Chapter Six

Vincent and Catherine spent their first 'proper' evening, alone with Jacob in their chamber. Although everyone was dying to see them, they somehow managed to keep hold of their enthusiasm and leave the reunited family in peace. Uncertain of her strength and health after her horrifying ordeal, Vincent treated Catherine as if she were as fragile and delicate as an orchid, until eventually, Catherine had to say something.

"Vincent, I won't break." She was smiling understandingly at him. "I know it's been a hard time for all of us, but I am well now."

His expression was both one of relief and anxiety. Relief in as much as his Catherine had recovered and anxiety because the result of their love lay asleep in his cot, by their bed, and he could remember nothing of what had happened. It was as if it had never been and Vincent felt shy; gauche, in Catherine's presence. What was expected of him?

"Are you scared of me?" Catherine suddenly asked him quietly, seeing where his thoughts were heading.

He started guiltily. "No, never afraid... as such... unsure... naive... I..." he stopped, his features becoming flushed with embarrassment.

Catherine held out her arms. "Come here, Vincent. I've missed you so much..."

It was obvious from the moment Vincent and Catherine walked into the kitchen that 'something' was cooking—apart from breakfast! All talk had suddenly, self-consciously stopped. There followed only what could be described as a pregnant pause, before Father recovered sufficiently to speak.

"Ah, good morning Catherine, Vincent, we... we didn't expect to see you here, er, this morning... um... you're looking much better now, my dear. How are you feeling?"

"Being with my family is all the medicine I need," Catherine replied, smiling around at them all. "And I have so missed William's wonderful cooking!"

"Flattery will get you everywhere!" William said, waving a wooden spoon in the air. "You've lost far too much weight, I'll soon have you back to fighting fitness!"

Everyone laughed.

Vincent looked around the happy faces at the table but was disappointed that Elliot was not amongst them. "Has anyone seen Elliot this morning?" he asked no one in particular.

"You missed him by about twenty minutes," William replied. "He was here before me, this morning. You know, I've never known a man swing from one extreme to the other like that. To think he almost killed himself when he first came here, you couldn't get a word out of him... and now, he's a real dynamo. That man just does not stop. Where does he get his energy?"

Catherine looked startled. "Killed himself?" she questioned.

"Well, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but he didn't speak much, hardly ate a thing; must have lost plenty of weight. I was getting a real complex that he didn't like my cooking or something."

"Elliot was suffering from post-operative shock," Father explained to Catherine, "We just had to give him plenty of moral support and an incentive to pick himself up." He looked pointedly at Vincent and Catherine followed the gaze.

"Elliot's always been a workaholic... I couldn't imagine him any different really, but... he has changed. I think the ruthlessness has gone," Catherine said.

"Huh! You should have seen him when he set his eyes on the new Map room!" Cullen said. "There was no way he was going to take 'no' for an answer, I'll tell you!" He was laughing as he said it. "An absolute slave driver!"

"I think you're being very unfair," Mary said. "The poor man isn't here to defend himself."

"Oh, Mary, we're only joking," Cullen replied. "He's a great guy and he's certainly proved his worth."

Catherine felt herself glowing with pride. She had always thought that Elliot would have made a great helper, if she could have got past the 'business man' and reached the human being underneath. Hearing how her family felt about him, confirmed her thoughts.

"Well, I hope you're not all going to sit there chatting all day," Father said abruptly, "We do have a lot of work to do!"

Everyone groaned good naturedly and got down to finishing their breakfast before embarking on their various chores.

Over the next couple of weeks, life for Vincent and Catherine settled into some form of normality once all the greetings, hugs and welcomes were over and done with, and it was almost as if they had never been parted.

However, the situation became intolerable for Elliot. He found it difficult to cope with the situation of Catherine being near, or around him all of the time; knowing she loved and cared for a man he had come to feel was the brother he never had. In an effort to control his feelings, he began to avoid Catherine and Vincent and often went for long walks to get rid of pent up emotions. Eventually though, this was not enough. The tunnels began to close in on him and so, in the dead of night, he began to venture Above, not realising he was following the same path that Vincent had trodden over three years previously.

