The Tower And The Beast
Catherine & Vincent's Second Halloween Together
By Thomas Mc
Chapter 3 : Family Ties
As they were dancing Charles initiated the conversation. "How have you been doing lately, Cathy? I see so little of you since you left the firm."
"I know. It seems like we're always just missing each other." She did feel a little guilty about her part in their lack of contact. "But I'm doing great, Dad." She added to her replied.
"How's your job going? Is your boss treating you right?" he asked.
"The work is hard and sometimes Joe takes advantage of my generous nature." She shrugged her shoulders. "But the work is rewarding. I'm very happy there and feel proud of my accomplishments." She smiled. "Actually, Joe is very dedicated and very supportive. He's demanding and he pushes me to do my best, but he supports me when I need it and appreciates the work I do. … He's really the perfect boss."
Charles smiled at her. "I'm glad to see that you have finally found what you were looking for." He whirled her around. "And what about this Vincent fellow?" He chuckled. "I like what … 'little' … I can see of him so far." He smiled. "Where did you meet him?"
The question left her flustered because she hadn't figured out how to answer that one yet so she just blurted out. "In Central Park."
He noticed a rather peculiar unreadable look cross her face when she mentioned Central Park. "I could see the sparks between you two from the other side of the dance floor." Again he chuckled. "How serious is it between you two?"
Catherine became introspective as she considered her response for a few moments. "We're still in the process of figuring that one out." Then she got a look of pure mischief in her smile. "But I'm working on improving my chances of landing him."
Charles' eyebrows climbed as he took in his daughter's expression. "The poor guy hasn't got a chance." He smiled. "It's that serious, is it?"
Catherine's expression became a wistful half smile. "I think it could very well be." She got very sober. "But he's been hurt before and his defenses are formidable."
Charles understood that both her feelings and their difficulties must run very deep. He could also tell that she was reluctant to discuss it. "I wish you both luck, and remember that I'll always be here for you if you need me … for anything."
Catherine smiled and her eyes got a little misty as she heard the sincerity in her father's voice. "Thanks Dad, I really appreciate it."
They danced in silence for a while then Charles decided it was time to change the subject. He thought for several seconds then laughed. "I don't know if you realized it, but that little incident with the three men earlier?" He chuckled again. "I think Elliot was coming to your rescue but Vincent beat him to it." He shook his head. "And one of those men works for Elliot. It was funny seeing him frustrated in such an ironic manner."
Catherine huffed to herself, and then she laughed. "I do seem to have a habit of jinxing his plans, don't I?" She thought about it. "I really don't believe he planned it. Elliot may be devious but he would never resort to that kind of stunt. He would consider it beneath him." She thought about it a moment. "Although, I wouldn't put it past one of his underlings to think of it to try to gain his favor. Either way, I doubt if he is very happy about it right now."
The rest of the dance and the next one were spent pleasantly exchanging tidbits of news and gossip about all of their friends and acquaintances from her old life. Catherine found that she was really enjoying this time with her father and was reluctant for it to end, though she was getting antsy to get back to Vincent. She was wondering if it was wise to leave him on his own for too long.
~ o ~
It had been a few minutes since Catherine had been taken away to the dance floor by her father and Vincent was looking out over the city. He always loved looking at the city lights at night but he had never done it from this high up.
"Good evening. Mind if I join you?" Vincent looked up to see Kay standing at his table. "My date has made off with your date, so I thought I might sit with you till they come back. By the way, my name is Kay." Vincent was caught off guard by her unexpected appearance but he quickly recovered. He knew this could be tricky. He would have to be extremely careful about what he said to her.
"Please join me." He responded as he indicated the chair Catherine had recently occupied. "My name is Vincent."
Kay was momentarily startled as she caught sight of his furry, clawed hand. "That is a most impressive costume you have. It looks so real, right down to your claws."
"Thank you." Vincent responded as he fought the urge to hide his hands.
"Where did you find that mask? It's incredible." Kay said in admiration.
"Actually I suppose you could say that I made it myself." Vincent replied, trying to stay as close to the truth as he felt safe in doing.
Something about the way he had phrased his answer sounded a little off to Kay but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. "Well, you should go work for Hollywood as a makeup artist with a talent like that."
The waiter came by the table and Kay ordered a glass of wine. "How long have you and Cathy known each other?" She inquired after the waiter left.
