| Until my last breath By Sharon Holtz Chapter One Note: This will be a Round Robin story between Dawn and Sharon "We hope you will enjoy our story" |
"How..." Catherine wondered, "...will anyone find me here in this rustic old warehouse? I'm not even sure where I am! All I can do is pray that some way Vincent will find me here. He has to, for our baby's sake."
No longer was Catherine concerned for her own safety, but rather the focus was now on the child she was carrying...Vincent's child. And hopefully, she will one day very, very soon, be able to tell Vincent...he is going to be a father.
How she wished she would've told him the last time she saw him. But he just didn't seem ready for such monumental news, not when there were still so many things about his past, he couldn't recall or grasp.
Although he seemed well rested, and had a peacefulness about him, there were some things he was still struggling with. The extent that his illness effected him was not totally clear to her, until that dreadful moment when he admitted, that although he knew she was the woman he loved, he did not know her name!
She thought her heart must have broken in two that day. She needed him so much, and Vincent couldn't even remember her name, or even more devastating, he hadn't yet touched the memory, of he and she making love in that dark cave. So how in the world could she have told they were having a baby?
Seeing him so mentally fragile was devastating, but she managed to mask her sadness the best she could. Vincent was her first consideration, and she didn't want to do or say anything that might cause a relapse. She felt Jacob would never forgive her, if Vincent would have become sick again over this news.
Then Catherine began to speculate, what will Jacob say when he finds out she is expecting Vincent's child? Unsettled by the idea of explaining her baby's conception to Jacob, she quickly banished the notion, knowing she couldn't handle such thoughts right now. She had a more immediate problem, figuring a way to get out of there!
So frantically, she began to look around for a way to escape, but as she checked out the room, she ultimately decided, it seemed hopeless without help from someone on the outside.
Just as her spirits sank to an all time low, she cried softly, calling out to her own father, "Help me Daddy..."
Suddenly she sensed her Dad's protective presence and she swore she could hear him speaking one of his favorite inspirational quotes, "Do what you can, where you are, with what you've got." He would recite this FDR quote at the end of every meeting, in an effort to inspire his young partners at the firm. Because sometimes, one is not given very much to work with.
So motivated by this thought, she stood back up, and as she slowly spun around, to check out every square inch of the room, she thought, "Well, I haven't got much.", but she still kept saying to herself, "Come on and think Catherine! Think!"
It was then she noticed a section of the New York City's pipe system, running along the edge of the floor and up the wall, through the ceiling.
A ray of hope encompassed Catherine's heart, as she thoughtfully tapped out a SOS on the pipes, thinking all the while, "Thank you Daddy!"
As she tapped away, she trusted the ever diligent Pascal would hear her...or better yet, perhaps her desperate message would be heard by her beloved Vincent.
Suddenly, the thugs who had heard her tapping, opened the door, and physically removed her from the room, thwarting her efforts to send another message. "Oh no!" she cried as the men grabbed her by the arms, but she still held out hope against hope, that the message she did send, had been heard by someone below.
As she was seated, she watched as the doctor filled his syringe. Though her will was strong, she still wept for wondering what to do!
Catherine learned from Vincent, how important it was to find, and use her inner strength, and at times, there are personal sacrifices that must be made to win good over evil...but now she wondered...at what cost? After all, it wasn't just herself anymore, she is pregnant and her babies life was at stake!
Just how many more drug laced injections could the baby tolerate without harm? Should she tell them where the book is? But that would mean betraying Joe's confidence, and also put Elliot at risk! She knew she couldn't do that. How could she? Joe was laid up injured, trusting only her to help him crack the case, and it was her who involved Elliott!
Yes Elliot, who initially wanted no part of it. So, there was no way she could implicate either of them.
Then she silently prayed, the few tidbits she had given up, will be enough to satisfy these monsters who were working with Moreno.
Ah yes Moreno! The DA, her boss, Joe's hero! Catherine still could not believe he was on the take! How this news will break Joe's heart, when he learns the man he so admired, and looked up to like a father, was dirty and responsible for her kidnapping.
