THE ULTIMATE WINTERFEST SURPRISE

by kathyde

When the team from Castle teams up with Joe Maxwell they stumble upon a huge secret and bring it back to Winterfest

6. Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

Miles away, on the island itself, a woman was locked in her bedroom on the third floor of the mansion. She sat curled up in a huge chair quietly reading a book.

Suddenly, she felt waves of adrenaline course through her body. "My God!" she gasped aloud as her thoughts raced to her twin sons. It had been a year since she had last been allowed to see them but she had been able to feel them frequently through the bond that had developed when they were children.

She shot to her feet and began to pace. She was frantically trying to come up with a plan of escape but she knew she would never leave the complex without her sons. She sat back down on the bed and chewed nervously on her nails. She had decided to wait until Ares let her out. She could hear shots ringing out around her but years of obedience kept her seated on the bed.

Struck with an idea, she lay with her ear pressed to the floor and heard the flurry of activity on the level below her.

The lights suddenly went out and she knew the power had been cut. Luckily, the moon was bright and she looked desperately around the room for some type of a weapon but there was just nothing there. Her eyes stopped on the closet as she thought of the items in there. Dismissing it, she kept scanning the room until a thought struck her. She ran to the closet and whipped the door open then started to fling her clothes on the floor. When a section was emptied, she pried the dowel bar loose from its cradle and sighed as she looked at it…it was primitive…yes, but it was solid wood and she felt a little better with some type of weapon.

She grabbed her make up case from the bathroom and dumped it out into the sink. She spotted the hidden makeshift key to her door and grabbed for it then headed back to the door. She pressed her ear against it but could hear no activity as she silently worked the lock open.

Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest. Ares had been tolerant of her for years in fear that the twins would become sick again and need her. But she had known for some time that she was on bided time and now that the twins were old enough to fend for themselves she was definitely expendable. She knew if she was caught outside of her room she would be killed instantly.

She glanced at the camera mounted at the end of the hallway then sighed with relief when she realized the back up generator had not turned it on. She frowned and stopped in her tracks. Whoever was responsible for starting the generators was obviously doing something else and she realized that whatever was going on was more dangerous than she thought.

She made her way quickly down the hall. She knew no one would be on this floor as the rooms were all for her personal use. There was a library and a workout room and an expansive office complete with internet capabilities.

She came to the steps and listened to the sounds below. Hearing nothing, she stealthily headed down them. She could see no one as she came to the bottom of the first landing. Licking her lips, nervously she headed to the main level. Half way down the next flight of steps, she gasped and slammed to a stop. On the landing was one of the body guards. He was holding his hand over a hole in his chest that was bleeding profusely. His eyes were closed and she spotted his gun on the landing next to him. She laid the dowel bar down, and assuming he was dead, leaned over to pick up the gun. The guard reached out and grabbed her hand and she gasped fearfully and fell back on the bottom stair.

"Get out of here quickly, kid."

She frowned at the guard who had always been nice to her. "Stan? I thought you were…"

He gasped for breath. "I will be…"

"Let me find someone to help you…"

"No…get yourself out."

"Stan, I've got to find my boys."

"Coming for you…there was a fire down there…" he gasped. "Ares went to get them…explosion…he's dead."

She knew he was moments away from dying and grabbed for his hand. "Stan…were there any signs of my sons?"

Stan shook his head no and his eyes glazed over as he took his final breath.

She gasped and swiped at the tears in her eyes. She placed his hand on his chest and grabbed for his gun as she leapt to her feet.

She ran down the steps as thoughts raced through her head. Ares was dead. Now was the time for her and the boys to escape. She could only hope that in all the confusion they wouldn't be missed.

She headed to the front door and was just about to open it when someone opened it on her and she backed up and aimed her gun instinctively.

"Freeze! Police! Drop the gun!" Beckett screamed out. When the woman didn't respond Beckett spoke more forcefully. "I said drop it!"

Both women stood at a dead heat. Neither was willing to give up the upper hand.

When she wasn't shot immediately, the woman had felt a glimmer of hope and her hand shook slightly. "Who are you?"

"The police, drop your weapon."

"Why should I believe you?"

Beckett moved stealthily from the doorway and the moonlight lit the woman's face. She blinked rapidly as her mind raced to remember where she had seen the face before.

A low whining sound could be heard coming from outside as a generator finally roared to life. The lights in the house flickered then came on and both women stared at one another in the full light.

Beckett gasped aloud when she realized that standing in front of her was an older version of the woman in the portrait in Vincent's chamber. Curiously, she took a chance. "Catherine Chandler?" The woman's weapon wavered at the sound of her full name. "Oh my God! Are you Catherine Chandler?" Beckett asked forcefully as she marginally lowered her weapon.

