“A guest for you Mr Burch!” The sound carried down from above and passed his ears until Devin detected a movement far below him.

“Who, what!” The distant voice was gruff but recognisable. Devin shouted down to him, “Elliot!”

“So” the voice came from above, “You do know each other. Well too bad that it won’t be a long friendship, now that your food supply has been cut off.” He laughed wickedly. Devin’s stomach lurched and churned. He’d get him someday he’d get him. He vowed that he would.

His feet touched down and the rope came hurtling past him, whizzing past his ear to land with a thump at his feet. Well at least they had a rope Devin thought.

“Elliot?” The darkness was all consuming, but at least he had been spared the sack, not that he knew it of course, although he was to learn that on the coldest of nights Elliot had been glad of its warmth wrapped around his shoulders.

“Who is that?” Elliot’s voice came from somewhere to his left. Devin turned slowly, getting his barings. Even in this inky blackness he was home, but he knew that mustn’t lose his barings.

“It’s Devin Wells. I don’t believe you know me but…” His words trailed away as Elliot interrupted

“Wells, Wells, as in Vincent Wells?”

Devin sighed, “Yes, Vincent is my brother.”

“Your brother!”

Devin detected the note of anxiety in Elliot’s tone, and laughed despite himself, “Yes, my adopted brother.”

Elliot relief was palpable and he sighed deeply, “Thank God.”

“For what? For the fact that I don’t resemble my brother or for the fact that you have company at last?”

Exhaling a short sharp breath of humour Elliot replied, “For the fact that you don’t resemble your brother. I want no reminders.”

Devin thought it a strange thing to say and told him so, “I thought you and Vincent were friends?”

“Friends? Yes, you could call us friends…” He hesitated, “And arch enemies too.”

“Why is that?” Devin was intrigued.

“Your brother has just married the only woman I will ever love. Surely that constitutes us as enemies?”

Devin smiled into the darkness, “Oh I see.” Then asked, “You been down here long?”

“Long enough” Elliot spoke gruffly. Then remembered something, “What did he mean back there when he said our food supply had been cut off?”

“I’m not sure. What did you think he meant?” Backing up against a rock Devin sank to his knees, his body had begun to tremble and Elliot noticed his teeth chattered.

“You’re cold. Here wrap this around you such as it is. Sorry about the way it smells.” He held out the sack in the vicinity of the sound, but Devin refused. “No it’s all right, I’m not cold so as to be warmed. I just witnessed three cold bloodied murders.”

“That’s terrible. Did you know the people?”

“Yes.”

“Friend’s of yours?”

Devin took only seconds to answer, “Yes.”

“I’m sorry.”

“So am I. For some reason their friendship with me cost them their lives.”

There was silence between them for a time and Elliot noted that Devin was softly crying. He let him be. The guy needed to let it out otherwise it would eat him alive. He knew. Hadn’t his father been murdered also? Elliot could well remember the pain and the shock. It would never leave him.
After a while he detected that Devin slept. His shallow even breathing signifying that the guy was physically and mentally exhausted even as his breathing was interspersed with strangled cries and moans.
Elliot let him sleep it was all there was to do in this place. His stomach moaned, it was getting near to mealtime.
So used was he to his daily survival kit as he had come to call it, Elliot expected that within the next couple of hours food would be delivered. And as a pinprick of light appeared above, something would block out the light, growing larger and larger as food descended down to him on some thread.
Water too, wrapped carefully in paper so that the bottle did not break. Elliot had quite a stock of bottles now. But he had to keep reminding himself, that if the guy above could be believed then that daily survival kit had been cut off.
Elliot gasped and Devin was awoken suddenly by a man choking on a panic attack. For long moments Devin did not know where he was. It was so dark, but the scent of the underground rocks was familiar to him. “Vincent?” He queried.

“No,” came the hoarse reply.

At once Devin remembered. “What’s the matter, what’s wrong?” He scrambled to his feet making his way toward the sound and encountered Elliot’s bunched shoulders as he kneeled upon the floor.

“We’re going to die aren’t we?” Elliot’s voice was strangled and the choking resumed. Devin found his arms and pulled him to his feet, hitting him squarely on the jaw, “We will if you carry on like that.” He yelled, “Stop it man, get a grip!”

Subdued Elliot stopped as quickly as he had started. All the fight drained out of him. Only his throbbing jaw where Devin had punched him reminded him that he was still alive.

“We’re going to die.” Elliot whispered.

“No!” Devin told him and Elliot could well remember newly arriving in this place and being so passionate about escape. Well Devin would learn just as he had learned, there was no escape.

“No we’re not gonna die we’re gonna get out of here.” Devin told him sounding so positive that Elliot almost believed him. And he didn’t know it yet but out of all the people on the earth that could have been sent down to accompany him in his fate, Devin was perhaps one of the few people that knew enough of underground systems to actually get them out of their predicament.

It was easy to see that something troubled the newlyweds, and Father watched them closely before finally deciding enough was enough, “What’s wrong?” He asked the pair at dinner one evening as each picked over their plate, so obviously distracted with something more important than food.
Father well knew that every married couple would have their ups and downs, and this unique pair would be no different, but it grieved him to see them so at odds.

“Vincent?” Father had to prompt his son for a reply.

“Hmm?”

“What’s wrong?” Father’s kindly eyes were filled with concern, making Vincent feel that bit too uncomfortable to look at his face for long. His plate looked more appealing right now. “Nothing.” He mumbled.

Father turned his attention to his daughter-in-law, “Catherine?”

“Its nothing, Father don’t worry.”

“But I am worried. To see the two of you so down in the dumps and not be able to help, well I am worried. Please, I want to help.”

Catherine pushed back her seat, picking up her plate as she did so, her meal hardly touched, “Don’t worry so Father, we’re all right.”

“All right my foot!” Father snapped only to be touched on the arm by Mary, he turned and scrowled at her.

“Leave them Jacob.”

He watched his son and daughter-in-law leave the dining area before he turned and glared at Mary.

“Why did you do that? I might have found out what’s troubling them.”

“I know what’s troubling them.” She whispered so as not to be overheard.

“Why am I always the last to know?” Father whispered back. “Will you tell me?”

“Only so that you don’t bombard them further, they’ll sort it out Jacob you’ll see. They’ve covered worse things than this.”

“Worse things? How can I believe you when I don’t know what this thing is?”

Mary edged closer to whisper in his ear, “Catherine wants a baby.”

Father nodded, ‘arh now he understood.’ “And I take it that Vincent isn’t agreeable?”

Mary smiled tenderly, “they’ll sort it out Jacob, let them be.”

“But how can I? Vincent is right Catherine must be made to understand this. A woman’s wiles do not come into it this time. Catherine cannot dispute that Vincent is different no matter what she claims, and he will likely carry those differences over to his offspring.”

“Yes I know Jacob.” Mary sounded if she knew but didn’t agree one iota.

“Mary, you and Catherine are just the same, you don’t see it the way Vincent and I do. All you see is a cuddly, furry baby, a replica of my son.”

“And do you not? After all you saw him as a child. Why should you rob that joy from us?”

“Now Mary that’s not the issue here, and its nothing to do with what you want or what I want, its what Vincent wants that is important here. And I believe he should have the last word in this.”

“And no one cares about what Catherine wants? What Catherine has forsaken to love him to spend her life here with him? Every way I look at it, Catherine is the one that made all the sacrifices Jacob.”

“With her eyes wide open Mary. Catherine knew what she was doing when she married my son.”

“Maybe she did, but even then she believed like every newly wedded wife that their marriage would be blessed with children. It should have been something they’d discussed before their marriage but it wasn’t, and well…Catherine wants a baby. Surely she should not be denied that most basic of needs?”

“Perhaps she can go above and have artificial insemination. If having a child is that important to her.”

“Oh Jacob, she loves Vincent. How could she possibly want any other child than his?”

“Well what she wants my dear and what she’ll get are two vastly different things, because I am off to see them now and talk some sense into that daughter-in-law of mine.” He forced back his chair making to stand as Mary held onto his arm and cried, “Oh Jacob no, you promised.”

“I did no such thing! You told me of your own accord.”

Mary knew he was right, and she felt terrible. Catherine had confided in her and asked her not to tell a soul. She hoped Catherine might forgive her especially after Jacob had spoken with her.

“Then I’ll come with you.”

“As you please.”

Yet as Father hobbled toward his son’s chamber his anger gradually subsided. He could only too well remember Vincent as a babe. And babes grew too fast. In a way he could well understand Catherine’s desire to bear such a child into the world and to the man she loved. But he could also see it from Vincent’s point of view. Vincent had had a terrible childhood in terms of freedom. So much had been denied him and a child of his own facing that? Well Father could clearly see how much that would hurt.
By the time they’d reached the chamber Father had had a change of heart, he stopped and turned to Mary, “Let’s leave them be shall we my dear? They’ll come to us if they need any help.”

Mary hugged him tightly, “thank you Jacob.” She whispered thankful that something had brought him to his senses.

He hadn’t realised he had spoken out loud until she answered him, “only you have the words to make it right.” She whispered.

Vincent despaired, “Catherine please! I can’t I just can’t. Please try to understand.”

“Try to understand!” Her voice rose hysterically, and Vincent knew much of it was from bottled feelings over the last few days. “What is there to understand?”

“I love you isn’t that enough?” His reply caught on a sob.

“But obviously not enough to want my child.” Catherine snapped. Vincent stared at her. How could he answer her?

It was all so simple when she had referred to a baby as ‘his’ child but to refer to it as ‘her’ child well that was a different concept entirely. Catherine watched him pale significantly before she dared to smile just a little. Mary had been right. Re-phrasing words had helped. Catherine almost felt sorry for him.
He continued to stare at her grappling for the right words, dismissing them as they came as inappropriate. He had to word his thoughts carefully, if he didn’t he might lose her entirely, but no matter what he thought of sounded wrong even to himself.
So he simply said nothing.
Catherine on the other hand was jubilant at seeing her husband stumped for words and she started to laugh, “cat got your tongue Vincent?” Then she laughed even harder at the look that passed over his face at her comment. “See how it feels now?” She sobered, asking the question flatly. “You can’t answer me can you?”