It wasn't that he didn't like tunnel life; it was the fact that he was a man and there was a gap in his life, a gap that he had hoped Catherine would have filled, but that was now impossible. He realised he couldn't go on avoiding her forever, it would be better if he left altogether, but to do that, he would have to clear his name. It seemed an impossible task, but he had faced the impossible before. Elliot wanted to be able to build his skyscrapers again; to hold his head up proudly and face the citizens of New York without shame. The first thing he had to do was see if his friend at the university had managed to crack the code in that little black book. That was the first major obstacle. If that had been done, then there was a chance, and then... then he could go back and see JD.

He thought of her often; of how she was managing; whether she thought about him. He had made a vow that he would not go and visit her until his name was cleared, but that would take many months, even years and he didn't think he could wait that long. They had many interests in common; there was a lot they could share... even love and he wanted to find out.

Dammit, he would! He'd get the book and then go from there! Mind made up, he stepped out briskly, heading for his chamber to make some plans.

As Elliot rounded a corner, he almost bumped into Catherine. They both jumped back in surprise and Elliot stiffened uncertainly, the drive suddenly deserting him as he surveyed her beautiful face. Catherine smiled at him, but was unsettled to see how uncomfortable he appeared to be in her presence.

"Elliot, I haven't seen you for weeks! Have you been avoiding me?" she asked, concerned.

He looked down at his boots and shoved his hands in his pockets, hunching his shoulders in what was clearly a defensive move. "I've been busy," he finally said, evading a direct answer.

"Not that busy. Have I offended you in some way?"

"No."

"Have I done something else that has upset you?"

"No."

"Then why are you avoiding me; avoiding Vincent. He's quite upset about it."

"I'm sorry. I wouldn't do anything to upset either of you. I just thought it would be better for me to give you both some space."

"I've been back a few weeks now, you know you are more than welcome to join us for dinner, for a chat; to socialise."

He glanced up at her from under his eyelashes, his pale eyes guarded, his whole posture uneasy. It was not an Elliot Burch Cathy was used to. "Please, Cathy," he finally began, "Don't make this more difficult for me than it is already."

"I don't understand."

"I loved you once; perhaps I still do... I'm so mixed up inside, I'm not even sure what I'm feeling any more... but you have Vincent, so I'm keeping my distance."

"But you don't—"

"Yes, I do. Not only for my own sake, but for yours and especially for Vincent. He's been like a brother to me and I don't want to find myself in a situation that could destroy the relationship we have. Like I said, I'm so mixed up, I'm not quite sure what I feel... except that maybe..." He stopped, took a deep breath and then continued, "...I think it's best I stay away, that's all."

Cathy wanted to protest further, but wisely held her tongue. Nothing she could say would make him change his mind. In a way, she knew he was doing the right thing; but on the other hand, Vincent missed Elliot's company and so did she, for Elliot was an entertaining individual. And she'd heard the talk; that Elliot was a lot quieter these days, that he appeared to be doing a lot of thinking. He's not going to leave us, is he? Kipper had asked her, his brown eyes, huge. I like Elliot a lot, he treats me like a grown up. That said a lot about how he had changed. Elliot had never had anything to do with children before coming Below. The fact that he treated them like little adults proved that and they loved him for it.

"You do understand, don't you?" Elliot asked her, interrupting her train of thought.

"Yes, but I deeply regret you feel you have to do this."

"It's the safest thing to do, Cathy. I'm just a man, I have my weaknesses... and you are one of them, so I'm staying away from temptation."

"Oh, Elliot, you have changed so much. I am so proud of you." Cathy stepped forward and kissed his cheek. She was aware of his body tensing as she did so and did not prolong the agony of being in close proximity to him. "Please, don't shut us out completely. We are here if you need us," and with that, she smiled sadly at him, then turned and walked away.

Elliot unclenched his fists—he had not even been aware he had tensed that much. His eager plans flew out of the window as the tunnels suddenly became too confining. He needed some fresh air, before the walls closed in around him and he choked. It was dark Above. He would go and stand at one of the thresholds to ease his aching soul.

He changed his mind before he got halfway there and instead, made for JD's apartment. During the months he had been Below, Elliot had studied every map on the tunnels and passages and practically knew every inch. He would have no trouble getting there.

It was almost midnight by the time he arrived at his destination and being Sunday night, he knew she would be in, but his courage deserted him. Hand poised at the door in the dark access by the stairs, Elliot found he just couldn't knock. This is ridiculous, he told himself. Just knock on the damn door! No... I can't... not until I have the book; not until I know if there is any hope for us. He unclenched his fist and laid his fingers on the cold wood. Be patient just a little while longer, JD, let me check if there is a future for us.