Suddenly she felt a movement in her womb, an every day miracle just occurred to her, like it does to millions of other women, but this was even more of a miracle because, it was Vincent's baby that was growing inside of her. Catherine so wished she could rub her belly, to respond to the active baby's first stirring, but she couldn't! She couldn't because of these damn ropes they tied around her wrists, to restrain her.
Looking downward at her stomach, she couldn't help but smile to herself that this was really happening. Despite all the agony she was being put through...her babies movement brought her great joy.
As Catherine watched the needle go into her arm, she swore she would get through this safely, so Vincent would be able to share in this miracle with her.
And so she closed her eyes, and clung to the last words Vincent had said to her, Whatever happens...whatever comes...know I love you, And so she prayed, somehow Vincent would find her.
Exhausted by his search for Catherine from the night before, Vincent sat in his chair, waiting to feel something...feel anything generating from Catherine.
Cursing to himself, wondering why haven't his emphatic powers kicked in! Were they really gone forever, or was something blocking their bond?
He recalled how the other day, Catherine suggested his gift left him because it was no longer needed...but it was needed! He needed their connection to find her.
So aloud he lamented, "Where are you Catherine? Why can I no longer hear you, feel your warmth reaching toward me? All I feel now is the cold emptiness...but I will find you Catherine. Have faith. I will look for you until I am dust."
Angered by his frustration that he could not connect with Catherine, he paced back and forth wondering why God took this gift away from him! He had always been able to sense her needs, and feel her nearness, no matter how far away! He had the power to keep her safe...and did help her many times.
He had kept his promise to Catherine's father thus far, but now since his illness, he was failing Charles, failing Catherine!
Falling to his knees, he let go a gut wrenching cry, pleading, "Help me find Catherine! Give me something!!!"
Just then, Zach came running into Vincent's chamber, excitedly yelling, "Vincent! Catherine sent a message! And it came from West 25th Street!"
With nothing but air beneath his feet, Vincent ran through the tunnels, across the city, suddenly halting in front of an old abandoned warehouse...knowing this was where Catherine's plea for help came from.
Still not yet feeling anything through their bond, he wondered where would he begin looking in this vast building.
When suddenly, and simultaneously with Catherine feeling her baby's movement, he felt a pull too, and knew where she was!
So bursting through the wall, he entered a room next to the one where Catherine was being questioned. There he met with several guards with guns, and if not for his gargantuan strength, he would not have been able to rip the metal door from its hinges, to shield himself from the spray of gunfire!
Though drugged and dazed, Catherine heard the commotion outside, and something deep inside of her was alerted, and she suddenly knew Vincent was nearby.
The next thing she knew, she was being herded outside into a waiting vehicle! Panic set in as she realized, her only chance was to somehow escape this car, because if she doesn't, Vincent wouldn't have a chance to catch up with them and find her.
Hearing a thud on top the car, she could hear Vincent growl out her name, as he took out two of the thugs! She then heard the driver say to Moreno, "Who ever this guy is, he just rolled off the car! Let's get out of here!"
This was it, she had to find the strength somehow to get out. As the car spun around, she grabbed a gun, and opened the door, so she could roll out onto the pavement...
One look at Catherine lying on the street, pointing the gun his way, caused Moreno to instruct the driver, "We'll deal with her later! Get outta here!
Catherine collapsed as she watched the car take off, and she then looked around for Vincent. She was so weak, and foggy, it was difficult to focus, but then she saw him crawling toward her, in excruciating pain and calling her name.
As he inched forward, finally reaching her side, he pulled himself up, to hold her, and cried, "Are you all right Catherine?"
Telling him she thought she was, she then urgently pleaded for Vincent to take her below...where Moreno would never find them.
Being near a helper's entrance, Vincent managed to carry Catherine safely, to his chamber. Together they fell upon Vincent's bed, and after they finally caught their breath, Vincent desperately embraced his beautiful Catherine and asked again, "Are you all right?"
