Oblivion 3 Chapter Nine Fabian Francis, looked at his watch, he seemed to be working later and later into the night, these days. Rubbing his brow, he decided it was time to go home. Shutting down the computer, he rose picked up his keys, and went to check along the dens. Each den housed one being. He had no other name for them. They were neither man nor beast and had little intelligence. Switching the wall lights on above the barred dens, he looked at them. The big male crouched low in the corner, his perfidious eyes glinting in the half light beneath the thick mane of hair around his head. Fabian stepped closer, and heard the ever present growl come from the being’s throat, and he shivered. Going along to the next den, he looked at the eldest female, her catlike features and ferocious eyes darting wildly as she watched him. Then the next den, containing the pregnant female, her body swollen, and the same savage eyes that watched him. “You all look okay to me, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Switching off the lights Fabian left them there, feeling as he walked away their eyes burning into his back, almost seeing inside their heads the desire to tear him to shreds given the slightest of chances. Whatever was he going to do with them if he didn’t hear from Mich’ael Reidel soon? There had as yet been no reply to his letter, and he wondered about making the trip to see him, yet there was no-one he could leave the creatures with. Until he heard from Mich’ael he did not know what to do with them. Knowing only, that he needed them no longer. *** *** *** “Catherine you had us so worried.” Mary hugged her, as if she would never let her go, “You poor thing, just look at your feet, you must have walked endless miles.” “It wasn’t the miles so much as the terrain.” Catherine told her honestly, “All that up and down, if it hadn’t of been for Vincent urging me on, I think I would have given up.” “So you have forgiven him for his flash of jealousy then, huh?” Father asked her, “He is very sorry about that but really Cathy, his fears were grounded. He knew something terrible would come of your friendship with this Scott person, even if he did go about it the wrong way.” “Yes, I realise that, and I suppose I can understand his insecurity, given the shoe on the other foot so to speak. I think I would be much the same if he had to leave me and travel thousands of miles to spend in the company with a good looking woman. I think this is something that we will have to come to accept between us, without letting it destroy us. I sincerely regret shutting off the Bond between us now. Especially that without it I may not be here now. It is a wonderful gift, one that should not be taken for granted.” “To think that you came so close to dying though if you hadn’t of received that anti-serum jab in time, it doesn’t bear thinking about. If only we could have known sooner, even a few hours sooner, you could have been saved from the scorpion bite if nothing else.” Father told her rubbing her hands in his, as tears stung his eyes. “So what are you going to do for an encore Cathy, my but you lead an exciting life.” Mary told her, laughing a little to ease the tension. Catherine smiled, “The only thing I want to do is see Devin and Mich’ael then go home to Vincent. I vow I will never leave my husband’s side ever again.” Father chuckled, “Famous last words Catherine my dear. And as to your wish to see Mich’ael I am afraid we are all giving him the cold shoulder right now.” Catherine’s eyes flew wide open, “Why, without his help I would not have been found surely.” “His help? No it was Peter that called us.” Father told her frowning. “Yes, but Marie got a message through to Mich’ael first, didn’t you get it?” Slowly Father remembered the note, and groaned, as he realised, “Oh Lord, Cathy. Oh my dear.” As the import of his words gained impact, he suddenly realised that the note from Mich’ael could have saved Catherine so much pain and suffering. Regretfully he related the sorry news to her. Catherine sighed, “So Mich’ael must be feeling pretty rotten by now. I’m surprised at you Father. You of all people. Okay I know Devin has suffered badly, but don’t you think Mich’ael knows that? He has it to live with all his life. Surely keeping him in Coventry wouldn’t have punished him any more than he will punish himself his life over. And I understand he is unconscious once again. The poor guy probably brought it on himself, wishing to face oblivion rather than life. I have to see him.” “Then I will take you in the wheelchair, I must see him too. I owe him an apology if he wakes up.” Father told her unhappily. Mich’ael looked terrible as they opened the door to his room and went inside. Nurse Hammond was busy changing his dressings as they approached.