The Other Path ~ Season 1
By Thomas Mc

Author's Notes: I have never thought that Elloit was evil or bad, just misguided and that is reflected in this story.

I wish to thank those responsible for the Beauty and the Beast Scripts and Transcription Project with out which it would have taken me many frustrating days to recreate some of the dialog from this episode.

Seige

Vincent had become antsy sitting at home alone and most of his friends down in the tunnels had already settled in for the night. Catherine was going to be gone the majority of the evening attending a charity function at a high end art museum (it was a very worthy cause and he had insisted that she go). So Vincent had ended up roaming the dark streets near Catherine's present location. He paused when he heard the sound of a piano playing Beethoven's piano sonata "Pathetique". The music was apparently coming from the lighted basement window of an apartment building that he had been walking past. Vincent stopped and settled against the building wall between two dumpsters that were across the alley from the lighted basement window that was the source of the beautiful music. As he leaned against the brick wall he closed his eyes and smiled as he listened to the music.

The soothing music came to an end and the light in the basement window went out. Vincent pushed himself away from the wall but before he could step out the peace was suddenly broken by the squeal of tires as a car careened into the alleyway. Vincent crouched down, hiding between the dumpsters and watched as two men jumped out of the car. A moment later the two men produced Molotov cocktails, lit them, and threw them through the now darkened window. They immediately jumped into their car and quickly sped out of the alley on screeching tires.

As a flickering light began to show through the window Vincent heard a quavering voice cry out from inside. "My God!" He sensed horror from someone in the basement then the same voice cried out a bit louder. "Help! Somebody help me!" This was quickly followed by the sound coughing as black smoke began billowing out from the two shattered glass panes.

Without hesitation, Vincent acted, crashing feet first through the window. He spotted movement from the far side of the piano as he quickly took in the desperate situation. The fire was spreading rapidly and, seeing no fire extinguisher, Vincent immediately whipped off his cloak and begins beating out the flames with it. Out of the corner of his eye, Vincent saw an old man sink to the floor as he succumbed to the smoke that was filling the room. Because of the flammable liquid from the shattered bottles the fire was proving stubborn and his hands, his face, and his cloak were getting singed while he fought the blaze. As he continued to beat at the flames he became aware in the back of his mind of Catherine's rapid approach as well as her emotional distress. He pushed that to the background as he continued to battle the stubborn flames.

Twenty minutes later Vincent finally won the battle and the flames were completely out. He pulled the still barely smoldering cloak across his shoulders and turned his attention on the figure that lay on the floor near the piano. The old man groaned and began to move. Vincent backed up into the deeper shadows as the man lifted his head, then he turned to leave.

The old man called out weakly. "Wait! I owe you my life." With another groan the old man used the piano to pull himself to a sitting position then with another groan and a cough he struggled to his feet. Bracing himself against the piano, the old man took a step toward Vincent.

Vincent looked for an escape route. There was a stairway that lead into the building and a previous unnoticed door that must lead to the alley. Unfortunately, taking either exit would require passing much closer to the old man. Pulling deeper into the shadow, Vincent turned away from the man as he spoke. "Come no closer."

Puzzled, the old man took another step closer to the dark hooded figure. "Why do you hide? Let me see you."

Vincent responded with a simple "No." He had nowhere left to retreat now.

The old man tried to take another step but with another groan he collapsed back down onto the cold floor. Almost instinctively Vincent moved forward to help him just as the old man looked back up at his mysterious rescuer. The light coming through the shattered window fell across Vincent's face and the old man gasped in surprise as he caught his first glimpse of his rescuer's face. Then they both looked over at the shattered window as they heard a woman's voice call out, "Vincent?"

~ o ~

Inside the Art Museum a large very expensive grand piano was being played. Catherine was standing with some of her society acquaintances admiring the paintings. They were talking about the man who had donated them to the museum.

The woman standing next to Catherine commented enviously. "It's hard to imagine a better private collection."

The man with her replied. "Can you imagine being rich enough to give it away?"

The woman shook her head as she responded. "And he started with nothing! Elliot Burch is beyond anyone's imagination."

Catherine nodded her head as she studied the painting before her. From the other side of the room the tall handsome man currently being discussed looked up and caught a glimpse of the profile of a particularly beautiful woman. He had already noticed her earlier and was fascinated by her quiet self-possessed yet unassuming demeanor. He had already established that the woman's name was Catherine Chandler, her father was a wealthy corporate lawyer, and she worked in the District Attorney's Office as a relatively low paid ADA. He found the dichotomy between what her job paid and what she was actually worth totally fascinating.

The reporter that was interviewing Elliot Burch continued speaking to him, unaware of his distracted state. "Mr. Burch, what is the estimated value of your collection, and what prompted you to donate it to the museum?"

Elliot dragged his attention partially back to the reporter, though his mind was still on Catherine Chandler as it had been through most of the evening. "Can you put a price tag on magic? The true value of great art lies in its ability to influence and enhance the quality of humanity and, contrary to popular opinion, I believe New Yorkers still qualify."

