The Other Path ~ Season 1
By Thomas Mc

Authors Note : As usual, I wish to thank those responsible for the Beauty and the Beast Scripts and Transcription Project. This time it is the additional presence of Catherine and her father that will have a noticeable influenced on the plot of this episode. At first I wasn't sure there was any way to alter this episode. Then it occured to me - (What if Catherine and her father had been there when Lin returned from the engagement dinner?) - Catherine and Charles would be very effective advocates for Lin and Henry.

China Moon

The two opponents faced each other across the field of battle. Occasionally they would throw taunts at each other or insult the other's skill. In truth they were fairly evenly matched. To the side a third warrior, by far the most skilled of the three, observed, occasionally kibitzing or heckling the other two.

A bit apart stood two other observers. The larger one spoke. "Those three can be so amusing sometimes."

Beside him the smaller one grinned totally unafraid of the larger ones fearsome appearance. She giggled at the image that popped into her mind as she responded. "I was thinking along the lines of the three stooges." .

The larger one looked at her a bit surprised. "Catherine!" His barely concealed grin belied the severity of his tone. "Have some respect for our elders." He cocked his head looking back at the three warriors. "They remind me of the three Musketeers . . . forever competing yet always there when they are needed."

She looked up at her powerful lover and her smile softened but the spark of mischief remained in her eyes. "Well if they are the three Musketeers that must make you D'Artagnan and I your Constance." She batted her eyelashes at him in an outrageously seductive flirt.

Vincent smiled at Catherine a moment. "Let us hope that our fate is much happier than theirs was."

Her expression softened and she smiled back at Vincent, her eyes sparkling like emeralds her face glowing with love for him. "It already is, My Love." She looked down at the dozing infant that he held cradled in one powerful arm. "It already is."

He caressed the infant's fuzzy cheek and a contented smile slowly spread across his face. "Yes it is."

They were disturbed by an outburst from the group at the chess board. Catherine chuckled as she remarked. "Maybe we should get over there and rescue Peter before Father and Daddy have him tossed out again for kibitzing."

~ o ~

At the same time, on the streets above and halfway across town, in a well appointed dining room, a different group of people sat at a long elegant dining table. Outside, on in the streets of Chinatown, could be heard the sounds of the Chinese New Year celebration. The mood outside was joyful, celebratory. An elderly man by the name was Shin Li Chiang sat at the head of the table. Seated to his right was his grandson Peter Chiang, and to his left, Peter's bride-to-be, Lin Wong. The look on the young woman's face didn't reflect the celebratory mood outside nor the solemn pleased mood inside.

Shin Li Chiang stood and held up his glass. "To my grandson and his fiancé, may the new year, the Year of the Dragon, be a joyous one to both of you, a time of new beginnings and reaffirmation of old traditions." He looked over at Lin, who looked down, clearly uncomfortable. His next words were directed at Lin. "We welcome you into our family, Lin Wong. Please give my best regards to your grandfather. This will be a union of two proud families whose bloodlines will intermingle into a fine grandchild.

Peter stood up and spoke a few words in Chinese then switched to English. "Thank you Grandfather . . ." He raised his glass. "We appreciate your good wishes and your plans for our future. You will have your grandson."

Lin was becoming more uncomfortable as she heard the plans for her future.

Shin Li Chiang laughed heartily and spoke some more in Chinese then took a drink from his glass. The rest of the party raised their glasses in salute and also took a drink.

Lin did not raise her glass. Peter Chiang noticed and addressed her. "Are you all right? You look so pale."

Shin Li Chiang looked down at Lin. "Ah . . . Just a nervous bride, that's all." He chuckled but then there is a hint of steel in his voice as he continued. "It's a quality to be admired in an age where tradition holds so little value for most young people, and that is why your union means so much. It is very important. Never lose sight of that, my children.

~ o ~

A short distance away in the General Lee's Chinese Restaurant a member of the Tong gang was busy knocking things off shelves. He grabbed a meat cleaver and violently slaps it down several times then approached the young owner of the place. The young man named Henry Pei struggled against another Tong member that was holding him. The two Tong members dragged Henry into a storage area and roughed him up a bit more.

