“He held the electric torch before him and peered
cautiously into the darkened opening.
Everywhere came the glint of precious gold,
lapis lazuli, emeralds and precious stones,
untouched for over 3000 years.
“What do you see?” Asked Carnarvon.
“Wonders beyond my dreams...”

(From an account of the opening of Tutankhamon’s Royal Tomb, 1908)



Far beneath the streets of New York City one of the finest events that the tunnel dwellers had ever seen was about to begin and in the years gone by there’d been some, but this, this was different. It was the culmination of a dream, and the realisation of it filled everyone’s heart to bursting.
Father with his hair freshly trimmed and in his new black suit with white ruffled shirt looked splendid as he stood before his son dressed in stunning attire especially purchased for the occasion. Both waited with a growing sense of excitement for the bride to make her appearance at the other end of the aisle.
And Devin, Father’s older son was standing there at the groom’s side, a smile playing around his mouth as he cracked jokes in an attempt to put the groom at ease, while looking equally as splendid in his own black suit, white shirt and blue silk tie.
Suddenly there was a hushed silence as the doors to the Great Hall were opened inward and two young girls appeared dressed in beautiful pink satin gowns fit for princesses and they were scattering multicoloured rose petals in their wake. Behind them on the arm of her GP and long time friend came Catherine. She held onto Peter’s arm with a lace gloved hand bedecked with tiny studs in mother of pearl that matched the highlights of her ivory gown and together twinkled in glorious array from the light of a hundred candles positioned around the hall.
At the far end of the aisle her eyes caught Vincent’s and Catherine could not prevent a gasp as she took in his magnificence. Dressed in the darkest emerald corduroy trousers with knee-high brown boots and white ruffled shirt peeking beneath a new brown jerkin, Catherine didn’t think she had ever seen her man look so handsome. His hair was the colour of sun ripened barley and it shone and fell in soft waves over his shoulders to the middle of his back, like a golden halo that only emphasised the beauty of the man. But it was his eyes that outshone all his other features. His eyes, blue as lapis lazuli, that caught Catherine’s breath away and the look of love they held for her, his bride to be physically melted beneath his adoring gaze.
Peter steadied Catherine as her step faltered and smiled down at her tenderly, encouraging her with a wink to slowly take one step at a time until she’d regained her even breathing.
Yet she was unable to tear her eyes from Vincent’s and she hardly noticed Peter’s encouraging smile or the gentle squeeze of his fingers against hers. All she was aware of was Vincent, her beloved soon-to-be husband waiting just ahead of her, his blue eyes beckoning her to his side with every step that she took.
As she finally reached that wonderful place, a quick stolen look at Father showed her that his own blue eyes were wet with tears. And as Peter released her arm for Vincent to take up, Catherine felt a ripple pass from him to her as the Bond throbbed with a life of all its own.
Vincent’s luminous eyes spoke volumes. “I love you,” they told her and to Vincent those words didn’t seem nearly enough, for in Catherine all his dreams had come true. That this beautiful courageous woman could fall in love with him and then take him in marriage was beyond all of his wildest dreams and Vincent had to keep pinching himself to know that it was real.
Father cleared his throat, and tearing their eyes away from each other Vincent and Catherine looked toward him.

“If you are ready?” He whispered tenderly.

Both Vincent and Catherine nodded, and listened as Father first addressed their guests.

“Friends, family, we come here today to witness the culmination of a dream. The marriage of Vincent and Catherine and I know that you are all eager to wish them well, but please may I insist that we have absolute quiet during the ceremony.”

There was complete silence. Everywhere so quiet that the only sound came from beyond the great doors where the wind whispered between the cracks.
With arms clasped tightly everyone focused upon the scene and even the tiniest child seemed to hold its breath.
Turning to his son Father smiled tenderly, tears be-dimming his eyes and several fell onto the opened prayer book in his hands.

“My son, do you take Catherine Caroline Chandler to be your lawful wedded wife so far as the laws permit you in our world?”

Vincent gazed with adoring eyes down at his bride. Her emerald eyes were dancing beacons of joy.