The photographers' flash bulbs went off as Elliot was speaking but he appeared to be unaware of them. The reporter tried to draw his attention. "Excuse me, Mr. Burch, could you look this way. Just one more picture, please."

A few minutes later Elliot Burch came up behind Catherine and spoke. "Incredible isn't it? Everything happening at the same time: passion, humor, danger."

Catherine turned halfway toward Elliot and, recognizing him, gave him a polite smile. "A little like life."

Elliot responded. "More than a little." He gave her his patented charming smile. "I'm Elliot Burch."

Catherine nodded. "Of course you are. I'm sorry, but you are the reason we're all here."

Elliot shrugged. "I suppose I am."

Catherine held out her hand. "And I'm Catherine Chandler."

Elliot smiled back at her "I know." He took her hand and gallantly kissed it.

Catherine cocked her head as he released her hand. "You do?"

Elliot's smile widened. "I asked one of your friends." A hint of boyish sparkle appeared in Elliot's eyes as he felt himself rising to the challenge presented by Catherine Chandler who refused to quickly fall prey to his charming personality. Something about the woman just intrigued him.

At that moment a man walked up to Eliot, interrupting their conversation. He leaned toward Elliot speaking quietly. "Elliot . . . ah . . . I need a word with you."

Elliot barely glanced at the man. "I really don't have a moment to spare right now?" He returned his full attention on Catherine. "Lewis is my lawyer, he's a professional worrier and I will be in the office very early . . ." His voice trailed off at the look on Catherine's face.

The polite smile on Catherine's face had suddenly shifted to a worried frown and she seemed to no longer even be aware of her surroundings. Then the look of worry became a look of fear and she uttered on word. "Vincent!" Without another word she turned and nearly ran from the room. Both men stared after the departing woman in surprise.

After a moment Elliot broke from his stunned state and spoke. "Later Lewis." Then he took off striding quickly in the direction that Catherine had gone, leaving the lawyer staring after him in exasperation. He easily followed the startled looks scattered through the crowd in Catherine's wake, which led him to the outside door then looked around trying to discern where she had gone. Then about twenty feet to the right he saw a single high heeled shoe lying on the sidewalk.

~ o ~

Leaving a trail of startled people in her wake, Catherine raced as fast as her high heels would allow through the building and out the front door. She stopped on the sidewalk and removed the annoying shoes, as she zeroed in on the direction to Vincent through their bond, then took of running full out, heedless of what she was doing to her expensive stockings. Vincent was in danger and in pain. She never even noticed when one of her shoes slipped out of her grasp.

Twenty minutes later and only slightly winded Catherine was approaching an old rundown apartment building through the alley. Vincent was in that building just beyond the shattered basement window. The smell of smoke and burned gasoline hung heavy in the air as she called out his name.

~ o ~

The lion-man and Mischa both stared at the shattered window for a moment then to Mischa's surprise the large impossible lion-man responded. "I'm in here Catherine." The lion-man then moved to the outside door and after a few seconds of difficulty managed to open it.

Mischa's already stunned mind was barely able to process what happened next. The door swung open and a petite, very beautiful, elegantly dressed woman rushed through the door and into the huge lion-man's arms hugging him fiercely.

She looked up into his leonine face. "I felt your fear and your pain." Then she stepped back and gently took hold of the creature's wrists as she spoke. "Vincent, your hands . . . they're burned."

The lion-man named Vincent responded. "It is nothing, Catherine, they are only minor burns. I will be fine." His voice was soothing as he was trying to reassure the woman. At that moment they both became aware of the old man, still on the floor, that was staring transfixed at them.

Vincent spoke. "This man was caught down here when the fire broke out. We need to help him."

Catherine cautiously approached the old man as he continued to glance back and forth between Catherine and Vincent. "Sir, you are safe, Vincent will not harm you. Are you alright?"

The old man blinked twice then replied. "I know." He looked over at Vincent. "He has already saved my life."

They were all three surprised by a new voice coming from the, still open, outside door. "Catherine, where are . . . Oh, my God. What the hell . . ." They all looked over to see a well dressed handsome man standing in the doorway staring in shocked disbelief at Vincent. "What are you?"

Catherine froze momentarily in fear then a cough and groan from the old man broke her out of her shock. She glanced at the old man then took charge. "Elliot, help me get this man up off the floor." She set the shoe she was still holding on the piano then crouched down to help the old man.

Vincent backed away two steps as Elliot stepped forward drawn by the demanding tone in Catherine's voice. He absentmindedly set Catherine's other shoe on the piano beside the first on and crouched on the other side of the old man. Together, Elliot and Catherine got the old man up into a sheet covered chair. All the while both men kept glancing uncertainly over at the lion-man creature.

Once the old man was settled Catherine spoke again. "Sir, can you tell me your name?"

The old man dragged his attention from the lion-man now standing beside the piano and focused on the elegant woman before him. "Mischa, my name is Mischa Langer."

"Hello Mischa. My name is Catherine Chandler." She indicated Elliot Burch. "This is Elliot Burch." She then gestured toward the lion-man. "And my friend over there is Vincent." Then she turned her attention to Vincent and took a step toward him. "Vincent, what happened here?"

