Swallow on the Wing Part Seven Walking through the streets, Devin stuffed his hands inside his pockets to keep them warm. His whole body seemed to shake with the cold, and his head was swimming. Damn flu, he couldn’t even afford any medication, and living on the streets was no way of staying warm. He rattled the last of the money he owned in his pockets, a few cents, and had no way of knowing where he might be able to obtain more, and he was so hungry. It had been days since he’s eaten, or was it weeks? Devin couldn’t remember. He couldn’t remember anything. He didn’t even know his name, and nowhere seemed familiar. And his head was always so muzzy, not just from the flu, but something more, like it wasn’t a part of him anymore. In fact all his limbs felt the same way. Crossing a street, he was faced with the gates to the park, and he hesitated, something deep in the recesses of time stirred in his memory. Round and round, up and down, the motion affected him, made him draw his brows tightly together, made him want to go into the park. Something was calling to him, but what? Entering the park, Devin sat down on one of the benches. He was so tired, and so cold, it was hard to think even if he had been able to remember anything. A few days ago, was it days he couldn’t even remember? For now days and nights had merged into one, and he had no sense of time anymore, yet he had a slight recollection of someone stopping him and giving him a meal and a name, a name he thought he knew, and for some reason was connected to the park. But that’s all he did know. And since then day after day he had been drawn there to the park, almost like some migratory bird, or a swallow on the wing, drawn to a destination unknown. Guided only by an instinct and a sensation so strong that he knew without a doubt, that it meant the difference between life and death. For the one thing Devin was certain of, was that with nowhere to belong, and no one to belong to, death was imminent in his present state of health. He coughed and felt his throat cease up with phlegm. It was hard to breathe, to clear the obstruction in his throat, it would go neither up nor down, and for long moments a fit of laboured coughing ensured. Huddling there in his thin jacket and torn jeans, Devin was filled with a despair so deep that he just wanted to get it over with, to taste sweet death, and not have to worry anymore. But something, something kept drawing his attention, and wouldn’t let him lay down and die. The motion was there again, and Devin shut his eyes, as from far away in the furthest recesses of his mind he could hear music and the sound of children’s laughter. And then sudden flashes of eyes so blue, so deep and bright, that it made him want to weep, for something lost to him. Something that beckoned to him. Opening his eyes again, Devin looked out across the park. The sun was just beginning to set, and the golden rays lit up the park as a fire ball, shimmering in the puddles, turning the silvery frost covered grass to refined gold. Devin blew on his hands, trying to warm them, but even his breath was icy, and he felt so forlorn as a great sadness washed over him, for a life he had no recollection of, no one to go home to, and no place to call home. The cardboard boxes, he had lived among for the past few months, now offered no resistance to the biting wind, or the rain that pelted from the heavens slashing at his face and hands. Again the sound of music filled his mind, and turning his gaze he sought, he knew not what, but when his eyes became accustomed to a large shed far out across the park, he seemed to know that inside the shed was warmth, and laughter and fun. Standing up, he made his way across the park towards the shed, almost magnetic in its pull on him, and as he reached the gates that surrounded it, he could see in his minds eye, himself as a child breaking the lock, another child beside him asking ‘should you do that'? He could hear his own laughter, his own assurance to the smaller child that it was the only way in to the carousel. Finding the same gate, Devin noticed that the lock was now broken, and the gate swung away easily when pushed, though its hinges creaked. The sound brought a sudden flood of new memories to the fore. Devin stilled to listen to his head, there was something he couldn’t put his finger on, but.....he turned, the power of the magnetic force now beckoning from another area, and Devin noticed a large gaping hole that went into the ground, and turning made his way towards it, hearing the gate clang shut behind him, as he let it go. The journey was not fearful, crossing the grass, going towards the hole, which he now