Hugging him back, she tearfully said, "I am now..." Seeing a look in his eyes, she asked, "What is it Vincent?"
Thoughtfully he answered, "Holding you like this...I don't know if I can explain it to you..."
Hopeful, Catherine urged him, "Try..."
Kissing her hair, he dared to reveal, "I have dreamt of loving you so many times Catherine...but holding you like this, seems to be more like a memory..."
Softly she replied, "It is a memory Vincent...we loved...it happened the night I came to you in that cave."
Incredulously he looked at her, and asked, "We loved? You were not afraid of me Catherine?"
Looking back into his beautiful eyes, she boldly answered, "No...I was not afraid Vincent...being with you was beautiful. Tell me please, that somewhere deep inside...you remember making love to me too."
With a slow hesitating nod, he told her, "I'm not certain. Is it a memory or just one of my many fantasies of you?"
She then asked, "Vincent...I wonder if I dare to tell you more..."
Just then the baby moved inside of her, causing Catherine to reach down to touch her belly...Vincent looked down too, and with disbelief asked, "Catherine?"
Carefully Catherine answered, "Yes Vincent...you are to be a father. Tell me your pleased."
Tipping his head, he anxiously relayed, "I don't know Catherine...I mean, how can we know if together we should have a child?"
In addition he questioned, "I mean, what sort of child will it be?"
With a nurturing tone, Catherine said, "An extraordinary child...a very much loved and wanted child."
Feeling numb with this revelation, Vincent replied, "An hour ago, all that was on my mind was finding you, I wanted to save the life of the woman I loved, and now you tell me...we have made love, and are going to have a baby?"
Worriedly, Catherine pleaded, "Yes...its all true Vincent. You are scaring me. I feel you are unhappy about our pregnancy." Tearfully she asked, "Please tell me what you are thinking?"
Scared and confused, Vincent answered, "I honestly don't know...none of this seems real."
Evidently, their baby wanted to have a say in this whole matter too, because just then he moved, making his presence undeniably known! Instinctively, Catherine brought her hand down to touch her belly.
As she felt the baby move once more, with a tearful smile, she reached for his hand. And just as his massive hand covered her stomach, the baby kicked a good one!
Crying joyful tears, Catherine assured Vincent, "This baby is real, and its yours and mine."
With a look of wonderment, Vincent tried to describe that as the baby kicked, he not only felt it with his hand, but he was aware of something more. Carefully, he told her, "My empathic powers haven't left me Catherine...they have merely transferred to our baby! This new connection I have with him...had helped me find you."
Happy to know their connection is still intact, but only on a different level she expressed, "Another miracle Vincent, another gift."
With amazement Vincent looked up at Catherine to ask, "Is this the gift you said I should open my arms to receive Catherine?"
Nodding yes, she tenderly whispered, "I love this baby already, because it is a part of you. This baby is a gift"
Sorrowfully it dawned on him that Catherine tried to tell him about the baby that day. However because he was so distraught over his state of mind, she didn't.
Apologizing he told her, "I am sorry you weren't able to tell me about our child before now, and regret all you have had to endure waiting for me to get well."
Brushing his hair from his eyes, she smiled as she said, "You are my first concern Vincent...it will always be you."
Beginning to love the idea of having a family, dreamily, Vincent shared, "Hmm....a baby..."
Eagerly he then asked, "Is he moving any more Catherine?"
Smiling Catherine reminded Vincent, "You realize you are referring to our baby as a he...it may be a girl you know."
Shaking his head, he began to say, that somehow he knew it would be a boy, but Catherine stopped him. With a gentleness she said, "That's all right...don't tell me...I want to be surprised."
With a sigh, Catherine then admitted, "I realize there is much ahead of us...and it may not be easy. But Vincent I want you, and I want this baby more than anything."
Feeling Vincent wince in pain, she asked, "Are you going to be all right?"
