WHEN EAGLES FLY

by Sandy P. Shelton

(from All Things Are Possible 4)

Catherine stared silently at the image in the mirror. It was her own features staring back at her, but yet the face in the mirror seemed like a stranger. Maybe it was because she stood in the plush surroundings of her apartment, and the long uncoiffured hair and the face without its makeup drew such a sharp contrast. Perhaps it was only an outward symptom of the growing discontent she was feeling. Whatever it was, it troubled her deeply.

She sat down on the soft comforter that covered the bed and slowly lowered herself into its satin finish.

"What's wrong with me?" she asked herself aloud. "I've got two healthy happy children, a husband that is loving and understanding, and an incredibly satisfying sex life. Everything a girl could want for a happy life."

After a moment of pondering the universe by staring at her ceiling, the doorbell rang.

"Damn, no one knows I'm here," she grumbled as she made her way to the door. "Who is it?"

"Federal Express."

Cautiously, she opened the door and was immediately handed a package.

"Sign here."

She took the pen, signed her name, and handed the clipboard back to the young man. As she did, she noticed his appreciative stare.

"Thank you."

He smiled warmly. "My pleasure."

As she closed the door, he was still staring at her. "Maybe you haven't lost it after all, girl," she said as a sudden surge of self-confidence added a lilt to her voice.

Below, Vincent had finished his morning classes and had returned to his chamber to find Mary still looking after the children. Catherine's daily visits Above to pick up her mail and check her messages usually were over by the time he returned from his classes, but lately she was spending more and more time on her "Above" business. He was beginning to resign himself to the inevitable.

The object of Vincent's thoughts curled up on the couch and opened her Express package. As she ripped it open, a video tape and two envelopes fell out. One envelope was addressed to her, the other to Vincent. She quickly opened her envelope and read its contents.

"All right!" she exclaimed as she dashed to gather everything and get Below to share her news.

After dark that night, Catherine brought the kids Above through the basement entrance and Vincent used his usual route. He sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the TV letting Katie sit on his folded legs. Jacob lay on his stomach beside his father as he watched his mother set the VCR.

"There," Catherine said, then crawled back to her spot next to Vincent. "That's about it. No, wait a minute..." She searched for and found the other envelope. "She said to give this to you before we played the tape."

He carefully opened the envelope and read its contents.

"Anything I should know about?"

He folded the note and put it down on the floor. "Not yet anyway."

Catherine smiled suspiciously. "Okay then, let's see what Morgan's been up to lately," she said as she clicked the remote to turn on the VCR.

The image of Morgan Church appeared on the screen. "Hello everybody. If you read my notes, you'll understand why I want your opinions on this song. Hope you enjoy it." The scene faded into one of Morgan standing before a microphone and she began to sing.

As the song was gently sung, it's audience was greatly affected by the words. Jacob was enthralled by the sight of his hero on his own TV, Katie was cooing softly at the bright colors and the music, Catherine studied each word carefully, and Vincent was suddenly aware of how true the message in the note had been.

The song ended and Catherine replayed it several times before speaking. "That's some song."

Vincent picked up the note on the floor and held it a moment.

"The words," Catherine continued, "they remind me so much of her. It's as if it was written about her."

He had to smile then. "That's odd. She said the same thing about you," he remarked as he handed her the note.

Its message was simple. "Dear Vincent. When I first heard this song, it reminded me so much of Cathy, I had to record it for you. Let me know what you think. Morgan."

Catherine laughed. "I don't believe it."

"She's right, you know. The lyrics describe you. What's the name of it?"

"An Eagle When She Flies."

"Appropriate."

"For her, but not for me."

"I think it suits both of you."

"I've really missed having her around."

"I know."

The conversation was interrupted by the ringing of the telephone and Catherine scrambled to get it before the message machine hung up.

"Hello."

"Cathy, it's Morgan. How are you?"

Vincent watched as Catherine's face lit up in childish glee.

"Morgan! We just finished watching the tape. It's terrific."

"Good. What did Vincent think?"

"He loved it too."

"Tell me, do you think you could stand the real thing?"

"You bet. Are you coming for a visit?"

"Yes. I've got some business to take care of out there. I'll be flying in Monday."

"How long can you stay?"

"Long enough to have dinner with your in-laws and have a girl's night out with you."

"Great, we'd love it."

"I've got to go now. Tell that hunk you're married to 'hello' and kiss the kids for me. I'll see you soon. Bye."

"Take care. Bye."

Catherine hung up the phone and turned to Vincent. "She's coming for a visit I presume," he commented wryly.

"You presumed right. It'll be fun to have her around again."

"Yes it will," he added as he noticed the renewed look of excitement on his wife's face.

They decided to stay in the apartment that night so that, after putting the children to bed, they would have some time alone. Catherine sat at the antique vanity in their bedroom brushing her hair and remebering Morgan's first visit a few months ago. It was an unexpected, but healing, meeting and the bond of friendhsip they had forged then had grown through many letters and phone calls.

Her eyes suddenly focused on Vincent's face as he watched her in the mirror. She turned to face him as he sat on the foot of the bed. "I didn't see you come in."

"I know. I was enjoying that look in your eyes."

"What look?" she asked.

"Oh, that look of mischief."

"Mischief? Not me," she feigned innocence.

"Oh yes you," he laughed.

Catherine reached over and squeezed his knee. "You don't mind my friendship with Morgan, do you?"

"Of course not, Catherine. You two enjoy each other and you need each other. Whatever makes your life complete is fine with me."

"It's hard to explain, but she's the only other person I feel completely free with. She knows about you, about your world, and about our life so I feel I can confide in her. I can talk to her about everything and she is never judgmental."

Vincent thought about his first meeting with Morgan. "I know. The night we met, she saw me and I felt nothing but compassion in her. She accepted me and my world with hardly a blink of her eye." He shook his head in disbelief. "Catherine, I would never interfere with a relationship that brings you such pleasure. The pressure you're under because of our love is tremendous. Having someone like Morgan to talk to, to let off steam with helps you keep your balance. I have a world of friends and family, you have no one in your world."

"I suppose you're right. I just know we have a lot of fun together. Reminds me of my college days."

"Vincent smiled, "Really?"

Catherine did not take the bait. "We won't get into that now." Her eyes dropped to the zipper of his pants. "There are other things I'd rather get into." With that, she leaped off the stool and pushed him down onto the bed. Then with deft hands, she unzipped his pants and pulled them down around his ankles. "I've got you now."

"Oh really?" he said, then began tickling her. She started laughing and trying to fend him off at the same time. The skirmish resulted in the two of them rolling off the bed and onto the floor.

She landed somewhat on top, took one look at their predicament and began laughing hysterically. "You should see yourself, lying there with your pants around your ankles."

"I can remember times you didn't think that was at all funny."

She leaned over him and kissed his nose then slid her hand down to playfully stroke him.

"Believe me, every time you drop your pants, I take it very seriously." He laughed again.

Resting her face against his warm chest, she could feel his heart beating and the steady rise and fall of his lungs as he breathed.

As they lay there awhile, she felt him relax and slip his arms around her. His fingers massaged her back, then found their way to her hips. He moved his mouth close to her ear then whispered, "Maybe we'd better move back to the bed."

Catherine pushed herself up to look into his face. "Are you wimping out on me?"

"What?"

"You're getting soft, aren't you?"

"Right now, maybe, but give me a minute."

"I'm not talking about that. It seems you only want to make love on a nice soft bed. Where's your sense of adventure? Didn't that book I bought teach you anything?"

"A lot actually, but we don't have a lot of space here and I want you to be comfortable."

She straddled him. "I'm very comfortable, thank you."

Vincent looked up at her in wonder. "I love the way you make me feel. And I love you."

Once again, his simple words touched her deeply. She relinquished her seat on his stomach and finished undressing him. Then, without a word, she stood and let her robe slide off her shoulders into a pile at her feet. One by one, she slid the straps of her gown off and pulled it from her body as well. "Show me."

She watched as he stood up and simply looked at her. Those eyes were telling much more than mere words could. Then, totally out of character, he lunged for her, grabbed her, then lifted her in the air and spun her around.

"Vincent!"

After spinning her around a few times, he threw her on the bed then jumped on top of her. "Who says I can't be adventurous."

Catherine laughed and said, "I love you."

Vincent answered in a deep low voice, "Show me."

"I'll be glad to," she answered, as she let her finger trail down his nose and the cleft in his lip. He shivered in response then lowered his mouth to hers in a sweet gentle kiss.

"More," she sighed then pulled his head back down to hers. His kisses always started out gently as if he were still seeking her permission to continue; but once assured of her submission, he became more assertive and more demanding.