“I do.” He whispered huskily.

“And Catherine, do you take my son Vincent Jordan Wells as your lawful wedded husband so far as the laws permit you in our world?” Father smiled anticipating her reaction.

A small gasp escaped Catherine, she had not known that Vincent had a middle name. “I do.” She spoke tenderly, smiling up at her love.

“Then in the eyes of God and your friends assembled may you read both the verses you have written for one another. Vincent?” Father nodded toward his son.

Holding her tiny hands gently in his large ones Vincent faced Catherine and spoke the words of his heart.

Hushed whispers flew among the sea of guests as Vincent lifted one of Catherine’s gloved hands and held it for long moments to his lips, as Catherine used her other hand to brush away an errant tear. Then everyone held their breath as with a tremor in her voice Catherine replied;

‘You have given me everything Vincent, everything -
Your gentleness, your strength
And all that you are
But I need you to trust me, to trust yourself,
So that we may pass through your fears,
Lest they become a chasm we can never cross.
Let me take you to the darkest places of your soul,
Let me show you the beauty of everything you are.
There is no darkness in you
Nothing I will ever fear.
So walk this path with me,
Let our souls become one,
My heart aches for your love,
My soul yearns for your touch,
I love you so much
More than life itself,
More than you will ever know.’

For long moments their eyes met and held, Vincent’s filling with tears of deep emotion. Father coughed just slightly, enough to draw their attention back to him, and Mouse stepped forth along with the Master who had conducted Lin and Henry’s wedding many years before. He was there to bless the marriage and he now took over from Father.
Taking their hands within his the Master bound them with a satin sash, before asking that Mouse deposit the rings upon his prayer book. For Mouse this was a grand privilege and one he had been entrusted by Vincent to deliver without mishap despite the fact that the job was usually entrusted to the best man. Mouse’s face was ecstatic with joy and it lit many other faces at the sight of his happiness.
At the Master’s nod, Vincent picked Catherine’s ring up and took her left hand in his, slipping the ring over the third finger as he recited from memory. “With this ring I wed you, with my love I cherish you, within our dream I enfold you, my Catherine I am yours.” Catherine watched through a blur of tears as Vincent’s trembling hand placed the ring upon her finger, and before he had a chance to withdraw his hand, Catherine lifted it to her lips and kissed each fingertip in turn. A gasp of delight spun through the crowd and more breaths were held as Catherine took up the second ring from the Master’s prayer book. And still with his left hand held in hers, Catherine eased the golden band over his third finger, accompanied by the words, “With this ring I wed you, with my love I adore you, within my arms I enfold you, my darling Vincent, I am yours.”

Vincent and Catherine choked back the tears of joy threatening to spill down their cheeks, and behind the Master Father’s face beamed, wiping away tears that he allowed to fall freely now. Besides, as he looked around the Great Hall he could see that he wasn’t alone in this, for everyone was dabbing at their eyes.
The Master prepared for the final part of the ceremony, holding the sash binding their hands in his own he then blessed their marriage, concluding with words Vincent and Catherine never thought to hear for them.

“Vincent and Catherine, may I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride Vincent.”

For long moments Vincent just stared as Catherine smiled tremulously up at him and then slowly he brought his head down to capture her lips in sweet surrender, much to the joy of their friends around about who almost lifted the roof with their cheering. And suddenly people surged forward and a sea of faces old and new, were wishing a happy life to the newlywed couple.

*** *** ***

A little later and while the congratulations were under way Father and Peter had their heads together. They were plotting something Vincent could tell but his attention was soon diverted as someone else came to pat him on the back and offer him their best wishes.
Peter and Father were indeed plotting something. In fact something that had been planned for some time without either Vincent or Catherine’s knowledge. Peter was giving up his entire home for the weekend so that the newlyweds might have somewhere to stay in private to be totally alone together.

“Is everything ready Peter? I thought you were dropping the keys off earlier?” Father asked him a trifle concerned.

“There was one or two hiccups Jacob, don’t fret, everything is waiting for them now.”

