Vincent looked down at his son for a moment before answering. “Their relationship reminds me so much of mine and Catherine’s.” He whispered. Father knew that seeing other couples together and happy still made Vincent very sad. “Yes it does.” He agreed. “Vincent it will get easier as time passes.” Father assured him. Vincent looked up at him again. “I know Father but I don’t ever want to forget her.” Father smiled. “That is one thing that will never happen my son she will always be a part of you and now you have that precious baby boy he will always be a living reminder of the love that the two of you shared.” Vincent nodded then rose. “We are going back to our chamber I need to be alone with him.” Father nodded. “That is a good idea I still have some details for the naming ceremony tomorrow night to work out.” Vincent moved over and kissed his parent on the forehead. “I am sure the ceremony will be wonderful.” Then he turned and left the chamber. Father sadly watched him go he knew that the loss of Catherine had been hard for Vincent. And that he was still in a great amount of pain.

Meanwhile in Washington D.C. Catherine sat in the hotel room that she had called home for the last few months. She had been through a living hell at the hands of Gabriel and now she felt as if she were being held prisoner once again by her own government and the FBI. They had taken her from the coroner’s office in New York when it was discovered that she was barely alive. The coroner had wanted to contact Joe Maxwell; the new District Attorney of Manhattan, But the FBI had warned him that he could face charges of obstruction of justice if he did not assist them. He had reluctantly agreed and helped them. When they had gotten her out of the coroner’s office she was placed on a private plane and taken out of the state. They had replaced her body with that of a Jane Doe. The woman matched her physical description almost perfectly.

Now Catherine sat at the picture window of her room and wondered why Peter and Joe had not come to see her or had not contacted her in any way. After she had woke from the coma the doctors who were caring for her had told her that her friends and family in New York knew that she was alive but that she was very ill. She understood and figured that they were waiting for her to recover before coming to see her. But she had become more and more despondent as the months went on. She prayed that they did not hate her for staying away and putting them all through this horrible pain.

She was brought out of her thoughts when the door to her room opened. “Good morning Catherine.” A female agent greeted as she entered the room. Catherine looked up at and saw Agent Kristen Brooks putting a breakfast tray on the table. “Morning Kristen.” She answered quietly. Kristen looked up then moved over toward her. “I thought you might want to eat before we have to leave for the courthouse.” Catherine shook her head as she continued to look out the window. “No I am not hungry I just want to get all this over with so that I can go home to my friends and family.” She whispered. Kristen smiled slightly. “I know that this has been extremely hard on you.” She remarked. “But you have been very brave to face those men who tried to kill you.” Catherine sighed and shook her head. “No Kristen I have not been that brave.” She disagreed. “If you think about it I was not given much of a choice about testifying.” She commented bitterly. “I was brought here while I was still in a coma then after I woke up I was told that I had to testify.” She added. “I was taken out of New York away from everyone who love me and I have no idea how long it will be before I see them once again.” Kristen sighed and shook her head. She had learned the previous night that Catherine was going to be placed in the witness protection program after she was done testifying. They had been lying to her the whole time in order to get her to cooperate. But Kristen knew how much all this was hurting Catherine. She knew that she needed to know the truth about what was really going on.

Catherine looked over at Kristen as she walked toward the door. She watched confused as Kristen locked the door. “Kristen what is going on?” She asked confused. Kristen listened at the door for a moment then she turned and put her finger to her lips to silence Catherine. When she was sure that they were not being heard she moved back toward Catherine. “Please sit down I have something to tell you.” She requested. Catherine was unsure of what was going on as she sat down on the bed. Kristen sat down on the bed beside her. “Catherine you need to know the truth.” She began. “What truth?” Catherine asked. Kristen looked out the window for a moment. Then she took a deep breath and looked at Catherine again. “I could get into a lot of trouble with the other agents if they find out that I am telling you this.” She stated. Catherine did not like the sound of this. “Kristen has something gone wrong with the trial?” She asked. Kristen shook her head. “No the trial is going just fine but I found out last night from another agent that after the trial is over you are not going to be allowed to go back to New York.” Catherine was shocked. “Where am I being taken?” She asked the fear rising in her chest. Kristen smiled encouragingly and placed her hand on Catherine’s shoulder. “You are going to be placed in the witness protection program.” She whispered.

