The next morning, the girls raced around straightening things up, washing dishes, and taking turns in the shower, getting ready for their day.
Unfortunately, as Jennifer laid her blankets on the living-room floor so she could fold them up, she also unknowingly gathered the note Vincent had sent via a helper from the floor too, sending it to flitter and flutter landing out of the way on the floor. So at this point, Catherine never saw or read Vincent's warning.
Meantime, because Gertrude would be leaving for home after breakfast, she was saddened and melancholy.
So with an emotional look around Catherine's apartment, Gertrude said, "Oh girls, I had so much fun. This is one weekend I will not ever forget."
To which Catherine replied, "It was fun...we just have to make sure we do this more often."
Jennifer smiled, and in agreement said, "Yes, it was the best."
So as the girls put on their coats and such, they headed out to pick up Charles and Robert, of whom of which were ready, waiting and anxiously checking their watches!
So because the girls actually arrived on time, they both had to say how impressed they were the girls were so punctual.
To which Catherine said with a smile, "It was a challenge, but we made it! And after we gather our things from my room, we can head out."
So after everything was gathered, they then headed for Cafe Lalo as planned, and even Peter was able to make it as well.
And so after happily greeting everyone, they settled in, looking over the menu, sipping their perspective Coffees, Hot Chocolates and Latte's.
Then with a teasing tone, Catherine turned to her Dad, and asked, "Are you going to order your usual?"
To which Charles smiled at his daughter, and resignedly said, "You know, I try to branch out, and try something different, but I always end up ordering my old standby."
So yes, Charles did order his preference, The NEW YORK, which is Smoked Wild Western Salmon over a bagel with cream cheese.
Catherine, Gertrude and Jennifer, ordered the Breakfast at Tiffany's, Robert and Peter both ordered the Dutch, and Jessica, Sylvia and Evelyn, the French Kiss Quiche.
It turned out to be quite the enjoyable time with this nice bunch, and at the conclusion of this delicious breakfast, everyone was invited to accompany Jessica and her two pals to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, on 1000 5th Avenue at 82nd Street.
But because Catherine, Jennifer and Charles were taking Gertrude and Robert to the bus depot, they sadly had to decline. However lucky for Peter, he was free, and was the lone wolf, tagging along with the three lovely ladies!
And so as they said their goodbyes, Evelyn sweetly looked to Charles, and said she was looking forward to their dinner date that night, to which Charles stepped forward, and with a gallant smile, said he was looking forward to it too. And it was then Charles thought to offer, "How about everyone stopping by after the museum, and I will give all of you that tour I promised. I may even have a refreshment to offer."
Thinking that sounded very nice, Evelyn looked to Jessica, wondering if they could fit it in, to which Jessica replied, "Sounds lovely Charles, we will see you around threeish?"
With a nod, Charles said, "Sounds great, see you all then."
So as Jessica and her pals took off along with Peter, Charles and his troupe headed for the bus depot. And as they travelled along, Catherine discreetly told her Dad, "I really like Evelyn, Dad."
To which Charles blushed slightly as he admitted, "Yeah, I like her too kiddo. I never really thought I would see her again after leaving Florida, but her visit here has been a very unexpected, and pleasant surprise."
Catherine nodded, and smiled saying, "I guess we never know when a special someone may step into our life."
As Charles patted is daughter's hand, he said, "Nope, no one ever does."
As the conversation turned all inclusive, Gertrude who overheard the father/daughter conversation, felt she had to say something in support of Uncle Charles dating, and so she also said, "Evelyn told me she would love to move up north again, because she misses the snow and change of seasons. So I was thinking, if she does, maybe you could see her more often."
And then Jennifer teasingly said, "That's what I think she is hoping..."
To which Gertrude and Catherine smiled at one another, and both laughed as they replied in unison, "Me too!"
And because this conversation, was quite unnerving, Charles in quick reply, raised his hand, and said, "Just so you kids know, I would say at this stage of my life, I am what you would call a confirmed bachelor. Now a random date here and there is fine...but don't go getting me married off!"
To which Catherine asked, "Who said anything about getting married Dad?"
Feeling a bit jumbled, Charles replied, "Well no one did YET, but I can see those gears a turning and know where this conversation is heading...let's change the subject shall we?"
