Chapter 10

Jacob entered the tunnels in a fretful state. The events of the last 24 hours left him unsettled and hesitant about the future. Initially, he thought that finding out more information about his mother might have made things easier but he never expected to find out she was still alive. His Father had always told him that her grave felt like an empty tomb. He was right. The difficult part is that she was not buried elsewhere. She was still alive! How could he possibly explain this to his still grieving father.

Vincent was not waiting at the tunnel gate. Jacob felt disappointed but not concerned. He made his way to their chambers anxious to talk. It was late and many of the dwellers were sound asleep. He did not want to wake anyone, feeling sure his Dad would be in his rooms. He knew his father was close but everything seemed so still.

Jacob sat for awhile in his father's room, looking around at all the familiar things of his childhood. His eyes drifted to the books that he and his tunnel siblings enjoyed. On the dresser was the faded rose, a gift from his mother and beside it the crystal she wore until her death. But she's not dead. Jacob pondered that thought over and over, still unable to reach a place inside him where he could feel what it meant. Getting up he paced restlessly. He needed to talk with his Father. Jacob decided to go down to check on his Gramps. Maybe he was still awake.

All was quiet in his Grandfather's chamber. Only a soft light shone on the gray hair. Jacob could see his chest rise and fall with deep sleep. He would not wake the old man. Walking further into the tunnels he found himself warring between irritation and anxiety. Where is my father? Gradually the irritation became anger. Jacob walked the passages purposefully, seeking to vent his rising anger at the absence of his father's support and counsel. The pipes were quiet. Jacob heard a roar in the distance. It took time before he realized it had come from him. He was frightened by it.

Celeste appeared. 'Jacob Wells, you should not be angry?'

'I can't find my papa,' he said plaintively.

Celeste stared hard at Jacob. ' You have found the answer. Tell your Papa. He is waiting for you to wake him from his sleep.'

'Where is he…..' but she was gone.

Celeste is like a leaf in the wind, he mused. Calmed a little by her enigmatic presence he continued to search. Anger was futile. He knew he had relived a childhood fear of losing his father, his rock in a motherless world. Papa, where are you? he called into the empty tunnels.

Vincent never knew such sweet slumber. Lulled by the sound of water he embraced the ideal vision of his life with Catherine. His mind raced through the bank of memories from their short time together. In his dreams it felt like forever. His breath slowed, his body stilled. He saw again the first moment of finding her cut and bleeding in the park, helping her to recover, sharing the growing bond of their love, her warm body close to his so many times, a fleeting moment to remember the love they shared.

He willed his vision of her as she was now, to reappear. There, in her exquisite beauty, he reached out from his soul to touch and join her on the other side of life. Not death, but that forever land where lovers can meet and love again. Her sweet smile drew him nearer and nearer to the escape that seemed like the perfect answer.

Then, she was not smiling!. Her hands were raised, panic on her face. Still Vincent drifted, seeing the looming end as a beginning. Now it felt like death and he welcomed it. Catherine was in need of him. Her face told him so. He had seen her many times in the past, when she lived, afraid even while courageous in her actions. He would save her this time. It would make up for the one time he had failed her. He could not see her attacker but rose up in spirit to conquer the mythical beast of her death.

'Papa….!Papa!... Papa?….wake up!'

From out of the depths of his nightmare, Vincent heard the voice of his young son. He stopped, checking one last time. Catherine was smiling again. Breathing rapidly and opening his eyes, he saw Jacob looking at him, fear and concern in his eyes.

'Papa what happened? Don't you know that I love you?'

'Jacob, my son, I do.' Vincent paused realizing that he had almost willed himself to death. 'I am sorry, so sorry. I just could not take anymore of the madness in my head.'

'It is not madness Dad. It is real.' Jacob reverted to the present. His lapse into the past was not lost on Father or Son.

'What do you mean Jacob?'

'I see what was in your mind Dad. I know that you are hearing and seeing mother inside your heart again. There is a reason.'

'What are you saying Jacob? Are you feeling it too?'

'This will be no Romeo and Juliet story Dad. I mean it. You stay well and stay present. Listen to me carefully.'

There in the catacombs, the bowels of the earth, Jacob gave life to his father again.

'Dad, I don't know how she survived, but she did.' Giving his head a shake, Jacob waited and watched his father. Tears had already begun to flow from both men. The silence lasted for so long, Jacob was almost afraid he imagined the words to his father.

'What you tell me…..it's a dream come true. There are no words…..none that can …… express…..'

'Dad, I think we are both overwhelmed. It's too much to even process what this means. There is a reality out there who is my mother and the love of your life. I am uncertain what to do with the knowledge.'

'We must go to her Jacob. She is expecting us. Where is she?'

'So far away Dad. I don't even know how to begin to imagine bringing us together.'

'We will find a way son. We will find a way. We must find a way!'

Senator Joe Maxwell, made his way into the Justice department for New York City. He felt lighter than he had in months. The weight of responsibility for Catherine's health and wellbeing would now rest in the hands of her son. If she was well enough to travel he would arrange to bring her here. Beyond that he did not want to think.

