Chapter 4

It did not take Irena and her children long to pack up their few belongings, so they used the rest of the time to say goodbye to their home and prepare themselves for a new life. Virgil, to Irena’s surprise, seemed eager to leave. He watched the packing and moving with keen attention. She would miss their cozy home. It had been a labour of love and the only home she had ever been able to call her own. She took comfort in what Vincent had said, that the chamber might useful to the community in the future.

That night, Virgil held Irena close and whispered to her.

"Don’t be sad, Irena. We always knew we might not be isolated forever. How wonderful that we have a son to help us in this new life. That would not have happened but for you. Your decision that night long ago has made this miracle possible."

He held her, sending her his love along their bond, until he felt her fall asleep. Then he followed her.

During the next two days, Vincent joined the work team to clean two adjoining chambers for the Gilchrist family. He picked ones that were in the same general area as the brownstone. The location would permit easy communication between the two families.

Later, if they wished to move closer to the hub, a large chamber was ready for them. It had once housed the violent outsider group, but despite its extensive remodeling, no one in the tunnels wished to live in it, so it was still vacant. Vincent’s family would not know its history and it was certainly spacious and convenient to the tunnel amenities.

On the third day, Vincent led a work party,which included Kanin and Cullen, to the distant chamber with two wheeled trolleys. A wheelchair, borrowed from Peter, was perched on one of them. They would probably have to make several trips. As soon as Kanin saw the hidden tunnels and their light source, he became very interested – and then he saw the chamber itself. With the bright sun streaming through the openings, it was magical. He gasped. Vincent was sure he would be talking to Virgil about this wonder after the family was settled.

Vincent introduced everyone. Ilona and Vian were still packing bags, but stopped to listen when Vincent asked the important question.

"We have prepared two adjoining chambers not far from my brownstone, but on the outskirts of the community. We also have ready a large chamber – about twice the size of this one, with adjoining rooms – near the hub. You may live in either area – but if you wish to take the more remote chambers, the other will be held for you as well, as in time you may wish to be closer to the hub."

Irena looked at Virgil, who was sitting in a chair wrapped in an afghan, and a message seemed to pass between them. Then she answered Vincent.

"I think we would like to be near you for awhile, Vincent. Virgil and I have led quiet lives. Thank you for your kindness."

"Well then, we’d better get you moved," Vincent decided. "We’ll start with all the easily portable things and then come back for the furniture. Virgil, you and Irena are invited to visit Father while all this is going on. I’ve brought a wheelchair. I’ll take you there."

Virgil smiled. "Thank you son, that would be wonderful. I very much want to meet Jacob. I suspect we will have much in common."

Vincent helped his father up the steps and into the wheelchair, shocked at how frail he appeared out of bed. He waved goodbye to the others, now busily packing up the trolleys, and accompanied by Irena, he pushed his father down the long tunnels to meet Father.

Getting closer to the hub brought a lot more noise from the overhead trains, and the usual frantic messages on the pipes. Vincent sent one of his own to ask that Father be informed of their imminent arrival. As they passed near the brownstone’s entrance, Catherine emerged with Jacob and joined the procession, after a brief introduction. They stopped again so that Virgil and Irena could see their new chambers and then moved on to Father’s library.

Once again, Vincent assisted his father on steps. He had never realized how inconvenient these were to the disabled and swore that something would be done to allow Virgil – and others - easier access to such places. Even Father might appreciate a ramp into his chamber.

Father rose and helped Virgil to a seat next to the brazier and Irena and Catherine sat beside him.

"Would anyone like tea and cookies?" he asked. There was no dissent, so he tapped on the pipes and a few minutes later a heavily laden tray appeared, carried by Olivia.

Virgil looked curious, his head tilted.

"All that tapping. It sounds like a kind of Morse Code."

Father smiled. "It is Virgil, but adapted for our special needs. We’ve come up with a kind of shorthand to ensure quick responses, especially in emergencies. Pascal, who is the master of our pipe chamber and communications, would be more than happy to fill your ears for hours about our system. Just say the word – later."

Vincent at this point, decided he had better get back to work. He waved at everyone and returned to the work party. They had arrived at the chambers with the first load as he approached. Ilona and Vian helped to unload it and Ilona stayed behind to start the unpacking, while everyone else trundled back for another trip.