But then Robert analytically stated, "Before we do Uncle Charles, I would just like to take some pressure off of you. Though I don't know Evelyn's state of affairs, statistically speaking, many women your age do not actually wanna talk marriage, as it would upset the monthly pension, and social security incomes they are receiving from their deceased spouse. Not to mention the offspring interference factor as well. No, so since it is just easier to date on a companion basis, I don't think you need to worry about her trying to hook you Uncle Charles. Of course I must admit, Evelyn is quite a pleasant lady, I will tell you that."
After receiving all the stats and opinions he cared to hear, Charles put an end to it by saying, "It's our second date, that's all kids, and YES, she is a nice lady, and that is that!"
And in conclusion Gertrude meekly replied, "We know we carried the teasing too far Uncle Charley, I guess this was our obnoxious way of saying, we wouldn't mind knowing you had someone in your life to do things with, that's all."
To which the other three in agreement with Gertrude, chimed in to say that yes, this was all they meant too, and didn't mean to make him nervous about his date.
Warmly Charles smiled back at his niece, and at the rest, and said, "I appreciate you all care about me, and should things progress along, it makes me feel good to know you all like her, and approve. OK? Now end of story!"
The conversation finally shifted to other topics and before they knew it, they were at the bus depot, and sadly it was that time, time to say goodbye.
And so Gertrude and Robert thanked their Uncle Charles, and Catherine for their hospitality, and thanked Jennifer too, for helping make their visit extra enjoyable by spending time with them.
It was then when Robert suavely told Jennifer, to check her email, because he would be sending some pics to her in a few days, of their busy and full weekend.
Hugs were then shared, and Charles reminded them it would not be long before they would be seeing each other again. For as per tradition, they would be gathering to share a part of the Christmas Holiday.
To which Gertrude said since they would be together soon, this goodbye was a little less sad. And so a final goodbye was said, and they boarded their bus.
After the bus's safe departure, Catherine, Jennifer and Charles also said their good-byes to each other, as they were going their separate ways from there.
But before Jennifer closed the door to her taxi, she yelled, "Oh and Cath, I left a little surprise for you at your apartment. Hope you like it!"
Cryptically Jennifer left, leaving Catherine and Charles to wonder what it was!
To which Charles said, "Hey, wonder what your surprise is kiddo."
With curiosity, Catherine replied, "I haven't a clue."
In response, Charles said, "Well let me know what Jennifer left ya, and as for me, I am going home to tidy up before Peter and the gals come over."
Smiling at her Dad, Catherine reminded him, "Don't forget you offered some refreshments, do you have anything on hand?"
To which Charles thoughtfully said, "Hmmm, thanks for the reminder honey...let's see, I have some wine and cheese, and I could slice up that Hickory Farms Summer Sausage I received in my gift basket from Gottlileb, Cravath, and Polk, and I have some soda crackers too. Oh, and on the side of the plate, I can toss on a few of the grapes Willie just picked up for me at the market."
Feeling he had the snacks covered, Charles proudly asked, "Does that sound
fancy enough Dear Daughter?""
To wich Catherine nodded with approval, saying, "Sounds very fancy Dad."
So after they hugged and said goodbye, Catherine hopped in her taxi, and wished her Dad a fun day.
And as Catherine headed for home, she was quite anxious to find her surprise from Jennifer!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Catherine entered her now quiet apartment, she noticed her answering machine blinking, and was very surprised to find she had twelve messages mounted up since she left her apartment that morning!
And as she pressed the button to listen to them, she was even more surprised to find that they were all from Steven, placed during the span of fifteen minutes, each one, becoming more and more irate!
After listening to the last message, the phone rang, and not surprising, it was Steven again, shouting, "I thought you were going to call me at twelve o'clock, and it is now 12:20!"
To which Catherine in response, scolded, "Steven, you knew my cousins were leaving this morning! And their bus left a little late and I only just now got home! I cannot believe you are angry with me for not calling you right at noon!"
To which Steven then argued, "A friendship must be based on trust, all I know is NOON is when you promised to call!"
Catherine momentarily stood numb at the realization that this relationship has becoming weirder by the day! And so taking in a deep breath, Catherine then carefully, yet sternly said, "Steven, you are right, a friendship is based on trust, and you are getting way too upset over this! I am beginning to realize it is impossible for us to be friends on any level."
To Steven, Catherine's words felt like a splash of cold water snapping him into reality, and knew, he would have to try to win back her sympathies.
