Beyond the Veil of Tomorrow

'Do you feel change Jacob, or do you sense it?'

'Some people may say those words are the same thing, but I sense the difference you are seeking so I suppose my answer would be 'sense, not feel'. Is this a random question or is it tied to something you are thinking about?'

Cathy hesitated. It was a question she often asked herself but could find no reasonable answer. Both seemed to be possibilities. Truthfully, she felt change coming and was more than a little afraid of what it might mean in their lives. She wished the thoughts were at another level, one where it could be set aside or dealt with in the quiet of her special room. Cathy knew her gifts were limited to the immediate circumstance, but she had no wish to engage her sister to get a glimpse into the tomorrows. Turning to her husband, she smiled in the dark, knowing he could sense her anguish or joy. Rather than spoil what had been a lovely Sunday evening shared with her in-laws, she buried the negative and scary thoughts turning instead to a more loving sensuality. She had no doubt that Jacob could both sense and feel what she would need in that instant.

Indeed, Jacob became aware of both issues tumbling deep in her psyche. Even after so many years together, he knew Cathy still had much to do to absorb and learn facets of her role in the triad, but he would always be ready and willing to subsume all otherworldly senses to the powerful and enduring physical relationship between them. He needed no second bidding to pull her close and allow her powerful energy to ignite his own desire.

'When I look at you and hold you in my arms, I am touched by your beauty yes, but all that we have achieved together gives me a fierce power I never knew until the day you walked into my cubicle at work. We set in motion the timeless events of a history so long it boggles my mind, even when I can see it. Every time I look back from that day to the minute we are living in now, I give eternal thanks.'

'You always say the one thing I need to hear, but please stop talking now and….'

Cathy never finished her words. Jacob pulled her firmly into his arms, locking their bodies together in a timeless dance of desire.

Jacob slipped out early the next morning for work. Mondays were always busy days. Crime didn't stop on the weekends and there was often lots of catching up to do. He elected to walk quickly charging up his body with heat and power. Looking forward as he walked and looking back mentally was quite a feat for Jacob and yet he never lost sight of his bearings.

In his mind's eye he conjured up a picture of his beautiful and incredible daughter who was approaching her second birthday. Her inner world was remarkable. He and Cathy both agreed to let her find her way, not blocking the activities which seemed way beyond her reach but being as supportive as possible. Mondays she would spend time in the tunnels with her grandfather while Cathy went to the Women's center. On Thursdays she would stay with her grandmother, seeing a different life above. The other days she stayed with Cathy working on her amazing creative skills in the playroom where she could get to know her cousins meet other children whose mothers were transitioning to a new lifestyle.

It never seemed too much for the toddler. Once a month, she would meet with Kardin, her other grandfather whose interest was kept much more sterile. He was under strict instructions not to invest Aislyn with any occult activities. So far, the arrangements had worked.

Almost without a thought Jacob found himself in front of his office building. A smile lit up his face, an unusual circumstance for most people going into the offices of the Public Defenders. Despite being there early, Ziggy his assistant was already seated and well into the days work. Jacob had long since done his best not to make it a competition. The more that was prepped early, the more work got done. Jacob had teaching to do midmorning as well as review the case files Ziggy organized in priority of importance.

'There's a note for you. The boss wants to see you at 10:30.'

'Half hour before my review session? Suppose I wasn't ready?'

'That circumstance would never cross his mind. I think change is coming.'

'Well, I will greet change when he or she arrives. Right now, lets get to work!'

Ziggy smiled. Nearly three years of working with Jacob had taught him a lot. Jacob appreciated his approach to case management and his skill in research. The two men were close in age and shared family. The former Governor of the state was Ziggy's uncle who was married to Cathy's grandmother. Many adventures had been shared by the two men over the years, but the past year had been boring, almost uneventful. Jacob couldn't be happier. He had enough excitement to last a lifetime. A short laugh bubbled up at the idea of one lifetime. His inherited life skills left him with the ability to look back into many lifetimes and solve cases both familial and job related. He took a deep breath and hunkered down to work, not wanting to inadvertently open a door for any adventures on the horizon.

….

'John Civco is retiring!'

Jacob stared straight ahead, waiting for the next ball to drop. Oats like to startle with his news and then observe reactions. He should have known Jacob better.

'They have offered me the job. Should I take it?'

Jacob allowed a half smile to lift the corner of his mouth. 'Why are you asking me? Do you want it?'

'To be honest, I don't know. I am happy here. This job has fulfilled all my dreams. I have a great team. I just don't know if I want to disrupt it all. Tell me, would you take my job?'

Jacob was startled by that question. He had his own little corner of work, serving all the PD's in the office with advice, research content and support but to be the boss would entail much more than he was willing to relinquish of his own personal time. No matter how brilliant, he was still young. Working with more senior defenders in a leadership role rather than a supporting role seemed unwelcome.