His tongue slipped into her mouth and began to probe. She gently stroked his back and allowed his explorations then responded with her own. Her heart was pounding as desire took control and her body began to ache for him.

As if he had been reading her thoughts, she felt his body move to give her what she needed. His mouth found her neck and he both sucked and bit lightly on the soft skin over her collarbone.

"Um, that feels so good."

"Tastes good too," he quipped, as he continued his downward path. When he found her breast, he nuzzled around its fullness then licked his way to the nipple. "Now I want more than a taste," he said as he began sucking the aroused flesh.

Catherine couldn't help the groan that escaped her. His warm mouth both caressing and tugging on such an intimate part of her body sent her into another realm in which she had no control.

He slipped his hands underneath her shoulders and lifted her up so that he could take more of her into his mouth. Her hands entangled themselves in his hair and her legs opened as he slid between them.

She felt his mouth move to her other breast and began licking and sucking the already hot flesh. The heat and the friction from his hands and his body moving over her was heavenly torture and the ache within began her body's instinctive movement.

Catherine could feel his arousal as he pressed against her leg. He was already getting hard and she felt him begin flexing his hips slowly. His mouth and hands moved over her stomach and hips. She could feel his tongue move over her navel, then move downward until the pleasure was almost unbearable.

"Please Vincent, now!"

In response, he moved quickly into position then flexed his hips, pushing himself deeply into her warm depths. "Yes!" she responded as she grasped his buttocks to force him deeper.

The thrusts were slow and deep at first and Catherine moved with him to allow the deepest penetration possible. This rhythm continued for as long as they could possibly control it, until instinct took over and Vincent sped up the pace.

Faster and harder, his muscles flexed as he pushed deeper and harder into her. Her body ached for release and she knew he was about to climax as well. Within seconds, her body was claimed by an orgasm and after one more deep thrust from Vincent, he too shuddered in release.

Catherine weakly moved a couple more times before she relaxed against the comforter, completely spent. Opening her eyes, she saw Vincent above her with eyes still closed and panting in exhaustion. She reached up and encircled him in her arms. "Come here," he said softly as he disengaged their bodies, then lowered himself into her arms. "I love you so much," she whispered.

In a barely audible voice, he answered, "I love you, Catherine. I love you."

*****

Over the next few days, Catherine's mood lightened considerably. Early Monday morning, she was folding Katie's freshly washed clothes, as Jacob was getting dressed. "Come here Jake, let me help you with those shoes."

"No Mommy, I can do it."

"Okay. Let's see," she answered then sat back to watch him fumble with the laces until he finally succeeded. She applauded. "Very good young man. That deserves a hug."

She was embracing her first born when her husband walked in. "Jacob, it's time for your reading class." He reached out his hand and smiled at Catherine. "Come now, I'll take you."

"Okay." The little boy hugged his mother again and hurried to take his father's hand. "Go now."

"Okay, okay. Catherine, I'll be back soon."

In his absence, she finished her morning chores and was lost in deciding what to wear when Eric came in.

"Catherine, may I come in?"

"Of course, Eric."

"I have a message for you." He handed her a crumpled envelope.

"Thank you." She watched as he quickly left the chamber. How refreshing she thought, no one expects tips here.

Reading the note, she was unaware of Vincent entering the room. "What is it?"

"It's from Morgan. She wants me to meet her at her office at the studio today at four. After that, she wants us to go out to dinner. Is that all right with you?"

"Catherine, you don't have to ask my permission."

She took his hand. "I know, but since one of us has to baby-sit, I wanted to check with you, in case you had plans."

"Ever since we knew she was flying in today, I made plans only to watch the children while you two spent some time together."

Catherine leaned forward to kiss him, but found his attention focused on something beyond her.

He smiled proudly and said, "Look at the baby."

She turned her head to see Katie sitting up by herself, watching them with wide eyes. "Oh Vincent, she's sitting by herself!"

"For a moment, anyway." They watched as Katie swayed back and forth precariously then toppled over on her side.

Catherine got up and lifted the baby out of the playpen. "That's my girl," she cooed as she kissed the baby's head and patted her back. "There's nothing you can't do if you try. Don't let anyone tell you differently."

She walked over and sat down beside Vincent then sat Katie between them on the bed. "She's grown quite a bit since Morgan's last visit. I think she'll be walking soon."

"And talking, I hope."

"Be careful what you wish for love, you just might get it. I have a feeling once she gets started, she's gonna bend Daddy's ear."

"She already has my heart."

"Oh yes, wrapped tightly around her little finger."

"Just like her mother," Vincent responded then leaned over to collect his kiss.

*****

At 3:45, Catherine walked into the New York offices of Pegasus Enterprises. A smiling receptionish greeted her. "May I help you?"

"Yes. My name is Cathy Chandler. I was ..."

The receptionish interrupted. "Yes, Ms. Chandler. Ms. Church is expecting you. She said to give you the royal treatment."

Neither of them noticed the strange man in the lobby listening to every word and scribbling down notes.

After receiving directions to the executive offices, Catherine made her way to the vast, but tastefully decorated, fifth floor. She took a seat on the couch and waited.

She only had time to give the awards adorning the walls a cursory look when people began emerging from behind the door marked "Conference Room." There, behind the group of five men in suits, stood Morgan. Her expression, Catherine noted, was very business-like and her tone of voice, coldly professional. That is until she saw her friend.

Catherine immediately saw a warm smile light up Morgan's face. "Cathy!" she walked toward her with arms opened and embraced her without hesitation.

She responded with a warm hug of her own and a kiss on the cheek. "Morgan, I'm so glad to see you."

"I know. You poor thing."

They both laughed as Catherine pushed her back. "You're awful."

"You're right. I'm awfully hungry. Let's blow this joint."

"Ah, such eloquence, such professional demeanor," Catherine teased.

"Such bull. Let's go," Morgan commented, as she grabbed Catherine's arm.

*****

The plate sat before them with only traces of their dinner remaining. The plush Fifth Avenue restaurant was "the" place to dine for all the upper-class of the city and Catherine had been there often. The place, however, made Morgan very uncomfortable.

They had eaten quickly as they tried to catch up with each other's lives and on more than one occasion, the maitre d' had looked down his arrogant nose at them as they laughed loudly. Morgan had made more than one sarcastic comment about his attitude. It was strange, Catherine thought, she'd never noticed it before.

After the meal, they sat and talked for some time, just getting re-acquainted. It was then Morgan's attention was diverted to a family sitting across the aisle from them. It was apparent that the adolescent boy had recognized Morgan and was trying to muster the courage to come over and ask for an autograph.

Catherine watched Morgan give the young man an encouragiing smile. The boy found his courage and began walking toward them. But, apparently, the maitre d' had been watching as well, because he quickly stopped the boy and sent him back to his table.

One look at the crushed expression on the boy's face was all Morgan needed.

"Excuse me," she said to Catherine as she got up and walked over to the boy's table. The maitre d' stopped her about midway and Catherine could hear her angry words.

"Listen you jerk, one word to me and I'll buy this place and fire your butt. Believe me, I can afford it."

The man looked at Catherine, as if to confirm her comment and, when she nodded, he began apologizing profusely. Morgan paid him no attention, but walked over to the young man's table. Catherine watched her introduce herself to his parents then talk to him as she signed the autograph. The crushed look soon turned to one of elation and he excitedly shook her hand as she left their table.

Catherine noticed a big smile on Morgan's face when she sat down again but, before she could comment, the maitre d' was back, apologizing again. Morgan looked at him as he put the tray with the bill on it before her.

"I insist on paying for their's too," she said as she indicated the young man's table. He said nothing as he hurried away, looking like someone who had been soundly put in his place.

"Doesn't that kind of thing bother you?" Catherine asked.

"What? The autograph?"

"Yeah, doesn't it invade your privacy a little?"

"There's two ways to look at it. There's the practical way because it's good business sense. Let's face it, unless people like him buy the records, I have no career. Then there's the reason I do it. Did you see his face? A few minutes of my time gave that kid a memory he'll cherish the rest of his life. That means more to me than any cold statue sitting on a dusty shelf ever could. There's a lot of ways people measure success. My Dad always said that the only way you can change the world is one person at a time."

Catherine sat back with a lump in her throat and a great deal of respect for her friend. "To paraphrase a dear friend of mine, why don't we blow this joint and have some fun?"

"Now you're talking, lady."

The two friends walked up Fifth Avenue, having a great deal of fun being very irreverent with uptown society. A few hours later, they ended up at Catherine's apartment.

