The First Noel
Meanwhile, knowing twilight would be soon changing to the coveted state of darkness, Vincent returned to his festively decorated chamber to get his cloak for his journey up top.
Yes, Vincent was eager to see Catherine for many reasons. Firstly, he was anxious to hear about her first day working at the D.A., secondly, he wanted to invite her to his Father's Main event, and lastly, because he was simply longing to see her again.
And so Vincent stopped by his Father’s chamber to inform him of his outing, and when he approached, he halted in his tracks, as he heard Jacob stridently speaking in a very dramatic way!
As Vincent stepped closer, he wondered who he was talking to! And so Vincent stepped in further still to better see. Well after looking to the left, and then to the right, Vincent determined that Jacob was actually all alone; and realized that his father seemed to be rehearsing! And he was rehearsing The Tunnel's First Christmas story!
And so because this sight was quite covertly entertaining, Vincent did not make him-self known right away! So stealthily Vincent stood, and privately smiled, as he listened and watched his very animated, yet gallant father in action.
Meanwhile, Jacob continued reciting, “And so…here we were, this newly formed community, now serving as a family to one another, and we were faced with the most blessed and holiest time of the year! Christmas, rich with family traditions and customs…”
Dramatically spinning around, he continued, “So we wondered...how do we fill the lonely voids we each owned from memories past? What could we do to band us together for this festive time? And so in an effort to keep our world from collapsing before it was too late..."
Stooping a bit, and in a huskier tone, Jacob gleefully said, “...we decided to celebrate Christmas in our own way!”
And meantime, because Vincent couldn't stay silent any longer, he good-naturedly, shouted, “Bravo, Bravo!”
Unfortunately, Vincent's presence, startled Jacob, and so he brought his hand to his heart, and said, “Good Heavens Boy! You shouldn’t sneak up on an aged man like that.”
To which Vincent replied, “I am sorry Father. However sneaking implies a deviant action, and I merely walked in quite openly.”
And then Vincent accusingly asked, “Rehearsing for tomorrow night?”
Embarrassed by the fact he had been caught, Jacob replied, “Rehearsing? Now it is my turn to school you on the usage of the correct verb! After all, rehearsing implies I view tomorrow night’s event as a...shall we say performance. However, all I am doing here is merely going over a few details. After all, it has been a year since I told the story, and I do want to be accurate! Is that such a crime?”
Raising a brow, Vincent teasingly answered, “The only crime I have witnessed here is a serious case of overacting. You do have a flare for the dramatic Father."
Looking irritatingly as his son, Jacob scoffed, "Ha Ha Ha, very funny! I just don't want anyone to be disappointed that's all.."
Smiling downward, Vincent then sincerely said, "Father...honestly, I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed at your recitation.”
In an attempt to look modest, Jacob waved off his son, and it was then he noticed Vincent had his cloak on. And so he inquired, “Going to see Catherine?”
To which Vincent replied, “Yes, I am going to invite her to your performance, err rather event which is planned for tomorrow night.”
Bringing his hand to his chin, Jacob thoughtfully suggested, “I got to thinking about Charles, I mean to say, I do know Peter was issued an invitation via a helper earlier…perhaps Charles would enjoy coming as well. I have a notion they would come together along with Catherine.”
Nodding in agreement, Vincent answered, “Well, all we can do is invite Charles and see if he is able to attend.”
To which Jacob replied, “Very good. Yes, please convey to Catherine how much we hope her Dad can come."
As Jacob considered who all might be attending, he clapped his hands gleefully together, and said, "It looks like I...err, I mean WE may have quite a crowd then."
Kissing his Father on the cheek, Vincent with a smile in his eyes, agreeably said, "Indeed WE may...I shall leave you now so you can continue to rehearse…rather go over the facts and details.”
Hosting the realization his son knew him so well, Jacob self-consciously smiled, and said, "Be careful Vincent..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, as Catherine read on, she began to feel more and more disheartened as she went through the compiled facts regarding Steven.
Shaking her head in disgust at his secret life of crime, she then thought back on some other cases she dealt with that day.
The parade of people she had seen, all of whom had also chosen the dark path versus the light. It literally broke her heart thinking about these wasted lives, and the poor victim's lives they had affected or ruined.
Meanwhile, after knocking on the ice glazed pane of Catherine’s balcony door, Vincent then stepped to the wall looking outward, to await her response.
