Castle of Sand
Part Five
Part Five
When Catherine finally arrived home in the early hours, she was footsore but delirious with happiness. After a full day running about in the park with Daniel, and then dancing all evening with Elliot, she felt very much like she could sleep for a week, if it hadn’t of been the high that she had found herself on.
Never really having got over Elliot, and never really giving him the chance to explain his side of things, (because she had unwittingly begun to find herself falling in love with Vincent), Catherine had now taken the time to listen to Elliot, realising that having so many people working for him, he could only trust them to do his work correctly. And much the same as someone pretending to attempt the files upon their desk, while all the time using the opportunity to steal clients from the business for themselves, Catherine could well see that Elliot was not to be blamed for the unscrupulous way those he hired dealt with the work he assigned them.
Once she had realised this, the old attraction flared between them again. She had always been attracted to Elliot from the very first she had clapped eyes upon him at the art exhibition he had held. She admired him, and he had been there for her on occasions without price. If there was anyone she could envisage spending her life with other than Vincent, it would have to be Elliot.
And Vincent had been convinced that this was truly where her destiny lay.
Back inside her apartment, Catherine wondered about that.
If, really, there was no future with Vincent, and if, really, her destiny did lie above, perhaps she was just kidding herself. Perhaps Vincent was right. He was perhaps too different. That they were connected by a bond, that neither of them quite understood the reason for, was imaterial, perhaps love had blossomed from it, by their great friendship, and being unattached as it were, she had blown it all out of proportion. After all, being with Vincent would mean giving up the things of the world above, something she was never really convinced she could do, not long term, not really.
It was hard to believe really that she could ever flit so quickly from one line of thought to another. One moment desperately in love with Vincent, wanting only to spend her life with him, the next contemplating doing everything he had suggested, and living without him with someone else.
Switching on the light to her apartment, and kicking off her shoes, Catherine heard the crackle of paper beneath her feet, and bent to pick up the folded note.
The handwriting at once had her cautioned, and she opened it carefully. She was right, it was from Father.
Had this been the reason why Mary had come two days before? Was she bringing a similar message, perhaps the same one.
Catherine scanned the contents thoughtfully, trying to read between the lines.
‘Dearest Catherine,
Vincent informs me of the way things are, yet I hope that this seperation does not extend to the rest of us here Below. We miss you Catherine. If you could bring it upon yourself to visit, please do so, you will be made very welcome. May I suggest supper tomorrow evening? If not, could you please suggest a more suitable time. Perhaps Peter could accompany you here. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours truly, Father.’
Why now?
Catherine’s mind raced. Hours ago, this note would have been a welcome invitation, one she had hoped for, for some time, a reason to visit, a chance to see Vincent, but why now? Now when she had begun to establish in her own mind her future course.
Father’s note made no mention of Vincent being there, but it was his home, why shouldn’t he be there?
Catherine wasn’t certain that she could stand it, the wound was still open, and it would only hinder its recovery. Quickly, before she altered her mind, she scribbled a hasty reply;
‘Dear Father, thank you for your invitation. It was never my intention to sever our friendship I too, have missed you, but Father, I won’t be accepting this invitation. Please try to understand. For almost a month I have agonised over Vincent’s decision to separate, and have hoped that he would come to me, beg me to return to him, but he hasn’t. My need for him has been great, but I no longer feel that need. I am learning to adapt to life outside the tunnels Father, its been hard, but I am succeeding. It would be wrong for me to come back just now, especially now, maybe when it no longer hurts so much would be a better time for us all. You will always be Father to me, but I have to move on, in fact in more ways than one.
Peter tells me his neighbour is selling up and moving. I have contemplated buying the house next door to Peter. Too many things here at my apartment remind me of Vincent, making it all the harder to move ahead. I haven’t decided yet, but no doubt should I move, then Peter will keep you informed of this.
I’m sorry Father, please try to understand, its not you that I wish to avoid, simply, seeing Vincent now, being near to where he is, in his home, would bring back too many painful memories, and I don’t want to put myself through that. Vincent doesn’t want me in his life, and now that I have come to accept that I would find it too painful to see him so soon.