"Come on in the kitchen and help me fix us something to drink," Catherine requested as she bent over to turn on the stereo. As usual, it was tuned to a classical station.

"This is nice for a romantic evening with Vincent, but not for us. Do you mind?" she asked as she reached for the tuning button.

"No, your choice."

She fumbled with the controls, until she found a particular station. "There, that ought to lighten things up a bit."

They went into the kitchen and began to fix drinks when the beginning downbeats of a song brought a reaction from Morgan. "All right! The Temptations." She began singing with their version of "Ain't Too Proud To Beg."

Catherine watched in amusement as Morgan sang the first verse, putting emphasis on all the wrong words. Just watching Morgan let go and enjoy herself like that, lifted her spirits and turned back the years. Somewhere deep inside, she let go of all the frustration and stress she had been living with for so long and let the child in her free. She picked up on the chorus and timidly began singing with her friend.

The two of them really got into the joy of the moment and Catherine's timidity vanished as they danced their way into the living room while still singing the song. When the instrumental came up, Morgan shouted, "Air sax!" and began to mimic a saxophone player.

Catherine was about to lose control of her bladder from all the laughter and was near tears when Morgan fell to her knees and pretended to plead. When the lyrics changed, Morgan was back on her feet and they were trying to imitate the group's choreography. That resulted in a tangled mass of arms and some mashed toes.

Below, Vincent sat writing in his journal and his thoughts turned to his wife. This visit from Morgan had really lifted her out of the doldrums she had fallen into. He sat in the silence, knowing that the children were sleeping and Catherine was safe Above. Suddenly, through their bond, he felt this unexpected wave of extreme lightness and joy wash over him. Without knowing why, he started laughing. Little did he know that his fit of unexplained laughter was in tandem with Catherine's. She was having a good time and he knew how much she needed that. In the middle of the laughter, he realized a poignant truth.

Both women collapsed onto the floor next to their drinks when the song ended and continued to laugh. Morgan was the first to speak. "I haven't been that adolescent in ages."

Catherine was fighting to get her breath. "Me either. Damn, it felt good."

The evening passed quickly as they talked about anything and everything. In a totally unexpected turn of conversation, Catherine asked, "Do you think Vincent's well-hung?"

Morgan was taking a sip of her drink and it came flying out at the question. Catherine rolled over on the floor, laughing.

"That's a hell of a question to ask a friend about your husband?"

"I'm curious to know what an unbiased woman thinks about him. I can't be objective."

"What happened to that no-nonsense lawyer's instinct?"

Catherine displayed a somewhat embarrassed grin. "It gets lost in all those hormones."

Morgan shot her an understanding look. "I'll bet." She thought about it for a minute then said, "Well, not having seen ALL of him, I can't make an accurate assessment, you know. But, from what I can ... surmise, he's interesting."

Catherine laughed a little wickedly. "Oh, he's interesting all right. He's downright incredible."

"Hey, I don't want to hear the details of your love life. I'll get all worked up with nowhere to go."

Catherine made a face at her friend, then tossed a napkin that hit Morgan squarely in the face. "You're no help. I want to talk dirty about my husband."

"Okay, you win. I just hope you have plenty of COLD water."

Their conversation lasted until the phone interrupted. It rang until the answering machine picked up.

"Cathy, it's Joe. If Morgan Church is with you, get her back to her studio right away. There's been a fire."

Morgan immediately got to her feet, grabbed her purse, then headed for the door. "Wait a minute," Catherine shouted. "I'll drive you, but I need to leave a message for Vincent."

Morgan paced the floor nervously while Catherine disappeared into the bedroom. The fear was welling up inside of her with sickening intensity. "Hurry up, Cath."

"I'm coming," she answered as she left her message on a helper's answering machine. "I'm coming."

After a hectic drive through the streets of New York, they finally pulled up in front of Pegasus Enterprises, at least as close as they could get because of the police cars and fire trucks.

Morgan looked out the window. "What in the world ... ?" Her sentence went unfinished as she looked at the charred windows of the first two floors.

They walked quickly up to the police barriers where an officer stopped them. Catherine took out her I.D. and said, "I'm Catherine Chandler with the D.A.'s office and this is Ms. Church. Where's Mr. Maxwell?"

Before the officer could answer, Greg Hughes walked over to them. Catherine took him and Morgan aside.

"Greg, what happened here?"

"A bomb. Preliminary reports say it was tied into some of the recording equipment in one of the studios."

Morgan's face turned red with anger. "Was anyone hurt?"

Greg looked over at Catherine with a look she had seen too many times in her line of work, then he answered, "Yes, three people were killed."

Morgan's knees suddenly became like jello as the strength drained from her body. ''Who? Who was it?"

Leafing through his notes, Greg answered, "James Arnold, Dalton Perlman, and Daniel Hamilton."

Catherine slipped an arm around Morgan for support as she seemed to want to back away from the bad news.

"Danny? Not Danny."

"Who were these guys?" Greg asked.

Morgan managed to articulate an answer. "Jim and Dalt were engineers and Danny was my producer and road manager. He's been with me since the beginning."

"Greg, why is Joe here? He's not an investigator.”

Greg whispered his answer so that Morgan wouldn't hear. "Because of the publicity people like this create. The Mayor thought Joe should handle this himself."

Catherine looked at Greg with disgust for the politics involved in their work at times.

Just then the paramedicas started bringing out the bodies on stretchers. It was then Catherine noticed the change taking place in Morgan. At first, she had shown her fear, her anger, and her pain, but slowly Catherine saw the back straighten and the jaw muscles tighten. It was a sign that she wasn't dealing with it at all, she was simply shutting down.

Later, in the fifth floor executive conference room, four people sat around a big conference table. Catherine sat beside Morgan and gently rubbed her shoulders, as Joe paced and Greg simply took notes.

Joe began the questioning. "Okay, Ms. Church, we need to ask you some questions."

Catherine looked up at him and shook her head. She then turned to Morgan. "Do you have any idea why someone would do this?"

Morgan sat there, fighting the anger that threatened her control.

"Competition and greed. Two of the mainstays of this business."

Catherine asked her questions softly. "What do you mean? Do you know who was behind it?"

"I know but I can't prove it," she answered, as she clenched her fists.

"Just tell us what you can, Morgan. We'll worry about the proof."

"The record industry is highly competitive. The bigger companies are always gobbling up the little ones and then the bigger companies try to find ways to knock each other out of the market. Damn him!"

"Morgan, please, tell us."

"Our biggest competitor on the East Coast is the Astor Record Company. Their Vice President, a man named Thadeus Eggleston, approached me about six months ago about a merger. I turned it down and since we're not a public company, a buy-out was out of the question. So their next logical step was to bring about a financial crisis, so that we would need to get outside financing. Expensive accidents began to happen, masters of albums disappeared then reappeared on the black market, and rumors about our possible involvement with the drug trade surfaced. That's why I came out here."

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" Catherine asked.

"What could you have done, Cathy? We had no proof of anything."

"Just what were you going to do about it?" Joe asked.

"Shore up our security systems. Try to find their weak points, or just to get the goods on him first."

Joe got up and walked around his chair. "Chances are we're not going to find anything tangible here. It appears to be a very professional job. We do have somewhere to start though."

With a sarcastic tone, Morgan commented, "That's not much comfort for these guy's families, is it?"

With a look that Joe had learned to read, Catherine stared at him. He knew she was telling him to back off and let her handle it. He took the hint.

"Cath, why don't you take Ms. Church back to her hotel? We can finish this tomorrow."

She smiled in gratitude. "That's a good idea. Come on, Morgan."

As Catherine guided Morgan toward the door, Joe called out, "Radcliffe?" She turned to him. "It's good to see you again. How's little Radcliffe and Jake?"

"Just fine, Joe, and it's good to see you again too."

The ride back to Morgan's hotel was a quiet one. As hard as Catherine tried, she couldn't break the wall her friend had once again erected around her feelings. She feared that this would undo all the progress she had so painstakingly made over the last few months.

It was almost 4 a.m. before she finally made her way toward hers and Vincent's chamber. After stopping to check on Jake, she tip-toed into their chamber, only to find Vincent wide-awake and waiting for her.

"Can't sneak in on you, can I?"

"Not when I feel your distress so strongly."

"I take it you got my message?" He nodded in response.

She walked over to the crib and checked on Katie before sitting on the bed to face Vincent.

"Did you have any problems with the kids?"

"They missed you, but they're fine. Now, tell me."

Catherine slowly related the events of the evening, then leaned over into Vincent's arms. She suddenly found herself in the need of comfort.

"How's Morgan handling it?" he asked.

