Terry halted in mid-step realizing how her actions must have sounded to the people on the other end of the phone.

'Jacob, I am so sorry.'

'Is everything alright?' he asked anxiously.

'Your mother is on…her…feet! She did it alone. She wants to talk with you.'

'I…I'm ready.' Jacob was anything but ready but he needed to do it now. He sat down nervously. His eyes sought and found Cathy. She nodded in encouragement. He had needed the assurance of Theresa's observations to make this as right with his head as his heart. It was truly his mother. Not many people would have known about Mouse. A miracle had happened. Now his mother was waiting to talk with him. Wiping his hands on his pants he continued to listen intently, tears flowing down his cheeks. He heard her breathing. He waited for her to speak. He knew instinctively that this would not be easy for her either.

'M..m..my….baby.'

'Yes Mama. I am your baby. I am all grown up now.'

'M…my s..s..son….'

'Yes Mama. Mama, I love you. I love you.'

'Yesss…love too. Vincent?'

'Mama he is so happy. He loves you more than life.'

'Yesss…love Vincent….Father?'

'Gramps is well, old and still cranky but good.'

'You….do?'

'I'm a lawyer.'

'Me'

'Yes Mama, just like you.'

'B..b…bye son. Vincent?'

'I will tell him. I love you mama.'

The effort cost Catherine a lot. She was worn out. Theresa took the phone from her hand and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. 'Catherine you are an inspiration to me.

'Yes….me Catherine. Sleep now. My son.' She raised a hand to her heart.

'Yes he seems like a delightful young man. His father must be a great man.' Theresa excused herself from the phone for a moment and talked to Catherine as she watched Sue settle her in the chair again. She knew that this effort would have some repercussions in the morning. Even if it was the last effort Catherine ever made, it was worth seeing the joy and sense of peace on her face.


Jacob was spent with the emotion of the moment. His hands shook. His body felt weak. Imagine I was able to speak with my mother. After 24 years, I was able to speak with my mother.. First and foremost he would have to find a way to bring his parents together. It all started with their love and no matter how much he cherished the idea of his mother, it was, in reality, the love she shared with his father that sustained both of them. In the background he wasvaguely aware of conversations between Cathy, Joe and Theresa.

'Jacob will find a way. It has just come as a great shock to him.' There was a long listening pause then, 'there are circumstances that might make that difficult. He needs to speak with his Father and Grandfather before deciding on a course of action.'

'Theresa, this is Joe again. Perhaps we can touch base later today. We would love to get this underway but as Cathy said, we have some planning to do. Keep Catherine safe. Tell her I said hello Radclyffe and let her know that if she wants to come home, we will do it.'

Jacob sat silently listening to the words knowing that he should make some comment but he was unable. He was not ashamed of his emotion. Life in the tunnel, growing up with such a loving Father taught him not to fear emotion. It was not a sign of weakness to cry or express need. He knew he could be strong. He realized now that everyone was waiting for him to give guidance but he looked to Cathy for support. She would understand his dilemma.

'Senator Maxwell, I think that you are aware of some special circumstances in the life of Jacob and his Dad which might make it difficult for them to travel to California. I have an idea which I would like to put forward if everyone is OK with it.'

'Sure, go ahead.'

'Vincent, Jacob's father is unable to fly. We could, however, travel by land. We could rent a large motor home that could accommodate 4-5 people, hire a driver and make the trip by road. We could use the southwest route to avoid any winter conditions. If Catherine is well enough to return with us, she would be more comfortable in a home-like setting. If we need a nurse, we can hire one.'

Cathy waited expectantly.

'That's brilliant! What a great idea…..a motor home. How did you think of that Cathy?'

'Remember I lived in Florida. It is the capitol of Motor homes,' she said wryly.

Everyone laughed a little to relieve tension. Jacob hugged Cathy fiercely.

'Would you like me to arrange things Jacob? Eric here is pretty resourceful.'

'If you don't mind Joe. You have access to more resources than I do right now. I still need to talk with my Dad about it though. He has to agree.'

'I understand.' Hastily scribbling a number on the back of a business card, Joe handed it over with a smile. Jacob recognized it as Diana's home phone, but made no comment.

The group parted, each with their own thoughts and needs. The two young people headed back to their offices. Jacob had to meet with Oats to update him on the results of the call.

Oats had been instructed to accommodate whatever time was needed for Jacob to reunite with his mother. Another defender would follow up with Dennison and ensure his safety. Jacob completed most of the leg work anyway. It was just about tying up loose ends.

In his office a short while later, Oats posed a question. 'How much time do you think you will need?'

'Oats, I appreciate your support. I don't want to take advantage but we will have to travel by land to California if my father goes with me. I want that more than anything. My mother doesn't know me but she knows my Dad and he can't fly.'

'Air sick?'

'I think he is just not comfortable with too many people in a confined space.' Jacob understated.

'You are going to need at least a month Wells.'

'I suppose. Is it too long?'

Jacob looked at Cathy then, knowing that he could not do this without her. Oats caught the look.

'Wells, your circumstances are unique but Cathy is needed here.'