could see was actually a large drain, that led beneath the park, and a sudden flash of thought accelerated through his mind. A huge door then candle light, and long, long tunnels, and tapping, a constant tapping. A welcoming sound. Devin’s footsteps quickened, breathing hard, pushing his way through swirls of breath upon the icy air, until he reached the sanctity of the drain, and walked inside, into the darkness. There in the dark, out of the wind, Devin stood wondering what to do, when suddenly his mind was filled with one long and very happy memory, that lasted several minutes. Himself as a child standing here at this very spot, beside a smaller child, a happy child. He could hear their giggles, and there was a name, if only he could grasp it, but wait! there were two names, and they’d engraved them in the lintel above the entrance. Stepping forward, Devin could not see, but ran his fingers up where he knew the engraving to be, feeling the grooves, but not able to read them. Nonetheless, the very fact that he’d once been there, filled him with hope, it was only a start, but here at least was the footing he’d craved, and maybe if he stayed there, out of the wind, spent the night there, he might remember more, maybe even his name. He was tired now, more tired than he had ever known, and he leaned into the wall, allowing his body to slide down it to the sandy floor beneath, and with his head huddled into his hands, he closed his eyes, letting the gentle waves of sleep wash over him. *** *** *** Catherine and Beth had spent another distressing day searching. It seemed as though they were always taking one step forwards and two steps back, and though Catherine didn’t want to say so. She was feeling that perhaps she should ease up a bit, as all the activity in her present stage of pregnancy at her age, was beginning to tell. Soon Vincent would pick up on her carefully guarded feelings, and would forbid her to do any more. Catherine pondered on that, for much as she wanted to help Beth, she would simply offer no resistance to Vincent, he would of course be right, for she did need to rest. The trucker had been of no further assistance. He told them Devin had a beard when he had offered him a lift, but had shaved it off in his cab with the aid of a battery charged shaver, and they had spoken at considerable length about the scar on Devin’s face. Devin had changed the story now. Since working at the park, he was saying the accident had happened there. Beth and Catherine let the trucker go on believing this, paid him for his information and left with the officer who had taken them there. And that had been days ago. There had been no further word from Joe, and though Vincent had walked Cardboard City every night since, he had not seen sight of Devin either. Reaching the apartment building, Catherine made to take Beth back Below from there, only to discover that there were deliverymen in the basement, and they could not use that way. “We’ll have to go through the park.” Catherine told her, “Its not far. We could go up to the apartment I suppose, but the way I feel, I think if I sit down I won’t ever get up again, best to keep going I think.” she made an attempt at laughter but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. And Beth told her, “I’m so sorry Catherine, you’ve been such a help, but I do feel awful dragging you round the city every day. It’s been two weeks now, and we still don’t seem to be getting anywhere.” “It is tiring Beth, but I keep telling myself how it must be for Devin, what is it nearly four months, and the weather isn’t getting any kinder, in fact the worst is yet to come.” “That’s what I keep thinking. Sometimes I wonder if we’ll ever find him soon enough that is...I keep thinking I will awake from this nightmare and find him beside me when I open my eyes, ready to hug and kiss my fears away.” Tears gathered in Beth’s eyes, she shook her head, “Where is he Catherine?” They were walking across the park, and Catherine didn’t know how to answer, all her reassurances seemed futile now, there was nothing more she could say, and she felt too tired to have any hope herself, let alone give some to another person. “What’s going on over there?” Beth asked as the sight of red flashing lights held her attention. Catherine stopped and hesitated, “I don’t know, but they are exactly where we want to be, it looks like an ambulance.” “Should we go and see?” Catherine looked back towards her apartment, “Best not, perhaps we should go to the apartment after all. We shall have to try again later. This is amazing, just because I feel so tired, both the entrances are busy, this has never happened before.” “That’s