Imagine that the epidemic never happens in the episode Time after Time and the Challenger Expedition gets off the Plateau safe and sound...it's a story with Catherine Reilly, Marguerite's great-granddaughter...

You guys know I own nothing...just borrowing...

Chapter One

"Cat, are you looking for something? You've been turning this house upside down for the past hour now," a voice called to her from the sitting room "Will you please tell me what you are looking for, my dear? Maybe I can help you find it."

"No, Aunt Elizabeth, I just misplaced something and I can't seem to find where I last left it. It's probably in the library. Now that I really think about it, yes, that's where I left it," Catherine answers back. She walks into the library, a room with a large mahogany desk and a large comfortable chair with a dark red throw. With a cursory glance she knew she did not see what she was looking for. She paused for a moment as she looked around the room. It was full of photos of recent events, but also of the past. Many memories filled the room. Of all the rooms in the house it was the one she felt the most comfortable in. She dismissed the memories away and went looking for her aunt who was in the sitting room. "Aunt Elizabeth, did Mildred straighten up the library today?"

"Yes, dear, she did. She must have put away what you are looking for. Is it a book?" she spoke while arranging some white gardenias in a crystal vase. "Ah, perfect. I love gardenias. Now love sit and tell me what is so important about this book?"

"It's just that I had been reading it last night and I wanted to finish it. It's the latest novel from Michael Crichton, you know, the American. I enjoy reading his books. I am near the end and I want to know how it ends is all," Catherine answers nonchalantly as she sits. "Is tea ready?"

Elizabeth Richmond was a woman of about 50 years of age and beautiful with her dark hair and gray eyes. She was always dressed impeccably. And she knew something was going on with her niece. Nothing escaped her eye. "Yes, Mildred has just brought it in. Cream, dear?"

"Yes, thank you Aunt."

Elizabeth was eyeing Catherine, who looked a little anxious. Never leaving her eyesight from Catherine she asks, "Mildred, did you notice a book in the library while you were cleaning up today?"

"Yes, mum, I just put it back into the bookshelf. The other book I put into one of the drawers. It looked old and important and I didn't want for it to be misplaced."

Catherine looks up when she hears this. "Thank you Mildred. I thought I had lost it."

"Will it be all for now? If you would like, I can bring some more cucumber sandwiches," Mildred offers.

"Thank you Mildred. No, this is fine," responds Elizabeth sipping her tea. "So the mystery is solved Cat. The book has been found. Or should I say two books. Oh before I forget a letter came for you dear. From a Mr. Forth. It's in the hall table. Wait, aren't you going to finish you're tea?"

Catherine ran to get the letter. She used a letter opener that was said to be from her father. It was silver with a very intricate design and the bluest of sapphires. It had an "R" engraved on it. As she read a smile began to form on her face.

Dear Ms. Reilly,

I have excellent news to share with you. Please stop by my office Wednesday afternoon around 5:00pm.

Kindly regards,

Henry Forth

"Aunt Elizabeth, I must step out for a moment. I shall return tonight." With that she grabbed her shawl and keys and drove off in her black convertible.