I shall always love Vincent, Father, I shall always wonder at what life might have been with him, and when he forced me to leave it broke my heart. Now I am only just beginning to see the wisdom of his actions. Nonetheless, I do know that Vincent’s courage in setting me free could be his undoing. Look after him Father, keep him safe, encourage him to find someone he can accept in your world, to spend his life with, he needs that, despite all he might say to the contrary. Vincent has much love to give, I’m only sorry it wasn’t made available to me. Be well, Catherine.’
Catherine read through her words. they were almost as mixed up as she was.
She felt much like she had just run the longest marathon of her life, and lost. Nonetheless, her future was opening before her like a flower, looking promising, full of colour, smelling sweet.
Slipping the note inside her purse to drop off somewhere on her way to the office the following day, Catherine headed for her bedroom. Her happier frame of mind earlier had slipped away, all she felt now was tiredness, and as soon as she had slipped her weary body beneath the cool satiny sheets, and her head touched the pillow, she fell fast asleep.
*** *** ***
As the weeks literally sped by, Catherine found her feet hardly ever touched the floor. If she wasn’t seeing Joe, she was out with Daniel, or off somewhere marvellous with Elliot, and life was thrilling, if a little exhausting.
So when Daniel suggested that they spent the evening at the concert, Catherine sighed with relief. The thought of taking time out, to unwind, to relax and listen to music was just what she needed.
A respite from the vigour she had expended of late. And the concert had been wonderful, just sitting there, letting the music wash over her, Catherine allowed all the strain to ease away from her, and could almost believe she was sat with Vincent beneath the park, rather than at Daniel’s side, if she closed her eyes, and imagined hard enough.
And Daniel, watching the smile quirk her soft lips, sighed, how he wished she would let him kiss her.
Despite his earlier intentions he had grown to love her, and had joined the long line of admirers who also wore their heart on their sleeve where Catherine Chandler was concerned.
It also thrilled him to know that with him, she seemed to be different somehow, could unwind, and let him have an inkling into her past.
Little things that she said made him realise that somewhere within she had been hurt terribly, and was still healing.
Daniel had been patient, but the desire to love her was growing ever stronger, and he wanted to be the one to make her feel alive again, to erase the feelings that haunted her, never to have her reminded of them again. Besides that his temporary position at the office was running out, he’d soon be moving on, and could lose his chance.
Watching her joy, as Catherine listened to the music, Daniel could not stop himself from leaning forwards, and planting the softest of kisses upon her lips. Oh, the sensation, the sweetness, it sent his senses soaring, as Catherine’s eyes flew open, and she struggled to free herself, “Daniel!”, she cried, standing up, embarrassed by the people who hushed her. Catherine leapt out of her seat, and grabbed her coat and bag, her eyes wide with alarm.
Daniel recoiled, “I’m sorry Cathy, I couldn’t help myself. “ he followed her away from the audience, into the shadows of the park, as Catherine walked faster and faster away, brushing the tears from her eyes.
“Cath I’m sorry.” Daniel called after her, “Believe me, I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Then what did you intend!” Catherine lashed out at him, her body shaking.
“I’m sorry Cathy, you must believe that. You looked so melancholy. I just wanted to kiss you.”
“You had no right!”
“But Cathy, I love you. I can’t help the way I feel, and the need to kiss you was just so overwhelming... I suppose I’ve lost everything now.” his voice so filled with sorrow touched her heart.
“I’m sorry too Daniel. I suppose I’m to blame, I let you believe that things might be going somewhere, but Daniel, surely you realised, I don’t just date you, surely that tells you something?”
“It only tells me that you can’t make up your mind. But Cath we have such fun together, you believed in me, and thanks to you, when Stella returns, and my temporary position ends, I have somewhere to go since securing a place at the Theatrical School Of Arts. I only have you to thank for that and with you at my side, I know I could make it Cathy”.
“You don’t need me Daniel, you can make it all on your own.”
“No Cathy, I want you to share it with me, Cathy I love you, please.”
Catherine backed away. His sorrow cut through her like a two-edged sword and knowing she had been the one to plunge it there, filled her with grief.
Suddenly before she knew what she was doing she was running away from him, out across the park, trying to distance herself as quickly as possible. To find a place to hide, and regain her senses.
To ease her guilt. Her guilt at knowing she was also running from herself, from feelings he had ignited by that one soft kiss.
Daniel chased after her, and as Catherine rounded a bend, and before she got back into his sight again, she dived against the branches of a large bush, watching as Daniel ran straight by, calling her name.