Saying he would be, he soothed her worried mind by explaining it was the way he landed on the pavement when he rolled off the car, that really rattled his bones, but he would be just fine in a few days.
He then added, "The important thing is that I found you, and you both are here safe now."
Questionably, Catherine asked, "How did you find me Vincent? Did you hear my message on the pipes? Or could you feel my calling out, that I needed you?"
With a tremble to his lower lip, he fought his emotions as he hugged Catherine tightly and sadly admitted, "No...I could not feel anything from you Catherine, though I knew you needed me to do so. All through this time, there was one thought that kept haunting me, and that was the promise I made to your father on his death bed...that I would protect you until my last breath. Finally today I reached a breaking point, and because I knew you depended on me to find you...I couldn't let you down. With still nothing to go on, I prayed for something...anything to lead me to you. Then like a miracle, Zach came and told me you had sent a message over the pipes, giving me the tip I needed. Catherine...your Father's spirit inspired me, giving me strength, I didn't know I had! When I came face to face with those men who were holding you captive, I grew more and more determined to keep my promise, and to do what your Father could not, and that was to save your life."
As a slow smile came to Catherine's lips, Vincent asked, "What is it Catherine? What is so humorous?"
With a thoughtful pose, she smiled even broader as she said, "Vincent...I felt my Father's presence with me today, urging me to figure a way out of my situation. That was when I noticed the pipes that ran through the room I was in. If not for Daddy giving me courage, I believe I would've been too upset to see them."
Slyly Vincent suggested, "Perhaps I underestimated your Father's abilities...even from the grave he did save you."
It's like you said Vincent, death has no dominion when it comes to the love you own for someone. It never dies, and keeps feeding our hearts with hope that one day we will be together again."
Feeling Vincent's baby move in her womb, she rubbed her stomach and said, "Love is a powerful thing Vincent..."
Bringing Catherine on to his lap, he felt the baby move once more, and said, "Yes...and gives us the strength to face things we didn't know we could."
Together they sat in Vincent's chamber, with a single candle burning, building up their resolve to face the days ahead...and the courage needed to tell Father...he is to be a Grandpa!
To be continued in Chapter Two
Which will be written by Dawn Yzaguirre
No longer was Catherine concerned for her own safety, but rather the focus was now on the child she was carrying...Vincent's child. And hopefully, she will one day very, very soon, be able to tell Vincent...he is going to be a father.
How she wished she would've told him the last time she saw him. But he just didn't seem ready for such monumental news, not when there were still so many things about his past, he couldn't recall or grasp.
Although he seemed well rested, and had a peacefulness about him, there were some things he was still struggling with. The extent that his illness effected him was not totally clear to her, until that dreadful moment when he admitted, that although he knew she was the woman he loved, he did not know her name!
She thought her heart must have broken in two that day. She needed him so much, and Vincent couldn't even remember her name, or even more devastating, he hadn't yet touched the memory, of he and she making love in that dark cave. So how in the world could she have told they were having a baby?
Seeing him so mentally fragile was devastating, but she managed to mask her sadness the best she could. Vincent was her first consideration, and she didn't want to do or say anything that might cause a relapse. She felt Jacob would never forgive her, if Vincent would have become sick again over this news.
Then Catherine began to speculate, what will Jacob say when he finds out she is expecting Vincent's child? Unsettled by the idea of explaining her baby's conception to Jacob, she quickly banished the notion, knowing she couldn't handle such thoughts right now. She had a more immediate problem, figuring a way to get out of there!
So frantically, she began to look around for a way to escape, but as she checked out the room, she ultimately decided, it seemed hopeless without help from someone on the outside.
Just as her spirits sank to an all time low, she cried softly, calling out to her own father, "Help me Daddy..."
Suddenly she sensed her Dad's protective presence and she swore she could hear him speaking one of his favorite inspirational quotes, "Do what you can, where you are, with what you've got." He would recite this FDR quote at the end of every meeting, in an effort to inspire his young partners at the firm. Because sometimes, one is not given very much to work with.