sods law.” Beth told her, “You can guarantee it. You know when you are driving along a road and don’t see any traffic and the moment you take a blind bend there’s a car coming the other way that almost hits you.” Catherine laughed, “You sound just like Devin saying that.” “It was him that told me.” Beth laughed. “He used to come out with the most amazing things, silly things, pathetic things, he used to make me laugh so.” “Did he ever tell you about the goldfish?” Catherine asked, laughing at the memory. “Oh yes, the goldfish, did he ever." Beth squealed with laughter. "It must have been his oldest joke, he would start off with it at every party we were invited to. You know someone actually believed him once.” “No?” Catherine shook her head, “They didn’t?” “Believe me. We went to this party and Devin was in fine form, and there was this woman sitting beside an aquarium. I saw Devin’s eyes light up, I knew what he was going to say, and I waited. He went right on up to her, and said ‘Its so nice to see fish in a larger tank don’t you think.’ and she looked at the tank and started to tell him about an aquarium she had, and how wonderful it was to be able to put fish into as natural a habitat as one could, and then she literally walked right into his trap, she said...” And Beth mimicked the voice. “I find it simply barbaric when people put a goldfish into a tiny bowl and expect it to be happy. Oh Catherine you should have seen Devin’s face, it was a picture, he really relished his next remark, and didn’t disappoint me, when he told her, ‘actually madam, a goldfish only has a memory span of two and a half seconds, and when it swims around its bowl it says to itself, oh, how lovely, I’ve never been here before.” “And she believed him!” Catherine squealed with laughter, tiredness long forgotten. “You bet.” “And what did Devin do?” Beth drew her lips together tightly, as a smile lit up her eyes, “We had to leave. He laughed so much he literally wet himself.” Catherine burst into laughter, “Oh Beth, you have simply got to tell that to Vincent... and Father...oh please do, they’ll love it.” Beth smiled, “Devin’s a clown, he could never fail to make me laugh, what I’d give to have him make me laugh now...” And she burst into tears. Catherine started to cry too, it was the first time she had, but the situation was so traumatic, she found herself unable to stop, until a voice called out to her, “You okay lady?” Turning she saw a uniformed man coming towards her, his face wreathed in concern, “Say did either of you see the guy?” he asked, “Is that what’s upset you?” “What guy?” Beth asked through her tears. “The guy inside the drain. He looked dead, but he’s just unconscious. Don’t worry about it whether you saw him or not, he’s being taken to the hospital now, soon have him fighting fit again. Though the area is being cordoned off until we are sure there were no suspicious circumstances. I don’t think anyone hit him, but one can never be too sure. Say have you seen anyone running through the park from that direction, or seen anyone acting suspiciously.” Beth and Catherine shook their heads, and he warned them, “Well until we make sure, have you two got a home to go to? Best not linger around here, not until we know what happened. Besides it’s getting dark. This is no place to be at night. And it’s cold, if I were you I’d get yourselves home.” Beth and Catherine thanked him, and arm in arm walked back towards the apartment, subdued once again. *** *** *** Vincent found them there later, when concerned he made his way up to the balcony, when he saw lights shining out from the apartment above. “Vincent!”, Catherine flew into his arms, “We couldn’t get back, both the entrances were busy.” “I was concerned for you when you didn’t come below the basement, and I knew you were all right, but such sadness has followed you today and you are very tired.” “Yes we both are.” Catherine tried to avoid his eyes, but he lifted her face to his, and looked at her long and hard, “You are doing too much.” he told her, “It isn’t good for you.” “I am tired, but its nothing a hot bath and a good night’s sleep won’t cure.” “Then I think its best that you and Beth spend the night here. Mary and I will see to the children and Claudia, however I should like to stay with you for a few hours to see that you rest, and don’t go gallivanting off into the night if Joe should call or something.” Catherine smiled, “I don’t think my feet would let me.” “Let me rub them for you.” “Can you rub mine too.” Vincent laughed when Beth asked him, stepping inside the apartment and making himself at home, he told her, “You’d find the fur ticklish.” Beth