And so in freeing the anger from his voice, he apologetically said, "Listen, don't say that Cathy! Look, I am trying, I mean after all, I didn't get mad when you refused my offer to ride in my limo last night, even though you took someone else up on their offer! Heck I would have taken all of you to Sardi's, in fact had I been asked, I would have enjoyed going there too. And well, the reality of it is, I was just concerned that's all, I knew you left Cafe Lalo an hour ago, but I didn't know the bus had been delayed, so I am sorry. I should have called the depot for updates. Forgive me?"
In reply, Catherine pragmatically argued, "Steven! No...no you should not have checked the bus schedule. The point is, that you should be rational enough to assume that as soon as I could, I would call you, just like I promised I would!"
And because Steven knew her itinerary so well, Catherine suspiciously asked, "And how do you know we went to Sardi's, or when we left the café'? Are you spying on me?"
Realizing he had unintentionally revealed he had been keeping track of her comings and goings, Steven stammered, and said, "Spying on you? I wouldn't do that! I guess you must have mentioned it."
As Catherine felt a creeping reservation overtake her instincts, she said, "I haven't had time to mention any of those things, I have been playing defense this entire phone call so far!"
Catherine then calmly, yet assertively ordered, "Steven, from this moment on, I am telling you to stay away from me, and not call me again. Obviously, it is impossible for us to have a normal friendship."
And before Steven could say another word, Catherine hung up the phone!
It was then a panic of sorts set in, and Catherine decided to leave her apartment before Steven came over! And since she didn't know if Steven called her from his home or his car phone, she knew she had no time to waste!
And so deciding she would go to Vincent, she quickly gathered up her things and raced for the door, and it was then she saw the envelope on the floor.
Deciding she didn't want to take the time to read it now, she then exited, closed and locked the door.
And so as Catherine was looking downward, putting the envelope and keys into her purse, she ran smack into Steven!
Forcibly he grabbed her arm, and said, "NO one hangs up on me! I wanted to tell you about my trip, and that's what I am going to do!"
To which Catherine angrily replied, "Take your hands off me!"
Leading her back to her door, Steven ordered, "Unlock this door Cathy, now!"
But Catherine knew once inside alone with him, she would be trapped with no where to go! And so thinking back on her self defense lessons, she bought some time as she fumbled and dropped her purse, trying to figure out what to do next.
As she reached down for her purse then, like a miracle the elevator door opened. As they both looked over, Steven tried to look casual, as if nothing was amiss, and meantime, Catherine hoped it would be someone who could help.
But as the door opened, it revealed an empty elevator car with no one in it.
Looking at each other, Steven started to devilishly laugh, and said, "I suppose you thought you were going to get some help uh Cathy?"
And because Catherine knew it was now or never, with all her might, she pushed Steven back into the hallway's hospitality table, taking him off balance and she managed to get in the elevator alone, just before it closed.
Riding down to the lobby, she quickly ran outside and tried to look casual as she walked past Steven's waiting limo!
And as Catherine walked past his vehicle, she noticed a symbol on the back window that looked familiar to her, and then recognized it was the inverted peace sign, like the patch she had seen on the man who had assaulted both her and Jennifer.
Making sure she was not being followed, she made it through the bustling park, and to the drainage pipe leading to Vincent's world.
And because Vincent had sensed Catherine was coming to him, he was there when the door slid open, and when she saw him, she ran into his arms, and shakily said, "Vincent!"
After Vincent acknowledged she was safe now, he held his frightened Catherine for a moment before he asked, "Tell me..."
To which Catherine replied, "It's Steven, he has been spying on me, and now, well now he is becoming aggressive. And...there may be something even more sinister of what he is about too...I just now saw that inverted peace sign on the window of his limousine!"
Nodding, Vincent then said, "Last night after you entered your apartment, I saw the man who had attacked you and your friend Jennifer, getting in to Steven's limousine."
Worriedly Vincent mentioned, "I sent you word alerting you about this."
Realizing, the envelope on the floor was from Vincent, Catherine reached into her purse and asked, "Is this it?"
Upon recognizing the envelope, and seeing it was unopened, he anxiously asked, "Had you not read it?"
To which Catherine explained, she hadn't had the chance yet, because she had only just seen it as she was racing out the door.
Angry at himself for not being more proactive in alerting Catherine, he admonished himself by saying, "Even though I knew you had company...some how...some way, I should have came to you last night! I should have found a way to tell you what I saw!"