As Catherine heard his tapping, she closed the case file, and dried her tears, before she went to open the balcony door.
Standing still for just a moment, Catherine looked at her Vincent, thinking of how this enchanted improbable love story she was living, has changed her spirit, and it was all due to Vincent.
What an influence he has been on her life and heart. Yes, Vincent has taught her so much, and now since they have totally committed to one another, he has offered and given her everything.
As Vincent heard Catherine's sweet salutation, he turned to look at her, and saw she had tears in her eyes. Stepping up to her, he with concern asked, “Catherine? Are you all right?”
Looking up at him, Catherine replied, "I am fine now..."
And though Catherine didn't admit anything was wrong, Vincent knew there was something...and so he tipped his head as he noted, "Still though, you are unsettled...I feel it..."
To which Catherine admitted, "I guess you may have caught me at an emotional moment..."
Asking her to confide in him, Vincent kindly asked, "Tell me, what is it?"
To which Catherine expelled a sigh of trepidation, as she admitted, “There's so much to tell you, I don't know where to start exactly."
Questioning, Vincent asked, "Is it about working at the District Attorney's office?"
With a penitent demeanor, Catherine slowly began, by saying, "Yes, there is that, and also reading all the sordid details in Steven's file..."
With an understanding tone, Vincent replied, "Sounds overwhelming by anyone's standards."
With a nod, Catherine said, "I suppose so..."
Picking up on Catherine's depleting self confidence, Vincent incredulously asked, "You are not doubting yourself Catherine?"
To which Catherine contritely answered, "I guess if I were to be completely honest right now, I would tell you that I AM wondering if I can do this job Vincent...I mean to face these low life people on a daily basis..."
Catherine then detailed, "...today, Paul had to question a man, who is charged with killing his elderly neighbor, and Paul did so respectfully. Because after all, this confessed murderer is allowed to have his day in court. The facts and evidence are so grotesque it was hard to even look at him, yet, this defendant sat there unashamed, even gloating, knowing the very set of laws he had broken, were also going to protect him."
And then Catherine admitted, "I'm not sure I could have acted as professionally as Paul had."
Assuredly, Vincent replied, “You are just feeling confounded by the newness...but YOU can do this job Catherine. You have the strength to do what needs to be done. The world needs people like you who care…”
Self consciously Catherine looked downward, feeling humbled by the confidence Vincent had in her, and was empowered by his words, because she knew there was no one who knew her spirit as Vincent did.
And so Catherine promised, "I will give myself time to adjust...I won't give up."
And then Catherine stepped into Vincent's arms, needing to feel his strength as he lovingly embraced her.
So as they settled in by the warmth of the fire, it was then Vincent told Catherine about the special event, saying, "You may be happy to know, Father will be telling The First Tunnel Christmas Story tomorrow night."
Upon hearing Vincent and Mary's scheme was successful, Catherine with a smile and a giggle, said, "Ah nice! So it turned out to be a good thing you quote, unquote forgot to tell it then."
With a yielding guilty smile, Vincent playfully said, "Ah yes, FORGOT being the operative word, now Catherine, you understand the conversation we had with Mary is confidential. In fact, Rebecca is the only other person who is privy to all the details."
Smiling, Catherine said, "I promise not to breath a word...and Vincent may I say, I think your gesture on Father's behalf was very sweet..."
To which Vincent humbly said, "I only knew we had to intervene in some manner, you saw how painfully conflicted Father was..."
Admitting she did, Catherine replied, "Yes, and I have to say the look on his face really tugged at my heart..."
With a pleasant ending to tell, Vincent responded, "Well Catherine, I have to relay that having this event tomorrow night, has lifted Father's spirits...lifted all our spirits."
Pleased to hear, Catherine said, "I am so glad your plan worked out then..."
To which Vincent nodded, and then shared, "Indeed...in fact...it worked even better than we had hoped. You see, after Father planned this additional gathering, he decided to open up the event to the entire community and for some of our special Helpers as well..."
And so graciously, Vincent then extended an invitation to Catherine, saying,
"...and though Father and I of course planned to invite you, it's the children who are issuing the invitation to you."
Warmly Catherine asked, “The children?”
With a nod, Vincent answered, “Yes…they were quite adamant that you were invited, and hope very much you may attend."
Happy for this little boost, a bolstered Catherine replied, “So sweet, well, I will be there Vincent. After all, I wouldn’t want to disappoint the children, and like I said before, I am eager to hear the story myself."