“No.”

“So let me get this straight,” Catherine walked over to his chair and paced in front of him much as she would do before a witness in the courtroom. “You love me, but you couldn’t love my child.”

“I didn’t say that!” Vincent jumped to his feet.

“You didn’t say anything my love, at least nothing in your defence.”

Despite himself Vincent grinned. She was playing with him. He decided to go along with it, unaware that was exactly how she had wanted him to react. If he was playing with her then there was a good possibility that she could trip him up.

“The thing is Vincent, I could love both children. I could love your child and I could love my child, as much as I love you, but it seems that where our love is concerned we are at odds.”

“Catherine…you know how much I love you. Do I have to climb to the moon to declare it? Be it that I could I would.”

Catherine’s heart raced then and she took some calming breaths to still its headlong flight. Being taken in by his declaration of love for her would not win her objective.

“Yet would you climb into infinity itself to declare such love for my child?” She asked him sweetly refusing to look up at him as she continued to pace.

“Don’t bait me Catherine.” A low growl from him surprised her. So he had guessed had he? Well she would have to resort to more cunning still.

“I love it when you do that.” She teased, surprising him greatly, “Do it again?”

“No.”

“Oh go on, it gives me goose bumps.”

Vincent’s eyes sparkled, loving the things she was saying despite everything.

“No.”

“No is a favoured word with you isn’t it my love? Let me see now, are you ever able to say yes? I wonder.”

“I do know the difference between yes and no Catherine.”

For a few moments they faced one another and their eyes locked for combat. Then Catherine began her swift barrage of questions that fell upon his ears before he’d time to think.

“Do you love me?”

“Yes.”

“Do you love yourself?”

“No.”

“Father?”

“Yes.”

“Mary?”

“Yes, Catherine what are you doing?” He eyed her cynically.

“Just answer the question please Mr Wells. Do you love Devin?”

“Yes.

“Ice cream?”

Vincent’s lips quirked at the corners, “Yes.”

“Geoffrey, Kipper, Samantha, Jamie, Mouse?”

“Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes!”

“Our child?”

“Yes!”

There was silence. Vincent backtracked, oh no!

Catherine was smiling, “You answered correctly Mr Wells, I have no further questions.” She sat in the chair watching him beneath her lashes. He was the one pacing now.

“You tricked me Catherine.”

“You were the one who said you knew no from yes. No one was forcing your arm behind your back Vincent.”

“Even so you tricked me.”

“Let your yes mean yes and your no mean no Vincent, you know that. You wouldn’t be disputing that would you?”

Vincent glared at her, “It’s just a game Catherine. You can’t play games with something as important as this, you don’t know what you are doing or saying.” Hands upon the table he leaned forward glaring at her from across the room.

“So even under oath you back down.”

“I was not under oath.”

“You was to me.”

Vincent drew in a deep breath, exhaling it slowly, “Well it matters neither way. It’s all metaphorically speaking anyway, for none of this will come to pass.”

“Oh no?”

“No!”

“Ever read Lady Chatterley’s lover Vincent?”

“Nooo.” Vincent was on his guard. He’d heard of the book of course. And if he remembered rightly Father had caught Devin reading it once and had confiscated it. Vincent had concluded from that that it was a bad book, until the day he’d found Father reading it himself!

“Then I’d advise you to do so.”

“Why?”

“So that you can be prepared.”

“Prepared for what?”

Catherine smiled sweetly at him before returning back to her original seat and picking up the sheaf of papers she had been reading, thus dismissed him entirely.
Vincent stared at her, his hackles rising, well if she wanted war then so be it. And Catherine looked at him beneath her lashes, preparing herself to slay the lion. And via the Bond both of them felt a flutter of excitement for the things that were to come.

“I bought it today, its about Brazil.” Vincent felt an icy shiver run up his spine at Catherine’s reply.

“Why the interest?” He tried not to sound too bothered, entering his chamber to collect a change of clothing before going along to the bathing pool. He was sweaty and dusty from his labours down in the lower levels.

Raising her head Catherine watched him. “You might not have realised darling, but it is almost a week since Peter had word from Devin.”

Vincent had realised, “And?”

“And, if we don’t hear from him soon, someone is going to have to go out there and find out why.” She looked back down at the book unable to meet his eyes.

For long moments there was silence, but Catherine knew by the rapid breathing of her husband that he was having difficulty holding his temper. At last he let it go, “So…by that I take it you have decided to be that person?” Catherine winced at his tone. If she didn’t know Vincent better she would have concluded he had become very possessive of her every move. She looked back up at him beneath her lashes and a thrill of excitement ran through her. He looked magnificent!
His long golden mane covered his shoulders, and hung in front of him as he leaned on powerful arms upon the table. His muscles rippling Catherine could just imagine the force and hard length of him holding her within his embrace. His eyes flashed like brilliant blue ice and Catherine could tell it was taking him all his strength to maintain his control. And much of that fury was put there by her over the last few days when she had resolutely refused to sleep with him until he gave in to her demands for a baby. Catherine could see the deep and buried passion blazing beneath the fury of his gaze and her womanhood clutched as a shiver after shiver engulfed her.
Licking her lips she could find no answer. Well none that would suffice his question. “God I want you.” She whispered, stunning him to the core. His fury evaporated to be overtaken by the shimmering heat that lay just beneath the surface and a long low moan erupted from him together with the words, “Catherine what on earth are we doing?”

“I don’t know Vincent. I love you so much.” Her sobbed reply left her lips as she made to stand and come toward him. He met her half way, lifting her clear off the floor engulfing her in his arms and his lips seeking hers with wild abandon. “I’ve missed this.” The relief of holding her so close brought him to tears as Catherine’s hands snaked behind his head, her fingers tangling with his hair, “Make love to me.” She sobbed into his neck.

“Yes, Oh yes.” He carried her to their bed, laying her down gently, joining her there in one swift motion, his large hands cradling her face, his eyes staring down into hers. “Catherine, my love, we must never do this to one another again. Playing games will kill us both.”

Covering his face with kisses, Catherine agreed, and she apologised, “I’m so sorry Vincent, for everything.”

“You do understand?” Even now in his desperate passion and the aching need that filled him Vincent had to know.

Reluctantly Catherine nodded, “Yes my love, to have a child like yourself would bring you the greatest heartache.”

“Its not that I don’t want a child with you Catherine, please know that.” He husked, tears welling in his eyes.

“I know, I know.” She stroked his brow, running her fingers from there to his cheek, to his jaw, to tilt it toward her and kiss him passionately. He returned the kiss and at the same time probing the Bond as something from Catherine triggered a response in him that didn’t feel quite right. But he couldn’t ascertain what it might be either that or she was withholding her emotions from him. He stared at her, his eyes opening wide, questioningly. Catherine preferred to ignore the searching look that he gave her, quickly caressing his body in ways that she had learned would soon make him forget everything else, and most importantly to forget to use the contraception.

But this time it did not work. “I read the book Catherine.” He told her softly.

“The book? What book? The one I bought today? You couldn’t have, its been in my bag till now.” Catherine was clearly confused.

“Not that one.” He whispered, holding her gaze.

“Which one then?” Drawing her brows together Catherine wondered what on earth he could mean, and waited for him to continue.

“The one you asked if I’d read several days ago. Remember now?” He kissed her brow, anticipating her reply.

“Oh that book.”

“Yes that book.”

Catherine giggled, “And?”

“And what? It’s a good book.”

“You enjoyed it!”

Vincent toyed with her lapping up her disbelief with pleasure. “I take it you thought I wouldn’t?” He asked her lazily, his eyes brimming with merriment.

“I, I, wouldn’t have thought it was your type.” Catherine whispered, surprised that Lady Chatterley’s Lover had found favour with her husband.

“Ordinarily it wouldn’t be. But you did insist that I read it. And I admit to being curious. And I have to admit that I am pleased that I took your advice. It had pleasantly stimulating content, and I do feel so much more in the know since I completed it.”

Catherine gulped, Vincent in this mood was a force to be reckoned with, and all her cunning wiles flew out of the window. She grimaced, “Goofed huh?”

“I would say most certainly goofed my love.”

“So I have to change tactics then?

Vincent laughed, a deep resonate sound that despite everything made Catherine laugh too. She had not really expected him to read the book, and that he had he now knew every move that she had intended to make. Every cunning move that would have secured her dreams - that of holding his baby in her arms.
Suddenly she had a brilliant idea, ‘this’ll wipe that smug look off of his face’ she told herself. She wasn’t done yet.
“But I have changed tactics my love.” Her words were like ice. And at once Vincent was on his guard. His passion and desire of moments ago vanished and he waited for her to continue warily.

When she said no more he whispered fearfully, “You have?”

“Yes.” She waited then, unsure as to whether she would go too far with this. As they had already realised the game that they played could have had dire consequences, and this time Catherine played with fire. There were too many implications in what she was about to say, and she may have backed down had Vincent not at that moment goaded her. “You’re bluffing?”

Struggling to sit up, forcing herself out of his embrace and up against the pillows to the head of the bed, Catherine’s eyes flashed her indignation, “I am not!”

“Then what are you saying?” The tone of Vincent’s voice provided its own warning, and again Catherine was uncertain. Why did they have to play these games anyway? Couldn’t she just make love to him and hope that in the throes of passion one night he would forget the contraception, throw caution to the wind and make her pregnant? Other people did that and to hell with the consequences.
And when that little baby had been born everything had come right in the end, and Catherine had no doubts that it would do so in this case either.
Probing the Bond Vincent’s eyes became mere slits as he encountered her turmoil. His suspicions grew. She was up to something, but it was something that could tear them apart. “Stop playing games Catherine.” He growled.