“Hiccups such as?” Father’s concern deepened.

“A telegram arrived for Catherine at her office. Joe Maxwell telephoned and asked me to collect it from him. I had to make a mad dash and go over there to collect it.”

“Is it bad news or good news?” There was a sick feeling beginning to build in the pit of Father’s stomach.

“I haven’t read it. It’s none of my business.” Peter didn’t seem to notice Father’s unease.

“Do you have it on you, or have you already given it to Cathy?”

“No it’s in my pocket. And burning a hole there I might add, but I wasn’t going to let anything halt this wedding, as if anything could. Look at them, would you ever have thought it eh? When I delivered Catherine into this world and prior to that when you called me here that winter night to see Vincent for the first time how could I possibly have known that one day I would be bringing one to the other on their wedding day?”

Father nodded his anxiety appeased for the moment, “Strange isn’t it? I thwarted their love for so long Peter. I should have saved myself the ulcer it gave me worrying about them. It was like trying to hold back the hands of time. I don’t think I have ever witnessed a happier occasion in all my life.”

“Me neither.” Peter dabbed at his eyes for the hundredth time that morning.

They continued to watch Catherine and Vincent moving arm in arm through the crowds, until after a while they saw the couple making their way toward them.

“This is it then, are you going to hand them the keys first or the telegram?” Father asked Peter anxiously.

“It’s probably just a well-wisher Jacob. I told you not to worry.”

“I have to do. So few of Catherine’s friends know about today, even Joe Maxwell is sworn to secrecy believing Catherine is marrying some guy from the witness protection programme. Anyone that would know would have sent the telegram to her apartment surely?” Father scratched his chin thoughtfully; somehow the telegram’s deliverance rankled in his mind, as breathless Catherine reached their side. “Thank you Peter,” she bestowed a kiss on his cheek, “For giving me away today.”

“You’re welcome Cathy. It was a pleasure. You looked so beautiful in your mother’s dress. Your parents would be proud of you today I think. Now we have something for the two of you. A surprise.” Peter held up the keys to his house.

“What’s this?” Catherine asked with interest.

“The keys to my house. I’m loaning it to you both for the weekend. As far as the outside world is concerned the downstairs windows are shuttered due to refurbishing, so no one will look in at you. And upstairs there are blinds to draw if you so wish, but I can tell you the upstairs receives a great deal of sunlight and I’m certain Vincent would like that.” Peter looked toward Vincent and was satisfied by the look of delight upon the younger man’s face. “The cupboards are filled with everything you will need. There is wine in the cellar, and the freezer is full. You may use any one of the bedrooms that you choose. All the beds have fresh linen, and the central heating is on, though you can if you wish curl up in front of a log fire, which is also stocked and ready for lighting. And just in case anything should go wrong, you don’t need me to tell you that my basement has access to the tunnels.”

Catherine hugged her long time friend, a man who had become her GP and her father all in one go. Thank you seemed so inadequate so Catherine just hugged him tighter and tighter expressing how his gift had made her feel. Vincent felt like hugging him too, and did so, placing his arm around the older man’s shoulders and speaking his thanks over and over. Peter blushed but deep inside was immensely happy to have delighted them so.

“Oh I almost forgot. Cathy dear, this telegram was delivered to your office this morning. Joe asked me to bring it to you.” Peter watched her closely. He wanted nothing more than to withhold whatever the message bore, but he had no right to do that, but for a reason he could not put his finger on, handing the telegram to Catherine suddenly made him shiver, as if someone had just walked over his grave.
Catherine opened the fold of paper with inquisitive fingers, her eyes dancing with delight, believing as did Peter that it was from some well-wisher but when he saw the colour drain from her face, Peter wished he had read and destroyed the damn thing after all.

“What is it Catherine?” Vincent could feel her distress.

“It’s Elliot.”

“Elliot Burch?” Father asked, while under his breath he added, ‘now what?’