Reluctantly he turned away and headed back to the sanctuary of the tunnels. He needed that damn book!

It was breakfast time, and everyone looked up in surprise as Pascal arrived on the scene and made himself comfortable at the table. He usually attended the last sitting.

"Pascal, who's minding the pipes?"

"Elliot."

"He was very early," William spoke. "Said he had lots to do today."

Vincent frowned. He knew there was something wrong and he suspected it was related to Catherine's return. He ate his breakfast in near silence, then rose from the table.

"Catherine, forgive me, I have a few errands to run; I'll be as quick as I can. I'm sure Mary and Jamie will keep you occupied until I return." He kissed the top of her head before turning and making his way to the pipe chamber.

Vincent stood on the threshold, his head slightly on one side and smiled. Elliot, stethoscope in his ears, was obviously in a world of his own, listening to quite a long and detailed message. His face wore a deep frown of concentration.

He had settled in remarkably well considering, and Vincent was pleased to call him friend and brother; but now, he sensed the unrest and what Catherine had told him earlier made him feel uneasy... Elliot was obviously doing a lot of thinking... Vincent also knew that he had been taking himself off at night for long walks Above, prowling the streets like he himself had done. There was a premonition of change in the air...

Elliot tapped a code on the pipes, straightened abruptly, turned and nearly jumped out of his skin. "Vincent! I didn't hear you arrive! How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough." He came closer. "Elliot, your face was a picture of concentration, I'm sure you must have got that message!"

Elliot grinned boyishly. "Yeah, I did... William's been ordering again; we'll never have enough room to store it all!"

Vincent laughed outright at that comment, then sobered. "Elliot, I... I can sense your unrest. Catherine has told me you are purposely keeping your distance from us, because of the feelings you have for her. And I know you have been spending many hours at night, Above."

The pale eyes focused on those of sapphire. "Yes," came the quiet reply.

"What are you planning to do?"

"I've got some crazy notion of trying to clear my name and returning to a job I do well."

"Don't let Catherine's return make you feel that you must leave."

"I'm so happy that she's back; but you and her belong to each other; that is painful for me, Vincent. I know I've lost... I never won. You two have everything now: a home, a family, each other. I don't belong here, I never did, I never will, but—" he held up his hands to prevent Vincent from interrupting. "—I'll be forever grateful to you all for making me feel welcome; giving me the chance to be a member of the family. But up Above, in my hour of need, I met a woman, struggling to make a life, to make ends meet and who, nevertheless, still made room for me."

"JD."

"Yes. She touched something in me that I thought had died with Cathy. I have a chance for another life—away from work; of a family. I - I still love Cathy, I think I always will, but she's yours and I don't want to leave myself in a situation where I might start thinking false hopes." The voice was anguished.

"Elliot, I trust you," Vincent said in a hoarse whisper, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You shouldn't. I've got to leave, Vincent, just in case of temptation."

Vincent shook his head. "No, it doesn't have to be, you have immense strength of character, you—"

"I'm a man, Vincent! A man, with a man's needs. I'm too dangerous to have around! Up there—" he pointed to the roof of the chamber, "—is a woman who I think loves me and I... I realise now that I love her. I need her, Vincent; I've got to return Above. You do understand that, don't you?"

"Yes, I do." He squeezed Elliot's shoulder. "If you are sure that's what you want to do, then we will help you. I give you my word."

Further conversation was prevented by the return of Pascal.

"Thanks for relieving me, Elliot."

"Any time." He turned to leave. "See you later, Mouse wants to see me; said it was urgent."

Vincent followed him out. "Elliot, if things work out for you, know that you'll always be welcome here, but don't distance yourself yet, please."

Elliot nodded in understanding before turning away again. His stride seemed a measured, thoughtful one as he moved along the tunnel.

"Vincent, what's wrong? You've hardly spoken a work since you disappeared after breakfast," Catherine said, placing a hand gently on his arm to attract his attention.

"Hmn? Oh, Catherine... Nothing's wrong... " His voice trailed off as his mind drifted.

"Then what is it?"

He refocused his attention on the woman he loved beyond anything else and gave a huge sigh. "Elliot is going to leave us. He's decided he wants to clear his name and make a new start Above."

"I knew it was coming," she replied rather sadly, remembering the conversation she had had with Elliot a few weeks before. "I just wondered when it would be. We have to help him, but we can't do it alone." Catherine stopped and pondered for a while. "Vincent, I need to talk to Joe Maxwell. He was a good friend, he cared for me, I know we can trust him and I feel so guilty about not having got in touch; to let him know that I'm all right. Is it possible we can arrange a meeting somewhere?"