"I used to be…" Catherine said as the gun wavered in her hands as well.

"You still are…" Beckett declared as she lowered her weapon then stepped forward and quickly glanced around the rooms that she could see. "The man that owns this island…Ares…is dead. You're gonna be all right now."

Ryan and Esposito came running into the room and Catherine raised her weapon again.

Joe came quickly in behind them and slammed to a stop when he looked at the woman behind the gun. "Holy Shit!"

Catherine blinked then cried out with surprise. "Joe?!"

Joe stepped back a few feet as he gasped from the shock. "Cathy?!"

"Yeah...it's me."

"What…how…?"

Catherine lowered her gun as Joe scooped her up and hugged her fiercely. Catherine's arms came around him; and for the first time in twenty two years, she felt like she could breathe.

"I can't believe you're alive! You sure are a pleasant surprise in this whole mess."

Ryan looked with confusion over at Beckett. "Did I hear you say Catherine Chandler?"

"Yeah."

"She's alive?!"

"Looks like it…" Beckett said as she nodded towards Catherine and Joe.

"Oh my God!" Ryan said as he shook his head with shock. "We've got to get her out of here, come up with time to think before she gets thrown to the wolves."

Esposito looked over at Beckett. "Compound's secure. FBI is on the way. If we want to avoid questions we better get her outta here now."

Catherine stepped back from Joe and shook her head vigorously. "I can't go with you..."

Assuming she was afraid from her years of captivity, Joe reached up and cupped her face. "You're safe now, Cathy. You can come with me. You're going to be okay…"

Catherine grew agitated. "I can't…I have to look for…something that belongs to me…"

Esposito frowned. "We don't have much time…let us help you look."

"No!" Catherine almost shouted. "I have to look for it alone…I…can't explain it…"

Assuming it was her purse or maybe a bracelet, Beckett rolled her eyes. "There's not enough time, whatever it is you'll have to leave it behind…"

"No…I won't go without it."

Ryan stepped forward with a smile plastered on his face. "Even if everyone in the tunnels will be waiting for you?"

Catherine's eyes grew wide as she backed away from them fearfully and wrapped her arms protectively about herself. "What?!"

Joe saw her distress and guessed correctly why she was so upset. "Cathy…everyone here knows about Vincent and the world Below."

She looked at Joe in shock. "I…have no idea what you're talking about and I don't know anyone named Vincent."

As the trained officers exchanged glances, Esposito scowled. "Amnesia…we can stop worrying…she won't be able to tell them anything."

"Great!" Beckett sighed. "There goes our chance at some inside information."

"Shit!" Joe spat out angrily as he stepped forward and tried to offer her comfort. "You remembered me, Cath…do you remember how we met?"

"Of course I do!" At his questioning look, she rolled her eyes. "I worked with you at the DA's office…"

Trying to press the issue again, Ryan stepped forward cautiously. "Catherine, you probably don't remember me…my name is Kevin. As a kid, I used to spend a lot of time Below when my Dad worked. I'm Pascal's nephew…I used to hang out with Kipper and Samantha and Jeffery and then Eric after you brought him down."

Catherine stared at him in disbelief. He said all the names from the past she would need to hear to trust him and she nervously wiped her face with her hands. "I…don't know what you're talking about."

"I wasn't Below much but I did meet you once at Winterfest and then again at a musical recital." Ryan reiterated.

Joe saw the flicker of hope cross her face before she quickly covered her reaction. He realized she was lying and still trying to protect the world Below. "It's okay, Radcliffe, you can trust us."

"I…don't know if I can believe you."

"Well…if I had time I would convince you but I don't…so…"

Catherine began to pace.

Esposito frowned and looked at the group anxiously. "Look…we don't have much time…"

Catherine looked at Joe and hoped she still had some persuasion with him as she pleaded with him. "Let me look…please…if you let me go alone then I'll know you trust me!"

Joe sighed. "Cath, what's so important?"

Time was running out and she knew it, finally, in desperation, she let her guard down. "Kids…Joe…I need to find my sons."

Joe blinked in shock at the news as Beckett stepped in forcefully. "How many kids and how old?"

"Twin boys…they're sixteen."

Beckett nodded. "Ok…we'll start looking…" She looked at Esposito and Ryan. "You two check the perimeter, I'll look in the bunker."

"Wait, you can't…look!" Catherine knew she sounded like a lunatic but she sighed and looked at them desperately. "They look…different…and they're dangerous…or they could be…they're highly trained at self defense…"

Esposito rolled his eyes. "Okay…we got it…weird looking 16 year olds with an attitude…never dealt with them before…" he grumbled as he walked towards the door.