"Find yourself a new girlfriend, Henry." The first thug ordered. They beat on him some more then the first thug continued. "We don't want to have to come back here again. Understood?"

Henry barely responded and the thug punched him in the face knocking him down. The second thug tossed a box of oranges is on top of him then they walked away.

~ o ~

An hour later in yet another part of Chinatown, Peter Alcott stood beside Catherine and Vincent inside the back room of a small shop in Chinatown. The sign on the outside showed large Chinese followed by English that read, "Hin Yuen Hong Chinese Herb Co". Doctor Wong, an elderly Chinese man, was preparing a mixture of herbs at a table, carefully weighing them out and pouring them into a bowl. A hint of amusement crinkled the corners of his eyes as he spoke to Peter Alcott. "Did Father and Charles throw you out again?" He began grinding the contents of the bowl with a pestle.

Peter harrumphed then responded. "I just came along to insure that you didn't put anything untoward in that concoction of yours"

Doctor Wong chuckled. "I know how you men of science feel about my little herbs and powders but they have been handed down for generations because they work." He tapped the side of the bowl as he dumped the ground herbs out onto a pile of others that are already on a piece of paper.

Peter responded in a surprisingly respectful tone. "I may be a 'Man of Science' as you put it but I do not discount the old folk remedies. Many modern medicines are derived from those same concoctions." He paused and smiled at Doctor Wong. "And I cannot deny the beneficial effects that your 'powders and herbs' have on Jacobs's stiff achy hip and leg."

Doctor Wong carefully folded the paper over the mixture and taped it shut. He chuckled mostly to himself and addressed Vincent. "It's been twenty years since I first prescribed these herbs for your father, Vincent." He glanced over at Catherine. "I remember the both of you coming here as children."

Catherine responded. "I always found this place to be fascinating and mysterious when I was a child."

Doctor Wong remarked. "Yes, that was long before Lin came to live with me." He handed the packet to Vincent. "I'm so pleased you both became friends with my granddaughter."

Catherine spoke up. "Vincent and I have both cherished Lin's friendship and yours."

~ o ~

At that moment outside of the little shop a limousine pulled up to the curb. The driver got out and opened the back door. In the back of the limousine sat Lin and Peter. The atmosphere was tense. Peter held Lin's hand painfully tight as he spoke to her. "You think you're fooling me, don't you?"

Lin looked away. "No."

Peter's gaze drilled at her like a laser. "The way you behaved tonight, it was unacceptable."

Lin refused to make eye contact. "I was only nervous, as your grandfather said."

Peter responded coldly. "In the future . . . you will smile when you're expected to smile, you will show your gratitude." He grabbed her chin and roughly turned her face towards him. "Look at me when I'm talking to you. I know you're still seeing Pei, and it must stop."

She jerked her head out of his grip and quickly exited the limo. The limo driver shut the door then the window lowered, and Lin looked back at the sound of Peter Chiang's menacing voice. "Our marriage is very important to my grandfather, which makes it very important to me." The window went back up as the limo pulled away.

Lin stood there frozen for a moment then her name was called out from behind. She turned to see a battered Henry Pei approaching and called out in her distress at the sight. "Henry . . . What happened? Who did this to you?"

Henry shook his head. "Nothing, forget about it."

Lin gently reached out to caress his battered face. "It was Peter's friends, wasn't it?"

Henry's shoulders slumped in defeat. "They tore up the restaurant."

Lin sighed. "I'm sorry." Then she embraced him. "I love you."

Henry looked around then spoke in a low voice. "Did they make the announcement?"

Lin sighed again dejectedly. "Chiang did, at dinner tonight. Grandfather's agreed to the wedding date."

"When?"

"Three weeks."

Henry pulled himself together. "Then we'll leave tonight . . . now!"

Lin shook her head. "We have nowhere to go. And if we do run away, what happens to Grandfather?"

Henry shook his head. "They won't hurt him." Lin sighed and Henry continued. "You've listened to too many of your grandfather's stories. Those people don't rule the world."

Lin shook her head in response. "They rule our world."

Henry took Lin by the shoulders. "No. We're a part of each other. Nothing else matters. We'll find a way to be together. I promise." He kisses her; they embraced, and then both looked around to make sure no one has seen them together.