Vincent then invited Charles too, saying, "And...Father is hoping your Dad may come as well."
In response, Catherine smiled, and excitedly replied, "He is? Really? That is so nice! Well maybe I better call my Dad right now!"
Amused by Catherine's childlike enthusiasm, Vincent with a nod, happily agreed, and so Catherine did.
And after calling Charles, Catherine excitedly told Vincent her Dad would be coming, and was happy to have been invited.
Vincent with a yielding guilty smile, playfully said, "Now Catherine, you understand the conversation we had with Mary is confidential. In fact, Rebecca is the only other person who is privy to all the details."
Smiling, Catherine said, "I promise not to breath a word..."
As Vincent laid his head upon hers, he could feel her weariness returning, and so he said, "I will go so you can get some much needed rest."
Reluctantly Catherine conceded, saying, "Yes...well now I have tomorrow night to look forward to."
And so as they walked out to the balcony, Vincent said, "Yes, so until tomorrow Catherine..."
And after Catherine responded with a fond goodnight, Vincent reluctantly separated himself from her, and ascended into the darkness.
As Catherine stood now alone, looking up into the clouded night sky, she could feel her contentment fade, as an immense sadness crept in.
Catherine felt thankful, that at least while she was with Vincent, she was able to forget about all the evil in the world...
Going back into her room, Catherine picked up where she left off in Steven's case file, and read through some of the crimes not only he was being charged with, but crimes of his affiliates too.
Thinking she just couldn't read anymore, Catherine sadly closed the cover and was about to give into her emotions, when suddenly she became more angry than sad!
And as she re-opened Steven's file, Catherine knew she could do this, and so she did! She then read on, to prepare herself for whatever she would hear at the deposition tomorrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, in the peaceful quiet of midnight, Vincent walked back to the tunnels. His visit with Catherine left him feeling unsettled, as the realization that her new job would be a viewing room of mankind at its ugliest.
And Vincent wondered how much a caring heart such as Catherine’s could take?
But he realized that Catherine's journey was only just beginning at the DA, and Vincent privately committed to travel with her, every step of the way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, the excitement for the evening’s event was quite tangible during breakfast amongst the tunnel community!
And Jacob was in especially good spirits because of the talk surrounding the event, and because his relationship with everyone was back on track too!
And Mary was quite gay as well, because she was overseeing many of the details for the event, and was especially concerned for what Jacob was planning to wear.
And so Mary asked, "What will you be wearing for the event tonight Father? Not the same tunic you wore to this years Winterfest I hope."
Seeming to be taken aback by her question, Jacob surprisingly said, “Oh my Mary…I had not given my attire a single thought as yet! And you are right, since there will be several helpers attending the event, I shouldn't wear the same garment.”
Meanwhile, Mouse who was a few steps away, talking to Vincent, overheard the conversation between Mary and Jacob! And Mouse wondered how Jacob could have forgotten so soon! Because it was just last night, when Mouse helped Jacob get out the chest, that had all of his finery in it!
And Mouse specifically remembered Jacob trying on several tunics, until finally he liked one! And so now after hearing what Jacob said to Mary, Mouse stood there very puzzled indeed, and then became worried because Jacob forgot all about it!
And meanwhile, because Vincent noticed the look on Mouse's face, he asked, "Is something wrong Mouse?"
To which Mouse replied, "Gotta help Father, he is forgetful, and I have to help him remember!"
And so Mouse innocently stepped up to Jacob while he was still on the same topic with Mary, and offered, “Father? Remember you found a good tunic...and said it made you look slim! Remember you looked in the mirror and shouted "Perfectus" and you told me that was a Latin word for...”
In an attempt to drown out Mouse, Jacob excitedly asked, “Err...Mouse, ahhh, would you see if William has finished brewing the tea?"
And because Mouse is always happy to be of any help, he dropped the current subject, and agreed, and said, "OK fine, be right back..."
And so Jacob, thinking he chased off Mouse before he said too much, was caught off guard when Mary, with a cocked ear inquired, "What was Mouse saying about a tunic?"
Meantime, Vincent who had figured out the whole "Garment" scenario, observed and listened as his father replied, "Hmm...it was unclear Mary..."
And so Jacob thought he had successfully avoided Mary's question, until suddenly he felt Vincent's eyes on him!
And so as Jacob shifted his gaze to his intuitive son, he knew by Vincent's knowing look, the jig was up!
