Chapter 16

Love Is In The Air

Supper was over, the children were asleep, and Vincent and Catherine were enjoying a quiet evening. He was at the desk writing in his journal, and she was curled up on the sofa reading. One of the joys of being in private practice was having time to read a book instead of working on briefs until the wee hours of the morning. As Catherine turned the page, she saw Vincent's head rise as if listening. A voice came from the passageway outside the entrance to their chamber.

"Catherine?"

"Come in Lena." Catherine put her book aside as their friend entered the room. Vincent closed his journal and turned toward the door.

"Oh, hi Vincent." Lena looked surprised to see him there, though this was the logical place for him to be.

"Did you wish to speak to both of us, Lena?" Vincent rose. "If not, I will excuse myself to visit with Father. He has been eager to lose another game of chess."

"No, that's okay Vincent. I'll just visit with Cathy."

Amusement rippled across the bond at the relief in Lena's voice. Vincent kissed Catherine's cheek as he left; her fingers gently caressed his face. Lena sighed inwardly as she watched the tender exchange.

Catherine refilled her cup of mulled cider and poured one for Lena. The smell of apple, orange and cinnamon filled the air, and Catherine found it a delightful respite from the tea that was ever present Below. They made themselves comfortable and began to chat.

They talked about the twins and how fast they were growing. They talked about Caty and her adventures. They talked about the reading classes that Lena had begun to teach. They talked about everything except what Lena really wanted to talk about. Catherine carefully watched her friend. The amusement she was experiencing lit her eyes but she was careful to keep it from evidencing itself in a silly grin. She’d gone through a similar session with Joe just this afternoon.

As the conversation lagged, Catherine took pity on her friend.

"Did you enjoy the party last night?"

Lena's eyes sparkled but were very intent on the stained glass above the sofa. "Yes, it was a lot of fun. The children seemed to have a good time."

"Yes, they did, though the adults did too."

"I gather everything went okay with Mr. Maxwell?"

"Joe? Yes, it went very well. I believe that he and Vincent are going to get along famously. In fact, Father has even agreed to talk to the council about letting Joe come Below. Who knows, maybe he'll even be invited to Winterfest." She suppressed a smile at the excited look on the younger woman's face and continued, casually, "You seemed to be having a nice conversation with him when we came downstairs, what did you think of him?"

"He seemed very nice . . . and he is nice looking." Catherine chuckled at the blush that colored Lena's cheeks. Lena finally lowered her eyes to look at her friend. "Okay, okay, I liked him. Does that make you happy?"

Catherine finally gave up her struggle and the grin found its way to her face. "Actually, it does. I've invited Joe to dinner at the house next Wednesday and wondered if you'd like to come?"

Lena looked embarrassed. "I don't want him to think you're trying to fix us up, or anything."

Catherine reached over and touched her hand assuredly. "To tell the truth, Joe wanted your phone number, and . . . well . . . I told him you were unlisted, and I couldn't give it to him without your permission. Then I suggested the dinner, and he jumped at the invitation. I told him I couldn't promise you'd be there -- and it's entirely up to you -- but he is a really great guy."

Lena laughed when Catherine said she was 'unlisted'. As she thought about Joe and the fact that he wanted to see her again too, her face took on a worried look.

"What did you tell him about me," she asked quietly, "about my past?"

"I just told him that you're my friend and that we met two years ago through my volunteer work. Anything else, you'll need to tell him." She looked thoughtfully at her friend. "And, you do need to tell him. Everyone is entitled to privacy about their past, but this isn't something that should be lurking around, waiting to jump up and bite you. I don't think it'll matter to him, but it would be best to get it out in the open." She squeezed Lena's hand. Her friend nodded in understanding.

#####

Catherine and Lena were putting the finishing touches on the table when the doorbell rang. At the sight of her friend's tense face, Catherine smiled and gave her a hug before going to answer the door.

Joe handed Cathy a bottle of wine then removed his coat and hung it on the rack in the foyer. She led him into the living room.

"Joe, you remember Lena?" Cathy's question was thrown over her shoulder as she went to the kitchen to put the wine on ice.