~ o ~

Inside the shop Vincent rested one clawed hand on Doctor Wong's shoulder. "I'll see you again soon."

Wong nodded to Vincent as the doorbells on the front door rang and Lin walked in. Doctor Wong stepped through the beaded opening into the main part of his shop. He addressed Lin looking a bit nervous. "Oh, Lin, h…how did it go with you?"

Lin's eyes flashed her anger and distress. "Why must it be this way? You know I don't love him."

Wong held up his hands pleadingly. "Shhh, please let's not talk about it now. We have guests."

Lin looked up and saw the three visitors standing just behind the beaded curtain. "Vincent, Catherine, Peter."

Vincent stepped through the beaded curtain. The anger, hurt and fear he felt from Lin brought a frown of concern on his face. "What has made you so unhappy?"

Catherine and Peter had followed Vincent into the main shop.

Lin glanced at her grandfather, displeasure crossing her features. "Hasn't my grandfather told you? I'm to be married."

Vincent cocked his head and looked at Lin in concern and confusion. "A wedding should be a time of joy."

Lin shot back, her voice strained with anger. "Not in Chinatown." She turned away and rushed through the beaded curtain brushing it violently aside in her frustration.

Doctor Wong called after her. "Lin!" His shoulders slumped as he turned to Vincent, Catherine and Peter. "Well, I should have told you before . . . Lin is to marry Peter Chiang, grandson of one of the most powerful men in Chinatown."

Vincent shook her head remarking sadly. "She does not love him."

Doctor Wong sighed deeply looking at the still swaying beaded curtain. "Well, perhaps she will learn to love him; it's going to be a good marriage."

Catherine's voice rang with indignation. "How could you do that? This is the twentieth century; there are no more arranged marriages."

Wong looked down and turned away at these words and shook his head dejectedly. "Not in your worlds. But Chinatown is another world, apart from yours." He turned to face his guests. "I have known Shin Li Chiang for a long time, and it was he who helped me bring Lin over from Taipei. Now she thinks she's in love with another. A poor boy. What can he hope to give her?"

Vincent cocked his head and responded in a soft but sure voice. "His heart."

Catherine had looked up in surprise as she recognizes the name. "Wait a minute; did you say Shin Li Chiang?" She blinked and her look of surprise morphed into one of anger. "Do you know who he is? He is the head of a vicious Tong gang. We have been investigating him for a couple of years." Her eyes flashed as she glared at Wong. "We have a file, several inched thick, filled with beatings, and even murders, all attributed to this Shin Li Chiang. We would have put him away long ago if we could." Wong took a step back at the fire he saw in her eyes as she continued. "Every time we think we have him, the witnesses disappear or change their minds and refuse to testify." She paused as a memory rose up then continued. "A friend of my boss, Jack Millhouse, was investigating some union busting going on in a Chinatown sweatshop when he disappeared. They found his body in a dumpster off Pell. Joe worked on that case for over a year. It took me six months just to find a witness. I finally found three witnesses including this nice old guy, not afraid of anything. He promised to testify and helped me convince the other two to talk as well. We had Chiang and his grandson dead to rights. Two days later that nice old gentleman was the victim of a hit and run in front of his market. That same day, his entire family was killed in a fire. The other two witnesses were scared out of their minds and backed down then a month later disappeared." She paused to get her emotions under control. "How can you tie your granddaughter to such a monster?"

Peter Alcott just stood there, stunned by what he was hearing.

Vincent stepped in. "I have known you for more years than I can count. You have helped us selflessly, kept our secrets. I know how gentle and wise you are and how much you love your granddaughter. Yet now you are trying to force her to marry a dangerous man that she does not love."

Lin came back into the room her eyes downcast. She responded quietly. "You don't understand. After my parents' death, Mr. Chiang paid for my passage from China. He even arranged for my visa. Grandfather feels he owes him a great debt."

Peter spoke this time. "Well, indebtedness is one thing, but that does that give anyone the right to choose who you marry?"

Lin looked over at Peter. "I wish it were as simple as you make it sound, but you are not Chinese, you don't understand our ways. My grandfather is my only living relation. Everything I've been taught tells me it's my duty to obey him."