So motivated by this thought, she stood back up, and as she slowly spun around, to check out every square inch of the room, she thought, "Well, I haven't got much.", but she still kept saying to herself, "Come on and think Catherine! Think!"
It was then she noticed a section of the New York City's pipe system, running along the edge of the floor and up the wall, through the ceiling.
A ray of hope encompassed Catherine's heart, as she thoughtfully tapped out a SOS on the pipes, thinking all the while, "Thank you Daddy!"
As she tapped away, she trusted the ever diligent Pascal would hear her...or better yet, perhaps her desperate message would be heard by her beloved Vincent.
Suddenly, the thugs who had heard her tapping, opened the door, and physically removed her from the room, thwarting her efforts to send another message. "Oh no!" she cried as the men grabbed her by the arms, but she still held out hope against hope, that the message she did send, had been heard by someone below.
As she was seated, she watched as the doctor filled his syringe. Though her will was strong, she still wept for wondering what to do!
Catherine learned from Vincent, how important it was to find, and use her inner strength, and at times, there are personal sacrifices that must be made to win good over evil...but now she wondered...at what cost? After all, it wasn't just herself anymore, she is pregnant and her babies life was at stake!
Just how many more drug laced injections could the baby tolerate without harm? Should she tell them where the book is? But that would mean betraying Joe's confidence, and also put Elliot at risk! She knew she couldn't do that. How could she? Joe was laid up injured, trusting only her to help him crack the case, and it was her who involved Elliott!
Yes Elliot, who initially wanted no part of it. So, there was no way she could implicate either of them.
Then she silently prayed, the few tidbits she had given up, will be enough to satisfy these monsters who were working with Moreno.
Ah yes Moreno! The DA, her boss, Joe's hero! Catherine still could not believe he was on the take! How this news will break Joe's heart, when he learns the man he so admired, and looked up to like a father, was dirty and responsible for her kidnapping.
Suddenly she felt a movement in her womb, an every day miracle just occurred to her, like it does to millions of other women, but this was even more of a miracle because, it was Vincent's baby that was growing inside of her. Catherine so wished she could rub her belly, to respond to the active baby's first stirring, but she couldn't! She couldn't because of these damn ropes they tied around her wrists, to restrain her.
Looking downward at her stomach, she couldn't help but smile to herself that this was really happening. Despite all the agony she was being put through...her babies movement brought her great joy.
As Catherine watched the needle go into her arm, she swore she would get through this safely, so Vincent would be able to share in this miracle with her.
And so she closed her eyes, and clung to the last words Vincent had said to her, Whatever happens...whatever comes...know I love you, And so she prayed, somehow Vincent would find her.
Exhausted by his search for Catherine from the night before, Vincent sat in his chair, waiting to feel something...feel anything generating from Catherine.
Cursing to himself, wondering why haven't his emphatic powers kicked in! Were they really gone forever, or was something blocking their bond?
He recalled how the other day, Catherine suggested his gift left him because it was no longer needed...but it was needed! He needed their connection to find her.
So aloud he lamented, "Where are you Catherine? Why can I no longer hear you, feel your warmth reaching toward me? All I feel now is the cold emptiness...but I will find you Catherine. Have faith. I will look for you until I am dust."
Angered by his frustration that he could not connect with Catherine, he paced back and forth wondering why God took this gift away from him! He had always been able to sense her needs, and feel her nearness, no matter how far away! He had the power to keep her safe...and did help her many times.
He had kept his promise to Catherine's father thus far, but now since his illness, he was failing Charles, failing Catherine!
Falling to his knees, he let go a gut wrenching cry, pleading, "Help me find Catherine! Give me something!!!"
Just then, Zach came running into Vincent's chamber, excitedly yelling, "Vincent! Catherine sent a message! And it came from West 25th Street!"
With nothing but air beneath his feet, Vincent ran through the tunnels, across the city, suddenly halting in front of an old abandoned warehouse...knowing this was where Catherine's plea for help came from.
