The Other Path ~ Season 1
By Thomas Mc

Authors Note : Although Steven Bass was captured and locked away while Catherine was in college, that wasn't the last she would see of him This chapter will have several elements of the original episode in it. But as usual many of the original elements have changed because of the events in 'The Road Not Taken'. Hope you enjoy .

Down To A Sunless Sea

Catherine was sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast and reading the newspaper. She turned as a piece of burnt toast popped out of the toaster. She reached over to grab it. It was too hot and she dropped it on the floor with an exclamation. "Damn it!" She reached down and picked it up, quickly tossing it into the sink before it could burn her again. With a soft sigh she got up and went over to the kitchen counter and poured herself a cup of coffee. Then she sat back down at the table and continued reading her newspaper. A few seconds later she took a sip of the coffee and reacted in disgust and set the cold harsh brew down.

At that moment Vincent entered the kitchen, carrying Little Edward, and gave her a concerned look. "Are you OK?"

Catherine looked up at the sight of her husband and son standing in the kitchen doorway and her angry frown melted into a soft smile. "I am now that you're here." She glanced at her watch and jumped up from her chair. "Damn, I'm running late." She gave Vincent a quick kiss as she brushed past him. "I've gotta hurry."

Vincent turned and followed her to the front door, still holding their son. He gave her a very quick but very passionate kiss then stood back behind the door as she opened it.

Catherine stepped out of their brownstone. She had taken no more than a few steps when her heel broke. She barely prevented herself from taking a bad tumble but her briefcase flew out of her hand. It broke open, scattering all her documents across the sidewalk. "God!" She exclaimed in exasperation. "What next?!"

She sat down on the front stoop and took off the damaged shoe, glaring at it in annoyance. "I bought these yesterday!" She picked up all her papers, and stuffed them hap-hazardly back into her brief-case then went back into her home.

Vincent was waiting for her on the other side of the door. "Catherine, what is wrong?"

"Everything! I just broke my brand new shoes and I hurt my ankle." She looked up as he stepped up to her and put his free arm around her. She found herself eye-to-eye with her son's curious young face. After a second she rested her head on his shoulder and gave a long sigh. "I really needed that." She commented softly.

"I know." Vincent responded just as softly.

~ o ~

Catherine and Joe sat in his office talking to a woman who is sitting on the couch. She was looking at her bruised face in a small mirror and frowning at the image she saw there.

Catherine was speaking. "You have to keep reminding yourself of what he did to you . . . Even after the bruises fade."

The woman sighed, and then she responded. "He's still my husband." She gingerly touched the bruises.

Catherine spoke emphatically in an attempt to get through to her. "Marcy! He's dangerous!"

Joe added his voice to the discussion. "If you don't post bail, we can at least keep him locked up, until the trial. And keep you safe."

Marcy was wavering. "Well, uh…. I couldn't stand to see him in there." She forced a weak smile. "You don't know what it was like for me. He was crying like a baby!"

Catherine interrupted her. "He's done that before."

Marcy sighed deeply. "I know but … this is different. He swears, he'll never lay a hand on me again." She glanced from Joe to Catherine. "He swears it." She repeated, mostly to herself.

Joe gave long frustrated sigh. Catherine glared at Marcy, unconvinced. "And you believe him…?"

Marcy stood up, upset and embarrassed. "If there's nothing else, I'd like to go now." She hurriedly exited the room without speaking another word to either of them.

Catherine's face screwed up as she expressed her frustration. "Damn it!"

Joe shook his head in an expression of disgust. "What'd you expect? For her to come around just because we gave her 'a good talking to'?"

Catherine shook her head speaking quietly to herself. "I just have a bad feeling about that guy."

Joe heard her comment and responded. "I agree with your feelings about that woman's husband but, at the moment, there's nothing we can do."

Catherine sighed in exasperation and stood up to exit as the intercom on Joe's desk buzzed. Joe pressed a button on the intercom. "Yeah?"

"Mister Maxwell, There is a call from Boston PD for Miss Chandler on line seven." Reported the voice of the front desk receptionist.

Joe noticed the look of confused curiosity on Catherine's face and decided that she might need some privacy. "Why don't you take it here? I need some coffee." He exited the office

Catherine picked up the phone and pressed the button for line seven. "Chandler."

A male voice responded. "This is Detective Monroe of the Boston Police department. Are you Catherine Elizabeth Chandler?"

"I am Catherine Chandler." She responded. "What is this about?"

"A mental patient named Steven Bass escaped last night and his case file states that I should notify you in the event that he leaves the asylum for any reason." There was a pause. "The file also lists him as unpredictable and possibly violent."

Catherine felt a flash of panic at this news. "I see." Was all she could force herself to say. She paused to get her emotions under control before continuing. "Thanks for the head's up, Detective. I'll keep my eyes open." Catherine gave an exasperated sigh as she hung up the phone. "That's just great!" She complained to herself. "What else is going to go wrong today?"