"That's just it, she's not. She's shutting down, just like before."

He stroked her back gently. "You got through to her before, Catherine, you will again. You have to."

She sat up again and looked into his calm blue eyes. "I just wish I was as sure. You didn't see her, Vincent. You didn't feel the coldness."

"No, but I felt it in you. She needs you so, you must be there to guide her through it."

"You know that means more time away from you and the kids. Can you handle that?"

He ran his fingers through her hair and smiled. "I have long ago resigned myself to the sacrifices that must be made to help someone in need. I would be acting selfishly if I demaned you turn your back on a friend. That's against all I believe in. I know you, Catherine, you would not neglect our marriage or our children. You would do nothing to betray me in any way."

They were silent for a moment until Vincent stirred memories of a happier time. "You two were having a lot of fun earlier tonight."

She smiled broadly at him with just a hint of blush on her face. "Yes, we did. I love you and our family here, but it felt so good to just cut loose, you know?"

"Yes I do," he answered. "I felt your joy before. The lightness of your spirit was an incredible rush. Right now, however, you are tired. Why don't you undress and come to bed?"

"That's an offer I can't refuse." She quickly disrobed and climbed into bed to cuddle up close.

She slept fitfully that night, until she heard Katie fussing in her crib. Lately, the baby was nursing less frequently and she had noticed her body was slowing down its milk production. It looked like little Katie would wean herself in a few months and, in a way, she dreaded it. She loved that closeness with her children and just for a moment, she let the thought of having another child cross her mind. But she let that thought pass quickly. Maybe a few years down the road. It was way too soon.

Katie cooed and smiled at her mother as she prepared for her feeding then nursed hungrily as her miniature green eyes stared into the larger identical ones.

"How's Mommy's little girl?" Catherine asked as she lightly stroked the baby's cheek. "When are you going to say Mommy?" she smiled then patted the tiny bottom. "I love you, precious little one."

Above, in a plush hotel room, Morgan sat staring out into the early morning light. She had been there in that spot for most of the night not feeling, not thinking, just sitting.

Across town, in the office of Astor Records, a man sat behind his desk, smiling triumphantly at the men sitting across from him.

"We've got her now. She's scared because she's found out how vulnerable she is. My friends, Pegasus is mine."

A small man with glasses disagreed. "I don't think so. My sources say she's gearing up for a counter-attack. That doesn't sound like she's ready to cave in." He leaned over to stress his point. "In fact, Thaddeus, we might have pushed her into revenge and that could be dangerous. Besides, aren't you being a bit ambitious?"

"Look Paul, I realize you have disagreed with this move from the beginning, but it is no different than our other takeovers."

"That is where we disagree, Thaddeus. This woman is more powerful than any conglomerate you've ever acquired. She ranks high in public opinion. Any attempt to destroy her could bring everyone down on us."

Spreading his fingers over the papers on the table before him, he leaned forward and caught his adversary with a cold stare. "I won't let this get away from me." His attention then turned to the papers beneath his hand and the picture of two smiling women on them. He tapped it firmly with his finger. "I have an idea for a little insurance."

Catherine walked briskly up to the door of Morgan's hotel, deep in thought about how best to help her friend. As she reached out for the door, her hand was roughly grabbed and twisted behind her and a gun shoved into her back.

The voice behind her was low and controlled. "Don't fight us, Ms. Chandler or it'll get real messy real quick. You understand?"

She thought about resisting, but found herself surrounded by big men with little respect for the gentler sex. Besides, the gun in her back left her little room for argument. She decided to wait for a better opportunity.

Roughly, they pushed her into the back of a limo then covered her eyes and tied her hands behind her. Within a few minutes, they stopped and removed her from the car, led her into a cool quiet room, and sat her down in a hard staight back chair.

The sickening feeling of fear rose up in Vincent's heart and he knew Catherine was in danger. Quickly, he found someone to watch the children and he was on his way, letting the terror in his heart guide him.

Catherine was battling her own terror, in the darkness of the mask they had placed over her eyes. Deep inside she knew Vincent had sensed her dilemma and was on his way. The voices were getting louder and she could feel them near.

Suddenly, harsh light invaded her sensitive eyes as the mask was ripped roughly from her face. She tried hard to focus her eyes on the man in front of her.

"Sorry about our methods, Ms. Chandler, but it was necessary."

She bit her lip to hold back the explosion of rage she was feeling. "What do you want?"

The man tried to use all the charm he could muster, but the best he could do seemed even more menacing.

"Not what you think although that would not be such a chore. No, I just need a little help convincing your friend Ms. Church to see things our way."

"And what way is that?" she asked with venom in her voice.

"That, Ms. Chandler, will become evident. Right now, all we need for you to do is sit there and be your pretty self," he sneered as he stroked her cheek.

What Catherine didn't know was that behind the darkness beyond the plexiglass wall in front of her was a video recorder filming the proceedings.

The three men began closing in on their victim when a fearsome roar shattered the silence. As the men turned in horror, Catherine seized the moment to land a solid kick to the shin of her closest captor. He screamed in pain and bent over, momentarily distracting the others.

With cat-like swiftness, Vincent slashed the closest man and he fell silently to the floor. Catherine again kicked her captor and he fell to the floor. The one standing kidnapper tried to pull his gun, but Vincent grabbed him and lifted him up as he growled menacingly. A moment later, the sickening sound of bones breaking were heard and the man went limp. He was tossed aside like a rag doll.

The other man was getting to his feet as Vincent approached him. From under his jacket, he pulled out a long knife. Catherine quickly distracted him by lunging in his direction and Vincent responded by grabbing the hand holding the knife. They struggled for a moment, then the man fell to his knees and over onto the floor with the knife still in his chest.

Vincent quickly went to Catherine and untied her hands. They embraced in joy until footsteps in the hall brought them back to the moment.

"We've got to get out of here now!" Catherine pleaded.

"Come on." Vincent responded by taking her hand and guiding her out the way he came in.

Moments after their departure, Thaddeus Eggleston entered the darkness behind the plexiglass. He stared out unemotionally at the bloodied bodies strewn across the floor. The blinking red light on the camera caught his attention.

"Well, it's not a total loss," he drily commented then carefully unloaded the camera and unassumingly left the building.

*****

Morgan and a few of her trusted inner circle sat about the big conference room table. They had been at it for hours and her mind was beginning to wander. She had half-expected a visit from Catherine by now. Maybe she would show up later.

The phone in the conference room rang and Morgan was informed that Thaddeus Eggleston was in the lobby asking for a meeting. A young man sitting at the table expressed his concern. "You don't suppose he'd try anything here?"

She answered thoughtfully, "No, he's not that foolish. Whatever it is, I think it's worth hearing. Have him come up but keep your eyes open."

Eggleston walked into the room with a video tape in one hand and a Cheshire cat grin on his face.

"If you don't mind, gentlemen, I'd like to speak to Ms. Church alone."

She studied him for a moment, then nodded. The others filed out quietly and the two adversaries were left alone. "Why are you here?" Morgan asked.

With a victorious gleam in his eyes, Eggleston lifted the video tape up to eye level. "I have something here that just might solve our dilemma. You have a VCR and TV in here, I assume?"

She got up and walked over to a cabinet built into the wall. "This had better be good."

"I assure you, it is," he said with a sneer then watched Morgan's face for her reaction. He was not disappointed.

Morgan wasn't exactly sure what to expect from him, so she prepared herself for the worst. Nothing, however, could have prepared her for what she saw.

At first the images were fuzzy and out of focus, but soon the situation became clear and Morgan's anger rose quickly. "You bastard!"

"Temper, temper. The best is yet to come."

She wanted to stop the tape and show him physically what he could do with it, but she was compelled to watch. The moment she heard that fearsome roar and saw Vincent literally ripping those men apart, her heart froze. As the tape played out and she witnessed Vincent and Catherine's narrow escape, the potential danger of the situation sank into her aching heart.

Eggleston leaned over to look into her eyes to relish his victory. "I think we both realize the significance of this film. I mean, if the wrong people saw this ... well, your friend and her ... whatever, would become the most hunted game in the world." He moved closer. "I don't know your connection to this freak of nature and I don't really care but I don't think you'd want his existence publicized. In fact, I think you'd be the kind that would do anything to protect someone like that. Cruelty to animals and all that."

She stared into his cold hard eyes, trying to control her rage and fear. "I get the point."

"Good," he said as he stood back and smiled. "I'll be in touch with you about the legalities tomorrow." He walked over and removed the tape from the VCR. "I'll hang onto this for now. See you tomorrow ... partner."