“I want your child.” She whispered unaware that she had spoken her thoughts out loud.

Sighing deeply, Vincent rolled off of her, his eyes were haunted. Would they always come back to this? “Catherine…listen…” He began lamely.

“No you listen!” Jumping off the bed Catherine stood in front of him, “What’s so wrong with a baby that’s what I want to know?”

In defeat Vincent spread his hands, did he have to spell it out to her? “So you’re different, so what! The circumstances are too Vincent!” Catherine’s voice rose, and Vincent was quite sure that everyone would hear her. “Shh Catherine.”

“Don’t you Shh me! I don’t care who hears this!”

“Well I do!” Father’s voice came distinctly from the entrance, “Catherine have you taken leave of your senses?”

“Its all right Father, I can handle this.” Vincent told his parent.

“That may as be Vincent, but I am on your side here, and Catherine must be made to see just how unfair she is being.”

“I can see Catherine’s point of view though.” Another voice, a feminine one came from the entrance signifying Mary’s arrival.

“Thank you Mary. I’m pleased someone does.” Catherine looked over to the other woman, her green eyes showing her gratitude.

“Father, Mary, I appreciate your concern, but Catherine and I have to sort this out ourselves without your intervention. Please?”

Vincent looked from one to the other - his father and the woman he had known as his mother for many years. Reluctantly they nodded and stepped back toward the exit. “You’ll know where we are if you need us.” The look of concern in Father’s eyes warmed Vincent. The look in Mary’s troubled him.

“It seems you have an ally in Mary.” Vincent confronted Catherine when the pair had gone.

“Yes.” Suddenly Catherine felt immensely forlorn. Vincent felt it and he was sorry, so very sorry. He swallowed with difficulty, whispering words Catherine had not heard from him in a long, long time “Perhaps you should have married Elliot after all. He would have had no trouble in giving children to you.”

Catherine said nothing, and that in itself told Vincent everything. The tears fell unbidden from his eyes.

Catherine stared at him, her heart breaking, ‘Why was she behaving like this?’ She shook her head, ‘there must be something wrong with me - I’m becoming an emotional fanatic - this is my husband - my unique and wonderful husband - the man I would gladly die for - how can I stand here and hurt him like this?’ Catherine knew she had the power to erase his tears, knew she held in her hands the power to pull them out of the depths of despair to which they had sunk, but she couldn’t. For the life of her she just couldn’t.
Instead walking back to the table she picked up the book on Brazil, and took it to where Vincent sat huddled miserably in his chair. “You wanted to know what my change of tactic was. Well here.”She shoved the book into his hands and then at a brisk walk left the chamber.
Staring down at the book, his vision misted by tears Vincent saw not the book, but Elliot trapped somewhere in Brazil and Catherine hurrying out to rescue him. The book slid from his fingers to lay in a heap on the floor and twin pools of blue over spilled soaking the crumpled pages with his tears.

“So you have absolutely no idea why they threw you down here?” Devin had listened to Elliot’s story a thousand times, and could still not understand it.

“I told you none at all.”

They were sitting, knees bent, backs against the damp wall of their prison, the inky darkness all consuming, but able to see nonetheless the occasional silhouette of each other by a chink of light from above.

“And you don’t know why they threw you down here? I can’t believe they wanted me to have some company!” Elliot hissed, “You had to have stumbled on something.”

“I obviously did, but what beats me!” Devin replied. “I never learned much at all, except that Pepe’ and his family knew something and it seems that their killers assumed I knew of it too. What gets me is why they didn’t kill me on the spot too. They could have.”

“They could have shot me too. They could have shot me and pushed me down this godforsaken hole and have been done with it. I wish they had!”

“I can only assume that killing Brazilians is one thing, but killing Americans is something else entirely.”

“You don’t think then that they plan to release us? That they have a plan for us?” Elliot’s final hope died even as he said the words.

“Who knows? I just wish they would let us go, do whatever it is that they feel the need to do, and let us get on with our lives. Whatever they may think we know nothing, at least nothing incriminating to their cause. Perhaps now it’s not so true. If I ever get out of here I will avenge the deaths of my friends for sure.”

“From what you say, those deaths were senseless, needless killings. Whatever is at stake here, has got to be to do with only one thing. I see it all the time. Only money brings about that kind of evil. Whatever they think we know has something to do with wealth, except here in Brazil that doesn’t quite ring true.”

“Why not here in Brazil?” Though Devin could not see his companion’s face, he turned to him for the answer.

“Because here in Brazil in times of economic collapse such as now, money is worthless. I signed a contract yes, and I paid for the land yes, but the bigger percentage was not with money but with promises. Promises to employ people, whole families, in a bid to help them build better homes, have better lives. These are proud people they work for their living. A get rich quick scheme is not for them not where money is concerned. Having money in the bank means nothing to these people.”

“Then what does?” Devin couldn’t quite believe his ears.

“Gems. Precious stones, gold, silver and the like. A man here is respected for his collection of gemstones. The more he has the more respect he earns for himself. In times of economic collapse, it is gemstones that are used for bartering, for trade. Brazil is the only place in the world where topaz is harvested and the world will pay good prices for such stones, even so finding a Brazilian to part with his collection is very rare indeed. He is estimated by his collection of gems and elevated because of them.”

“So he doesn’t ever have to part with his collection? Just show that he has them?”

“Indeed. The more he has the higher he is in anyone’s estimation. People will give to him gladly just to be known as his friend, just to make an elevated name for themselves. They put him up on a pedestal, and he becomes the richest man that they know, possibly the richest man in the world. This is probably true if he did sell those jewels. Blue topaz is worth a fortune and the rarest of all gemstones.”

“No that can’t be so.” Devin shook his head, “I read somewhere that blue topaz is created from the refining of clear. It’s not something that can be found in its natural state. Blue topaz doesn’t exist literally.”

“Oh but it does. Its rare true, but it exists. Just as blue is refined from clear, natural elements can produce blue. And natural blue topaz can only be found in one place in all of the world.”

“Brazil.” Devin commented.

“Yes that’s true, but one place even smaller than that.”

“Where then? I thought you said topaz comes from Brazil?”

“I did. And it does. No what I mean is that blue topaz can only be found in one place in the whole of Brazil.”

“Oh. Where?”

“Here.”

“Here?”

“Yes in Ouro Preto, it is the only place in the world, and I wondered…”

Devin’s mind raced ahead, “You think that’s what all this is about? You think they found it don’t you?”

“It would provide the perfect explanation. What else could be so highly prized so as to kill for? I still don’t know what our parts in it are, if anything. Maybe someone’s fabricated idea that we were involved at all, but yes Devin I do believe that blue topaz, or at least topaz is the reason behind all of this. And you know what?” There was a tremor to Elliot’s question.

“What?” Devin wasn’t sure he wanted to know.

“If that’s so then they can’t kill us. They can’t have our blood on their hands because Americans are among the biggest buyers of topaz when it does become available for sale and killing us would put paid to all of that. Far better that you and I died down a mineshaft while helping them dig for topaz. And that being so they never intend to set us free from here.”

“You’re missing something.”

“What?”

“Topaz is never found in huge quantities. The world has vast orders for the stone, but seldom are those orders matched. I know what you are saying about economic collapse, about the gem being mightier than the dollar, I understand all of that, but it doesn’t figure somehow. What’s the use of being mighty, no rather what’s the use of having a mighty man in your midst when your family is starving? Surely those that have these stones would sell them to meet the demand whenever possible?”

“Yes I see your point, and that’s why I think that this find is something big, big enough to stay people’s hands. Remember my work force? They just downed tools. Nothing would get them back to work. Not even a higher wage, they were tempted true, but something, or someone held them back. If a small amount of topaz had been found then there would be no leverage but a large amount? Well surely that speaks for itself? A share in a large amount of topaz would evaluate a person, set him on the road to glory, give him something money could never buy. A celebrated name for himself and all the worshippers he wanted into the bargain. It doesn’t have to be blue topaz. A small amount of blue would carry the weight of a larger deposit of pink or brown or orange, but whatever it is, I reckon that is the key. Somehow, and I don’t know when, but somehow at the time of my signing that contract someone found a deposit of topaz, and to stop me from claiming it, I was thrown down here to die. And you my friend unwittingly got caught up in this, and were thrown down here to join me.”

“Then its up to us to get out of here. For die we shall if we don’t find water soon.”

“I’ve never gone far from here, well not since that first time I told you about. But even so I encountered nothing of substance to be of lifesaving content, least of all a way out.”

“Oh but there will be one.”

Elliot gasped.
“What! Did you think that this mineshaft was the only way in? Did you not ever envisage that there must be miles of tunnels that actually led somewhere?”

“Of course I did!” Elliot snapped, “I just assumed they’d be blocked of course.”

Devin shook his head, then knowing Elliot could not see this, remarked, “No, just so far away that they never thought we would reach them without water. But water doesn’t have to trickle to be there. Have you not noticed how damp these walls are?”

“Sure I’ve noticed. Sometimes the damp seeps right through to my bones. If I ever get warm again it will be a miracle.”

“Well let’s start that miracle now shall we?”

“What, like right now?”

“How long you bin down here?”

“Too long.”

“Then its time you did something constructive. Come on lets get outa here.”

“Its impossible.” The flat note in Elliot’s tone annoyed Devin.

“Its not. I know the way. You coming or stopping here to feel sorry for yourself?” Elliot could hear Devin scrambling to his feet, could see his silhouette moving to an upright position. He wavered unsure, then got up using the wall behind to aid him. He felt weak yet elated all of a sudden. Doing something no matter how fruitless was better than doing nothing at all. And maybe, just maybe Devin would find a way out.

“I’m right behind you.”

“Good.” Devin replied, “Just grab hold of as many of these bottles with tops as you can and keep up okay?”