Joe popped his head through the door. "Is something wrong, Cathy?"

It was obvious to Catherine that he must have heard her last comment. She gave off another sigh and frowned. "A Boston police detective just informed me that Steven Bass has escaped from the nut house."

Joe's frown mirrored Catherine's. "That name sounds vaguely familiar." Joe entered his office and closed the door behind him. "Do I know him?"

Catherine started to pace in front of Joe's desk. "I think I told you about him. That's the nut case back at Radcliffe that thought he could win my affections by kidnapping me." She stopped to face Joe. "It was Vincent that rescued me.

Joes face shifted to surprised recognition. "Ahh yes. Wasn't that the time your father flew Vincent up to Boston to help track you down?"

Catherine nodded. "That's it."

Joe also nodded as an amused smile snuck onto his face. "You can still see the wonder in Vincent's eyes whenever he mentions that plane ride." Then the frown returned. "You need to be extra careful until they recapture that creep. I'll have Detective Henderson put out an APB on Bass."

"Thanks Joe and I'll be careful."

The intercom buzzed again and Joe responded. "Maxwell?"

"Mister Maxwell, an Officer Kyle Reese is here to see you." The voice from the intercom reported.

Joe responded. "Send him in." Then he released the button and spoke to Catherine. "It seems my eleven o'clock is here early." He then shooed her out of his office as Officer Reese entered.

Catherine smiled and nodded to Kyle in passing. Kyle Reese was Catherine's idea of what a 'good honest' policeman should be. He understood the importance of the phrase rule of law. He also understood the concept of the spirit of the law. He knew how to balance the two sometimes opposing ideas in his day to day work.

~ o ~

Catherine looked up from her desk about an hour later to see Kyle and Sarah Reece standing in front of her. Sarah and Catherine had become good friends in the last year. Catherine had attended their wedding and, later, had been named godmother to their son, John. Usually Catherine and Sarah would get together about once a month for lunch and to catch up. The two of them looked so much alike that most people couldn't tell them apart. This was especially true when they were wearing similar colors as they were today.

Sarah was the first to speak. "You ready for lunch?" Sarah took hold of Kyle's hand as she continued speaking. "I thought that since Kyle was already in the building, he could go to lunch with us."

Catherine smiled up at her friends. "Sounds like a great idea to me." She stood up while grabbing her purse. "I'm starved; let's go."

Several patrons of the diner did a double take when they saw the policeman enter with the two identical women. Catherine and Sarah were both amused by the reaction.

The hostess barely turned a hair since this was not the first time the two women had come here for lunch. She quickly got them seated.

Sarah and Catherine had been exchanging news when they had reached a lull in the conversation. Catherine turned her attention to Kyle, who had not had a great deal to say up 'til now. "So, Kyle, besides your upcoming court appearance, has anything interesting happened to you recently?" She raised an eyebrow in enquiry.

Kyle paused and chuckled then began telling her an interesting tale.

"Funny you should ask." He gave Sarah and Catherine an amused grin. "I was on subway patrol this morning when the strangest thing happened. It was the usual morning crush and the platform was packed. The first thing I was aware of was some woman over by the stairs shouting something unintelligible. It quickly became evident that she was trying to say something to a guy in a black cowboy hat at the other end of the platform. Soon several of us were passing what they were saying back and forth." He paused and chuckled again. "Suddenly I found myself in the middle of a rom-com episode as we passed words of love between the two." This time he paused and laughed outright. "The whole thing ended with the guy walking on our shoulders all the way across the platform to where the girl was waiting. That was when I recognized him as that crocodile guy that's been in the newspaper lately."

Catherine burst out laughing. "I knew there were going to be sparks between Sue and Mick."

"Who?" Kyle inquired.

"Michael Dundee . . . his friends call him Mick. That's the crocodile guy's name and Sue Charles is the reporter that wrote about him and brought him to New York." Catherine answered him. "Sue is a childhood friend and I've met Mick. I ran into them a couple of days ago and the romantic tension between them was quite obvious."

Catherine went on to describe her two encounters with Sue and Mick, being careful to leave out any mention of Vincent. She didn't like having to be so careful about what she said where Vincent was involved, especially with friends as close as Kyle and Sarah had become. Once again Catherine found herself wondering if she should introduce Kyle and Sarah to Vincent. But her innate protective caution won out once again. She let the momentary urge pass.

Kyle commented. "When you mentioned the reaction of those punks to Dundee's oversized knife, it reminded me of something else interesting that happened this morning at roll call." He shrugged. "The captain stated that there has been a recent upsurge of stories of sightings of the Central Park Beast circulating among the local street gangs." He shook his head at such a ridiculous idea. "The street gangs are afraid, which could lead to trouble."