Beckett caught Joe's eyes. "Joe, this will show a willingness to be here not forced captivity…"

Joe frowned at the implications that Catherine had chosen to live here and have a family as opposed to being a captive. Being close to her in the past, he chose to still believe in the latter. He also knew Catherine wouldn't have said something about the kids if it didn't hold some weight. He grabbed for her hand and squeezed if forcefully. "Cath…why are your boys so different?"

Catherine was desperate to start the search and was being kept from doing it and in her frustration, she exploded angrily. "Because they're Vincent's kids! They look just like Vincent but damn it, Joe…they're ten time more dangerous!"

Roars could be heard coming from a lower level and Catherine whirled around and took off towards the sound. The other four looked at one another then followed close on her heels. They stopped abruptly when they rounded the corner and two huge versions of Vincent stood in front of them, teeth bared and angry roars coming from them.

Catherine stood between them and her sons. "It's okay boys…they're here to save us…"

The twins lowered their defenses but low growls still came from them as they watched Joe step forward cautiously with his hands up in surrender. "Hey…look…I got six kids of my own…I know you guys don't trust us and I get that…I do….but a hundred years ago you're mom and I worked together…and we were pretty good friends back then…"

The twin on the left looked down at his mother for confirmation and she nodded. They seemed to relax but stood there and looked warily at the four newcomers.

Joe continued. "Your mom doesn't know it but a few months after she died…well…was kidnapped…I met your father and your older brother."

Catherine tensed and looked at Joe distrustfully. She slowly raised her weapon and backed up in front of the boys. Once again, the twins looked at him menacingly and readied their stances for battle.

Beckett sucked in a breath while Esposito slowly raised his weapon and Ryan stepped by Joe's side.

"What? What did I say?" Joe asked.

"What game are you playing, Joe?" Catherine asked angrily.

Joe threw up his hands in confusion. "No game, Cathy. I swear!"

Catherine looked at him and pointed her gun at his chest. "Vincent was killed a short time after I gave birth and then my son got sick and died a little while after that."

"What?! I don't know why you think that but you're very wrong!"

Catherine shook her head furiously. "I saw it Joe, I saw Vincent get electrocuted in a cage as he tried to get to my son!"

Joe pleaded with her. "Radcliffe…I swear to you Vincent and Jacob are very much alive."

"Jacob?"

"Your son…"

Joe had taken a step towards her, but the twins growled a warning and Beckett stepped forward slowly. "Miss Chandler…think about this…not one of us showed the least bit of surprise upon seeing your sons…don't you think that's kind of odd?"

Catherine looked at her for a moment, and as the reality of the news sank in, she dropped the gun and stepped back then collapsed into the arms of the son on the left.

"Mom?" he said nervously as his arms tightened around her. "Mom!"

His twin looked nervously at the group, and Joe could see him debating between letting his guard down and helping his mother.

Finally, he gave up and went to help his brother. "Mom!"

Joe nodded at the others. "Let's get them outta here." He turned back to the twins. "Can one of you carry her?"

"Yeah," said the twin that she had collapsed against. He easily picked her up then followed Esposito and Ryan as they led the way outside. Beckett followed him, then his twin fell into line and Joe brought up the rear.

Joe put his arm around the last kid. "I'm glad you decided to trust us…when this is all over we'll be good friends."

"We've…never had friends…"

"Well…you're gonna have about two hundred in a few short hours."

Esposito opened the back door to a black SUV. "Get in…" he ordered the twins.

The twins exchanged worried glances then followed the orders, putting their mother safely on the seat between them.

Joe looked over at Beckett. "This is a huge opportunity for you three. I want you to stay here and take some credit for helping to bring down Ares' empire."

Beckett shook her head. "Sir…I don't think…"

Joe held up his hand, interrupting her. "Really…I'll drive Catherine and the boys to the chopper…get them taken care of…you guys stay here, field the questions, then you can follow later."

Ryan and Esposito took off as they saw headlights coming down the driveway.

"We'll delay them! Get her the hell outta here…" Esposito shouted over his shoulder.

Beckett wavered and Joe gently tapped her arm. "Go…make it worthwhile."

He hopped into the driver's seat and waited until he was hidden behind the safety of the trees to gun the engine and take off down the little used service road.

Catherine began to stir as the car jostled on the uneven ground.

"Mom…Mom?" the twins chorused.

Joe handed back a water bottle. "Here…"

The twin not holding her, twisted the cap and put it to her lips. Catherine sipped at it then wiped her hand across her mouth. "I'm…sorry, Charles."

"That's okay, Mom," he smiled.

