It seemed unreal walking with Jenny through the tunnels on the Sunday after Vincent and Catherine had met with her at the apartment. What made it even more so was that Jenny didn’t appear fazed in any way by the lengthy tunnels or the lanterns along the way, and Vincent and Catherine both knew that having visited Narcissa she would have seen something like it before. She did however seem surprised when they made the final turn into the home chambers and saw how many clean and nourished children there were. All of which greeted her friends with Hi Vincent, Hi Catherine, as they stopped to introduce Jenny.

“No wonder you’re always missing, this is a grand place Cath.” Jenny told her friend with eyes full of interest.

“You’ve to see the best bit when you’ve seen the waterfall and the crystal cavern.” Catherine told her.

“I beg to differ, my dear.” Came a voice at their side, “but the best bit is me.” All turned to find Father coming from the dining area with a plate of cookies.

“Caught red handed I see Father.” Catherine chuckled, but Father shook his head, “Not at all, I had heard that your friend was almost here and went to fetch some freshly baked cookies for her arrival. Jenny, welcome to our world, please would you accompany me to my chamber?”

Taking his arm like it was the most natural thing in the world, Jenny fell into step alongside the old man. “Great place you have here Sir, who would ever have believed it?”

“Less of the Sir my dear, down here I am known as Father, please call me that, or if you prefer then Jacob is my real name.”

“No, no, Father is fine. I wouldn’t want to be seen as taking liberties.” Jenny told him turning and winking at her friends who were bringing up the rear.

Father chuckled. He’d been a trifle apprehensive ever since Vincent had told him about Jenny’s visit even more to know that she had on occasions visited with Narcissa and has even seen Paracelsus. The biggest question was where did she come in and how many others had Narcissa invited in her day?

Over tea, Father found that question to take priority and Jenny, who had assumed this would come up, replied, “I think you can stop worrying about that Father. My family have known Narcissa for years, and it is only to me that she has extended the invitation to see her home. And believe me had she not of met me and shown me the way in I would never have known. Neither do I ever remember it. And I’d like to think that she would be surprised to see me coming to visit her from any other way down, but she probably knows that I am here already.” Jenny laughed, as did Vincent and Catherine. Father remained sceptical he still wasn’t sure how much he believed in Narcissa’s powers though his son held them in good stead and the funny thing was none of the search party had been able to discover Narcissa’s other way into the tunnels, so Jenny’s explanation had to be accepted as creepy as that was.

“We will have to visit her while you are here, but it is some way to walk. Do you think you could manage it tomorrow, you mentioned that you might be able to get the day off work?” Vincent asked her.

“Yes that’s all arranged, I took a long weekend. I told them that I was visiting with friends out of town. I brought my cell phone with me in case I could swing an extra day, but I doubt it will work this far down anyway. So, I will need to be back by Tuesday. How far is it to Narcissa’s from here?”

“It’ll take a good three hours to get there and four to return because coming back is uphill. Plus the hour spent with Narcissa so that’s most of the day. Do you think you could hack it?” Catherine asked her friend.

“Only an hour with Narcissa, why? Is she not well?” Jenny was concerned.

Vincent and Catherine exchanged glances. “I thought an hour was pushing it.” Catherine told Jenny. “Usually visits to Narcissa are over and done with in ten to fifteen minutes. Unless she is running one through a vision then it’s a bit longer. Why how long do you usually stay?”

“All night once but generally five or six hours. We have so much to talk about.” Even Father was surprised.

“Well you must be the honoured one,” Father told her, “and forgive me for saying, but I find it difficult knowing what there is to talk about for that period of time.”

“Oh we don’t always talk. We make potions and see things. I always find a visit to Narcissa educational and come away like I’ve had my batteries recharged and unless you understand those sort of things though you couldn’t hope to appreciate them.” Jenny could tell by Father’s demeanour that he really didn’t believe in the things Narcissa concocted.

“Well if you wish then, we’ll save the crystal cavern and waterfall for tomorrow because they are in different directions, and maybe you would wish to see Narcissa today?” Vincent asked her.

“Actually I have a better idea. You could show me around down here today and tomorrow take me to Narcissa and I will have her show me back above her way up, because I can assure you its nothing like as long as four hours. More like forty five minutes the way she takes me.”

Father’s mouth fell open, as did Vincent’s and Catherine’s. It was impossible, and how did the old lady, half blind, know of a shorter route than they did? And what was beginning to concern them even more was learning that Paracelsus had probably known of it too. That would certainly answer a few troubling questions from the past on how he had got into the tunnels from above so quickly.

“We need to consult with the council Vincent.” Father spoke over Jenny’s head and she concluded this would usually have been seen as bad manners had these people not of considered the matter to be of gross importance.