“Arh, Mrs. Wells, I heard you had been found. I am so glad. I was beside myself when I realised you could have been found so much quicker if only I had given Mr. Wells the message from Mr. Reidel the night you went missing. Unfortunately I didn’t remember until the following day, and by then Mr. Wells had left the hotel. I don’t think he actually received my message until late evening of the second day.” “So let me get this right Nurse Hammond, when you came to tell us Mr. Reidel had a message for me, and I told you I didn’t want to know, was it about Catherine and did he give you another?” “Yes, and I was on my way to tell you again when I was called away for an incoming emergency. Mr. Reidel told me he had a message from Marie, that Cathy needed urgent help. I’m so sorry, Mrs. Wells, you could have been spared so much suffering. What I can’t understand is where this Marie comes into it, certainly I have never seen anyone save you people visit Mr. Reidel.” “She is his wife” Catherine told her, “Both myself and my husband, Mich’ael and his wife and Devin and his wife share the gift of telepathy, without it I would not be alive now to tell you this.” “That’s incredible, so you mean to tell me that Mrs. Reidel contacted her husband to tell him where you were?” “Yes, after I contacted my husband who passed the message on to Mrs. Reidel, who is his mother.” Catherine could see the nurse was very impressed, and a little stunned by this news. Father chuckled beside her almost unable to control himself, whispering, “Telepathy, really Cathy.” Catherine smiled as Nurse Hammond replied, “I can hardly believe it, I never thought it were possible, there are some who would like to know about this to research it. You should contact someone about its strength, it is remarkable. Tell me did you use this method, the day Mr. Wells was assumed dead also?” “Yes, by his wife reaching out to him, he heard her and responded, thanks to this gift his life was saved.” “Amazing, incredible. That answers a lot of questions. You would not believe how his recovery has been a topic for discussion here since it happened. At least now I have the answer, you don’t mind me telling do you?” “Not at all, only don’t let the press get hold of it will you? We wouldn’t want publicity.” Catherine begged her. “I promise, though I think it should be documented, the medical association should know about this.” They left the room to stand with her outside in the corridor, and Catherine begged her, “I’d prefer it if you kept out names out of it, or if you do, we shall all deny it.” Nurse Hammond nodded and changed the subject, “Well now, I expect you want to know about Mr. Reidel, he is conscious again, but sleeping, also have you been to see your son today Mr. Wells?” Father looked up sharply, “No, we haven’t why?” “Because though he is still unconscious, we believe he is coming out of the coma, he keeps muttering words we cannot decipher, but one name comes through clearly, he keeps calling Gerry.” “That’s his wife’s name, he must be answering her.” Catherine told her. “So his wife is pulling him out of the coma, through this telepathy?” she shook her head in disbelief, “Really if I hadn’t of seen and heard it for myself, I would not have believed this. It is truly remarkable. If only everyone could apply it.” She smiled impishly. “If only I could apply it. My husband could do with a few sharp home truths. None better than to see them flashing through his head from mine.” She laughed, “Yes the more I think about that, the more appealing it sounds. I shall have to work on it. Just think I could get him to do things I’ve wanted him to do for years, and all the while he will think that he has thought of it first.” Giggling deliciously at the thought, she left them, the sound drifting down the corridor. Catherine, Father and Mary looked at one another and burst into gales of laughter. *** *** *** Panic over, Vincent walked aimlessly through the tunnels, longing for Catherine’s return, when he met Elizabeth coming towards him. “Vincent come, I have finished the painting in the chamber you and Catherine share. Once the smell of paint has gone you can move back in there.” She told him her eyes bright with happiness. Following her back to his chamber, he was stunned at the faces on the walls that met him and smiled his appreciation. “Elizabeth this is marvellous, Catherine will love it.” “Have you heard anything of her yet child?” “Yes, she is back with Father and Mary now. She intends to come home as soon as she is fit enough. I must say that day cannot come soon enough for me.” “Yes child, you two do seem to have more than your share of troubles. If you have some time to spare I should like to tell you about my latest painting in the tunnels, I’m sure you will enjoy hearing the tale that goes along with it and it may take your mind off of things for a while.” “Yes, thank you Elizabeth I’d like that. Should we go now?” “Yes, then I can tell you all about it on the way." Walking side by side along the well lit tunnels, Elizabeth told him, “I was inspired by Catherine’s love of mountains to paint this latest scene. I found out some information about the place and just wanted to share it. The place is called Georgia and lies between Europe and Asia.” Reaching