For long moments, Catherine just stood there, regaining her breathing, calming her racing heart, when suddenly she realised she was not alone. The hairs on the back of her neck stiffened, as she sensed a presence somewhere close to her.
Sweat broke out on her brow, and all that Isaac had taught her flooded to mind.
“You can kill a man with the heel of a shoe Cathy.” she could hear Isaac’s words in her head.
Thinking about that, Catherine knew at this stage that would be useless, to suddenly lift a leg to remove a shoe, and be on one foot, when her attacker grabbed her, would be nothing short of folly.
Instead as the presence moved ever closer, and Catherine felt him behind her, she stepped back quickly, grabbed an arm, and tossed the person over her shoulder, before running forwards without looking back.
“Isaac taught you well.” The softly spoken words filled her heart to bursting, as Catherine turned, and cried, “Vincent! Is that you?”
Stepping back, Catherine could just make out Vincent’s form getting up off the ground, his cloak dishevelled until he straightened it, and he couldn’t help but laugh at her.
“You’re lucky I didn’t have a gun on me.” Catherine laughed, walking right up to him, “Why did you creep up on me like that?”
“I wasn’t sure what to do, and you almost ran into me anyway. I was hoping I could get past you, without you noticing.” he laughed.
“Oh Vincent,” Catherine took another step, and feeling her body meet his, could not help herself from sliding her arms around his waist, “Just hold me Vincent, please.”
Vincent could not have stopped himself from complying even if he had wished it, and as his arms stole around her body, his mind reeled, the familiar scent of her enflamed him.
How good it was to have her back where she belonged.
Standing there in the shadows they fortified one another, wrapped in one another, loving every moment of contact.
Vincent closed his eyes, he must be imagining this, surely when he opened them again, Catherine would be gone, yet when he did and found her there still in his arms, and he could have wept with relief.
“How have you been Vincent?” he heard her words tremble on a whisper.
There was so much Vincent wanted to say, but Catherine was continuing, “I’m trying Vincent. Its not been easy, but I’m getting there. You said I had courage, and I’ve needed every ounce of it, but I’ve missed you so much.”
“I too have missed you.....Catherine....” he wanted to tell her he’d been wrong. That he needed to speak to her, but they both stilled to listen as her name penetrated the darkness, borne from Daniel’s lips, and Vincent drew away from her, back into the shadows.
Out of breath Daniel saw a silhouette in the halo of the park lamp, and sighed with relief, “Cathy is that you, were you there all along? You gave me such a fright. I’m so sorry Cathy, I never meant to frighten you away.”
Catherine sighed deeply, aware that Vincent was only inches away, feeling through the now opened Bond, a sense of unfathomable anxiety that she could not put her finger on. For a moment she feared for Daniel, surely Vincent wouldn’t hurt him? Surely he would know that Daniel meant her no harm?
Then why did she feel such anger coming from him?
“Come on Cath I’ll walk you home.”
“Its okay Daniel, I’ll be okay. I met some friends, I’ll go back with them.”
“Then where are they?”
“They’ll be back in a moment, you go on home, I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”
Daniel was shaking his head, “Sorry Cath, I don’t believe you, and its insane that you should stay out in the park at this time of night, come on you will be safe with me and I won’t try anything again I promise.”
Catherine attempted a laugh which didn’t quite come off, “Daniel its okay really, I often walk through the park by myself, I’ll be fine.”
“That’s the silliest thing I have ever heard you say Cathy. Come on I’ll take you up to your apartment.”
Catherine desperately wanted him to go, to leave her alone with Vincent, but there was little else she could do. Seeing it from his standpoint, it did seem rather stupid to insist she would be all right by herself.
“Just see me to the building then Daniel, its late and we both have work tomorrow.”
“Don’t you ever think about anything else Cath. There’s more to life than work you know.”
“Try telling Joe that.” Catherine attempted a laugh.
“Okay.” Daniel laughed with her, grateful that the moment had got back on an even footing, and suddenly broke into song as he strode ahead tugging her along behind him. “Hi ho, hi ho, its off to work we go, with a bucket and spade and a hand-grenade, hi ho, hi ho, hi ho.” Catherine burst into laughter, grateful when behind her as she ran along at Daniel’s side, she heard Vincent laughing too.