“Who are the council,” She mouthed to Catherine while Father was still speaking to his son.

“Members of the community who see to the general running of the place.” Catherine replied. “I think Narcissa’s other way up and down is causing considerable worry.” Father overheard this and nodded, “That is so my dear. You see Jenny, we pride ourselves on our security measures down here and if there is another way in that we do not know of then anyone could wander in and cause us harm.”

“I understand what you say Father, but as I’ve already mentioned I couldn’t find my way in and out without Narcissa’s guidance.”

“But what if she were to be followed my dear? All manner of people could get in and live down there, might even become a danger to Narcissa herself. We’ve encountered such people before my dear, and believe me we are in no hurry to do so again.”

Catherine and Vincent shuddered when they remembered the outsiders that had found their way in before. Violent uncontrollable people that took the lives of several of their friends and whom caused Vincent to act in the only way open to him. Catherine knew how Vincent had berated himself for the deaths he had caused and she was well aware of how fragile the community really was when it came to other people who didn’t have their best interests at heart getting into the tunnels.

“Well I’m sure Narcissa knows what she is doing. She might be old and half blind, but she has ears like no other.” Jenny sounded peeved. “I’m certain she wouldn’t endanger what you have down here.”

“Even so Narcissa is aware of the rules and that you have been coming here for years and we have not known of it gives rise to some anxiety. I’m sorry my dear, you probably think that you ought not to have mentioned knowing Narcissa now.” Father told her with sympathy.

“Not at all. I’ve had some very strange dreams regarding Cathy over the last few years, most of which involve Vincent and tunnels. Its good to know that I haven’t gone completely mad after all.” She laughed. “And besides I might never have met you, Father but for that and that would have been terrible.”

Father got the distinct impression Jenny was flirting with him despite the age difference and he wasn’t quite sure how to reply. Vincent on the other hand was chuckling, happy to see his parent lost for words for once.

He soon found something to reply with though. “It’s a pity Devin isn’t here.” Father told Jenny. “I’m sure the two of you would get on like a house on fire.”

“Who’s Devin?” Jenny looked around at her friends eager to know. This Devin sounded like fun.

“Just in time!” A voice cried from the entrance sending them all whirling round with expressions of stunned surprise.

“DEVIN!” Three people chorused together.

“As large as life…” He bounded down the steps, “Now forgive me if I’m wrong, but weren’t you about to tell the young lady here about my good looks, my charm and my wit dear Father?”

Jenny laughed out loud. Father was right, she and this man could be a force to be reckoned with…and not only that…this was one dream where she could at last put a face to the faceless husband of her dreams. Devin… Narcissa had told her that she would know him when he appeared out of the blue… she just hadn’t known that he would be so gorgeous. Jenny was in love!

Upon the dusty once blue carpet a trail of discarded clothing lay scattered around the room a couple of ties were draped over one chair, shirts over its back and a silver grey suit lay upon the only single bed in the large room.

A dusty mirror reflected the state of the room by its own murky depths, drawers half open with clothes spilling out, torn wallpaper and peeling paint. In stark contrast, one wall was impeccably covered with bright shining photographs depicting the same smiling woman. Her blondish hair spilling around her face, dancing green eyes above lush full lips giving the most perfect smile with glistening white teeth. In some of the photographs, she was seen wearing the most exquisite ball gowns, in others a business suit, short skirt and long jacket. And there were others of her in blue jeans and bright orange duffle coat taking time out in Central Park. And then there were photographs of her standing beneath a full moon with a whimsical look about her face.

Beyond the picture studded wall the sound of falling water could be heard from the shower cubicle along with the sound of singing in rich deep tones and then as the facet was turned off a towel clad man emerged dripping wet.

He walked into the dusty room, eyeing it without seeing the mess and contemplated what to wear. And then his eyes caught the photographs and dropping the towel he sauntered toward them sneering, “Like what you see Cathy? Want me do you?” And began the usual ritual of masturbation that would culminate in more of his seed joining that on the already splattered wall beneath the photographs.
“Oh Cathy…” He panted as he reached his peak, “What you do to me.” His eyes closed and the delirium took over as his mind acknowledged the fantasy and he pumped harder, faster imagining that she matched him stroke for stroke and then it happened, he lost it. His erection melted away like it had never been and he stared down at himself with disbelief and frustration. “Noooo Cathy!” He screamed. “Don’t go, don’t go!” The images of her naked form faded from his mind and hot tears blotted out the pictures from before his eyes and he made a grab for her meeting only the shining surface of the photographs with his damp and sweaty hands.
To the floor, he crumpled into a heap of naked flesh and sat there shivering from the chill of the room and the slow realisation that she would never truly be his. But he would not accept that and he shouted out loud, “I won’t let you have her Maxwell. I’ve seen the way you watch her, but she’s not yours!” He stood up and drying his eyes with the backs of his hands he stood staring at the photographs as if seeing them in new light and with a possessive cry he yelled; “You’re gonna be mine Cathy! Mine!”

