'It's a lovely dress Cathy. Suited you.'

Erin didn't smile but looked intently at the gown. Her bony index finger touched the outlines of the bodice and the cascading folds with a caress, as if she could feel the fabric. She followed the line of the hair style. There was a tenderness in her touching.

'I appreciate your help Erin. I was kind of lost, not knowing what to choose. By the way, the couturier was impressed with your design. He asked me if…'

'I just do it for fun.'

'Did you ever do it professionally?' Erin didn't answer. Cathy wasn't surprised. Reticence was now, as much a part of her, as efficiency in managing the Sanctuary.

'I'm sorry. I know you don't like to answer questions. I just want to know you better without invading your privacy.'

'Why Cathy, I hardly know myself anymore. I have skills. Don't know where they came from. Sometimes I just don't have the answers.'

'Thanks for sharing that information. I don't want to pry and force you but…know what? I think I'll just shut up now and say thanks.'

Cathy had never seen Erin really smile until that moment. It lit up her eyes. There was something familiar about her. Cathy wondered if she might have seen Erin years before when she and her mother lived in the tunnel. Asking would be a waste of time. The question about history and events died on her lips. She smiled in response and moved on to topics of the day.

'There's a message here for you from Merindia,' Erin said handing a folded sheet of paper to Cathy. 'She's been a big help.'

'That's good to know Erin.' Cathy quickly scanned the note and smiled. 'She will be down later. I may go over the see Father and come back. It's been a few weeks since the last time we spoke.'

Erin nodded. The conversation about the Sanctuary continued until the women had addressed all the outstanding issues. Cathy was well pleased with how things were going. She trusted Erin. It appeared that the women who were in residence were coping well with their changed circumstances. Cathy determined that a few contacts would be needed at a shelter above because a couple of the women would leave in the morning. She sighed. Her mind wanted to wander back to the previous night but she returned her attention to Erin's final words.

'Cathy..... I liked thinking about clothes. I know we have our exchange box for the women, but sometimes things just don't fit. If I had a little hand machine..... maybe I could do something.'

'Thanks Erin. I will see what I can find.' It was a surprising offer. She kept her tone light in response, not wanting to make it a big deal. Internally, she considered it a big step for Erin to ask.

Cathy had two hours to make her way to the other end of the park and back before meeting Merindia. For some reason, she had a longing to visit with Jacob Senior and Mary. She was deliberately avoiding a return to the Brownstone. Her thoughts ran to Jacob. Mounting a credible defense for such a high profile case was sure to be quite a challenge, even for her brilliant husband. She had worked with Oats long enough to see many exceptional cases come and go. The defenders were always stressed by the intense scrutiny of the press and eventually the public. Murder seemed like such a drastic step to take, to end a relationship. What on earth would a man of the court be thinking as he took the life of his wife? Cathy pondered the incomprehensible action as she made her way to the north tunnel and Father's chambers.

'Jacob I refuse to be a public scapegoat for every woman and man who has suffered in domestic violence.'

'There must be something in defense of your actions Sir?'

'There will be nothing. No motive exists for doing what I did. Each case has, before it, a set of circumstances. You can follow the trail to my actions but it will not change the fact that my wife…is dead. I killed her. I am tired now. I won't answer any more questions. Prepare my plea and let me go to live out my sentence. I want you to do nothing further on my behalf unless I instruct you to proceed. Is that understood?'

'Yes Sir. It is.'

Jacob rose from the flat bunk bed where he had been seated trying to make notes as he went along. He pushed his papers into the briefcase. The list of questions had not one check mark or note beside it indicating either a response or clearer picture of the events of the previous night. The AG's passionless confession to a shocking crime stunned him. Jacob received very clear instructions from a man who knew the law better than he did. The whole idea of pleading guilty felt wrong and yet DelCassian was insistent.

'Bail sir?'

'No. I'll stay here. Try to get me before a judge as quickly as possible.' The voice was flat and unemotional as it had been during the entire interview.

Jacob nodded and turned toward the door. He called out to the guard. DelCassian had turned back to his contemplation of the light in the window. He flinched as the key was turned in the lock.

'When you tell your mother, make sure she knows that I love her.'