Catherine responded, her voice much softer this time. "I don't think you have to be Chinese to understand that. For me, it is my father. He always had very specific ideas about who I should be . . . what I should do . . . then we met Vincent and he showed us that the truth is in your heart, and you should follow it.

Lin sighed and shook her head. "Wish I could."

Catherine cocked her head. "Your Grandfather mentioned another young man."

Lin glanced over at her grandfather then at Catherine. "Henry." A soft whisper of a smile crossed her face. "I don't know how to tell you about him. He's . . . he's wonderful. He's good, strong, and gentle, and he loves me." She paused. "He owns a restaurant called the General Lee's Chinese Restaurant. It's very close to here." Her face fell into a sad frown. "They beat him to night, as a warning to stay away."

Catherine looked sharply at Lin. "Who?"

Lin shrugged sadly. "Some gang members hired by Mr. Chiang. They broke into his restaurant, destroyed everything."

Catherine's face showed anger. "I know that restaurant. I've been there with my father several times." She looked off into space thoughtfully. "Maybe I can help you do something about that."

Lin looked up alarmed. "Oh, no, Miss Chandler, please." She glanced at her grandfather who was now looking decidedly uncomfortable as his gaze shifted among the other four people. "I . . . I . . . I don't think Henry would want that. We'll . . . we'll be all right."

Wong hung his head as all the words and emotions swirled around in his mind. Finally he looked at the expression of anger and distaste on the faces of his friends then took in the defeat on Lin's face. His heart ached and he finally spoke softly mostly to himself. "What have I done to you?" He looked down. "What choice do I have?"

Catherine glanced at Doctor Wong then looked at Lin for a moment deep in thought. She glanced at Vincent then nodded decisively to herself. "Lin and her friend would be safe down in the tunnels."

Vincent looked back at Catherine a bit surprised. "You know that there are rules about bringing newcomers down into the tunnels."

Catherine nodded but her face showed a familiar stubborn determination. "I know about the rules. But what do the rules say about love? And Lin is not a stranger."

Lin glanced at her grandfather then spoke up. "Henry is my life. From the moment I first saw him, I knew that he was the only person who could make my life complete." She paused. "I don't wish to make the tunnels our home. All I would ask is that you offer us sanctuary for a little while."

Vincent looked around at the others. He could see and feel that Lin's grandfather was torn. Catherine was determined. Peter was sympathetic to both Lin and her grandfather.

Lin turned to her Grandfather. ""I'm sorry, Grandfather. I love you, and I have always respected your wishes. But I don't know what to do. Peter Chiang is a very cold cruel person. " She paused, on the edge of tears. "I could never be happy without Henry." She looked pleadingly at Vincent. "If you turn us away . . ."

The emotions of Doctor Wong ran the full gamut as the battle between love, duty and fear raged with in him. He looked up at Lin and Catherine standing next to each other. Finally he heaved a great sigh. "You are a very persuasive woman, Catherine." His gaze shifted to Lin. "And I do care about my granddaughter's happiness." His gaze shifted to Vincent. "If Father approves it . . ." His gaze shifted back to Lin. ". . . then you have my blessing."

Vincent nodded once. "I will speak with Father. And . . . I will contact you tomorrow."

~ o ~

A short time later Catherine and Vincent met Charles and Jacob in Jacob's chambers. Together they laid out the problem to Jacob. He listened thoughtfully to what they had to say. Charles, who was familiar with the restaurant in question and its owner, added his voice on behalf of Lin and Henry.

After a few moments of thoughtful silence Vincent added a final comment. "How could we possibly deny them?"

Jacob thought a moment more then he responded. "To begin with, we've never met this Henry Pei. How do we know we can trust him?"

Vincent answered simply and with conviction. "Because Lin trusts him."

Charles jumped in at this point "I have known Henry Pei and his Father before him. Henry is a good honorable young man."

Catherine remarked, a hint of urgency in her voice. "Time is of the essence. This must be done quickly or it will be too late."

Jacob looked at her for a moment then placed his hands on Vincent and Catherine's shoulders before responding. "Then we must share the responsibility of our decision."