As Catherine tried to calm Vincent, she thankfully said, "Well...I am safe, and I am with you now."
As he felt her unsteadiness, with concern, Vincent noted, "You are still trembling."
To which Catherine admitted, "I know, I can't stop shaking."
As a dreaded thought struck him, he hesitated a moment, before he asked, "Had he harmed you in any way?"
Dubiously Catherine admitted, "He grabbed my arm, and tried to force me back into my apartment with him, that is when I managed to get away."
Upon hearing this, Vincent then insistently suggested, "You must go to the police, and tell them what he has done, and tell them what you know."
With her lawyer's heart, Catherine looked up and said, "Without concrete evidence, I haven't any proof, it is only my word against his."
To which Vincent argued, "Catherine, I have seen with my own eyes he IS connected with that mugger! And now that he has become physical with you, you must report him! There is no other choice!"
Then with a little more calm, Vincent then said, "You must let go of your idea of who you WANT Steven to be, and Catherine...let go of your notion that he needs you because has told you he is ill..."
Resignedly, Catherine looked up at Vincent, and after accepting all he had said, she finally agreed, saying, "I will go to the police, and tell them what has happened."
With a relieved sigh, Vincent replied, "Good, I will send for several sentries to go with you, and I shall await your safe return."
Vincent then hesitated a moment, not wanting to say some thing which would give Catherine more to be frightened of, but ultimately...he had to! And so he suggested, "Your Dad, perhaps he should accompany you when you return here as well..."
Realizing Steven could retaliate by hurting her beloved Dad, Catherine numbly replied, "I will call him..."
Just then Mouse came up, and because he didn't notice how shaken Catherine looked, he asked, "Hi Catherine...hey Vincent have you seen Father, Mary told me to tell him something."
To which Vincent replied, he had not, and then said, "However Mouse, before you find Father, we need your help with another matter..."
In reply, Vincent explained, "You see, a friend of Catherine's has been unkind to her, and has legal issues as well. And because she needs to report him to the police, we need to send some sentries with her. Will you gather them Mouse?"
Always happy to help, Mouse said he would, and then took off speedily to gather them.
Well it wasn't but a few moments when several off duty Sentries arrived to accompany Catherine, and after an embrace for support, Vincent stood watching their departure, as the door slid closed between them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later, after Catherine reported all she knew, the police profusely thanked her. And although nothing too much could be done legally to protect Catherine, the police began to immediately investigate Steven's company's foundation, to see if it was linked with the illegal activities that had been going on around the city.
Relieved to know all the police were doing, Catherine then placed a call to her Dad, wanting to let him know what has transpired, and that she has officially reported Steven to the Police!
Upon hearing what Steven had done, angrily Charles told her to stay right where she was, and that he was coming to get her!
Calming her Dad, Catherine explained she was being guarded by men from the tunnel community which Vincent had sent to escort her, and she planned on spending the day safely below in the tunnels.
Pleased to hear this, Charles expressed his gratitude for the protection Vincent provided for his daughter while going to the police.
Catherine then urgently said, "Dad...Vincent wants you to come too...he believes you may be in danger as well..."
To which Charles assured his daughter he would be fine, that the neighbor Clarence had stopped over, and they were watching a bit of the game, and then reminded his daughter that Peter, and the gals would also be coming over in an hour or so.
And then told Catherine, "So tell Vincent I do appreciate the invite, and more importantly, I am thankful he sent someone along with you for protection. Be safe kiddo."
Catherine said she would, and then relayed that she would be calling Jennifer to fill her in too. Upon saying that would be a good idea, Charles replied that at a time like this, they must exercise all caution.
They then said goodbye, both requesting extreme cautiousness of each other.
And so as Charles hung up the phone, upon further processing this news about Steven, Charles apologized to this neighbor, explaining he had an errand to run. Charles then left his home, to go right up the chain to the D. A., making sure all would be done to get Steven off the streets!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well...now that a report had been legally filed, Catherine felt her ties with Steven had been completely severed, and emotionally she had to reconcile the fact she had done so.
It tugged at her heart she had done this to him, especially since he was terminally ill and so alone. And the only solace she owned, was the fact that both Vincent and her Dad supported her in reporting him since clearly he was involved in this illegal mugging program that was plaguing the city.
And so after she called Jennifer, of whom would be staying safely out of the city at her Mom's, the sentries escorted a thoughtful and very saddened Catherine back to the safe confines of the Tunnels.