Meantime Mouse came back with the tray, and said, "Tea is ready, but Father, I want to help you remember! Remember last night..."
And before Mouse could say more, this time Vincent cut Mouse off, and asked, "I am in immediate need of your assistance Mouse, will you come with me?"
To which Mouse replied, "OK Vincent! I can help Father remember later."
And so as Vincent and Mouse turned to leave, Vincent looked back at his Father, who sheepishly smiled at his son, and silently said thank you.
To which Vincent simply nodded, indicating his Father's secret was safe with him.
But before they were out of earshot, Mary requested, "Well when you boys are finished doing what ever you are doing, meet me and in the Hospital Chamber, we have to set things up for the annuals!"
With a nod, they both promised to report for duty directly!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Catherine entered the courtroom along with Paul, and Joe, and couldn't help but be stunned when she saw Steven.
Steven had completely dropped his fake needy façade, and as Joe read off the charges against him to the judge, Steven stood ice cold, and crass as he faced his accusers.
It was strange though to Catherine, Steven never once looked her way...and when it was over, she was thankful for that.
And so as they exited the courtroom after the hearing, Catherine excused herself to go to the lady’s room. And when the door shut, she privately cried at the complete waste Steven’s life had been, and of how she was once so close to him.
After all, they were once engaged to be married, and she willingly gave a part of her heart to him, but he took so much more.
Thinking back to that time, and of how hard it was to break free from their relationship, Catherine knew it did help make her a stronger person for managing to do so…but yet…here she was...crying in a courthouse bathroom for him, all these years later.
Did he still have a hold on her in some manner? Confidently Catherine answered her own question…by reminding herself, that no, he did not, she had compassion for him, nothing more.
Their lives were completely separate now…he would be going to prison, and she would be walking away.
Feeling a bit better after her cry, Catherine blew her nose, and went out to rejoin Paul and Joe.
As the two stood waiting, they could see the redness in Catherine's eyes, and could tell she was taking her former fiancé’s indictment pretty hard.
And so thoughtfully, Paul asked, “You Okay?”
And because she didn't want to come off too emotional, Catherine tried to keep her self in check, as she appreciatively answered, “Yes…I am fine.”
The two men, who had been through a million of these hearings looked at each other, knowing Catherine was trying to be strong, and so Joe shared, “Ya know…I had to sit through one of these things for an old childhood chum of mine…and it was tough. I gotta tell ya…I cried like a baby when I saw his broken hearted mom in court, as Tony faced the judge in shackles."
Catherine intently listened as Joe went on to say, "I'm just tryin' to say, there’s no law that says you can’t feel Radcliff…you just gotta find a way NOT to let it get the best of you. But I don’t think pretendin’ is the answer.”
Looking at Joe, then Paul, Catherine tearfully admitted, “Yes, well it was terrible seeing Steven in this position..."
And then Catherine added, "...but truth is, I figured you two have enough to deal with, and you don't need an emotional colleague too.”
Warmly, Paul said, “We're a team...and we're there for ya. Just don't try and hold it inside, you gotta talk about it or it'll eat ya up! Hey, what do ya know? Listen to me, talking as if I am a shrink or something. You’ll figure it out Cath.”
Joe too added, “Or not…and if you find this whole scene isn’t for you, there’s no shame in walking away from this. You can always say, you at least tried.”
Though she appreciated the out Joe was giving her, Catherine suddenly sensed a renewal of the faith Vincent had in her, and so she turned to Joe, and confidently said, "I'm not gonna walk away Joe."
With a crooked grin, Joe nodded saying, "Somehow I didn't think you would Radcliff."
Clearing his throat from the emotional pride he unexpectedly felt for his new employee, Joe suggested, “Let’s get some lunch uh? I am starving. How about Moe’s.”
To which Paul said, "Hey sounds great!"
Surprised they would go into the lower East side, Catherine asked, “Way over on Canal Street?”
Incredulously, Joe answered, “Yeah, where else can you get triple-decker pastrami? You gotta problem with that?”
Right back at ‘em, Catherine smugly answered, “Not from me! I’m partial to the Subs there myself…”
Slyly Joe looked at her, and suspiciously asked, “Italian or American style?”
Shocked he had to ask, Catherine said, “Italian of course, I love the hot peppers.”
Slapping Catherine on the back, Joe said, “I think I’m gonna like ya kid.”