Catherine sat there for a few moments in shock. She was desperately trying to absorb everything that she had just been told. She looked over at Kristen again. “NO!” She exclaimed as she rose from the bed. “I will never agree to something like that!” She declared. Kristen nodded. “I know that is why I have contacted someone in New York that you know.” She then began to tell Catherine the rest of the story. “You have been lied to all this time.” She explained. Catherine looked at her confused. “What do you mean?” She asked. “Your friends and loved ones believe that you are dead.” She remarked. Catherine shook her head. “What have they done to me?” She asked as tears came into her eyes.

Kristen rose from the bed and moved up beside her at the window. She placed her hand on Catherine’s shoulder to offer some comfort. “You were taken from the coroner’s office when it was discovered that you were barely alive. The coroner wanted to contact Joe Maxwell but a couple of agents from the New York office told him that he would be charged with obstruction of justice if he did so he had no choice but to help them.”
Catherine stared at the window at the Washington skyline. Then she turned and once again looked at Kristen. “How dare they play with my life in that manner!” she exclaimed angrily. “I went through a living hell with Gabriel and now I am once again being exploited for someone else’s benefit!” She added. Kristen turned toward her. “That is why I am telling you about this.” She explained. “I have contacted Dr. Peter Alcott.” Catherine began to smile. “He knows about all this now?” She asked. Kristen shook her head. “No not yet I haven’t seen him I just asked him to come here he will meet us this morning at the courthouse.” She explained.

Catherine nodded then spoke again. “Will I be able to see him?” Kristen smiled. “Yes of course you will then after you have finished testifying he will be taking you home.” Catherine could not believe what she was hearing. “Will your superiors agree to that since they wanted to put me into the witness protection program?” Kristen nodded again. “Yes they have already agreed it seems that they were not aware of the plan to put you into the program so they agreed when I suggested that you be allowed to return to New York.” Catherine smiled brightly. “I am finally going home again.” She mused. Kristen also smiled. “Yes you are.” Catherine then hugged her. “Thank you for everything you have done for me.” Kristen shook her head as they parted. “You are a very brave woman and I would not allow some of my colleagues to exploit you because they were corrupt.” Catherine looked at her confused. “What do you mean they were corrupt?” She asked. Kristen sighed then answered. “Catherine I discovered that some of the agents who had access to you were on Gabriel’s payroll.” She explained. “They apparently had orders to get you into the program then they would let the remaining associates that Gabriel had know where you were so that they could come after you.” Catherine shivered upon hearing this. “They would have finished what Gabriel couldn’t.” She whispered. Then she looked at Kristen again. “That really frightens me now who besides you am I supposed to trust?” She asked.

Kristen put her hand on Catherine’s shoulder again. “You don’t have to worry about that anymore those agents were all taken into custody so now the agents that will be with you will be ones that I will work with until you have finished testifying and are released.” She explained. Catherine smiled then walked over to the bed. She picked up her purse and her jacket. “Let’s get going because I want to get this over with so that I can see Peter then go home.” Kristen smiled and nodded. Then the two women left the hotel room for the very last time.

Meanwhile back in New York in the tunnels Vincent was sitting in his chamber with his son in his arms. “Your naming ceremony tomorrow night is going to be very special.” He whispered as the baby watched him. “Everyone is looking forward to it.” He continued. “I just wish that your mother could have lived to be here with us but I swear to you my son that when you are older I will tell you just how she sacrificed everything to keep both of us safe.” He whispered.

Suddenly a male voice spoke from the chamber entrance. “Everyone will tell him about what a wonderful person Catherine was.” Vincent looked up and smiled as Father entered the chamber. “Thank you that means a lot to me.” Father smiled and nodded. Then he walked over to the bed and sat down beside Vincent. “He is truly a beautiful baby.” He whispered as he looked at his grandson. Vincent nodded. “Yes he is just as beautiful as his mother was.” Father nodded. “Yes but Vincent he has your beautiful blue eyes.” Father remarked. Vincent looked up at him and chuckled. “I have heard that from almost every female in the tunnels since I brought him home.” Father chuckled also. “I am sure you have.” He remarked. Then Father grew serious once again. “Vincent we all loved Catherine very much she became like the daughter that I never had.” He stated sadly. Vincent rose and walked over to cradle that was close to the bed. He gently leaned down and laid his sleeping son in the cradle.