To be continued
Chapter Seventeen
Unfortunately, as Jennifer laid her blankets on the living-room floor so she could fold them up, she also unknowingly gathered the note Vincent had sent via a helper from the floor too, sending it to flitter and flutter landing out of the way on the floor. So at this point, Catherine never saw or read Vincent's warning.
Meantime, because Gertrude would be leaving for home after breakfast, she was saddened and melancholy.
So with an emotional look around Catherine's apartment, Gertrude said, "Oh girls, I had so much fun. This is one weekend I will not ever forget."
To which Catherine replied, "It was fun...we just have to make sure we do this more often."
Jennifer smiled, and in agreement said, "Yes, it was the best."
So as the girls put on their coats and such, they headed out to pick up Charles and Robert, of whom of which were ready, waiting and anxiously checking their watches!
So because the girls actually arrived on time, they both had to say how impressed they were the girls were so punctual.
To which Catherine said with a smile, "It was a challenge, but we made it! And after we gather our things from my room, we can head out."
So after everything was gathered, they then headed for Cafe Lalo as planned, and even Peter was able to make it as well.
And so after happily greeting everyone, they settled in, looking over the menu, sipping their perspective Coffees, Hot Chocolates and Latte's.
Then with a teasing tone, Catherine turned to her Dad, and asked, "Are you going to order your usual?"
To which Charles smiled at his daughter, and resignedly said, "You know, I try to branch out, and try something different, but I always end up ordering my old standby."
So yes, Charles did order his preference, The NEW YORK, which is Smoked Wild Western Salmon over a bagel with cream cheese.
Catherine, Gertrude and Jennifer, ordered the Breakfast at Tiffany's, Robert and Peter both ordered the Dutch, and Jessica, Sylvia and Evelyn, the French Kiss Quiche.
It turned out to be quite the enjoyable time with this nice bunch, and at the conclusion of this delicious breakfast, everyone was invited to accompany Jessica and her two pals to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, on 1000 5th Avenue at 82nd Street.
But because Catherine, Jennifer and Charles were taking Gertrude and Robert to the bus depot, they sadly had to decline. However lucky for Peter, he was free, and was the lone wolf, tagging along with the three lovely ladies!
And so as they said their goodbyes, Evelyn sweetly looked to Charles, and said she was looking forward to their dinner date that night, to which Charles stepped forward, and with a gallant smile, said he was looking forward to it too. And it was then Charles thought to offer, "How about everyone stopping by after the museum, and I will give all of you that tour I promised. I may even have a refreshment to offer."
Thinking that sounded very nice, Evelyn looked to Jessica, wondering if they could fit it in, to which Jessica replied, "Sounds lovely Charles, we will see you around threeish?"
With a nod, Charles said, "Sounds great, see you all then."
So as Jessica and her pals took off along with Peter, Charles and his troupe headed for the bus depot. And as they travelled along, Catherine discreetly told her Dad, "I really like Evelyn, Dad."
To which Charles blushed slightly as he admitted, "Yeah, I like her too kiddo. I never really thought I would see her again after leaving Florida, but her visit here has been a very unexpected, and pleasant surprise."
Catherine nodded, and smiled saying, "I guess we never know when a special someone may step into our life."
As Charles patted is daughter's hand, he said, "Nope, no one ever does."
As the conversation turned all inclusive, Gertrude who overheard the father/daughter conversation, felt she had to say something in support of Uncle Charles dating, and so she also said, "Evelyn told me she would love to move up north again, because she misses the snow and change of seasons. So I was thinking, if she does, maybe you could see her more often."
And then Jennifer teasingly said, "That's what I think she is hoping..."
To which Gertrude and Catherine smiled at one another, and both laughed as they replied in unison, "Me too!"
And because this conversation, was quite unnerving, Charles in quick reply, raised his hand, and said, "Just so you kids know, I would say at this stage of my life, I am what you would call a confirmed bachelor. Now a random date here and there is fine...but don't go getting me married off!"
To which Catherine asked, "Who said anything about getting married Dad?"
Feeling a bit jumbled, Charles replied, "Well no one did YET, but I can see those gears a turning and know where this conversation is heading...let's change the subject shall we?"