A three day break from work afforded Jenny time to visit the crystal cavern, something she was highly delighted about since Devin announced it had been years since he’d been down there and would accompany the small group. And now on their return journey Jenny found herself walking alongside the man himself as Vincent and Catherine strolled hand in hand and brought up the rear.

“Its been great hasn’t it?” Jenny remarked, “And I must say you are such good company. All those tales you spun of your travels were wonderful. Will you be bringing Charles back here for a visit sometime do you think?”

“I shouldn’t think so. Charles loves the mountains and the isolation that affords him. After spending all those years imprisoned at that freak show the last thing Charles wants to do is come down here to feel entombed again. Can’t say I blame him though.”

Jenny was surprised, “Oh, I thought you loved visiting the tunnels?”

“Yikes do I give that impression? Oh Lord, no, certainly not. I need it like a hole in the head, but this is home. It’s where my family are. If I could move them someplace else I’d have done so by now. They all miss such a lot living down here.”

“A case of the grass being greener on the other side really isn’t it? I mean like you, I love to travel, see the world, we only get one chance at it don’t we? But here, I don’t know, it seems that they have found Elysium. Some people up above search for that all their lives and never find it. Its true that home is where the heart is, and for me since coming down here and meeting all these fine people, well I can quite easily see what holds them here.”

“Ah you say that now, but wait until those cold North winds find their way down in the dead of winter. Right now you see it through rose tinted glasses. Reality is something else. Ask anyone that is forced to live below and they’ll tell you that you must be nuts to want to live down here.” Devin told her with a grin.

“Yet most people down here are not nuts. In fact, I’ve yet to meet one that is. Well save for Paracelsus but since you’ve told me that he’s dead, he doesn’t count. Those that are forced to live anywhere at all would be negative about it for one reason or another. I admire the people that are forced to live below because they seem happy here or live here simply because they want to do. While others want to live down here because they love someone that is below already.” With a flick of her head, Jenny indicated her intent to the couple behind and Devin caught her drift.

“If I could take Vincent out of here I would do it in an instance. I think Catherine feels the same way.” Devin sounded bitter, “Why is it that the best people have to stay imprisoned, its not fair.”

“Yet he appears happy.”

“That’s thanks to your friend. Without Catherine, I think Vincent would live out his life here with a merit of happiness while he was secretly dying inside. Remember those stories about the things he and I used to get up to?” Devin grinned, “Those were the days. Innocence is a wonderful thing. Dreaming that we would travel South of Oz and North of Shangrila that’s when Vincent was really happy.”

“But it was all delusion. He had to come down to earth eventually. And you’re right, thank God for Catherine, she loves him more than life itself you know?” Jenny replied with a wistful sigh.

“Why the melancholy?” Devin was interested.

“Oh its just me. You know searching the world for Mr Right and never finding him. They say that treasure is usually right under your nose, and Lord mine’s big enough!” She laughed out loud as did Devin.

“Maybe that’s why you haven’t found him yet. Its so big you can’t see him beneath it.” He laughed out loud at his own joke and continued laughing until he realised Jenny wasn’t with him on that. “I’m sorry. One of those cases I think where one can say they’re fat but let anyone else try it huh? Actually your nose isn’t as big as mine.” He grinned then added, “Probably why I’ve never seen Miss Right either!”

Jenny did laugh at that and she slapped him playfully on the arm only to stop laughing to issue a very large sigh, “Makes you wonder though doesn’t it? I mean I was always led to believe that God made someone special for everyone, so why haven’t I found him yet? If he doesn’t come and sweep me off my feet soon, I’m gonna be too decrepit to enjoy him!” At this stage, she could hardly confess that she thought she had met him already.

“Maybe you have found him. Maybe the timing’s not right. I am a great believer in the finest relationships blossoming from friendship. Of course all relationships have to start that way, but some are geared to expect romance whereas others are geared to expect nothing but socialising. My ideal woman would have to be my very best friend before it went beyond that.” Devin opened his heart to Jenny telling her things he had never told a soul before.

“So long as you didn’t lose sight of that fact and be too frightened to go beyond it.” Jenny told him.

“Yes I know what you mean, afraid of ruining a good friendship by taking the risk of romance and intimacy. That then would be a Catch 22 scenario.” Devin told her wryly.

“That it would.” They fell silent for a time each pondering a situation like that. Each remembering and dismissing people from their own collection of friends and wondering if they had missed out somewhere along the line. Finally, both of them reached the same conclusion. This friend, this best friend hadn’t yet entered their lives, although Jenny had her doubts about that and depending on what they believed that realisation made them feel a trifle sad, apprehensive and excited all at once. They weren’t left on the shelf after all, it was more a matter of waiting a while longer.