He stood upright again and watched the baby for a few seconds. Then he walked back to the bed and sat back down. “Is there something wrong Father?” He asked concerned. Father shook his head. “No not really I just came to tell you that Peter, Jessica, Joe, Jenny, and Diana had to fly to Washington D.C. this afternoon.” Vincent looked at him again concerned. “Will they miss the ceremony tomorrow night?” Father smiled and shook his head. “No Peter told me to tell you they will be returning tomorrow afternoon.” Vincent nodded. Father then looked at him again. “Am I to presume that Diana will be attending the ceremony?” He asked. Vincent shook his head and looked down. “No I told her that I would prefer that she stay away from the tunnels for a while.” Father nodded. “That might be for the best considering her feelings for you.” He stated. Vincent sighed and nodded. “Yes I was not aware that her feelings for me had grown as much as they had.” Vincent whispered regrettably.

After a moment of silence Father put his hand on Vincent’s shoulder. “Son I understand that you cannot love Diana.” Vincent nodded and looked over at the cradle where his son was sleeping. “Father I don’t think I will ever be able to love another woman in my life Catherine was the only woman I wanted to love and to love another would make it seem as if I were somehow betraying her.” He stated. Father squeezed his shoulder lovingly. “I know my son I felt the same way when I became involved with Devin’s mother I loved her as much as I could but I felt as if I was betraying Margaret.”

Father then smiled. “You are aware that Peter and Jessica have taken the role of your son’s other grandparents?” Vincent looked at him again and chuckled. “Yes Peter made that quite clear the first time that he and Jessica saw him.” Father laughed softly. “Well you know that they are going to take those roles quite serious.” He remarked. Vincent smiled and nodded. “Yes after Catherine’s father died they became like another set of parents to her.” Father nodded. “Yes Peter told me that and that is why they are taking such a serious role in your son’s life.” Vincent smiled. “Yes I know.” He commented.

Then they looked back at the cradle as the baby whimpered in his sleep. When they were sure he was not going to wake Vincent spoke again. “Have you heard anything from Devin?” Father sighed and shook his head. “No, apparently since Charles died he has taken to traveling once again.” Vincent sighed sadly. “I was really hoping that he would be here for the naming ceremony.” He whispered. Father nodded. “I know we were both hoping that.”

Father was about to speak again when a familiar voice interrupted them from the chamber entrance. “Well I couldn’t disappoint the two of you now could I?” Devin asked as he entered the chamber. Vincent smiled brightly and rose. “Devin I am so glad you are here.” He commented as they embraced. “Well I am glad to be here.” Devin responded as he tightened his arms around Vincent. Father smiled as he watched the interaction. “I couldn’t miss my nephew’s naming ceremony now could I?” Devin asked as they separated.

Then Devin looked over at Father. “Hello Dad how are you doing?” Father and Vincent both smiled at his use of the word ‘Dad.’ “I am fine son.” Father commented as he rose. Devin smiled and moved toward him. “I am so glad to see you.” Devin whispered as he embraced the tunnel elder. Vincent smiled happily as he watched the interaction between his brother and his father. Father was shocked as he spoke again. “What brought this on not that I am complaining mind you.” He stated. Devin released him and smiled a bit shyly. “Well since Charles died and when I heard about Chandler I realized that you have to tell those you love how you feel.” He explained.

Suddenly he realized what he had just said. He turned around and looked at Vincent. “Hey little brother I am so sorry about what I just said I know you told Chandler you loved her as much as you could.” Vincent sighed and shook his head. “No Devin I never told her enough just how much she meant to me and to my life.” Devin knew that Vincent needed to talk. Turning to Father again he spoke. “Dad would you mind if I talked to Vincent alone?” Father smiled sadly and shook his head. “No of course not you need to catch up.” He stated. “If either of you need me I will be in my chamber.” Then he turned and left the chamber.