Coolly, Morgan waited for him to leave then reached for the phone and punched out a number. "Sam? There's a man leaving the building with a video on him. Follow him. I want to know what he does with the tape. And Sam ... if you get half a chance, I need that tape. It's important that no one sees it or knows about it. Understand? Thanks." She hung up quickly and tried to still her shaking hands.

She told no one what Eggleston's visit was about, she just left and headed for a helper Catherine had told her could get her to them in an emergency. The helper quickly, and without questions, guided her to Father's study where Vincent, Catherine, and Father were involved in an intense discussion. Both of them looked upset, but very relieved to be home.

Catherine turned to her in surprise as she walked down the steps. "Morgan? I'm glad you're here. We need to talk."

"Yes, I'm afraid we do. Eggleston just paid me a visit."

"We had a run-in with some of his friends a little earlier this evening." Her face expressed her feelings of victory. "We've got him now. He had me kidnapped. I can't believe how stupid that was." When Morgan didn't act very relieved, she asked, "What's wrong? What's happened?"

She sat down in the chair closest to her and rested her head in her hands. "Vincent rescued you, didn't he?"

The room grew silent as everyone's concern surfaced. "Yes," Catherine answered weakly.

Morgan sat back angrily in the chair and looked at Catherine. "Our friend, Mr. Eggleston, has it all on tape."

Catherine's knees nearly buckled and Vincent was incredulous. "How?"

"You were in a recording studio. Beyond the glass wall is the engineer's booth. When the lights are out in there, you can't see beyond the glass. That's where they hid the camera."

"Oh my God!" Father exclaimed.

Catherine's lawyer's instinct surfaced through the fear. "What does he plan to do with it?"

"Nothing, if I do what he wants," Morgan said as she rubbed her forehead.

"He wants Pegasus, doesn't he?" Catherine asked and Morgan nodded.

Vincent paced over to stand beside Father, then leaned over to tightly grip the edge of the desk.

"You can't allow it?"

"Vincent, that tape cannot be seen," Father was adamant.

Vincent turned to face his father. "But at the cost of all Morgan has worked to achieve? No." An idea suddenly occurred to him. "Perhaps I could go there after dark and retrieve the tape?"

"No, you can't," Morgan commented. "He'd be waiting for you."

"How do you know?" Vincent asked.

"Because I would," she answered simply.

Catherine walked over to them. "There has to be another way out?"

Suddenly the room was filled with Morgan's indignant answer.

"Enough! I've heard enough." She got up and turned to face them. "This is my problem and I will deal with it."

Catherine watched her turn and walk toward the helper who had been discreetly standing by.

"Morgan?" She ran up to her and turned her around to face her. "Don't do something foolish. There has to be some way out of this."

"Really? What? Shall we go to the police? I think not. Cathy, please, just stay here and don't get involved."

"You're my friend. I'm already involved."

Morgan's jaw tightened noticeably as she drew upon her resolve and the memories of all those painful losses.

"A friendship that could cost you everything. Cathy, being my friend is expensive."

"Perhaps, but it's worth it."

Morgan's expression softened a bit at the conviction in Cathy's statement. "You can't risk it. You, of all people, cannot afford public scrutiny of your personal life. That's what happens when you get too close to me. I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you, Vincent, or this world because of who I am. I will handle this."

"Morgan!" Catherine exclaimed.

She gave Catherine one last look, then disappeared into the tunnel. When she started after her friend, Vincent intervened. "No, Catherine. She's right. We must trust her to handle it in her own way."

Staring after her friend, Catherine responded, "That's what scares me."

*****

They didn't sleep much that night. It seemed that every time either one of them closed their eyes, visions of the horrors that could be tormented their minds. Catherine possessively held onto Vincent as he held her close for reassurance. It was a long night.

The next morning, Vincent was dressing Jacob as Catherine nursed Katie when, in a burst of excitement, Eric came in with an envelope for Catherine. As usual, one look at Catherine nursing the baby caused Eric to blush and turn away.

"Thank you, Eric," she remarked, noticing his embarrassment.

She waited for Katie to finish and for Vincent to take her before she opened the envelope. A newspaper clippiing and a note fell out. The note was in Diana's handwriting and the article told of a shooting. The victim had been found in the parking garage beneath Astor Records. His name was Thaddeus Eggleston.

At first Catherine couldn't speak or breathe, as her mind filled with a horrible suspicion.

"Oh my God! she exclaimed.

"What is it, Catherine?" Vincent could hear the fear in his own voice. His wife had turned ghostly pale.

She read the note aloud,

" 'Catherine, I thought you might want to know about this as soon as possible. Joe's bringing Morgan in for questioning at 10 a.m. You might want to be there.

Diana' "

With a look of confusion on his face, Vincent asked, "Questioning for what?"

She sprang to her feet and handing the clipping and note to Vincent, then began to prepare for her trip Above.

At ten o'clock, she arrived at the office and went straight to Joe's office. She ran into him as he was leaving for one of the interrogation rooms.

Joe looked at her closely, but he had expected to see her this morning. He knew what he was going to say would be pointless, but he had to try.

"Cathy, you shouldn't be here. You're still on leave. This isn't your case."

"She's my friend, Joe."

He stopped and turned to face her again. "And as such, a potential witness."

"I promise I won't say anything or interfere with your questioning. She has a right to an attorney present and I want to be there for her."

"Cathy, she's already got an army of lawyers."

"Lawyers, yes, friends in that room, no. I have to hear her side of this."

"You mean you haven't talked to her yet?"

"No, I haven't seen her since late last night."

"That's interesting."

"Please Joe, I won't get in the way."

He reluctantly gave into her, but he knew he would before she asked.

"All right, but I ask the questions. Deal?''

"Deal," she said, smiling warmly.

In the small interrogation room, Morgan was seated at the table with a lawyer to each side of her. Greg Hughes was there with his notes and a tape recorder lay in the middle of the table. Morgan raised her head as they entered, but instead of a warm welcome, Cathy looked into cold grey-green eyes that were clouded with pain.

Joe began the session. "I think you all know Ms. Chandler. She's on leave from the D.A.'s office, but she's here only as a fried to Ms. Church. If anybody objects to her presence, she'll leave."

One of the lawyers sitting beside Morgan started to say something, but she stopped him. "I don't object."

Catherine smiled and took a seat across from Morgan, as Joe asked his questions about her whereabouts that night. She listened carefully, fearful that something would come out by accident or that Joe would pick up something from her answers. When Joe asked her directly if she had killed Eggleston or had ordered him killed, Morgan looked at her with a slight drop in her guard. She must have taken her eagerness to hear the answer as doubt, because that lapse only lasted a moment, then the walls went back up again. Catherine felt as if a door had been closed in her face.

"For the last time, Mr. Maxwell, I did not kill Eggleston, nor did I order anyone in my employ to do it." The exhaustion was evident in her eyes and her voice.

Joe was exhausted, too. The questioning had gone one for almost two hours and nothing new had been discovered.

"Look, I have a memorial service for my friends to attend at three o'clock. Are you through with me?"

The room was silent as Joe thought it over. It was a D.A.'s ploy meant to wear down the nerves, but it had no effect on Morgan. Catherine knew from experience that Joe had nothing to base an arrest on, so he had to let her leave.

"All right, you can go, but don't leave New York. I'm sure we'll have a lot more questions to ask."

As they rose to leave, Catherine asked, "Could I speak to Morgan alone for a moment?" Her friend nodded and the others left the room quietly. Now the two friends were alone behind closed doors.

"Are you all right?" Catherine asked softly.

"I'm okay," she answered without emotion.

Catherine searched for some words of comfort for her friend. "Morgan, I'm ..."

Morgan interrupted, "Cathy, don't. You've got to stay clear of this mess."

"I can't!"

"You have to, for Vincent's sake."

"Morgan ..."

"Look, we've talked about this before. It's under control."

Without meaning to, Catherine's voice turned sarcastic. "You could have fooled me." She took a deep breath and voiced her concern, "Let me help you."

Morgan studied her closely. "How can you help me when you're really not sure yourself?"

Catherine was speechless, as the truth of those words choked her.

Morgan regained control of her emotions. "Let it alone, Cathy. Go back to your happy life." She turned and walked out of the room, down the hall, and into the sea of reporters that had caught wind of her questioning.

Catherine bumped into Joe as she headed down the hall with Morgan's words, and the coldness of her eyes, burning in her mind.

"Well, Chandler?'

Taking a deep breath to regain her resolve, she answered, "Joe, all you've got is a possible motive. A good lawyer can blow that aspect apart in a minute."

"Radcliffe, need I remind you, you're not on this case."

