'Come in Jacob. Have a seat.'

'Am I in trouble? You never call me Jacob unless I am.'

'You should be so lucky. I wonder how I even remember my own name most days.'

Oats stopped kidding around and looked with interest at his young PD. Two years on the job and already a remarkable researcher. He could hold his own in court but his ability to find information was a constant source of wonderment to all his colleagues.

'I guess you heard that John Civco is leaving.'

'No I didn't hear.'

'Jacob, you amaze me. You can find the most minute detail to settle a case, but the ins and outs of life around here just pass you by.'

'Not interested in gossip. Some one told me a while ago that only facts matter. So, until I hear it from the horse's mouth, I won't believe it.

'I'll ignore the implications of that comment and just let you know that he is retiring, from here at least.' There was a slight embarassed pause from Oats before he continued. 'I have been offered the Director's job Jacob.'

'Is it what you want?' At the nod, Jacob continued. 'Then you should take it.'

'As easy as that?'

'Sure. Why make the decision tougher by looking at the pro's and cons endlessly? I think you will make a great director.'

'Thanks Jacob.' The words were genuine and reflected the confidence which Kurt Oats placed in his young defender.

Jacob pushed up from his chair ready to leave but was halted by a raised hand.

'Don't go yet. I want to ask you something.'

Jacob resumed his seat, an expectant look on his face.

'Karen Wrensch will leave with her boss. I'll need a new secretary.'

'Not Cathy!' The tone was final.

'No, I am convinced she is much happier outside of these walls.' There was another lengthier pause. 'I meant you.'

Jacob looked rather incredulous but said nothing. He knew there was more to come.

'Thank you for not running out the door. I know it sounds crazy but hear me out. I have never seen anyone work as diligently as you, and do it in record time. You obviously have a remarkable talent. I want you to continue working the same hours, but do so under my wing. Officially you will be my admin assistant. I will hire a receptionist to take care of day to day routines. We can negotiate salary and you'll have your own office.'

It wasn't exactly a plea but Jacob could sense the need behind the request.

'Ok, so unlike your job offer, this comes as a complete surprise.'

'Jacob, do you want to defend people in court?'

'I will when I have to but I prefer the prep work.'

'Exactly! You and I will follow up on the work, check facts and send our defenders out there well armed and ready to do a fair defense for the client.'

'You mean streamline the system a bit....make it more efficient?'

'Wherever we can change it.....yes!'

'Under the right leadership, change is possible. I'll discuss it first with my family and let you know tomorrow. If there is anything you think I should know about you.... before I say yes….tell me now. I don't want to hear it from Cathy.'

'I don't snore, if that's any help to you.'

Jacob laughed and rose from his seat. He shook hands with Oats. His body so lithe and angular when he first started at the PD's office, now filled out nicely. He could never be considered bulky, but the good looks only deepened with the maturing of his youthful frame. Jacob understood his capabilities very well. If anything, most of his amazing skill was kept under wraps. Very little of it had been seen, even by his wife. He both feared his power and embraced it, always knowing that it was not yet well controlled.

Of necessity, he was already a loner at work. Being confined in an office, researching was just the balance he would need to continue his busy lifestyle outside the office. The demands of his marriage, his parents and sisters, the tunnel communities and the ever present spectre of the Bastet family dynamics forced him to slow down sometimes so as not to get overwhelmed. In the midst of it all, Cathy gave foundation to his life with her love and support. The wonderment he felt, at the strength of feeling emanating from her generous heart, gave him hope to carry on. How much easier it would have been to just move down to the tunnels and live free of the temptations of life above.

When they first fell in love, Cathy expressed a desire to make their home below. The seductive pull of New York's frenetic pace was, however, too hard to resist. The Community below would remain a refuge. Life was to be lived above. Even his father had embracd the hustle and bustle, revealing more and more of himself every day to a surprisingly understanding world above.

Jacob returned to his desk. He did not want to think about the opportunity Oats presented. It was early spring in New York and he was approaching his second year anniversary on the job at the Public Defender's office. He did not intentionally seek out promotions but they came his way because of his remarkable work ethic.

Administrative Assistant! It would be a post created for him. He knew he could handle more of the same. As he thought about how the role might look, he remembered Eric, Joe Maxwell's own, capable assistant. He had done so much for the family since the day months ago when Jacob burst into Joe's office in search of his mother's grave. He owed a lot to both Joe and Eric. The return trip from California with his mother and father, reunited after over 20 years apart, was well organized. The brownstone in which the family now lived had been, not only purchased, but also decorated by the young man.

Conceding that there was no tme like the present, Jacob pulled out his cell phone and called. He wanted to be armed with some facts before he made a final decision.

At precisely 4 p.m., Jacob could be found at his usual spot waiting for his wife of just a few months. He loved to watch her walk through the door. She always entered a room like a gust of summer wind, bringing new energy to the mid afternoon when most people were beginning to fade.

'How was school today?'

'Can you believe that I only have one more course to complete my degree?'

'Really?'

'Yes, I got some credit for a couple of things I did before I dropped out the last time.' Cathy's eyes were sparkling. She sat down beside her husband on the old 50's style stool in the restaurant two doors down from the College. She leaned over to plant a soft peck on Jacob's cheek. 'You've got a bit of excitment in your face too. What's up?'

'Oats offered me a job as his admin assistant.'

'You got to be kidding!'

'No seriously. John is retiring or moving upstairs and Oats will be the new Director. He wants to create a post for me to work with him on streamlining cases.'

