SVONXXI

'Dad, I gotta thank you for doing this. Whatever happens, I feel a lot better.'

Vincent placed a reassuring arm around his daughter in law. He was reminded again about how much the simplest things in life could mean so much.

'You know I am happy to do anything to ensure your happiness. After all…'

'I know. Jacob….'

'He is a part of it Cathy, but don't forget that I was there when you were born and loved you from the moment you drew your first breath. Nothing of who you are or what you do can change that fact.'

Cathy was touched beyond words. Long before Jacob taught her to love, Vincent had been the only father she had ever known, the one man whose love was fully unconditional. When her mother Lena, left below, Cathy could remember feeling as if the world had shifted. As she stood staring at Vincent and his wonderful unique features, she became acutely aware of how much that loss impacted her. A few months later she was to lose her mother for a year when Kardin executed a plan to abduct and hypnotize Lena before using her to birth Holly. For over a year, Cathy was in the care of a strange woman, living in a limbo, unsure of anything except that her mother was gone.

Now, many years later she had come full circle. Her own baby would be born. Vincent would be there to welcome the child, just as she had been received. She leaned in to kiss the soft cheek.

'I love you Dad. I am still scared about this whole business but not as much as I was a week ago.'

'You will tell Jacob, won't you. I don't like secrets.'

'I will, I promise.'

Cathy left the chambers and made her way up. She was as happy as she could be. The thought of Holly reminded her that tomorrow was a big day. What complex and interesting lives we are living. Maybe too much, she amended with rueful laugh. Who on earth could imagine that in 24 hours, a sister she had not known about was to be united with grandparents that neither of them had known about.

Rather than dwell on the incredulity of it all, she thought ahead to how difficult it will be for Holly to accept Papa and Mémé. It had taken months to accept and acknowledge a birth story, which included a sister. Would the challenge of accepting the parents of her deceased mother be any easier?

Cathy tread carefully as she made her way out of the tunnel. She was pleased by the success of her little project with Vincent. Very soon she would have to share it with Jacob. That he might have misgivings about her decision was understandable but she also knew that he would do anything to make her happy. She did not want to minimize his importance in the decision-making but on this one issue she hoped he would be agreeable.

As soon as she reached the upper level, Cathy sent a message to let him know she was safe. There were several other messages, mostly from Holly. As she read down the numerous urgent texts, she realized that Holly was having doubts about the wisdom of meeting two strangers. Cathy thought again about how long it took for Holly to acknowledge their own relationship and feel comfortable with it. She didn't intend to push but if her sister was going to back out, she needed to know sooner rather than later. A lot of preparation had already gone into the get-together.

Cathy let herself in, noting that Rob was at home. She wondered if Mémé had also returned. It seemed not. Rob was sitting in the kitchen with Sue. He explained that Hélène would not be coming back until much later.

'I may need you to take me up to see Holly. What time will you be meeting up with Hélène?'

Rob replied with a shrug and a grunt. .He would never understand women and their changing ways but he did take his responsibilities seriously. In particular, he kept a watchful eye on Cathy, not just because of her pregnancy but he could also sense her latent power, had seen it unleashed in fury and had no wish to be the one to gestate its resurgence unnecessarily.

'She's staying for dinner. Said she'd call me later.'

Cathy changed into something comfortable for travel, noted that Jacob was also not around and wondered for the umpteenth time what her grandparents were doing. Mémé had taken on the task of helping Reiba, almost to the exclusion of everything else. Cathy tried to find a compelling reason why the search for the long dead music composer held such fascination but the collaboration between her grandparents was interesting and to observe. Mémé appeared to have purpose and the little mystery seemed to generate a new energy in her as well as strengthening the tie with Philippe. Cathy wondered if anything of importance would come out of it since there had been so many dead ends already. She held out little hope. A few minutes more of intense concentration might have opened up a channel into the whole mystery but Cathy's mind was on her sister and the possibility that the planned reunion might not take place. That was the direction in which she put her limited energy.

…..