"What do you mean?' Catherine inquired with a worried frown.

"Gang members can't let anyone see them showing fear." Kyle responded. "The Captain is afraid that they will react by traveling in larger packs that will be spoiling for a fight to prove their bravery to each other."

"Do you think that is likely?"

"I don't know but the Captain has added extra evening patrols in the Central Park area . . . just-in-case."

Catherine thought about that for a few moments. She would have to warn Vincent about the increased police presence in the park. She shook her head and responded. "There have been increased rumors of the Central Park Creature before and it usually has led to a slight decrease in gang activity." She shrugged. "I doubt that this time will be any different."

"I hope you're right about that." Kyle remarked with an exaggerated sigh.

The conversation quickly shifted to other topics.

~ BB ~

It was already approaching twilight when Catherine finally left work. She had to make one quick stop on her way home so she caught a cab outside the Government building. In the still heavy traffic, she did not notice the dark minivan that was following her from two cars back. She got out of the cab at a small shop on Central Park East that belonged to a long time helper.

Another woman looked up at the sound of the front door bell to see who had entered the small knick-knack shop. Catherine and Sarah recognized each other.

"Fancy meeting you here." Catherine remarked.

"Great minds think alike?" Sarah responded. "What are you in here for?"

"Birthday present for an old friend." Responded Catherine. "And you?"

"A little gift for Kyle." She shrugged. "I was thinking of him when I saw this shop so I dropped in."

~ o ~

The tunnel children were gathered around Vincent in the library as he prepared to read them a bedtime story. "So what story should I read to you tonight?"

A little six year old girl spoke up. "Read the one about Xanadu!" Several of the children expressed their agreement with her choice.

Vincent smiled indulgently at the children. "Alright, but then, it's time for bed." At the enthusiastic agreement to that stipulation, he began to recite the poem by heart.

"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan

a stately pleasure-dome decree:

Where Alph, the sacred river, ran

through caverns measureless to man

down to a sunless sea.

So twice five miles of fertile ground

With walls and towers were girdled round:

And here were gardens bright with sinuous rills,

Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree;

And here were forests ancient as …"

Vincent stopped suddenly as images from an old nightmare, of Catherine being pulled away from him, flashed before his mind's eye. He reached out to her and felt only happy amusement coming from her. He continued reading.

"Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree:

And here were forests ancient as the hills…"

Vincent stopped again, threatened by the same images.

Seeing the look in Vincent's eyes, little Anna spoke up in concern "Vincent? . . . Are you alright?"

Vincent forced himself to smile reassuringly at her. "It is nothing important but there is something that I should check out." He stood up. "We will try to tell this story tomorrow night, but for now, you should all head off to bed."

Reluctantly the children filed out of the library and into the children's dormitories. After insuring that the children were safely ensconced in their dormitories, Vincent headed toward the surface.

~ o ~

As Catherine and Sarah perused the little shop they gossiped about Kyle and Joe. Sarah was sure that Catherine had a special someone in her life and suspected that it might be Joe. Catherine always managed to avoid the subject or simply denied having anyone at present. It had almost become a game to Sarah. 'Who Is Cathy With?'

Sarah stopped, her attention drawn to an object on the adjacent shelf. She clapped her hands and practically giggled. "Oh, Cathy, it's perfect!" She grabbed the object off the shelf practically caressing it. "Kyle will love this." She looked up at Catherine. "I've got to get this. I'll catch you later."

Catherine watched in amusement as Sarah rushed to the front of the store then returned to her own search for the perfect gift.

Sarah stepped out of the shop clutching her prize as she looked for a taxi. The next instant she was grabbed from behind and a sickly sweet smelling cloth was held over her face. There was a short struggle then blackness overtook her.

~ o ~

Vincent became aware of the increased number of officers in the park within a minute of reaching the surface. He pulled the deep hood over his head and moved deeper into the growing shadows of the more heavily wooded areas. He soon reached a reasonably secluded area across the road from the little shop that Catherine was in. He recognized it as belonging to a helper.

After a few minutes he saw Catherine step out of the shop. A man stepped out of a dark minivan parked nearby. The man suddenly turned and grabbed Catherine, placing something white over her face. As Catherine slumped, the man dragged her into the van. Vincent's heart leapt to his throat as he recognized the man as Steven Bass and gathered himself to rush to the van.

The next instant the van pealed out and rapidly moved away toward the park. At that same instant Vincent realized that Catherine's emotional state had not changed and that she was, in fact, still within the little shop.

There was a moment of indecision then, with a surge of determination, Vincent took off in the direction of the van. The traffic was moving at a decent speed but it was heavy enough that the van was unable to make much headway through the other cars. As fast as the traffic was moving, Vincent was faster and he soon pulled up even with the fleeing van.

~ o ~

Catherine was looking at a small figurine of a lion standing at regal attention when she felt a stab fear from Vincent and it was coming from just outside of the shop. She dropped the figurine onto the shelf and rushed out of the shop.

