(This story is written strictly for the free enjoyment of fans of the "Beauty and the Beast" television series. No copyright infringement is intended.)
 

Sun Shower

by Angie

Wash what is dirty, water what is dry, heal what is wounded.
Bend what is stiff, warm what is cold, guide what goes off the road.

- Stephen Langton (translated from the Latin)

 

Kanin was serving time, one month for every year lived by the child he had inadvertently killed, plus half as many again for the mother. The judge had been lenient because he had pleaded guilty. It was hard on Olivia and the community Below, but everyone knew their love would be undiminished when he returned.

Catherine felt the nag of unfinished business in that case. She worried about Mrs Davis, the woman who had persisted in seeing Kanin brought to justice, a deed of courage which had almost cost her sanity. Catherine could not, in truth, understand how the woman had lived with the memory of a child dying in her arms, from an accident that had not been her fault and which she had been powerless to prevent. Then to have discovered that the perpetrator of all this grief had been drunk and then had disappeared.

When Kanin had turned himself in, Catherine had seen that justice was done. The community Below had insisted on it, not without a lot of soul-searching. Kanin and Olivia had a baby son.

Mrs Davis, although she had seen the murderer of her son jailed, now had to put her life back together. Catherine felt that she was the real victim in this case. Did Mrs Davis now feel a sense of closure and peace? It bothered her that this woman might drift out of sight again, still carrying the heavy weight of despair so evident on her face.

Catherine talked this over with Vincent on her balcony, one moonlit night. He, predictably, had told her that she must ease her mind and talk to the woman. Perhaps she should be invited to join the community Below, Catherine had suggested. Vincent had replied as he always did.

"Catherine, your heart will tell you whether this woman wishes to be helped, to join us and be part of us. You know how careful we are. It will not be an easy decision for her. She could be a helper, but there are challenges even in that role, as you know. You are one of us and know your world best. You must decide for us."

So, Catherine was now walking up to the building where Mrs Davis lived, having arranged to visit her earlier in the day. Mrs Davis had been hesitant, but Catherine had felt the woman perhaps did need to talk to someone. She probably felt very alone. No one had been in the courtroom on her side. Olivia, Luke and some of the helpers had sat in support of Kanin.

She buzzed the intercom and heard the door click, almost as if she had been seen. Perhaps she had. Catherine took the elevator up to the third floor and knocked on 320. It was opened quickly by Mrs Davis, who gave her a miniscule smile and waved her in. Her voice was soft.

"Please come onto the veranda. It’s a lovely evening and I know you don’t get much fresh air and sunshine in your office."

Catherine followed her and took the chair her hostess indicated. The woman looked tired and a little cautious, but she came right to the point.

"What can I do for you, Miss Chandler?"

Catherine looked her in the eye and promptly threw away the mental script she had prepared.

"Mrs Davis, I know this has been difficult for you. I wanted you to know something I couldn’t reveal before. Something very private – a secret.

"Kanin was not unknown to me before he hit my desk in an unsolved crime folder. I’ve known him and his wife since I met the man I love. He is part of a unique community and they asked me to make sure justice was done, without prejudice. I couldn’t say anything to my boss without endangering this community. They are very special to me, like family really."

Mrs Davis, her voice a little unsteady, spoke before Catherine could continue.

"You mean there are other criminals hiding in this community you speak of?"

Catherine took a deep breath. The question was a fair one.

"No, Mrs Davis. This community would not have sheltered Kanin if they had known his secret. People come to it only by invitation, and after all care is taken. They don’t ask anyone to reveal their past history, but criminal activity is not condoned or protected. When Kanin confessed, I was asked to help him deal with the justice system. They are a society with rules and their living conditions can be harsh at times. But they are also a very caring community. People find solace and heart’s ease there. There are orphaned and abandoned children, elderly men and women and people who had lost their way in our too-busy world. They have found a purpose in this community. Everyone helps each other."

"And the man you love is part of this community, Miss Chandler?"

"Please call me Catherine. Yes, he is the heart and soul of this community. For him, there is no other place. He could not live in this world. He is an inspiration to everyone in the community – and he saved my life."