Hélène had known many moments of trepidation in her life. From early childhood, she had performed many times in public. Nothing she had ever done could prepare her for the meeting between herself and the two men, one past and one present whose odd relationship with each other and with her would dictate the events of the evening.

If she was to draw on any energy, she knew that discipline would be her best support. As she sat between the two men over a delicious dinner, she marveled at how well her sense of the moment kept her from revealing the truth about her flare of desire for the unlikely suitor seated on her left.

Howard had flown into the city by helicopter to attend an emergency meeting earlier in the day. With his business concluded he readily accepted the invitation to an early dinner with his old friend. Howard could not pass up any opportunity to see Hélène even if it was in the company of another man. Part of him desperately needed to observe the dynamic between the two of them. They had a long history and shared family interests. Most of his time with Hélène was spent fighting their mutual desire or discussing the mystery. He hoped to observe her in an informal setting. His mother always told him that people relaxed much better over food and drinks. With a third party present, he expected that his feelings would not betray him.

Indeed, as the evening wore on, the shared history led the conversation down many pathways, past and present. Hélène was happiest listening to the men talk about their college days. Without much effort they slipped back into the habit of debating issues and holding intense discussions over almost every issue. The simplest question from Hélène elicited responses that told her a lot about each man and at what point in their lives they made decisions that impacted their future endeavours.

As she sat and listened, making the occasional comment, Hélène revisited much of what attracted her to Philippe and the recent energy which found a home in her relationship with Howard. In the midst of their revealing discussions, she also saw the specter of Guy, the man she had married, the man who treated her worse than a servant, who abused and threatened her daughter. How she could have made such a decision was not surprising. Guy was a means to an end, not her choice however the decision cost her dearly.

The thought of him drained the animation from her face. To her surprise, both men noticed a change and commented. The action was expected from Philippe but not from Howard and she became flustered.

'I'm fine really. Just a bad memory which made it presence felt.'

'tu es sûr?'

'Oui mon amour. Je suis bien.'

Her response was almost automatic. It was clear that Howard understood the 'mon amour.' Her eyes pleaded and the slight head-shake was meant to reassure him that the words were perfunctory and carried no weight. She took a chance and placed her hand on the Governor's arm. He covered it with his own. Philippe noted the action but said nothing. More than anything he sensed some energy percolating between his old friend and his first love. Philippe knew Howard was married. He did not see romance, but continued to attribute the vibes to Hélène's discomfort with the position which Howard held. Although it had not been obvious, the service at the table was geared to the comfort of their VIP guest, not to mention the intimidating presence of security. Still, he noted that Howard behaved impeccably, just as he would have expected. The specter of Desiree was not too far in the background. Philippe knew that Howard's mother had been obsessive about decorum. The thought brought a memory to mind. He shared his anecdote and relaxed as the conversation continued.

The dinner ended on a happy note. Hélène called a halt, feeling that she had some obligation to ensure that preparations for the coming day didn't require her input. She had already been away too long. To her surprise, Howard offered to drive her home.

'I am driving back to Albany. It will be my pleasure to see you safely home.'

It would have been churlish to refuse something she so desperately wanted. She accepted gracefully, hugged Philippe, and felt strangely important as they were escorted out to Howard's waiting limousine. Of course he would not actually be driving. The opportunity to speak privately in the back of his vehicle was irresistible. With the screen closed and privacy ensured, Howard leaned over and pulled her close to him, wrapping his arms around her body for a long deep kiss.

'I could hardly wait one more moment to do that.'

'Is it safe?'

'Yes, and even if it wasn't, my driver has to have the utmost discretion. I can't feel bad about this, although I know I should.'

Howard went on to talk about his inner turmoil. 'Hélène, I love you. Each minute we are not together is a minute wasted. I would have moved heaven and earth to see you today.'

'Howard I confess that I am feeling the same but you….have responsibilities.'

'I know.' He sighed deeply. 'I am almost sure that I will not feel this way again. I am not going to be Governor forever. In less than 18 months I will be free.'

'You will still be married.'

'Leave that to me. I don't want you to worry. Right now, the job is my greatest responsibility and my greatest worry. I hope you will find it in your heart to wait. Please Hélène?'