'I can tell that idea is not up your alley. Is there someone who you think could do this job well?'

'Will it make a difference to your decision?'

'It might.'

'I'll give you an answer tomorrow. I've got to get to the staff who are awaiting my review of Inculpatory and Exculpatory evidence.'

'Based on a case where that was questioned?'

'Yes!'

Oats knew better than to delve too deeply in Jacob's peer to peer work. He usually came out on the losing end of those arguments. Whenever there was a need, even with something as routine as evidence, if Jacob saw a failure on the part of his colleagues, he would turn it into a learning session for everyone without assigning blame. Oats also knew better than anyone that Jacob would be unlikely to take on any more of a workload. He was already so busy between work, family, in addition to all the social activities he undertook to assist underground community members in their transition to a different world. Although Jacob was still young, he had no need to work but his contributions to the PD's office were invaluable. Oats sighed and shooed him out. He was resigned to accepting an answer he already knew in his heart.

…..

Cathy felt the warm body of her daughter crawl into bed. Aislyn wasn't there to sleep. It was past getting up time and she was intent on waking her sleepy headed mother.

'Maaama' she called out.

Cathy grabbed her daughter and rained kisses on top of her head while tickling the chubby body, enjoying the great laughter that gurgled in the throat of Aislyn.

'That's what you get for waking me up my sweetheart.'

'I love you Mama.'

Cathy was almost moved to tears by the spontaneous words. In her childhood she could not remember a day when she spontaneously hugged her mother in joy rather than fear. Above all things Cathy wanted to ensure that her daughter would grow strong in the knowledge that she was loved and safe. It was more than a prayer. It was a solemn vow, given at the moment of her birth. Cathy knew she couldn't protect her daughter from all ill will and harm but keeping her safe and loved was a priority. Thankfully Jacob felt the same. She knew, in a heartbeat, that if anything threatened their daughter, he would move heaven and earth to stop it.

After a weekend of shared activities, Cathy, although reluctant at time, knew that the first day of the week belonged to Vincent. He took Aislyn below to ensure that she felt herself to be part of that community. He read poetry, walked the tunnels, shared her energy with others and allowed her time to pursue her own interests under the watchful eyes of the women.

Cathy knew she had a busy day ahead. Much as she would love to laze around the house and dream about being in her husband's arms again, she knew that much work would await her at the Center. She washed up her daughter, showered, dressed and was ready to go in record time. Aislyn would eat breakfast with Vincent and Catherine.

Just before she was ready to leave her cell phone beeped. A quick look ensured that it was not urgent but a text from her grandmother requesting a call at her convenience. That could be dealt with from her office at the center. Cathy hugged her daughter, admonishing her to be a good girl for grandpa. She left her in the kitchen with Sue who already had a huge breakfast underway. Catherine and Vincent were not yet up. Cathy elected not to disturb them. Rob was just coming up the stairs from his apartment in the basement level.

'I don't need a ride today, Rob. I am going to walk a little and pick up a few things I need on the way.'

'You sure?'

'Yes, have a good breakfast and keep an eye on my baby till her grandparents are up.'

'I will. Call if you need me in the day, ok?'

Cathy never felt distressed by Rob's concern. He was an amazing caregiver for the entire family and once took a bullet to save Jacob. His solicitousness was simply thanks for the stability of living in a safe home, having a steady job, and sharing his life with caring people.

Just minutes to nine, Cathy arrived at the entrance to LENA, a workplace and social services center geared towards women who were trying to find their way out of the abyss of drugs, abuse, and horror. Carl's van was outside the entrance. Cathy knew they had new arrivals brought in overnight. The women would have to be processed. Not all were suitable for the center. Drug addicts wanting to reform were transferred to a facility dealing with that specific intake issue. Abused women could be temporally sheltered, with or without kids. Women who had been reformed and were looking to learn a skill while rebuilding their lives were welcome to participate in any one of several opportunities.

Erin, whose life was a textbook case of abuse, fear, and reform, ran a design and dressmaking business which was very popular. In the past year, under the guidance of Holly, hairdressing and make up were added to the skillsets that women could learn. Holly always had the most amazing hairstyles! In addition, other volunteers helped women learn to budget on low incomes and manage their lives. People who came to help or volunteer were fully vetted both on a physical knowledge basis and on a level of spiritual sensibility. There were too many men manipulating women to apply for work or safe haven at the center as a way of extracting revenge on other women.

Both Cathy and Holly tried to keep their special skill set under wraps when in public places, but the safety of the women had to be guaranteed and neither felt it to be a misuse of their power to get a sense of a person's honesty and character. Both could pick up a lie in a heartbeat, even from residents.

There were some women who had talent in the musical or theater arts and had succumbed to drugs under the pressure of performing. Outside of the center, Cathy and Holly's grandmother, Hélène had organized a small school/theater for performing arts giving the talented pianist a way of continuing her work and sharing her amazing musical skills. All in all, Cathy felt that in the three years since the inception of the center, much had been done, even if the numbers were small in comparison to other centers offering a similar service.