"I see. Why are you telling me all this?"

Catherine looked at her and smiled briefly.

"Mrs Davis, your story touched my heart and that of others you don’t know. This community has women who have lost children, husbands, brothers and sisters. They have found healing in helping others. Kanin’s wife had initially been very upset with him for risking incarceration, but she has a good heart and realized she was being selfish. She would like to meet you. She saw you in the courtroom. Your pain was obvious to her.

"However, as I said, this community is secret. Anyone who meets someone from outside it puts everyone at risk. They have to be very careful. The man I love would be endangered most. No, he’s not a criminal. He’s just … different. Too different. Others are fragile too. They have found meaning in their lives for the first time. If this was taken away – as it would be – they would die or go mad."

Mrs Davis looked at her hands, folded neatly in her lap. She spoke softly, carefully.

"I think I know why you are telling me this. It’s true, my life has been a disaster. I was obsessed with finding my son’s killer for years. I could think of nothing else. My husband left me and I quit my job. I gave up all my friends. I couldn’t stand the pity I saw in everyone’s eyes. Then I decided I had to earn a living in order to continue. Time did begin to heal me and I began to make a new life for myself.

"Then I saw Kanin – in a hardware store of all places - and it all came rushing over me like a tidal wave. His face was burned into my brain. There could be no mistaking it – even 10 years later. Once again, I had to quit my job. I couldn’t function knowing he was out there. What if he decided I was a threat to him? Was my life in danger because I recognized him and he knew I had? But those fears were just an excuse. I knew, deep down, that he wasn’t a danger to me. He could have eliminated me much earlier, if that was the case. But I wanted revenge, Miss Chandler. Revenge for my heartache and obsession.

"I know now that Kanin is a gentle man and was guilt-ridden by what he had done. He hid from me, from his crime. But I couldn’t forgive him those lost years when I was almost mad with hatred and loss. Now, I understand him a little better – but forgive? No. I can’t forgive, but I can understand perhaps, a little."

Catherine’s eyes were burning. She was not sure she could forgive such a deed either. Vincent would, but he never judged anyone. She tried to find strength from that thought and decided she should give Mrs Davis time to think.

"I understand, Mrs Davis. I’m offering you a chance to meet some very special people, but you must come with an open mind and a willing heart. They won’t judge you, any more than they will now judge Kanin. All that is in the past. This community looks to the future. They educate their children to be kind and generous human beings – and work together. But you don’t have to join them. You could simply be a helper, a liaison. I believe you have something to offer. You have patience and tenacity – to say nothing of great courage. Those are admirable qualities.

"But I’ve taken enough of your time. The decision is yours. You can call me when you’ve thought it over – if you wish me to introduce you. I won’t bother you again."

Catherine rose to leave and handed her a business card with both her home and work numbers on it. Mrs Davis politely led the way to the door, then turned to look at her, hand on the doorknob. She spoke very quietly.

"I do appreciate your coming to see me, Miss Chandler. I have been very alone. I don’t know what to do next and I haven’t been sleeping well. My life now seems suddenly empty. It is some consolation to know that you cared enough to come and see me. I won’t forget that. I’ll call you when I’ve thought through what you’ve told me."

Catherine nodded and left without another word. She had done what she could and she felt better for having made the effort.

Two days later, she returned home late to find a message on her answering machine. Mrs Davis’ soft, low voice got her attention immediately and she grabbed at a pencil and paper.

"Miss Chandler, I’ve thought over what you told me. I do need to do something. Your offer seems to be the only one I’m likely to get. I’ve alienated almost everyone I’ve ever known. I want to meet Kanin’s family and see this community you mention. I can’t promise more than that, except that I will keep the secret and be open-minded. Would tomorrow, Saturday, be convenient?"

Catherine thought quickly. Saturday. Yes, that would work. Joe had not asked her to do any overtime – and now she could refuse. She wanted to see Vincent tonight, but she knew he would stay hidden if she brought a visitor. Well, Father could be the official greeter, as usual. They would have to use her threshold entrance. She phoned back Mrs Davis and asked her if she could come to her apartment at eleven o’clock the next day. Mrs Davis agreed. Catherine went Below then and found Vincent approaching as she rounded the corner from the threshold. She waited for him to reach her, then quickly told him the news. He smiled down at her and took her hands in his.