Miss Wrensch abandoned her usual formality and stood when the Senator walked in. She pressed a buzzer and John Civco, walked out to greet him.

'Good Morning Senator Maxwell. I must say this visit is a surprise.'

'It isn't official John. I have a personal matter to discuss with you.'

He ushered the Senator and his aide into the office and closed the door. John was not aware that this used to be Joe's office. The DA sign on the door was painted there during his tenure. There was one other person in the office waiting for him. He did not see Jacob however and asked for him.

'He is in his office Sir. Good morning. My name is Kurt Ootes. Most people call me Oats.'

Joe reached out his hand. 'Good to meet you,' he nodded absentmindedly. 'I did want Wells to be here,' he continued, 'this concerns him personally.'

John pressed a button on his phone. 'Karen, get young Wells down here right away.'

'I was happy to read the news about this City embezzlement case. The public loses confidence in government if these scandals aren't handled quickly.' Joe sat down comfortably while making the observation. He smiled remembering much of his life here.

'My thoughts exactly. It was mostly due to Wells that we were able to see this as more than a simple case of employee theft.'

Just then, the door opened and Jacob entered, Cathy at his side.

'We won't need you for this Cathy.' Oats said gently. He knew she was vulnerable from their encounter with Brian, but Oats had been true to his word. He removed Brian from the staff. A few inquiries led to some serious questions about his moral conduct.

'I need her to be here Sir. She is part of this too.' Jacob was respectful but resolute.

Oats acquiesced to his statement with a nod.

Jacob leaned over and shook hands with Joe. 'Good morning Sir.'

More chairs were brought in and Joe led the general discussion.

'Gentlemen, Jacob Wells is the son of my former ADA, Catherine Chandler. John, you may remember the case, years ago when we took down Gabriel, the head of a major crime ring. You may also be interested to know that the last block of the trio finally went down in LA a few days ago.'

'I had heard that Sir.'

'Jacob's mother was kidnapped for months. Shortly after giving birth she was left for dead. Jacob was also held for some time by Gabriel.. It was weeks before he was found by my former wife and Gabriel was finally brought down.'

Oats and John who had heard much in their careers, seemed shocked by the revelations but nodded, waiting.

'Catherine appeared dead when we found her body. She was in fact headed for the morgue, when she showed signs of life.' Joe paused. Even though he lived the story, he still found it hard to process.

'She remained in a coma for years but recently showed signs of cognition. I was not the only person who knew she lived, although it was kept highly secret. I was however, the only person who could connect her to then and now. It was for her protection initially. As time went on it was just because she never woke up from her coma.'

'So how did she come to wake up now?' Oats asked puzzled.

Looking at Jacob, Joe again shook his head. 'Who knows how the mind works. I think she just never forgot that she had a son.'

'How did you and Wells connect Sir?'

'There was no breach in the system, but I left two loopholes in recording just in case. Catherine was registered in the Witness re-allocation program. Without a listing of her relatives, Jacob was able to access her name in the program. In the event that I predeceased her, I also left a letter.'

'Did you go looking for her Wells?' John asked, more curious than concerned.

'No Sir, if you remember, our client asked for a new name that was similar to my mother. Seeing her name was just a fluke'

'How can we help with this Senator? It seems like a family matter.'

'It is John. But it is also a responsibility of the administration of this city. Wells will need some time to sort out the issues before he is reunited with his mother. I also just wanted to reassure you of the integrity of the process.'

Jacob watched the way that Joe handled the meeting. He felt his heart and stomach jump at the word reunited. Suddenly it was all becoming real. Joe forestalled any more questions and the group disbanded, each considering some aspect of this unusual case.

Later that morning, Joe was given an office. He asked to have access to a private long distance line. He worked on some local business with his aide. At 12:00, Jacob and Cathy would join him for the call to California.

Terry woke up fuzzy headed. She felt like a party girl for a moment. Damn hormones she chided herself for the umpteenth time. It took a minute to realize that she was still with Jason. He slept quietly beside her. She sat up and looked at the shiny diamond on her left hand. She felt a little rumbling in her abdomen and realized that her baby was making it presence felt. Quickening! Happy, her head clearing at last, she got up, feeling like today was going to be momentous. Her fiancé was over the moon with happiness, her baby was alive to all her senses and Gina would find out over the next few days where her destiny lay.

Terry showered and dressed. She had to wake up Jason. Her car was left up at the bungalow. They went to her apartment to get clean clothes, then headed up the mountain. It was a beautiful day. She stayed silent in the car. Jason knew she was already working on plans for the day.

Indeed, Terry's head was full of questions. Catherine, Gina. Who was she now? It was obvious that Gina wanted to return to the man she loved but would he love her still? How could he have let her go in the first place? What about the son they had? All these questions ran through Terry's mind. She wondered if she should call in a Doctor or Psychiatrist. A psychologist had been consulted but no one wanted to see her until she actually recovered memories. Terry could have used some guidance in certain things. Most of her knowledge was based on physical recovery. Emotional recovery was different.

Terry leaned over to kiss Jason goodbye. 'Thanks poochie. Here's something for you to think about today. The baby moved inside me this morning.