Mystified Elliot obeyed. And for the first time in seventeen days excitement rose in his heart.

Vincent shook his head, his great mane of hair hiding his face, “I don’t know. That is I didn’t know. That is I knew she was contemplating going, but I didn’t know she was going so soon.”

“I told you I’d be in my chamber if you needed me. You should have called me, we might have stopped her from leaving.” Father seemed not to hear or want to hear his son. Mary touched his arm, “Jacob, didn’t you hear what Vincent said, he didn’t know that Catherine planned to leave so soon.”

“Hhm!”

“And that’s your answer to everything is it - an exclamation of disapproval? And how was Vincent supposed to stop her? You know Catherine, once she gets a bee in her bonnet about something she’s off.”

“I know that only too well and much of her sudden ideas has been detrimental to Vincent.”

“That was in the past and you know it. Catherine would never put Vincent at risk anymore.”

“That maybe so, physically speaking, but what of mental anguish…”

“Will you two stop speaking about this as if I wasn’t here?”

Vincent rose to his feet and started his notorious pacing, “I didn’t know that Catherine planned to go to Brazil, not right now, this minute, only that she wished to go. And Catherine has a point, Devin has failed to make contact and after he was getting so good at it as well.” Despite everything Vincent grinned thinking of his brother’s sudden ability to actually stick to a promise to contact them frequently. They had heard from him every three days while he had been in Brazil up until the last week then suddenly nothing. It had been that as much as anything that had worried Catherine, and him too if truth be told. Obviously Catherine had picked up the vibes from him, because Vincent doubted anything might have entered her heart at all other than that other problem at hand otherwise.

“So what are you going to do about it?” Father wanted to know.

Vincent swung on him, “Do? What am I going to do? What can I do?”

“Don’t be silly Vincent. You might not be able to leave here, might not be able to go after her or telephone her, but you have a remarkable gift like no other. With the Bond of course you can get through to her, have her return before…” Father’s words faltered and he averted his gaze, but Vincent understood and continued, “before Catherine too goes missing. That’s what you were going to say wasn’t it Father?”

Jacob had the grace to blush, “Yes.” He mumbled wishing that wasn’t so. But it was true nonetheless. Vincent knew it too, Catherine had an uncanny knack of stumbling into trouble, and what could he do, so far away from where she was?
Maybe Father was right the Bond was the only way open to him. Thank God for the Bond.

“Something is wrong with me!” Catherine stamped her foot like an indignant mare as she reached for another plate of Pap de Queijo with a side serving of salad garnish.
The hotel was plush unlike anything that Devin may have stayed in and Catherine had no idea where that may have been. He’d never said, and besides he moved around too much for anything to be home for long. The food was delicious where she had chosen to stay, and she was eating far too much of it, but for some reason she had felt starved since her arrival. ‘must be the air’ she had concluded, eyeing a particular mouth watering serving of chocolate mouse glazed with ripened cherries and vanilla ice cream. She didn’t even flinch when she asked for, ‘a large serving please’ and waited in hasty expectation to savour the first mouthful.
Following her meal with iced mineral water, Catherine reached for a handful of after dinner mints to bestow in her pocket just in case she became peckish later. And she was just passing through the dining area when the scent of a fresh batch of Pap de Queijo besieged her nostrils. ‘Mmm’ Catherine followed the wafting scent, reaching unashamedly for the tray held high above the waiter’s head. ‘he’ll not miss a few’ she told herself merrily as she took them from the tray and stuffed them into her jacket pocket. There the warmth permeated through to her sides, forcing Catherine to take off and carry her jacket as she descended the steps leading out into the street.
The sunshine hit her suddenly strikingly! Its brilliance more than she had ever remembered, and at first by its splendour she did not see the little group of youngsters outside in the street until she had literally bumped into them.
“I’m sorry. Forgive me.” She held out a hand to steady the nearest child, and expecting a battering of abuse was pleasantly surprised to see faces full of grins and dancing eyes in sun tanned faces.

“Diamonds are a ladies best friend, no?” One of the boys’ held a pouch out for her inspection.

“Diamonds?” Catherine smiled, how unlikely that these children could be selling diamonds. She wanted to laugh but decided instead to humour them.

“Yes, see. We have all colours.”

Pursing her lips Catherine bit back a chuckle, diamonds of all colours, now that would be a first. Maybe diamonds that sparkled in all colours but certainly not in the array of different shaped and coloured crystals that lay upon the ragged piece of cloth in the young boy’s hand.

“Where did you get these?” It was her first thought, and as the pouch was snatched away from her eyes she regretted asking. Obviously where they obtained them was not for her to know or to ask. That they were selling them at all should have been all that mattered.
Catherine’s knowledge of Brazil’s gemstones was limited but she did know that selling gemstones there was not taken lightly, and certainly not on street corners by waifs and strays with grubby pouches to hold their wares.

“Let the lady be!” A voice rose to her side, one she faintly recognised funnily enough. Catherine turned with a ready smile on her lips and frowned as she recognised him.

“Hello. So we meet again.” He was all fairness and light.

“So I see.” Catherine made to step away from him, remembering the conversation that had turned almost to blackmail back at the airport that first time.
Stuart followed her, catching her arm, “I owe you an apology Miss. Chandler. Forgive me it was a dumb thing to do.” He told her as if he had read her mind.
Catherine wasn’t taken in by his demeanour but for the time being she let it stand. Being nice to weirdoes was she knew one of the best ways to get shot of them. Play them up and they’d likely to get a shot at you, in the literal sense.

“I forgive you, but please let go of my arm.” She smiled at him, mustering all the enthusiasm she could find to do so and he complied with her wishes.

“So, you came out here after all?”

“It would appear so.”

“Have you found your friend?”

“My friend?”

“Wasn’t you looking for Mr Burch?”

“Oh that, yes I was then but not now. I’m here on other business.” Stuart raised an eyebrow. “I’m sorry I cannot divulge that.” Catherine told him, “And besides I’m almost done. I shall be leaving again in a day or two.”

“Going back to your husband?”

“Yes.”

“I’d be happy to be your guide if you wish to go anywhere for the remainder of your stay?”

Catherine calculated the risks involved. The words keep your friends close and your enemies closer still whispered through her mind, “Thank you.” She told him, “I’d like that.”

“Must you keep complaining?” Devin had heard nothing but grumbles ever since they had left.

“Yes, goddammit I must! Why shouldn’t I?”

“Well if nothing else not doing so would conserve your spittle, and it might be a long while yet before we find water.”

“Water! Is that why we are carrying all these damn bottles?”

“What you thought we were going to play skittles when we reached our destination?” Devin quipped sarcastically, “Why else did you think we were carrying them all this way? No, don’t answer that!”

Elliot didn’t. He had plenty to say just wasn’t certain where to start. He also felt a trifle stupid that he hadn’t realised why Devin had insisted that they not only brought the bottles, but had made certain that the screw tops had been in place and that none of the bottles had been broken. And for once his barrage of questions and complaints fell away as he realised that Devin was right. All the grumbling he had done thus far, especially as Devin had been reluctant to answer, had in actual fact left him quite thirsty, and that thirst became all the more unbearable by the sudden thought of water not being encountered for some time to come.

‘We’re going to die,’ he’d uttered those words so much and Devin had only denied them or told him to get a grip. And maybe that was it. Maybe he had ‘lost it’ maybe he was on the brink of insanity, and who could blame him?
The stench, the darkness, the fear, anxiety, apprehension, hunger, thirst, you name it he’d suffered it, and it was all becoming just a bit too much. Glossed by the timeless thought that he would die in this stinking hole Elliot thought it would send anyone quite mad. And he didn’t feel sorry for his situation or the way he was thinking - he concluded that his thoughts were justified in the circumstances.
They walked on in silence now, Elliot putting one foot in front of the other aware only of the presence of another just ahead of him. He couldn’t see Devin, hadn’t seen him for some time, and became lamely aware that his own journey wasn’t hampered as Devin’s was since he trusted Devin to tell him, ‘to mind this, and mind that’ as he followed meekly behind. Devin took all the risks, bottles tied up in his shirt, he walked bare-chested cloaked only in an open jacket and jeans his hands cut and bleeding from tracing the line of the wall at his side and feeling gingerly with his toes for any drop beneath his feet. That he was used to this and that he had grown up accustomed to such a voyage of discovery did nothing to lighten his mood. He had promised Elliot they would get out of the pit, but Devin could never admit that it might not be a possibility. At least doing something was better than doing nothing at all, and they had to try. They just had to try.

“Fools gold?” Catherine repeated.

“In a manner of speaking. That which the street children sell is in actual fact quartz stone. Otherwise known as smoky topaz. Its as well I came a long when I did, you wouldn’t honestly have bought some of that stuff would you?” He grinned. Catherine did too, and shaking her head vehemently replied “course not.”

“Well just off the record, ‘cos I shouldn’t speak of rubbish while in a place like this. There are a great many unscrupulous persons that attempt to use quartz as smoky topaz, and…” he emphasised his next words, “a great many unknowing tourists that willingly buy this very cheap variety of quartz believing that they are buying cheaply the more precious topaz. More fool them.”

“Why do you say that?” Catherine was instantly intrigued.

“Because those people assume that the children have stolen precious gems and have no scruples about buying the gems from the children. Some people even barter with an already rock bottom price, and get the stones next to nothing. Pity really, there is no loss to an old fool that way.”

Despite herself Catherine found that prospect very humorous but though she was pleased that she had been rescued from spending her money on rubbish, she felt sorry for the children that had to sell such things to make a living. Stuart seemed to read her thoughts.

“Don’t.” he told her, “start to feel sorry for the children.” He laughed, “Surprised eh? It was written in your eyes. Those children are probably sent out by deceitful persons hoping to make a few million cruzeiros and pay the children a pittance.”