Vincent placed his hand over Jacob's in a heartfelt response. "Thank you, Father."

~ o ~

Henry stood a moment at the doorway to the kitchen of General Lee's Restaurant. Broken dishes were being swept up by his friend and employee, Eddie. Henry sighed then strode over to Eddie and handed him a check. "I know the check's a few days late."

Eddie stood up holding an armload of broken dishes and shrugged. "Forget it." He turned to place some of the broken dishes into the trash.

Henry pushed the check into Eddie's hands. "Come on, man. You have to pay rent too. Don't look so worried, it's good . . . at least till Tuesday."

Eddie looked down at the check in his hands. "Thanks."

Henry nodded. "You've been a good friend, Eddie. More than a good friend . . . a brother. Whatever happens . . . I want you to know I appreciate your standing by me like this."

They both looked around at a noise coming from the back of the restaurant then a dog barked. Henry went through the kitchen to investigate. He glanced at the cook that was preparing vegetables. Slowly Henry approached the back door and cautiously looked out. It was Lin.

He rushed out the back door to her. "What are you doing here?" He looked around worriedly.

Lin shook her head and took his hand. "Don't worry we're alone."

Henry looked around again to see if anyone had seen them. "Are you sure?"

Lin leaned in and kissed him then as she pulled back she whispered. "Yes."

Henry held her by her shoulders. "You're pretty reckless."

Lin smiled back at him. "I'm not reckless, I'm in love."

Henry shook his head. "With us it's almost the same thing."

Lin's smile widened. "Not anymore. We're leaving this place, tomorrow night."

Henry frowned. "What are you talking about? Where?"

Lin's smile turned enigmatic. "There's this place I know of . . . a forgotten place that's secret and safe. I've been there only a few times, but I know its people. Two of them are very good friends of mine. I'm sure they'll welcome us."

Henry cocked his head in uncertainty. "Who are these friends? How come I don't know them?"

Lin sighed and cocked her head. "I can't explain."

Henry's disquiet got stronger. "Why not?"

Lin's smile became wistful. "Because it is truly beyond words. When you meet them, when you see this place, you'll understand. But for now I can only ask you to trust me."

Henry reached out and caressed her face. "Of course I trust you."

Lin placed her hand over his and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Then meet me at the band shell in Central Park tomorrow night, at nine." She took his hand and held it in both of hers and her expression turned serious. "But you must tell no one."

Henry looked into her eyes and felt a spark of hope. "You make it sounds like a fairy tale."

Lin's smile turned sunny. "Yes, I know."

They embraced then kissed deeply. They were both unaware that Eddie was watching from the doorway.

~ o ~

The next evening Henry closed the empty restaurant early then he approached Eddie who was standing by the bar. "Eddie, I had Mr. Hon draw up papers today. You know, a contract. I'm signing the place over to you."

Eddie looked back at Henry in surprised disbelief. "Come on, get serious."

Henry responded. "I am serious. I withdrew half the account this afternoon. But the books are in order, and there'll be enough money for a while." Eddie leaned on the bar as Henry continued. "The restaurant's yours Eddie, if you want it. I mean this place is as much yours as it is mine. Hey, we grew up here, both of us. Maybe with me out of the way Chiang will let a couple of customers through."

Eddie shook his head. "What about you? What are you going to do?"

A secretive smile passed across Henry's face then was gone. "I can't tell you. But I'll be in touch as soon as I can." He handed a thin stack of documents he had been holding over to Eddie.

Eddie looked down at the documents, his response a bit subdued. "I don't know what to say."

Henry shrugged. "Just promise me you'll take care of the place." He paused. "Hey, come on, Eddie." Then he held out his hand, and after a moment Eddie took it. As Henry turned away he missed the look of guilt that passed across his friend's face. Henry grabbed his jacket and retrieved a suitcase from behind the bar then headed for the front door. There was a taxi waiting there for him.

~ o ~

A few minutes later a lone taxi drove down Terrace Drive through Central Park and stopped at The Mall next to the Band shell. A few moments later, Henry stepped out, grabbed his suitcase from the seat and looked around as the taxi drove away. Lin stepped out of the shadows to greet him and they embraced passionately.