Still not yet feeling anything through their bond, he wondered where would he begin looking in this vast building.
When suddenly, and simultaneously with Catherine feeling her baby's movement, he felt a pull too, and knew where she was!
So bursting through the wall, he entered a room next to the one where Catherine was being questioned. There he met with several guards with guns, and if not for his gargantuan strength, he would not have been able to rip the metal door from its hinges, to shield himself from the spray of gunfire!
Though drugged and dazed, Catherine heard the commotion outside, and something deep inside of her was alerted, and she suddenly knew Vincent was nearby.
The next thing she knew, she was being herded outside into a waiting vehicle! Panic set in as she realized, her only chance was to somehow escape this car, because if she doesn't, Vincent wouldn't have a chance to catch up with them and find her.
Hearing a thud on top the car, she could hear Vincent growl out her name, as he took out two of the thugs! She then heard the driver say to Moreno, "Who ever this guy is, he just rolled off the car! Let's get out of here!"
This was it, she had to find the strength somehow to get out. As the car spun around, she grabbed a gun, and opened the door, so she could roll out onto the pavement...
One look at Catherine lying on the street, pointing the gun his way, caused Moreno to instruct the driver, "We'll deal with her later! Get outta here!
Catherine collapsed as she watched the car take off, and she then looked around for Vincent. She was so weak, and foggy, it was difficult to focus, but then she saw him crawling toward her, in excruciating pain and calling her name.
As he inched forward, finally reaching her side, he pulled himself up, to hold her, and cried, "Are you all right Catherine?"
Telling him she thought she was, she then urgently pleaded for Vincent to take her below...where Moreno would never find them.
Being near a helper's entrance, Vincent managed to carry Catherine safely, to his chamber. Together they fell upon Vincent's bed, and after they finally caught their breath, Vincent desperately embraced his beautiful Catherine and asked again, "Are you all right?"
Hugging him back, she tearfully said, "I am now..." Seeing a look in his eyes, she asked, "What is it Vincent?"
Thoughtfully he answered, "Holding you like this...I don't know if I can explain it to you..."
Hopeful, Catherine urged him, "Try..."
Kissing her hair, he dared to reveal, "I have dreamt of loving you so many times Catherine...but holding you like this, seems to be more like a memory..."
Softly she replied, "It is a memory Vincent...we loved...it happened the night I came to you in that cave."
Incredulously he looked at her, and asked, "We loved? You were not afraid of me Catherine?"
Looking back into his beautiful eyes, she boldly answered, "No...I was not afraid Vincent...being with you was beautiful. Tell me please, that somewhere deep inside...you remember making love to me too."
With a slow hesitating nod, he told her, "I'm not certain. Is it a memory or just one of my many fantasies of you?"
She then asked, "Vincent...I wonder if I dare to tell you more..."
Just then the baby moved inside of her, causing Catherine to reach down to touch her belly...Vincent looked down too, and with disbelief asked, "Catherine?"
Carefully Catherine answered, "Yes Vincent...you are to be a father. Tell me your pleased."
Tipping his head, he anxiously relayed, "I don't know Catherine...I mean, how can we know if together we should have a child?"
In addition he questioned, "I mean, what sort of child will it be?"
With a nurturing tone, Catherine said, "An extraordinary child...a very much loved and wanted child."
Feeling numb with this revelation, Vincent replied, "An hour ago, all that was on my mind was finding you, I wanted to save the life of the woman I loved, and now you tell me...we have made love, and are going to have a baby?"
Worriedly, Catherine pleaded, "Yes...its all true Vincent. You are scaring me. I feel you are unhappy about our pregnancy." Tearfully she asked, "Please tell me what you are thinking?"
Scared and confused, Vincent answered, "I honestly don't know...none of this seems real."
Evidently, their baby wanted to have a say in this whole matter too, because just then he moved, making his presence undeniably known! Instinctively, Catherine brought her hand down to touch her belly.