It took them five trips, the last two mostly furniture. The stove was left behind for future users of the chamber. When they reached the new home with the last of it, it was to find that a table had been loaded with a huge pitcher of fruit juice and a plate of William’s giant oatmeal cookies. There were great sighs of relief and everyone sat down on whatever they could find to take a rest. Ilona smiled at them all.

"I can’t believe how wonderful this all is. I look at Vincent and I think Vian. I must get used to having double vision all of a sudden. I hope you two are not going to start wearing identical clothes."

Vincent laughed and put his arm around his brother. They were both sitting on a trolley.

"I think we are too old for that kind of thing, but it won’t be our fault if people are not very discerning."

"Well, that’s as may be," Vian replied. "But I think there is an easy way to tell us apart. Only Vincent wears that pouch around his neck. I’m sure there’s a story attached to it, and I daresay everyone but us knows it already. I’ll have to think of something suitable to wear myself. Perhaps a paisley ascot."

Vincent laughed. "Well, it can be chilly in these tunnels, brother, so a scarf might be a good idea. But there are also lots of things for it to catch on, or get caught by. Just keep it away from Mouse’s raccoon."

"Mouse?" Vian asked.

"Ah yes, sorry. You’ll probably meet everyone tomorrow. I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise," Vincent smiled then got serious.

"I think we’d better get your chambers organized so that our parents can settle in and relax. I’m sure Father has kept them entertained."

An hour later, the majority of the goods had been put in place, although unpacking would take a little longer. Vincent left his siblings in their new chamber and returned to Father.

Virgil looked tired and Irena worried, so Vincent extracted them with little difficulty. Father looked a little weary himself, but gave Vincent a look which said he wanted to talk with him. Catherine took one look at Father and quietly said her goodbyes at the same time, walking with Virgil and Irena to their chamber. She politely refused to visit with them, sensing their fatigue. She left with a wave to Vian and Ilona and returned to the brownstone. Vincent left the wheelchair with Irena, promising to take Virgil anywhere he wanted to go, at anytime.

Vincent returned to Father’s chamber, wondering what the old man had to say now. He felt tired himself and was aching for a soak in a hot bath. He sat down across the table and waited.

Father cleared his throat. "I just wanted you to know, Vincent, that I have seldom been so amazed in my life. I could never have imagined that your story would come to light in such an incredible fashion. I think I understand a great deal more now and realize I have made a number of mistakes in your upbringing. How I wish circumstances had allowed Virgil and Irena to join us with your brother! Another crime to lay at John’s door. It seems we are never to be rid of him, even after his death."

Vincent shook his head.

"Father, there’s nothing that could have been done to prevent what happened. You did what you thought best for me. I lived and thrived – and I received an excellent education in the process.

"None of that matters now. Although I now have another, blood-related family, there will still be challenges. Virgil is dying – may have no more than a month to live. Peter does not believe the problem is one that I or my brother will inherit. I worry about Irena, though. Virgil has been her life and this is very hard on her. Like myself and Catherine, they have a strong bond."

Father nodded.

"You know that everyone in this community will welcome them, Vincent. Are you planning to bring them to breakfast tomorrow?"

"I think I’ll drop in on them before breakfast and see what they wish, Father. They may want to get unpacked and rest. William can prepare them trays, and that might be best until dinner. They have not met many people at once, ever, and it won’t be easy. I don’t want Virgil to become overwhelmed. He’s quite fragile, Father. I can feel his pain. Perhaps you could introduce him to our steam room soon, if he feels able. I will take it upon myself to take him around in the wheelchair, but some of our tunnels were not designed for it. I’m sure Catherine would love to give the others the grand tour."

"That would be best, Vincent. You are the best person to decide. Let me know if I can do anything."

"I will, Father. Now I must return home. Catherine has not seen much of me today and I need a bath."

"Good night then Vincent."

"Good night Father."

Vincent trudged wearily down the tunnels. He was not used to such prolonged labour anymore. He paused only when he came abreast of his family’s chambers. He saw that they had their privacy curtain closed, so he did not disturb them. Undoubtedly they were as tired as he.