Vincent took a step toward her. "Two men, in a dark car, came down the alley and threw fire bombs through that window then sped away."

Elliot stared in surprise at the strong cultured speech of the creature called Vincent. Almost as surprising as the creatures appearance and voice was the fact that Catherine Chandler apparently knew him.

Then they were all startled when the overhead light suddenly switched on and a voice called from the top of the stairs. "Mischa? They all looked up to see an old woman starting down the stairs. "Mischa? Are you all right, Mischa?" She took another cautious step down the stairs as Vincent stepped back into the shadows under the stairs. "It's freezing down here. You're going to catch your death . . ." She froze as she took in the signs of fire and the two elegantly dressed people standing beside Mischa. "My God! Mischa, Mischa what . . . what happened?" She quickly descended the rest of the way down the stairs.

Mischa spoke reassuringly. "Don't worry, don't worry, I'm fine, Sophie. Those punks threw a firebomb through the window. But my new friends showed up to help." He struggled to his feet and Catherine took his arm to help him up. The old woman also stepped forward to help him.

Elliot finally spoke. "It is a bit cold down here." He glanced over at the dark corner where Vincent stood. "Maybe we should go upstairs where it will be warmer."

Mischa took a step toward Vincent. "What about you, my friend? You burned your hands putting out the fire."

Sophie turned and followed Mischa's gaze then gasped in surprise and fear as she caught sight of Vincent. She stepped back and Mischa put his arms around her.

Vincent took a step forward. "There is no need to worry about me."

Catherine stepped into Vincent's arms. "Mr Langer is right. You should go straight to father and have him treat those burns. I'll take care of things here." She glanced around at the others in the room, shrugged, then gave Vincent a quick peck of a kiss. "Now get out of here before anyone else sees you." Vincent nodded and quickly exited through the alley door. Then Catherine turned to the other three. "Elliot was right. We need to get out of this cold basement." She looked directly at Elliot. "You might want to get back to your party at the museum."

Elliot glanced at the now closed alley door then at the fire damaged basement and finally at the most intriguing woman who had just kissed that lion-man creature. He found his curiosity and his sense of adventure peaked by what had happened. "I think maybe I'll stay for a while."

Mischa spoke up. "I think we should go up to the apartment where we can be more comfortable."

~ o ~

Elliot felt a sense of nostalgia as he looked around the surprisingly comfortable little apartment. As a young child he had grown up in a place much like this before he had left home filled with burning ambition. The four of them were seated in the old fashioned parlor that looked like it had not changed since the early 50's.

Mischa was speaking. "Without the help of your friend, those punks would have killed us all."

Elliot inquired a bit surprised. "All?" From the outside and the ground floor the building looked nearly abandoned.

Mischa responded to Eliot's questing tone. "The other tenants, those who refuse to be chased from their apartments."

Sophie was sitting beside Mischa holding his hand and shaking her head. "When will it stop? When are they going to leave us in peace?" There was more than a hint of despair in her voice and face.

Catherine leaned forward. "These men that did this, why do they try to drive you from your homes?"

Mischa responded a hint of bitterness in his voice. "Because we're old and there's a dollar to be made." He glanced over at Sophie then back at Catherine. "So we stay inside behind locked doors like frightened children. They come and turn off our heat, break the elevators, stop up the plumbing . . ."

Sophie jumped in. "We are being driven from our homes . . . terrorized. Some been beaten . . . robbed . . ."

Mischa patted her hand as tears threatened to well up in her eyes. He shook his head. "These people must be stopped. They send punks to rough us up, vandalize our apartment. The elevator's broken a week; they don't fix it; we have to climb. Now we don't have any hot water."

Elliot frowned and seemed to be deep in thought then he looked directly at Mischa and Sophie. "And you believe all of this is organized?"

Mischa nodded as he replied. "This is a rent-controlled building; the law says they cannot evict us or raise our rents. The only way they can make us move is to drive us out."

Catherine spoke authoritatively to them her eyes flashing her determination. "I'm an ADA with the District Attorney's office. I will definitely look into this."

Sophie looked at Catherine both surprised and hopeful. "Do you really think you can do anything?"

Catherine replied. "It is impossible to promise anything but I will certainly try." She then glanced over at Elliot. There was a pensive look on his face and he seemed very deep in thought. "Elliot?"

Elliot looked up a bit startled. "Hu, what?"

"You looked like you were miles away." She remarked.

Elliot seemed to focus in on her. "Oh, nothing." He paused glancing at Mischa and Sophie. "Just thinking about a project that I have been working on recently."

"Always thinking about business?" Sophie commented. "Sometimes you need to slow down and smell the flowers."

Elliot nodded slowly. "I have been told that before." He glanced at his watch. "May I use your phone? I want to call for my limo." Then he looked over at Catherine. "Catherine, if you need a ride, I can have my driver drop you off wherever you need to go."

Catherine nodded. "I would appreciate that Elliot. Thank-you."

Elliot made a quick phone call then sat back down. "My car will be here in fifteen minutes." He announced generally then turned his attention to Catherine. "About, Vincent . . . I got the impression that you were more than just acquainted with him. Who is he, where did he come from, and how did you come to know him?" There was curiosity written all over his face.