'How come you didn't tell me sooner?'

'This is what I want you to spend the day thinking about. Not having to drive me to work on your day off.'

'Will I …?

'I think it is still too small but we can probably hear a heartbeat when I get a Doppler.'

'Terry you are too much. Have a good day Honey.'

As soon as she entered the house Terry knew that something had changed. Usually Sue was busy preparing something for herself. Gina would be up and music playing to start her day. Sue came into the kitchen just as Terry was setting down her briefcase.

'Oh I am so glad to see you this morning.'

'Has something happened?'

'Well yes and no.'

Terry sat down heavily and waited for Sue to explain.

'Last night not long after you left, I heard Gina moaning. I went into to check on her. As much as she was able, she had her hands up and was pushing against something I couldn't see. She kept saying 'NO! NO!' in a really loud voice.'

'Was she awake at all?'

'I really don't think so. It seemed more like a bad dream but she would not settle. I was just about to call you and the doctor when she smiled and went back to sleep.'

'And?'

'That was it. Everything else seemed normal after that but I stayed up in the room all night, just in case.'

'There is a connection to another being that we don't know about. Probably Vincent. I think because of her illness she has heightened sensitivity to certain vibrations. Maybe prophetic dreams. I mean this is not medical or nursing cause and effect, just something beyond what we can see. As long as she is safe, just continue to document the information and we will see how it plays out. I bet that whoever she is connected to will have some memory or knowledge of this.'

'Sounds kind of creepy Terry.'

'Sue you are such a grounded person. You do your job and work hard. You are solid and steady, but not everyone is like that. Some people live differently, moving to the beat of a different drum as they used to say. Why don't you rest a bit longer and I will take care of Gina.'

'OK but no lifting.'

Terry enjoyed Sue's motherly attitude. Funny how everything in the world changed with a pregnancy. Everyone saw you differently. Terry smiled remembering even Marian's unexpected hug.

Terry worked quickly to wake Gina and feed her. She seemed none the worse for the night dream. She continued to find question words for her nurse.

'Marrd?'

'I will be soon. Jason proposed last night.' Terry showed her ring to Gina.

'Ni……Yu Muuuma?'

'She passed away Gina, years ago.'

'Me too'

'Do you remember how old you were Gina?'

After a long pause 'tin…'

'And your father…..?

'Bi grrrr.'

'You were bigger or a big girl?

'bg grrl'

The conversation continued. Terry gave lots of praise for Gina, knowing the struggle inside to try and remember. There was kind of an expectant look to Gina but Terry decided that whatever she wanted she would have to try and say it. Gina had just put her hand to her chest when the phone rang. Terry had almost forgotten the New York call.

'Theresa Zamora 891240'

'Good morning Theresa. This is Senator Joe Maxwell calling from New York.'

Terry was shocked. She could hardly get out a word.

'Senator…..Maxwell….I….I…'

'It is nice to have you dumbfounded for a change Theresa. Please keep in mind that our calls are still confidential and monitored but things have changed.'

'In what way Sir?'

'Don't go all formal on me now. You've given me a hard time these past few months.'

'I 've been a little mean, but I did it for Gina.'

'I know.' Joe sighed deeply.

'Her real name is Catherine isn't it?'

'I am not even going to ask how you know. Have you told her?'

'No I just found out last night. I really would not do anything without clearing it first.'

'I appreciate that Theresa. And now I want to tell you something about her.'

Joe went on to explain briefly what he told Jacob. Theresa nodded and listened without comment. She was not prepared for what happened next.

'Cathy's son is here with me. He speaks on behalf of his father. He wants to speak with you but not his mother, yet.'

Jacob came on the line. He had a lovely voice, soothing and soft. He was well spoken.

'My Father and I will be eternally grateful to you Theresa for saving my mother. Hearing that she was alive was enough of a surprise, but knowing that she was responsive to you and others made us very happy, ecstatic really.'

'What would you like me to do for you Jacob?'

'Tell me what happened?"

'It started when I read poetry to her. Dylan Thomas. She began to cry. Once I saw emotion, I knew there was cognition.'

'Those were the last words my parents shared.' he said in wonderment at the power of the mind to recall.

'Jacob?'

'Yes, I am still here. It has been such an emotional time. My Father and I are on a strange rollercoaster.'

'You know I can understand. Your mother, with hardly a word, has turned my life around too.'

'Thank you Theresa,' a pause and then, 'so what happened next?'

'Joe Maxwell and I have had a weird kind of relationship on the phone. He wouldn't answer questions. He just wanted me to talk. He'd say ok good, ok good. I got to hate that. My response was ok fine…. I am ashamed to say I often added something mean. I started making it a song to reduce my frustration. Your mother loved it. I'd sing OK good OK fine…then she said…..'

'Mouse'

'How did you know that?'

Jacob went on to give a brief explanation of the life of Mouse, the most fun loving, hard working member of his community.

'You know I just could not make the connection but it made sense to her. Oh Jacob, today is like a dream come true.'

'Gina! Oh my God…..' It was Sue's voice.

Theresa turned around her blood running cold at the shout. The phone fell from her hand as she ran forward.