She smiled at him. "No. I'm still on leave and I can do whatever I want with my free time."

"Don't compromise this case, Chandler."

"I wouldn't dream of it, Joe, but there's no law against asking a few questions and checking a few things out. Don't worry, I won't show you up and I promise to bring everything I find out to you. Now, I've got to get going. See you later."

The wheels were already turning at top speed. It had been a long time since she had beaten the pavement as an investigator and her sore feet were telling her in no uncertain terms. After a quick lunch, she spent the rest of the afternoon going over the evidence. She did notice that no mention was made of a video tape being found at the scene of the crime, so she assumed it was either still missing or that someone had destroyed it. She didn't like that thought.

Talking to Eggleston's business associates she got a picture of a greedy, ambitious businessman who had no interest in the music and no concern for people and that meant other possible suspects. She had one more stop to make, but it would have to wait until after dark.

Across the city, a dark hooded figure climbed onto a balcony of one of New York's finest hotels. He peered into the lighted window.

Morgan was alone in the room and music was playing softly in the background. He had never seen her looking so alone and so lost. It was the words of the song she sang, however, that really tore at him.

I can't light no more of your darkness

All my pictures seem to fade to black and white

It's too late to save myself from falling

I took a chance and changed your way of life

But you misread my meaning when I met you

Closed the door and left me blinded by the light

Don't let the sun go down on me

Although I search myself,

It's always someone else I see

Just allow a fragment of your life to wander free

'Cause losing everything is like the sun going down on me

I can't find the right romantic line

But see me once and see the way I feel

Don't discard me just because you think I mean you harm

'Cause these cuts I have

They need love to help and heal

Don't let the sun go down on me

Although I search myself

It's always someone else I see

Just allow a fragment of your life to wander free

'Cause losing everything is like the sun going down on me

(*Don't let the sun go down on me - John/Taupin)

He listened to the poignant message of self-doubt and fear of loss and watched a tear slide down her cheek. He shed a tear of his own, as he watched and realized that her music was her way of expressing her emotions. He had spent years with the same doubts and fears until Catherine. Morgan had no one.

After the song ended, he tapped lightly on the glass and saw her look of surprise when she saw him. She quickly regained control of her emotions and walked out to meet him.

"Vincent? Don't tell me you were just in the neighborhood."

"No. I wanted to talk to you. Perhaps I can help. I feel responsible in a way."

"No, it's not your fault. It was Eggleston's greed that set all this in motion." After a moment of thoughtful silence, she commented, "You haven't asked if I did it."

"I don't need to."

"I think Cathy does."

He turned toward her. "Catherine is trained to always question. It's what she does. Morgan, it is not in you to take a life over such things."

She looked out at the twinkling lights of the city questioning that statement. "You have ... killed to protect her."

He painfully thought of all those horrible times. "Yes, as anyone would to protect loved ones."

The pain in his eyes were clear as she looked into their tortured depths. "Love and fear can override all civilized behavior. They can turn into demons that strike out without reason."

Vincent sighed and nodded his understanding. "I know those demons," he answered slowly.

A strained silence fell between them as their mutual understanding led their relationship to a new level.

Then, in a sudden change of subject, Vincent asked, "What was that song you were singing?"

Momentarily taken aback by the question, Morgan answered, "Oh, that one. It's called 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.' It describes how I feel sometimes, especially now."

"The lyrics were so ... Morgan, you have not lost everything. Know that all the people of my world support you and will always welcome you in our home and in our hearts."

Vincent's simple statement of loyalty touched her more deeply than she had been prepared for and she fought back the lump of emotion in her throat. She needed desperately to run into his arms and just be held by someone who cared. It was a feeling she pushed aside by changing the subject.

"I have something for you. Wait here a minute."

He watched her leave the balcony, then return with a small black box and offer it to him.

"What is it?" he asked.

"It's the tape."

His head jerked up suddenly as the implications sank in. Looking into her eyes, he saw only the usual calm control.

With no emotion, she instructed him, "Take it and destroy it."

No words were spoken at that moment. Vincent understood. He quickly put the tape inside his cape and said goodnight.

Before he could leave, she once again commented, "You still didn't ask."

"I still don't need to, Morgan. Good-night and take care."

"Good-night," she responded, as she watched him disappear into the darkness. Once more she turned to look out into the cold lights of the city. Despite the warmth of the June air, she felt a chill as she remembered the once warm lights of a place so very far away.

*****

Miles away, Catherine sat in her car and studied the run-down building, then looked at her watch. It was time. Reluctantly, she got out of her car and walked into the dilapidated building. The stench from years of neglect made her stomach churn and the dust burned her eyes as she climbed the stairs. As she entered one room, she warily moved into the darkness.

"Chill out, Ms. DA," said a voice that came from the darkness.

She almost jumped out of her skin. "Maurice?"

"Himself. Now, what's a fine lady like you doing down here?"

Maurice had always hidden himself from her ever since their first meeting when she was in search of Lena. Since then he had become one of her best sources of information.

"I need some information."

"That I figured out. By the way, I see you ain't pregnant no more. What was it?"

"A little girl."

"She look like you?"

"Her father says so."

"Then you and your old man better take care. There's too many sharks on the street. Know what I mean?"

She was touched by his concern. "Don't worry, we will."

"Good. Now what can I do for you, pretty lady?"

"A man named Thaddeus Eggleston was shot last night. What's the word on the street?"

"Yeah, I heard about that one. Mean dude, you know? How much is it worth?"

Catherine got a crisp new fifty dollar bill from her purse and held it up for his inspection.

"Must be real important to you."

"It's personal, so be straight with me."

"With you, always." She could hear him move about in the darkness. "Word is that the dude crossed the wrong guns. He embarrassed too many high-flyers. Got too hungry, word is. Someone put paper out on him. Big money for the hit."

"Someone put a contract out on him?"

"That's the word."

"Do you know who?"

"Don't know names, but if I wanted to know, I'd look close to home. You know what I mean?"

Catherine was both intrigued and relieved. "Maurice, you came through for me again." She tentatively laid the bill down on an old table.

On the drive back, Catherine's mind was spinning. To get the suspicion off Morgan, all she had to do was convince Joe that there were others with a better motice than Morgan's. She decided to check into some financial matters in the morning, then check into the ownership of Astor Records. If he had indeed embarrassed some important people, then it cast a reasonable doubt on the case. And a reasonable doubt was all she needed.

Vincent had returned to the tunnels and had put the children to bed. Katie had fussed a bit because she wanted her bedtime nursing, but she had settled for a bottle and gone to sleep. He stood now by the mirrored pool, looking up into the small opening to the sky at the top of the chamber. At his feet, a small fire burned. In his hand, was the tape.

"Vincent?" Catherine called, as she approached the pool.

"Here, Catherine." He reached his arm out to her and she responded by wrapping him in her arms, then tilting her head upward for a kiss. He complied.

"What are you doing here this late?"

He wasn't looking forward to what he had to tell her. "I saw Morgan tonight." He then handed her the tape.

Her eyes widened as the small black box was put into her hands. The battle raging inside of her was reflected in her eyes and pulsed through their bond.

"Vincent, is this ...?" she didn't finish the question. Vincent only nodded in response.

She stared at the box for a moment, then angrily tore it open and ripped the tape from the spool. Without hesitation, she dropped the offending article into the flames then, in silence, watched its destruction.

All the way back to their chamber, Catherine was silent, but Vincent could feel the mad whirl of doubts and fears in her heart. It wasn't until she had checked on the kids, changed clothes, and settled into bed that she finally spoke.

"I don't know what to think anymore. Before, my heart told me she could do nothing to harm anyone. All I could see was the warmth and compassion in her, but now?"

"Catherine, think. When you look at me, do you see me with only your eyes, or do you see with your heart as well?"

"That's not the same."

"Isn't it? Perhaps she has done or said something that in some way has hurt you, or caused you to doubt, but does your heart see her any differently?"

"My mind sees the evidence, but my heart trusts her. Vincent, they're contradicing themselves."

"As it has always been with us. Catherine, it all comes down to what you choose to believe."

As usual, Vincent's way of getting to the heart of the matter had helped clear her mind. "How is she?"

"She's hurt and she's drawn inside herself."

"Why did she try to push me away today?"

"It's a defense. She wanted to push you away before you had a chance to abandon her."

"I wasn't going to do that."

"You have to understand, that in some sense, she feels everyone in her life has done just that."

She took a deep breath of determination. "Then I suppose I'll just have to convince her otherwise." She sighed as she looked into his eyes.

He smiled and stroked her back. "That's the Catherine I know and love."

