, then disappeared through the basement door before he could reply. Head bowed in thought, he returned slowly to his chamber to face Father’s unwanted admonitions of the life that could not be.