Jacob didn't respond. The comment was not appropriate. The AG had just murdered his wife. He couldn't be seriously thinking that his mother would support him or feel anything but disgust at his actions. Jacob felt his sympathy wane. His mother's relationship with DelCassian was an unknown. Did their reunion have anything to do with the crime? Could his mother be the motive for Gabriella's death?

Jacob left the Jail with a heavy heart and returned to his office. He could not imagine his mother being involved in this case, having to give evidence. His mind went back to his conversation with Durocher. He had said they would need to check the timing of the conversation between Catherine and DelCAssian. Jacob was certain that whenever Gabriella DelCassian died, his mother had been either happily dancing with his father or on her way home. There was no way she should have to give evidence.

On his return to the office there was a quick note saying Durocher had stepped out. Relieved at not having to immediately relate the confession from the AG, Jacob sat down and pulled out his cell phone. He had been tempted to call his mother. They didn't often watch TV at home but the radio was always on. Sue might have heard something. There was an email from Cathy. He smiled at her message and the cheerful happy face which accompanied words, sent for his eyes only. The moment gave him the courage to dial home.

It was nearly noon and everyone should be up.

Catherine and Vincent woke to bright sunshine. They both knew that the girls would be fine with Sue. It wasn't often they got to sleep in a little longer. Catherine did not want Sue to have the full responsibility for getting the girls up each day. If she was to be a good mother she could not delegate her responsibilities to someone else. Mothering was a full time job but Sue insisted on allowing her to catch up on sleep. After her debut back into the public eye the previous night, Catherine was sure to be exhausted.

They hadn't stayed out late. Of necessity, Catherine could not hold up her body beyond a reasonable hour. The few dances with Vincent were enough to make up for not sharing the entire evening. They returned home to the warmth of each other's arms, finally falling asleep with fingers linked in love.

Vincent and Catherine eventually left the haven of their bedroom and sat in the living room area, enjoying the girls company. They nibbled on the remains of a light brunch.

'Mumum too sleepy.'

'I was a sleepyhead this morning Cilla. I was dancing with Daddy last night.'

'Me dance?'

Cilla seemed very clingy. It was unlike her to be so needy. Catherine got up and showed the little girl how to do a twirl and curtsey.

'She woke up Cathy very early this morning Catherine,' Sue interjected with a semi stern look

'Was Cathy able to get back to sleep?'

'I think she got to snooze a little bit more but she and Jacob were both gone soon after.'

'Out?'

'Yes, Jacob left very early and Cathy a little later. I think she went below. I don't know where Jacob went.'

'Vincent?'

'I didn't hear them Catherine.'

She frowned. Catherine didn't control the movements and whereabouts of her son and his wife but their early morning departure, separately, sent a warning flag. She had been sure that Cathy would want to talk about the Ball. Catherine had been looking forward to sharing their individual observations.

'Is something wrong my Love?'

'There isn't any reason to think so, but still I feel uncomfortable.'

Catherine returned to Cilla who was tugging at her leg for more attention. Mea was deeply involved in some interesting toy.

It was less than an hour later when the phone rang and Jacob's voice came over the line. Catherine knew immediately that a change occurred. Her son's voice was tentative, uncertain.

'I was very surprised to hear that you left early this morning.'

'Big case Mama.'

'Nothing wrong with getting your feet wet right away. I mean you have been doing the work already but …..' Catherine faltered. She fell silent. She could hear her son's breath rise and fall. 'You have bad news. Just tell me what it is.'

'Patrick DelCassian he's……'

'Don't tell me he's dead Jacob. Please don't tell me that.' Vincent heard the change in his wife's voice and came to stand beside her, his arm around her shoulder.

'No Mama. He's very much alive but his wife isn't. He says he killed her last night.'

'No…no…he didn't Jacob. No!'

Catherine dropped the phone to the floor and turned to bury her face in Vincent's shoulder. Cilla retrieved the phone and placed it at her ear, just as she had seen the adults do.

'Hello….Jake…hello Jake…'

Whatever was bothering the little girl seemed to abate as she listened to the voice of her older brother, talking softly. The short attention span was soon exhausted and she handed the phone to Vincent.

'Son your mother is distraught. What is the problem?'