Catherine noticed that Mischa and Sophie also showed interest in his question. She thought a minute then answered. "To begin with Vincent was found, abandoned, as a newborn infant in the trash behind Saint Vincent Hospital . . ." She paused at the gasps from both Mischa and Sophie. Elliot merely frowned. She continued. "That is where he got his name. Those that found him took him in and raised him as one of their own in secret. I stumbled across him when I was ten years old. We practically grew up together. As to what he is . . . No one really knows. As far as I'm concerned he is a very good man with a wonderful personality and a very unique appearance."

Mischa spoke up. "It looked to me like you and Vincent are more than just friends."

Catherine blushed as she looked down at her clasped hands then looked directly at Mischa her eyes flashing. "Yes we are . . . much more." Her gaze swept all three of them. "Of course you can understand why, for his own safety, Vincent's existence must be kept secret."

Mischa and Sophie both nodded. Their faces showed that they understood and respected her implied request.

Elliot sighed deeply and nodded. "I suppose that with him in your life that leaves little hope for me?" He glanced at his watch again and jumped up. "My driver should be arriving right about now." He looked at Mischa and Sophie. "I want to thank you both for your hospitality." He turned to Catherine. "Catherine are you ready to go?"

Catherine also thanked Misca and Sophie and left the apartment with Elliot. The walk down the stairs was quiet as both were deep in their own thoughts. When they exited the building, she saw a very expensive black limo waiting at the curb. Elliot paused, turned and looked up at the face of the building. Then he walked over to glance at the street sign on the corner. There was a deep frown on his face as he walked back to Catherine and the limo. The driver opened the door for them and raised his eyebrows as they both climbed in. Elliot asked Catherine her address and instructed the driver to take them there.

For most of the drive Elliot appeared to be brooding about something. Finally he looked over at Catherine. "Do you really think that you can do anything about their troubles?"

Catherine responded. "I think so. First I need to find out who really owns that building, then look for a connection to the ones who are orchestrating these attacks. I'm really a pretty good investigator and If I can, I'll put away everyone involved from the punks doing the dirty work all the way to the top."

For the last three minutes of the drive Elliot seemed to be very deep in thought.

When they arrived at Catherine's brownstone, Elliot helped her out of the limo then commented. "You seem to have left your shoes behind."

Catherine snorted then shrugged. "Too much on my mind."

Elliot escorted her up to her door. He glanced up at the building then commented. "This is a pretty nice place you have here . . . a bit nicer than you would expect on an ADA salary."

Catherine took her key out of her purse. "It helps to have a substantial trust fund to draw on." She opened the door. "It was a pleasure meeting you Elliot."

Elliot nodded with a thoughtful smile. "It was a very interesting evening, Catherine. One I won't soon forget."

As Catherine entered her home Elliot returned to his limo.

~ o ~

Moments after she closed the door Vincent came up behind her and put his arms around her. "Welcome home."

She turned in his arms, placed her arms around his neck, and pulled him in close for a very passionate kiss. After several seconds she pulled back. "It is good to be home." Then she took his wrists and looked down at his bandaged hands. "How bad is it?"

Vincent replied. "Not as bad as it could have been. Father said that it was mostly second degree burns." He chuckled. "That is after a long rant about getting myself hurt in the first place and about how reckless it was of me to allow someone from above see me."

Catherine smiled. "So Father was being Father."

Vincent nodded, also smiling, then his face turned serious. "But you are obviously troubled about something." He led her over to the parlor sofa. "Tell me about it."

They sat down and Catherine told him everything that had been said in Mischa and Sophie's apartment. After she finished Vincent thought for several seconds before he responded. "Can you help stop the ones hired to chase them out.?"

Catherine shrugged. "I'll try . . . of course." She shook her head. "I'll do everything I can."

Vincent nodded. "Good." He reached out and caressed her cheek. "You have a generous heart, Catherine."

Catherine smiled back. "Something I learned from you."

Vincent shook his head. "No . . . it can't be taught . . . it's from the soul, and you have always had a very generous soul, even when we were children." Vincent stood up and, taking her hand, helped her to her feet. He smiled at her. "I think that while you work to help them from your end, I will see if I can arrange some help from my end as well." He gently caressed her back as he led her up the stairs. "For now, though, I think that we could both use a little tender loving care and a good nights rest."

She frowned at his bandaged hands. "What about your burns?"

He guided her into the bedroom. "A night spent with you wrapped in my arms is the best medicine that I know."

~ BB ~

First thing the next morning Catherine went to Edie and asked her to find out what she could about who owned the building that Mischa and Sophie lived in. A little before lunch she went over to see Mischa and Sophie to let them know that she was working on their problem. When she arrived there was a moving truck parked out front and men were busy loading furniture into it. Mischa and Sophia were both out front talking to another older couple.

Catherine approached the small group. At the same time another man crossed the street and approached the group.

Mischa pointed to the approaching man. "He's the one that sends the punks to try and scare us off." He turned angrily toward the man. "I told you to stay away from us. Leave us alone."

