Chapter 2

'Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming today. I do so appreciate your support of this new program. I'll make a brief statement, then I'll be happy to take any questions.'

Catherine leaned back slightly and took a deep breath. She didn't want any untoward tremors to be heard though the highly sensitive microphone. She looked around the room carefully noting some large video cameras behind the seated guests, numerous cell phone lights being held high and the soft murmur of a mixed crowd dominated by well dressed middle aged women, men in suits and casual looking reporters with their pads and tablets. Behind her, another group of people sat in a semi circle on the slightly elevated stage. At no time did Catherine feel comfortable.

'As many of you know, Governor Smirconish and his family have a long history of charitable works. Since his election, the Governor has supported fundraising efforts but he has left the management of his charities to various committees in consultation with his family members. Recently, it became apparent that multiple people working separately were not as effective as one central board who would be responsible for overseeing the multifocal needs of the changing communities.'

Catherine paused again. Her nerves continued to stretch to breaking point. She thought herself to be crazy. Working behind the scenes or in a small crowd was fine but this group of people, no matter how benign, staring at her naked emotion was taking a toll.

'Some months ago, the Governor asked me to pull together some individuals with a stake in the future of New York. Our mission is to oversee the various charities by forming a select committee who will, in essence, manage the flow of money to ensure that the needs of the disenfranchised children of this state are paramount and their needs are met.'

Catherine continued to feel uncomfortable. She had more to say but chose not to. Instead she introduced the group of people sitting behind her. The hand-chosen individuals had been carefully vetted over the summer months by Catherine and Diana. Among the panel members on stage, was the retired detective who enjoyed the process. She found herself wanting to continue the work with Catherine. After some initial wariness between the women, the issues, which separated them became irrelevant. Vincent was destined to be with Catherine. There was no other route for him. Joe Maxwell and Catherine had never been lovers. The two women found they had similar work ethics and a commitment to the community. All else faded.

The success of the working group would depend on commitment and determination. Catherine alone had some. When Diana added her knowledge and strength to their partnership, it empowered both women. Without much fanfare they set about the task of formulating a committee that would take on the Governor's family trust. They worked out of the Brownstone, completely hidden from public view, checking and rechecking data, reports, funding and resources. Each name, which came up for consideration was vigorously examined. There had been no guarantees but Catherine felt confident that the group on the stage were there for one reason; to help the children of the Empire State to achieve their highest potential, rich and poor alike.

Despite her inner turmoil, the introduction of the participants gave her some respite from the unrelenting glare of the cell phones, and microphones. The mix of gender, race, and status made her very proud. Once the introductions were done she returned to her statement script and concluded her prepared remarks.

'We all want to thank Governor Smirconish for the confidence he has placed in us. All of our work is transparent and will be available to the public at any time. Now, I am happy to take any questions.'

There were the inevitable shout outs. Catherine didn't feel comfortable. Reporters could be aggressive. She had bad memories from her days as a public defender. She stepped back and pointed to a raised hand. The words were drowned out by another male voice.

'Ms Wells, how will you counteract the negative press which some of the charities have received in the past?'

'I am not here to re-litigate the past. We are a new group moving forward.'

'Catherine, you have detective Bennett on your committee. Why do you need a police presence?'

'Detective Bennett-Maxwell is retired from active duty but she is familiar with the population we wish to serve and intimately knowledgeable about the events which most impact their lives. She will be an asset to our work.'

There were a few more inquiries and Catherine called on other members to respond but the inevitable was bound to happen and she braced herself with each question. Anxiety left her weak. She was about to call a halt to the proceedings when the reporter who asked the first question shouted out the words Catherine dreaded.

'What about Susanna Palermo?'

It wasn't a question. 'What about' never felt like a real inquiry. The lack of correct grammar gave Catherine pause. She was tempted to reply ' what about her?' but restrained herself and said nothing, tilting her head instead waiting for a real question to be formulated.

'Your predecessor left some suspicions behind when she resigned. How are you dealing with that?'

'I repeat my first answer. We are not here to re-litigate the past. Moving forward, we have organized the charity in the format of a hub. Our donors are matched to their areas of interest. The money is channeled to the organization, which will provide service most in keeping with the donor's interest. For example, aspiring musicians in need of scholarships will receive their funds from the Organization of Professional Musicians (OPL). Not only do they donate funds, but their time and energy. It's a good fit.'

'But, Mrs. Palermo….'

'That's all for today. We will keep you updated on our website and please remember all our records are available for public viewing at any time. Thank you ladies and Gentlemen.'