'I know my former boss. He wants to pick your brains. Just don't let him make you do all the work. He's famous for that.'

'I didin't say I would take it yet.'

'You will. The opportunity is too good to pass up. You will put in 150% in half the time. As long as you get credit for what you do...why not?'

'Thanks for being so understanding...I think. By the way, the Governor is holding a fancy dress retirement party for John. We've got an invitation.'

'To a Governor's Ball? Are you serious?' Hands on her chest, Cathy eyes began to sparkle before a worried frown appeared. 'What am I going to wear?'

The efficient wife, of months past, disappeared. Cathy was excited about the possibility of a special night out. Jacob had not seen her react to a party like this. The thought of dressing up seemed to spur her into a frenzy. He watched as her mind ticked over dresses, shoes, hairdos. Screeching like a lovesick teenager when she realized that she had nothing suitable to wear. For the next three hours, as they sat and ate dinner, walked along the city streets, observed life in the Village, she talked non stop about what it would mean to dress up. Jacob was perplexed. His calm sensible wife disappeared to be replaced by a hand wringing chatterbox. He had seen her obsess a little for the wedding ceremony, but this was a new Cathy.

Giving up on trying to steer her energy into a romantic end to their evening, he let her talk on. Her excitement was communicable. He felt happy for her but his desire to make love to Cathy faded. They returned home with dresses and shoes still the major topic of conversation. They were hardly halfway up the stairs when Cathy stopped suddenly.

'Jacob I will be up in a minute. I want to talk to Mom.'

Jacob reversed his steps. If Cathy intended to talk with his mother he might as well visit with his Dad. Listening intently for the sound of his father's heart beat, he followed it to the kitchen where Vincent was bent over the table scouring a series of maps. He sat heavily in a stool, frustration oozing from every pore.

'More woman problems?' Vincent asked, knowing full well the look on his son's face.

'Dad, what am I missing?'

'Nothing Son. It's best to just sit back and wait. The time will come when their needs are manifest. Then you act on whatever is required.'

'It's all about clothes. Dad, what did you think the first time you ever saw Mama dressed up?'

Vincent looked up from his contemplation of the maps. His eyes wandered to the left seeking long forgotten memories. He frowned.

'I know it's a long time ago but surely you must remember something special about at least one time.'

'Jacob there are so few times I remember them all. I just had so little thought about clothes. She always looked beautiful to me. I do remember when Henry and Lin Pei got married. They were a couple from China town who had to fight to save their love and be together. On their wedding day, your mother looked as lovely as I had ever seen her but it was the look in her eyes more than the clothes she wore.'

'And the others?'

'I saw her in a beautiful dress at a Hallowe'en party. Unfortunately, I didn't really pay much attention to her.'

'How is that possible Dad? I thought you loved Mama from the first time you saw her.'

Vincent chuckled. It had been quite a while since he relived those memories. Life was so full. He was never sure that he wanted to look back when much of the past was still overshadowed by the loss of Catherine for so many years. His eyes returned to the present. It was clear that Jacob wanted to hear more.

'I did love her but at that time she was still out of reach for me. She went to the party with her father and I went to meet another woman, who was a favourite author of mine. She was visiting from Ireland and I was determined to speak with her. I ended up spending the night with your mother but we had quite a lot of drama in between. Where ever your mother was, life was always challenging.'

Vincent was puzzled by the look on his son's face.

'You never told me that story. And you never said you spent the night with my mother before now.'

'Don't get the wrong idea.' Vincent threw up his hands as a disclaimer. 'We just walked around uptown, enjoying the sights and sounds of Hallowe'en in New York. At dawn, we went our separate ways.'

'I see. Going back to my original question then, since we love them no matter how they look, why is it so important to them?'

Vincent sighed knowing that he had no valid answer. A shrug dismissed the obvious. The two men would remain perplexed about the mysteries of women. Vincent became serious again.

'I want to show you something Jacob. Our recent activities with Kardin made me realize how vulnerable we are. This is what I am looking at.'

Jacob abandoned all plans for the night and turned his attention to the underground channels on the map laid out on the table. The sound of laughter drifted down the hall. His wife and mother were happily engorssed in a discussion.

'Mom, I have always wanted to live the Cinderella story. My wedding day was different. It was kind of sacred, and deeply spiritual but a Governor's ball is pure excitement.'

'Can I tell you that I also received an invitation. I was surprised to receive it, then I completely ignored it. I didn't think about going at all because, of course Vincent.....but I love your own excitement around this.'

'Come with us Mom. Let Dad stay home and watch the girls. Wouldn't you love to dress up and go out again?'

'Part of me would love to go. I don't know if I can still be a part of that world.' It has been so long and yet so short.' Catherine allowed a moment of reflection as she often did when comparing the relatively short time between her conscious past and present. 'How would you like to look Cathy?'

'Dramatic! Along with my Cinderella obsession, I have harboured a secret desire to generate the same effect as Sandy did when Danny saw her at the state fair.'

'What?'

'Haven't you ever seen the movie Grease? I guess not', Cathy conceded remembering the same lost time frame. 'I just want my 'dress up look' to generate the same response in Jacob.'

'For what reason? He loves you already, more than you could even imagine.'

'Yes, I know but if you ask him to describe me, he'ill say I am steady, reliable, lovely but not dramatic. I want to make him look at me like Danny looked at Sandy.'

'I don't understand it Cathy but let's watch the movie and then we'll go shopping. I was often teased about only being good for fashion law. I think I still have an eye for the dramatic. Your excitement is so contagious. I may even consider going, if I find the right dress.'