“What does he say?” Peter asked. Elliot once a rival for Catherine’s affections as far as Vincent was concerned had in fact become a loyal friend, one to whom Vincent owed his life twice over. And was one of the few people Above that weren’t a helper that knew about the tunnels and had met Vincent himself.

“He doesn’t say anything. It’s not directly from Elliot and I don’t get it. I spoke with Elliot earlier this morning. He telephoned the apartment to say he was in South America and that he wouldn’t get back in time for the wedding. He’s developing a resort and there were problems with his work force, something about building on sacred land. Yet this telegram says that a plane Elliot was travelling in has gone down over the Atlantic and it has disappeared without trace about five miles from New York. That’s impossible, he couldn’t be in two places at once.” Catherine frowned drawing her brows together.

“Perhaps he had a sudden change of heart and was trying to get to the wedding after all?” Father suggested.

“No he couldn’t have. It’s too far and besides the timing’s wrong. He telephoned me around six o’clock this morning from Brazil and this report says his plane went down approximately five miles from New York at eight thirty-seven. It would be impossible. This isn’t right. Besides which, you know that gut feeling that tells you there is more to it than meets the eye?” Everyone nodded gravely; “Well I’ve got it.”

“That’s the lawyer coming out in you my dear. Suspicious minds and all that.” Peter joked.

“Nonetheless, I wish there was something that I could do.”

“There is.” Everyone looked at Vincent who had spoken. “You could go out there. To Brazil, to see for yourself if there is more to this than the telegram presents.”

“But Vincent you two have just got married. You can’t seriously expect Catherine to leave you so soon?” Father exclaimed. Catherine remained silent, but Vincent was right, she did want to go and check this out. But Father saw it differently. Elliot and Vincent had battled for her long enough and now that Vincent had won, how could Catherine go running to Elliot’s aid at the drop of a hat? What would that tell her husband? With Vincent’s constant insecurities what would such an act do to their marriage?

“I’ll look into it Cathy. I’ll check the bulletins, if this telegram is for real then the news will be full of it, and perhaps he was on that plane, as sorry as I am to suggest it.” Peter told her gently, rubbing her arm.

Catherine shook her head, “No he’s alive I know it. Don’t ask me how but I do. And he needs help I know that too. And you know what makes all this so damn tragic?” Each of the three men looked at her as they waited for her answer knowing already that it would make them unhappy, “If I don’t do anything about it, then no one else will, for everyone else will believe that he’s dead. And if it’s left too long then that will be the truth of it. Vincent’s right, I have to go out there, and I have to go now, before it is too late for him.” Her eyes said it all, sorrow, grief, wretchedness. Father and Peter were dismayed, but Vincent understood, and drawing her into his arms he kissed her brow, “I owe him my life Catherine, if I could go with you I would. But in spirit I’m with you always. Know that. Go with care and go with courage my love and return home to me safe and sound.”

Catherine nodded, wiping away a flood of blinding tears, and pulled away from his arms leaving him already desolate without her before it became impossible for her to leave him at all.

*** *** ***

There wasn’t anything he could do but wait, and as he lay upon his large bed inside his chamber Vincent opened the Bond fully that he shared with Catherine, feeding upon her emotions. They told him of her distress and unhappiness at having to leave him so soon after their marriage.
Devin wandered in and out of the chamber trying to make sense of it all, trying his best not to show how he truly felt while at the same time trying to cheer his brother up. “Brazil’s not far away Vincent and Cathy is good at her job, she’ll soon suss out the situation and be back here before you know it, you’ll see.”

Vincent said nothing. In truth he wished everyone would leave him alone.
The Bond wasn’t something he could explain. It was enough that Catherine shared it and understood a little of its power, and left alone he could be with her, in mind and spirit if not in body. Brazil might not be far, but to him anything out of New York was far enough. Anywhere he couldn't reach her should she be in trouble was too far away. And besides he couldn’t rid himself of the same gut feeling that Catherine had had. Something was definitely wrong as far as Elliot was concerned.

“Can I get you anything to eat or drink Vin? I’m going to the kitchen.”