Once back in the brownstone, Vincent discovered that Catherine had a hot bath ready for him. She had anticipated his need and stood by with the soap and bristle brush to give him the full treatment. Vincent gave her a look which was an invitation, so she joined him in the enormous tub. By the time they had finished they were both very clean, and more than a little relaxed.

Catherine emptied the tub and gathered Vincent into a huge towel. He was now almost asleep on his feet and she rubbed him down with great efficiency before doing herself. Then she led him to bed, where he was asleep almost as soon as he lay down.

Catherine studied Vincent as he slept. He did not look any different, but she could sense a sea change in him. Finding he had a family had eased an ache he had not been willing to admit he had. She hoped he would not suffer the pain she had when her father died. Having a mother and siblings would help.

It was odd. She would have wished for exactly this to happen if she had thought it remotely possible. Now that it had, she found herself a little jealous. Vincent would be busy with his new-found family and she would have to share his affection. He might not always be close by and would likely be distracted. That would take some getting used to. However, her love was undiminished, as was his. They would weather this change as they had the others. She could not be selfish. She was a fortunate woman.

Her own life seemed placid in comparison to what Vincent and his family had experienced. Well, it had been routine – and had changed only when Vincent had rescued her, and then only because she had taken a job that put her in danger. She was very glad that she had changed her life again when she became pregnant with Jacob. She now worked for the community. Foundation work gave her the sense of accomplishment that in the DA’s office came only with long hours and a cooperative witness.

Irena was remarkable and she hoped there would be time for them all to get to know each other.

She snuggled up to Vincent, felt him sigh in his sleep. That was a sound that made her heart ease. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.

…

Catherine woke up to find Vincent surrounding her, waiting patiently for her to realize the fact. He was vibrating with a low purr. She didn’t want to move, she decided, and snuggled into his side. The purr ratcheted up a notch and suddenly Catherine could no longer pretend to be sleepy. She moved to look into his eyes and saw that they were dark with passion. And she had been afraid he would be distracted!

"What," she asked him quietly, although she knew perfectly well ‘what’.

"Catherine, I never thanked you adequately for your bathing services yesterday. I was almost asleep on my feet and didn’t give you the attention you deserved. But I’m fully recovered now."

Catherine ran her eyes down Vincent’s body and had to admit that he looked ready for anything. She gave him a look that matched his own and slid on top of him. They spent the next while making up for lost time and starting their day in the fashion they enjoyed best.

Afterwards, Catherine stroked Vincent’s chest and the arm that now hugged her close to his side, where the vibration of his post-coital purr was like the wind over velvet. She spoke softly.

"I’ll bet Vian’s going to find himself the centre of some attention. Most of the women had given up on you, even before I showed up. You might have to give him some brotherly advice."

Vincent chuckled. "Catherine, I think it’s more likely that you will be in great demand by women wishing to know what they can expect."

She hadn’t thought of that. Catherine rubbed her hand over Vincent’s chest and sighed.

"Vincent, you’re right - and I don’t think I’m ready for that kind of ‘girl talk’. I guess we’ll both just have to let nature take its course. Somehow, I am sure it will – and all will be resolved in the end."

"If I am anything to go by, it will – and Vian has not been less alone than myself. I expect Virgil has had man-to-man talks with him."

Catherine did not miss the use of his father’s first name. With another "Father" in the tunnels, it was perhaps best – and Vincent had not known his real father until now. She shook herself a little to get her brain in gear.

"I’d better attend to little Jacob. I can feel he’s hungry."

She trotted out of the room, felt Vincent’s gaze follow her out. She picked up Jacob from his cot and brought him back to the bedroom. Vincent had hiked himself up and she sat in the ‘V’ of his legs, positioning the baby so he could suckle. It was one of their favourite morning routines. She loved feeding her child, felt no desire to wean him, even though he was eating soft food now. Jacob was healthy and growing strong. Soon enough, he would be too big for it. Once he started walking, that would be the time, she decided. Meanwhile, she let herself bask in the joy and knew Vincent was feeling it too. His purr had become the slightest rasp, as of sand particles pushed by a breeze. But she knew it was there, and so did baby Jacob.