Once he was gone Vincent and Devin sat down on the bed. “Devin don’t worry about what you said.” Vincent commented. “I know you did not mean anything by it.” Devin smiled and nodded. “Well I am glad you know that because I would never do anything to hurt you in any way.” Vincent looked over at him and smiled. “Vincent I guarantee Catherine knew how much you loved her.” Devin commented. “You could see it every time she looked at you.” He added. Vincent sighed. “Devin I know that she knew how I felt about her.” He began. “But the one thing that I will regret for the rest of my life is that I could never come out and really tell her how much in love with her I was and always will be.” He whispered. Devin smiled and put his hand on Vincent’s shoulder. “You were lucky to have that kind of love.” Vincent nodded in agreement. “Yes we were lucky.” He whispered.

Devin suddenly rose from the bed and walked over to the cradle. “Well are you going to introduce me to my nephew or not?” Vincent looked up at him and smiled proudly. Then he rose and walked over to the cradle. He leaned over and gently picked up his son. “Of course Devin I would you like you to meet mine and Catherine’s son.” He whispered as they looked down at the baby. Devin smiled and touched the baby’s tiny fist. “My God Vincent he is beautiful.” He whispered as he continued to look at his nephew. Vincent nodded. “Yes he is just as beautiful as Catherine.” He stated proudly. Devin looked over at Vincent and smiled. “And you.” He added. Vincent chuckled and shook his head. “Devin don’t you think that your opinion is just a bit biased on this matter?” Devin chuckled and shook his head. “I may be biased but I am only telling you the God’s honest truth.” Vincent reached out and squeezed Devin’s shoulder lovingly. “Thank you for that.” Then Devin reached out. “May I hold him?” He asked. Vincent turned and gently placed the baby in his arms. Devin then moved over and gently sat down on the bed. “I still can’t get over the fact that you are a father.” He whispered as he looked down at the baby in his arms. Then he looked up at Vincent and smiled.

Vincent walked over and sat down beside him. “Sometimes I have trouble believing it myself.” He remarked. Devin looked at him again. “What is it like?” He asked curiously. Vincent thought for a moment then reached out and took his son in his arms. “Devin I am so honored that Catherine blessed me with our son.” He began. “The only regret that I have is that she was unable to tell me that she was pregnant that last night that she was here.” He whispered as he continued to gaze down at his son. Devin put his hand on Vincent’s shoulder. “From what Dad’s letter said she was very concerned about you having a relapse of your illness at the time.” Vincent looked over at him and nodded. “I understand that Devin but if she had been able to tell me that night I would have insisted that she remain below so that I could protect her and our child.” He shook his head. “And then none of this sadness would have ever happened.” He added. Devin sighed and shook his head. “Vincent you can’t blame yourself because both you and I know that Catherine would want you to go on with your life and be happy with your son.” Vincent looked up at him and smiled. “Yes I know she would want that.” He answered. “And I am very happy to have him home with me again.” Then they turned their attention back to the baby. They spent the next few minutes talking quietly about everything that had occurred in the last few months.

Back in Washington, a dark limousine pulled up and parked outside the federal courthouse. “Where are you supposed to meet Peter?” Catherine asked as she looked out the tinted window toward the building. Kristen could not help but chuckle at her anxiousness. “I arranged to meet him in the conference room on the second floor where you will be waiting to testify.” Catherine nodded. “Are you ready to go in?” Kristen asked. Catherine smiled and nodded. “I have never been more ready for something in my entire life.” She answered. At that moment a male agent opened Catherine’s door. She looked at Kristen who nodded encouragingly. Then as both women got out of the car Catherine was immediately surrounded by more agents who escorted her into the courthouse.

Once they were inside the lobby of the building Catherine looked over at Kristen again. “Am I going with you?” Kristen smiled at her and nodded. “You are going to wait in the hallway outside the conference room while I explain everything to him.” She responded. Catherine suddenly got a very frightened look on her face. Kristen saw this and put her hand on her shoulder. “Catherine you won’t be alone in the hallway my partner will be waiting with you.” Catherine then saw a tall dark haired man approaching. “Catherine Chandler this is my partner agent Mark Williams.” Catherine smiled slightly and extended her hand. “Hello agent Williams.” The young man smiled and shook her hand. “Please call me Mark.” Catherine smiled again and nodded. “All right Mark.” She replied.