“No.” Vincent’s reply was almost inaudible. Devin frowned. If his brother didn’t watch out, the dark one would see his chance and move on in. Devin was worried, as he’d seen that happen before when Vincent’s guard was down.

“You shouldn’t be by yourself Vincent. Won’t you come with me? Everyone feels for you. I’m sure you would be better off mingling with the guests.”

For long moments Vincent stared at Devin with disbelief. It wasn’t like his brother to be so heartless and Vincent knew Devin couldn’t have meant it the way it sounded so he replied, “The guests will only serve to remind me of Catherine’s absence. I wish only to be left alone.”

Devin nodded, “Does that include me?”

“Yes. Devin I’m sorry. Please don’t be offended. I appreciate your concern, but Catherine and I share a Bond, a connection. And at this moment in time I know exactly where she is and how she’s feeling. If I lie here and concentrate I can be with her every step of the way. I can almost imagine that she hasn’t left here at all.”

Devin couldn’t really appreciate a connection like that, but it sounded wonderful nonetheless.

“Then I’ll leave you in peace brother and tell everyone to do likewise, though no doubt you will have a few callers checking up on you.”

“Thank you Devin.” Vincent closed his lids over intense blue eyes that swam with unshed tears. It was as much as he could do not to break down. For all his bravery, Catherine was not with him and he was worried about the task she had set before herself.

Devin’s parting question stunned him awake, “Where is she now, do you know?”

“She’s at the apartment, packing a few things, arranging her flight.”

“Oh.” There was a pause and then, “Vincent?”

“Yes.”

“Would you feel happier if I went with her?”

Vincent struggled to sit up; “You’d do that?” His heart lifted and filled with a sudden flare of hope.

“Of course. I’ve never been to Brazil, but I’ve heard it has some wonderful cultures. In fact it has everything. I really don’t mind going and if you think I could help?”

“You must hurry. Catherine is preparing to leave. There is a telephone box in the park. Call her, stall her, have her make another reservation on the flight. Yes Devin go with her, keep her safe, and bring her home to me.”

“It’s already done Vincent. See you when I see you then.” Devin left at a run, his heart pounding, hoping he could catch Catherine before she left.

Vincent resumed his position much relieved and winged his love to Catherine beseeching her to wait. Help was on its way.

*** *** ***

Catherine was just closing her apartment door and heading for the elevator, when she felt Vincent probing the Bond in a way that she recognised to halt her. She stilled to listen checking her watch. There was still time and she stepped back inside her apartment and waited for she knew not what.
If help was on its way, it wouldn’t be Vincent, because it was still daylight outside, but perhaps there had been a new development, though she had had the television on the whole time she was getting ready, and hadn’t heard anything new.
While she waited she flicked on the set again. Periodic news flashes between programs showed a wreckage of an aeroplane floating upon the waves of the Atlantic. It had been one of her worst fears to be in a plane crash over an ocean. Land crashes were bad enough; there were sometimes survivors, but a crash over an ocean not so. If the crash didn’t kill the passengers the water would, as the sea was so deep. She found that she couldn’t bear the thought of Elliot’s face looking at the seabed through the plane’s windows and knowing that within minutes he would drown.
Suddenly Catherine panicked imagining how that would feel, and a cold sweat broke out on her skin just as the telephone rang. She snatched it up fearfully.

“Cathy?”

“Yes?”

“Its Devin. I’m going with you.”

“Pardon?”

“I said I’m going with you. Can you call the airline and make an additional reservation? I’ll be at your door in a few minutes.”

“Where are you now?”
,br> “In the park. I’ve packed a few things and have my passport, but can I borrow some cash?”

Catherine laughed, “There’s no need for you to come Devin I can manage.”

“Maybe, and hey I’m not undermining your experience, its just that Vincent seemed relieved when I offered to help you.”

Catherine could understand that. “All right, but hurry, the plane leaves within the hour.”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

True to his word, Devin raced through the elevator doors at precisely ten minutes later. Catherine was waiting for him, the door to her apartment open. “There wasn’t another seat available on that flight Devin. I got you on the next one; it leaves in three hours. You can stay here until you need to leave.”