Lin giggled. "Henry."

Henry blushed. "Hey, no, what . . . ?"

Lin held her finger to his lips. "Shh . . . follow me."

Henry looked around at the dark park in confusion. "What do you mean? Where are we going?"

Lin giggled again. "You'll see. Come on." She started toward the Band Shell dragging a confused Henry behind her.

The next second, as they were approaching the band shell, Peter Chiang suddenly stepped out from around a tree. "I warned you, Pei, but you were stupid." The two lovers turned to run the other way, but Bruce and Tommy appeared from behind a hedgerow ready to stop them. Henry pushes Lin away from himself. "Run, Lin, run!" Henry called as he swung his suitcase at the approaching men momentarily driving them back. Lin took off and ran behind the Band Shell, disappearing from view.

Peter Chiang called out. "Go get her. Don't let her get away." He pulled out a switchblade knife threatening Henry with it as the other men ran after Lin.

Henry swung his suitcase again knocking Peter's knife hand aside then took off running. He dropped his suitcase as he ran around the other side of the band shell. Peter took off after Henry and soon they were both stumbling through a dark wooded area. Henry stumbled over a tree root and went down with a grunt of pain as the wind was knocked out of him. Peter tripped over the same root and yelled, both hands thrust out before him as he went down. He landed next to Henry with a cry of pain as his own knife was driven into his chest by the force of his impact with the ground. Then after an inarticulate grunt Peter Chiang was still.

Two seconds later, Lin emerged from the shadows to Henry's right. She looked down at the two young men lying on the ground. "Henry." She exclaimed in a half sob.

Henry pushed himself up on his elbow and looked over at the motionless Peter. He stared in horror as he crawled away from Peter's body. Then Lin helped Henry to his feet. "This way!" She whispered urgently and she quickly led him into the woods.

Lin appeared to be searching as she muttered to herself. "Vincent said it was right around here." A short time later she cried out softly, "That's it, I found it."

The next moment Henry found himself being led into a gully and down into a large concrete storm drain pipe. "Lin glanced over her shoulder at him as she quietly remarked. "We're almost there. Then we will be safe." She again muttered to herself. "A rusty steel grate, it's supposed to be just ahead." She stopped at a five way junction. "This must be it."

There were four tunnels leading away from the junction and one short alcove blocked by a very rusty ancient metal grate. Lin pulled futilely on the grate then frowned. "Vincent where are you?"

After a second she turned and faced Henry who looked back at her with doubting eyes. "He'll be here soon. He promised." Her face turned serious as she spoke to him. "Henry, first there are some things I should tell you about the place we're going. Things you probably won't understand until you see them. Most important is Vincent, my friend. No matter how frightening he may appear to you, he is a kind soul and he is my friend. He protects the place we are going to and he will protect . . ."

She was interrupted by a deep grating sound and Henry saw the concrete wall that blocked the short section beyond the rusty steel grate move aside. A tall cloaked figure was standing just beyond the secret opening.

A deep soft commanding voice issued from the concealing hood. "This way, quickly! Your pursuers are close."

Lin pulled on the grate and it now swung noiselessly open. She pulled Henry through into the hidden tunnel and past the dark cloaked figure as he reached out and pulled the grate shut. The imposing hooded figure then pressed a spot on the tunnel wall. The concrete barrier slid shut. At that moment the dark figure turned and the dim light of the hidden tunnel fell across his face. Henry froze. His mind seemed to go numb at the frightening apparition he was confronted with.

~ o ~

Tommy looked around angrily. "Where is she? We've lost her."

Bruce shook his head in frustration then pointed toward a clearing. "Tommy, check over there."

A moment later, Tommy called out. "Hey! Over here." Bruce came running up and Tommy pointed across a clearing toward a dark stand of trees. "I saw them. They went through there."

The two of them ran off in that direction. They passed through the trees into another clearing. The two fleeing lovers were nowhere in sight. The nearest cover they could see was a group of hedges and scattered trees. They sprinted over but all they found was a gully with a large concrete storm drain at one end and no one else in sight.

Tommy looked around then pointed to the storm drain. "Maybe they went in there."