“Then I should still feel sorry for the children. They are being exploited and led into crime. Do the authorities do nothing at all?” “It’s the same the world over. Crime slips through the loopholes and children too come to that. I’m afraid it will be sometime before the rich stop getting richer and the poor stop getting poorer Miss Chandler.”

“And your point is what exactly?” Catherine detected certain contempt in his words.

“Nothing. Look lets catch up with the guide shall we? You’re paying for a trip into this mine and not getting your money's worth. I can vouch for some exciting views just up ahead. Here, you’ll need to turn on your torch.”

Catherine had wondered about that. At the onset of the tour bright lights had blazed overhead, and being handed a torch was the last thing she had expected. Now Stuart enlightened her as they met up with the group of tourists who had obviously been informed out of earshot of why the torches were required.

“Topaz is a night stone.” Stuart told her, “ Best seen in candlelight, but it is too breezy down here for that. Under florescent light it appears to bleed that is both colour and tone are lost and the same too with daylight. One of the reasons why jewellers use quartz-halogen lighting these days - with its white spectrum being natural looking it is so much kinder to topaz. One jewellers tip Catherine, always buy topaz in florescent lighting and sell beneath incandescent lightening.”

“A good tip if you happen to be in the trade of selling topaz. I shall remember that. Would I see flaws then if I were to insist on seeing it beneath florescent?”

“Perhaps, but topaz never has flaws, not unless they are man made ones.”

“I take it by that you speak as an expert?”

“Not so much an expert, but certainly a lover of this particular stone.”

“Sounds intriguing. Tell me more.”

“Later. Listen we are just coming to the main part of this tour. Come sit down, you will be amazed by what you hear.”

Catherine took up a seat beside him. The other people in their group had already taken up their seats and were waiting in expectation for the tour guide to begin. In very few moments Catherine was completely enthralled by all she was hearing, while Stuart sat mesmerised by her beauty and wondering how she had come by a certain scar beneath her left ear.

“What do you see?” Vincent prompted softly a little afraid that too large a question would fade the apparition.

“Beauty” came Catherine’s reply, “everywhere beauty. Oh Vincent you should see this!”

In his mind’s eye, something familiar returned to Vincent at that moment - something he had read and he applied its significance now gasping with pleasure as he realised what Catherine could see…

“What are they?” He questioned. Amazed by her answer.

“Topaz. Oh Vincent aren’t they beautiful?”

He nodded, unable to speak, and in that moment of movement the image faded. Vincent tried desperately to hold on, but it collapsed quickly, until he became aware that he was back in his chamber, alone.
His elation died and once again he felt a million miles away from his love, but then at the back of his mind seared the memory that the Bond had changed. That he could at the right time dwell so deep inside Catherine that he could literally see through her eyes. It brought Vincent such overwhelming joy that he no longer felt alone. He was ecstatic to know that he could share with Catherine every movement she made, and perhaps in so doing protect her even if she were on the other side of the world. That in itself gave him such comfort that for the first time since she had left he drifted off into a dreamless sleep that for once didn’t haunt him with nightmares and visions of Catherine in trouble and he so far away that he was unable to help her.

“For you.” Stuart held out the small piece of rock and placed it into the palm of Catherine’s hand, “it’ll bring you peace.”
Examining the rock with her fingertips and rolling it round in her palm Catherine couldn’t deny that she felt a tingling warmth that spread right up her arm and deep into her body, bringing about a feeling of well being that she hadn’t known moments before. Or maybe that was due to the fact that she had just realised that Vincent had literally dwelt within her for a time and she had felt so remarkably close to him.
The tour was over now and the group of tourists was heading for the gift shop but Catherine was still deeply interested in this wonderful little stone.
“It always amazes me what qualities are attached to certain stones.” She remarked as she picked up a card showing various stones and their meanings. “Listen to this; ‘topaz - the abundant one. A stone that detoxifies the body, warms, awakens and inspires health by powerful assistance to tissue regeneration.’ Do you think that’s true Gary?”

“Oh yes most certainly. I have never felt better since working with topaz. Ask any miner and they’ll tell you the same. This little stone regenerates almost every gland and tissue in the body. It’s soothing, peaceful and tranquillising. I simply love it.”

“It says here that it gives of a creativity and self-expression that co-operates with one’s higher self. I have heard of such things with gemstones, but have never taken much notice I must admit.”

Although that wasn’t strictly true. Catherine understood very well the properties surrounding her crystal, but thought it best not to enlightening him of it, lest he ask questions as to its origin.
They were standing side by side now, and as Stuart was closer than she liked, Catherine moved aside replacing the card in its holder and made a show of checking the time by looking at her watch. “I should go, its getting late. Thank you for bringing me here Gary.”

“Just call me Stuart, everyone does.” He replied before adding,”The day is still young, I had wanted to take you elsewhere. I know the tour has shown you much but there is still a lot of it didn’t show you. I’d hoped to take you to the refinery, show you how the gems are turned into something spectacular.”

“How can you enhance on natural beauty?” Catherine asked.

“By bringing out its best. Do you not like to wear make up, perfume nice clothes? Mind you I think you would still look beautiful without any of those things.”

“Thank you.” Catherine blushed feeling worried that his attention though genuine was beginning to have an ulterior motive and not just one of another person showing her around his favourite places.

“I really should get back to the hotel. I need to freshen up before dinner and take an early night. I only have another day here and would like to spend it wide awake.”

“As you wish. Tomorrow then? Maybe you would allow me to escort you to the refinery, and show you just how beautiful topaz can really be. Besides many of the colours you saw here today are nothing compared to the colours brought about by refining. You will also have the opportunity of buying shares into a topaz mine, if you would like to do so.”

“I’d much prefer buying some topaz to take back with me.”

“Its not always possible. The trade for topaz is difficult. The gemstones are totally unfettered by government regulations so the prices are determined strictly by demand and supply and often Brazilians will hold on to whatever stones that they find since these become a great source of wealth at times of economic collapse. One can barter with gemstones to obtain other wealth. You will be lucky to be able to purchase any stone of value that is the sort of calibre I think you should adorn yourself with. Look I will enlighten you more tomorrow for I can see you are growing weary. Will you let me escort you back to your hotel?”

Catherine nodded, she did suddenly feel very tired. It was unlike her, and she was extremely hungry not to mention thirsty. “Thank you.” She told him sincerely, “I’d appreciate that.” For right now just being able to lean on another human being had its advantages for Catherine felt almost too tired to walk.
She hoped she wasn’t sickening for something - that would be all she needed right now. She still had much to do, even though she’d told Stuart she was going home the day after tomorrow, nothing could have been further from the truth. She couldn’t leave until she had ascertained what had become of Devin and while she was there what had happened to Elliot. It bugged her that she knew not the answer to neither of these questions and wondered where she should start. For all his gallantry Catherine didn’t trust Stuart but right now he might be the only lead that she had. Perhaps she could ask with caution, maybe she might glean something that would at least give her something to go on. But tomorrow was soon enough, right now reaching the hotel was all Catherine wanted to do then eat drink bath and sleep in that order and the sooner the better for she hadn’t felt so out of sorts in a long, long time.

“What is it?”

“I can hear water.”

“Water?” Elliot’s mind went blank. So many emotions flew into it at once. Elation being the utmost, but everything at once became too much to think about.

“Yes. It’s dripping, over here I think. Come.”

“Where’s over here?”

“I’m sorry. To your left, hold out the flat of your palm against the wall, see its remarkably wet in places. All we need to find is a rivulet where it is running the most and catch it into the bottles, then we can make faster progress to freedom.”

Elliot did as Devin bade and was delighted to feel his fingers grow wet. “Yes! Its water! Oh thank you, thank you, thank you God.” He leaned against the wall allowing his face to become saturated the feeling was the best he had ever experienced. Ice cold water washing away the sweat and grime of the past three weeks. It felt wonderful!

Catherine listened with awe as the narrator explained the history of topaz mined in Ouro Preto, the little town where she had stayed for the past four days. And where now she toured the main refinery of that particular gemstone alongside her guide Gary Stuart, a man she wasn’t particularly fond of, but also a man that for some reason wanted to keep a close eye on her.
She knew he found her beautiful, he’d said as much time and again, and she couldn’t put her finger on it, but she felt deep down that her beauty wasn’t something that he was necessarily interested in. As in keeping her friends close and her enemies closer still Catherine allowed him to accompany her, purely so she knew what he was up to, rather than have him surprise her in a way that she hadn’t yet worked out.
Obviously he had some designs on her, but she couldn’t understand what, and apart from the fact that they had met at the air port in New York prior to her arrival in Brazil, Catherine knew little else about him. Any observation she made was purely coincidental, for Gary Stuart kept his private life very much to himself.

“Natural topaz is coloured in various hues of yellow through orange, peach orange, pink, cinnamon-pink, dark orange red and violet red. Brown is a secondary hue, while the brownish yellow is sometimes referred to as sherry topaz. Prices vary depending on the range of hues from light to dark, respectfully."

While her attention was caught up in the narrative, Catherine spared some of her interest for the man walking at her side. He’d said little today. Having collected her from her hotel early that morning and accompanying her to the refinery, he had been very quiet since their arrival. Catherine wondered what was on his mind. Maybe she had underestimated him maybe he did find her attractive enough to be concerned about her proposed return home on the morrow. But Catherine doubted it. Her lawyer years had made her susceptible to the out workings of others.

“However topaz can be found in a multitude of hues. Theoretically speaking the variety is infinite and topaz possesses a soft velvety brilliance that is unique. Yet despite that there are some colours that can only be attained through heat treatment and that’s where this refinery comes into operation.”

They walked slowly along following the team of students, tourists and collectors alike through a long corridor into a room similar to that of a dark room for the process of photography. Here soft incandescent lights gave full vigour and vitality to the gems on display. And through a window it was possible to watch the fine art of ‘pinking’ a technique performed under low temperatures as in over the open flame of a campfire.
Stones found with a pink or bluish hue could be made purer this way. The beauty of it was that ‘pinked’ topaz was difficult to distinguish from topaz that is naturally pink, despite some experienced dealers insisting otherwise.