*** *** ***
“You look better Vincent, did the walk do you good?” Father was quick to notice the smile his son wore as he slipped the cloak from around his shoulders and lay it upon a chair.
“I saw Catherine Father.”
Father’s eyes lit up, “You did how is she?”
Vincent chuckled, “Fighting fit, she threw me to the ground.” And Father couldn’t help retorting, “That pleased to see you was she?” his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Vincent laughed out loud, “She literally ran straight up to where I was keeping out of sight in the bushes, I think she believed I was someone that might attack her.”
Father frowned, “Vincent what were you thinking of, it could have been anyone, don’t you know to keep out of the way of people?”
“It wasn’t like that Father. I was keeping to the shadows. There was a concert in the park tonight, and when I heard the sound of someone running towards me, I dived for cover behind a bush. Unfortunately Catherine dived behind the same bush.”
Father drew his brows together, “Who was she running from Vincent?”
For a moment Vincent was unable to reply, finally telling Father, “She was out with a man, I don’t think he meant to harm her, but I don’t know why she was running from him.”
“And did this man see you too?”
“No, Father, rest assured, once Catherine knew it was me, we stepped back out of sight, and when he returned Catherine stepped back into the light so that he could find her.”
“So tell me Vincent, the reason for your change of mood, for a certainty you seem a lot happier than before you went out. And if Catherine was out with another man, I wouldn’t have thought you to be happy about that?”
Vincent smiled, a smile that lit the blue of his eyes, “That’s just it Father. We embraced, and stood together like that for several minutes, without speaking. It was wonderful. There was healing in that embrace. More like old friends drawing comfort from one another.”
Father nodded, he could understand that, “And did you see her home.”
Vincent’s tone changed, “No.” as he lowered himself down into a chair opposite his father.
“Is that bitterness I detect Vincent?”
“Catherine’s date took her home.”
“But you would have liked to have done right?”
Vincent could not reply. His mind was in turmoil, and it didn’t help to hear Father saying, “The bitter and the sweet huh Vincent. So Catherine crossed your path yet again. Doesn’t that tell you anything?”
“It tells me nothing, it was pure coincidence, and you’d do well not to keep telling me otherwise.” there was something harsh about Vincent’s tone, and Father was wary, wishing he hadn’t of marred his son’s joy with probing questions.
“I’m sorry Vincent.”
Remorseful, Vincent got to his feet, and stepped across to his father’s side, laying a reassuring hand upon the older man’s shoulder, “No, Father forgive me, it is I who should apologise. Ever since Catherine and I separated, I have been troubled one way or another with my feelings towards her. One moment I believe I was justified in sending her away, the next I am telling myself what a fool I have been. Sometimes Father I just don’t know which way to look at things. For a time I began to believe that Catherine and I should be together, as you know, but that was before Elliot Burch came back into her life.”
“Elliot Burch? How long has she been seeing him?” Father was dismayed at this bit of news.
“A few weeks. She sees Joe and this other man, Daniel also, but if any of them trouble me more it is Elliot.”
“Because he is influential, wealthy and mixes in the same social circles, as Catherine once did?” Father asked as tactfully as he dared.
“Yes, and because...” Vincent bowed his head low, “because... Catherine once found herself falling in love with him.”
“But that was a long time ago Vincent. And Catherine has fallen in love with you since.”
Vincent lifted intense blue eyes up to Father’s, “And I was too stupid to see it.”
“Vincent no, you always knew how much Cathy loved you.”
“Did I?. Did I really Father? I am beginning to doubt even the truth of our dream.”
“Why Vincent?”
“Because now I know it was no dream. Father, what Catherine and I shared was a fact, although I did not know it then, and I pushed her away. And now that I know it, it is too late for me. How could I expect her to return, when she is at last following the path I set her upon?”
“Yet did she show any sign of wanting to pursue it when you saw her this evening Vincent?” Father rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“She told me she was trying, that it hadn’t been easy, but with the courage I’d insisted she had, she was getting through it. Though she misses me.” Vincent sighed, as tears gathered and fell swiftly, and a long low moan erupted from his soul, “I miss her too Father, and even if she was to come back to me, I still haven’t lost the fears that forced her away.”
“And you won’t Vincent, not until you confront them together. Did you want my advice Vincent for what its worth?”