Devin frowned, “Why don’t we both go on the next one?”

Catherine laughed, “Maddening isn’t it? Same reason, there was only one place left on that one too. The first one out of here with two seats available is tomorrow morning.”

“That would give you time to spend the night with Vincent.” He told her solemnly.

Catherine sighed “You think I’m wrong don’t you?” she asked him gravely, “You believe I shouldn’t be going at all?”

“The thought did cross my mind.”

“Oh come on Devin. You, Father, Peter and probably everyone else think the same. Only Vincent understands how it is and he more than any of you has the right to be annoyed.”

“Vincent is Vincent. He’s made sacrifices all his life, put others needs ahead of his own. He would never ask you to stay. You share a connection Catherine, remember? He obviously knew how desperate you were to go, or he wouldn’t have insisted that you should. The rest of us might not share that connection but we know enough from it to see how badly you wanted to do this and that in itself speaks volumes.”

“What are you saying? That I didn’t want to be with Vincent, tonight of all nights?”

“Perhaps you didn’t. I know you love him, but Vincent is different. His needs and his strength alone could unnerve someone if they were suddenly to consider what they were letting themselves in for. Maybe subconsciously this problem has given you more time to come to terms with that?”

Catherine was furious, “How dare you! If that’s the way you think of me, best we do go alone. In fact best be that you don’t hinder me with your observations at all and stay behind.”

The two glared at one another. Devin wasn’t about to back down, he’d spoken his mind and nothing she said could alter how he felt.

“I’m coming with you if only for Vincent’s peace of mind.”

“Why? So you can report back to him if you suspect that Elliot and I may have planned this? Grow up Devin!” Catherine slung her bag over her shoulder and tugged her hold-all behind, “Lock the door when you leave.” She fumed.

“Wait!” Catherine hurried on. Devin ran after her, “Wait Cathy. It’s not that way at all. I’m coming with you because Vincent feels happier about that and because I might be able to help, but definitely not to spy on you. I don’t think you married my brother and intend an affair with another guy. What do you take me for?” His face showed genuine hurt.

Catherine sighed, “All right I accept that, but it’s what everyone else thinks, right? Vincent knows how it is, was, with Elliot and I. He’s always had a hang up about the guy. I’m not saying that he expects me to have planned this, or that Elliot might have either, but I am concerned that he will start to presume all the wrong things by it. If there were a way to stay and go I’d do it. This night was special to me too you know. It’s the culmination of a dream not just as far as the marriage. I’ve wanted your brother for a very long time you know.” She smiled coyly.

Devin nodded. “I still think you need to put your priorities right Cathy. What exactly do you suppose has happened to Elliot Burch that means you must make a mad dash to help him?”

“If I knew that Devin I’d let Joe handle it.”

“Then why don’t you anyway? It’s not as if he has other responsibilities.”

“Like I do you mean? I can’t make you understand can I? Look Devin there are a lot of people in this city that would look upon this as just another guy getting what’s coming to him. But I know Elliot, Vincent knows Elliot, and he’s not the tough guy he makes out to be. He’s as vulnerable as the rest of us and…”

She couldn’t go any further as Devin butted in, “And you’re in love with the guy.” He stated flatly. Catherine glared at him. “I am not! Once maybe, but that was a very long time ago. I love Vincent, and Vincent only.”

“That’s not how it looks from where I stand. You’re telling me that Joe Maxwell wouldn’t be as thorough in his investigations as you would? You think about this from my viewpoint Cathy. You’ve just married my brother. He’s insecure enough as it is. He has had a hang up about Elliot Burch you said so yourself. And you leave him on a night that he has probably worried about for long enough and just when he has decided he could go through with it you up and leave him! Its wrong Cathy, and you know it is.” Devin fumed.