smiled, “You let me be the judge of that.” Truthfully the thought of rubbing another woman’s feet perturbed Vincent, but in the end he found that he did it anyway, and Beth fairly oozed with delight and pleasure, telling him, “You have soft hands, and yes the fur does tickle. Nonetheless I’m afraid you’ve spoilt me. Devin’s hands will never feel quite the same after this.” Vincent and Catherine laughed out loud, as Beth wiggled her toes, and told them, “Oh but to have life return to my feet again, thank you so much Vincent. Now it is Cathy’s turn, though I am certain you will not stop at her feet.” The look on Vincent’s face was a picture and Beth and Catherine burst into peals of laughter, and Beth told them, “I bagsie the first shower, and leave you two at it, I mean to it.” She laughed again, and was gone, leaving Catherine laughing until her sides ached. *** *** *** By the time Beth and Catherine returned the following morning, they were feeling much better, but Vincent’s concern for Catherine’s welfare had carried over to Father, and both were insistent that she should stop helping with the search. Beth knew the wisdom of this, but still it had saddened her, though they had come home most days despondent, she had enjoyed the time spent in Catherine’s company, and likewise Catherine had enjoyed Beth’s. “I think”, said Father, “that those of us that know Devin should accompany Beth in turns each day, and if she isn’t too tired to roam the streets at night, then she can go out with Vincent, but you Catherine my dear are well and truly grounded.” Beth hugged Catherine, “Thank you for all your help Cathy, I shall miss walking out with you, and hopefully we’ll find Devin soon.” “Keep optimistic Beth, and keep your eyes and ears open, I may not be allowed to go walkies but remember how my badge and the telephone has powers of persuasion, and the apartment is not that far to walk to.” She glanced up at Vincent impishly. “Or if it is, I think I might be able to find someone to carry me there.” Vincent’s blue eyes searched her own, he knew she was joking in a serious kind of way, and he really was proud of the way she had tirelessly searched for his brother. Of course he would carry her, to the ends of the earth if she asked it of him. “At least having time to spare you will be able to do a lot of reading, like those lion books” Beth told her. “You never give up do you?” Catherine laughed. Beth smiled, “Never. Besides this is important, and you will both thank me for it one day.” “I thank you for it now.” Vincent told her sincerely. Beth smiled, “That’s great. You know in many respects Devin’s disappearance did us all good, without it, I may never have got to know you wonderful people, and now that I have you can count on me being a permanent fixture in your lives. I take it I am welcome to come here Father whenever I chose.” Father came across, holding out his arms to Beth, “Anytime, with or without that wayward husband of yours, you will always be made welcome Beth, I mean that.” “And to think I was afraid of meeting you.” Beth laughed, “Devin really is a chip off the old block.” Father’s eyes widened, “You really think so?” He seemed surprised. “Oh I know so. Especially when it comes to humour.” “Say, that reminds me Beth. Now’s your chance to tell them about the goldfish.” Catherine reminded her. “Goldfish?” Vincent and Father echoed together. “Oh yes, Father you simply have got to hear this...” Beth soon had them in stitches. “Oh my,” chuckled Father, “I’d have given anything to have been there. I must remember that one. It’ll bring the house down at Winterfest.” “What’s Winterfest?” Beth was intrigued. Father and Vincent went on to explain the annual celebration that they shared Below, while Catherine flicked through the morning’s papers, they had just got to the bit about the candles lighting up the darkness, when Catherine exclaimed, “I don’t believe it!” Her eyes widened with shock. “What is it?” Vincent felt her anxiety via the Bond, and was at her side in an instance, as Catherine was reading aloud, “Police are appealing for any information leading to the identity of a man found unconscious in the park last evening. There doesn’t appear to be any suspicious circumstances, but the man was carrying no identification, and relatives need to be contacted. However, police have revealed that the man does carry upon his left cheek three large scars, like that of claw marks, and anyone with any knowledge of this man’s identity should contact the hospital or the police department urgently.” Catherine stared at Beth in horror, “We came so close Beth. It’s him, its Devin. We’ve found him.” To be concluded in Part Eight.