'I understand Sir, but my mother is her Godmother. She was named for my mother.'

Oats just looked up and scratched his head. 'Go on…get outta here, both of you. But you better be ready to work your ass off when you come back.'

Never impetuous, Jacob could have hugged the taciturn man sitting in front of him. Instead he grabbed his hand and shook it hard, infusing his emotion into the contact, hoping that Oats would understand how grateful he was. Oats half smiled and shooed them out. 'Oh Cathy, just apprise Lily of any important or outstanding issues before you leave.'

With a roll of her eyes, she rejoined 'I will Sir.'


'Dad, what do you think? Tell me.'

Vincent had been silent for so long. That Jacob could actually have spoken to Catherine just seemed beyond possibility. 'You mean she really remembered those last words?'

'Yes, you know better than anyone what your connection meant to her.'

'The mind is an amazing thing Jacob. Mouse once saved my life. He was able to do it because of your mother. He made the crystal pendant she wore. He will be happy to know that his words were a catalyst for her recovery.'

'It was a start Dad and the nurse who helped her seemed like she has been just as touched by Mom's kindness. She told me so.'

'You say it will be a moving house?'

'Yes it will contain everything we need to travel without having to stop or step outside unless we need to. You will be safe.'

'Once, long ago, your mother wanted me to go with her to a special place. She arranged everything but Father thought it would be an unwise move. Too much risk for those here. The tunnel would be unprotected Jacob. Then he worried that if we were caught it would be the end of me. Of course things are a little different now but I must still ask him.'

'I expected that Dad. I would ask you too in the same situation.'

'Let's go see him now.'

Vincent and Jacob made their way down to Father's chambers. Vincent knew in his heart he would likely override Father's wishes if they did not coincide with his ideas but respect was due. Vincent's step was purposeful. Catherine waited for him.

Father was not sleeping. He and Mary were talking about the events of the day. The idea that Catherine could be alive after all this time was unbelievable. They looked up when Vincent and Jacob walked down the steps. Both listened to Father and Son make their case for taking the trip. Father waited, then spoke from the heart to his son.

'Vincent, I love you with all my heart. You have been a wonderful son to me and an extraordinary protector for this community. You know that and you know what it means.'

Vincent felt his heart sink. It began to sound like twenty years ago. He waited ready to put his point forward.

Father continued. 'It isn't often we get a second chance to make things right.' Smiling at Mary he went on thoughtfully. 'I want you to take this trip as your second chance Vincent. I want to see nothing but happiness for you at the end of it. Bring Catherine home Vincent.'

There were hugs all around. 'When will you leave?'

'Not sure yet Gramps. I will call Joe to finalize details. I have to return above tonight.'

'I know things will be safe here Father. We have come a long way in twenty years. Check with the helpers. We will send messages through them. I am going up tonight with Jacob. If they are ready to leave tomorrow, I don't want any delay. We will have to get away before daylight.'

'Safe journey to both of you.'

Jacob and Vincent left the tunnels. Both felt some trepidation about this journey. Vincent knew that he would see places he only dreamed about. It was like the time Jacob went to Europe. How he would like to have gone. Jacob's return brought new eyes to the things Vincent had read and heard about. He was in good care of his Uncle Devin who had traveled extensively. At first, Vincent felt nervous for his son but suppressed it in the face of Father's opposition. The trip was a great success.

Now, both of them were embarking on a different adventure and a rescue of sorts. It would be the most painful and the most pleasurable of his life. As they made their way across the darkened park, Vincent could not help but feel his life would ever be changed even before he set eyes on Catherine again.


Jacob's phone was ringing even before he entered the apartment. There had been messages. He did not wait to check. He called Joe right away. Diana answered the phone.

'Jacob, I am so happy for you and your Father'.

'We are pretty happy about it all Diana. I now understand how big a part you played in all this. If I wasn't nice to you the other day, I apologize. And…...my Dad says hello.'

'Tell him I said hello too. Here's Joe.'

'Jacob, I arranged for a motor home to be ready for tomorrow. You need to call him tonight to set up a time. They will have a series of drivers so that the trip is continuous. They will change at prearranged places. Diana has intimated something about the special needs of your father. Cathy has all the other information you will need to travel safely'

'Thanks Joe.' Jacob wrote down the number he was given.

'By the way Jacob, Diana and I will fly out there in three or four days time. You should be there by then. We will leave our address with Theresa. We plan to wait until you and your Father have seen her first.'

'I appreciate your efforts Joe and your support. I will call the company now and then see you in a couple of days.'

Jacob called the number he had been given and set up a time for early morning. They planned to leave around 5 am. He called Cathy and asked her to take a taxi to the apartment. It would be better for all of them to leave from the same place. While waiting for Cathy, he packed a few things in a bag. Once she arrived, the happy, nervous trio slept little, waiting for the beginning of the adventure of a lifetime seen through the eyes of Jacob, Cathy and Vincent.