"Are you all right?" asked the other twin.

"Yeah, Devin…I am."

Joe smiled as he looked into the rearview mirror. "So Charles and Devin…nice to meet you two."

The twins looked at one another shyly. ""Nice to meet you too, Sir," they murmured.

"I'd like to say I know all about you but…well…your dad never mentioned you." Joe said lightly.

His sarcasm wasn't lost on the twins and they smiled at the joke then seemed to relax.

"Joe…" Catherine sighed with distress.

"I'm sorry I said it so abruptly, Radcliffe. Really…"

"Are they really alive, Joe?"

"Yeah...and doing great…I swear…" Joe sighed and looked in the rearview mirror again. "We'll sort this all out later but you were right…sort of. Vincent was electrocuted…but he lived through it…his hands were badly burned, but he definitely lived through it. Another woman, one of our top investigators, found him and together they rescued Jacob."

"And our son...Jacob…I can't believe he survived…is he healthy, Joe?"

"As an ox…he's just a little smaller than these two goons…" he laughed as he nodded towards the twins. "But not by much."

Catherine smiled weakly. "I guess you boys will be getting an older brother…"

The twins exchanged nervous looks and Charles took charge of the situation that for them was quickly spiraling out of control. "Where are we going?"

"To your father's world," Joe explained.

Catherine sighed and put one of her hands on each of their legs. "You know I told you he lived separate and apart from the rest of the world….what I didn't tell you is that he lives in tunnels and chambers that run all through the underbelly of New York."

"How will we get there?" Devin wondered.

Joe caught Catherine's eye again in the rearview mirror. "One of the tunnel kids you knew became a pilot…" At Catherine's questioning glance he continued. "I think he was about fourteen or fifteen when you met him…Zack was his name."

Catherine nodded as she remembered what a free spirit Zack had always been. "That makes sense that he became a pilot."

"He's waiting in a field about three miles from here."

They could hear more sirens in the distance and she became nervous. "Hurry, Joe."

It was only a few minutes later when Joe pulled into a clearing and they spotted a helicopter.

Assuming the twins would be nervous about their first flight. "Now, there's no reason to be nervous. Zack is an excellent pilot."

The twins laughed aloud as Charles explained to a stunned Joe. "We're pilots ourselves. Ares taught us two years ago how to fly almost every aircraft made."

Joe raced the SUV to a stop and Devin, picking up on the urgency in Catherine's tone replied nervously. "C'mon, let's get out of here…"

Zack started the engine as the four ran across the field towards him. Within minutes, they were airborne.

"Hey Catherine, remember me?"

"How could I forget you, Zack? You look exactly the same."

"You too."

Catherine relaxed into her seat and smiled. "Liar!"

Zack glanced at the twins. "Wow, you two look just like your dad!"

"So we've heard," Devin answered.

"Don't be nervous about meeting him…he's a great guy..."

"I bet," Charles smiled weakly.

"Look judge for yourself…you'll be meeting him in a few short hours." Zack smiled.

Knowing they weren't getting to New York in a helicopter, Charles cocked his head curiously at Zack. "We're obviously stopping somewhere to get into another aircraft."

"Yeah, we have a plane hidden on an adjoining island. Once we get there we'll head to the states."

"Joe, I think with the change in circumstances, we should head to Connecticut instead of Long Island," Zack offered.

Joe nodded. "Yeah, Zack, good idea. From there it's just a short drive to New York."

"Connecticut?" Catherine asked with surprise. "Who owns a landing strip there?"

Joe laughed. "Actually…you do…or rather Jacob does. After we found out about Vincent…Peter Alcott, Jenny and I got Jacob declared your heir…he inherited everything."

"Jenny?"

"Aaronson."

"My Jenny Aaronson?"

"Uh, huh….except it's Maxwell now…" Joe grinned.

"Maxwell…?" Catherine gasped incredulously. "You two got married?!"

"Uh, huh!"

Catherine looked at the boys as she explained. "Jenny was my best friend from childhood." A thought from earlier dawned on her and she turned back to Joe. "And you and she had six kids?!"

"Uh, huh…5 girls and a boy."

"Oh my God!"

"Vincent's the godfather to my oldest daughter, Debbie."

Catherine smiled sadly. "I missed a whole lifetime…"

Zack began his descent and the group changed from the helicopter to the plane in record time.

On the second flight, the twins sat as close to the cockpit as they could and were soon lost in stories that Zack was relating.

Catherine fiddled with her hands and Joe reached out and grabbed them. "What's up, kiddo?"

"I'm a little scared…"

"Of what?"

Catherine shrugged and looked away then sighed and looked back at Joe. "Are you and Vincent really good friends?"

