Chapter 43

Vincent took a seat near his brother's bed and motioned for Rebecca to come and sit next to him. When she was settled he said, "It seems that you and Devin have become quite close in the last few days."

She was quickly defensive, "Is there something wrong with that?!"

"No not at all. In fact I am glad that he is forming ties here that may keep him here after his recovery."

Looking at Devin who was easily close enough to hear them even though he had his eyes closed, Rebecca couldn't admit that his remaining Below was her fondest wish. So instead she lowered her eyes and just nodded. Vincent took her hand in his, squeezing it in understanding.

Vincent stood and leaned in close to his brother he softly told him, "Devin, if you want to talk, both Rebecca and I are here for you. Now though I am going to make some tea." He set about the task making enough for three without asking. Vincent knew that someone would drink it. Tea never went to waste Below.

When the tea was made Vincent turned around to find that Devin's eyes were open and his brother was staring at Rebecca. He quietly poured them both a cup, handed it to them and said, "I forgot something in my chamber. I will be back in about twenty minutes." Clearly the two of them needed some time alone.

Vincent stepped outside the chamber and called for Jamie on the pipes. He quickly wrote a brief message to Catherine and asked that Jamie see it got to Bennie so Catherine would know what had happened. After that, he actually stayed away thirty minutes giving Devin and Rebecca enough time to get some talking done.

Catherine opened the note that Bennie had handed her while he was still chattering away about a near miss he had the day before when a cab's passenger door opened right in his path. If it had not been for his uber-fast reflexes and impressive riding skill he might have been killed.

That much of his story registered in Catherine's brain even as she read: Catherine, the news is not good. Devin will need to have surgery this afternoon. Vincent

She got to her feet as Bennie chattered on and walked by him into Joe's office. When he looked up from his work to see who had come in, Catherine began to speak, "Joe, I just found out that my brother-in-law has to have surgery this afternoon, I need to leave now. I hope to be in tomorrow if all goes well, but will call you if I can't be here."

"Oh sure, go ahead!" he told her, and then rushed on as she turned to leave, "Cathy did you have a chance to call Jenny?!"

She gave him an affronted glare. "No, I didn't! This came up and seemed just a bit more important than you being embarrassed! Sorry Boss!" she snapped, and left, closing his door none too gently behind her.

Catherine grabbed a cab right outside of the office and asked that he get her to her apartment building as quickly as possible. A hurried word with the doorman and she stepped into the elevator. Glad she was alone, Catherine pushed the button for the basement instead of her apartment floor number. Five minutes later she was in the tunnels hurrying towards the hospital chamber.

In Father's study Mary puttered around making tea for the three of them and then took a seat closest to Father's. She placed her hand over his to offer him comfort, but he quickly pulled away giving her an arched brow and a quick glance at Peter.

Peter sputtered on the sip of tea he had just taken and when she could talk, said, "Oh come on Jacob! Do you really think that it has slipped by everyone here Below that you and Mary have been getting cozy?!"

Mary blushed and it was Father's turn to sputter, "I am sure that I do not know what you mean Peter!"

"Oh really?! Would you like me to go and put the question out there on the pipes? Tap once if you know Father and Mary are in love!"

To be continued…..