As she made her way to the upstairs office, she felt not one moment of regret for the work. Every day, as she opened her office door, she gave thanks for all the blessings that had come her way. Cathy usually worked from 9-3 pm and Holly from 12-5 pm. The overlap allowed them to share their own extraordinary experiences with the clients and come up with any new ideas for the center. Cathy quickly read through the notes on her desk from various sources, checked out the bio of the three women who had come in over night, then picked up her phone to call her grandmother before getting underway with the interviews.

'Hello Mémé, how is everything going?'

'Bien ma petite fille. We were home for the weekend. Such a nice respite from the important work at the UN Building'.

'Your accent has deepened. Are you translating for Howard?'

'Yes, last week, we entertained the French Ambassador. I had to pick up my skills!'

'Is it really that hard, even after you have been speaking French all your life?'

'European French is different, but I understood and was understood, so all is well.' Hélène's soft laugh tinkled lightly down the lines of communication giving her granddaughter a warm feeling of comfort.

'I am pretty sure you have told me that before. You and Papa used to joke about it. Didn't you write that song once?'

'I did. Speaking of Philipe, he sends his love. He hopes to be here next week.'

'That's good news. Is that why you called?'

'Non! Certainment, he is able to call you himself, but you and I are now speaking. I called because Iain and Sabrina left a note inviting you both to visit. Riley has been asking about Jacob. I don't know if there is a problem or if he is missing his big 'brother'. We will be going back on Thursday if you both would like to come down on Saturday?'

'I have to speak with Jacob first, as you know, but I will text you later.'

Cathy sat and pondered the thought of a trip to Albany. Her grandmother's husband, who was now the US ambassador to the UN recently ended his two terms as Governor of the state of NY. They had purchased a home in Albany and continued to use it as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Riley had been a protégé of Jacob. He was always a sad soul seeming to feel alone even in the small world of the tunnels. Iain and Sabrina were a childless couple, who took a shine to the young man, just entering puberty. After much discussion with the tunnel council, he was given a chance to live above on the farm adjoining the property of Mémé and Howard.

Cathy hoped with all her heart that there would not be any concerns. Few of the older children were able to find homes. Setting aside the phone call she turned her attention to the dockets of the three women who had been admitted to the center. Her heart sank at the horror of their lives. She closed her mind to the sorrow and prepared herself to listen to stories which sounded much like her early life with her mother.

…

Jacob sat by the window of the café. Across the street he could see his wife walking towards him. Her beautiful face and firm strides, all served to remind him of their shared passion the night before. 'What a gift I have been given!' he thought. Jacob prayed with all his heart and soul that he would never take for granted the love they shared. Over the years they sat in restaurants many times, one waiting for the other, watching events unfold outside, hiding from gunfire, enjoying music, singing, and dancing but he knew the best part was just the fact of being together.

Since Aislyn was now in the care of her grandfather and out of harms way, they decided to resume meeting at least once a week to have some alone time and share a meal together. At home their busy hours were spent attending to the needs of their daughter or catching up on work related issues from the woman's center or the reformed church which now helped the young men from below to find their way. They also had to set aside time to renew metaphysical needs of the triad, Jacob, Cathy, and Holly whose gifts and shared opportunity for healing controlled the spiritual within each of them.

'Me, you, us or us?' Cathy said with a slight laugh as she removed her jacket and sat down. The emphasis on the last 'us' referred to the triad.

'How about just 'us' for a change. I don't want to talk about work, except to say that Oats offered me his job which I was happy to decline.'

'He's not retiring, is he?'

'No John Civco is retiring.'

Cathy was deep in thought. She had no comment. Change always brought both ups and downs. 'Well, Mémé called today and asked if we could come up this weekend. Riley wants to see you.'

Jacob nodded. He had a deep affection for the young man who had grown up in the tunnels.

'I am happy to go before the winter sets in really bad. Iain also has some herbs I would like to get. I want to try and head off a flu bug hitting the folks below. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground these days. There exists in our world the very old and very young. Two extremely vulnerable populations. Was it a bad thing to create or support all these external resources for our youth to move on?'

'Jacob, those who stay do so because they want to and same for those who choose to go. We can't control people or what happens. It's all about providing well understood options.' Cathy shrugged her shoulders. A plate of pasta covered with a steaming red-gold sauce and topped with flakes of fresh cheese was placed in front of her. She was done talking.

From the beginning of their relationship, Cathy had always been the practical one, seeing life as it is and not what she would wish it to be. it was a trait that made her so attractive to the young man growing up in an idealistic but limited circumstance. Before their efforts to build a better pathway in the outer world, many of the teenagers who left below often ended up as criminals or lost souls. Noone knew better than Jacob that choice mattered.

He smiled at Cathy and took a deep breath, feeling the scent of the food fill his nostrils.