Behind them, Catherine and Vincent walked steadily happy to be in one another’s company, seldom speaking. The Bond thrummed between them making conversation unnecessary, even though at the back of his mind Vincent still hadn’t shifted those dream sequences. If only he could get it out of his head that they were after all, the tail end of a movie he hadn’t fully seen. But every time he was near Catherine shivers ran up and down his spine like someone had walked over his grave and he felt certain that something morbid surrounded her. Still he vowed not to mention it this trip, lest it spoilt the time the two of them had shared at the crystal cavern.

“We’re almost home.” Catherine told him when she recognised a rock signifying the beginning of the home chambers, “Thank you for suggesting this trip Vincent. I know Jenny loved every moment of it and it is always wonderful for me to return to the crystal cavern. There are times when I start thinking I must have imagined all that beauty far beneath the city streets.”

“I think Jenny found the company just as stimulating as the crystals.” Vincent whispered with a grin causing Catherine’s eyes to open wide.

“You noticed too? I thought it was just me. She seems smitten with him, doesn’t she?”

“Mmm.”

“That sounds ominous, is there a problem?”

“Well you know Devin. Never in one place long enough to form lasting relationships. Jenny might get her heart broken if she sets her sights on him.”

“Yes.” Catherine had thought of this herself. “Still Jenny’s a big girl and they did talk extensively about Devin’s life. I’m certain she’s got the picture already. It would be nice to see the pair of them come to something though. I think they are right for each other.”

Vincent chuckled, “Matchmaking suits you. Is it something you have always done?”

“I wish! No, but sometimes its something you can see in a couple. If I was any good at matchmaking I’d have found someone for Elliot. That would have made me feel a whole lot better.” As soon as she mentioned him Catherine frowned, and as she thought Vincent soon picked up on it.

“Do you ever regret not being with Elliot?” Vincent asked unsteadily.

“Vincent, we’ve been through this before. You know I don’t.”

“I know, but Catherine look what he has. Not just wealth but good looks too, and prestige. You also compliment him. I always thought so when I saw photographs of the two of you together. I couldn’t deny that if it were not for me, you would have made it up with him, or if it were not for me your values wouldn’t have altered to a degree that those differences forced the split between the two of you in the first place.”

“I’ve always denied what you insinuated about Elliot and me Vincent, but you do have a point. It is possible that in another life where you didn’t figure Elliot and I would have been together. But that’s in another life. In this one I’ve met you and over Elliot I chose you. Elliot lacks the one thing that you have in abundance, humanity and the ability to put the feelings of others ahead of yourself. I admire that in a person and it makes me feel secure. With Elliot, the shortage of those basic things would have made me insecure and I’m not certain that I could entirely trust him. Whereas with you, I could trust you with my life, not to mention my heart.”

“You make me feel very humble, Catherine.” Withdrawing his hand from hers Vincent drew her closer. “I love you.” He whispered against her hair.

“And I love you. And you see that’s another thing. Had anyone of told Elliot those things he would have said that they had made him feel proud. Whereas they make you feel humble. That kind of response warms me to you even further.”

Vincent did not reply, just drew her closer still and kissed her cheek in thanks. Catherine always had the ability to make him feel wanted and that life was good after all.

The home chambers with its burning lanterns soon came into view and Jenny gasped, “What home already! Just when I was beginning to enjoy myself too.” She cast a sidelong glance at Devin who was surprised that her intent was directed at him.

“It doesn’t have to end here. I know these two are going to sit in the favourite spot beneath the bandstand and take in tonight’s concert, but if you would like to accompany me, we could go see it together from above.” Devin held his breath hoping she would agree. He didn’t like to admit it, but he was saddened at the end of their trip as well.

“I’d like that Devin. I need to go and change first though, how about I meet you in the park at eight? I can drive myself there.”

“That’ll be fine. A date it is then.” And he winked at her sending goose bumps across her skin. My, how she’d get through the evening with him at her side she’d never know, just looking at him made her knees go weak.

Father met them on their way back. He was returning from the hospital chamber where one or two of the children had been treated for sore throats. He was delighted to see them home safe and well and invited them in to his chamber for tea.

The four of them accepted readily, after such a long trek, tea sounded divine.

This was Jenny’s third time in Father’s chamber and she wondered how long she would have to keep coming before she deemed she had seen it all. It reminded her of Aladdin’s Cave, or as near as imagining it would be possible, since she had only ever seen it in picture books.

She loved the shelves and shelves of books, many of them first editions, which being in the publishing business she was able to tell their value. Thinking aloud, she surprised everyone when she mused; “One of these days I must go through all those books.” Then blushed scarlet when she realised that her comment was totally out of context to what the others had been discussing and she apologised profusely.