"Yeah…the best…why?"

"Would you tell me the truth about something if I asked you?"

"You know I would, Cath! Ask…"

Catherine chewed her lip nervously. "Is there someone else in his life, Joe?"

"Vincent's?" After she rolled her eyes, he guessed who she meant.

"Yes."

Joe was relieved her question was an easy one to answer. "No."

"No?!" Catherine said hopefully.

"No way, Radcliffe."

"He never found anyone else to…love? There was never any one…"

"Well…" Joe grinned mischievously.

"Joe…"

"I'm kidding…I swear…on my mother's lasagna…there has never been anyone else in his life."

Catherine felt relief wash over her as she felt hope spring to life. The twins glanced back at her. Devin's face showed curiosity and Charles' showed alarm. She smiled reassuringly at them. They could see her happiness and smiled back then quickly turned their attention back to Zack.

"They seem like good kids…"

Catherine nodded. "Yeah…they've grown so much…I haven't seen them in almost a year…"

"What?!"

"I'll explain it all, later."

"Even the part about how Vincent's their father?"

Catherine chuckled and looked pointedly over at the boys then squeezed Joe's hands. "Yeah…"

Joe guessed correctly she didn't want to talk in front of them so he nodded. "Okay…"

Catherine sat back in her seat with a deep sigh. "How'd you find me, Joe?"

"I didn't…find you…I mean… I had no idea you were alive. Detective Beckett unknowingly uncovered this whole thing while she was investigating her mother's murder."

Joe spent the rest of the flight relating the entire story. Zack was beginning his descent when he finished up with the long tale.

The group came out of the plane into the light of early dawn.

Joe turned to Catherine. "Traffic is going to start getting bad…"

Catherine had been scanning her surroundings and looked back at him. "We're near my childhood cabin aren't we?"

"Yeah…Jacob slowly bought up the land as the neighbors sold it…he owns close to one hundred acres now. This is the air strip at the south end…"

Zack, followed by the twins, gave the plane a quick but thorough examination. "Look, I'm gonna refuel and ready this baby just in case…I'll meet you up at the cabin after awhile."

Devin looked at his mother. "Can we help, Zack?"

Catherine wavered but Joe took the lead. "Sorry, guys. This isn't some island you'll have free run of…we need to get you safely inside."

The boys nodded and sadly looked back at Zack as they followed Joe down the well worn path.

Catherine quickly got her bearings and took the lead. Joe was surprised at how healthy she was as she and the boys quickened their pace.

He laughed aloud at them as they began to jog. "Why are we in a hurry?"

Catherine smiled happily over her shoulder. "Because I'm free and I'm almost home."

Catherine stopped on the front porch of the cabin and looked down towards the lake. "I used to spend every summer here with your grandparents."

Devin smiled as he put his arm around her. "It reminds me of home..." He blushed furiously and looked down. "I mean…"

Catherine hugged him fiercely. "Its okay, Devin. The island was the only home you've ever known…and as much as I hate to think of you two growing up that way…I know that those will be the memories you'll share."

She turned to open the door to the cabin and Charles walked up and angrily punched his brother then innocently spoke to his mother. "Maybe we'll be able to make better memories when we meet our father."

Catherine turned back and looked curiously at Devin who was rubbing his arm and looking furiously as his brother, she smiled over at his twin. "I hope so, Charles."

They walked into the cabin and Catherine was flooded with memories of the past. The boys went off to investigate, and Joe smiled as they headed into the kitchen.

He walked up and pointed towards them while he looked at Catherine knowingly. "I bet they're hungry…"

"Mom, we're hungry…" Devin's voice floated from the other room at the same time as Joe spoke.

He turned to Catherine waving some car keys. "I'm going to run up to that corner grocery store and get us something to eat. We'll leave tonight…right after it gets dark."

"Okay…"

"Any preferences on food?"

Charles walked in and overheard Joe as he asked. "Anything!" he answered.

Joe grinned and headed towards the garage as Zack was walking up.

"Keep an eye on them will ya?"

Zack nodded. "Got it covered."

Joe pulled out of the drive way and headed towards the store. As he drove, he tried to call Jenny with his cell phone but she didn't answer.

Still being protective even though he knew Ares' empire had fallen, when he pulled up in front of the store, he sent a cryptic text message to Debbie. "Case solved…coming home tonight…tell Mom I ran into her best friend from childhood…bringing her and her two boys home with me."

Joe ran through the store and grabbed all the fixings for the cheeseburgers he wanted to cook on the grill. He also grabbed three boxes of macaroni and cheese and in deference to Catherine, all the items to make a healthy salad. On his way passed the cooler, he grabbed some cans of pop and a gallon of milk.