the stretch of tunnel Elizabeth spoke of, they were met by a scene depicting tremendous fifteen thousand foot mountains, snow capped and densely forested in the productive valleys, Pointing to the scene Elizabeth told Vincent, “this is where the famous Silk Road, taken by Marco Polo on his way to China lies. Its capital, Tbilisi is a bustling city, which is situated between East and West, and do you know Vincent the city has been invaded 29 times by people passing this way because of the city’s financial and cultural wealth. Imagine, it would make one very insecure wouldn’t it to live there? Nonetheless, because of its long standing architecture it is a favourite location for tourists. One of the things I find the most impressive however, is Georgia’s natural elements. Eighty-seven percent of the terrain is mountainous and through it run some twenty-five thousand rivers. Can you credit that Vincent? I bet they are ice cold too what with coming down from off the mountain tops, yet many are full of trout.” “Is Georgia a naturally cold place then Elizabeth?” “You would think so wouldn’t you by all that snow on the peaks, and it does sustain frigid weather systems from the North. Fortunately the great range known as Caucasus mountains shield it from the bad weather and it receives warm and moist air from the Black Sea. It has therefore quite a mild climate, and because of this produces five hundred different varieties of grapes and wine.” “When you painted Cuzco and the Inca’s golden empire you omitted the people. I see here that you have put them in, what sort of people are they Elizabeth? Do you know?” Vincent asked her with interest as he peered at the paintings of men, women and children going about their daily business around Tbilisi. “They are wonderful people. Intelligent, hospitable, humorous and they have a great love of life. Their culture is rich with song and dance and they frequently sing some of their many folk songs during mealtimes.” “Perhaps we should adapt some of their ways down here, huh, Elizabeth?” “Actually Vincent that isn’t such a bad idea. I remember a time when children were always required to sing for their supper. Do you think we could ask that of the children here?” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “Oh, we could ask, Elizabeth.” Vincent told her fondly, “But I doubt we would achieve it. Still telling the children such wonderful stories as you have told me may inspire miracles.” “You know the final thing I wanted to say about Georgia is the literacy of that country, it dates back as early as the fifth century, using a beautiful and unique Georgian alphabet. It was one of the earliest languages to be translated into the Bible. Truly it is an amazing part of history isn’t it Vincent? One of the few places that still boasts the linking of ancient and modern traditions. I thought it more than deserved a place along these tunnels so that it can be preserved down here for all to enjoy.” “You did well to paint it Elizabeth. Thank you for telling me this wonderful story, I shall always remember it and tell my own children about it when they are older.” “You are welcome child, come by anytime, there will always be something new to delight you, until the day I run out of tunnels.” “That will never happen Elizabeth, for a certainty if you should, then we shall find you others, there are so many tunnels that would benefit from being brightened by your skill and your love, and if we do run out of tunnels you can start on the other chambers.” “Thank you Vincent. And now I must begin another scene, my fingers have minds of their own, there is so much I want to paint that sometimes I regret having to lie down to sleep.” Vincent chuckled, “I feel like that when I look at my children, they are so beautiful I never want to miss a moment of them, and speaking of which I should go to them now. Thank you for the painting in my chamber Elizabeth, Catherine will love it as do I.” With that he was gone, walking along the long tunnels, dreaming of his wife’s homecoming, and searching for her once again through their livesaving Bond. *** *** *** Holding Devin’s hand Catherine spoke softly to Father. “I owe your son so much, it is unthinkable that he almost died. I don’t think I would ever have got over that.” “And I Catherine, I owe you so much. But for you I would have lost two sons, and that is unthinkable too. What would I have done without either Vincent or Devin? I owe Devin such a lot. Since he has had this accident, since I heard he had sustained those heart attacks, I realised how important he was to me. No even before that, when Timmy first came into our lives. Seeing him, the way he is, he reminded me so much of Devin as a boy, I came to realise too late just what I had missed.” He paused, holding onto his son’s other hand, then as his eyes glanced at his son’s face, his heart leapt to see that Devin was smiling. “Devin” he cried, as Devin slowly opened his eyes, saying in a croaky voice, “Hello dad, don’t stop there, that was sooo