Catherine moved away from the microphone. She knew that people would come forward to ask more or offer assistance. That pesky reporter would not be satisfied. Apparently he was involved in some way with the initial story surrounding Susanna. Rather than make it easy for him Catherine surrounded herself with a noisy group. Diana, already sensitive to her partner's moods, moved in behind Catherine to protect her back from an onslaught she saw coming.

Diana's hair had long since faded to a golden grey hue but she recognized the determination of the carrot topped reporter making his way over. There was no tackle but an effective block put and end to the probing. They stared each other down before the young man moved away. His eyes said plenty but they did not intimidate. He would be back at another event.

….

'You should go.'

'I know, I know. It's been so long and so short all in the same twenty-four hours. If I could stay, would it be alright with you?'

'Do you have to ask? I want you to stay….forever.' The last word was just a whisper Hélène could hardly get out.

She was drawn tenderly into Howard's arms. It was new and old all at the same time. In fact, it was Howard's second visit in as many days. A long and busy work schedule resulted in some free time. He had many things to occupy what should have been a mini vacation. Reiba's family was priority. Although she and her children were well cared for, there were pending issues, which needed attention regarding her unorthodox stay. Reiba had come in as the wife of a member of the diplomatic corps of Russia. Having a prominent relative did not guarantee any special perks but she was granted asylum. The slow process toward permanent status was left in the hands of a capable immigration lawyer.

On a very personal level, Howard's wife, Rose continued to deteriorate. Surgery was no longer an option. Her death was merely a question of time. Certainly it would be unseemly for Howard not to spend time with her, as painful as that may be. Her condition broke his heart and he often became tearful when speaking of her. Hélène held no rancor towards the ailing wife. Howard was still not free but he was human. Had Rose been strong, he would have offered her a divorce. Such an action was no longer possible. Hélène accepted the limitations of their love but could not stem the tide of yearning which rose sharply in her heart, from time to time.

'What time is Cathy due to arrive?' he asked gently, sensing her disquiet.

'Tomorrow morning. She and Jacob will drive overnight. He will fly back after lunch but her guard will stay. Don't know if it will be Rob or Carl.'

'Odd arrangement.'

'Travelling like that has special meaning for both of them. They are recreating a life changing journey.'

'Your daughter's?'

'No, they did that trip already.'

Howard didn't probe further. His attention was focused on Hélène. An overwhelming desire to make love to her tore at his insides but his body betrayed his senses. She asked nothing of him except love and tenderness towards her. He wished, above all, to be a full partner in their lovemaking but years of celibacy left him floundering. He wanted to do more but felt betrayed by the very self-control which allowed him to focus all his energy on the work of being Governor rather than chasing women who would be only too happy to share his bed.

'I want to stay a little longer. I promise to leave before they arrive. I don't want to compromise you in any way, even if they all know what is happening between us.'

'I am prepared for anything Howard. I love them, all of them but I won't let that love take away from my own happiness, not anymore. I know that if our relationship compromises you then and only then….', she said shaking her head, 'I am unwilling to take any risk. You must finish your work, your term and then we can decide.'

Howard's smile was endearing. 'Come on, my sweet lady, I want to play something for you.'

Hélène followed her lover to the piano room. She realized that even if she was more skilled at musical performance, his efforts at serenading had the ability to melt her heart. What he couldn't say in words, what he couldn't do physically, he managed to find in song and never failed to impress.

….

Cathy was packed and ready to go by the time Jacob got in from work. They weren't leaving for a couple of hours but she wanted him to rest.

'I don't really need to sleep, unless you are just using that as an excuse to get into bed with me?'

'Really Jacob? Do I look like that's what is on my mind?'

'I dunno. Is it?'

Cathy couldn't resist the teasing in Jacob's eyes. Hands on hips she tried to stare him down but failed. His sparkling blue eyes tugged at her heartstrings. She smiled and tried to hold him as close as the burgeoning belly would allow.

'Thank you for supporting me in this silly escapade. I know how you feel about it.'

'I'm ok, KitCat. I'll miss you, but I do understand. We've been through a lot together. This is just another adventure.' His shrugged shoulders belied the words but she was in no mood to challenge him. After a light supper, the young couple did retire to their upstairs apartment to talk. Cathy encouraged him to share the events of his day. As always Jacob inquired about her activities which included her interactions with his parents.

'I didn't see Mom today. Sue said she went below with Dad.'

'She probably needed to catch her breath, literally. Today was nerve racking.'

'Did you hear something?'