"Yeah, hi Lena. I was crushed that Cinderella left the ball before I could tell her goodnight. I didn't even find a glass slipper to help me look for her." Joe hoped his joking covered the nervousness that shook him to the core. He had known lots of women and couldn't figure out why this one affected him the way she did. As he looked into her clear, blue eyes, he felt himself drowning.

"So you went straight to the fairy godmother?" Lena's laugh tinkled through the air. His lighthearted banter was easing her apprehension. "That's an interesting twist to the tale."

Cathy returned to the living room and offered drinks. When they both declined, she excused herself to see to the twins. At his request, Joe joined her as she went upstairs, while Lena went into the kitchen to check on dinner. One of the larger bedrooms on the second floor had been turned into a nursery. They entered to find Samantha crawling around on the carpeted floor with Jacob and Angel.

Jacob, seeing the adults enter the room, crawled over and tried to pull himself up on Joe's pant leg. Joe laughed as he scooped the baby up to give him a hug. "Hi ya, kiddo. Radcliffe, I can't believe how much he's grown in just the past month."

Cathy laughed. "I can't believe it either. It seems like they grow an inch while I'm at work every day."

Joe placed Jacob back on the carpet and stooped down to introduce himself to his twin. "Hi, Princess. You must be Angel."

Cathy picked up her daughter. "Angel, this is your Uncle Joe." There was no doubt that this was Vincent's child, but bits of Cathy could be seen in the grey-blue eyes and the open smile. As he looked at the precious little face, his heart melted, and he knew that he was a goner. Taking her from Cathy, he gave her a hug and rubbed her fuzzy little nose with his. Her giggles warmed his heart. He set her on the floor next to her brother and looked up at Cathy.

"Vincent better get a shotgun," he commented with a smile. At Cathy's confused look he continued, "That's the only way he's going to keep the guys away from that one. I don't envy him when she gets older." Cathy hugged him, her heartfelt smile showing her appreciation.

Leaving the children to Samantha's watchful eye, they went downstairs to join Lena in the kitchen. A sound was heard from the direction of the basement, and Lena whispered in Joe's ear, "Watch."

The basement door opened and Vincent entered the room. From the corner of his eye, Joe saw Cathy turn and flow into Vincent's embrace. The brief kiss was chaste but sensual at the same time and took Joe's breath away. His eyes returned to Lena's, and she gave an understanding smile.

The brief encounter over, Vincent came forward to say hello to Joe and apologize for being late. He went to wash for dinner, and Joe wondered why he had come up from the basement if he was just getting home. And, getting home from where? The questions taking root in his mind were interrupted by Lena easing him toward the dining room.

The evening passed quickly. The dinner was delicious, and the company entertaining. Joe commented on the absence of Frank and his wife and was informed that they’d been invited to dinner at her parents' home.

Joe and Lena offered to help clear the table, but Cathy shooed them up to the library, saying that she and Vincent would join them shortly with coffee and dessert. Lena, suddenly nervous at being alone with Joe, busied herself with looking for some music to put on the stereo. Finally, as the soft music began to waft through the air, she turned to look at him. By his body language she could tell that he was nervous too. Suddenly this struck her as silly, and she began to laugh.

Joe looked at her in confusion. When she explained that he looked as nervous as she felt, he joined in her laughter. They were merrily chatting when Catherine and Vincent returned with the coffee and chocolate cheesecake. Joe asked if Vincent had a hand in the selection of dessert.

"No, but I consider it a very wise choice," was Vincent's dignified reply as he eyed the slivers of chocolate heaven.

The women cracked up, and Lena commented that she was surprised it made it up the stairs, whereupon Catherine replied that it almost hadn't. As they savored the sinful confection, Joe was aware of some sort of silent communication going on between the other three. Finally, Catherine spoke.

"Joe, I know you've often wondered where I really live; why you couldn't reach me by phone . . . "

"Hey, Radcliffe, it's none of my business. You don't have to explain anything to me."

She smiled at him. "I know I don't have to, but I'd like to. After the party last week, everyone was impressed by your caring and understanding -- your complete acceptance of Vincent. They know what a good friend you've been to me for all of these years; and they know that Vincent and I both trust you implicitly. They have agreed that we can tell you of our home, with the understanding that all you learn must be kept secret."