But then Robert analytically stated, "Before we do Uncle Charles, I would just like to take some pressure off of you. Though I don't know Evelyn's state of affairs, statistically speaking, many women your age do not actually wanna talk marriage, as it would upset the monthly pension, and social security incomes they are receiving from their deceased spouse. Not to mention the offspring interference factor as well. No, so since it is just easier to date on a companion basis, I don't think you need to worry about her trying to hook you Uncle Charles. Of course I must admit, Evelyn is quite a pleasant lady, I will tell you that."
After receiving all the stats and opinions he cared to hear, Charles put an end to it by saying, "It's our second date, that's all kids, and YES, she is a nice lady, and that is that!"
And in conclusion Gertrude meekly replied, "We know we carried the teasing too far Uncle Charley, I guess this was our obnoxious way of saying, we wouldn't mind knowing you had someone in your life to do things with, that's all."
To which the other three in agreement with Gertrude, chimed in to say that yes, this was all they meant too, and didn't mean to make him nervous about his date.
Warmly Charles smiled back at his niece, and at the rest, and said, "I appreciate you all care about me, and should things progress along, it makes me feel good to know you all like her, and approve. OK? Now end of story!"
The conversation finally shifted to other topics and before they knew it, they were at the bus depot, and sadly it was that time, time to say goodbye.
And so Gertrude and Robert thanked their Uncle Charles, and Catherine for their hospitality, and thanked Jennifer too, for helping make their visit extra enjoyable by spending time with them.
It was then when Robert suavely told Jennifer, to check her email, because he would be sending some pics to her in a few days, of their busy and full weekend.
Hugs were then shared, and Charles reminded them it would not be long before they would be seeing each other again. For as per tradition, they would be gathering to share a part of the Christmas Holiday.
To which Gertrude said since they would be together soon, this goodbye was a little less sad. And so a final goodbye was said, and they boarded their bus.
After the bus's safe departure, Catherine, Jennifer and Charles also said their good-byes to each other, as they were going their separate ways from there.
But before Jennifer closed the door to her taxi, she yelled, "Oh and Cath, I left a little surprise for you at your apartment. Hope you like it!"
Cryptically Jennifer left, leaving Catherine and Charles to wonder what it was!
To which Charles said, "Hey, wonder what your surprise is kiddo."
With curiosity, Catherine replied, "I haven't a clue."
In response, Charles said, "Well let me know what Jennifer left ya, and as for me, I am going home to tidy up before Peter and the gals come over."
Smiling at her Dad, Catherine reminded him, "Don't forget you offered some refreshments, do you have anything on hand?"
To which Charles thoughtfully said, "Hmmm, thanks for the reminder honey...let's see, I have some wine and cheese, and I could slice up that Hickory Farms Summer Sausage I received in my gift basket from Gottlileb, Cravath, and Polk, and I have some soda crackers too. Oh, and on the side of the plate, I can toss on a few of the grapes Willie just picked up for me at the market."
Feeling he had the snacks covered, Charles proudly asked, "Does that sound
fancy enough Dear Daughter?""
To wich Catherine nodded with approval, saying, "Sounds very fancy Dad."
So after they hugged and said goodbye, Catherine hopped in her taxi, and wished her Dad a fun day.
And as Catherine headed for home, she was quite anxious to find her surprise from Jennifer!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Catherine entered her now quiet apartment, she noticed her answering machine blinking, and was very surprised to find she had twelve messages mounted up since she left her apartment that morning!
And as she pressed the button to listen to them, she was even more surprised to find that they were all from Steven, placed during the span of fifteen minutes, each one, becoming more and more irate!
After listening to the last message, the phone rang, and not surprising, it was Steven again, shouting, "I thought you were going to call me at twelve o'clock, and it is now 12:20!"
To which Catherine in response, scolded, "Steven, you knew my cousins were leaving this morning! And their bus left a little late and I only just now got home! I cannot believe you are angry with me for not calling you right at noon!"
To which Steven then argued, "A friendship must be based on trust, all I know is NOON is when you promised to call!"
Catherine momentarily stood numb at the realization that this relationship has becoming weirder by the day! And so taking in a deep breath, Catherine then carefully, yet sternly said, "Steven, you are right, a friendship is based on trust, and you are getting way too upset over this! I am beginning to realize it is impossible for us to be friends on any level."
To Steven, Catherine's words felt like a splash of cold water snapping him into reality, and knew, he would have to try to win back her sympathies.