“If it would help Father”, Vincent raised hopeful eyes to his parent.
“Go and see Catherine. You said that there was healing in your embrace. Maybe Catherine needs you as much as you need her, perhaps all is not lost.”
Vincent shook his head, “I cannot, it would only put us back, and we have come so far. Its not been easy on either of us, but at least Catherine has been trying to find the happy life she was born for. And maybe it does lie with Elliot Burch..”
Father remained silent, until Vincent prompted, “Father?”
“And maybe it lies with you Vincent.” he told his son softly. “Remember the reply she sent to my invitation? Her very last words were that you had not given to her the love you were so capable of.”
“They weren’t her exact words Father.”
“Well near enough, the meaning was the same. It told us enough that she had hoped once that the two of you could have had a life together.”
Vincent exhaled a deep sigh, “If only I could believe that. Apart from tonight’s chance meeting, Catherine has made no attempt to contact me, or been Below to see anyone. Doesn’t that speak for itself?”
“Perhaps, but didn’t you tell me that she tried this once before and you sent her away?”
“Yes, but that was the day after we went our separate ways Father.”
“Nonetheless, it must have hurt enough for Catherine not to attempt repeating it. And knowing Cathy as I think I do, I still believe that she will return to you. In fact I believe that she is only dating these men to please you, so that you have nothing to force her away with in the future.”
Vincent shook his head, “Be it were true, but Elliot Burch Father, why him of all people, she knows how he feels about her,” his tone lowered to continue, “ and how she once felt about him. Surely she knows the danger that is involved here?”
“Perhaps Catherine sees Elliot as the key in all of this. After all, he is the one that is powerful enough in his own right, and the one you always believed Catherine should be with.” Father continued to rub his chin thoughtfully, “I wouldn’t put too finer a point on it Vincent, but if I were you, I would join the flock so to speak.”
Vincent raised his head, “Join the flock Father?”
Father nodded, “Let Catherine know that you want to be in the running also, along with all her other followers, assuming that you do of course, and that you haven’t just stepped out of the picture entirely. That you do intend to be considered along with the rest.”
Vincent could only stare at his father aghast, until finding the words to answer he told him, “There is no contest Father. I do not stand a chance against the rest, look what they can give to Catherine. What have I to offer?”
“Only yourself Vincent, and if I know Catherine, that would be enough. More than enough. Except, perhaps if you offered her a life Below with you, then I think that would be considered the icing on the cake Vincent.” Father held Vincent’s gaze, his sapphire eyes serious, “Truly Vincent, if you want any say in this, you have to let her know how you feel. As far as Catherine is concerned, since she has lost you, she has got to now find second best, and that might be with Elliot Burch. You have to consider that, but also know that what the two may share, could never be as perfect as what the two of you could have had. Remember your connection Vincent, if nothing else let that be your guide. Your destinies were linked Vincent whether you can accept that now or not.”
“And I severed it Father.” Vincent moaned softly.
“Yet all is not lost Vincent, there is still time. And there is no time like the present.”
Vincent was shaking his head, “To go and see her you mean?”
“Yes.”
Vincent shook his head, “No, I don’t think I could bear to do. He might be there with her.”
“Then send her a message, let her know that you still care.”
Vincent nodded, a message yes, he could do that. Of course it was the perfect solution. His eyes lit up, “Thank you Father, as always you haven’t failed me. I’ll go put pen to paper straight away.”
“And have someone take it up to the apartment the moment its done Vincent, so that not another day passes, before Catherine knows you are still thinking about her.”
“I don’t think there will ever come a day when I’m not.” Vincent rose from his seat, and bent to brush a feather-light kiss upon his father’s head, before walking towards his own chamber, he’d never before considered himself as part of the equation, even if he had given the impression in the beginning that this was so.
And for the first time in many months Vincent felt lighter of spirit.
*** *** ***
When Catherine let herself into her apartment, she felt drained. Seeing Vincent, feeling the need to stay with him, being forced to leave him behind, was all too much for her.
And how good it had felt to be enfolded into his arms.
Surely he could not have been unaffected. It felt so right to be there.
Tears fell swiftly, as she contemplated a future without him.