As they entered the storm drain they were arguing about whether the couple could have come this way. Tommy thought he heard a faint deep grating sound. They spent over an hour searching fruitlessly through the storm drain network before giving up and returning. When they returned to the surface they searched a long time for Peter Chiang but he was nowhere to be found so they finally gave up and headed back to Chinatown.

~ o ~

Henry stood frozen to the spot as he gazed at the fearsome being before him. For a moment he wondered if Peter Chiang had killed him and this was the way to hell.

Then to his utter astonishment, Lin wrapped her arms around the lion-man and exclaimed, "Vincent, I have never been so glad to see you!" Then she turned to Henry. "Henry, this is my friend Vincent that I mentioned to you." She took Henry's hand. "Now you can see what I meant when I told you that you had to see him for yourself."

Vincent nodded to Henry. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Henry. Lin told me about your situation. I'm glad that we could help."

Lin's face darkened. "Vincent, some things have changed since we last talked."

Vincent felt the fear in both of the young lovers. "We should go to Father's library. We can talk there." He turned and started down the tunnel. He was very troubled by the emotions that he felt coming from the two of them and he could also sense two angry presences in the storm drain just beyond the secret door.

Lin took a tight grip of Henry's hand and followed Vincent drawing a very befuddled Henry along with her.

Henry kept a wary eye on the huge lion-man as he led them deeper underground. Soon however he became fascinated by the strange world he was being led into. The seemingly endless spiral stairs boggled his mind as they descended even deeper. Then they came to a group of tunnels lined with apartment like chambers filled with a large variety of very interesting looking people. Finally they passed through an opening and Henry found himself standing on what looked like a balcony above a very cluttered underground library. An older man was sitting at an old desk, flipping through the pages of a book. His glasses are perched at the end of his nose.

Henry looked around the chamber in wonder. "I still can't believe all this is real."

Lin smiled at him as she hugged him close. "Believe it!"

The lion-man nodded at Henry. "It's as real as your love."

The old man looked up as Vincent descended the metal stairs followed by Henry and Lin. They approached the old man as he stood up and leaned on a rough homemade cane. The next moment a beautiful woman entered the chamber from another entrance. Henry recognized her as Catherine Chandler who he had seen several times in his restaurant with her father. To Henry's surprise Catherine walked right up to the lion-man and threw her arms around him. Then she looked over to Lin and Henry. "I see you made it."

The old man stepped around the desk. "Lin, it's good to see you again." He smiled as he approached Lin and Henry. "The last time you came below was over a year ago for Winterfest." He turned his head and studied Henry for a moment. "And I suppose this is your friend, Henry that Vincent told me about." He stuck out his hand. "You are welcome to stay with us as long as you need. The only thing we ask of you is that you keep the secret of our existence." He clasped the bemused young man's hand in welcome.

Lin spoke up. "Father, there has been an unexpected complication come up that I must tell you about."

Jacob looked at Lin, one eyebrow rose in inquiry, then pointed to a small grouping of mismatched chairs and spoke. "I see child. Let us sit and you can explain what this complication might that be?"

Jacob, Catherine, Lin and Henry all took seats while Vincent stood leaning against the wall next to the chairs. Lin then proceeded to tell Jacob everything that had happened up in the park. After she finished Jacob encouraged Henry to tell his side of the events. After Henry finished Jacob sat for a while deep in contemplation. When he looked up his eyes were troubled but determined as he spoke. "What's done is done. There's nothing we can do about what happened tonight." He looked up at the lion-man. "Vincent why don't you and Catherine guide our guests to the chambers we have prepared for them." He looked at Catherine. "Tomorrow you can find out what the outcome will be of tonight's events."

~ o ~

In the District Attorney's offices the next morning Catherine and Joe were walking through the bull pen. Joe was speaking. "Hey, did you hear about the Peter Chiang murder in Central Park last night? His body was found early this morning."

Catherine responded simply. "Yes I have."

At the flat sound of her voice Joe looked more closely at her. "Well? Do you know anything about it?"