“So someone like me wouldn’t be able to tell what has been touched up and what hasn’t?” Catherine asked with a grin.

The guide turned to her, “That’s about the size of it.” He grinned back exposing a bright flashing smile that left Catherine quite breathless.

“Then why the treatment?” Catherine shrugged, “Why all this if the colour can be mined naturally?”

He grinned at her again, yet Catherine detected the word ‘foolish woman’ in that smile. He neither answered her question nor acknowledged her presence from then on and Catherine was left to wonder whether he actually knew the answer to her question or if he couldn’t be bothered to say. Either way it didn’t matter as Gary Stuart came to her rescue, once again.

“The heat process can bring forth a wider variety of hues than is natural. ‘Pinking’ is only one of them.
From the process of heating we can obtain the widely acclaimed blue topaz. Though blue can occur naturally, the hue can be wishy-washy and not the bright vibrant colour that blue topaz is praised for. Come let me show you.” Taking her arm Stuart steered Catherine past students and the like, into a side room that she hadn’t noticed. Here again the room was dark lit only by soft incandesce lights to show off the beauty of the topaz.
“Notice that topaz is the birthstone for November and it is as previously shown available in a huge variety of hues. Here see, this blue, that was a chunk mined around here around three years ago, its kinda bluish, but not of a hue to excite anyone. Yet see this;” Stuart pointed to a colourless stone, void of any sort of treatment, “this is from where we get the real blue topaz. Colourless topaz is irradiated to produce a vibrant blue, like this one see?”

The difference was stunning! From pale non-excitable blue to colourless stone to a vibrant flashing blue stone that took Catherine’s breath away, the contrast was incredible!

“After it has gone through its treatment it is heated to stabilise the colour, and there you have it, blue topaz fit for a king, or should we say a queen? Can you not imagine being adorned with such finery Miss Chandler?”

“It is beautiful.” Catherine could only remark, and there was something else, the glorious blue made her think of Vincent’s eyes, so much so that she never wanted to stop looking at the gemstone.

“If you’ll come with me?” Stuart broke through her thoughts, edging her away from the sight that held her gaze and over toward another shelf containing more topaz. “This is Imperial topaz. It can only be mined here in Ouro Preto. That is within and around sixty-kilometres of this mine. Imperial topaz my dear Catherine is a highly valued gemstone and one that will soon be in short supply. Blue can always be created from colourless, but this, this shade of orange to reddish orange is expected to be non existent by the end of the century. If you wish to purchase any type of topaz Catherine, then let it be the Imperial Topaz. I can tell you that being able to own such a stone will in time make you a very desirable lady to know. Not that you aren’t now of course.” He hastened to add, “Your beauty transcends any precious stone, but if you were to be in the market for gems the Imperial Topaz would be the finest in your collection.”

“I hadn’t thought about buying any gemstones let alone topaz, but thank you Mr Stuart for bringing this to my attention. I will certainly give it some thought. Shares in topaz could be quite lucrative in a few years time. Shall we go back to the tour now?” Catherine checked her watch, “I’m sure they will be finishing it soon.”

They were. As Catherine and Stuart re-entered the room they had vacated some half hour earlier the tour was just winding down with the words; “…and being that the supply of topaz as we know it is diminishing. And the current situation is that the centre of the world’s topaz trade in Belo Horizonte Brazil’s third largest city and just a short drive from Ouro Preto can be described as steady. Most of the smaller mines will eventually close as supplies wither and finally cease, but the availability of the finest pinks and reds will hopefully continue for a good few years to come. However, having said that I am pleased to report that a fresh find has been discovered here in Ouro Preto and this appears to boast a huge amount of Imperial and Colourless Topaz that will take several years to mine. So perhaps the earth is not yet ready to close its gates on topaz mining. And maybe the next century will produce new techniques for deeper and safer mining, and maybe we will find that even blue topaz of the hue that is presented after refining to be a natural colour that will put Ouro Preto back on the map for another century or more. So ladies and gentlemen that concludes the tour for today. I hope you have enjoyed it and if you have any questions I shall be pleased to answer them after we have all partaken of some refreshment. So if you would all follow me…”

Stuart held on to Catherine’s arm, “You don’t have to follow them. They are only going for something to eat and drink. How about you and I taking another look around down here?”

Something in his tone unnerved Catherine, whatever did he want with her? Catherine shook her head, “I am quite hungry actually, so if you don’t mind?”

Reluctantly it seemed, Stuart shook his head, and took up step beside her once more. She wasn’t leaving until the morrow, time yet to have his way with her. He looked back with longing at the darkened rooms lit only by soft lighting to enhance the quality of the topaz and shrugged his shoulders. It would have been nice to make love to her amid such a setting but no matter there were other places just as beautiful, he could wait. He’d played the game till now with no hiccups, and he could play it a yet awhile. The wait would be worth it. Catherine Chandler was one very desirable and sexy lady.

Vincent’s head jerked up at the words. “Pardon?”

“I said Lapis Luzali. Vincent you may not know it but your eyes are the most beautiful hue I have ever seen just now. They remind me of lapis lazuli. No wonder Catherine feels able to drown in your lagoon eyes. Why Vincent is that a blush I can see?” Mary laughed as she took up the tea tray beside her adoptive son.

“I’m sorry Mary I couldn’t eat anything. Tell William it’s nothing to do with his cooking.” Vincent’s tone was flat and Mary’s heart went out to him.
Patting his hand she stayed at his side for the moment, “Miss her huh? Is she all right? Do you know?”

“Yes Mary I know, and yes she appears quite well. Tired perhaps, but she seems to be safe. I don’t envisage her return anytime soon however. I miss her Mary.”

“Yes, you will do. Perhaps more now than ever before. And what of that other problem, have you managed to resolve anything?”

Vincent shook his head. “When Catherine returns we still have that to face. I know how you feel Mary, I know too that Catherine deserves children of her own, its just that…”His words trailed away, and Mary patted his large furry hand once more, “I understand Vincent. We women are just being silly clucky old hens, don’t fret so, I’m certain Catherine will feel differently in time. Perhaps you and she could adopt a baby?”

“I have put that to her, but it would appear she wants only mine. I suppose I should feel proud and happy to know that, but I am not. No one but me knows how it really feels to be locked inside this body. If I should pass this heritage on to someone else it would be the death of me. I couldn’t live with that Mary.”

“No doubt you feel that way Vincent, but if it happened you would love that child fiercely. There is nothing like the love of a mother or a father toward their own.” Mary’s eyes took on a distant look, and this time Vincent covered her hand and squeezed it in his. He felt her pain. Mary’s own daughter had died when still very young and she had not had another child of her own.
For some moments the two stayed side by side in silence, until Mary finally straightened and once again took up the tea tray in both hands. “Maybe you’ll come to the kitchen for some supper Vincent. Try not to go without Vincent. Starving yourself isn’t going to bring Catherine home any faster. Besides you need to keep your strength up to contact her via the Bond that you share.”

“Yes. Thank you Mary, I will be down for supper.” Mary moved away intending to leave without another word, when Vincent spoke softly thus calling back her attention, "Lapis Lazuli?”

“Yes Vincent Lapis Lazuli. And true of you in another sense too. It is known as a night stone, did you know that?”

Vincent shook his head, “No I didn’t. What of blue topaz?”

“A night stone also. If ever I saw either I would be reminded instantly of you.”

“For their colour and the significance of the night?”

“Yes and also because both are the very epitome of you in that they represent power, physic abilities and a communicator with the higher self. Without those qualities Vincent you would not be who you are, despite what you may represent in looks, and it is my belief that those that may be around either you or such gemstones will find those qualities magnified in themselves.”

Vincent sighed, he had always found it difficult to accept praise, and this was no exception.

“Thank you Mary.” Was all he managed to say.

“You’re welcome, child.”

Vincent watched Mary walk out of the chamber and then lay his head back against the wing of his chair where he had been leaning upon her entrance, and started to think of Catherine again, only this time with a light of wisdom that hadn’t been present before.

“Is something wrong?” Leo addressed Stuart who had said no more than half a dozen words since he had walked into the meeting some half an hour earlier.
One finger half way to his mouth Stuart looked up. “With me?” He questioned seeming surprised to have been asked.

“Yes with you. You seem distracted. In fact we have seen very little of you these past four days. What have you been up to?”

“Nothing.”

“Such an unusual name for a beautiful woman.” Leo laughed heartily causing Pedro to stare at him questioningly.

“I’ve seen the pair of them together.” Leo confessed, “So what is her name and when’s the wedding?” He laughed again. Stuart blushed and nails forgotten he started to fidget in his seat.

Pedro laughed, “Cat got your tongue?” He turned to Leo, “It must be love. I’ve never seen him lost for words before.”

“Either that or there is a mystery surrounding the woman.” Pedro ever suspicious leaned forward looking Stuart in the eye. “Tell us, is she a spy?” He laughed, but the laughter didn’t quite ring true.

Stuart caught the malice behind it. Pedro was fishing and how long should he hold out on them anyway?

“No she isn’t a spy.” He laughed but to his own ears his laughter sounded false causing Pedro to quirk an eyebrow while looking at him suspiciously.

“But?” He asked his tone deadly.

“Look there’s nothing to worry about. I met her in New York…” he was going to say she was an old friend of a friend et cetera, et cetera but Pedro didn’t give him the chance.

“New York! Is she connected to Burch?”

“In a manner of speaking yes, but…” Again Stuart was interrupted.

“She is! Then why did you not tell us straight away? Where is she? What is she doing here? What of the other fellow does she know him too?”

“Look its okay really it is. She’s just here on some other business, she’s a lawyer…”

“A lawyer!” Pedro passed a hand over his brow and groaned, “This gets worse. And you thought not to inform us?” Are you stupid?”