As she felt the baby move once more, with a tearful smile, she reached for his hand. And just as his massive hand covered her stomach, the baby kicked a good one!
Crying joyful tears, Catherine assured Vincent, "This baby is real, and its yours and mine."
With a look of wonderment, Vincent tried to describe that as the baby kicked, he not only felt it with his hand, but he was aware of something more. Carefully, he told her, "My empathic powers haven't left me Catherine...they have merely transferred to our baby! This new connection I have with him...had helped me find you."
Happy to know their connection is still intact, but only on a different level she expressed, "Another miracle Vincent, another gift."
With amazement Vincent looked up at Catherine to ask, "Is this the gift you said I should open my arms to receive Catherine?"
Nodding yes, she tenderly whispered, "I love this baby already, because it is a part of you. This baby is a gift"
Sorrowfully it dawned on him that Catherine tried to tell him about the baby that day. However because he was so distraught over his state of mind, she didn't.
Apologizing he told her, "I am sorry you weren't able to tell me about our child before now, and regret all you have had to endure waiting for me to get well."
Brushing his hair from his eyes, she smiled as she said, "You are my first concern Vincent...it will always be you."
Beginning to love the idea of having a family, dreamily, Vincent shared, "Hmm....a baby..."
Eagerly he then asked, "Is he moving any more Catherine?"
Smiling Catherine reminded Vincent, "You realize you are referring to our baby as a he...it may be a girl you know."
Shaking his head, he began to say, that somehow he knew it would be a boy, but Catherine stopped him. With a gentleness she said, "That's all right...don't tell me...I want to be surprised."
With a sigh, Catherine then admitted, "I realize there is much ahead of us...and it may not be easy. But Vincent I want you, and I want this baby more than anything."
Feeling Vincent wince in pain, she asked, "Are you going to be all right?"
Saying he would be, he soothed her worried mind by explaining it was the way he landed on the pavement when he rolled off the car, that really rattled his bones, but he would be just fine in a few days.
He then added, "The important thing is that I found you, and you both are here safe now."
Questionably, Catherine asked, "How did you find me Vincent? Did you hear my message on the pipes? Or could you feel my calling out, that I needed you?"
With a tremble to his lower lip, he fought his emotions as he hugged Catherine tightly and sadly admitted, "No...I could not feel anything from you Catherine, though I knew you needed me to do so. All through this time, there was one thought that kept haunting me, and that was the promise I made to your father on his death bed...that I would protect you until my last breath. Finally today I reached a breaking point, and because I knew you depended on me to find you...I couldn't let you down. With still nothing to go on, I prayed for something...anything to lead me to you. Then like a miracle, Zach came and told me you had sent a message over the pipes, giving me the tip I needed. Catherine...your Father's spirit inspired me, giving me strength, I didn't know I had! When I came face to face with those men who were holding you captive, I grew more and more determined to keep my promise, and to do what your Father could not, and that was to save your life."
As a slow smile came to Catherine's lips, Vincent asked, "What is it Catherine? What is so humorous?"
With a thoughtful pose, she smiled even broader as she said, "Vincent...I felt my Father's presence with me today, urging me to figure a way out of my situation. That was when I noticed the pipes that ran through the room I was in. If not for Daddy giving me courage, I believe I would've been too upset to see them."
Slyly Vincent suggested, "Perhaps I underestimated your Father's abilities...even from the grave he did save you."
It's like you said Vincent, death has no dominion when it comes to the love you own for someone. It never dies, and keeps feeding our hearts with hope that one day we will be together again."
Feeling Vincent's baby move in her womb, she rubbed her stomach and said, "Love is a powerful thing Vincent..."
Bringing Catherine on to his lap, he felt the baby move once more, and said, "Yes...and gives us the strength to face things we didn't know we could."
Together they sat in Vincent's chamber, with a single candle burning, building up their resolve to face the days ahead...and the courage needed to tell Father...he is to be a Grandpa!
To be continued in Chapter Two
Which will be written by Dawn Yzaguirre