Catherine nodded with a sigh. "Yeah, but it wasn't a murder. An ahhh, anonymous source informed me that Peter Chiang was running through the park last night, around nine, chasing someone that he and a couple of his Tong friends had tried to ambush. He tripped on a tree root and fell on his own knife."

Joe nodded guessing at all that she had left unsaid. "Well for what it's worth, Jerry Poholski is on the case. You should let him know, huh?" Joe walked away as Catherine sits down at her desk. He could talk to her later in private to get the full story. No doubt it involved the tunnels and possibly Vincent.

~ o ~

At about the same time, Inside a building in Chinatown that served as Tong Headquarters, Shin Li Chiang sat behind a large ornate desk in his office. Bruce was walking nervously around a room filled with others who were seated in front of Chiang's desk. Chiang turned in his chair to face the men. "The line has been broken." He leaned on his desk waving a cigarette in hand. "My grandson, Peter, is dead. Nothing we do will bring him back to me. But I want the ears and eyes of Chinatown open and I want every source we have outside of Chinatown contacted. I want Henry Pei found today." He then spoke several orders in Chinese to the men. The Tong soldiers quickly left the office as Chiang swiveled back around turning his back on the room.

~ BB ~

Henry and Lin sat on the old patched sofa in Jacob's library holding hands. Jacob and Lin's grandfather sat in the two chairs next to the sofa. Vincent was leaning against the rock wall next to the sofa. Catherine was standing next to him as he had his arms wrapped protectively around her waist. Joe Maxwell was precariously perched on the only uncluttered corner of Jacob's desk.

Catherine was reporting on recent developments to the rest of those present. "I've talked with Joe's friend in the Asian Gangs Taskforce. Chiang has mobilized his people but they have no idea where you have disappeared to." She faced Doctor Wong. "An undercover officer from the Asian Gangs Taskforce with a family background in herbal medicine similar to yours is looking after your shop."

Joe spoke up as he turned toward Henry and Lin. "Peter Chiang's death has been ruled an accident so Henry is in the clear with the law. Eventually we will get Chiang and his bunch."

Jacob smiled at the three new residents of the tunnels. "In the mean time you are all three safe down here and you are welcome to stay here as long as you want."

~ BB ~

A week later a fair number of people had gathered in Jacob's Library Chamber. A Buddhist monk lighted a red candle located in front of a statue of Buda. Flowers decorated every clear space in the chamber. Lin Wong and Henry Pei stood in front of the monk. Doctor Wong stood beside Lin, Catherine behind him. Jacob stood beside Henry and Vincent stood behind him. Lin and Henry touched palms.

The monk spoke. "May you enter this marriage with love and respect for one another. May your years together be blessed by children. Your love is the sum of your being and must be cherished until the end of your days. For love is truly the strongest of bonds. Yet, for all its strengths, love is also delicate as a lotus flower, and requires care. Let your courage to love serve as an inspiration to all who climb the highest mountains and cross the great waters in love's name."

Vincent and Catherine looked lovingly at each other and smiled. Then their attention shifted back to the bride and groom. The very hectic past week swirled through Catherine's mind. She had seen weddings in the tunnels thrown together quickly before but the speed with which this had been arranged had really surprised her.

~ o ~

Vincent and Catherine stood together sharing a moment on the back stairs in the great hall after the ceremony. Vincent nuzzled the top of her head as he spoke. "You looked so beautiful. For a moment . . . I found myself remembering when we were married and thinking of what a wonderful dream my life is because of you."

Catherine looked up into his eyes. "It is you that has turned my life into a beautiful magical dream, my love."

Vincent looked over at Lin and Henry who were currently dancing together. "They will have a lifetime together. I hope it will be as magical as our life has been."

Catherine sighed deeply. "Their start was rocky but they are safe now."

Charles came up to them and smiled at his daughter and son-in-law. He glanced over at the newlywed couple. "I always love a good wedding. It combines a happy ending with a bright promising beginning." Then his attention shifted back to Vincent and Catherine. "Jacob told me that Devin and Carol are coming to New York for a visit next week."

Peter Alcott, who was passing them at that moment, stopped dead. "Devin and Carol? Oh lord, batten down the hatches. This should be interesting."

That elicited chuckles from everyone within earshot.

The End (of episode 13)

'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.