'I will.'

More kisses followed the declaration. As the car drew closer to the destination, they composed themselves and spoke of other issues. Hélène had sensed a deeper angst, which drove Howard. She encouraged him to speak. The words were halting and filled with pain.

'You know, my dearest heart, when you first approached me about my father's music, I was curious at first, then compelled to dig a little deeper. I realized that I knew virtually nothing about the man who gave me life. I haven't told anyone else but I did initiate a search at all levels and came up empty. Empty! Nothing! It is as if he never existed. If you ask me what I remember, it would be the vague, frequently silent figure, always at the desk or piano. I don't know where else to look or where to start looking. Even if my mother kept notes, there should be legal details of his entry into the US, tax records. If he didn't exist on paper, who am I?'

Hélène was heart broken listening to the plaintive appeal in his voice. 'I was afraid of this Howard. It was not my intention to bring you any distress.'

'No, my love, no! It would have happened sooner or later. A political journalist recently asked to write my biography. Better for me to face this now before an outside party starts digging into my history.'

Hélène offered what comfort she could. When Howard turned away to hide his weakness she knew that action was necessary. 'Let me talk to someone I trust implicitly. Just give me a moment.'

Hélène took out her cell phone and made a quick call. Jacob answered right away.

'Jacob, it's Mémé. Are you free? I need your help.'

…..

Cathy found her sister pacing in circles. The little room where each of them had pledged their allegiance could hardly contain the energy.

'This is outside of me,' she complained. 'I have no connection to these people. My father made sure of that. Knowing a future story without feeling is what I do for others, not for myself.'

Cathy stood still, holding her place as the Goddess of the present time. She knew her sister to be a capable agent of the future circumstance but programmed hypnosis by her magi father erased all possible connection to the woman who birthed a second child.

'This is not a task. It is not a pre-programmed event for you to solve. It is simply a meeting with two people who are connected to you.'

'I should feel that connection no?'

'No Holly! You haven't met them yet.'

The younger woman raised her tear filled face. 'Of course! I can form an attachment without making it personal. I have to get to know them.'

Cathy waited patiently while her sister processed the idea. She never thought of accepting two people not as relatives but simply two caring humans.

'Do I need to love them?'

'You don't need to love anyone. You just need to get to know them. If it's meant to be, you will love them or not as you wish.'

'Why are you so smart? Is it really that easy?'

'I'm not smart Holly. But my heart is open to love, because Jacob taught me what that means. All of us have been hurt by circumstances, none more than my mother but we have a chance to heal. It's what she would wish Holly.'

The young mother stopped pacing and turned to face her sister. 'It's our mother.'

'Yes.'

Cathy drew a sigh of relief. The immediate crisis seemed to pass. She understood the reluctance on Holly's part. She could see how the circumstances would make Holly wary. Her whole life had been controlled and organized by her father. She found the courage to break away when he offered her on the marriage market for members of the cult. Holly ran away from home, instinctively finding the one person who could free her from her father's power. Cathy and Jacob had been instrumental in neutralizing Kardin's effect on his daughter.

So many milestones.

'I desperately need to create a ritual which we can use. It's who I am Cathy. I need to put myself in a circle and step into it with people I trust, just as I did with you and Jacob. Can you help me?'

Cathy stepped forward and drew Holly into her arms. She could feel the baby shifting and moving. She slipped off her shoes and sat yoga style on the floor with Holly. Together they worked out some actions designed to satisfy the needs of her sister and perhaps even draw their grandparents closer together. Whether the ritual was done with just the three of them or with the entire family, it would be a treasured moment for two young women poised on the threshold of a unique majesty.

…

Jacob knew what was coming. That he had been abandoned by his wife, even temporarily, left him at loose ends. Like his father who was hiding out below, he stayed away from the women's work in the house. He knew that Cathy was with her sister doing some remedial work. The following day was going to be momentous for Holly. Jacob intended to let that play out at the will of their common ancestors. For the moment he needed to turn his attention to Hélène and the Governor who were together and clearly in trouble.