And so in freeing the anger from his voice, he apologetically said, "Listen, don't say that Cathy! Look, I am trying, I mean after all, I didn't get mad when you refused my offer to ride in my limo last night, even though you took someone else up on their offer! Heck I would have taken all of you to Sardi's, in fact had I been asked, I would have enjoyed going there too. And well, the reality of it is, I was just concerned that's all, I knew you left Cafe Lalo an hour ago, but I didn't know the bus had been delayed, so I am sorry. I should have called the depot for updates. Forgive me?"
In reply, Catherine pragmatically argued, "Steven! No...no you should not have checked the bus schedule. The point is, that you should be rational enough to assume that as soon as I could, I would call you, just like I promised I would!"
And because Steven knew her itinerary so well, Catherine suspiciously asked, "And how do you know we went to Sardi's, or when we left the café'? Are you spying on me?"
Realizing he had unintentionally revealed he had been keeping track of her comings and goings, Steven stammered, and said, "Spying on you? I wouldn't do that! I guess you must have mentioned it."
As Catherine felt a creeping reservation overtake her instincts, she said, "I haven't had time to mention any of those things, I have been playing defense this entire phone call so far!"
Catherine then calmly, yet assertively ordered, "Steven, from this moment on, I am telling you to stay away from me, and not call me again. Obviously, it is impossible for us to have a normal friendship."
And before Steven could say another word, Catherine hung up the phone!
It was then a panic of sorts set in, and Catherine decided to leave her apartment before Steven came over! And since she didn't know if Steven called her from his home or his car phone, she knew she had no time to waste!
And so deciding she would go to Vincent, she quickly gathered up her things and raced for the door, and it was then she saw the envelope on the floor.
Deciding she didn't want to take the time to read it now, she then exited, closed and locked the door.
And so as Catherine was looking downward, putting the envelope and keys into her purse, she ran smack into Steven!
Forcibly he grabbed her arm, and said, "NO one hangs up on me! I wanted to tell you about my trip, and that's what I am going to do!"
To which Catherine angrily replied, "Take your hands off me!"
Leading her back to her door, Steven ordered, "Unlock this door Cathy, now!"
But Catherine knew once inside alone with him, she would be trapped with no where to go! And so thinking back on her self defense lessons, she bought some time as she fumbled and dropped her purse, trying to figure out what to do next.
As she reached down for her purse then, like a miracle the elevator door opened. As they both looked over, Steven tried to look casual, as if nothing was amiss, and meantime, Catherine hoped it would be someone who could help.
But as the door opened, it revealed an empty elevator car with no one in it.
Looking at each other, Steven started to devilishly laugh, and said, "I suppose you thought you were going to get some help uh Cathy?"
And because Catherine knew it was now or never, with all her might, she pushed Steven back into the hallway's hospitality table, taking him off balance and she managed to get in the elevator alone, just before it closed.
Riding down to the lobby, she quickly ran outside and tried to look casual as she walked past Steven's waiting limo!
And as Catherine walked past his vehicle, she noticed a symbol on the back window that looked familiar to her, and then recognized it was the inverted peace sign, like the patch she had seen on the man who had assaulted both her and Jennifer.
Making sure she was not being followed, she made it through the bustling park, and to the drainage pipe leading to Vincent's world.
And because Vincent had sensed Catherine was coming to him, he was there when the door slid open, and when she saw him, she ran into his arms, and shakily said, "Vincent!"
After Vincent acknowledged she was safe now, he held his frightened Catherine for a moment before he asked, "Tell me..."
To which Catherine replied, "It's Steven, he has been spying on me, and now, well now he is becoming aggressive. And...there may be something even more sinister of what he is about too...I just now saw that inverted peace sign on the window of his limousine!"
Nodding, Vincent then said, "Last night after you entered your apartment, I saw the man who had attacked you and your friend Jennifer, getting in to Steven's limousine."
Worriedly Vincent mentioned, "I sent you word alerting you about this."
Realizing, the envelope on the floor was from Vincent, Catherine reached into her purse and asked, "Is this it?"
Upon recognizing the envelope, and seeing it was unopened, he anxiously asked, "Had you not read it?"
To which Catherine explained, she hadn't had the chance yet, because she had only just seen it as she was racing out the door.
Angry at himself for not being more proactive in alerting Catherine, he admonished himself by saying, "Even though I knew you had company...some how...some way, I should have came to you last night! I should have found a way to tell you what I saw!"
As Catherine tried to calm Vincent, she thankfully said, "Well...I am safe, and I am with you now."