“Its not that way.” Stuart laughed shaking his head, “She won’t trouble us. And besides she’s leaving for New York tomorrow.”

“So soon?” Pedro turned to his colleague asking, “I don’t like it. How about you Leo?”

“Much the same as you I think. Whether she has found out anything, is immaterial that she is returning proves that she could be going back to New York for reinforcements. I don’t like it Pedro. We mustn’t let her return.”

Leaning toward Stuart Pedro looked him dead in the eyes, “What have you told her?”

“Nothing.” Stuart shook his head, “Nothing, I swear.”

“I hope not for your sake. But we cannot take that risk. Do you know where we might find her?”

“She’s meeting me in her hotel lobby at noon.”

“Good. Good. Then we will accompany you. You may introduce us, and Leo and I will ascertain exactly what she knows, and whom she is working for.”

Stuart saw his best laid plans for Catherine’s last day swept aside and wished he’d feigned ignorance to Leo’s sighting of he and Catherine together but it was too late for that now.

“What will you do with her?” He asked nervously. His tone not going unnoticed by either Leo or Pedro.

“That rather depends on what we glean. But if I feel that she will be a risk to our venture, she will have to be eliminated like Burch and Wells, and you Stuart would do well to stay out of that, unless you’d like to keep the three of them company.”

Gary Stuart shook his head. No, despite what he felt toward Catherine Chandler, he’d rather not keep her company that way. He could still remember Pepe’s horror story of the mineshaft clear enough to not want to experience it for himself. “I don’t think you’ll find her causing you any problems.” Stuart told them. But even though he tried to sound positive he knew deep down that the possibility of that was slim. Catherine may have covered her tracks mightily well, but even Stuart had suspected the real reason for her being in Brazil, and it had nothing to do with some other business she had led him to believe she was there for.

It was raining. Standing in her hotel room, Catherine regarded the raindrops with dismay. She’d been in Ouro Preto for four days and due to keeping Stuart close had actually uncovered nothing at all. This day she had to move on, to pretend that she was returning to New York, while in actual fact moving over to stay in Belo Horizonte for the rest of her two week or however long it took stay. She’d hoped to not be away for longer than two weeks knowing how much Vincent worried about her. It had been amazing that other day when he had seen right through her in a literal sense, but this only heightened the knowledge of how deeply he was thinking about her. And it distressed Catherine to know that while Vincent put his faith in her to locate his brother, she had in effect betrayed that trust by spending time sightseeing with another man. Well, no more! Today she would check out and start her enquiries from further afield. She could go incognito and Stuart would not recognise her if she kept her distance.
Catherine didn’t know why exactly, but she didn’t trust the man, and then there was the niggling doubt that he knew far more than he let on about Elliot’s and probably Devin’s sudden disappearance.
Her bags packed, the taxi on its way, Catherine surveyed her room checking for any item she may have overlooked when a knock sounded at her door. Assuming that it was the bellboy come to tell her that her taxi had arrived, Catherine gathered up some of her bags and opened the door, surprised to find not one youth standing there, but in actual fact two men whom she had never seen before and Gary Stuart.

“May we come in?” Stuart asked, walking past her into the room without waiting for her reply. “Going I see.” He sounded relieved. Catherine furrowed her brow - his relief was unexpected to say the least.

“Yes. My plane leaves at noon.”

“What, you wasn’t even going to say goodbye?” Now he sounded hurt.

“I’d expected your arrival any moment, but had I missed you I would have left a note at the desk.” This wasn’t true at all for Catherine had no intention of saying goodbye.

“Before you go, I’d like you to meet some friends of mine.”

Catherine had been watching the two men while Stuart had spoken, she didn’t like the way they inspected her bags, or the fact that they had said nothing.

“I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance.” Catherine held out a hand to first Pedro then Leo, not knowing who was who.

They introduced themselves as they returned her handshake, warm and firm, one she noticed took a trifle longer than needed to retain her hand within his. That was Pedro. He stared blatantly at her now making her feel uneasy.

“I’m sorry we could not have met earlier, but as you see I am returning home today.” Dismayed Catherine noticed her voice shook. Half way through she had tried to quell it, hoping they hadn’t noticed. They had.
Concerned glances passed between Leo and Pedro, and Leo was the first to speak. “Before you go might we ask you one or two questions?”

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Catherine checked her watch, making a pretence of time passing her by, “Only if you are quick. I am anxious to catch this flight. My family are expecting me.”

“And who would that be?” The words were out before Pedro could stop them. He felt he should apologise but then dismissed the idea. After all, it had been what he had wanted to say even if it had come out rather tactless.

“Well not that it’s any of your business, but my husband mainly. We are newly wed, and he is missing me.”

“Oh yes of course the runaway bride.” Leo mocked.

“I beg your pardon?” Catherine felt her hackles rising. She was on dangerous ground she could feel it. The malice behind Leo’s remark was unmistakable.

“Stuart told us, how you hurried out here on business shortly after getting married. Could your husband not accompany you?”

Catherine shook her head, “No it was official business, besides he has much to do in New York, and I wasn’t intending to be gone long. Now if you would excuse me, I really must go.”

“Not so fast.” This time it was Stuart that held her back.

Taking hold of her arm he steered her toward a chair and bade her sit. For long moments Catherine refused until she felt firm hands upon her shoulders forcing her down, and as the only person she couldn’t see was Leo she guessed it were he that pressured her down. Furious, she held Stuart’s gaze before crying out loud, “What the hell do you think you are doing!”

“I’m sorry, but we need to ask you some questions, and will not let you go until we are satisfied with your answers.”

“I don’t understand.” Catherine shrugged, “What is there to ask? My business here has nothing to do with you. What could you possibly want to know from me?”

“As you say.” Stuart shrugged, and stepped aside while Pedro took up his place in front of Catherine.

“Elliot Burch.” Pedro drawled.

“What about him?” Catherine remarked casually.

“Did you come here looking for him?” Catherine laughed, trying to make the sound genuine, “For what possible reason should I? Elliot’s plane went down off the coast of New York over two weeks ago, why on earth would I come to Brazil looking for him here?”

“Hm” Pedro grunted, “But what if you didn’t believe that he went down with his plane?”

The lawyer in Catherine took over, “If I didn’t believe? Are you saying that he wasn’t on that plane?” She thus turned the tables on the questioning.

“I’m saying nothing of the sort Miss Chandler. But let me see now, you aren’t Miss Chandler anymore are you? By what name should we call you?”

“Chandler’s fine. I still use it for work. And I don’t see any reason for enlightening you with my married name since we are hardly likely to meet again after this day." Catherine stood up, “Now if you’ll excuse me…” They let her go helping even to gather her bags. She wished they wouldn’t, wished they would go, leave her be, and more especially hoped that they weren’t going to accompany her to where she had to catch the bus. Fortunately for Catherine her wishes came to pass. For as soon as they arrived down in the lobby the three men bid her adios, and left, even Stuart, she was relieved to find went with them.
Her taxi had arrived, and after bestowing her luggage in the truck Catherine got in, and started her journey toward the bus terminal. She did not notice the three men getting into a car several yards back and begin to follow her there.

A groggy reply came from somewhere to his left it was close and Elliot tried to kick out but the impact he had intended was hampered by the level of water at his feet. Devin came to about the same moment splashing around in the water as their predicament became apparent to him.

“The rains must have come.” Devin and Elliot remarked together. Elliot groaned, “That’s all we need.”

“Yeah” Devin tried to make light of it, “It never rains but it pours.” Then he sobered, “First no water then too much water. Well we cant stay here, its not gonna get any better. I hope you can swim?”

“Swim? Yes of course I can swim? You don’t possibly mean we’ll have to do you?” Elliot’s voice contained his anxiety Devin was quick to notice.

“Maybe. Look I don’t know, but it’s possible that we may have to wade waist deep before we are done. It could be that swimming would make the journey easier, if we looked upon it positively.” That idea had just come to Devin. He decided it could be a sound one. In the long run the rains could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

“What is it! Vincent!”

The roaring continued unabated.

“Vincent!” Father hobbled into the dimness of the chamber and attempted to calm his son, reaching out a tentative hand knowing the risks of doing so. Vincent in this frame of mind was dangerous.

“Vincent?” Father coaxed, over and over trying to calm his son, “Vincent, Vincent, what’s happened, what’s wrong?”

Slowly the terrible roaring ceased and Vincent slumped into a nearby chair, almost taking his father down with him. “Its Catherine.” Was all he could murmur, and fear clutched at Father’s throat, “Is she, is she…”

“No!” The reply came out on a hiss, “No she’s not dead. Not yet.”

“What do you mean not yet? Is there a risk?”

Notorious for his pacing Vincent rose and circled the room, “Father why do you ask? There is always a risk.” His hands spread before him signalling the defeat, the hopelessness of Catherine’s life. Of the times he had rescued her in the nick of time. Then slumping back to his seat, Father detected the hopelessness of this latest quest, knowing the futility of the hope that Vincent would arrive and save her this time.

“Oh Vincent…what can I say?” Father hugged his son, his arms fully around his son’s neck and shoulders, trying with all his might to bring him a merit of comfort, knowing all too well that only Catherine’s presence could truly do that now.

“There is nothing you can say.” Vincent whispered, “That you care is enough, but Father I feel so helpless. Catherine is so far away.”

“While she lives there is hope. And Catherine has proved on more than one occasion that she can take care of herself. Try not to worry Vincent I know that’s easier said than done, but try at least.”

“I will try.” The words were spoken without conviction.

“Perhaps if you were to open the Bond?” Mary suggested speaking for the first time since entering the chamber.

Vincent’s head snapped up surprised to hear her voice, even more surprised to know she was there at all.

“It has worked before Vincent, and did you not tell us the other day how you were able to see right through Catherine to what was taking place before her? Use that gift Vincent, in that way you will be with her.”