“That’s all right my dear, please feel free to go through my books any time that you wish. I can rest assured that someone of your calibre will take great care of my collection.” Father told her with a grin.

“Oh I will, I will. And I understand you have them all categorised?” Jenny asked.

“Yes thanks to Vincent’s help and don’t worry if I’m not around when you come to look. Just come in and help yourself, I’m certain you will keep them in their proper order.” Father looked around at the empty cups, “More tea anyone?”

“If you don’t mind,” Jenny asked him, “I really must be going. Devin is taking me to the concert in the park this evening and I’ve loads to do first.”

Father’s eyebrows shot up, “Devin is?” He grinned and Jenny adverted her gaze feeling slightly embarrassed. At this rate if she wasn’t careful, everyone would soon know how she felt about Devin Wells, not least the man himself. However, it was a bit late for that as everyone was aware of it and while Devin wasn’t entirely certain, he was quietly confident that something was there between them. And he liked Jenny. She was open and honest, and down to earth, and she had some spooky stories to tell that competed with the many tales he had spun while they journeyed to and from the crystal cavern. It was unusual to find anyone that could match his story telling and he rather liked that. Besides he was certain that she would be the sort of woman that wouldn’t be frightened of her own shadow, which was one of the reasons he’d invited her up to the park that evening. Some woman had declined such an offer being petrified of being in the park late at night even with a concert on. All those eerie shadows cast by trees scared them witless. Devin was looking forward to seeing how Jenny coped with things like that.

“Well I hope you’ll both have a wonderful time.” Father told them at length, “And you Vincent, are you not taking Catherine to listen to the same concert?”

“Yes Father at our private seating beneath the bandstand.”

“Well just be certain that the four of you don’t chat to one another through the grid and alert people to our presence down here.”

Devin hadn’t thought of that and he made a mental note to steer Jenny well away from the grid. He didn’t want any peeping toms for what he had in mind. He chuckled, “Don’t worry dad, any messages I have to pass will be way of a note dropped discreetly through the grid.”

“Just so long as you aren’t arrested for dropping litter then.” Father told him. Devin wanted to retort something sarcastic but in Jenny’s presence refrained from doing so. That worried him a little he didn’t usually care so much what people thought of him, but somehow he wanted to set Jenny a good impression.

Only later when he was alone and getting ready for the concert above did he stop to reflect on the reasons for that. He liked Jenny she was good company and he hoped that they would stay friends. And along that line he began to think about the conversation they had had regarding friendships and Mr and Miss Right and Devin began to wonder about that and though he expected that such a thought would frighten him to hell, he found that he rather enjoyed it and looked forward to the evening ahead with relish. Maybe something would come of his friendship with Jenny. Whistling as he got ready for his date with her Devin suddenly felt extremely happy.

The newspaper spread before him the silver suited fellow used an HB pencil to mark a broad ring around the advertisement for the evening’s concert. “If I’m right you’ll be there tonight Cathy, I know you love Classical music. And I know you love the park. But why do you go there alone, Cathy? Such courage! Will you be there tonight? I’ll be looking out for you. I have something for you.”

He fingered the petals of the long stemmed red rose before bringing it to his lips and kissing the silky petals. In his mind’s eye, he was kissing Catherine’s lips. Suddenly he couldn’t wait for the evening. He hoped she would be there for if he could make her trust him then other things would become so much easier to accomplish.

Sitting beneath the bandstand afforded Vincent and Catherine a cosy evening wrapped in one another’s arms. The cushions scattered round about allowed them to lounge back against their softness and with eyes closed the couple absorbed the music into their souls. They loved being together in this way. The seclusion, the music, the nearness of each other was like being in a cocoon in a world of their own - a world padded by softness that protected them both from the harshness and realities of life be it below or above. Here they could forget what life had thrown them and Vincent could imagine that he was like any other man with the woman that he cherished, safe and warm in the knowledge of her love.

Above Devin sat alongside Jenny listening to the music with one ear and strangely enough listening to her breathe with the other. He liked the way her breath rose as an exciting piece exceeded all her expectations and the way she held it when a familiar piece was about to be imparted. In fact, he liked the way her eyes shone and her lips puckered, and he liked the soft contour of her cheek nearest to him and wanted oh so much to trail one finger along its softness and feel it held against the palm of his hand. Devin shook himself out of such reverie, seldom had he felt this way about a woman and only then been because of one thing and one thing only. He’d wanted to take her back to his place or to hers, and undress and make love to her slowly but with Jenny he couldn’t envisage those things. He just knew that he wanted something with Jenny but couldn’t fathom what. He knew he wanted to be her friend and he knew he wanted to take care of her, but he couldn’t for the life of him imagine having sex with her. To do so he felt would encroach upon her rights and take him to a place he dare not approach lest he frighten her away. Analysing those feelings was new to Devin and he spent more time thinking about them than enjoying the music. That served only as a soothing backdrop to his thoughts.