As he felt her unsteadiness, with concern, Vincent noted, "You are still trembling."
To which Catherine admitted, "I know, I can't stop shaking."
As a dreaded thought struck him, he hesitated a moment, before he asked, "Had he harmed you in any way?"
Dubiously Catherine admitted, "He grabbed my arm, and tried to force me back into my apartment with him, that is when I managed to get away."
Upon hearing this, Vincent then insistently suggested, "You must go to the police, and tell them what he has done, and tell them what you know."
With her lawyer's heart, Catherine looked up and said, "Without concrete evidence, I haven't any proof, it is only my word against his."
To which Vincent argued, "Catherine, I have seen with my own eyes he IS connected with that mugger! And now that he has become physical with you, you must report him! There is no other choice!"
Then with a little more calm, Vincent then said, "You must let go of your idea of who you WANT Steven to be, and Catherine...let go of your notion that he needs you because has told you he is ill..."
Resignedly, Catherine looked up at Vincent, and after accepting all he had said, she finally agreed, saying, "I will go to the police, and tell them what has happened."
With a relieved sigh, Vincent replied, "Good, I will send for several sentries to go with you, and I shall await your safe return."
Vincent then hesitated a moment, not wanting to say some thing which would give Catherine more to be frightened of, but ultimately...he had to! And so he suggested, "Your Dad, perhaps he should accompany you when you return here as well..."
Realizing Steven could retaliate by hurting her beloved Dad, Catherine numbly replied, "I will call him..."
Just then Mouse came up, and because he didn't notice how shaken Catherine looked, he asked, "Hi Catherine...hey Vincent have you seen Father, Mary told me to tell him something."
To which Vincent replied, he had not, and then said, "However Mouse, before you find Father, we need your help with another matter..."
In reply, Vincent explained, "You see, a friend of Catherine's has been unkind to her, and has legal issues as well. And because she needs to report him to the police, we need to send some sentries with her. Will you gather them Mouse?"
Always happy to help, Mouse said he would, and then took off speedily to gather them.
Well it wasn't but a few moments when several off duty Sentries arrived to accompany Catherine, and after an embrace for support, Vincent stood watching their departure, as the door slid closed between them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later, after Catherine reported all she knew, the police profusely thanked her. And although nothing too much could be done legally to protect Catherine, the police began to immediately investigate Steven's company's foundation, to see if it was linked with the illegal activities that had been going on around the city.
Relieved to know all the police were doing, Catherine then placed a call to her Dad, wanting to let him know what has transpired, and that she has officially reported Steven to the Police!
Upon hearing what Steven had done, angrily Charles told her to stay right where she was, and that he was coming to get her!
Calming her Dad, Catherine explained she was being guarded by men from the tunnel community which Vincent had sent to escort her, and she planned on spending the day safely below in the tunnels.
Pleased to hear this, Charles expressed his gratitude for the protection Vincent provided for his daughter while going to the police.
Catherine then urgently said, "Dad...Vincent wants you to come too...he believes you may be in danger as well..."
To which Charles assured his daughter he would be fine, that the neighbor Clarence had stopped over, and they were watching a bit of the game, and then reminded his daughter that Peter, and the gals would also be coming over in an hour or so.
And then told Catherine, "So tell Vincent I do appreciate the invite, and more importantly, I am thankful he sent someone along with you for protection. Be safe kiddo."
Catherine said she would, and then relayed that she would be calling Jennifer to fill her in too. Upon saying that would be a good idea, Charles replied that at a time like this, they must exercise all caution.
They then said goodbye, both requesting extreme cautiousness of each other.
And so as Charles hung up the phone, upon further processing this news about Steven, Charles apologized to this neighbor, explaining he had an errand to run. Charles then left his home, to go right up the chain to the D. A., making sure all would be done to get Steven off the streets!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well...now that a report had been legally filed, Catherine felt her ties with Steven had been completely severed, and emotionally she had to reconcile the fact she had done so.
It tugged at her heart she had done this to him, especially since he was terminally ill and so alone. And the only solace she owned, was the fact that both Vincent and her Dad supported her in reporting him since clearly he was involved in this illegal mugging program that was plaguing the city.
And so after she called Jennifer, of whom would be staying safely out of the city at her Mom's, the sentries escorted a thoughtful and very saddened Catherine back to the safe confines of the Tunnels.
To be continued
Chapter Seventeen
| Treasure of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Sixteen ________________________ |