At his nod she continued, "We live in a community of people who have been rejected, in one form or fashion, by the world as you know it. It's a society made up of people who don't have much, but they work hard and they care about one another. Most of those people you met here the other night are part of that group. Father was one of the founders of the society and is still the guiding force, though there is a ruling council and some decisions are made by the entire community. And it's the place where Vincent was raised in safety, and loved."

"Sounds great. So where do you keep this Eden?" Joe replied.

"It's below the city, Joe. In the tunnels below the subways. There are hundreds of miles of tunnels down there that no one Above has ever mapped. They've carved out their own world and it's a place of peace."

"Below the city. You're kidding, right?" Joe looked at his three friends, waiting for the punch line.

"No, Joe, it's true." Vincent's quiet voice cut the air. "Father and some others found shelter there more than thirty-five years ago. Some of our residents were born there; others, such as Lena, came with the recommendation of our friends, our Helpers, Above. It's a place where everyone is treasured for who they are."

"Are these people hiding out? In trouble with the law?"

"No. The world Below has its own laws and it never, knowingly, accepts members who are wanted Above. It's not a place to hide out, it's a place to gain strength, to put your life back together. Many come and stay a while before returning Above; others stay permanently." Catherine's voice projected a sense of pride in the accomplishments of her adopted family.

"We were wondering if you would like to see our home? If so, we'd like to invite you to visit on Saturday. You could have dinner with us and spend the evening." Catherine looked at him, hopefully.

Joe glanced at Lena. "You live there too?"

She nodded. "Yes, with Cathy's help I found a place there, the family that I never really had."

"Sure, Radcliffe, I'd like to see it. Thanks for asking. Uh, how do I get there?"

"Come by here at six and someone will escort you. Now, if the two of you will excuse us, Vincent and I need to get Samantha home and put the twins down for the night. Feel free to visit as long as you'd like, make yourselves at home. I'm not sure what time Frank and Colleen will be back, but they won't disturb you."

After they’d gone, Joe pumped Lena for more information about the world Below. She told him of the children that had been rescued from abuse and neglect; how they had blossomed with the love they’d found. She told him what being a part of the society meant to her -- how Catherine's friendship had saved her life, how she had been accepted, how she had found a purpose taking care of the children and helping to teach them.

"How did Cathy save your life?" Joe's question was the opening that Lena both desired and dreaded.

"I come from a small town in upstate New York. Your typical dysfunctional family -- parents drank, ugly home life, you get the picture." She paused, and he nodded his understanding. "Well, when I was seventeen I decided that anything was better than the life I was living at home, so I took the two hundred dollars that I'd saved from babysitting and working at a burger joint, caught a bus and ended up in the Big Apple. I found out that two hundred dollars doesn't go too far here . . . and a seventeen-year-old with limited job skills can be found on any corner."

Lena's hands began to fidget and her breathing became uneven. "Oh, I tried. I got a job as a waitress but the money wasn't great, and I got tired of the boss pawing me all of the time." Her eyes fell; she stilled her fidgeting hands; her voice was almost a whisper. "You know the story . . . one thing led to another . . . and I was working the street. I was still getting pawed, but the money was better. I never got into drugs or anything but once you're on the streets, it's real tough to get off."

He could hear the tears in her voice but had to ask, "How did you meet Cathy?"

"I got pregnant and things seemed to go from bad to worse. I called one of those hotlines -- you know, for suicides and stuff?" Joe nodded even though she wasn't looking at him. "Cathy was there. It was right before Christmas and the feeling of being alone . . . of being on the outside and knowing I'd never be on the inside . . . just overwhelmed me. She talked me into meeting her in person. She fed me, and she promised to try to help. I'd told her that I'd rather see the baby dead than on the streets. A couple of days later, she took me to meet Father, and he agreed that I could come Below. She saved my life, and she saved Caty's. So, now you know the sordid details."

Joe looked stunned as he tried to comprehend her story. Her head was bowed as she stared at her hands, clasped tightly in her lap. He could tell that relating the story had been painful to her, had opened old wounds. Taking her chin in his hand, he tilted her head to look at her, but she kept her eyes averted. He held the position, not saying anything, until her eyes raised to look into his.

"You didn't have to tell me all that," he quietly said.