On the sidewalk she spotted Sarah's purse and one of the bags that had obviously come from the shop. She could feel Vincent moving rapidly away from her location as well as feeling his determination. Picking up the purse and bag from the ground, she started waving for a taxi.

Three occupied taxis and one off duty taxi passed her by. She was beginning to get frantic. Weren't there any available taxis in this 'God forsaken' neighborhood? A taxi that was on duty and un-occupied whizzed by her. The driver had not even glanced at her. "Damn!" She stared daggers at the retreating taxi.

The next second, a taxi swerved dangerously across the traffic and screeched to a stop directly in front of Catherine. After recovering from her surprise she jumped into the taxi, pointing up the road. "Go that way as fast as you can!" She ordered.

~ o ~

Officer Wilson had served on horseback patrol for three years now and had yet to see this mythical Creature of Central Park that he had heard so much talk about. He had long since dismissed them as another case of urban legend hysteria. Yet here he was pulling an extra shift because of that ridiculous myth. Right now, however, he was more concerned with the possibility of increased gang activity in the park.

Suddenly his horse was startled and reared back. At the same time he saw a large dark shape approaching his location, moving much faster than anything he had ever seen short of a speeding car. As the apparition approached his position, the light from a nearby street lamp momentarily illuminated the face of the runner. Officer Wilson got a clear look at a distinctly leonine visage that could only belong to that mythical Central Park Creature. The fearsome looking apparition passed by less than thirty feet away and entered the darkening shadows among the trees.

By the time Officer Wilson got his startled horse calmed down, the creature or whatever it was had disappeared deep into the park. How the hell was he supposed to report this without sounding like another nut case? In the end he decided to keep his thoughts to himself. But he would never again be able to simply dismiss reports he might hear of the creature.

~ o ~

"What's going on, Catherine?" Inquired a familiar voice.

Catherine looked at the taxi driver and recognized him as one of two drivers that were also helpers. "Albert!" She cried out in surprise and relief. Albert's presence had just simplified the situation. "I think friend of mine has been kidnapped and Vincent is giving chase." She reported.

"Say no more." Albert responded. "Just let me know which way to go and we'll catch them."

"Thanks, Albert." She cocked her head. "Vincent has changed direction. He's moving toward the other side of the park."

"Got it." Albert responded and took the next turn into the park.

~ o ~

Sarah fought against the grey fog that seemed to envelop her, trying to clear her mind. She remembered being grabbed and something being forced against her face. The next thing she knew, she was lying on her side on a hard surface that seemed to be moving. A vehicle of some type? She thought she heard a male voice grumbling quietly, but she couldn't be sure. She could feel her mind slowly becoming clearer. How long had she been out? What should she do?

She cast back through her memories for some answer to that last question. At this point her love of action and spy thrillers came to her aid. Play possum and gather as much data as her senses could.

Another unintelligible grumble then words became louder and clearer. "I'm not so sure I like this. You didn't say anything about her being an ADA. That makes this a federal beef." A gravelly male voice groused nervously.

"Relax and drive, your being well paid." Responded a second irritated male.

"How long will she be out?" The first male inquired.

"Don't worry!" The second lighter voiced male responded. "She will be out for hours. She won't give us any trouble."

"Are you sure that was enough?" The gruff voiced driver sounded very uncertain. "There wasn't a whole lot in that bottle."

"Quit whining!" The second male's voice seemed to be getting more irritated by the moment. "The guy said there was more than twice the amount needed to knock anyone out. That's why I paid extra. Now shut up and drive."

"OK, OK, no need to snap my head off."

Quiet descended in the vehicle except for occasional mumble curses about the traffic. Sarah thought about what she had learned. The first male was the larger of the two and obviously the driver. Therefore he would not be paying much attention to her. The second male was apparently in the passenger seat.

She risked opening her eyes very slightly. She was in the back of some type of cargo van and facing the side door. She could see no windows in the side wall or the side door. The light was shifting across the wall and floor in a regular rhythm so it must be after dark and they were traveling on a well lighted Street. She wanted to look around but she dared not move her head, for fear that the smaller man might notice.

By now the feeling had begun to return to her arms and legs. She was relieved to discover that they were not bound. Her captors had made two mistakes. If she could catch them by surprise when they tried to remove her from the back of the van, there was a good chance that she could escape. She just had to bide her time and remain calm and alert.

~ o ~

The street lights around the park came on as Vincent ran on maintaining his position abreast of the dark van. The heavy traffic was keeping the van to a speed that Vincent could easily keep up with. He was a little worried about that mounted officer that he had passed in the park but it couldn't have been helped. To break off the chase to get around him would have risked losing track of that van and Catherine's friend. He also knew that he had to stop Stephen Bass befor he could harm Catherine.