The man ignored Mischa's outburst. "I just came by to congratulate Herman and Sylvia on the deal they made: five thousand dollars, new condominium in Jersey. The offer is more than generous."

Mischa responded. "Our life is here; we are not interested in your offer. This is our home."

The man never lost his false smile as he replied. "I don't know how much more I can do for you people. The company won't wait forever. Please, think it over very hard. What if they have the building condemned? Then what? You'd be out on the street with nothing. Will your pride keep you warm then?"

Catherine stepped forward to confront the man, her hackles already up over his attitude. "Are you threatening these people?"

The man faced Catherine and eyed her speculatively. "I'm just telling them the way it is. Be careful in this neighborhood, lady, it can get pretty rough." Then he gave her a rude smirk, turned dismissively and walked back to his car.

Catherine turned to Mischa. "Do you know his name?"

Still seething, he replied. "Mundy, he works for the managing company that took over when they sold the building two months ago. I've dealt with bullies like him before, only then they wore the brown shirts."

~ o ~

After lunch Catherine was in Joe's office pacing. Joe shook his head a deep frown creasing his brows. "Leo Mundy, what a prince. Bounced off the force on a brutality beef in '78, six arrests since then, all strong-arm stuff, no convictions; bad and smart, that's a tough combination. Now he calls himself a security consultant, hangs out at a downtown saloon? . . . boy, this guy's a class act all the way."

Catherine stopped pacing. "Can we move on him?"

Joe shook his head. "Not with what we have. You've got nothing tying Mundy into these punks. He's got some sharp lawyers behind him. You give me the tools, find me a solid connection and I'll nail him to the wall." He held up his hand as she started to reply. "And tell Vincent to watch himself. We both know that he's going to get involved and these people are dangerous."

"Ok." She left Joe's office. She met Edie who fell in step beside her. "Edie, did you find out who owns that building I asked you about?"

Edie shook her head. "No, because you need special authorization just to gain . . . Whoa, ho,ho" Edie had just spotted a very handsome, well dressed man standing by Catherine's desk. "Who's that guy? Come on, what's the story? Does he have a darker brother? I expect all the juicy details at eleven."

Catherine paused. "There are no juicy details. I met him at an art exhibit opening last night." She handed Edie a note with Leo Mundy's name on it. "Could you check out this guy for me? I also need particulars of any real estate transactions in the area immediately around that building in the last year. Looks like someone's trying to buy themselves a whole block down there; I want to know who."

Edie glanced again at the handsome man before responding. "It's gonna take a little while; they got me swamped here."

Catherine nodded, also looking curiously at Elliot Burch. "I know, just get it to me as soon as you can."

Elliot waited patiently as Catherine came over and sat down at her desk. He looked uncomfortable. After a second she spoke. "Elliot I'm a bit surprised to see you here. What can I do for you?"

Elliot seemed to hesitate then a look of resolve overtook him. "I just came to tell you that you need to tread very carefully on this thing with Mischa and Sophie. It could be very dangerous for you."

Catherine's eyes narrowed wondering if this was an implied threat. "What exactly do you mean, Elliot?"

Again the hesitant pause then Elliot responded. "I know who is buying up the land around Mischa's building."

Catherine leaned forward intently. "Who?"

Elliot pulled himself up a little straighter. "I am." At Catherine's surprised look he rushed forward. "I just wanted the land for my project. I told the lawyer handling the acquisition of the property to get it. When he informed me that there were some problems, I told him to handle it. I didn't want to be bothered with the details. I didn't know what was happening until last night when we met them." He glanced down. "I guess I didn't want to know. All I saw was my great project. I convinced myself that it would produce jobs, generate capital. I didn't see the down side." Again he looked her in the eyes. "I tried to stop what was happening but there's a cartel of very powerful investors backing this project and I'm fairly sure they are the ones pulling the strings but I have no way to prove it."

~ o ~

On slightly rundown street in a neighborhood that wasn't very nice Sophie and Mischa were walking arm in arm. Sophie was talking. "Thank you for coming with me. I thought my medicine would last till tomorrow."

Mischa replied. "Remember when the drug store delivered?" He shook his head. "Nobody cares about service anymore. And they had the soda fountain?"

Sophie smiled. "Oh yes." Her mind went back to Sunday visits to the soda fountain.

Mischa smiled back. "Egg creams, how you loved egg creams."

Suddenly A punk grabbed Mischa from behind and dragged him into an alley while a car pulled in alongside them. Sophie whimpered in fear as they are dragged her into the alley. While Sophie cowered against the wall in horror the punks started shoving Mischa around between them. The next second Vincent came roaring out of a dark corner of the alley and grabbed the punk that had just started hitting Mischa. He lifted the punk and threw him into a nearby garbage dumpster. In a flash Vincent whirled and grabbed the coat of the punk that was holding Mischa. The punk bolted in a blind panic. His coat was ripped off his back as Vincent's claws shredded the shirt beneath. Meanwhile the first punk had clambered out of the dumpster and they both dove into their still running car then exited the alley on squealing tires. Vincent noticed a wallet on the ground and picked it up. He turned to face Mischa and Sophie. "Are you two alright?"