"Yes, I did." Her voice was almost a whisper and quivering with tears. "I like you, Joe, but you're an important person. You deserve someone better than a former hooker with an illegitimate child. You need someone who's a credit to you, someone you can be proud of."

"If there's anything I've learned in the last week, it's that I want someone to love me, for me, and not what I could be. Even though I've only seen them together twice, I realize that I want the kind of unconditional love that Cathy and Vincent have for each other. It isn't about money, or position, or anything like that . . . it's about caring and honesty. I know that it was hard for you to tell me all of this, and it took a lot of courage. Cathy wouldn't have told me and, from what I gather, no one Below would have said anything either. I like you too, Lena. I don't know where this might lead -- if anywhere -- but I'd like to see you again and find out. If that's okay with you?"

Tears brightened her blue eyes and trickled down her cheeks. "I'd like that, Joe. I'd like that a lot."

####

The next Saturday evening, Joe was at the brownstone a little before six. Colleen let him in and led him to the kitchen where Cathy and Vincent were waiting. The three friends descended the basement stairs and exited the secret door in the wine cellar. They talked casually as they walked. As they neared the home chambers, Joe asked about the tapping, and Vincent explained the pipe communication system.

They stopped at the nursery chamber first to pick up the twins and then went to Father's study to get him for dinner. As they stood at the entrance to this room, Joe stared in amazement at the proliferation of books that seemed to fill every nook and cranny, piled to dangerous heights in some spots. Catherine laughed at his expression and commented that they were working on a library chamber to help alleviate the crowding.

Father greeted Joe warmly, welcoming him to their world. Joe responded that he was honored to be trusted with their secret. The small band then made their way to the dining chamber. Several of the people that Joe had met at the party stopped to say hello. As they got settled at a large table, Lena arrived with Caty, and they were invited to join the group.

Joe was enthralled by the activities going on around him as he ate his dinner. There were more people than he imagined, and he wondered exactly how many did comprise this world. Everyone at the table chatted comfortably. As they ate their own dinners, Catherine also fed Jacob while Vincent managed Angel.

Occasionally an adult would stop at the table to ask a question of Father or Vincent. The children would come to Vincent to ask questions or have him resolve a dispute. The calm, loving, insightful way in which he interacted with them was a wonder to behold, and it was evident that they adored him. Joe realized that the more he got to know Vincent, the better he liked him. He could understand Cathy's love and fierce loyalty to both Vincent and his world.

After dinner they retired to Father's study. Lena explained that every Saturday evening there was a story hour where Father and/or Vincent would read aloud. All of the children and most of the adults attended these sessions. Cathy appropriated the sofa, making room for Joe and Lena, and each adult held a child. Vincent sat in a large chair next to Father as the chamber began to fill.

As Father began the first story, Joe looked around, amazed that something so simple as a story could be an 'event'. This world was so different from the one Above, but it reminded him of something. All of a sudden it dawned on him -- the world Below was 'the good old days' that people Above reminisced about: a time where extended families took care of one another, a time without television where families enjoyed doing things together, a time where everyone had a work ethic and pulled his own weight, and a time without the materialistic and social pressures which pervaded modern day lives.

Joe's attention was brought back to the story as Angel snuggled against his chest. Vincent was reading the second selection, and Joe realized that he had been daydreaming for the entire first story. Angel watched her daddy with fascination. As if aware of his scrutiny, she looked up at Joe with those incredible eyes and smiled. He hugged her, and they both turned their attention back to Vincent.

At the end of the story time, some of the audience stayed to visit or play games and others drifted out of the chamber.

"Joe, would you like to see more of our world? " Cathy asked. "There isn't time to see much of it, but there's time for a couple of places."

"I'd like that. What I've seen so far is amazing. Who would have thought that all of this exists right under the city?"

"Well, I tell you what -- Lena, why don't you show Joe around, and Vincent and I will put the kids to bed. Caty can stay with the twins tonight, and you can pick her up in the morning."

"Are you sure it's no trouble?" Lena asked.

"Not in the least. Caty loves being with the twins, and she's a delight. You two go have a good time. Lena will make sure you get Above okay, and I'll see you on Monday, Joe." Cathy gave him a kiss on the cheek before picking up Caty. Vincent preceded her out of the study carrying a twin in each arm.