At least now she was pursuing the avenues open to her, and she had enjoyed the last few weeks, in a wild and abandoned sort of way. Almost like burying one’s head in the sand, while having a ball. By putting the heartache firmly to the back of her mind, she had enjoyed the hours of each day as full as possible, so what little few were left to be alone, were filled with much needed sleep, instead of restless dreams, and helpless yearning.
Tonight though, would be different, it was still quite early in comparison to the hours she had been frequenting, and having seen Vincent, her heart was in turmoil.
The longing to see him again was great, and she hoped that he might come to her, but as the evening ticked away, she hoped in vain, and eventually as she got herself ready for bed, Catherine could not help but stand outside on her balcony watching the city below, praying with all her heart that he might still come to her.
*** *** ***
On the way to his chamber, the force of Catherine’s need hit Vincent, and he surged forwards, grateful of the tunnel wall for support, and stood looking dazed for some moments, confused at such emotions coming through their connection. Especially as earlier she had given him no indication of such need. Perhaps he should have visited her after all.
For long moments he was undecided. In the frame of mind she were in, a dangerous situation could develop between them, especially with the dark one ever present whenever he had felt such an attraction from Catherine in the past. Always the dark one waited and pounced upon any such situation, but that had been at times when they had been together and the desire had risen, at that time, he could make his excuses and leave. But to go there, deliberately when her emotions called to him with such desperation, well, Vincent knew the folly of that. Shaking his head, he made his way to his chamber, to sit into his chair, and dwell upon their connection. Vibrant with life and emotions that stirred him against his will, he fought the pull of her to him. It was almost magnetic. A time or two he even rose to his feet and it took considerable effort to force himself to be seated again.
His eyes were haunted, the pain he bore evident in the lines around his face, and what was worse was his obvious arousal, it shamed him more than anything, and he grew wrathful that Catherine was submitting him to this so openly. It was so unlike her, especially in the view of the fact that she had so obviously been having a relationship with the other men now in her life. Why did she then have this driving need for him as well, it just didn’t make sense.
Eventually, unable to bear it alone any more, Vincent went in search of Father. Catherine’s feelings had increased, and Father at least could help to hold him back from going to her. He found Father already in bed, and aplogised for diturbing him. Usually he would have waited until morning, but this couldn’t wait, and that alone had Father wide-awake within seconds.
“Vincent what is it?”
“I need your help Father. Catherine is calling to me via our Bond.”
“ Then why don’t you go to her?”
“She isn’t in danger, she is calling me for another reason.”
Father struggled to sit up, and Vincent went behind him, fluffing up his pillows, “Thank you Vincent” his concern evident, he went on, “How so? In which way is she calling to you. Do you know?”
“Yes Father I do, and I won’t go to her. I won’t. But the way her body calls to mine, is frustrating, her need is great, and I cannot give to her what she needs.”
Immediately Father began to understand, shaking his head, “It doesn’t make sense. Oh I could understand this if she had not been seeing anyone, but she has for goodness sakes, we both know that. There was that unfortunate incident that Mary encountered with Joe Maxwell, and she has been seeing that other fellow....”
“Daniel”, Vincent whispered.
“Yes, Daniel, and Elliot Burch....I haven’t liked to believe all my ears have been told about her Vincent, it doesn’t ring true, not Catherine. Oh I know the sex thing was the obvious reason for your separation, but Catherine going with anyone in such a short space of time, and still want you, it just doesn’t make sense.”
Vincent hung his head, “That is the conclusion I drew. Nonetheless Father, the pull is great. I need your help to stop me from going Above to her. I fear I am too weak to resist alone.”
“Vincent you can’t mean it, you were always so against such an event with Catherine.”
“I don’t mean to give in Father, I don’t intend that, but this pull she has over my body this night, I find it hard to ignore. And I would never go there with the intention of satisfying that need, but Father don’t you see, I want to go, I feel… compelled to go, but I know it would be disastrous to do so. I need you Father to stop me, to give me something other to do, to keep me here.”
“Its a little late Vincent, what would you suggest?”
“I can see you are tired, chess would be out of the question, perhaps we could just talk.”
Father nodded, “About this problem or something else?”
“Something else, yes definitely something else.” Vincent replied sadly. Father nodded, that was the way of things then, despite his wishes Vincent’s heart cried out for release. Father drew in a deep breath, and prepared himself to listen, as Vincent started to speak about Catherine, all over again.
*** *** ***
To be continued in part six
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