When the interval came, he suggested a stroll and was happy when Jenny eagerly accepted. Devin had still to find out how she reacted to eerie corners, shadows and night sounds. It didn’t really matter but having thought about it, he was intrigued.

“I like being at the boating lake.” Jenny told him as they moved away from the crowds, “Especially when the moon is reflected in it.” That surprised him.

“You aren’t another night owl like Cathy are you? She’s always frequenting the park at night.” He chuckled remembering the time he’d discovered that Catherine had followed him to the Carousel one murky night after they had first met.

“No not usually. I think Cathy is one on her own there. But having Vincent to protect her…Oh…excuse me, I didn’t see you there. Are you all right?” Jenny extended a hand to the fellow she had just bumped into and as she touched him she gasped as a vision shot through her mind and she snatched her hand back as if she had been burned.

“What is it?” The fellow seemed stunned but all Jenny could do was stare wide-eyed at him leaving Devin to feel uncomfortable at her side. “I…I’m sorry.” Jenny stammered and as she took up Devin’s arm, he felt her tremble.

“No, what is it?” The fellow asked again. “You seem frightened of me, yet I’m certain we have never met before.” Briefly, he wondered if she may have been one of his ‘star’s’ that had got away.

Taking a deep breath Jenny found her tongue, and holding her voice as steady as she could she replied, “That’s true. I don’t know what came over me. It’s just that when I touched your arm I felt an electric shock. It’s probably your suit material. I sometimes get a reaction like that.” She hoped that he believed the lie.

He did, “Just so long as you weren’t frightened of me. I wouldn’t want to think I scare women like that, although I did step out in front of you seemingly from nowhere. I apologise for that, only I overheard your friend here mention the name Cathy and the fact that she likes being in the park at night, and I know it’s a long shot, and I know there are a million Cathy’s but I just wondered…”

Devin watched the exchange between the two. He could see that it was taking all Jenny could muster not to run a mile from the fellow, and that intrigued him. He didn’t look menacing, but Jenny he could tell was scared stiff of him.

“Yes, what did you wonder?” Despite the urge to flee, Jenny had to know. Her heart hammered painfully in her chest. When she had touched this man, she had seen a vision of him watching while two men killed Catherine with knives!

“I wondered if you could be talking about Catherine Chandler?”

Jenny froze. With her arm linked through Devin’s he felt it the moment she stiffened alongside him. He worried about it but continued to listen to the exchange in silence wondering how she would reply.

“As it happens, we were.” Jenny told him at last having thought of lying and dismissing the idea a dozen times before she spoke.

“Oh good! Is she here? I’d love to see her.” The stranger’s eyes lit up and Jenny shook yet he seemed so ordinary so peaceable, but her visions were seldom wrong. She shuddered.

“No. She’s spending the evening with her partner.” She told him leaving Devin to wonder why Jenny had emphasised that fact.

“Oh. I didn’t know she was seeing anyone.” His voice fell. Even Devin picked up on that and something in Jenny’s mannerism made him add, “They’re practically engaged. Been together for years.”

“Really? Yet I’ve not seen her out with him.” He told them with obvious disbelief.

“Well take it from me pal, she has certainly got someone, so if you’ve any designs on her I should lose them quick smart ‘cos he won’t stand for anyone muscling in on his girl.”

The fellow laughed, “Am I supposed to be frightened? Few people scare me.”

“Her partner would scare the shit out of you believe me.” Devin suddenly disliked the man intensely and was eager to end the conversation but the fellow lingered wanting to know more.

“So what’s his name? And how come I never see her with him?”

“Its really none of your business.” Jenny remarked as eager as Devin to get away from him. He gave her the creeps and she wanted to tell Devin about what she had seen knowing he stored great faith in her ability to see things. In the crystal cavern, he had been enthralled by her experiences from the past.

“The lady is right,” Devin drew Jenny away intent on walking around and past the fellow, “Now if you’ll excuse us, we want to stretch our legs before the second half.”

“No problem.” He sidestepped allowing them to pass him on the path but as they drew away from him he called them back, “Tell Cathy I was asking after her when you see her will you?”

“Sure.” Devin called back over his shoulder without looking round.

“But you don’t even know my name.” The fellow called back. “How will you know what to tell her?”

Under his breath Devin muttered, “I’ll tell her the silver suited nutter.” Causing Jenny to utter a nervous kind of giggle, while out loud he called, “Okay so what’s your name?”

“My friends call me FX.” Jenny stifled a scream. “Will you tell her that?”