'An old friend of hers has been charged with murder.'

'Did you need to call her Jacob. Could this have waited until later?'

'No Dad. It will be a lead item on the news and I didn't want her to find out like that or have someone else call her.'

Catherine grabbed the phone from Vincent. 'Make arrangements for me to see him tomorrow Jacob. There's been a terrible mistake!'

Cathy retraced her steps to the Sanctuary. She had enjoyed her visit with Jacob Senior. He had blossomed again after years of coping with severe back pain. She knew Jacob had something to do with the change. It didn't matter what type of healing he received as long as it worked. Father was vibrant and engaged. He had wanted to hear all about the Ball. He didn't seem surprised to know that Vincent had also gone. Cathy felt light and happy. Se recalled Father's interest in anything to do with his son and grandson. She felt the visit had been worth the time and effort. Picking up her pace a little, she glanced at her watch. She didn't want to be late meeting Merindia.

At the Sanctuary stairway, she made her way down slowly. It had been awhile since she last saw Merindia. There was no rancour between them despite the circumstances in which they met. She had run away, when her father Kardin tried to force her to marry a totally unsuitable man. His sole motive had been to maintain a criminal dynasty. He persisted despite his daughter's protests. Once again, and at great risk to himself, Jacob had been responsible for effecting a change. Instead of being the wife of a crime boss, Merindia was now actively working to help the women move from life below to safer circumstances above. Many of the most recent assets to the chambers below came from her work above.

The dark haired beauty was talking with Erin. Cathy stopped and waited, not to eavesdrop but to allow the two women to complete their conversation.

'Hi Cathy!' she said turning at last.

'I got your note. I can't tell you how much your work is making a difference here.'

The two young women hugged each other.

'I'd like to go above to talk if you don't mind. Do you have time for a late lunch?'

'Yes sure. Jacob is tied up.'

They chose a small restaurant close by the Sanctuary entrance. It was the end of the Sunday brunch period but a light salad and iced tea was enough to close the hunger gap. Small talk filled in the spaces between the mouthfuls. It was clear that Merindia had something important on her mind.

'Are you having trouble telling me what you really wanted to see me about?'

'No I am genuinely interested in the Ball last night and how things went.'

'It was a true Cinderella story. I couldn't have felt more special.'

'Any pumpkins?'

They shared a laugh. Merindia's face and body took on a different tone and posture.

'Can I ask you something Cathy?' At the nod she continued. 'Can I ask you why you don't like Brian?'

Cathy was not shocked at the question. She was more surprised at the underlying sense of protectiveness beneath the words. She frowned in initial response.

'I'm sorry Cathy. I just feel like a go between. You both do such good work for the community. I wondered why you don't talk.'

'Cathy pushed away her plate and looked Merindia in the eye. What she saw there puzzled her.

'Are you asking me for yourself or for him.'

'Myself"

'If you get along with him, that's all you need to think about. My relationship with Brian is minimal at best. We don't see each other and we don't talk. Before you, Jacob was my liaison, if I needed anything from him.'

'And Mr. Raeburn.'

'Same.'

The terse response did not deter Merindia.

'For the same reasons?'

'No. Look, Merindia, it is pointless trying to mend something irreversible. If that is your goal then forget it. I'm not interested in a reunion.'

'Cathy I am asking because I want to …..'

At the same moment that Merindia blurted out her reasons, the cell phone in Cathy's purse went off. She turned away in an effort not to miss the call which she knew was from Jacob. She appeared not to hear Merindia's words.

'Jacob is everything alright?'

She looked apologetically at her lunch companion.

'No, no problem, I can go now. Is she alright?'

Cathy nodded and ended the call. She looked at Merindia. 'I'm sorry. What did you say?'

'Another time Cathy. It sounds like you have some problems at home.'

'I do. Catherine has had some bad news. Jacob wants me to be at home in case of anything.'

'I'll get the cheque. Don't worry. You go. We can meet another time.'

Cathy leaned forward and offered a quick hug before heading to the exit. Much later, on the subway train, when she was reviewing the conversation what Merindia had said, finally registered.

'…have a relationship with Brian.'

Merindia, not him. Of all people, not him for heaven's sake she thought.