Sophie just stared at Vincent dumbfounded. Mischa was the one that responded. "We will be fine . . . but you had better get out of here before somebody sees you."

Vincent turned and sprinted off into the deeper shadows of the alley.

About two hours after lunch time Catherine was thinking about what Elliot had told her. She doubted that she would ever be able to pin anything on the members of the cartel that had been financing Elliot's project. However if they could catch those doing the dirty work then maybe they could get them to roll on Leo Mundy. Then they could use that as legal leverage to stymie the investing cartel and stop Elliot's project. She knew that Vincent had been watching over the remaining residents of the apartment building in question. All she needed was one break. Just after Elliot had talked to her she got impressions over the bond that led her to believe that Vincent may have just broken up another attempted attack. Maybe the break they needed was near.

Several minutes later she had realized that she could feel Vincent getting closer. Ten minutes after that he had stopped moving and was very close by. She could feel Vincent's anticipation and knew that he was waiting for her in the building across the street. She jumped up from her desk and walked over to Joe's office where she leaned in the door. "Hey, Joe, I'm hungry. How about a late Lunch?"

Joe looked up and noticed that she was tracing a V on the wall beside his door with her finger. "Sure, Radcliffe, I could use a bit of a break." He jumped up from his desk, grabbed his coat and joined her.

As the elevator door closed he turned to her. "What's up?"

She shrugged as she responded. "Vincent is waiting across the street. From what I'm sensing, he wants to see me about something serious."

Joe looked at her thoughtfully. "You think it could be about that apartment building case, don't you?"

She nodded. "Yes I do."

Soon they arrived at the tunnel entrance of the building next door to the government building. Vincent was waiting there for them. Catherine and Vincent enjoyed a brief embrace. Then Joe spoke with just a hint of a smile as Vincent looked at him. "Hello Vincent."

Vincent responded. "Hello Joe, I'm glad you came. I have something for you." He reached into a pocket. "Mischa and Sophie were attacked on the street today but I was able to stop it."

"In broad daylight?" Catherine gasped. "Were they hurt; were you seen?"

Vincent shook his head. "Mischa was a bit roughed up but I stopped it before he was hurt. The punks that did this didn't want to be seen either so they picked an out of the way location for their attack. Vincent handed the wallet to Catherine. "This might help. It fell from one of the attacker's jacket."

Joe nodded and grinned at Vincent. "This could be the break we have been looking for."

~ o ~

About an hour later Catherine was seated at her desk speaking on the phone.

"Mischa, we have a good lead on the men who attacked you." . . .

"When we pick them up, we'll need you to identify them in a line up." . . .

"Are you prepared to testify when they come to trial?" . . .

"Good, and Sophie feels the same way?" . . .

"Terrific!" . . .

"Well, I'll call you as soon as we have any news."

She hung up the phone just as Edie rushes up to her desk.

Edie set some printouts triumphantly on Catherine's desk. "Ok. All the buildings on that block are owned by different holding companies but I managed to trace them all, through several layers, back to one holding company. Given just a little time I'll find out who owns it. The three empty buildings are scheduled and ready for demolition. The only thing stopping the wrecking ball on the fourth is your old people who won't move out."

Catherine nodded up at her. "Thanks Edie, I appreciate this."

Edie looked at her in confusion. "How come you're not looking thrilled?"

Catherine looked up at her. "I found out who the man at the top is but I don't think he really knew what was going on. There is a mostly faceless investment cartel pulling the strings. If you can find out who those faceless investors are is would be great but that may not be possible."

"You're probably right." Edie responded. "But I'll give it a shot."

At that same time Joe was seated at his desk speaking on his phone.

"Yeah, that's right aggravated assault." . . .

"Hey, don't sweat it, all right?" . . .

"You pick them up; my witnesses will testify." . . .

"I want to know the second you got these guys." . . .

"Right." . . .

He hung up his phone as Catherine approached his office door. She leaned in the doorway. "What about Leo Mundy?"

Joe shook his head. "The old folks say he beat them up?" He stood up. "Hey look, we're getting two hard cases off the street that's better than nothing." He moved around his desk to his file cabinet. Hi frown showed that he was as dissatisfied as she was.

Catherine cocked her head. "Will you deal? Let them plead to lesser charges if they testify against Mundy?"

Joe looked over at her raising his eyes momentarily heavenward. "Now she's playing public defender." He then looked at her as a ghost of a smile flitted across his face. "You're pushy, Radcliffe, I like your style." Then his smile widened a bit. "Let's just say . . . it's possible. Ok?"

~ BB ~

Late the next morning Catherine was escorting Mischa and Sophie out of the government building into her car. As she was helping the couple get into the car, she noticed Mundy sitting in a car across the street.

Mischa noticed Catherine's shift in attitude and glanced over where she was looking. "Trouble?"

Catherine frowned and shook her head. "Don't worry. He's just trying to frighten you so you won't testify." She began to get into the car then hesitated, turned, and walked purposefully over to Mundy's car.

Mundy looked up at her with a smirk on his face. "You got a problem, lady?"