She wiggled a little closer. "Speaking of love, I think I could use a little of that right now."

"I will gladly comply with your desires, Catherine, whatever the reason, but intimacy is not a substitute for what you think you've lost with Morgan."

"I guess I'm just feeling very empty inside."

"So does Morgan," he reminded her.

"It looks like we've got a lot of work to do then, don't we?"

Vincent looked deeply into her desire-laden green eyes. "But you can't start tomorrow, right now I want to get back to that request you made earlier."

"What was that about substitutes?" she asked as he reached up and pulled her down to him for a deep kiss.

"I think I have one you'll enjoy."

She laughed as she let him roll her over and begin to nuzzle and nip at her neck and shoulders. She lay passively in his arms, as she let the warmth of his love and desire fill the empty places in her soul.

Their lovemaking that night was slow and tender, as Vincent let their bond guide his actions. It seemed she wanted the most tender of caresses and the mosst gentle words of reassurance and love. He simply stroked her body and covered her with kisses as, every so slowly, her passion built.

Instead of the usual gasp of delight as he entered her, she enfolded him tightly in her arms and legs as if to pull him into the very depths of her soul. She did not respond with her usual fervor, but simply enjoyed the intimacy and the closeness of the moment. He didn't complain about her lack of vigor, he just strove to give her what she needed. Even after they climaxed, she seemed to hold him possessively, as if she feared being separate from him. He held her close, until she fell peacefully asleep.

The next morning, Catherine was in her apartment changing clothes for her busy day. She planned to put some pressure on some important people and was mapping out her strategy when the doorbell rang.

"Who is it?" she called out.

"Ms. Chandler, my name's Sam Barrett. I work for Ms. Church. Could I talk to you for a minute?"

She peered out the peephole at the middle-aged, casually dressed man at her door. With a great deal of caution, she opened the door.

"Come in."

He walked in, but refused to sit.

"Look Ms. Chandler, I've been with Morgan since she married David. I saw how happy they were together, I saw how devastated she was when she lost him, I saw the hell she went through to get back on her feet, and I saw her take an independent record label and turn it into one of the biggest in the country. Throughout it all, she always treated me with respect and never looked down her nose at me. She helped me with the medical bills when my wife died and she's putting my son through college. There's nothing I wouldn't do for her. Nothing."

"Would you kill for her?"

"If she asked ... but she never has." His eyes had shown his sincerity and now he relaxed a bit as he approached the true reason for his visit. "Make no mistake, Ms. Chandler, I would have thought nothing of taking care of that scum. I came here to tell you what happened that night. You see, I saw you two at the office. I saw how much fun the two of you had. She needs that." He shook his head sadly.

"Yes, she does."

"She made me swear not to tell anyone because you and some other people could get hurt. It tore her apart that someone would use you to get to her. Ms. Chandler, that night after Eggleston paid her a visit, she called me and told me to follow him. She said he had a video tape and if I had a chance ... well, she wanted that tape. She made me promise not to mention the tape to anyone. I don't know what was on that tape and I don't care. All I know is that it was important to her to get it back and that's what I was going to do."

"Just tell me what happened."

"I realize that what I tell you won't clear her, but maybe it will ease your doubts and perhaps help you find the killer. That night I followed Eggleston to that garage. I watched him get out of his car with the tape in his hand. Suddenly, shots rang out and I ducked down in the seat. When I looked up again, he was on the ground. I went over to him, he was dead. I took the tape and left."

"What happened then?"

"I went back to the hotel and gave her the tape. That's when she made me promise not to mention it."

Catherine heaved a sigh of relief, then asked, "Then after the police suspected her, why didn't you tell them?"

"She made it clear that she was willing to take the heat to protect some people she cares about. She said if we mentioned it, they would start asking questions she couldn't answer."

Catherine knew well who she was trying to protect and why. The depth of Morgan's loyalty suddenly overwhelmed her.

"Sam, I appreciate your coming here and telling me this. You must care for her a lot."

"Usually I don't interfere in her personal life, but I've seen her finally come out of that prison, and I can't stand to see her go back. She's spent too many years forgetting what it's like to laugh. Somewhere in all that pain and loneliness, she lost the child in her. For some reason, you two bring that out in each other."

Catherine remembered the scene from the other night. "Yes, we do. I'd almost forgotten."

"I know her and I don't think she could stand to get hurt again."

"I promise you, Sam, we'll get this cleared up and I'll do everything I can to bring back the child in both of us."

"Good." He shook Catherine's hand, then headed for the door. He stopped, "I knew you had to be special or Morgan wouldn't like you so much."

"I think she's kinda special too."

"Good-night, Ms. Chandler."

"Good-night Sam." She closed the door then leaned back against it, feeling more relieved than she had in days. "All right Joe, you're in for one hell of a fight."

Joe sat behind his desk with his jacket off and his tie loosened. The Eggleston case file lay scattered out in front of him.

"Radcliffe, I can't drop this investigation just because the chief suspect is a friend of yours. A very wealthy friend I might add."

Anger flashed in her green eyes. "Wealth has nothing to do with this." She could feel the adrenaline pumping and her heart was pounding. "Look at the facts. You have no physical evidence directly linking Morgan to the murder scene, there are no eyewitnesses that we know of, no murder weapon, nothing. All you've got is a very flimsy motive. Joe, my informants tell me there was a contract out on him. Your case has so many holes in it, a law student could tear it apart. She didn't do it."

He sat back in his chair deep in thought. "You're that sure?"

"I would bet my career and my life on it. Joe, if you pursue this, you'll do it without me. I'll be helping to defend her. Understand?"

The D.A. in him wanted to wrap up his case in a neat package, but an inner voice kept reminding him of how many times Cathy's instincts had been right. Finally he tossed his pen down on the desk.

"I give up. She's off the hook ... for now."

"Thanks, you're a real sweetheart."

He blushed. "Yeah, right. I warn you, Chandler. If she steps out of line just once, I'll nail her. Is that clear?"

"Very clear." She flashed her most winning smile. "Now, if you don't mine, I'd like to go deliver some good news."

As she turned and headed for the door, Joe jumped to his feet. "Hey Radcliffe, wait a minute."

She stopped. "Yeah, what is it?"

Walking over to her he asked, "You know your leave will be over in a couple of weeks. You will be back, won't you?"

Finally, the question had been asked out loud and she was reminded of a decision she had been putting off.

"I'll tell you what, Joe, I'll give you an answer next week. Will that be all right?"

"Look Cathy, you can't tell me working on this case, even in a small way hasn't rekindled the fire. I know you love the kids and Vincent, but you love to battle for the underdog too. You need the work as much as the work needs you. Besides, I bet you've really missed me." He smiled mockingly. "Put yourself out of all that misery and come back to work."

She had to admit she did miss their bantering. "It's nice to know how much you've missed me. I really don't see how you've survived this long."

They both laughed and embraced. "I'll talk to you next week. 'Bye Joe."

"Get out of here already or I'll put you to work." She smiled at him again and walked out.

As he watched her sensual figure walk out the door, he realized just how much he had missed her. Their arguments over the Eggleston case had reminded him of how she could always being out the best in him and how she always made him dig a little deeper. He was also reminded of what he had lost by not pursuing a personal relationship with her.

Catherine had one more stop to make that afternoon before returning home. As she drove in the direction of Morgan's hotel, she focused in on what she wanted and needed to say. She just hoped Morgan would listen.

As she stood outside the door for a moment, she still searched for the words. As she prepared to knock on the door, she suddenly noticed her sweaty palms.

"Keep it together, Chandler," she murmured, then knocked on the door with determination.

Morgan opened the door and invited her in with a half-hearted smile.

"Can I get you something?" she asked with a definite coolness to her tone.

"No, I came here to tell you that the D.A,'s office no longer considers you a suspect and from now on the investigation will be focused in other directions."

Morgan felt as if at least one weight had been lifted from her shoulders. "That's a relief. What happened?"

"I'll tell you all about it later. Suffice it to say, a little digging turned up a multitude of suspects." Morgan smiled in response and Catherine decided it was time to address the real issue between them. "The most important reason I came over is to clear things up between us." She could see Morgan retreating behind the walls again.

"There's nothing to straighten out," she answered. Although her shattered emotions were screaming out for resolution.

Catherine stepped closer. "I think there is. That night in Father's chamber, you pushed me away. You put those walls up again and I'm not going to let you get away with it." Without realizing it, her voice expressed her desperation.

At the tone of Catherine's voice, Morgan's eyes widened and stared back at her. "YOU'RE not going to let me?!"