Vincent could feel Catherine following from about two miles behind him. He could only sense three presences in the van so he should have no trouble taking the two kidnappers out before Catherine arrived on the scene.

They soon reached the north end of the park and Vincent had to leave the security of the concealing trees. He made for the alleys, trying to stay out of sight as much as possible. He still managed to startle several other pedestrians as he ran past them.

~ o ~

The gruff voiced kidnapper continued to grumble. "What I want to know is, if she's not going to be any trouble then why did you insist that we carry these heavy duty hand cannons?"

What did he mean 'Hand Cannon' Sarah wondered with a stab of worry.

"In case we run into the monster that did this."

She didn't know what the second man had shown the first but the van swerved wildly. "Jesus!" Exclaimed the driver as he regained control of the van. "What the hell?" There was a distinct sound of surprise and fear in the driver's voice.

"If you don't want this to happen to you, then you will keep that gun handy." Remarked the second man sharply. "And pay attention to your driving!"

The swerving of the van had shifted Sarah's position enough that she could now see the backs of the front seats. It didn't help. She still couldn't see the men. Then the second man turned and looked into the back. Sarah quickly shut her eyes and prayed that she hadn't given herself away.

"You won't like what will happen to you if she is damage because of your driving." The second man cautioned with a hint of menace in his voice.

Again the van was quiet except for the normal road noise.

Two minutes later, the van pulled off the road and a second later came to a stop. Sarah closed her eyes and tried her best to look unconscious. The momentary silence was broken by the opening and closing of car doors. The next moment someone had grabbed her feet and was pulling her across the van floor.

"Careful, you fool. I told you, she's not to be injured." Exclaimed the second kidnapper.

As they lifted Sarah out of the van she pulled her legs in then kicked out with all her strength. The driver dropped her feet and doubled over, the wind knocked out of him. She immediately twisted to the right causing the second man to lose his grip on her shoulders. She dropped to the ground with a grunt and looked at the second man in time to see him pulling a very large gun from his jacket pocket.

At that moment the quiet night was shattered by the roar of an enraged lion. The next instant she saw a large fearsome lion-like creature come charging out of the shadows.

~ o ~

Vincent charged Stephen Bass at full roar and knocked the gun out of Stephen's hand just as it fired. He felt fire graze his forearm. A second blow sent Bass flying through the air to hit the ground several feet away where he lay unconscious.

Then Vincent turned on the accomplice.

Sarah was treated to an eyeful of the lion-man creature in full rage. In panic she retreated back into the van, slammed the door shut and locked it.

The driver was still trying to get his wind back while fumbling for his own gun. The gun fell to the ground as Vincent lifted him up by his collar. Vincent brought the frightened man's face to within inches of his own fearsome visage letting the man get the full effect of his fangs and growled deep in his throat. The man wet himself in fear and passed out. Vincent set the unconscious man down.

Vincent turned to Bass and saw that he was still unconscious. He looked down at his own blood stained claws. Even though he realized that it was his own blood, it did nothing to reduce the element of horror in the sight.

He then turned toward the van to see Catherine's double staring out the window at him, her face a mask of fear. To feel the woman's fear and see that look on a face so much like Catherine's was a painful experience.

~ o ~

Sarah's fear rose as the frightening creature turned to look directly at her its fangs clearly visible. She next noticed the long sharp blood stained claws. Terrible images flashed through her head as she thought that surely she was about to become the creature's next victim.

Then out of nowhere Sarah saw Catherine come running toward them. To her immense surprise, Catherine made a beeline to the creature. She grabbed the creatures hands examining them very carefully then threw her arms around it and hugged it tightly.

The next moment a man in a cabby's uniform came up carrying a tire iron and a first aid kit. Catherine released her hold on the creature. The cabby handed the tire iron to the creature and began treating the creature's forearm. By now Sarah felt as though her world was spinning out of control and nothing made any sense.

Catherine came over to the van, a look of concern on her face. She motioned to the van door. "Sarah, open the door. You're safe now." She called out.

After a moment of hesitation, and one long look at the creature, Sarah reached out and unlocked the door then retreated to the far side of the van.

Catherine opened the door. "Are you injured?" She inquired, the worry plainly showing on her face. "Did they harm you in any way?" .

"I'm . . . I'm Ok." Sarah responded tentatively. She glanced at the creature, still standing over the two downed men. The cab driver was currently occupied wrapping a bandage around the creature's arm. "I, ahh, think." Her questioning gaze returned to Catherine.

Catherine glanced over her shoulder, and then looked back at Sarah with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about Vincent. He wouldn't hurt you." She shrugged. "In fact, he just saved you."

Sarah glanced back at the creature and the cab driver. "Which one is Vincent?"

Catherine paused a moment at the unexpected question then chuckled in response. "The big furry one with claws."