Vincent took a deep breath. "I think so. We can 'kidnap' him as he leaves work one night; blindfold him, bring him to a pre-arranged site and you can wait in the background until you're sure you really want to do this. I am doubtful, we have no evidence as yet to put before him."

"I know, but I just think that if we wait until we do, the shock of seeing me and any evidence will just prove too much. This meeting is just to let him know I'm around, that's all; to pave a way for when we need him. Let's try and get Joe used to the fact that I'm alive, before we start bombarding him with requests to re-open the MD-HNT case. There may still be a lot of raw wounds around it; we know how people have suffered. We have to be really sure about what we're doing."

"Very well, Catherine, if you just wish to see Joe to let him know you are alive and well, then I will arrange it. I doubt Father will be pleased, but... it must be done. Shall we try for Friday night?"

"That would be perfect, Vincent. Thank you."

It was dark when Joe finally left the office. Tired and weary, he pulled the collar of his coat up and stood at the kerb, looking for a taxi. Why is it there's never one around when you want it? he mused, and then brightened up as he saw one approaching.

Joe waved it down and, as he bent over to get in, was jostled from behind and pushed none too elegantly inside to find himself sandwiched between two men.

"Hey—" he began.

"We advise you to remain very quiet, Mr Maxwell. No harm will come to you," one of the men whispered.

"What do you want?" Joe asked.

"Just a couple of hours of your time. Please, bear with us," replied the other man.

Well, if I am being kidnapped, Joe thought, they are certainly being very polite.

Although it was dark, his kidnappers were taking no chances, as one of them produced a scarf from the pocket of his coat.

"Please excuse our crude methods, but we must blindfold you."

Joe couldn't help smiling inwardly at their good manners and succumbed without protest, as they covered his eyes, checking very carefully that he could not see a thing.

"Where are you taking me?" he asked, not really expecting an answer.

"To meet someone. Now, just sit back and relax. As we said, no harm will come to you," was the reply he got.

The journey—to wherever they were going—seemed to take hours as far as Joe was concerned, but he couldn't be sure. For all he knew, they may have driven round the block a dozen times to mislead him. He just couldn't tell; the driver had been very careful when negotiating any turns.

Finally, there was a sharp turn and a bump as the car turned onto what sounded like gravel. Could we be going up a long drive to a house? Joe wondered.

The car stopped; Joe felt one of the men get out, then his arm was taken in a firm grip and he was helped from the car.

"Mind how you go, the ground is a little uneven," he was advised. "The entrance to our destination is rather low, bend down, or you'll hit your head."

Joe did as he was told, staying that way for almost a minute before he was told he could straighten up again. He tried counting the number of steps he had taken, but gave up as he heard a strange sound; like some kind of metal door sliding open. It was getting more mysterious by the second.

Another few minutes passed, and then he was informed they had arrived. The blindfold was removed and Joe found himself in a dimly lit square room, devoid of any decoration or identification. In fact, it looked like he was underground.

"Would you care to sit down?" one of his escorts asked.

"No, I'll stand, thanks," Joe replied, not wanting to be at a psychological disadvantage to his captives. At least on his feet he had a fighting chance, but of what, he wasn't sure.

One of the other men ignored him and placed a chair behind him anyway. "You'll probably need it," was all he said, smiling in a rather kindly fashion.

Joe frowned deeply. This was the weirdest kidnapping he'd ever been involved in.

"Okay, we're ready!" one of his escorts shouted into the shadows.

A few moments passed, then he caught some kind of movement in the darkness. Joe's eyes widened in shock and disbelief as the figure emerged. He felt the blood rushing away from his head; his knees buckling and muttered, "Oh my God!" just before he passed out with the sight that filled his vision.

His two guards caught him easily and lowered him onto the chair. "See, said he'd need it," one of them said, looking at Catherine as she stood rooted to the spot. "Guess your not being dead has been a bit more of a shock than we bargained for."

Cathy went to Joe, took one of his hands in hers and began to rub it furiously, talking to him all the time. "Come on, Joe! Wake up, I know it's a shock, but..."