To be continued
Chapter Five
Meanwhile, knowing twilight would be soon changing to the coveted state of darkness, Vincent returned to his festively decorated chamber to get his cloak for his journey up top.
Yes, Vincent was eager to see Catherine for many reasons. Firstly, he was anxious to hear about her first day working at the D.A., secondly, he wanted to invite her to his Father's Main event, and lastly, because he was simply longing to see her again.
And so Vincent stopped by his Father’s chamber to inform him of his outing, and when he approached, he halted in his tracks, as he heard Jacob stridently speaking in a very dramatic way!
As Vincent stepped closer, he wondered who he was talking to! And so Vincent stepped in further still to better see. Well after looking to the left, and then to the right, Vincent determined that Jacob was actually all alone; and realized that his father seemed to be rehearsing! And he was rehearsing The Tunnel's First Christmas story!
And so because this sight was quite covertly entertaining, Vincent did not make him-self known right away! So stealthily Vincent stood, and privately smiled, as he listened and watched his very animated, yet gallant father in action.
Meanwhile, Jacob continued reciting, “And so…here we were, this newly formed community, now serving as a family to one another, and we were faced with the most blessed and holiest time of the year! Christmas, rich with family traditions and customs…”
Dramatically spinning around, he continued, “So we wondered...how do we fill the lonely voids we each owned from memories past? What could we do to band us together for this festive time? And so in an effort to keep our world from collapsing before it was too late..."
Stooping a bit, and in a huskier tone, Jacob gleefully said, “...we decided to celebrate Christmas in our own way!”
And meantime, because Vincent couldn't stay silent any longer, he good-naturedly, shouted, “Bravo, Bravo!”
Unfortunately, Vincent's presence, startled Jacob, and so he brought his hand to his heart, and said, “Good Heavens Boy! You shouldn’t sneak up on an aged man like that.”
To which Vincent replied, “I am sorry Father. However sneaking implies a deviant action, and I merely walked in quite openly.”
And then Vincent accusingly asked, “Rehearsing for tomorrow night?”
Embarrassed by the fact he had been caught, Jacob replied, “Rehearsing? Now it is my turn to school you on the usage of the correct verb! After all, rehearsing implies I view tomorrow night’s event as a...shall we say performance. However, all I am doing here is merely going over a few details. After all, it has been a year since I told the story, and I do want to be accurate! Is that such a crime?”
Raising a brow, Vincent teasingly answered, “The only crime I have witnessed here is a serious case of overacting. You do have a flare for the dramatic Father."
Looking irritatingly as his son, Jacob scoffed, "Ha Ha Ha, very funny! I just don't want anyone to be disappointed that's all.."
Smiling downward, Vincent then sincerely said, "Father...honestly, I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed at your recitation.”
In an attempt to look modest, Jacob waved off his son, and it was then he noticed Vincent had his cloak on. And so he inquired, “Going to see Catherine?”
To which Vincent replied, “Yes, I am going to invite her to your performance, err rather event which is planned for tomorrow night.”
Bringing his hand to his chin, Jacob thoughtfully suggested, “I got to thinking about Charles, I mean to say, I do know Peter was issued an invitation via a helper earlier…perhaps Charles would enjoy coming as well. I have a notion they would come together along with Catherine.”
Nodding in agreement, Vincent answered, “Well, all we can do is invite Charles and see if he is able to attend.”
To which Jacob replied, “Very good. Yes, please convey to Catherine how much we hope her Dad can come."
As Jacob considered who all might be attending, he clapped his hands gleefully together, and said, "It looks like I...err, I mean WE may have quite a crowd then."
Kissing his Father on the cheek, Vincent with a smile in his eyes, agreeably said, "Indeed WE may...I shall leave you now so you can continue to rehearse…rather go over the facts and details.”
Hosting the realization his son knew him so well, Jacob self-consciously smiled, and said, "Be careful Vincent..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, as Catherine read on, she began to feel more and more disheartened as she went through the compiled facts regarding Steven.
Shaking her head in disgust at his secret life of crime, she then thought back on some other cases she dealt with that day.
The parade of people she had seen, all of whom had also chosen the dark path versus the light. It literally broke her heart thinking about these wasted lives, and the poor victim's lives they had affected or ruined.
Meanwhile, after knocking on the ice glazed pane of Catherine’s balcony door, Vincent then stepped to the wall looking outward, to await her response.
As Catherine heard his tapping, she closed the case file, and dried her tears, before she went to open the balcony door.
