Chapter 2
Vincent awoke only a few hours after he had fallen asleep; but Catherine slept on. Sometime later, she awoke briefly and Vincent coaxed her into drinking a bit of warm broth. Almost immediately, she fell back into a very deep sleep.
Vincent was loathe to leave Catherine, but knew they would need supplies in order to remain. While she slept, he hurried back to his old chamber and stocked up on everything they would need, taking care not to overload himself. He still had one more very precious item to pick up: little Jacob. His heart was literally bursting with joy and he felt as if it might explode in his chest at any moment. Knowing where he was headed only made the trip more joyous. Catherine had returned! She was his again and he would never let her go.
Luckily, Mary was in the dispensary and didn't notice Vincent silently sneak in. He still wasn't ready to share Catherine with anyone except their son just yet. Soon, Vincent had little Jacob and all the things his son would need, at least for a few days. Quietly, he left, anxious to return to Catherine. When he returned, he was relieved to see that she was still asleep. He settled his sleeping son next to Catherine and turned to preparing Jacob a bottle in case he awoke. Out in the tunnels a faint, but distinct tapping caught his attention as an urgent message telegraphed through the pipes.
Back in Father's chambers, events had become quite dramatic. Father had hoped to keep this bizarre turn of events to himself until he could find Vincent and discuss the situation. Unfortunately, Mouse had been eavesdropping outside his chamber as Father talked to Peter and within a short time the news had spread through the tunnels like wildfire.
Very soon, a small crowd had gathered in the hall outside Father's chambers.
Pascal, the keeper of the pipe system that the tunnel dwellers used to communicate stepped forward as spokesman for the group.
"Father," he asked. "Is what Mouse heard true? Is Catherine really alive?"
"Yes, she is." Father sighed, knowing he could hide the truth no longer.
An angry murmur went through the crowd as several people began to speak out against Dr. Alcott. Many of the tunnel dwellers had seen first hand Vincent's suffering and knew all too well what Catherine and their son, Jacob, had endured. They weren't inclined to be very understanding at the moment. Realizing how potentially volatile the situation was, Father quickly intervened.
"I know that some of you may question what Peter has done, but he did it with the best of intentions. He has come to realize his mistake and is now trying to make up for it. The important thing to concentrate on now is finding Catherine. This is no time for recriminations." Father said, authoritatively.
At that moment, Mary came rushing in, looking quite concerned.
"Father, have you seen little Jacob? Is he here with you, by chance?" she asked anxiously.
"No, Mary. Why so you ask?" Father replied.
"Oh dear!" poor Mary cried, obviously distraught. " I only turned my back for a moment! One minute he was there, the next he had vanished! What could have happened?"
A chill ran through Father as the possibilities came to mind. The thought that the nightmare might be beginning all over again almost made him falter. Gabriel was dead, but his criminal empire wasn't. However, Father soon steadied himself and quickly took command, demonstrated why he led their community. He had to be strong for all of them.
"Pascal, Mouse, get on the pipes. Alert everyone to be on the lookout for anything suspicious; and find Vincent. It's imperative we locate him as soon as possible. Mary, you and Peter get a hold of every helper we have Above. We must begin a search for Catherine immediately. This can't be a coincidence. The rest of you; break into groups. We must search every inch of the tunnels immediately!"
Down through the pipes, the urgent message came. Catherine alive, but missing. Jacob missing. Father says find them. Tell Vincent. Vincent listened for a moment as the urgent message repeated. Every pipe in every direction tapped it, carrying it even to this far corner of the tunnels. Realizing what must be happening, Vincent picked up a signal stick and tapped a simple reply in return. Catherine and Jacob safe with Vincent. Tell Father.
He repeated the message several times until he heard it picked up farther on. Satisfied Father would receive it, Vincent returned to his family.
Even before he reached the chamber, a heavy feeling of sorrow and the faint sound of sobbing came to him. Vincent hurried back. Catherine was awake, sitting up on the bed with Jacob in her arms. She was crying. From the door, Vincent softly called her name. "Catherine."
The tear stained face she turned to him tore at his heart and he quickly went to her. Seeming to sense his mother's distress, little Jacob uncharacteristically began to wail in earnest. Disconcerted and not sure what else to do, Vincent gathered his little family into his arms and began rocking them both gently. After several minutes, Catherine calmed down and snuggled close to him seeking solice. Gently, Vincent dried her tears. Soon, Jacob quieted as well. Catherine turned to Vincent, seeming to struggle to say something. Vincent could feel her inner turmoil and for the first time began to understand that Catherine might be more ill than he had originally realized. Reaching out, he tenderly caressed her hair.
"Catherine" he whispered gently. "Do you remember what happened to you?"
After hesitating a moment, she slowly shook her head.
"Do you know who this is?" he asked, almost afraid of the answer.
Vigorously, Catherine nodded and Vincent let out a sight of relief.
Catherine turned to him with a pleading look and Vincent knew what she wanted.
"His name is Jacob." Vincent replied softly.
"J...J...Jacob." Catherine echoed in a voice thick with tears. Jacob fussed a bit and Vincent reached for the bottle he had prepared earlier. Deliberately, he handed it to Catherine. A bit unsure, she hesitantly offered Jacob the bottle. Almost at once, Jacob latched on and began vigorously sucking down its contents. Catherine's face quickly took on a look of sublime happiness. Vincent stretched out next to Catherine, tossing his boots and cloak aside as he got comfortable. Deftly, he hooked an arm around Catherine's waist, drawing her back to rest against his chest. Jacob rapidly finished the last of the bottle, following it up with a loud but contented burp. Catherine couldn't hold back a soft laugh. To Vincent, it sounded like music.
Belatedly, Vincent noticed that Catherine had used the leftover hot water to clean herself up. Instead of the muddy pajamas, she was now wearing one of Vincent's extra shirts. He didn't mind in the least. Little Jacob quickly became sleepy and Vincent tucked him in next to them. Though he wasn't tired, Vincent settled Catherine next to him as well and she soon drifted off too. He couldn't help noticing with some satisfaction that the color had begun to return to her face and she didn't appear nearly quite as ill as she first had. Obviously, the rest was benefitting her. Vincent settled back, happier than he had ever been and closed his eyes, content that his family was once again reunited and safe. Silently, he vowed to keep it that way.