Sarah glanced at Catherine in surprise at her answer then looked back at Vincent. "What . . . what is he?"

Catherine glanced back at Vincent then returned her gaze to Sarah and shrugged. "He's my husband." She replied in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

Sarah's jaw dropped and her eyes got wide in surprise and a hint of disbelief as her gaze bounced back and forth between Catherine and Vincent. ""You . . . your kidding . . . right?" She offered with a note of incredulity in her voice. "He doesn't even look human."

"Oh, he's human alright." Catherine responded with a half smirk. She again glanced at Vincent and her smile turned soft then she continued. "Human enough to give me a son."

Sarah couldn't miss the soft affectionate look in Catherine's eyes or the implications of her statement. "I've never heard about you having a son."

Catherine's smile softened even more 'til it radiated warm affection. "We try to keep a low profile where little Edward is concerned since he looks a lot like his father." She saw Sarah's eyes shift and widen a bit. She looked over her shoulder to see Albert walking toward them with Vincent trailing behind.

Vincent stopped about a dozen feet from the van, still holding the tire iron, as Albert stepped up to Catherine and peered into the van. "Is she alright . . . I have my First Aid kit if necessary."

Catherine responded. "No, Sarah's just fine." Her expression became more businesslike as she spoke. "Albert, could you get a message to Detective Henderson and tell him that there has been an incident with Vincent and an attempted kidnapping?"

"Sure thing, Catherine." The cabbie responded.

"Oh!" She interrupted as Albert started to turn away. "Ask Henderson to get a message to Officer Kyle Reese. Sarah is his wife. Let him know what happened and that she is unharmed."

"Right." Albert responded and headed over to his taxi. He absent mindedly grabbed his tire iron as he passed Vincent.

Catherine turned toward Vincent. "Sweetheart, I would like to introduce you to Sarah Reese."

Vincent nodded toward Sarah. "Catherine has told me a lot about you. It's nice to finally meet you." His next comment was addressed to Catherine, who was now smiling in amusement at Sarah's reaction to Vincent's voice. "You've often mentioned that Sarah looks just like you, but until I saw her coming out of that shop, I had always thought you were exaggerating the resemblance." He glanced back and forth between the two women. "If not for our link I could have easily mistaken her for you." His gaze settled back on Sarah. "As it was, I was experiencing a couple of moments of confusion when those men grabbed her outside of the shop. Once they drove away and I could still sense you in the shop I knew that she must be the one you had told me about."

By now Sarah felt in danger of melting, right there on the spot, at the sound of Vincent's voice. She then noticed the knowing grin on Catherine's face and managed to pull herself together. "Um . . . it's very interesting meeting you, too." She responded a bit timidly.

Catherine stepped over and took hold of Vincent's hand on his uninjured side. Her smile had developed a bit of a smirk. "I suspect that you can understand some of the attraction now that you've heard Vincent's voice." She chuckled. "Dad says that if he could find a way to bottle it, he would be the wealthiest person on the planet."

Sarah was looking right at Vincent and saw him roll his eyes. She also thought she could see a hint of embarrassment in his unique features. It seemed like the more she watched him, the more she could see the humanity that lurked within the frightening creature. Then some of the things he had said began to rattle around in her head. After a moment, to shore up her nerve she gave voice to some of the questions that had occurred to her. "What did you mean by you sensed her in the shop." She cocked her head. "And you mentioned a link."

Catherine turned her attention back to Sarah. "Vincent is an empath. He can feel the emotions of those that are close by. Also he and I have formed a type of bond or link. We can feel each other's emotions all the time, no matter how far apart we are." Catherine shrugged. "That is how he knew that I was still in the shop and that, therefore, you were not me."

Vincent jumped in. "I knew that you were not Catherine, but I also sensed the evil intentions of the men that grabbed you so I gave chase. Catherine could feel my emotions so she knew where I was. She grabbed a cab and followed, using her sense of me to guide her."

At this point Albert returned. "I got a hold of Henderson. He is going to speak to Officer Reese. He also suggested that Vincent make himself scarce since there will probably be other officers involved."

"Detective Henderson knows about him." Sarah inquired, incredulously.

Catherine nodded. "Yes, he does." She faced Vincent. "Guess you'd better disappear before the police arrive." She gave him a quick kiss then shooed him on his way. Vincent quickly disappeared into the deepening shadows of the park. Catherine turned and grinned at Albert. "Would you like to play the part of today's savior or should we just blame it on some random Good Samaritan?" The next few minutes were spent settling on an account of the incident that was reasonably accurate without any mention of Vincent.

~ o ~

Shortly after that a police cruiser arrived with Henderson's unmarked sedan hot on its heels. Henderson quickly took charge of the situation then he and the two officers began taking down Catherine, Sarah, and Albert's statements. About this time a second police cruiser pulled up followed by a Fire and Rescue ambulance. At Detective Henderson's orders, the second pair of officers took charge of the injured kidnappers and, after they had been checked out by the paramedic, took the kidnappers away.