He had just loaded it all in the trunk of his car when his phone rang. He glanced at the number and smiled as he answered it. "Hey, babe! You got the good news?!"

Solid static came over the line but he could faintly hear Jenny in the background so he shouted. "Babe, I can barely hear you but I found Cathy!"

"Cathy who?"

"Chandler!"

"What?!"

"Catherine's alive, sweetheart!"

"Joe?! Are you all right?"

"Yeah! Jen, it's true…I swear…"

"Really…she's alive?!"

"Yeah, we're coming back tonight…"

"With her two kids?"

"Yeah, twin 16 year olds; they look just like Vincent…"

The static on the line was horrible then it just went dead.

"What about Vincent?" Jenny shouted into the phone as she heard the line go dead.

Joe frowned at the low battery warning flashing on his screen. "Damn."

He got into the car and plugged the phone into the lighter to charge it as he drove back to the cabin.

Zack helped him bring in the grocery bags while Joe went to light the grill. Catherine quickly cut up the vegetables and made a huge salad while she waited for the water to boil for the macaroni noodles. Joe came in and grabbed the hamburger patties then headed back outside.

"Can you boys set the table?" she called out to the twins.

The brothers came in quickly from the living room, Devin grabbed the plates and bowls while Charles grabbed the silverware along with the buns and all the condiments Joe had purchased.

Joe looked in the screen door. "You kids like your burgers mooing?"

Devin grinned at the unfamiliar term while Charles quickly called out. "Medium, please!"

"Zack?"

"I'll have mine rare!"

Joe cooked all but three medium and it wasn't long before he was able to come in with a huge platter of cooked patties.

Catherine gasped. "Joe, who is all of this food for?"

Joe cocked his head curiously at her. "Have you seen the size of your boys?"

Catherine laughed as she shook her head. "They'll never eat this much!"

She grabbed the bowl of salad and passed it around. Not knowing if the boys were good eaters or not, Joe was pleased when they each filled their salad bowls that he had bought enough fixings for everyone.

Zack did a good job of polishing off two of his three burgers and a good size serving of macaroni and cheese. Joe ate two burgers as well but chose salad over the cheesy side dish. Catherine opted to eat the rest of the salad, while the twins wolfed down the rest of the macaroni and cheese as well as three hamburgers each.

They eyed the platter of leftover burgers in front of them then looked at each other nervously. Joe caught the look and knew they each wanted a fourth burger.

"You guys should try to eat some more…I'd hate to see all that food go to waste…"

Each of them grabbed for another burger as Catherine watched in horror. "You're gonna be sick!"

They each had a huge mouthful as they looked at her and blushed furiously.

Joe rolled his eyes. "Women! What do they know about a growing boy's appetite?"

Zack grinned and held his stomach. "He's right, Catherine. I used to be able to eat like that too. William used to go nuts trying to fill us up."

Catherine knew she was outnumbered and shook her head in disgust. "I bet your girls don't eat like this…"

"Are you kidding me?! They eat like a small army. Debbie and Kelly don't…they're starting to watch their figures but Brittany and Amy can pack it away. Maria's still young enough her metabolism hasn't kicked in yet and Joey's already at the age where he's trying to eat like me."

Zack looked at the old friends. "I'll clean up in here then take Devin and Charles down by the lake…why don't you two go catch up."

Joe smiled and grabbed two cans of pop. "Let's go, Radcliffe…before they change their minds."

Charles cocked his head curiously at his mother. "Why's he keep calling you Radcliffe?"

Joe grinned. "It's where she went to college."

"Ohhh…." Charles said as he frowned and looked at Devin who shrugged.

Joe led Catherine into the living room and they sat down on the couch looking out over the lake.

"Tell me about your family, Joe…how'd you and Jenny end up together?"

"Okay, but you asked for it." Joe blew out a long breath. "Jenny and I grew close after we planned your funeral. I guess our shared grief kept bringing us back together. I was…devastated that I had gotten you involved in all of this…"

"No, Joe!"

He held up his hand to stop her. "But Jenny convinced me that it wasn't my fault. Then when Jacob was discovered alive we grew even closer. We met at Peter's house one night and he introduced us to Vincent together. He brought Jacob with him and when I saw Jenny holding him I realized she was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. Vincent was a surprise to say the least but Jenny and I realized why you fell in love with him and we all became good friends. He asked us to be Jacob's god parents and it wasn't long after that we started dating."

"I'm glad."

"We were married a month later and Debbie came two years later. She's eighteen and looks the most like Jenny. Kelly came next and she's seventeen and her mother's best helper. Brittany is my sixteen year old tomboy and a carbon copy of me..."