####

Joe's visits to the tunnel community increased as the weeks passed. He had gotten to know Father better and admired his honesty and integrity. It would have been easy to create this world as an autocracy, which would have spoiled its appeal. Father was even teaching Joe how to play chess, but Joe said it was just because Father knew he could beat him.

Some evenings Joe would visit with Cathy and Vincent and play with the twins. He had always come bearing gifts until Cathy put her foot down. The twins didn't need any more toys, and she wanted the joy of his visits to be associated with his presence, not presents.

Mostly, though, he would come to see Lena. On weekends, they took Caty on adventures Below as he discovered the magic of their world; or, if the weather was nice, they went to the park or the zoo. Occasionally he would take Lena to a movie -- some nights they would just go out to dinner and sit and talk for hours.

Cathy noticed a change in her two friends. Both were happier and seemed a lot more at peace. The fact that Joe knew of Lena's background and was okay with it allowed the relationship to grow on a solid foundation. Lena mentioned to Cathy that she was surprised, though happy, that Joe accepted her past without recrimination.

Joe spent Thanksgiving with his friends Below, amazed that the quiet celebration -- minus football -- seemed to have more meaning than the gluttony and excess he normally associated with the day. Jenny Aronson attended, and Joe was introduced to Father’s natural son Devin -- or rather reintroduced, as he had met the man before, only under the name of Jeff Radler. Later, Cathy explained what had happened during that time, and he decided to let it pass. One of the consequences of being privileged with the secret of the tunnel world was learning to live with things that fell into the 'grey' areas of the law.

Though the new practice allowed the lawyers much more control over their lives, occasionally a case would appear that necessitated working late nights and weekends. Catherine normally bowed out of those cases as they usually brought high visibility, something she was eager to avoid. Joe, on the other hand, enjoyed the challenge, especially as it was the exception rather than the rule. The beginning of December was filled with just such a case.

Just before Christmas the case was decided, happily, in their client's favor. Everyone was glad that the case had not drug on through the holidays, and no one was happier to see the long hours end than Joe, unless, of course, it was Lena. With Joe working evenings and weekends, they’d had very little time together. Lena had gone Above to have dinner with him a couple of evenings, but they were hurried affairs at diners close to the office.

Cathy watched the budding relationship with affection. Much of what she saw reminded her of the first year of her relationship with Vincent. She was amused to see that, although Joe still worked hard and put his full effort forth for his clients, he wanted to make time for his personal life . . . he needed to make time. This was no flighty or casual affair, this was a relationship with depth, one that he wanted to develop into something meaningful. He’d commented to her over lunch that he missed seeing Lena; that there was a hole in his life when she wasn't there.

During the weeks that Joe was slaving away on his case, Lena was missing him too. One evening she visited with Cathy, and the two women had a nice long discussion. With his absence, Lena had begun to doubt Joe's feelings for her, and Cathy was able to alleviate her fears. Assuring her friend that Joe was experiencing the same heartache and loneliness, she cautioned patience. Lena was encouraged by this information, but Cathy could tell that she was still troubled.

"Lena, what else is bothering you? Can you tell me?"

Lena looked at her friend. Cathy had saved her life, had given her hope, had brought her Below. She’d been her friend -- had found her when she'd run away and brought her back, even knowing of her love for Vincent. Cathy was the big sister she’d never had and probably the only person, other than Joe, who could answer her question. The grey eyes watched patiently as Lena made up her mind.

"Cathy, I love Joe . . . and I think he loves me." Lena paused, uncertain how to continue, whether to continue.

"But?" Cathy encouraged.

"But . . . well . . . we've been seeing each other for over a month, and up until this case we'd seen each other several times a week." Cathy nodded as Lena breathed deeply. "Well . . . he's only kissed me. He's never even tried to do more than that . . . and I was wondering, do you think it's because of what I used to do?"

Cathy thought about the question, seriously. This was an interesting bit of news, especially knowing Joe as well as she did. The more that she though about the situation, the more sure she was of her answer.

"I can't be certain, but I think the answer to your question is 'yes' . . . but not in the way you think." Lena looked puzzled and Cathy continued, "I know that Joe cares a lot about you, to put it mildly, and I think that he wants the relationship to grow, to get stronger. I think, and this is just my opinion, that he's holding back so that you don't think he's just after a physical relationship, that he's no different than those men that paid for your favors. You're special to him, and I think he wants to be special for you."