Vincent was momentarily nonplussed by her question and he replied "About a year and a half." Then he thought that he shouldn't have been so accurate. In fact it had been almost exactly a year and a half since that fateful night he had found her dying in the park.
"And what do you do when you're not busy putting every other costume to shame?" She asked with a winning smile.
Vincent thought fast. "I teach." Then he fired back with a volley of his own. "How long have you known Catherine's father?"
She grinned. "We've been together about twelve years." She noticed him glancing at her ringless left hand. "We are, only, very good friends." There was just a hint of wistfulness in her face. "No one will ever be able to replace Caroline in his heart, though I have tried to be there when he or Cathy have needed me." Then her face brightened. "You and Cathy go well together. I've never seen her so happy. Charles has certainly noticed and I know it makes him happy."
Vincent became a tiny bit self-conscious as he responded. "I am extremely fond of Catherine. Her happiness means everything to me. She also has spoken very highly of you and what you've done for her father."
At that moment Charles and Catherine returned to the table, much to Vincent's relief. Almost on their heels, the waiter arrived with Kay's wine. Catherine also ordered a glass of wine for herself. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Charles and Kay headed off into the crowd.
"That was certainly an interesting experience." Vincent sighed with relief.
The waiter arrived with Catherine's goblet of wine. She took a few sips then, looking down into the glass, she spoke. "I didn't know for sure how to answer some of his questions." She shook her head and looked up at Vincent. "I'm afraid I told him we met in Central Park."
Vincent sighed. "I told Kay that we've known each other for a year and a half." He shook his head. "I wonder what conclusions they will come to when they compare notes." Then he smiled, grabbed Catherine's hand and stood up. "Let us dance."
Leaving her half full glass on the table, she followed Vincent on to the dance floor. Very soon she was once again reviling in the feel of dancing in Vincent's arms.
Midnight was fast approaching and Catherine and Vincent prepared to leave. As they stepped into the elevator, her father and Kay came up right behind them. Then the doors closed on the four of them.
"Well did you enjoy the party?" Charles asked Catherine.
"Very much. It was actually good to see you again. Since I left the firm we don't get to see each other often enough. Maybe we can get together next week." Catherine replied.
"I would like that very much." He paused running his schedule through his mind. "But we're completely snowed under for the next month and a half on this McMillen Industries contract case. Even our meals are turning into strategy conferences." Charles frowned. "I'll see if I can sneak a couple of non-working lunches in when the partners aren't looking."
"It's the same thing with me. We have cases lined up like boxcars all through December and January." Catherine responded realizing that her schedule was as hectic as his. "After that we could spend some time together. I know February is usually a slow month for both of us." Catherine was hoping her father would be free then and they could really spend some time together.
Charles thought for a few seconds. "That sounds like a very good idea. Maybe we could spend a few days or a weekend out at the lake house in Connecticut together." He looked over at Vincent a moment deep in thought. "Maybe you could even bring your friend Vincent out there." Charles noticed a look of deep sadness pass across his daughter's face then disappear. He couldn't help wondering what he had said to bring that on. He was unaware that she had contemplated that very thing just over a week earlier only to have her hopes crushed by the realities of Vincent and his tunnel community.
"It sounds like a possibility." Catherine replied quietly trying not to look at anyone else in the elevator.
Vincent, sensing her mood and knowing the cause, took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. She squeezed back acknowledging the comfort it gave her.
Kay, who had been looking at Vincent at this point, had noticed a flicker of pain flash across his face and the squeeze he gave Catherine's hand. Catherine's response had also sounded empty and just a bit sad to her. Maybe Charles would know what that was about.
The elevator doors opened and they exited the building. There was only one taxi currently waiting in front of the building.
"We can share this taxi." Vincent offered just as a second taxi pulled up to the curb.
Charles asked them. "Where are you headed?"
"We're going to the Central Park Amphitheatre." Catherine answered. "They're putting on a midnight Halloween concert." She had been looking forward to this since she had first heard about it.
Vincent looked at Catherine, in silent inquiry, and getting an answering nod, added, "You are welcome to come with us, if you'd like. The program should be quite good."
"I'm afraid we're going in the other direction," Charles responded. "Why don't you two go ahead and take this taxi and we'll take that other one."
"Are you sure?" Catherine inquired.
"We're sure." Charles replied. "You kids go on and have fun." He smiled at her. "We have our own plans."
Catherine and Vincent got into the taxi. "Delecorte Amphitheatre, driver." Catherine told him.