"Catherine, I never doubted that you would help this woman. Your warmth is obvious to anyone, even someone in pain."

"We’ll come down via the threshold tomorrow around eleven. Maybe, after she meets Father she’ll consent to stay for lunch Below."

Vincent’s face stilled. He knew what she was not saying. He also knew that he could not risk showing himself to Mrs Davis immediately. He shuddered mentally at the thought. He hated meeting anyone new.

"Catherine, don’t worry about me. William will send a lunch tray to my chamber. He knows the drill. I’ll know when it’s safe to emerge."

Catherine moved to hug him and his arms enclosed her. She felt his love and wished with all her heart that he didn’t have to see the expression that often showed on people’s faces when they first looked at him. Only Eric had been different, in her memory. But children were always more resilient and the boy had known more than a little horror in his short life.

She pulled away reluctantly and Vincent looked down at her.

"You’re tired, Catherine. You should get a good night’s sleep. I’ll escort you back to the threshold."

Catherine sighed and yawned as he took her arm and led her back to the ladder. She could not pretend with Vincent. He was attuned to her every emotion. She was tired and she did need sleep. Just once, she would like to feel less exhausted at the end of a work week. Standing at the bottom of the ladder, she wondered if she had the energy to climb it. She yawned again and stepped onto the first rung – then found herself lifted almost to the top of the ladder by a large, warm hand on her bottom. She grabbed frantically for the railing and looked down when she had it. Vincent’s eyes were in shadow, but his mouth was partly open. She could feel his turmoil through the bond. Well, if the feel of her rear end could do that … . Catherine decided this was not the time to think about such things and thanked him, diplomatically saying nothing more, and hauled herself into the storage room and then up to her apartment. She kicked off her shoes, threw off her clothes and was under the sheets and asleep in moments.

The sun was blazing in her window when she awoke, sending her into a brief panic until she looked at the clock and then realized it was Saturday. She lay back on the pillow and looked at her big, empty bed. Her dreams had definitely not been virginal. That warm hand on her behind had seeped into her subconscious and got her thinking about its fellow – and other parts. Well, that was nothing new. It didn’t take much lately. She sighed and forced herself to get ready for an unusual day.

Catherine put on what she regarded as her better tunnel wear, a pair of dark gabardine pants, a long, thick blue sweater and pair of desert boots. She was on her third cup of coffee when the intercom buzzed. She signaled her welcome and opened the front door. Mrs Davis came around the corner and saw her. Catherine smiled and beckoned her inside. The woman was wearing a stylish but comfortable-looking pantsuit and sensible shoes. Thank goodness. She had not thought to say anything about tunnel wear.

"Would you like a coffee or tea, Mrs Davis?"

"No thank you, Miss Chandler. I’m already nervous enough."

"Very well, Mrs Davis. Just give me a moment to collect my things and we can go. I’m glad you’re wearing a coat. It can be chilly where we’re going."

Mrs Davis looked puzzled at that, but said nothing. A few minutes later Catherine, wearing her leather bomber jacket, led her down to the storage room and shifted aside the boxes to reveal the trap door and ladder.

"I’m afraid this is the safest way to where we’re going, at least during the day. I’ll go down first so I can help you if you need it."

Catherine clambered down the ladder, not without thinking of Vincent. He would not be here to meet her today, though. She waited while Mrs Davis found her footing and came down the ladder. At the bottom she turned and looked around, a slight frown creasing her forehead. Still, she said nothing and Catherine had to admire her aplomb.

"Please follow me, Mrs Davis. It’s quite safe, but we have a bit of a walk ahead of us."

Catherine turned on her flashlight, grateful that it was not completely dark, and led onwards along the twisting tunnels. Finally they approached a major junction, one arm of which led to the hub. Olivia was waiting with a lantern. She approached Mrs Davis and smiled. Mrs Davis gave her a careful smile in return, but said nothing.