Mark then looked at Kristen. “I escorted Dr. Alcott upstairs a few moments ago he and the others are waiting for you.” Kristen looked at him confused. He nodded. “Yes he brought his wife and some of Miss Chandler’s other friends with him.” Catherine smiled brightly. “Do you know who?” She asked anxiously. Mark nodded. “Yes I believe he said the other man’s name was Joe Maxwell and the red headed woman with him was Mr. Maxwell’s wife Jenny.” Catherine stared at him for a moment. “Jenny is married to Joe.” She whispered in disbelief. Kristen smiled. “You look very surprised.” Catherine nodded. “Yes Jenny is my best friend from college but I was not aware that she and Joe were married.” Kristen nodded then looked at her partner. “Thank you Mark shall the three of us go upstairs now?” They all walked over and got on the elevator. Once it reached the second floor the doors opened and they stepped out and walked toward the conference room at the end of the hallway. Kristen stopped in front of the bench as Catherine sat down. “When I have told them everything I will come for you.” Catherine nodded. Kristen then put her hand on Catherine’s shoulder again. “Your ordeal is almost over.” She whispered encouragingly. Catherine looked up at her and smiled. Then Kristen moved away from her and walked toward the conference room.

Inside the conference room everyone was waiting. Peter stood and paced nervously in front of Jessica. “Peter honey please sit down.” She requested. Peter looked over at her and smiled. “I’m sorry honey I am just nervous about all this.” He then sat down next to her again. “I know but we will know what this is all about soon I’m sure.” She stated. Joe looked up at Peter. “Did the agent who called tell you anything about why she wanted you to come to Washington?” Peter shook his head. “No she just asked me to meet her here today.” Jenny shook her head. “I just hope that there is nothing wrong with the trial of those animals.” She commented. Joe put his arm around her and squeezed her arm. “I am sure that if that were what this was about they would have contacted me also.” He reasoned. Diana nodded. “Yes they would have contacted you since you were the first one investigating Catherine’s murder but I also wish we knew what this meeting was about.” Jenny looked over at her slightly perturbed. She didn’t really like Diana that much but she held her emotions in check because of her high regard for Vincent. Joe and Jenny had met him during the case and had immediately understood so much more about Catherine. They both liked Vincent very much and neither wanted to see him get hurt anymore by anyone connected to this case.

Peter noticed the look that Jenny gave Diana and silently applauded. Neither he nor Jessica truly liked her especially her attitude toward Vincent and Catherine’s relationship. But like Jenny they stayed quiet because they knew that Vincent thought of Diana as a friend after she helped him recover the baby. They knew that she was falling in love with Vincent and it truly bothered them. Neither wanted to see her initiate herself into Vincent’s life while he was so vulnerable and hurting over Catherine. “I just wish she would get here already.” Joe remarked looking at his watch. Jenny gently touched his arm. “I am sure she will be here soon Sweetheart.” He looked over at her smiled and nodded.

At that moment they all looked up when the door opened and Kristen entered. She looked around a moment unsure which man was Dr. Alcott. Peter seeing her confusion immediately stood. “Agent Brooks?” He asked as he extended his hand. Kristen smiled and shook his outstretched hand. “You must be Dr. Alcott.” Peter nodded. “Yes call me Peter please.” Kristen nodded. “All right Peter.” Then she looked at the others. “My partner told me that you had brought some other people along.” Joe stood and shook her hand. “I am Joe Maxwell the new District Attorney of Manhattan.” He stated. “I was in charge of this case before it was taken over by the FBI.” Kristen nodded. “You are also one of Catherine’s friends?” She asked. Joe smiled and nodded. “Yes she worked for my office while I was Assistant District Attorney as one of my investigators and she became a very good friend of mine.” Then Peter helped Jessica to her feet. “This is my wife Jessica.” He introduced. Kristen smiled and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.” Then Jenny stood. “And I am Joe’s wife Jenny but I was also Catherine’s best friend.” Kristen noticed the red headed woman who stood. “And you are?” She asked. Diana extended her hand. “I am Detective Diana Bennett I was in charge of the investigation of Catherine Chandler’s murder for the NYPD.” Jenny frowned at her again. She hated how Diana always referred to Catherine by her case. She never really referred to her as a person just a case.