~ o ~
As the cab pulled away Kay looked with puzzlement at Charles and inquired. "And what are those plans we have?" She arched one eyebrow as she looked at him.
Charles turned to Kay smiling. "Not getting in the way of their time together. I think she has finally found the right one, Kay. She really looked happy."
Kay smiled back. "I think you're right, Charles, I do like him." She sighed. "Any girl would swoon over that voice of his. I wonder what he looks like under all that costume and makeup." She chuckled. "Although, he does look pretty magnificent in his costume." She looked in the direction of the retreating taxi. "From what he told me, she must have met him right about the same time she was mugged."
Charles looked at Kay, startled. "She told me she met him in Central Park." Kay looked back at Charles in surprise as he continued. "She has always said that she doesn't remember those ten days she was missing." He looked back the way the cab had gone. "I wonder if he …" Charles shook his head, shrugged his shoulders, and taking her hand stepped over to the other taxi. Just before getting into the taxi he took one last look in the direction Catherine and Vincent had gone, a look of curious contemplation on his face.
~ o ~
After he had reached Central Park, the cab driver complimented them both on their outfits. "Those are really great costumes you both have on. That mask you've got there is so real looking. Where did you find it?"
"Thank you. Actually I sort of made it myself." Vincent responded with amusement. This was becoming a common refrain for him. He glanced over at Catherine, catching the smirk of amusement that flashed across her face.
"I bet your young lady there gets a kick out of it, too."
"Oh, I love the way he looks," Catherine assured him as she caught and squeezed Vincent's hand, her eyes sparkling in amusement and a hint of something more.
"I guess it was worth all of the work you had to put into it then, aye, Mister?" The taxi driver glanced at Catherine in admiration.
"Definitely!" Vincent agreed, also looking at Catherine.
"Well, here we are." The driver announced as he pulled over. They got out and Catherine paid him. "Have fun now, and be careful." He called as he pulled away.
Catherine and Vincent walked over to the free concert that had already started. As they found a pair of empty seats and sat down, Vincent felt a shiver run up his spine. This was the first time he had ever been able to listen to a concert while above ground and surrounded by normal people … well nearly normal, considering some of the costumes he spotted scattered throughout the crowd. He put his arm around Catherine and felt her rest her head on his shoulder. Everything seemed so hyper-real and yet so completely unreal at the same time. Tonight the very air seemed to sing with magic as the music and Catherine's emotions washed over him.
Finally the concert was over and the crowd began to disburse. Hand in hand Vincent and Catherine walked through the park. As they walked around one of them would comment on whatever drew their interest. Most of the time though they were just quietly enjoying each other's company.
The area around the amphitheatre was heavily patrolled by mounted police at night so Vincent normally would avoid this part of the park. But tonight he was able to walk around openly among the other people and even occasionally exchanged greetings with one of the officers. Catherine even recognized one of the officers that she had dealt with on a couple of cases.
The officer hailed them so they stopped and talked for a few minutes. Vincent was a bit nervous as the officer glanced over at him several times while they were talking. The officer didn't give him more than casual acknowledgment except when he complimented them both on their costumes. Finally he said that he had to continue on his rounds and turned his horse back up the path he had been following. As they walked away Catherine and Vincent both sighed with relief.
"Sorry about that, but I couldn't just ignore him." Catherine told Vincent.
Vincent nodded towards the departing policeman. "I don't think we need to tell Father about that encounter." He chuckled. "I believe it would surely give him a heart attack."
Catherine laughed. "I think you may have a point there."
Twice they came across lovers entwined on one of the park benches, oblivious to their passage. Both times, Vincent felt a twinge of desire wash over him, uncertain if it was coming from Catherine or himself ... or maybe both of them. They also crossed paths with several other couples out for a romantic moonlight walk. Three of those couples even had on Halloween costumes
As they were walking near the edge of the park they noticed an all night deli across the street. It had been several hours since they had left the party and they were both just a little hungry. They looked at each other and headed for it, intending to get a light, late night snack. As they were crossing the street, they noticed two people in cheap plastic masks enter the deli. When they reached the door they could see that both men had pulled out knives and one of them was waving his dangerously close to an old woman's face. She was backed up against one of the booths with nowhere to retreat to. Vincent caught a flash of fear that quickly turned to anger and determination. As he looked inquiringly at Catherine, knowing how she felt about knives, he saw her hand was already on the door. She could not just ignore the situation, especially with that knife so close to that woman's face. He shrugged his shoulders and nodded his understanding and support to her.