"Welcome to our home, Mrs Davis. I’m Olivia, Kanin’s wife. Father is anxious to meet you."

Olivia turned and Catherine and Mrs Davis followed her to Father’s chamber. The patriarch rose, rumbled a greeting and was echoed by a crow of delight from little Luke, who was seated on the floor, his arms around the bottom of Father’s cane.

"Now you just let go of that, you little dickens," Father admonished. "He has a grip like a bench vise, Olivia."

Olivia laughed, captured Luke and swung him around to sit on the table atop of a pile of books. He looked around and crowed again. Father chuckled and, cane restored, hobbled over to his guests.

"You must be Mrs Davis. Welcome. Catherine has told us about you."

"Thank you, … um … Father."

"Please call me Jacob," Father smiled.

"Jacob. Catherine convinced me I needed a change. I don’t know what that means down here. Wherever ‘here’ is."

She looked around, taking in the massive piles of books and numerous candles. Father led her to a chair and beckoned her to sit. Catherine pulled up another chair and sat next to her.

"Ah, well that’s quite a story, and one you probably don’t want to waste time hearing today," he said. "My guess is you’d like to know what makes us tick, so to speak. I’m sure Catherine has told you just enough to make you curious. That’s our way.

"We are a secret community, Mrs Davis. All of us are here by choice, and we seldom go Above. We have a network of helpers who send us food and other supplies we need, in exchange for products we make down here. Everyone here works at something – from caring for the babies to cooking, to carving new chambers.

"Is there anything you’d particularly like to know, Mrs Davis?"

Mrs Davis looked at Olivia who had moved to sit on the library steps and was playing patty cake with Luke on her knee. Then she glanced at Catherine.

"I … I don’t know where to begin. Where are we?"

Father chuckled. "A very reasonable question. We’re below New York, in a system of old steam pipe maintenance tunnels, long fallen into disuse and forgotten, for the most part. This community has existed for over 30 years. I was one of the founding members."

"So long! But how can you live underground permanently?"

"We have adapted, Mrs Davis. We have used what skills we have and shaped our world. It really isn’t as peculiar or as challenging as it might seem to you. We have places where daylight reaches us, rivers, lakes, warm springs, even a waterfall. There are also winds, which we channel to keep the damp at bay.

"But most of all, Mrs Davis, we have many talented, caring people. We’re like a big family.

"We could give you the busman’s tour, but that would take some time. Is there something you’d particularly like to see?"

Mrs Davis smiled over at Olivia. "You’re all very kind. If it wouldn’t be an imposition, I’d like to see where Olivia and Luke live."

"Of course you may," Olivia said, rising and walking over to her immediately. Mrs Davis rose from her chair. Luke reached for her and Mrs Davis put out her arms.

"May I?"

Olivia handed Luke to her, who immediately stopped squirming and raised a small hand to this new face. Mrs Davis held him and rocked him a little. Tears began to roll down her face. Luke was fascinated by this new development and stroked her wet cheek, making small whiffing noises.

"I’m sorry," she whispered. "It’s been such a long time since I’ve held a child. I’d forgotten how wonderful it is."

Olivia captured her and Luke in a hug and stroked Mrs Davis’ back. She looked over the other woman’s shoulder at Father. Catherine looked at him too and he nodded and smiled. Both women relaxed a little. When Mrs Davis regained her control Olivia stepped back a little. The older woman planted a kiss on Luke’s soft hair and handed him back. Olivia smiled.

"Come Mrs Davis. Catherine and I will show you our chamber."

She led the way, carrying a lantern, with the two women following, Catherine in the rear, for the passages were not wide enough for two people to walk side by side. They entered the chamber, a kind of living room, and Olivia immediately took a taper and lit several candles, then she moved into the adjoining room and did the same.

Mrs Davis looked around, clearly astounded at the carefully carved planes and ledges which held the many candles, some now lit.

"It’s so beautiful. A work of art. Thank you for allowing me to see it."

Olivia returned and her mouth twitched ruefully. "Kanin did this, as a kind of late wedding present. He kept it secret until just before he left."