After the introductions Kristen sat down at the table. “Well maybe we should all sit down so I can explain everything to you.” The others all sat down at the table on either side of her. “First of all, let me begin by saying that what I am going to tell you today is going to come as a great shock.” She started. “I know how important Catherine Chandler is to all of you.” Joe looked at her strangely when she said this. “Why do you refer to her in the present tense?” He asked. Kristen looked at him and smiled. “Let me explain and you will understand in a moment.” Jenny put her hand on Joe’s arm to calm him down. “Agent Brooks Catherine was like another daughter to me and my wife.” Peter remarked. Jessica smiled sadly and nodded. “Yes she was.” She whispered. “Well I have to tell you that you have all been lied to by the New York office of the FBI from the very start.” Kristen stated. “What do you mean they lied to us?” Joe asked.

Kristen stopped for a moment and took a deep breath. “Mr. Maxwell this going to come as a great shock to you all but Catherine Chandler is very much alive.” Everyone in the room just stared at her after her revelation. Finally Peter looked down and sadly shook his head. “That’s not possible I saw her body myself.” Kristen nodded. “Yes I know but not long after you saw her it was discovered by the coroner that Catherine was in fact alive but in a deep coma.” Joe looked at her again. “He would have contacted me if this was true.” He argued. Kristen sighed. “Mr. Maxwell he was going to call you but an agent from the New York office told him that if he did he would be charged with obstruction of justice.” Jenny looked her confused. “Why would they do such a thing?” She asked distressed. Kristen looked at her. “They wanted to bring Catherine here under protective custody so that if she woke up she could tell them what she remembered so that it would help them in the prosecution of this case.” Joe looked up at her angrily. “If Catherine is alive they had no right to keep it from my office!” He declared. Kristen nodded. “Yes I agree that is why I contacted Dr. Alcott.”

Kristen then looked at Peter again. “Dr. Alcott I know you were her doctor.” She remarked. Peter nodded. “Yes I was.” Kristen pulled out a file. “Apparently from what her doctors here found out was that she had some strange components in her bloodstream that seemed to block the full effects of the morphine so instead of killing her it put her into the coma.” Jessica squeezed Peter’s hand knowingly when she heard this. “I was not aware of any strange components in her blood.” Peter lied. He knew that these components must have come from Catherine and Vincent’s child.

Kristen closed the file and put it away. “Well I was just wondering if you knew what they could be.” She commented. Peter shook his head again. “No I’m sorry I don’t.” He answered. Then Jessica spoke. “Are you absolutely certain that this is Catherine?” She asked her voice full of hope. Kristen smiled at the older woman. “Yes I am certain that this is Catherine Chandler.” She commented as she rose. “Can we see her for ourselves?” Jenny asked. Kristen smiled and moved toward the door. “Of course just a moment.” Then she left the room.

After she had left Peter looked at Joe. “What do you think?” He asked. Joe shook his head. “I don’t know exactly what to think. I want to believe that this woman is Cathy.” Peter nodded. “So do I.” Then Diana spoke. “Well we have to be sure that this woman is Catherine Chandler.” She stated. Jenny looked at her out of the corner of her eye. I pray that this woman is Catherine because if she is you are out of Vincent’s life. She thought to herself. On the other hand, Diana was secretly praying that this woman was not Catherine because she knew if she were that any hope that she had of a future with Vincent would be shattered. Peter looked over at her and nodded. “Yes I know that we have to be sure but Agent Brooks seems pretty sure already.” Joe took a deep breath to calm his nerves. “Well why don’t we wait and see who she is?” He suggested. Then they all fell silent waiting for Agent Brooks to return.

After she had left the conference room Kristen approached Catherine. “Are they ready to see me?” Catherine asked as she rose. Kristen smiled and nodded. “Yes they are still a bit unsure of what to believe but I think once they see you all their doubts will disappear.” Catherine nodded. “I would not have expected any different from any of them.” She whispered. Kristen put her hand on Catherine’s shoulder. “Well let’s get you in there.”

To be continued in part two