"Do you really think that's it?" At Catherine's nod, Lena seemed to relax. "Then I can wait, but you don't know how hard it is."

Catherine burst out laughing. "Oh yes I do. At least you've been kissed. I waited three years just to get a kiss -- don't tell me about hard."

Lena joined her laughter. "Touché! I did forget who I was talking to. You've much greater control than I do. I can't believe you didn't attack that furry hunk long before then."

"He was the quintessential immovable object. But, with love all things are possible, and the prize was well worth the wait." Catherine's eyes grew dreamy, even through her tears of laughter.

Once the trial was over, Joe became a more regular visitor Below. He found that the simplicity of life Below suited him, and he was glad to be so readily accepted. Cathy had joked that they were going to have to assign him a chamber. He told her that he didn't think that was a good idea, but he had been contemplating other living arrangements. Now that he was doing well professionally, he was considering buying a house -- in fact he really liked the neighborhood of Cathy's brownstone. What he didn't tell her, but she surmised, was that he was looking for a home for a family.

The end of December was filled with Caty's birthday party and preparations for the holidays. Joe wanted to give his new friends something special as a gift, but had had difficulty deciding exactly what to get. He didn't want to offend anyone or seem ostentatious. A catalog brought to the office by one of the secretaries solved his problem -- he ordered crates of oranges and grapefruit and several boxes of fudge to be shared among the community.

Joe spent Christmas morning with his family but ducked out early to spend the rest of the day in the tunnels. Knowing that everyone he wanted to see would probably be in Father's study, he stopped there first. He smiled at the cozy sight he beheld upon entering the chamber: Vincent was on the floor rolling a ball to Jacob; Cathy and Lena sat on the sofa with Angel and Caty as the two youngsters played with stuffed toys; Father and William were playing chess; Mary, Samantha and Jamie were talking quietly near the Christmas tree; and Geoffrey, Zach and Eric were involved in some kind of project in the corner with Mouse.

He was wished a hearty merry Christmas by the group and, after giving Lena a quick kiss, Joe sat on the sofa where Caty promptly crawled into his lap. He was thanked for the thoughtful gifts he had given, and the children seemed especially pleased by the candy. Joe cast a teasing look at Vincent and commented that he was glad there was enough fudge for everyone. Cathy laughed and said that she’d brought those boxes Below herself and had hidden them well. Her husband adopted an indignant air, which caused fits of laughter around the room.

William left and returned shortly with several helpers. On a table set up along the wall, a buffet supper was arranged, and people began arriving for the Christmas evening gathering. The light supper was followed by several Christmas stories and carols by the children. The final selection was Silent Night, and as the last notes faded in the air, Joe was struck again by the peaceful wonder of this world.

For New Year's Eve Catherine had once again planned a small party in their chambers. She jokingly promised that this year's party would be less exciting than last year's, which was greatly appreciated by all who had been in attendance.

Joe stopped by Lena's chamber to escort her to the get-together, and they decided to take a stroll through the tunnels before joining the others. They visited the Mirror Pool and gazed at the stars reflected there. As he held her, he realized that he wanted to hold her forever.

The party was in full swing by the time they finally arrived. Catherine handed them each a glass of champagne, and gave Lena a questioning look. Something was up and Lena was about to burst. Vincent, sensing the excitement, watched his two friends. Joe indicated that he'd like to make a toast and the guests quieted.

"In about an hour this year will be history, and it's been a memorable year. It began with the birth of the twins and went on to see the birth of a new partnership, and all three are growing and thriving . It was also a year of new friendships," he held his glass up in the direction of Vincent and Father, "and new relationships," he indicated Jenny and Devin. Then he turned to Lena and raised his glass. "It was the year I learned about love. Since it's only fitting that the year go out with a bang, I'd like to announce to all of you, our friends, that Lena has done me the honor of agreeing to be my wife."

He touched his glass to hers then kissed her tenderly. The chamber erupted with congratulations and hugs. Lena's face outshone the diamond as she showed everyone the beautiful ring that Joe had given her. Cathy told Joe that this was truly the perfect end to the year.