"Kanin is our master stonemason," Catherine said quietly.

Mrs Davis looked at Catherine quickly then, and spoke quickly to change the subject, clearly a bit uncomfortable.

"I’d like to meet your friend, if I may."

Catherine started. She sent a quick frisson of love, with a question, along their bond and felt Vincent’s cautious approval. She looked at Mrs Davis and then at Olivia, who nodded.

"Of course. He’ll be waiting for us in his chamber. Please follow me."

They left Olivia and Catherine led the way along more tunnels. She stopped suddenly and turned to Mrs Davis.

"I feel I have to give you some warning, Mrs Davis. Vincent’s appearance is … unusual."

"Is he deformed?" Mrs Davis asked.

"NO." Catherine said that louder than she intended. "He’s beautiful, Mrs Davis. But some may not see him that way at first glance. He’s unlike anyone you’ve ever seen – even in the movies."

She moved onwards and led the older woman through the opening and into Vincent’s chamber. The first impression was of golden light. Vincent had lit every light and candle. He obviously wanted to be seen. The stained glass window was glowing a rich yellow.

He was sitting in his chair, a book in his hands, but stood as they entered. Catherine immediately went to his side.

"Welcome, Mrs Davis. My name is Vincent."

His voice was the same as always, silken and soft, with that undertone of deep bass Catherine loved. Mrs Davis, she noticed, relaxed as she heard it. Her face was not so much shocked as surprised. Catherine realized belatedly that the other woman had not been expecting Vincent to be able to speak. Mrs Davis approached Vincent and held out a hand that shook only a little. He took it in one of his and she stared at it, but said nothing. She looked up at him, seeing something in his eyes that made her mouth quirk.

"I’m very pleased to meet you Vincent. This is a marvelous world you live in. I’ve seen very little of it, but I can feel its harmony. I’m so glad Catherine invited me."

There was a sudden tapping on the pipes and Vincent looked sideways at Catherine.

"That’s the lunch signal. Would you care to join us, Mrs Davis? Lunch is casual, a kind of buffet scramble, but you’d be most welcome."

Mrs Davis smiled up at him. "I’d like that very much, Vincent. I’d like to see the others who live here."

"Well, you may not see all of them. Some have duties. But our cook is the finest in New York. Come."

He led the way to the dining chamber, where chaos seemed to reign supreme. It was noisy, with a lot of chair shuffling and plate rattling. Vincent plowed through the crowd, Catherine and Mrs Davis in his wake. He handed them both a plate and began to load one of his own. William had prepared a rich-smelling beef soup, loaded with vegetables and barley. Catherine took a bowl onto her plate and two grainy rolls, then a brownie that smelled of maple and looked loaded with walnuts.

Vincent led the way to a table, put his tray down, then pulled out a chair for Mrs Davis. She thanked him as she sat down. Vincent sat beside her with Catherine on his other side. He poured them both a mug from the teapot doing the rounds. It smelled like jasmine. Catherine guessed it had been a gift from Henry and Lin. Their restaurant was doing well and they liked to show their appreciation in small ways.

They said no more for some time, each concentrating on their meal. Vincent upended his soup bowl to get the last drop of liquid and leaned back with a sigh.

"I swear, if William ever left us, we’d starve before we could duplicate his soups."

"I heard that, Vincent," came Williams base rumble from behind them. Catherine looked up and laughed.

"I bet you’ve never missed hearing a compliment, even if you were a mile away, William," she chided him.

"That’s true, Catherine. I like ‘em, but I seldom get ‘em. I came over to meet our guest, then heard my name spoken. However, Vincent’s sigh of contentment can be heard across the hall. It doesn’t rate as a compliment, though. He’ll eat anything."

Vincent looked up at the big cook, whose generous belly looked impressive under its enormous white apron.

"William, everyone knows you’re the biggest fan of your cooking. Every year, we have to get Annabelle – she’s our talented seamstress, Mrs Davis - to make you a bigger apron. Pretty soon, it’ll be a bed sheet with strings."