At precisely 5 am there was a ringing sound unfamiliar to Jacob. He traced it to Cathy's purse. She called out from the bedroom 'that's the guys from the Motor Home Jacob. Answer it!' Jacob stared at the flashing light inside her purse. He had no clue what to do. Cathy came running out hair flying. 'I forgot you've never had one.' She picked up the phone and spoke quickly. 'We need about 10 minutes or so' she amended realizing that Jacob was not ready to leave.

I got the phone yesterday. We can't travel across the country without one. I told them to call me when they got here. Jacob went and looked out the window. He was astonished at the size. It was stopped in the middle of the road. There was nowhere to park it.

'Dad come and look at this!'

Vincent was shocked. He was even more shocked when they went downstairs and actually entered the vehicle. It was huge, containing all the conveniences of Jacob's apartment, only bigger.

'We got this from a company who specializes in celebrity trailers. It was stocked and ready to go. I think we did well' Cathy laughed throwing herself in a large leather comfort chair.

'No kidding!'

Vincent said little. Luxury was not for him but it made him happy to see his son's smiling face.

Jacob introduced himself to the drivers. Instead of doing a relay, the two drivers would alternate. Joe was still aware of the need for safety. They had up front sleeping quarters for themselves. They would stop only when asked by the passengers. Jacob picked a route that would allow his father many experiences and different places during the trip. Vincent remained hidden behind his trademark hood but these drivers had learned to be discreet. He would be safe. They set off finally, headed down 95, past the White House, along Route 66 to I-40 along the Southern States.

La Crescenta

Terry stayed overnight to help monitor Catherine. Sue had been up most of the previous night and needed a break. They took turns watching her for any signs of a return to the coma. Even though Catherine was happy about her connection with Jacob, her brain had been in disuse for so long, any stress could affect her in ways not known. There wasn't a long list of patients who recovered from a coma after so many years. Marian had called earlier to ask about the call and what affect it had on her. She was sending up an MD in the morning to assess her physically. If Catherine was to be transferred to New York, she had to leave the Agency's care in good health.

Catherine slept through the night with little restlessness. She was awake early, smiling at Terry. It didn't last long. She drifted off quickly again. Terry wasn't worried. At precisely 9 am a middle-aged grey haired man rang the bell at the front. Sue went to answer the door.

'I am Dr. Hanson. There is a patient here to be examined. Are you her nurse?'

'One of them. My name is Sue.' Her extended hand was ignored. ' Terry is inside the room with her. Come in.' Shaking her head at his rudeness she left him to find his own way.

'Nurse, I am here to see the patient.'

'Good morning. My name is Theresa. I've been looking after her for…..'

He put down his exam bag and took a quick look around the room. 'Where are her records Nurse?'

'In the binder on the bedside table.'

Dr. Hanson took a cursory look at the records and sat carelessly on the side of the bed. He began to open her top.'

'What are you doing?'

'I thought that was obvious.'

'She is not in a coma now, just sleeping. You need to ….'

'I don't need to do anything.' He leaned over and placed the stethoscope on her chest. It took a few minutes but Catherine awoke with a start and pushed his hand away. He held it out of the way.

'She has an arrhythmia. She needs to be transported to LA for observation and monitoring. I will arrange for an ambulance.'

'She's had an arrhythmia since she woke up. There has been no change for months.'

'I did not ask an opinion Nurse.'

'None the less, she is my patient. I am an RN and Licensed Nurse Practitioner. I have the responsibility for her primary care.'

'Not now. Who do you report to? You may find yourself out of a license.'

'There will be no change in her location without the consent of her substitute decision maker.'

'That would be Marian.'

'No! that would be her son.' There was going to be a standoff while the MD and Nurse glared at each other.

'No! I….say…no! I stay. I live….I die….here!'

Both Terry and Dr. Hanson looked startled. Catherine repeated her No even more emphatically.

'Listen Lady, you have a cardiac arrhythmia. It could be fatal at any time. You need monitoring. It goes against my advice and I don't know if you are in a position to make any decisions.'

'In…form….cons…ent. No! I stay.'

Terry could see why Catherine had survived. She was one tough cookie. Dr. Hanson left with dire warnings pouring out of him. No one was listening. Terry picked up the phone and called Marian right away.

'Do you want me to be caught and tried for murder?'

'I am surprised it hasn't happened already. What now? Did Derek give you a hard time?'

'Derek? If that was a Derek you sent up he sure didn't act like one. What an arrogant son of a…..'

'Hon, he is the nicest man. What happened?'

'He was rude and insisted on sending her down to LA right away for a cardiac arrhythmia she has had for months.'

'Terry, I will call you back. That doesn't sound like Derek Maiele at all."

Terry hung up the phone quickly. 'Sue, lock all the doors and keep them locked. We are not opening to anyone you or I don't know.'

She heard Sue come out of the room. 'Are you kidding? What's up.?

'I am not kidding. Lock the doors!'

The phone rang again. Terry answered it quickly.

'I can't get hold of Derek. I will keep trying. Lock up Terry and be careful. Don't take any chances. This may mean nothing at all.'

'I hope so.'

Terry used her cell phone and called Jason. Something was going on. There was no answer but she instructed him to call her only on her cell.'