“I’ll tell her.” Devin promised. Right now something bad was up with Jenny, and it had to do with that man and the more distance Devin put between them the better he would like it and for some reason he doubted that they would be going back to listen to the rest of the concert. “Want to come back below?” He asked her with open concern. Jenny nodded, she had to see Catherine and soon.
Unbeknown to her the silver suited fellow that watched them head out across the park was thinking exactly the same thing.

It was late, after ten before Devin and Jenny could relate the experience, for after arriving back at his chamber they had to wait for Vincent and Catherine’s return. Even so, at that late hour Vincent saw the necessity of consulting Narcissa without delay, glad that at last Catherine knew for a certainty that his visions and those of her friend Jenny had foundation.

“What did he look like?” Had been Catherine’s first question the moment Jenny related what had happened in the park.

“Normal. Six foot or so, blonde hair, couldn’t tell what colour his eyes were of course, and I only know about his hair from dreams. It looked darker tonight.” Jenny told her remembering everything she’d seen.

“So it could be darker? Jenny what did he look like in the flesh?” Catherine exasperated.

Devin took over, “Jenny is right. The park, as you know, isn’t too well lit in places and we were between lamps when he stepped out from nowhere. Made Jenny jump I can tell you. Appeared like an apparition.”

“That wouldn’t make me jump.” Jenny cut in. “But funnily enough he did. Ghosts have never frightened me even since I discovered that they were really demons appearing as a dead person to delude the living.”

“Are they really?” Devin was amazed to hear that.

“Oh yes, in fact…”Jenny began.

“Hey you two cut it out!” Catherine cried, “Meanwhile back on the ranch and all that.”

“Oops sorry. Where was I?” Jenny grinned sheepishly.

“Wherever you were is immaterial.” Vincent told her gravely, “I think its well after time that we paid Narcissa a visit, see if she can throw some light on this. Are you all coming?”

“What now?” Devin wailed. “It’ll be after midnight before we arrive.” He sounded nervous.

“Oh don’t worry you big scaredy cat, I’ll take care of you.” Jenny told him, “Besides Narcissa’s not that bad.”

“Its not Narcissa I’m worried about. Ghosts are one thing, but demons!” Devin visibly shuddered. “Wish you hadn’t told me that till tomorrow now.”

“Come on, stop fooling around.” Catherine told the pair grabbing her warmest coat for the long trek through the lower levels. “Vincent’s right, there’s no time like the present, and besides I have to go back to work tomorrow, so I’d rather know what I’m up against before I do.”

“You’re not serious?” Vincent asked aghast. “You can’t go back above now. Something is going to happen to you, something awful and I won’t be able to protect you. It’ll be in broad daylight!”

“How do you know?” Her coat half on and off Catherine paused, “You’ve never said so before.”

Jenny crossed to the bed and sat down, “Yeah Vincent, even I didn’t know that. How do you know its gonna happen during the day?”

Vincent didn’t know how to reply. He didn’t even know where to begin, or that he had known such a thing before announcing it. “I don’t know.” He told them sincerely. “But I do know that to be correct.”

“Might be the light level.” Devin mused sitting back to front on one of the chairs. “Perhaps you can tell that the light in the room isn’t manmade.”

Vincent nodded, “Yes you could be right Devin. That has to be it. The room is awfully light.”

“Or perhaps it’s the other way around. It might be that the room is filled with very bright lights.” Devin told him thoughtfully.

Catherine had an idea. “I only wish I could see inside your head, then I might know of this place. Do you think you could draw it for me? I know you’ve described it before but I didn’t recognise anything from that.”

“Drawing wouldn’t afford you any more information than describing it. It isn’t the room that’s significant it is the gathering, you and a few others and him, the intent in his eyes, his mannerisms, everything is geared toward doing you harm.” Vincent told her anxiously.

“Let’s go and see Narcissa,” Jenny jumped off the bed, “We’re wasting time sitting here discussing it and going around in circles. If anyone can help, Narcissa can.”

“Yes I agree.” Vincent picked up his cloak and flung it on, “Devin, Jenny you’ll need to go and put something warmer on, the lower levels can be cold.”

“That’ll take more time, we’ll keep each other warm.” Devin told his brother flippantly but Vincent disagreed. “Here take my spare cloak and Jenny wrap this blanket around your shoulders, believe me you’ll both be thankful for extra covering down there.”

With a murmur of thanks, the pair followed Vincent and Catherine out of the dimly lit chamber and then the small group set off apprehensively toward Narcissa’s domain.

Being a security guard wasn’t what you’d call one of life’s most exciting jobs, but from time to time, something happened out of the norm that made the job worth doing. And when by morning Vincent’s small party were deep beneath the city, up above the security guard employed at Catherine’s apartment building was taking in the third parcel not to mention the bouquets, for number 21E that day.