He suckled greedily and then abruptly stopped, immediately falling asleep. Catherine cuddled him, but felt the familiar heavy discomfort in the un-used breast. She shifted sideways and gave Vincent a look. With a grin, he lifted a leg for her to lean against and shifted himself around until he could bend his head to her breast. His soft lips caressed the nipple and he sucked slowly, and then with greater abandon. Catherine let her head fall back against his arm and sighed. The love and contentment she felt along her bond with Vincent made her almost want to sleep herself. He stopped and moved to plant a deep kiss on her lips, the taste of her own milk still sweet on them.

Then he gathered her to him and they sat cradling their son between them.

Catherine would have been happy to remain there all day, but they had responsibilities.

Vincent caught the resolve and sighed deeply.

"Yes, we must see to my family – and breakfast for ourselves. We’d better get ourselves ready. I’d like you with me, Catherine. I want you to meet my brother and sister. If you feel able, perhaps you could show them around. I suspect Irena will want to stay with myself and Virgil."

Catherine smiled. "I’d be happy to show them around Vincent. Ilona is delightful and I do want to know Vian better. He seems so like you, but different in ways I can’t put my finger on."

"You keep all your fingers to yourself," Vincent quipped. He found himself amazed that he could joke about it. Was he just a little jealous? He shook himself mentally. Then Catherine leaned over to kiss him and he knew that their bond would never let either of them "wander".

By the time they made it to the tunnels, it was almost breakfast time. They went straight to the new arrivals and found the privacy curtain tied up. Vincent and Catherine entered to find everyone seated around a table, examining a stack of books. Virgil looked a bit uncomfortable.

"Good morning," Vincent announced, to find four sets of eyes look up in surprise.

Irena rose quickly.

"Vincent. Welcome. We were just looking at Virgil’s journals. No one has read them and we wondered what to do with them."

"Well, at the least, you need a bookcase," Vincent commented. "I’ll get Cullen to bring you one. He usually has a few around."

Virgil looked up at his new-found son, then.

"These are the sum of my life, Vincent. I used to keep them in a trunk, but that seems inappropriate now. I think the early ones at least should be read by everyone. There shouldn’t be any secrets between us."

Vincent’s curiosity was intense, but he didn’t know what to say to this revelation. His stomach suddenly reminded him of more immediate concerns. He temporized.

"No decisions should be made on an empty stomach. Would you all like some breakfast before we begin the day’s activities? I can get some trays brought to us."

There was a round of smiles and nods at this, so Vincent used a nearby pipe to tap for two breakfast trays, fully loaded.

"Is there anything you would all like to do today?" Vincent asked, as they waited for the trays.

There were looks back and forth at this, and Vian spoke first.

"Ilona and I would like to see the sights, if that’s not too much trouble."

"And I’d like to try out the hot bath," Virgil stated with a smile.

"Well, I don’t think I’d be welcome in the bath," Irena commented, looking at Virgil. "So I’ll join the tour, please."

"Well, I’ll be the official tour guide," Catherine told them. "I’ll leave little Jacob with Mary in the nursery and we can leave as soon as we’re finished breakfast."

"And I’m sure Father would be happy to have a bath with you, Virgil." Vincent remarked. "I’ll join you as well. We have so many years to make up, I don’t want to leave you. And someone has to prevent Father from reciting Virgil’s Aeneid in Latin, which he seems to know by heart - someone less polite than you, Virgil."

There were laughs at this. Then Rebecca and Olivia arrived with two laden trays, piled high in a way that only William could manage. There were gasps and laughs of thanks as they put them down on the table. Vincent and Vian moved the journals back into their trunk and everyone tucked into the food. William had even thought of little Jacob and had included a bowl of porridge sprinkled with brown sugar. He wolfed it down as fast as Catherine could feed him. He was not a fussy eater, for which she was grateful.

So began what Vincent though of as the days of re-discovery. He felt as if a chamber had opened in his soul, one that had existed since his birth, but been locked when he had been separated from his natural family. He found he knew so much about Virgil, Vian, Ilona – and especially Irena, that there could be no other explanation. They were days of almost frantic joy, tempered as they were with the sad knowledge of what was to come.