Catherine giggled. "Oh poor, Jenny!"

"Yeah, that's what my mom says. Well, then we had Amy who is fourteen and Maria came right behind her and she's thirteen. We thought we were done for good. Then we got surprised by Joey who's 8."

Catherine chuckled. "It couldn't have been too big of a surprise…certainly by the time you had five kids you had figured out how it happened."

Joe frowned. "Jenny was on the pill but I still used protection. Still…Joey was a hard pregnancy on her I wouldn't have had her go through that for anything…She was on bed rest the last few months which was not an easy feat for a woman with five kids."

"She's okay now?" Catherine asked with concern.

Joe smiled. "Yeah, fit as a fiddle."

"I can't wait to see her!"

Joe looked at his watch. "You got about eight more hours."

Catherine looked away nervously. "I wish we could tell them we were coming.'

Joe frowned. "Damn! I'm sorry, I meant to tell you I sent a message to Jenny. She called me…the connection was bad but I know she heard me say you were alive."

Catherine was still nervous about meeting Vincent for the first time and she imagined that the boys were even more so. "Joe, let's go talk to the twins about Vincent."

Joe stood and took her hand. "Good idea."

The two friends walked down by the lake and all five of them sat down on the deck. Charles and Devin listened attentively all afternoon while Catherine, Joe and Zack related stories about their father.

After her phone call, Jenny headed out to find Vincent. She came upon Jacob near the dining chamber. "Jacob."

"Hey, Aunt Jen."

"I'm glad I saw you. Are you busy? I need to speak to you and your father…"

Jacob shrugged. "I was heading to see if William had any brownies but I can skip it." He bent over and picked up a rock then tapped out a message. In a few seconds a reply came to him. "Dad's in the school chamber, he'll meet us in his chamber in ten minutes."

Jenny followed Jacob to Vincent's chamber and paced nervously while they waited for Vincent.

"Aunt Jen, what's up?"

Jenny shook her head nervously. "Let's…wait for your dad…"

Vincent walked silently into the room. "Dad is here."

"Hi, Vincent thanks for coming so quickly."

"Jacob said you wished to speak to us."

"Yes…I have some great news to share with you but…um…it's also going to be shocking and really hard to hear."

Vincent could tell that it was serious and he sat down next to her to offer his comfort and hopefully put her at ease. He nodded to Jacob to take a seat and then turned back to Jenny. "It's always easiest to just say it and then we can deal with the problem later."

Jenny smiled and nodded. "Joe found someone very important to us…"

Castle chose that moment to run wildly into the room. "Oh my God! Why are you just sitting here?! We should be planning a celebration!"

Vincent tried to gently guide Castle to the door. "I can tell you're very excited about something, Rick but Jenny was just about to tell us some important news..."

Castle waved his hand dismissively. "Her news can wait! Vincent, we should be getting ready to celebrate now that Catherine is alive and she'll be coming back here in a few hours."

Vincent's world fell away as the meaning of Rick's words washed over him. He stumbled back and sat down heavily on his bed.

Jacob stood up and looked at Castle incredulously. "What did you say?"

Castle looked from face to face as he realized they didn't know. "I thought you all knew…Kate and the guys found your mom…she's alive…"

"I think she's mistaken," Vincent said quietly. "Catherine's dead…I saw her take her last breath."

Castle shrugged. "All I know is they busted onto Ares' compound, he's dead now but they found Catherine. She was being held there all this time."

Jenny nodded in confirmation. "It's true, Vincent. Joe called me awhile ago." She looked at Castle with disapproval. "I had hoped to break the news more gently but…they're at the cabin in Connecticut. They'll be here tonight."

Jacob began to pace. "My mother's alive…is she okay…I mean…does she need medical care or…?"

Jenny stepped up and took his hands. "Jake…all I know is that Uncle Joe said he'd be bringing Catherine and her two sons here tonight."

Jacob gasped. "Sons?"

"Twins…sixteen year old boys."

"I have half brothers?"

"I guess so…Joe said something about your dad but I couldn't understand it."

They looked over at Vincent who was sitting on the bed with his head in his hands.

"Dad?" Jacob asked.

Jenny saw the state of shock that Vincent was in and sighed. "Leave us alone for awhile, will ya kiddo?"

Castle realized what the announcement had done to Vincent and he looked guiltily at Jenny. "I'm sorry…I was so excited…I didn't think…"

She smiled weakly and guided him and Jacob out the door. "Take care of Jake, Rick." She turned back and blew out a long breath then headed to sit by Vincent. She put her arms around him and brought his head to her shoulder as he cried. "I'm so sorry, Vincent."