Standing still for just a moment, Catherine looked at her Vincent, thinking of how this enchanted improbable love story she was living, has changed her spirit, and it was all due to Vincent.
What an influence he has been on her life and heart. Yes, Vincent has taught her so much, and now since they have totally committed to one another, he has offered and given her everything.
As Vincent heard Catherine's sweet salutation, he turned to look at her, and saw she had tears in her eyes. Stepping up to her, he with concern asked, “Catherine? Are you all right?”
Looking up at him, Catherine replied, "I am fine now..."
And though Catherine didn't admit anything was wrong, Vincent knew there was something...and so he tipped his head as he noted, "Still though, you are unsettled...I feel it..."
To which Catherine admitted, "I guess you may have caught me at an emotional moment..."
Asking her to confide in him, Vincent kindly asked, "Tell me, what is it?"
To which Catherine expelled a sigh of trepidation, as she admitted, “There's so much to tell you, I don't know where to start exactly."
Questioning, Vincent asked, "Is it about working at the District Attorney's office?"
With a penitent demeanor, Catherine slowly began, by saying, "Yes, there is that, and also reading all the sordid details in Steven's file..."
With an understanding tone, Vincent replied, "Sounds overwhelming by anyone's standards."
With a nod, Catherine said, "I suppose so..."
Picking up on Catherine's depleting self confidence, Vincent incredulously asked, "You are not doubting yourself Catherine?"
To which Catherine contritely answered, "I guess if I were to be completely honest right now, I would tell you that I AM wondering if I can do this job Vincent...I mean to face these low life people on a daily basis..."
Catherine then detailed, "...today, Paul had to question a man, who is charged with killing his elderly neighbor, and Paul did so respectfully. Because after all, this confessed murderer is allowed to have his day in court. The facts and evidence are so grotesque it was hard to even look at him, yet, this defendant sat there unashamed, even gloating, knowing the very set of laws he had broken, were also going to protect him."
And then Catherine admitted, "I'm not sure I could have acted as professionally as Paul had."
Assuredly, Vincent replied, “You are just feeling confounded by the newness...but YOU can do this job Catherine. You have the strength to do what needs to be done. The world needs people like you who care…”
Self consciously Catherine looked downward, feeling humbled by the confidence Vincent had in her, and was empowered by his words, because she knew there was no one who knew her spirit as Vincent did.
And so Catherine promised, "I will give myself time to adjust...I won't give up."
And then Catherine stepped into Vincent's arms, needing to feel his strength as he lovingly embraced her.
So as they settled in by the warmth of the fire, it was then Vincent told Catherine about the special event, saying, "You may be happy to know, Father will be telling The First Tunnel Christmas Story tomorrow night."
Upon hearing Vincent and Mary's scheme was successful, Catherine with a smile and a giggle, said, "Ah nice! So it turned out to be a good thing you quote, unquote forgot to tell it then."
With a yielding guilty smile, Vincent playfully said, "Ah yes, FORGOT being the operative word, now Catherine, you understand the conversation we had with Mary is confidential. In fact, Rebecca is the only other person who is privy to all the details."
Smiling, Catherine said, "I promise not to breath a word...and Vincent may I say, I think your gesture on Father's behalf was very sweet..."
To which Vincent humbly said, "I only knew we had to intervene in some manner, you saw how painfully conflicted Father was..."
Admitting she did, Catherine replied, "Yes, and I have to say the look on his face really tugged at my heart..."
With a pleasant ending to tell, Vincent responded, "Well Catherine, I have to relay that having this event tomorrow night, has lifted Father's spirits...lifted all our spirits."
Pleased to hear, Catherine said, "I am so glad your plan worked out then..."
To which Vincent nodded, and then shared, "Indeed...in fact...it worked even better than we had hoped. You see, after Father planned this additional gathering, he decided to open up the event to the entire community and for some of our special Helpers as well..."
And so graciously, Vincent then extended an invitation to Catherine, saying,
"...and though Father and I of course planned to invite you, it's the children who are issuing the invitation to you."
Warmly Catherine asked, “The children?”
With a nod, Vincent answered, “Yes…they were quite adamant that you were invited, and hope very much you may attend."
Happy for this little boost, a bolstered Catherine replied, “So sweet, well, I will be there Vincent. After all, I wouldn’t want to disappoint the children, and like I said before, I am eager to hear the story myself."