About twenty minutes after Albert's initial call, a two door compact car arrived and Kyle Reese jumped out. He raced up to Sarah and Catherine. It took him about a second to decide which was which and he embraced Sarah.

As Kyle and Sarah were reassuring each other, Catherine was watching them with a frown on her face. Sarah had exhibited signs of being a bit flustered while telling the agreed upon story to the officer. Now as she was talking to Kyle she was showing definite signs of strain. She could see that Kyle was also aware of the strain and it was bothering him so he was starting to ask her what was wrong.

After a moment's internal debate Catherine stepped in and interrupted. "This might not be the best time for this conversation." She lowered her voice so that only Sarah and Kyle could hear her. "There are aspects of this that cannot be discussed here." She raised her voice back to a normal level. "Let's go to my place and we can talk about it in a more comfortable setting." She turned her attention to Henderson. "Detective, is it alright for us to go now?"

Detective Henderson gave Catherine a knowing smile. "I think we have everything we need from you. I'll get your statements typed up. I know you three have other very important things to discuss, so you can come by the station some time tomorrow and sign your statements." He waved dismissively at them. "You can go. I have some perps to process." He turned his attention to the other police officers.

Catherine turned to Kyle. "If you will give Sarah and me a ride over to my place, we can talk more freely about what really happened today." At Kyle's glance of disquiet toward Detective Henderson she added. "Don't worry. Henderson already knows all about what we will be discussing." She then started toward Kyle's car and the other two followed

After a second's pause, to glance speculatively over at Detective Henderson, Kyle opened his door. The three got into Kyle's car and he headed toward Catherine's brownstone.

~ o ~

Catherine had subtly discouraged any discussion during the short drive to her place and Kyle had noticed that Sarah's face showed a complex, constantly changing set of emotions whenever he glanced over at her during that drive. Kyle was very aware of a tense silence as they entered Catherine's brownstone.

Once they had entered Catherine's home, Kyle spoke up. "So, what is going on here and why all the cloak and dagger?"

Catherine continued walking toward the center of the parlor as she responded. "I want to begin by saying that one thing I have learned by observing other couples, is that no relationship can survive if there are too many big secrets souring the connection between them." She stopped next to the sofa group and gestured to the sofa.

Once Sarah and Kyle were seated she began pacing in front of them as she continued. "Because of what happened today, Sarah has become privy to part of a huge secret that protects the lives of several good people, including some who are very dear to me. Having to keep this secret from you would eventually end up driving a wedge of distrust between the two of you, and I don't want that." She stopped pacing and faced her two guests. "All I ask of you is that you both protect this secret as if it was your own loved ones that are being protected."

Kyle and Sarah looked at each other and she nodded her encouragement. Kyle nodded back then faced Catherine. "We will keep your secret."

Catherine nodded her acceptance and sat in the love seat facing them. "I'm sure that you remember the urban legend about the Creature of Central Park that you mentioned at lunch today."

"Sure, it's why the department has increased patrols in the Central Park area." Kyle responded, his face showing confusion. "But what does that have to do with what happened?"

"Because, it was that same 'Creature' that stopped the kidnappers and saved Sarah." She paused to let that sink in.

Kyle glanced at Sarah, incredulous surprise written across his face.

She nodded her affirmation with a shrug thrown in.

Catherine continued. "He is real. His name is Vincent. And he is currently upstairs, waiting for an invitation to join us."

Kyle's surprised gaze swung back around to Catherine at her startling statement.

"All I ask is that you keep an open mind when you meet him."

After Kyle's uncertain nod, Catherine turned her attention to the spiral staircase. A few seconds later a pair of heavy booted feet appeared at the top of the stairs followed by heavy leather pant legs. Kyle sensed power and grace as Vincent continued down. Then Kyle let out a gasp as a fur covered clawed hand came into view on the banister. As the apparition continued to descend the blood stained bandage on the furry arm came into view. He felt a tension build in him as the 'creature' continued to descend. Then his leonine face came into view.

Kyle let out a barely audible gasp. It was true! Everything he had heard about the Creature of Central Park was true, born out by that very creature that had stopped at the bottom of the stairs.

Kyle had been so intent on the image before him that he had not noticed Catherine's movement until she stepped up to the creature and put her arms around his torso, smiling up at him. The creature responded by putting his arm around her shoulder. The embrace emphasized how large and powerful he really was. Their actions, however, eloquently illustrated the affectionate relationship between them.

After a moment Catherine turned her attention back to Kyle and Sarah. "Kyle, I would like to introduce you to Vincent Wells." She paused just a moment as she looked up at Vincent's face and a soft smile crept across her face. "My husband."

There were seconds of stunned silence then Kyle practically croaked out. "You . . . your . . . husband?"