He swiped at his eyes and began to pace the floor. "It's good news, Jenny, I know and I'm truly happy…I just don't know how it could be possible."

"Well, in a few hours she'll have the answers for you."

"Yes…"

Jenny cocked her head curiously at the tone in his voice. "Vincent…what is it?"

He started to speak then thought better of it and shook his head as he forced a smile. "Nothing, we'll welcome her and her sons here…I need to go tell Father."

Jenny frowned as Vincent left the room, she knew he had been shocked by the news but she hoped that he would feel better after he talked to Father. With a sigh, she headed to find her kids.

Vincent walked into the library and saw his Father reading in a chair.

"Father?"

Father took a second then looked up slowly. "Vincent, what are you doing here? Is it dinner time already?"

"No, Father, it's about three o'clock….I needed to speak with you."

Father snorted sarcastically. "Well I was about to go for a long walk but I guess I can put it off for awhile longer." Vincent gave him a small smile and Father saw that he had something serious on his mind. "For Pete's sake, Vincent, I'm an old man and don't have a lot of time to wait for you to work it out…sit down and tell me what has you so upset."

Vincent sat down and looked at his hands. "She's alive, Father."

"Who?" Vincent rolled his eyes as Father gasped with surprise as a thought popped into his head, "Surely you can't mean Catherine…"

"That's exactly who I mean."

"That's impossible!"

"That's what I thought but Rick and Jenny have both reported that Kate and Joe have found Catherine alive."

Father gasped in surprise. "Are they sure?"

"I don't know…it seems that Joe and the team found her last night. She was being held captive on an island. Joe rescued her and he has her at the lake house in Connecticut. They're coming here tonight."

"Why didn't he just bring her here first?"

"I don't know…all I know is that she's alive and she's coming back."

Father sighed as he looked at his son. "I can't even begin to know how this makes you feel…"

Vincent searched for the words. "I'm beside myself with joy…my heart is searching for hers as we speak but…I…can't allow myself to dream again…she's had another life, Father…"

"I thought that of Margaret too and she came back to me. Catherine loved you once, Vincent, maybe it will be the same way for both of you."

Vincent hung his head as he shook it sadly. "She moved on and found love with someone else…she has twin boys that are sixteen."

"Jacob has half brothers then?"

"Yes."

"And now you feel there will be no place for you in her life?"

"I know there won't be…it's like losing her all over again."

Father grimaced at his son's pain. "I'm sorry, Vincent. I'm truly sorry."

"Me too."

"For Jacob's sake you need to find the strength to talk to her…"

"Yes…I know."

"It will be awkward at first but…it will get easier…."

"Perhaps…"

"Where's Jacob?"

"With Rick, I should find him…speak with him."

"Rick is an overgrown teenager but…he's also a father and a good one at that…he'll talk to Jacob but I'm guessing Jacob would rather hear from you. He's probably having all these same doubts."

Vincent blew out a long breath. "I'll go look for him."

Father reached out a hand to his son. "I'm here for you…both of you if you need me."

Vincent came over and kissed his forehead. "I know."

Vincent left and found Jacob standing in his chamber staring at the portrait of his parents. He walked over and put his arm around his shoulders.

"Hey, Dad."

"Son…"

"She was beautiful…I mean…is beautiful."

"Yes."

"I look exactly like her."

"When you remember to shave…" Vincent joked.

Jacob gave him a half smile then turned back to the portrait. "Why didn't she try to come back…"

Vincent sighed. "Maybe she couldn't."

"Or wouldn't…she could have sent word."

"Jacob…" Vincent sighed.

"I can't help it, Dad! I've spent my entire life wanting to meet her and now that she's coming back…I don't know if I want to see her."

"You must…she gave you life…you owe her the chance to explain."

"I…guess…maybe I'm just anxious."

"You have no reason to be afraid of Catherine. She has a good heart…"

"Yeah…she had another life too…she has other children."

"I know."

"Dad, she knew about me and she supposedly loved you….how could she just forget about all of that….why didn't she ever ask about us? How could she just walk away so easily…"

Vincent shook his head. "You have to meet her, speak to her, if you decide after that to not have her be a part of your life that's your decision to make."

"Okay..."

"Jacob, because of her sons you'll have to meet her by yourself. I…"

"No Dad! I need you there with me."

"You know I can't…"

"Damn it, Dad! How can you put her off so easily? Why don't you want to know where she's been?"

"I…if she wishes to see me, I'll meet with her but…I think she's more anxious to meet you."

"She'll meet us both together or not at all…" Jacob said angrily as he stormed through the room.

"We'll see…" Vincent said sadly.