“If that woman gets any more popular she’s going to have to find larger accommodation.” He muttered under his breath as he placed the first bouquet of flowers next to the second and on top of the three parcels that had arrived for Catherine Chandler. “I hope she soon turns up, or I will have no room to move behind this desk.” He thought of taking the stuff up to her apartment and leaving it outside the door, but while he could trust all the occupants of that particular building, he didn’t know about their many visitors and so he kept the gifts where he could keep an eye on them.

He was surprised that Miss Chandler had not been in her apartment. True he hadn’t done the night shift but she was usually at home on a Sunday evening. Still she frequented unsocial hours that he did know, and rarely had visitors call.

As the morning wore on he began to wonder about the parcels. They were oblong in shape and seemed very much like they might be chocolates or perhaps handkerchiefs. But did women use handkerchiefs these days? Most he knew used tissue paper purchased in those little handy sized wrappers that could be carried in a purse out of sight. Handkerchiefs were, he presumed, reserved for the older generation. Or for nursing mothers who kept one down their bra to mop up spilt milk quickly. He knew that from his wife and sister who had their pockets filled with all kinds of baby things that handkerchiefs simply had to be stored elsewhere. And what better place than between the breasts where they were most needed anyway?

Musing on the plight of handkerchiefs, he jumped when the telephone rang and picking it up and before he could speak heard a male voice ask “Could you put me through to Apartment 21E please?”

“I could but I can tell you that no body is home right now.” At least he didn’t think so. “However, no doubt there is an answer machine for you to leave a message.”

“Thank you that will do.” The voice told him and so he put the call through without further delay. What was it up to him anyway? He didn’t usually tell callers if the occupants of certain apartments were home or not. He guessed it was just that the call had caught him on the hop and just when he was thinking about the gifts awaiting Miss Chandler too.

The red light on his board soon indicated that the call was ended, and with a thought of short and sweet, he set about his other duties for the day. However, it wasn’t long before they were interrupted by yet another bouquet arriving, this one different from the others of mixed vibrant colours. This one was made up primarily of red roses and baby’s breath. “Red and white.” The security guard thought as he took the bouquet from the delivery girl. He shuddered, and hoped that the gift bearer knew what he was doing, knowing only too well that the symbolic meaning behind red and white together was death. And the reason why brides who insisted on such colours for a wedding usually found a few pink flowers hidden somewhere in the bouquet, as most florists were superstitious of making up red and white bouquets of flowers.

These he placed on top of the others and hoped that would be the lot. It wasn’t. By mid afternoon he had to move his chair to one side of the desk as the parcels that had been delivered steadily all day continued to mount behind it. “Must be Miss Chandler’s birthday or something.” He mused. “Sure hope I’m still on duty when she comes home. Would love to see her face when she sees this lot.”

By the time his shift ended though there was still no sign of her, and more parcels and bouquets had arrived along with two more calls from the same man as before. The last time he sounded agitated and asked if Miss Chandler had received the gifts. When the guard replied that she had not he then sounded gruff and annoyed. But the security guard could tell him nothing. He didn’t know when Miss Chandler would be home or if she had gone away on business, and then asked the caller if he had tried her office.

“Yes, I’ve been calling all day. Her boss says he expected her in but she hasn’t turned up, neither has she called. Do you have a spare set of keys? Could you go into her apartment to check if she is well?”

“Yes I could, but I’m certain she’s not there. Have you tried her friends?” For some reason the security guard became suspicious of the caller. Whether Miss Chandler was home or not he wasn’t about to impart that sort of information to someone he didn’t know.

The caller’s reply of “I don’t know any of her friends,” only aroused the suspicions of the security guard even more.

“Look I’m certain she will be home soon if not today then certainly by tomorrow. I’ll put the bouquets in a bucket of water because I’m off duty soon and leave a note in her pigeon-hole that you have been trying to contact her. Who shall I say called?”

“I’ve left messages myself on her machine so don’t worry about that. No doubt we will catch up with one another eventually. Thanks for all your help.” And then he was hanging up and leaving the security guard with the receiver still at his ear. He put it down slowly, this had been a very strange day and it was a shame he wouldn’t get to see Miss Chandler’s face when she saw all the gifts, but he was eager to get home. However, he thought he would just take a peep at one of the cards fastened to the red and white bouquet just to see if they were from Elliot Burch as he had presumed all day. Slipping out a small white card from an equally small white envelope, he read the inscription but it didn’t make sense. Just two letters were imprinted thereon in bold italic ink.
FX. That’s all it said, just FX. The security guard replaced the card, sorted out his things for home and still pondering on the mystery of Miss Chandler’s gift bearer waited for his relief to take over for the night shift.

To be continued in part three.