“I know nothing of the sort!” They were shouting now, incensed with one another. “Now you see it from my point of view. Vincent understands how it is. Elliot has saved Vincent’s life twice before, three times if you count Elliot halting the work on the tower. If I were to stay another day Vincent would know I had done it purely for selfish reasons. How would that affect Vincent to know I stayed purely for the gratification of sex while someone else’s life was at risk? How could we hope to justify the need for each other’s bodies while another person needs help? What if we were to find out that Elliot had died while we were making love, how do you think that would affect our relationship?” Catherine took a deep breath, calming herself before continuing, “Devin I want Vincent so much, but when I give myself to him I want him to know that there is nothing else clouding my thinking, that I am his, mind, body and soul. Surely you can understand that?” Her words had softened towards the end and Devin did understand.

“Yes I can see what you are saying. It’s just that I can’t justify the need for you having to go. Joe Maxwell as I said…” this time Catherine butted in, “hates Elliot Burch.” Devin gaped open mouthed at her.

“He does Devin and for exactly the same reasons as Vincent once did. Not that Vincent’s feelings were so deep, but Joe has held a torch for me over the years too.”

“I don’t get it Cathy.”

“I work with Joe, I dated Elliot, at one time fell head over heels with Elliot. Joe is jealous of that fact, and even though Joe knows I’m getting married this day, he isn’t aware of who I’m marrying, you know that. If I should telephone Joe and insist that he fly out to Brazil on a hunch that Elliot Burch might in trouble, how is that going to look upon my wedding day? He will think the same as you despite the fact that I’m marrying another guy today, He’ll conclude that I still have intense feelings for Elliot to care so much. And to Joe that means hope. If I can still care for Elliot then I can’t care as much for the guy I’m marrying, and that in turn leaves an opening for Joe again.” She paused allowing that to sink in before adding, “Joe is a good friend but it’s saddened me how he has held a torch for me these past three years. Only when he knew all was lost at my wedding announcement did he relinquish all hope of having his chance. I can’t set him back now. It’s taken him weeks to get over the fact of losing me for all time to another. He’s begun to move on. Just last week he started dating a woman and I’m happy for him. I know all that sounds a weak excuse but you can’t possibly hope to understand if you aren’t willing to try.”

Devin nodded, understanding just, “It is complicated. And it’s valid, but it’s not sound enough to be convincing. You say Elliot saved Vincent’s life, but aren’t they equal. Didn’t Vincent save his life too?”

“We aren’t talking equality Devin. We are talking about someone’s life, and wasting time arguing about this is getting us nowhere except for the possibility of making me miss my plane. I’m going Devin and that’s final. Whatever you think, whatever you say, you aren’t stopping me. Now if you want to come, the details of your reservation are by the telephone. Adios amigo maybe I’ll see you there.”

“I’ll be there Cathy. I promised Vincent. At least one of us won’t let him down.”

Catherine expelled a long exasperated sigh, “Have it as you wish Devin. See you.”

*** *** ***

Devin thought about sending Vincent a message to say he’d be on a later flight from Cathy, but he didn’t want his brother being any more concerned than he already was. Brazil was a big country and Vincent would worry that he and Catherine would miss one another in the time it took the two planes to land.
Better that he let Vincent believe they would be travelling together and he’d not let his wife out of his sight so he sent a message informing his brother that he would be with Catherine. It was right in effect. He would be with her eventually, so he had no qualms about the little white lie. In time he would be with Vincent’s wife. Wife. It had an unusual ring to it when attached to Vincent. Who would have believed it? Not only that Vincent had actually got married at all but that his wife was one of the most beautiful women Devin had ever seen. He was happy for his brother, but still he grieved for him, still believing that Catherine’s reasons for helping Elliot Burch so soon were ungrounded. There had to be more to it. He knew if his newly wedded wife were to go charging off to aid the life of an old flame he would be suspicious. And he knew Vincent. Despite his brother’s gallant show of understanding, did he really not mind? Would he not wonder and worry about his wife’s insistence to help someone she pledged she had no feelings for except those of a friend? Devin couldn’t imagine so. Vincent would be worried. He had to be. Vincent wouldn’t be Vincent if he didn’t.

To be continued in part two.