beautiful.” Catherine flung herself over Devin, as best she could, giving him the biggest hug and kiss that room would allow for, causing a huge smile to spread across his handsome face tinged with a little pain. “It is so good to have you back.” she told him, “You don’t know how much we have all been praying for you.” “I had to wake up, I thought Gerry’s voice in my head was going to send me nuts if I didn’t. You know once she gets an idea of something she won’t let it go, mind you she said some lovely things.” A dreamy look came over his face, and Catherine laughed out loud with joy and happiness, “I can imagine.” Once Devin had come out of his coma, he made a rapid recovery. Catherine stayed just long enough to satisfy herself that he would soon be up and about, though he would need extensive physiotherapy, as would Mich’ael now he had become conscious again, happy that Father and Mary had forgiven him and Devin was getting better at last. Sitting alongside Devin as she used up time before her flight, Catherine spoke to him about inconsequential things, joking with him, enjoying his company, when she happened to say, “While I was on Sonn Alp, a telephone call came through for Ignatz. The guy never left his name, but he was most abrupt, and he mentioned some things which I found interesting. Eventually I told him Ignatz had moved away with no forwarding address, that Han’s had been killed by a wild creature, and that he could contact Mich’ael at the hospital. He told me a friend wanted to contact Ignatz, and that it was urgent. As he rang off he mentioned a name, but didn’t finish it, and also that he himself was calling from New York.” Devin sat up, plumping up the pillows behind him, “That is interesting, can you remember the name of the guy he was going to mention?” “Yes, I wrote it down. It was Fabi, he...” Devin didn’t let her finish, excitedly he cried “Fabian!” “You know him?” Catherine could hardly believe he did, and then when he went on to tell her about the information he had learned in the files at Sonn Alp, she was even more amazed. “Mich’ael and I were hoping to follow this up. You know Cathy when you and I found Marie and Gerry we assumed that was the end of it, but it could be the whole sorry story is yet to be unfolded. Mich’ael and I wondered if there are more of Vincent’s kind yet to be discovered.” “Oh no, Devin, you aren’t serious? When will it ever end?” “Not until all the people who worked on it have been stopped no doubt. You know what this means don’t you?” “I hate to think.” Devin smiled, “As soon Mich’ael and I are well enough we must go to see this chap. Assuming he has written to Mich’ael by then, or it may take some time to locate him. And so you know what that means for you and I don’t you?” he answered his own question, “ That means Holmes and Watson are off on another case.” “Holmes and Watson?” “Well, you and I then, are you ready to embark on this again with me baby?” Catherine laughed, shaking her head, “You,” she told him, “Are going to be the death of me.” “I hope not Cathy, but we are a good team, and I for one won’t rest until I am satisfied we have covered every last avenue.” He told her solemly. Catherine considered his words carefully, “You’re right, as much as I want to stay put and never have to leave Vincent again, I suppose I have no choice. We do have to pursue this thing until its conclusion, or we will never forgive ourselves for coming so close and letting it go.” “That’s right Cathy. Sometimes fate is handed to us on a plate, we have only to recognise it for what it is, no matter how it affects us. Obviously some one up there has assigned us this work, and we have to see it through to its completion no matter what.” “Yes it does seem that way doesn’t it. Suddenly there are a lot more loose ends, and you are right we have only one option, we have to tie them up. But just tell me Devin, how on earth will I explain this to Vincent?” *** *** *** Vincent was sitting beside the waterfall, deep in thought, when he felt Catherine coming home. A broad smile lit his face, reaching his blue eyes and his heartbeat quickened. Though she had been away for less than two weeks, it had seemed a lifetime. He was also missing Devin, Father and Mary. Never in all his life had everyone he held most dear been away from him at the same time. He even missed Mouse’s chatter, and wondered if he might be returning with Catherine. It had been awfully quiet without him. Yet he expected that for months afterwards Mouse would fill their lives with tales of his adventure, just like he’d never stopped talking about the island, again full of pride that he had been included. And he would no doubt love Catherine all the more for agreeing to let him go with her to Austria. As he felt Catherine whirling overhead as her plane made to land, he wondered where she intended on going. Either straight Below or to her apartment, and he hovered by the tunnel entrance. Either way he would meet her. He felt it when she got into a taxi and his heartbeat increased