Catherine glared back at him, her eyes cold green steel. "My witnesses are testifying, and if any harm comes to them, I'll know where to look, so stay away."

Mundy's expression didn't change. "I don't know what you're talking about."

A hint of a smile flashed across her face then was gone. "Well then, you better do a bed check, Mundy. Two of your campers are in a holding cell downtown. I'm going to put you away, you and whoever you work for."

The smirk on his face faded a bit. "Maybe some day you and me will get a chance to dance together, lady, in the dark; I'd like that."

Ignoring his last remark, she turned her back on him and walked back to her car. Catherine drove them out to one of her favorite restaurants where she treated them to lunch then she took them home. Though she put up an unconcerned front, she was a little bit worried. As soon as she returned to the office she called a helper that lived near the apartment and asked him to spread the word to others to keep an eye on Mischa's apartment building through the afternoon. She decided that she would make it a point to go by and check on Mischa and Sophie right after work.

~ o ~

Because of her workload she was still at her desk at six when she received a disturbing message. She went over to Joe's office and started to push the door open. She was startled when a dart whizzed past her face; she quickly pulled back.

Joe's voice called from within the office. "Come in."

Catherine stepped in and got straight to the point. "I just found out Mundy's leg breakers are back on the street."

Joe sat up straight in his chair as he responded. "Yeah, I know, it kind of surprised me too, bail being as high as it was. No self-respecting bonds man would touch it."

Catherine frowned. "Leo Mundy seems to have connections."

Joe frowned back. "Do you have a name?"

Catherine shook her head. "I know who heads the project but he seems to have lost control of it. The real power behind what's going on is some faceless money cartel."

Joe shook his head. "There is no way I can get any additional police protection for them." He took a deep breath and his frown deepened. "I really hate to get him involved in this . . . but you might ask Vincent to kinda keep an eye on those people, at least for tonight."

Catherine nodded. "He is already involved and was planning to do that anyway. And I'm going to head over there to check on them as well."

Now Joe's expression took on an added element of worry. "Are you sure that is wise? Things could get dicey over there and there is your condition to consider."

Catherine smiled back at him for his concern. "You men . . . I'm only a few months into it. Not even enough yet to slow me down and besides Vincent will be very close by." She reached out and patted his forearm. "I will be just fine Joe." She turned and headed out of his office.

Joe glanced at the ceiling and mumbled. "That girls going to drive me prematurely grey." He closed his eyes. "Watch over her, Vincent."

~ o ~

As Catherine approached the door to Mischa and Sophie's apartment she could hear the strains of 'The Pathetique' coming from within. She knocked on the door. A second later she heard Sophie's voice call out. "Coming!" Then a second later she thought she heard a man's voice then from closer to the door Sophie called out. "Who's there?"

Catherine responded. "Sophie, it's Cathy."

Sophie unlocked and opened the door. She smiled at Catherine and invited her in. "Just in time I'm making dinner." Catherine quickly entered then turned and closed the door, re-locked it and set the security bar against the doorknob. A worried frown crossed Sophie's face at her actions. "Something new about the case?"

Catherine began to explain as she turned to face the older woman. "Mundy's punks got out of jail."

Sophie moved away from the door. "Come, sit."

Though Sophie tried to hide it Catherine could see the worry in her eyes. At that moment Catherine became aware of another guest seated in the room. It was Elliot Burch. After a startled pause Catherine continued speaking while keeping a wary eye on Elliot. "Sophie, there's some very powerful people behind all this. The whole block is being leveled for a new development. The most important thing now is your safety. You must all use every precaution."

Sophie spoke up as she gestured Catherine to the sofa beside Elliot. "Mister Burch got here about an hour ago and was just telling us the same thing. He was explaining to us what had been going on and why. He said that he was unable to do much about it at present but he wanted to help in any way he could. I've asked him to stay for dinner."

Catherine raised an eyebrow at Elliot then spoke. "I've asked for extra patrols but they couldn't give me much and what I could get may not be much help." She glanced around. "Where's Mischa?

Sophie glanced toward another door. "He's laying down." Then she hurried to add. "He's fine, don't worry. This whole business has him worn out. You should have known him when he was young, full of energy, strong." She looked downward. "They broke him; they crushed his spirit, made him old, now this." After a pause she looked up. "You'll, please, eat with us there's plenty."

Catherine nodded. "I'd love to."

Dinner proved to be a very pleasant time. Elliot told them that their apartment reminded him of the happier times of his early childhood spend very near this neighborhood. He related some humorous events from his childhood. He also told them that it was a tough neighborhood back then and the drive to escape that life is what fueled his rise to his current life.

After dinner Sophie noticed Catherine glancing at the locked door and asked about it. "Mundy's punks? You think they'll come for us now?"

Elliot nodded his head. "Sophie, it might get worse. Are you sure it's worth all of this?"

Sophie nodded back, a look of determination flashing in her eyes. "Oh yes, someone has to stand up to them and say no and refuse to run. It starts with one person, even an old man or and old woman." For a moment she seemed to be seeing a far away place or time.

Mischa jumped in at this point. "If nobody says no, stands up and fights this madness, then the nightmare begins again."