There was a hoot of maniacal laughter from a table over and Catherine spotted Annabelle, her auburn hair piled high and tamed with multiple combs and ribbons. The dwarf was sitting in the special chair Vincent had made for her. It was higher and had a pair of short steps which folded underneath the seat. She smiled at them all.

"The real challenge is keeping that ample frontage from getting burned on the stove," Annabelle laughed. "His arms can hardly reach the pots now."

William flushed, but his smile stayed in place as he looked over at the diminutive woman.

"Annabelle, appearance matters. A skinny cook wouldn’t be much of a recommendation. Each to his – or her – own specialty. Look at you. You’re wearing enough hair gewgaws and folderols for an entire chorus line!"

There was a roar of laughter around the hall as this exchange registered on the diners. Annabelle’s hoot rose above them all. Father, sitting next to her, dropped his head to prevent himself from choking.

Mrs Davis, who had been watching this exchange and smiling, turned to William as the noise returned to its normal level.

"William, your soup is wonderful – as is your bread and these brownies. I’ve never had better. If you need an extra long pair of arms at any time, I’d happily volunteer."

William looked at her. "Well now, that’s an offer I don’t get every day. Most around here are content to be ignorant of what transpires in my kitchen."

Vincent chuckled. "William, you know very well that you hate people underfoot in your kitchen."

"Wrong, Vincent. I hate people in my kitchen – yourself included - who are more interested in sampling the final product than assisting with its production. Mrs Davis is obviously a woman of discernment, and would therefore be welcome - anytime."

He ambled away to the sounds of laughter.

Vincent turned to Mrs Davis and sighed. "Well, now you’ve seen us as we are. Father is gesturing. I think he wants us all to meet him in his chamber. Are you ready?"

Mrs Davis nodded and they all rose to leave. Father was a little way ahead of them and they followed him to his chamber. He turned to smile at them and then approached Mrs Davis.

"Thank you for visiting us, Mrs Davis. As William said, you’d be welcome to visit us anytime. You probably have a lot to think about. We do have a process for accepting those who wish to live with us, but it’s not onerous. You have proven yourself a friend already. We ask only that you do not mention this place to anyone who is not a helper."

Mrs Davis moved to Father and held out her hand.

"Jacob, I want to thank you for introducing me to your world. I’m sure I’ve not seen a fraction of it and I look forward to seeing more. But not today. I do feel a little overwhelmed. I hadn’t expected … all this."

She looked back at Catherine, who stood hand in hand with Vincent.

"And I want to thank both of you too, and Olivia, for accepting me so graciously."

"It was our pleasure," Vincent said softly. "Kanin will be happy to know you’ve met us. He feels he owes a debt to you that can never be paid."

Mrs Davis looked down for a moment. "I told Catherine that I could never forgive Kanin for the lost years, the heartache." She looked up at Vincent and then Father. "I was wrong. I have to learn to forgive, or my heart will remain the numb thing it has become. You’ve showed me there’s hope and love and laughter. That means a great deal to me. I feel as if I’m beginning to live again, to feel again. I don’t know what I will do now, whether I’ll join you, but just having the option is a great blessing. Thank you.

"I’d like to leave now, to think all this through."

"Certainly, Mrs Davis. I’ll escort you out," Catherine said.

They left Father’s chamber and she took Mrs Davis back via her threshold. Catherine led her directly to the lobby, sensing she did not want to say any longer. They said goodbye with a wordless hug.

After Mrs Davis left, Catherine returned Below. She found Vincent waiting at the bottom of the ladder and ran into his arms. She could say nothing. Her eyes burned with unshed happy tears. She snuggled deeper into his embrace and felt his love surround her, like his cloak. He spoke finally, a whisper into her hair.

"You did a wonderful thing, Catherine. You have saved that woman from herself. She’ll begin to heal now."

"Yes she will. But I did nothing, Vincent. Your family here Below helped her see herself. You especially."

Vincent said nothing to this, merely held his Catherine close, basking in the love he felt from her. He was not what had changed Mrs Davis. She had been empty, desolate, waiting. A barren field waiting for the rain. Love was what she needed, more than anything else. She now knew it existed. That was a big revelation for her. The next step, the acceptance of it, would be easier.

END