as he heard her whisper, “Vincent, I’m back. I’m going up to the apartment, please meet me there.” Pulling his cloak tighter around him, and raising the hood, Vincent crossed the deserted park, and made his way deftly up to the eighteenth floor. Catherine had the taxi take her straight to her apartment, where Mouse also got out with her, and together they walked to the basement. “Will you be all right from here, Mouse? I’ll come to see you later.” He nodded his eyes bright, “Thank you for taking me.” He told her again for the hundredth time, “Are you seeing Vincent now?” Catherine nodded, “Yes, and I expect Jamie and Brook will be waiting for you.” At mention of Jamie, Mouse’s eyes lit up, “Yes.” He cried, “I can’t wait to see Jamie, must tell her about Concorde.” With that he scurried away like his namesake and was quickly out of sight. Catherine couldn’t get the key in the lock fast enough, she dropped them twice, as she balanced the mail and her bags in her arms and tried to apply the selected key to the keyhole at the same moment. Finally the door flung open, she ran inside, dumped her bags, kicked the door shut with one foot, and ran across the room to release the catch to the balcony doors, and then in less time than a heart beat flew straight into Vincent’s waiting arms. “Hold me” she beseeched him, “Just hold me, like you will never let me go.” “Never” he murmured huskily into her hair, “Oh, Catherine I have missed you so much.” Placing a finger beneath her chin, he tilted her face to his, bringing his lips down to hers, tracing burning kisses across her face, her lips, her cheeks, her brow, down around her throat, and back to her waiting lips. “Vincent, come inside. I have something I must tell you.” Her voice held a tinge of regret and Vincent pulled her closer, looking into her eyes. “Please Catherine, please, don’t tell me you have to go back, I couldn’t bear it, not another separation, please.” Catherine swallowed hard, “I’m sorry Vincent, you know if there was any other way. Believe me I don’t want it to have to be like this.” His eyes searched hers, saw the sincerity within them, and hugged her close, “Whatever is it Catherine, why do you have to leave me again?” “You know when Devin and I found Gerry and Marie, and reunited the three of you, we truly believed that would be the end of it. With the death of Strasser and then of Kogler, and with Mich’ael destroying all the evidence, we thought your secret would be safe for eternity. Oh, but Vincent now it would seem that this isn’t so. There are others who know, and to top it all, Devin and I believe that there may be others like yourself somewhere. We can’t just leave them. Tell me we can’t”. “What would you have me say, my Catherine? That you put yourself in danger for others like me, just to free them. Free them from what? You can never free them from the biggest bars they will ever encounter. The eternal prison they live in is within themselves. Providing neither Gerry, Marie or ourselves are in any danger then as selfish as it sounds you must stop this quest to free all living things such as myself, for where will it end? And can it end?” “No Vincent, I would never forgive myself if I did not try. We know for a certainty that one of the scientists, lives here in New York, and another somewhere else in the world, and it is possible that one or both of them have created people like you. We have to find out Vincent. It is important.” Vincent put his arm around her drawing her close. “I was fortunate to have been brought up by Father. And Gerry was fortunate to have been given the chance to read and write with Marie’s help, but people who have been kept in cages and denied these things, will surely be as beasts, rather then men. I do not want you to get involved in this Catherine. If Devin and Mich’ael want to pursue it, then so be it, but Catherine you have taken enough risks already, and there are others that need you, if not me, then our children.” “Vincent I know these things, it grieves me to think of having to leave you yet again, but I have to go, though I do not intend to do so until Devin and Mich’ael are back home, and that may be months yet. Don’t fret so Vincent, we have a lot of time until I need to leave again.” Vincent began his pacing of the room, something he did when he was desperately trying to put his thoughts into words without causing offence. “Catherine” he told her, then paused to gaze down at her, “Really, how is it for you when we are apart?” “You know how it is, Vincent.” She turned pain filled eyes to his, “I miss you so much.” “Yet you are kept busy with your latest quest, your days are filled with daring and excitement, even laughter and joy, and these things you do are good things because you risk so much for the benefit of others. But me, well I have no such excitement to fill my days, save for the excitement my memories stir, and they only heighten my pain. My longing for you. When you are away from me Catherine, the pain is unbearable, and each time it happens a little