As Catherine pulled open the door they both heard one of the two shouting at the man behind the counter, "Hurry up, old man or I'll slice her up good." Both men turned at the sound of the bell on the door only to be faced with Vincent lunging at them his claws outstretched and his fangs exposed as he cut loose with a blood-curdling roar. Both robbers were momentarily stunned by the apparition before them then Vincent hit them both with his full weight and speed, knocking them to the ground. One of the knives skittered across the floor towards the door where Catherine stopped it with her foot. Vincent hit the ground in a roll and came up on his feet on the other side of the two. The old woman was looking at Vincent with a look combining relief and fear in equal parts. Both of the men had lost their masks and were revealed to be young teenagers. As they struggled back to their feet Vincent raised his clawed hands and roared at them again. The boy that still had his knife dropped it, wet himself, turned and bolted through the door that Catherine was still holding open. The other boy tripped over his own feet twice as he scrambled out of the shop. The old woman finally shook herself free of her momentary paralysis and ran around the counter into the arms of the old man.
Catherine watched the two young men running up the street for a couple of seconds, looked over at Vincent and busted up laughing. Catherine staggered over to Vincent and held on to him to keep from falling down with laughter. Soon there were tears running down her cheeks as Vincent also began to chuckle. After a couple of minutes she got herself under control and turned to the couple behind the counter who were staring at them with mouths hanging open, and requested a take home box. She got a couple of napkins and the take home box from him and carefully picked up the knives preserving any finger prints and put them in the box.
When the old man behind the counter finally recovered his wits, he thanked them and asked if there was anything he could do for them. They each got a hot tea and they split a sandwich. All the time they were in the deli the old couple kept peering at them from behind the counter. Vincent distinctly heard the words "Creature of the Park" spoken by the old woman. When they finished their little late night snack, Catherine tried to pay for it but the man refused her money. He told her that it was the least he could do after they had chased those two robbers away.
After Vincent and Catherine left the deli, they headed towards the other side of the park.
"What are you planning to do about those two kids?" Vincent asked.
"They didn't really look very experienced to me. I'm going to run their fingerprints to see if they have records. If they do I'm going to have a couple of friends of mine among the police go by and give them a serious scare. If they don't have a record then they probably won't try anything else for a long time so I will probably let it drop. Give them a chance to straighten themselves out. That way there will be no questions about you to answer."
The rest of the night they wandered the city together, enjoying each other's company and unwilling to let the magic night end. Finally as the first faint glow before the dawn appeared in the sky, they found themselves in a familiar location.
After watching the sun rise over the bridge from the same park bench as last Halloween, Vincent insisted on escorting her up to her apartment door this time. Catherine was quite happy to be able to ride up her elevator WITH Vincent. When they reached her apartment she unlocked and opened her door then turned to face him. She wasn't sure whether it was the two glasses of wine or the magic of the night that engulfed her at that moment. As they stood before her open door, she yielded to her impulse and suddenly threw her arms around his neck and stretched up on her tip-toes to give Vincent a quick kiss on the lips. She ended up putting a little more passion into it and holding it a little longer than she had intended. As he stood there stunned, she said good night and went inside.
Catherine closed her door then leaned against the wall as she felt her heart racing and shivers running up and down her spine. That kiss had been so impulsive. She probably would not have done it if she had taken the time to think about it first. She could still feel the unique touch of his lips against hers. She felt like a giddy schoolgirl after her first real kiss. Finally she pushed herself away from the wall and went to her bedroom. All the time she was getting ready for bed, she kept going over that kiss in her mind. As she fell asleep she vowed that somehow there would be many more like that.
Vincent stood at her closed door for several seconds. That kiss had been so sweet and he had sensed the surprised passion that was behind it. He could also sense a kind of excited giddiness that was now coming over the link as he finally turned and headed for home. All the way back to the home tunnels he walked in a daze. He finally came back to earth when he reached the central part of the community. He stopped by Father's chamber and found him asleep with Brigit's new book open on his lap. Smiling down at him, Vincent gently removed the book, closed it and set it on the desk then he put a blanket over Father. As he headed to his own bed, Vincent decided that tomorrow he would ask Father if they could invite Catherine to Winterfest, this year. It took a while but Vincent finally fell asleep still thinking about Catherine's kiss.
THE END
'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.