Catherine was just as defiant. "NO! You were willing to risk everything to protect us. You were even willing to risk our friendship."

"Cathy, you still don't understand, do you?" Morgan gave her an exasperated look. "This friendship is too dangerous for you. You can't have people poking around in your private life. This whole episode brought that home to me. When I saw that tape, I knew the only way to keep you and Vincent safe was for me to get out of your life."

"You're the one that doesn't understand. Look at me." She physically turned her around to force eye contact. "Morgan, you and I are about as different as two people can get. Under most circumstances, we wouldn't even be acquaintances, certainly not good friends. But by some twist of fate, we seem to bring out the child in each other and we both need that. Besides that, who are you to make decisions as to what I need, or don't need, in my life?"

"Look lady, you pushed me away because you were afraid I'd abandon you." In Morgan's eyes, she could see the truth of her words. "I'm not going to give up on this friendship. Not without one hell of a fight."

She reached out and gently touched Morgan's arm. "There'll be times I won't agree with you and we'll argue. There'll be times we may even get mad or hurt each other. I know there'll be times I won't vaguely understand what you're doing or why," she said with a half-mocking laugh. "No matter how hard we try, sometime or other we're going to disappoint each other, but you're my friend, damn it, and I love you. When your back's against the wall, so's mine and I don't intend to let you quit on me."

The cool facade Morgan had been hiding behind crumbled in the face of Catherine's outpouring of devotion. A faint smile crept across her face and a warmth filled her heart.

"You won't even let me be noble, will you?"

"Hell no!" Catherine stated with certainty. They both laughed loudly and then she grabbed her friend in a warm hug. Morgan responded and they both shed a few tears.

After a few moments, Catherine pulled back. "If I remember correctly, you promised to have dinner with my in-laws."

"Yeah, I think I did."

"Well, girl, there's a little boy who would love to see his Aunt Morgan again and a little girl who's grown a lot since your last visit and they're both going to hold you to that promise."

"I don't suppose I have a choice?"

"None! Now, pack for a few days Below and let's blow this joint."

*****

Over the next two days, Morgan and Catherine reforged the bonds of their friendship. Jacob, who was still completely enamoured of "Mommy's friend," never left her side without an argument. Even when she was playing with Katie, Jacob was there simply entranced. Vincent's only comment was, "At least he has good taste."

Morgan had quite a time renewing friendships, playing with the children, and laughing and talking with Catherine. She didn't remember feeling that relaxed and that light-hearted in years. Her only moments of sadness came with the thoughts of Danny and the others.

Her last night Below was a celebration of sorts. Most of the community gathered in Father's study after dinner and she entertained with a mini-concert. Her accompaniment was the resident pianist and a young man who used some boxes for drums. It wasn't an orchestra, but it was still all the informal jam session needed.

As she sang, Vincent sat with Catherine and Katie. Jacob sat on the floor directly in front of his parents for a up-close view of the love of his young life.

Morgan walked over and sat down in front of Vincent and his family, then introduced her next song.

"There's a song I'd like to sing that speaks beautifully about friendship. It's a message I've recently learned to appreciate more fully. I think it's a concept this community can fully understand." With a strong emotion-packed voice, she began singing, "That's What Friends Are For."

Tears welled in Catherine's eyes as the words struck deep in her heart. She was familiar with the song and soon found herself singing with her. Soon everyone joined in.

Morgan's visit was almost over when Catherine suggested a long walk in the park. The kids were playing nearby with Jamie and a few of the other children, when Catherine pulled her aside and led her over to a huge oak tree.

With a girlish grin Catherine suggested, "How about a climb?"

Morgan look up at the tree, "Are you serious?"

"Aren't I always?" She laughed, then jumped up to the nearest brance and started climbing.

"You're crazy!"

"Chicken," Catherine called down to her.

"You've done it now. I grew up climbing trees bigger than this. Make room, lady."

The two women made their way up to a branch big enough to support them. They relaxed and enjoyed the Spring air and the crystal blue sky. They stayed there talking for most of the afternoon, until the children finally coaxed them down.

The night Morgan left, she said her goodbyes to the community and then walked with Vincent and Catherine to the exit. She turned to face them.

"I refuse to say goodbye. I'll just say until later."

"I agree," Catherine said as she fought back the tears and hugged her, then watched as she hugged Vincent. "Write soon, okay?"

"You bet!" Morgan answered as she fought back her own tears. With great reluctance, she turned and walked a little way into the drainage pipe, then turned to Catherine, "By the way, Cathy," she paused for effect. "I think he is."

At first, Catherine didn't understand what she meant until she remembered their conversation that first night. Red-faced, she turned to see Vincent's innocent look, then burst out laughing.

After she left, Catherine hugged Vincent tightly and he asked, "What did she mean?"

She slipped her hand down to rub the bulge in front of his pants, then said, "Nothing lover, nothing."

*****

As the weekend drew near, Catherine knew her decision must be made. She had promised Joe an answer the following week and she had yet to discuss it with Vincent. In her heart, she knew what she wanted, but she wasn't the only one affected by her decision. She knew whatever decision was made, it had to be a mutual one betweent the two of them.

She asked Mary to watch the children for her for the night, to give them some time alone. She decided that her apartment would be the best, and most private place for this intensely personal discussion.

Vincent well knew the reason behind Catherine's request for some time alone. The time for a decision was upon them. Since Morgan's departure, he had noticed Catherine's difficulty. In his own heart, he had already accepted the inevitable.

That night, they had a quiet, romantic dinner followed by a few hours in front of the fire, listening to a new classical CD that Morgan had given them. All night, Vincent had sensed his wife's hesitation to broach the subject, but she was the one who had to begin. Patiently, he waited.

Later, after she had changed into a soft satin low-cut gown and matching robe, Catherine took Vincent's hand and led him out onto the balcony. It seemed appropriate somehow. Since so much of their relationship had evolved on a balcony, she felt this next step should take place there as well.

A long silence fell between them, as they looked out into the city. Finally, Catherine decided the moment had come.

"These last six months have been a time of learning for us."

"A time of great joy for me. Having you and the children living in my world was a dream come true, but we are here tonight because the time has come for you to make your decision."

She bit her lip and continued to stare out into the lights realizing just how well he knew her heart.

"A decision that I couldn't make without hearing your thoughts."

"As you wish." He took a deep breath then began to tell her of his true feelings. "My fondest dream would be to have you and the children live Below safe and happy forever. I would love to awaken beside you every morning, knowing that you will be there all day long and all night. I would love to watch our children grow up in that world and never leave, but that is a selfish dream. A dream that would rob you and the children of your choices. That I cannot do."

He continued, "Do you remember the song Morgan sang on that tape?"

"You mean 'Eagle When She Flies?' "

"Yes, I know now that Morgan was trying to tell me something."

"And just what was that?"

"That both you and she are normally gentle, loving people, but your work and her music allows you to soar. Catherine, there is beauty in the fragility of a sparrow, but the grace of an eagle when it soars is an inspiration to all."

He took her hands in his and pulled her close. "I have felt the restlessness in you when you were Below, and I have felt the fire and passion when you were working on Morgan's case."

Tearfully, her eyes met his. "I don't want to disappoint you."

"You can only disappoint me if you fail to follow your heart and seek your destiny."

She hugged him tightly, then looked up at him. "We won't have as much time together."

"As you once told me, it's quality, not quantity that counts."

She laughed at the memory of that intimate moment. "I really tried to accept your way of life and give up mine."

"You haven't failed, Catherine, you just simply realized the truth. Perhaps one day, you will be ready for that move, but now is not that time. Now, there is so much for you to do in your world."

He pulled her tighter into his arms and stroked her back. "What we have now is a treasure beyond belief. Before you, I never allowed myself to hope for a woman to love and children to cherish. My destiny was to be alone. Believe me, Catherine, I am forever grateful for every moment we have."

"You deserve a full-time wife."

"No Catherine, I only want you and I will accept whatever time we have together."

She hugged him tighter. "I love you."

He smiled, then whispered, "Show me."

She looked up at him and laughed. "You devil, you. I have a feeling that after I am back to work, every moment we have will be spent in bed."

"Is there something wrong with that?"

"Absolutely not! I kinda like that thought."

"Joe will be thrilled, when will you tell him?"

"I'll go see him sometime next week." She tilted her head upward and began to kiss his neck as she rubbed herself erotically against him.

"Catherine, you're distracting me."

"I certainly hope so."

Just then her hands began to stroke his back and he could no longer resist.

"Maybe ... we'd better move inside where it's more comfortable."

She moaned softly, then he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom where soon the lights went out and all was well in the city of New York.

END