Catherine merely nodded before continuing. "And the father of my son."

"Your son?" Kyle choked out. His gaze bounced between Catherine and Vincent several times in disbelief. "How?" His voice failed him.

Catherine's expression turned serious. "The usual way." She glanced at Vincent a moment then turned her attention back to Kyle. She realized that this must be handled very carefully if she was going to win Kyle over. "Despite his appearance, Vincent is very much human. The fact that we can have children is proof of that." She rested her head momentarily against his shoulder. "And before you ask, my son definitely resembles his father. I know it sounds a bit corny but Vincent's outer appearance masks a very gentle and loving soul within."

Kyle's mind was a maelstrom of conflicting thoughts and emotions. "But . . ." His voice failed him. He shook his head trying to pull his thoughts into some kind of order. He couldn't seem to come up with coherent response.

"I know that this is a very difficult thing to take in but I believe that you can handle it." Catherine remarked.

Vincent spoke up. "I know how unsettling my appearance can be." He glanced at Catherine then continued. "Ever since Catherine first met the two of you I have been hearing how much she likes you both and what close friends you have become. Your friendship means a lot to her. I find that I like what she has told me about the two of you and I would like to get to know you better." He paused a moment and cocked his head slightly. "Now that you know about me, I hope that you will come to consider me as much of a friend as Catherine."

The first thought that went through Kyle's mind was the strange dichotomy of Vincent's voice. How could the same voice project such great strength and power while at the same time project such gentle kindness? It was the same dichotomy he saw in Vincent's fierce physical appearance combined with the tender loving way he held Catherine. Even the look of his eyes seemed to echo that same quality of both fierceness and gentleness.

Kyle looked over at his wife's face as she looked anxiously back at him. She was sitting safely by his side, alive and unharmed, because of Vincent. How could he dislike the one who had returned her safely to him? He looked back at Vincent and Catherine. He still saw 'The Creature of Central Park' but now he could only think of him as Vincent.

He considered everything he now knew carefully. Although very irregular, he could find nothing blatantly illegal in the present situation. Leaving Vincent out of the reports of the recent incident with his wife strayed deep into the gray areas of legality but he couldn't really fault any of those involved.

Kyle felt Sarah's hand steel into his. He looked back at her and saw her now looking hopefully back at him. He suspected that she had accepted the situation and was hoping that he would be able to do the same. Though still uncertain, for Sarah's sake and for the sake of their friendship, he would give this strange situation a chance.

Kyle looked back at Vincent and Catherine. "If Sarah can accept him, then I think I can, at least, withhold judgment until I get to know Vincent better. I feel like I'm setting sail on the sunless sea from that poem that my mother used to recite to me as a child." He glanced over momentarily at Sarah. Her face now held a look of encouragement. "But I assure you that your secret is safe with me."

Vincent cocked his head with a hint of surprise. "Your mother quoted "Kubla Khan", the poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge?"

Kyle looked at Vincent in surprise. "You know that poem?"

Vincent nodded. "Father, the man who found and raised me, used to tell it to us children when I was very young. It was one of my favorites."

Catherine's eyes sparkled with memories. "I've known Vincent since I was ten. I can't tell you how many times I sat with Vincent at Father's feet and listened, entranced as he recited that poem to us."

"Father?" Kyle looked at her curiously.

"His real name is Jacob Wells. He dropped out of society after his life was totally destroyed by the McCarthy witch hunts back in the fifties. He was the one that found Vincent, as an abandoned new born infant, and raised him as his own. Most of those that know him simply call him 'Father'. It's one of many very long and involved stories."

Kyle nodded toward Catherine and Vincent. "Vincent, I look forward to getting to know you better . . . and hearing some of those long involved stories." He turned his attention to Sarah. "However I think, for now, that I should get Sarah home. It's getting pretty late and I feel a strong need to spend some time with her." He turned back to Catherine and Vincent. "I'm looking forward to the next time we meet."

"That sounds like a good idea." Responded Vincent with a nod. "After what happened today, you both need a little time alone together."

Sarah and Kyle stood up and Catherine led them to the front door while Vincent retreated to the kitchen. "We are both looking forward to seeing you again." She remarked as she opened the door.

After Kyle and Sarah left Catherine joined Vincent and plopped herself down on the sofa. Vincent sat down and pulled her close. Finally she spoke. "I know that you feel that they can be trusted and that is good enough for me." She snuggled deeper into the security of his embrace. "But I still feel some disquiet."

Vincent responded. "Sarah was half enchanted by the time they left. She is already inclined toward liking me." There was a slight pause. "Kyle is . . . uncertain but very curious. He is still trying to make up his mind on how he feels about our relationship. But he meant it when he said that our secret was safe with him. I don't think it will be too difficult to win him over."

Catherine closed her eyes. "That is good to know."

The End (of episode 17)

'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.