From far away, Joe thought he could hear a familiar voice calling him; a voice he thought he would never hear again, yet there it was, filling his head, insistently. Must have dozed off, or something, he thought, forgetting in that moment, all that had happened to him over the past hour or so. Slowly, he opened his eyes and blinked several times as the vision that filled his sight refused to go away.

"Joe? Are you all right, now?" Catherine's concerned voice asked.

Joe swallowed several times, not trusting his voice, then he cleared his throat and attempted to speak. "C-Cathy?" It was a hoarse, strangled whisper.

"Yes, Joe, it's me."

"I'm dead?"

"No, of course not, silly! Take your time, I know it's a shock and I'm sorry about the way you were apprehended and brought here, but I couldn't think of any other way of getting to see you."

His head clearing, Joe sat up straighter and glanced nervously at his two guards.

"They won't hurt you."

"Cathy?" He tentatively reached out a hand and touched her face, convinced she was nothing but a vision, but his fingers encountered warm, soft skin. "Cathy! It is you! Oh God!" He leant forward and threw his arms around her, burying his face in her neck. "You were dead, oh God, you were dead, I saw you! I saw you! The coroner said you'd been murdered by a lethal injection of morphine," he was mumbling.

Catherine just hugged him back, for she knew he was crying; crying in shock and joy and wonder, at knowing she was in fact alive.

Not caring that he was being so emotional, he suddenly held her at arm's length and demanded, "But how? What happened? Where have you been?"

"Let's take things one step at a time, Joe. First, some refreshment. You've had quite a shock." She paused as Cullen came up with a thermos filled with hot tea and two cups. One of Joe's guards disappeared for a few seconds and came back with another chair. "Here you are, Joe," Cathy said, handing him a cup filled with the refreshing liquid. She sat down on the other chair and took a sip of her own drink.

She let Joe take a few mouthfuls before she began her story, keeping it as brief as possible, but it still took over an hour. By the end of it, she could see that Joe was completely numb with shock.

"I can't believe... John Moreno... So, Elliot was right, but I wouldn't believe him and now... Cathy, the baby... Diana Bennett said that this Vincent guy took it... what... what happened to it?" he finally managed to ask.

Catherine smiled. "Aha..." She motioned for Jamie to bring the youngster over. "Not so much of a baby now, is he?" she asked, handing him to Joe.

"Oh! Well hi there... What's his name?"

"Jacob."

"Well hello, Jacob and how are you today?" Joe spent several minutes chatting to the youngster, then suddenly straightened up. "Catherine, what about... I know about... Diana Bennett mentioned... Vincent. What is he?"

"One of the most gentle, kindest people you could ever wish to meet."

"That's not the impression I got! He was as mad as hell and..."

"He was searching for me; trying to rescue me, Joe. He was frantic. Listen to me, Joe. Vincent has only ever acted in self-defence. He has no weapon, no gun to shoot with, he has to cope the best way he can. He's not a murderer! The night Moreno was killed, Vincent was shot. He acted in self-defence and to save Elliot Burch. Moreno went to the carousel to kill Elliot!"

"This is... I can't.. it's too much to take in... Finding you alive... Give me time to take it all in, Cathy." He looked down at the baby in his arms. "Jacob. So, you did get it together with Burch, then."

Catherine knew she shouldn't have, but she couldn't help a giggle escaping. "No, Joe. Not with Elliot."

"No? Then who?"

"A very special man; someone I'd like you to meet in the near future. But I think you've had enough shocks for one night. We'll take this a step at a time—and no arguments!"

"Whatever you say, Cathy. Gee, it really is good to see you again."

"I know, Joe. The feeling is mutual, I assure you. Now, I think we had better get you back to civilisation." She nodded at one of the 'guards'.

"Wait a minute! Where am I? It looks like I'm underground. Am I in one of the tunnels Diana Bennett mentioned?"

"Yes, but please don't ask me any more at this stage, Joe. Please be patient. Many lives depend on these tunnels remaining a secret, but I'm sure, in time, you will be told more. Now, my friends will take you back Above."

"How will I contact you?"

"I will be in contact again shortly, then we'll make proper arrangements, I promise. Take care, Joe." Cathy took baby Jacob from him and handed him to Jamie, before turning to give him a hug.

"Don't leave it too long, Radcliffe, you hear me?"

She smiled at him and gave him a final wave before he was again blind-folded and led away. Cathy smiled. Joe had taken the whole thing very well. The next step would be to somehow convince him to re-open the Malloy Davidson, Hanover Norton Trust Case. Ideally they would need some new evidence...