'She didn't see me but I went to her presser. She was nervous, but only those who know her well would have seen it. Some guy did ask about Susanna, but Mama handled it well, outwardly anyway. I think he'll be back. I suspect that he did some thorough background checks on the evolution of the committee before covering the story today. He might have been surprised to find himself up against a closed door.'

'You sound very proud of her.'

'I am. Reminded me of the day when she refused to be railroaded by the doctors at the hospital. Do you remember? Mama wanted to wait. Turned out for the best.'

Cathy nodded and smiled before brushing a few stray curls out of Jacob's face. He was proud of his mother. Cathy hoped, one day, to feel the same about her mother.

'Jacob, I just want to spend a little time alone before we go. I have a couple of plans in case anything happens. I'd like to go over them with you. '

Jacob's heart sank. It was hard enough to let Cathy fulfill her mission in an advanced state of pregnancy. Letting her go for even a day seemed like torture. To make plans in case of an emergency felt more like salt on a wound than the very practical need to prepare. He held his uneasy peace and followed her to their bedroom where she listed a few possibilities. Jacob nodded giving her his full attention. It took very little to commit them to memory hoping above all that none would be needed. His wish was to see Cathy return in a week and await the birth of their baby in the comfort of their home below.

A few hours later, Cathy poked at her sleepy husband. 'Come on lazy bones. It's time to go.'

'Did I fall asleep?'

'You did. Kurt is working you too hard. I am going to have a word with him as soon as I have this baby. If I get mad at him now he'll just blame the hormones.'

Cathy was light-hearted. Jacob felt the calm, loving aura she emitted and gave into the beauty of it. He tried to live in the moment, a real challenge for his hyper vigilant system. Downstairs he could hear his parents talking to Carl, who would be making the trip with them.

He avoided prolonged questions and goodbyes, assuring his mother that he would be back. Jacob gave no hint that he was at the press conference. His perfunctory inquiry was met with a smile. He searched her face for any signs of stress and saw none. Quick hugs and they were off.

Carl had been with them before. Their pilgrimage from Montreal to New York, tracing Madeleine's route had been very emotional. That journey was not on their minds however. Long before Jacob and Cathy were married, before Catherine was returned home, the young couple, armed with an the tiniest snippet of hope travelled to Albany to confront Senator Joe Maxwell. Once there, Jacob received the news that his mother had not died but was alive, protected in a safe house in California. It was the beginning of a wonderful journey back to the wholeness of family. The birth of their baby would eventually bring them a full circle.

Although their destination was not Albany, and they were not travelling by bus, they promised to be mindful of every step along that route which brought them to the present time.

…

'Do you feel better, my love?'

'I do. Going below has been my salvation for the last…how many years now?'

Vincent chuckled. He had come home to find his wife agitated and pacing in their bedroom. He knew the press conference would have been challenging. When she agreed to take on the responsibility of overseeing the Smirconish family charities, there had been a deep reluctance within, but true to her character, Catherine to get things underway because the plight of children always touched her heart. She hoped to replace the memories of Susanna's duplicity and deceit, then right the wrongs. In her heart she understood that a public face would make her vulnerable. Questions about her past and present would make news and revive all the old hurts. Weighed against the good for so many, she opted to take a chance.

Diana had her back in all things public. The committee members were hand chosen and thoroughly vetted by the former detective. Neither woman made a move without checking and double-checking their sources. It promised to be a great partnership. It wouldn't be the first time they worked together but the tension, which had existed between them was a thing of the past. Their long history made it impossible to hold on to any lingering grudges.

Even with the comfort and support of all her resources, the opening event reminded her of the dangers ahead. She handled herself well but Vincent could sense the surge of memories. His arms held her until the tremors stopped. Some were due to remembered rage and others to relief. He took no chances. The safety of their sanctuary always held the power to heal. He redirected her across the park and down below before she could utter any words of complaint.

Back in the comfort of their bedroom, Catherine turned into her husband's arms. 'Thank you, Vincent, for taking me below. It was the right place to gather my strength, but you knew that. I would not have liked Jacob and Cathy to see me upset, before their trip north.'

'Are you worried about them?'

'I was. Cathy is so far along. I wish Jacob would stay with her, but I have every confidence in Hélène to call or let us know if anything happens.'

'Cathy is pretty resourceful. I have watched her organize things below. She is guided by a spirit, which keeps her firmly grounded. She is perfect for our son who seems to live inside his head.'

'….. and his heart Vincent.'

'Yes of course. He is a fine representative of both of us.'

There was no point in staying awake worrying. With a final hug and kiss, they settled into sleep.