They arranged to meet at a particular point. It was easier for Jacob to make his way on foot. He suspected that the content of their inquiry would be highly confidential. He had no idea how Hélène's work impacted the governor or if the call was simply coincidental to their meeting at the dinner. He also wondered if Ziggy had said anything to his uncle but Jacob doubted that it would generate this plea for help. He suspected that his vision was just the beginning of a convoluted and multifaceted story.

It took very little time for Jacob to reach the meeting point. His ability to run and jump beyond the strength of his peers defied logic. He was standing at the curb when the car pulled up. Inside Mémé and the Governor sat side by side. Jacob took the seat opposite to them surprised by the evidence of dried tears. He was not surprised. Mémé's call had a pleading urgency which was hard to ignore.

'Come in Jacob. I am so sorry for my appearance and for dragging you out but …..'

'No need to apologize. I want to share something with you before we begin.'

'Do you know something?'

'Not from Mémé or any source other than my own ability. Please trust that everything I know is strictly confidential.'

Jacob went on to explain a little about himself, how he reunited Cathy, Mémé and Philippe and the tableau which appeared to him around the same time that Hélène came to town.

'At the time, I had no idea of what it meant but it was important enough to stay with me. I connected it with some unsolved crime but after my initial research it had nothing to do with criminal activity but rather with an underground network of human movement. Not trafficking,' he said quickly, 'but a service of freedom. Taking oppressed people from oppression to a place of safety, mostly Jews from Russia.'

'Like my father?' Jacob's narrative quickly found a home in Howard's sense of the past.

'Yes. Your father was one of those who was helped. This data is not on file, nor is it common knowledge.'

'Then how did you find out?'

'Through my ability to envision the past.'

'Just like that?'

'This gift was not of my choosing but given to me by the ancestors of my family.'

Howard sat still contemplating the young man in front of him.

Jacob knew that he could alter the thought process in a heartbeat but he chose not to, allowing Howard to work through the information at a pace which suited him.

'I still don't understand how you could 'see' this without some outside help.'

'When I started looking at old files from that era, I was offered help. Zigismund came forward. He is brilliant at research. He was able to pinpoint some ideas for me to work on. It was helpful but not definitive. However, my extra sensory perception is based on DNA interpretation. When I made physical contact with him, much of your family history passed from him to me. Just so that you know, I wasn't aware that he was your nephew until the night of the Ball.'

'Physical contact?'

'Sometimes I see things without touch but generally, I avoid shaking hands or hugging people unless I am prepared. When Ziggy and I shook hands, the energy passed from him to me giving me insight into the tableau.'

'What did you see?'

'The tableau gave me an idea about your father but I only saw the history which was carried by your mother. You and Ziggy share some DNA so the visioning solely pertained to your mother. Only you can provide your father's story. It was never my intention to delve into your family history but someone needs to finish a story and the energy of it is overwhelming. I can't receive it until all the players in the drama are ready. Are you ready Governor Smirconish?'

Howard looked over at Hélène. He wasn't sure what her role was but it was clear that Jacob held the key to something.

'Howard, my work has been different. I was working on a musical mystery. Jacob and I have not discussed my project because my….client had to remain anonymous.'

'I see. I had not thought about this at all until recently but my term as governor is coming to an end and my legacy must be protected. Any hint of scandal would be a disaster and yet in some things I am willing to take a chance.' Howard knew that he had to make that declaration to protect his relationship with Hélène. 'My family history is complicated but Desiree worked hard to protect its dignity. Her effort allowed me to run for public office and hold my head up high. Can all that change now?'

'Governor, I doubt that you have any reason to change what you feel. Your mother was an extraordinary woman. What she was able to do, as a woman in the 20's and 30's defies logic.'

'My mother? All she cared about was looking good in public at all times, strict discipline, and of course her charity work which was the most abiding feature of her entire life.'

Jacob leaned forward and stared into Howard's face. 'No Governor. Remember I mentioned the underground movement which allowed many oppressed Jews in Russia and Europe to escape. Your mother founded and headed that secret, underground movement until well after the second world war!'