Vincent then invited Charles too, saying, "And...Father is hoping your Dad may come as well."
In response, Catherine smiled, and excitedly replied, "He is? Really? That is so nice! Well maybe I better call my Dad right now!"
Amused by Catherine's childlike enthusiasm, Vincent with a nod, happily agreed, and so Catherine did.
And after calling Charles, Catherine excitedly told Vincent her Dad would be coming, and was happy to have been invited.
Vincent with a yielding guilty smile, playfully said, "Now Catherine, you understand the conversation we had with Mary is confidential. In fact, Rebecca is the only other person who is privy to all the details."
Smiling, Catherine said, "I promise not to breath a word..."
As Vincent laid his head upon hers, he could feel her weariness returning, and so he said, "I will go so you can get some much needed rest."
Reluctantly Catherine conceded, saying, "Yes...well now I have tomorrow night to look forward to."
And so as they walked out to the balcony, Vincent said, "Yes, so until tomorrow Catherine..."
And after Catherine responded with a fond goodnight, Vincent reluctantly separated himself from her, and ascended into the darkness.
As Catherine stood now alone, looking up into the clouded night sky, she could feel her contentment fade, as an immense sadness crept in.
Catherine felt thankful, that at least while she was with Vincent, she was able to forget about all the evil in the world...
Going back into her room, Catherine picked up where she left off in Steven's case file, and read through some of the crimes not only he was being charged with, but crimes of his affiliates too.
Thinking she just couldn't read anymore, Catherine sadly closed the cover and was about to give into her emotions, when suddenly she became more angry than sad!
And as she re-opened Steven's file, Catherine knew she could do this, and so she did! She then read on, to prepare herself for whatever she would hear at the deposition tomorrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, in the peaceful quiet of midnight, Vincent walked back to the tunnels. His visit with Catherine left him feeling unsettled, as the realization that her new job would be a viewing room of mankind at its ugliest.
And Vincent wondered how much a caring heart such as Catherine’s could take?
But he realized that Catherine's journey was only just beginning at the DA, and Vincent privately committed to travel with her, every step of the way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, the excitement for the evening’s event was quite tangible during breakfast amongst the tunnel community!
And Jacob was in especially good spirits because of the talk surrounding the event, and because his relationship with everyone was back on track too!
And Mary was quite gay as well, because she was overseeing many of the details for the event, and was especially concerned for what Jacob was planning to wear.
And so Mary asked, "What will you be wearing for the event tonight Father? Not the same tunic you wore to this years Winterfest I hope."
Seeming to be taken aback by her question, Jacob surprisingly said, “Oh my Mary…I had not given my attire a single thought as yet! And you are right, since there will be several helpers attending the event, I shouldn't wear the same garment.”
Meanwhile, Mouse who was a few steps away, talking to Vincent, overheard the conversation between Mary and Jacob! And Mouse wondered how Jacob could have forgotten so soon! Because it was just last night, when Mouse helped Jacob get out the chest, that had all of his finery in it!
And Mouse specifically remembered Jacob trying on several tunics, until finally he liked one! And so now after hearing what Jacob said to Mary, Mouse stood there very puzzled indeed, and then became worried because Jacob forgot all about it!
And meanwhile, because Vincent noticed the look on Mouse's face, he asked, "Is something wrong Mouse?"
To which Mouse replied, "Gotta help Father, he is forgetful, and I have to help him remember!"
And so Mouse innocently stepped up to Jacob while he was still on the same topic with Mary, and offered, “Father? Remember you found a good tunic...and said it made you look slim! Remember you looked in the mirror and shouted "Perfectus" and you told me that was a Latin word for...”
In an attempt to drown out Mouse, Jacob excitedly asked, “Err...Mouse, ahhh, would you see if William has finished brewing the tea?"
And because Mouse is always happy to be of any help, he dropped the current subject, and agreed, and said, "OK fine, be right back..."
And so Jacob, thinking he chased off Mouse before he said too much, was caught off guard when Mary, with a cocked ear inquired, "What was Mouse saying about a tunic?"
Meantime, Vincent who had figured out the whole "Garment" scenario, observed and listened as his father replied, "Hmm...it was unclear Mary..."
And so Jacob thought he had successfully avoided Mary's question, until suddenly he felt Vincent's eyes on him!
And so as Jacob shifted his gaze to his intuitive son, he knew by Vincent's knowing look, the jig was up!