of me dies. I know the reunions are wonderful but in-between times, my Catherine, the pain tears me apart. I do not think I can stand anymore separations, and as selfish as that sounds Catherine I am sorry, but there it is. I love you so much, and if you were to be lost to me, I would surely die. Please Catherine reconsider, for these risks are no longer yours to take.” Catherine looked at him long and hard, disappointment flaring within her. She had wanted so much to seek this latest case, to help Devin and Mich’ael to search for more lost and lonely souls, and a little bit of herself rebelled against Vincent’s words. Until through the Bond she saw it as he did and realised he was right. Perhaps she was the selfish one. Did she really want to look for more of his kind, or did she just love the thrill of working on it, as she would have done while working as a lawyer? She analysed her feelings and had to admit, that a lot of what Vincent had said was well grounded. Really she was taking huge risks that could cost her her life, and then what would become of Vincent? He would surely die without her, and their children needed him so much, what would become of them? A domino effect would take place if anything should happen to herself. And she knew that no matter how important it would seem to give freedom to people who had been created like this man she loved, it was far more important that she gave of herself to those that needed her more. Yet, if logic told her this reasoning was right, why did a tiny little voice keep pricking her conscience saying, ‘yes but if you don’t help Mich’ael and Devin find these poor people, then who will, for who will know?’ Vincent read her thoughts quietly, his expressions changing from one of joy to one of despair, as her final words were formed in her mind. He shook his head, “I have been without you Catherine for almost two weeks this time. I am overjoyed to have you back, but I don’t know if I can stand to have you back knowing you will be leaving again. Then I will have to wait and worry once more. If you knew what your absences did to me, truly did to me, you would not ask this of me. I well know how important these things are, but Catherine, I need you too.” “What are you saying Vincent?” Eyes wide she asked him quietly. Vincent took a deep breath, “I don’t often say that I know what is best for you to do Catherine, but I do think you take our Bond for granted. Had it not been for our connection where would you be now? Though your trek across the mountains was dangerous and tiring, it was also exhausting for me, and it needn’t have been. There was absolutely no reason why you should have gone up to Sonn Alp with Scott Phillips that day, you could have driven there yourself, and taken Mouse with you for company. Yet you put yourself at risk, especially when you knew how Scott felt about you. And you expect that I will always be there to unravel the problems that come from your taking these risks. Not that I mind helping you, how could I not? I love you. But sometimes Catherine the risks are so unnecessary, and I believe this latest idea is just one of those.” He paused, was he going around in circles? How could he make her see what he was driving at without being blunt. “Catherine, until you decide what it is you do want, then I think it best that we do not see one another.” There he had said it, but he didn’t like the way it had come out. He could see her pain, feel her pain, and his heart cried out for the anguish it brought her. Catherine’s mouth dropped open, “No, Vincent,” she ran to him, held on to him, tried to turn him around to face her. “Don’t do this to me, to us. Whatever we share no matter how brief the time, it is precious. Please Vincent, please, I beg of you take back your words.” It took all his strength not to look into those eyes. Those beautiful green eyes that loved him so much. But slowly, his whole body trembling, he told her, “You have to chose Catherine, are you to go or are you to stay?” He dreaded her answer. Looking at him, loving him the way she did, Catherine knew that if she should go, it would be with a heavy heart, she could not perform as well she might, and that he thought it unnecessary would only heighten the fact that it was a risk she needn’t bear. On the other hand to stay and not to try would also be a burden she would carry for the rest of her life. Yet weighing one against the other she knew she could not bear to be without him, not now, not ever, and reluctantly she replied, “If that’s the ultimatum Vincent then I have no choice." Scared to death he held his breath, “I have to stay, for I could not bear to see you walk away from me now and not look back. I love you Vincent, and I am as dead without you.” Vincent expelled a huge sigh of relief, yet the knowledge that he had won did not bring the absolute relief he had anticipated, and as their lips met in a passionate kiss, he felt that somehow a tiny little piece of his Catherine was lost to him forever. To be continued in Chapter Ten.