Sophie pulled back the sleeve of her dress. Catherine and Elliot could both see a number tattooed on her forearm. "Believe me we know."

A grim expression clouded Elliot's face. "If it's that important to you then you have my support . . . for what little it seems to be worth."

~ o ~

All four of them were seated around the table as Sophie and Mischa were showing Catherine and Elliot a picture album. Mischa was smiling wistfully. "Look at my Sophie, she's eighteen here, the year we were married."

Sophie smiled at him. "You were so tall and handsome." She looked over at Catherine. "No wonder I fell in love with him."

The telephone rang and Sophie stood up. "Excuse me." She went over to answer it.

"Hello?" . . .

"In the building? Call the police." . . .

"Hello. . . Hello?"

The power suddenly went off.

Elliot Jumped to his feet. "They're in the building." He looked at Sophie. "Cathy, Mischa, Sophie, we must leave the apartment, now. They will probably come here first after you."

Sophie shook her head. "We'll fight, all of us together."

Mischa shook his head. "Please, Mama, go with Cathy and Elliot; I'll get the others. The last apartment on the left is empty."

Elliot nodded. "Mischa is right, Sophie. You and Cathy hide in the empty apartment. Mischa and I will get the other tenants together and drive them out."

Catherine took Sophie's arm as they exited the apartment. "Quick, Sophie." She and Sophie hurried down the hall as Mischa and Elliot went the other way disappearing down the stairs.

After a few quiet minutes Catherine and Sophie heard the sounds of smashing doors coming from down the hall. Then with a loud crash the door of the apartment they were hiding in crashed open and Mundy stood there flanked by the same two thugs that she and Joe had tried to put away. The two punks rushed in and grabbed Catherine dragging her out into the hall. Sophie cried out in fear as Catherine fought to free herself. She managed to get a couple of painful kicks in and Mundy raised the bat he was carrying.

The next instant Mischa's voice could be heard yelling. "Get out of our building!" Mundy paused and saw that Mischa and Elliot were leading a group of residents up the hall toward them.

The three invaders faced the approaching group with raised bats when Vincent's roar came from the other end of the hallway. Everyone in the hall stood stunned as Vincent pulled the thug that was still holding Catherine away from her and threw him against the wall. Mundy and the other thug both stumbled back in fear at the ferocity of Vincent's advance. The other resident's closed in as the two remaining invaders stumbled back into them and bore the invaders to the ground.

Everyone stared in fear and amazement as Catherine approached the frightening creature. "We're all right . . . go!"

Vincent gave Catherine a quick hug then turned and quickly climbed out the window that he had come in by."

An older woman turned to Mischa. "Did you see that?"

The older man beside her also asked. "What was it?"

The rest of the group started commenting among themselves. Mischa faced the group and responded. "Enough, he's a friend." Mischa indicated Elliot and Catherine. "A friend like these two and no one must ever know about him."

Elliot turned to the crowd. "Mischa is right and I also can not be associated with this incident." He glanced at Catherine and Sophie then continued. "But I promise you that after today things will start to get better around here."

~ BB ~

Joe was sitting on the edge of Catherine's desk commenting on the latest developments. "Mundy and his two goons are locked up and the bonds on all three of them have been denied. They did after all try to attack the witnesses. That lawyer that hired Mundy is trying to wrangle his way out of trouble by blaming it on Elliot Burch. Unfortunately some of his own records seized by the police show that he was getting his orders from the cartel. Elliot was not aware of what was happening but his lawyer was in it up to his eyeballs."

"What about the money cartel?" Catherine asked. "Did we get anything on any of them."

Joe shook his head. "As soon as they started investigating the cartel it seemed to vanish like a puff of smoke. No faces, no money, no records, no employees. Just an empty office, on empty off shore bank account, a disconnected telephone and one very put out lawyer left hanging out to dry."

Catherine sighed. "So we got nothing on the ones really responsible."

Joe shrugged. "That's hard to tell." At Catherine's raised eyebrows he continued. "Detective Henderson said that they did come up with one very tentative piece of information but they had no idea if it would eventually lead to anything useful." He shrugged again. "That's all he would tell me." Joe cocked his head. "So what is the story on Burch?"

Catherine smiled. "Like you said, Elliot was determined to not be responsible, so no legal charges." Her smile widened. "He is going ahead with his project, my dad is helping him find more legitimate funding, but with a major change in the design. Mischa's building is being renovated as a historical landmark and everyone gets to keep their apartments. Elliot is having the business park he is going to build around the apartment redesigned to match the architecture of the apartment building."

Joe nodded. "For a single minded rich snob that Elliot turned out to be a descent sort. He even did the right thing once he had his nose rubbed in." Joe glanced down at Catherine's slightly expanded middle. "By the way, Radcliffe, week after next, you begin your unspecified leave of absence."

She smiled. "So what reason are you giving?"

Joe grinned back. "Classified."

The End (of episode 3)

'Beauty and the Beast' and its characters are owned by Witt-Thomas Productions and Republic Pictures. No infringement on copyrights is intended. This story is presented merely for the enjoyment of fans. Original concepts and story elements may be used by other authors as long as appropriate credit is given.