Meantime Mouse came back with the tray, and said, "Tea is ready, but Father, I want to help you remember! Remember last night..."
And before Mouse could say more, this time Vincent cut Mouse off, and asked, "I am in immediate need of your assistance Mouse, will you come with me?"
To which Mouse replied, "OK Vincent! I can help Father remember later."
And so as Vincent and Mouse turned to leave, Vincent looked back at his Father, who sheepishly smiled at his son, and silently said thank you.
To which Vincent simply nodded, indicating his Father's secret was safe with him.
But before they were out of earshot, Mary requested, "Well when you boys are finished doing what ever you are doing, meet me and in the Hospital Chamber, we have to set things up for the annuals!"
With a nod, they both promised to report for duty directly!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Catherine entered the courtroom along with Paul, and Joe, and couldn't help but be stunned when she saw Steven.
Steven had completely dropped his fake needy façade, and as Joe read off the charges against him to the judge, Steven stood ice cold, and crass as he faced his accusers.
It was strange though to Catherine, Steven never once looked her way...and when it was over, she was thankful for that.
And so as they exited the courtroom after the hearing, Catherine excused herself to go to the lady’s room. And when the door shut, she privately cried at the complete waste Steven’s life had been, and of how she was once so close to him.
After all, they were once engaged to be married, and she willingly gave a part of her heart to him, but he took so much more.
Thinking back to that time, and of how hard it was to break free from their relationship, Catherine knew it did help make her a stronger person for managing to do so…but yet…here she was...crying in a courthouse bathroom for him, all these years later.
Did he still have a hold on her in some manner? Confidently Catherine answered her own question…by reminding herself, that no, he did not, she had compassion for him, nothing more.
Their lives were completely separate now…he would be going to prison, and she would be walking away.
Feeling a bit better after her cry, Catherine blew her nose, and went out to rejoin Paul and Joe.
As the two stood waiting, they could see the redness in Catherine's eyes, and could tell she was taking her former fiancé’s indictment pretty hard.
And so thoughtfully, Paul asked, “You Okay?”
And because she didn't want to come off too emotional, Catherine tried to keep her self in check, as she appreciatively answered, “Yes…I am fine.”
The two men, who had been through a million of these hearings looked at each other, knowing Catherine was trying to be strong, and so Joe shared, “Ya know…I had to sit through one of these things for an old childhood chum of mine…and it was tough. I gotta tell ya…I cried like a baby when I saw his broken hearted mom in court, as Tony faced the judge in shackles."
Catherine intently listened as Joe went on to say, "I'm just tryin' to say, there’s no law that says you can’t feel Radcliff…you just gotta find a way NOT to let it get the best of you. But I don’t think pretendin’ is the answer.”
Looking at Joe, then Paul, Catherine tearfully admitted, “Yes, well it was terrible seeing Steven in this position..."
And then Catherine added, "...but truth is, I figured you two have enough to deal with, and you don't need an emotional colleague too.”
Warmly, Paul said, “We're a team...and we're there for ya. Just don't try and hold it inside, you gotta talk about it or it'll eat ya up! Hey, what do ya know? Listen to me, talking as if I am a shrink or something. You’ll figure it out Cath.”
Joe too added, “Or not…and if you find this whole scene isn’t for you, there’s no shame in walking away from this. You can always say, you at least tried.”
Though she appreciated the out Joe was giving her, Catherine suddenly sensed a renewal of the faith Vincent had in her, and so she turned to Joe, and confidently said, "I'm not gonna walk away Joe."
With a crooked grin, Joe nodded saying, "Somehow I didn't think you would Radcliff."
Clearing his throat from the emotional pride he unexpectedly felt for his new employee, Joe suggested, “Let’s get some lunch uh? I am starving. How about Moe’s.”
To which Paul said, "Hey sounds great!"
Surprised they would go into the lower East side, Catherine asked, “Way over on Canal Street?”
Incredulously, Joe answered, “Yeah, where else can you get triple-decker pastrami? You gotta problem with that?”
Right back at ‘em, Catherine smugly answered, “Not from me! I’m partial to the Subs there myself…”
Slyly Joe looked at her, and suspiciously asked, “Italian or American style?”
Shocked he had to ask, Catherine said, “Italian of course, I love the hot peppers.”
Slapping Catherine on the back, Joe said, “I think I’m gonna like ya kid.”
To be continued
Chapter Five
| Destiny of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Four _______________________________________ |