“Yes.” Vincent was silent for a few moments, then went on, “Thank you Mary. Father, Mary if you would excuse me, I need to concentrate in peace and quiet to be with Catherine in this way.”

Father straightened bestowing a kiss to his son’s cheek as he did so, “We will see that you aren’t disturbed. Good luck Vincent.”

They left then, quietly slipping away aware that Vincent was already drifting into a trance that would bring him into an encounter with Catherine.
He hoped he could help her, far away as he was. What use was the Bond otherwise, if it could not aid them when they needed it most?

“The water goes subterranean here.” Devin remarked as his knees touched the bottom, “I think its best that we go up, besides…” he grinned though Elliot was unable to see it, “I have just found something rather wonderful.”

“What?” Elliot asked squeezing water from his clothing as he came to stand alongside Devin.

“Pipes!” The jubilation in Devin’s voice was unmistakable but it was lost on Elliot.

“And there was I thinking I’d gone mad! What do you mean by pipes?”

“Where I come from the very word would instil excitement to a lost traveller, here not so much. Nonetheless it tells me that where there are pipes there was or is civilisation. And just by following them we should in time reach freedom.”

Now Elliot understood. “Oh Thank God.” He sighed deeply repeating again “Thank God.”

“And I’m supposed to be grateful?” Catherine seethed, not for the first time struggling against the firm grip on either side of her.

“You would be. Believe me unless you are a fish you would not want to be taken to the same place as your friends. The rains you see…” he shrugged as if those words made everything self-explanatory, but Catherine failed to ‘see’.

Her puzzled expression angered Pedro, “Must I spell it out for you? The rains will have flooded that particular area. It would be certain death for you if I should throw you into that pit.”

“Yet that is your intention? That I should die.” Catherine questioned.

“Yes in time. Yes, but this way I do not have your blood on my hands. There is a way out, you have to find it. Maybe your friends have found it maybe they have not. Maybe they have drowned.” He thought of Elliot awaiting his next meal from Pepe’, and grinned, “Mr Burch’s intelligence left a lot to be desired. He wasted too much time I fear.” He shrugged, “But you already know that there is a way out, and I think perhaps you have more intellect than Mr Burch. It will be entertaining to see who actually comes out alive from down there.”

“So you are taking me where exactly?” Catherine asked.

“To another mine shaft higher than the first, you will be relatively safe there for another week at least. But be warned Miss Chandler, make haste for all the tunnels do flood in time.” He shrugged again, “But at least you will have water, something I fear that your friends did not have for some time.”

The cart they had been travelling in came to a standstill as he finished speaking, “We are here.” He motioned to Leo to hold her tighter while he alighted from one side and came round to the other to help hold her on either side once again. “Come offer us no trouble Miss Chandler and I will promise that you will at least be offered a chance of survival.”

“And if I don’t?” Catherine stopped struggling though her eyes never stopped searching for a way of escape.

The gun was pressed against her chest “Then I may just have to alter my opinions toward the sanctity of life in your case. It is easy if I allow myself to believe that you are of this race and not American. We all ready have too many rats here.”

Not understanding what he meant Catherine let it be. At least she would have a chance, and if she was very lucky she might be able to find Elliot and Devin. Although she had of course no way of knowing just how far apart each were, and whether she could find them before her own time ran out!

Holding on to the pipe at his side Devin heaved himself out of the water and up onto a dry ledge, holding out a hand to Elliot for him to do the same. “It’s not much warmer up here, I’m afraid, but at least for the moment it’s dry.” He told him as Elliot came to stand alongside him.

“I’d just be grateful to be able to see where I am walking.” Elliot replied, “Swimming blind wasn’t so bad I guess.”

“Well being able to hold onto these pipes will help, though we still have to be careful where we put our feet. Perhaps more so. The pipes may give a sense of false security. They could pass right over a shaft and we wouldn’t know it. We still have to be careful.”

They started their climb, ever upwards each walking with hand over hand on the pipes at their side. The rings on Elliot’s fingers rung on the pipes and set up a singsong sound in their heads as they walked. It became a sound to walk to and with it they talked not at all walking along in silence each to his own thoughts.

Until…

“What’s that?”

“What’s what?” Elliot could hear and see nothing.

“Take your hands away from the pipe a moment, I was sure I heard another sound.” Elliott complied and Devin listened hard.
At first there was nothing and just as Devin was about to sigh and announce he must have imagined it, both of them heard it again. Devin gasped, he understood the lingo! And began tapping back right away with a pebble he had picked up for the purpose.

“Didn’t you like my tune?” Elliott remarked, humour in his tone as he started banging his rings against the pipes once again to emphasise his point.

“Stop that!” Devin yelled, “Listen.”

As Devin stopped tapping also, a responsive tone came back, almost like a message and Devin was clearly overjoyed.

“Its Catherine!”

“Catherine? Cathy Chandler?” A lump caught and held in Elliot’s throat. He had to tell himself to breathe.

“Yes. Come on, she cant be far ahead. Seems they threw her down here too.”

“Cathy? Cathy’s here in this God forsaken hole? Come on hurry she must be scared out of her wits!”

Devin doubted that, but nonetheless he started to hurry.

“Cathy, oh Cathy.” Elliot clung to her showering her face in kisses, his warm lips searching out hers, his arms tightly around her holding her close. “You came for me, you came for me.” He muttered over and over, “Oh Cathy you don’t know how good that makes me feel.”

From his vantage point a few feet away Devin caught Catherine’s gaze her chin as it was pressed upon Elliot’s shoulder, and his look worried her greatly. He didn’t still believe that she had feelings for this man did he?
Carefully she untangled herself from Elliot’s grasp, so as not to offend him yet at the same time trying to make it plain to Devin that she felt nothing but a sense of relief to find them both alive and happy that she had found them at all. Still no matter how hard she tried, she could tell that Devin’s suspicions had been roused and nothing she could do for the moment would alter his opinion of her.
Elliot’s devotion to her had caused all of that.
Still little could rob them of the joy of being together, and they spent a great deal of time resting and trading experiences over the next couple of hours before deciding what they should do next.

“You rest.” Devin broke contact, untangling his fingers from Catherine’s as he bid her to sit. “The way forks here, you may as well take the weight off your feet while I take a look. Elliot can you take the other fork?”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to rest too.” Devin was surprised by Elliot’s reply, but didn’t insist he should help him.

“All right I shouldn’t be long. Make the most of it.”

‘Oh I intend to do.’ Elliot mused to himself.

Listening as the crunch of Devin’s footsteps disappeared somewhere ahead Catherine took off her shoes and rubbed her aching feet unaware that Elliot’s eyes were focused upon her even though he could not see her.
For a while each were silent, absorbing the chance to relax their weary bodies, until Catherine finally heard the disturbance of gravel nearby and knew that Elliot was moving. Next she heard his breathing close by yet she still jumped when she felt his hands reach for her.

“What? Elliot? What are you doing?”

“Cathy come on. You know you want this.”

Panic filled Catherine’s heart, “Elliot NO! No you’re wrong!” She felt his hands on her breasts, his thumbs tracing the line of her nipples and the damning effect it had on her. Immediately her nipples hardened causing Elliot to feel a sudden ecstatic jubilation!

“Cathy, how is it that your body responds to my touch? You deceive yourself when you say you don’t want this. You know that you do. Please Cathy let me love you. I have thought of nothing else since I have been down here.”

Catherine struggled pushing his hands away, her breathing fast and sharp. “No Elliot, No!” She moved away from him as far as the walls would allow, hoping he would not follow.
That hope died as she felt him beside her once again his hands on her shoulders and she struggled harder as they cupped her face, to bring her lips to his. His kiss was everything she had remembered, sparking a memory bitter and sweet, lighting the embers to a need deep in the pit of her femininity that disgusted her.
Elliot’s hands - Vincent’s hands. So different, so utterly, utterly different, yet a caress so tender so loving that in the dark, Catherine could well imagine it was either of them if she wanted to. But she didn’t want to and so she struggled harder and harder fighting against the man intent on making love to her as he had always dreamed.

“What’s going on!” He could not see, but could hear the hard and fast breathing, the scuffle somewhere to his left, and the sound of lips on lips.

“Devin! Help!” Catherine’s voice muffled yes, angry maybe, frightened perhaps. Devin wasn’t sure, could not see, did not know if what he had stumbled upon was an act for his benefit or something else. Something he had suspected, something that had happened the very moment the two of them had the chance to be alone.
For now though he would give it the benefit of the doubt, and reaching out grasped the back of Elliot’s jacket, heaving him away angry enough to knock the sense out of him, yet losing him in the darkness, unable to do so, swiping only the air.
For long moments heavy breathing permeated the surroundings, then Catherine’s voice flared angry, “Don’t you ever do that again!” Devin unsure what did she mean? To whom did she direct that retort? He moved away his heart heavy. He hated being right all the time - the cow - poor Vincent. How would he ever be able to tell him?

His mind in overdrive Elliot calculated. It would only take a moment. The life she had chosen with Vincent was no life at all. She had lost her way, allowed gratitude to stand in the way of love. Vincent had saved her life so she had given up hers to him, given herself up to a beast when she could have so much more. She was a remarkable woman, but Elliot could give her everything, and with her new found wealth if she so wished she could build a safe haven for her friends in the tunnels. Could make a place of refuge for her so-called bestial friend.
If only he could make love to her, if only he could give her his child, she would stay with him. Catherine was not the sort of woman to abort a child, and besides had her body not told him that she wanted him, so too she would want his child. He would give her a child and she would be his forever and they would have a happy life, Elliot was certain of it.
The best part of the journey came he decided when at last after almost four days of complete darkness, dappled daylight penetrated the tunnels from somewhere higher than where they stood. Now Elliot’s hungry eyes could feast once more on the woman that he loved more than anything or anyone else in the entire world. Her beauty despite the grime of the last few days astounded him, and he felt a familiar stirring in his loins that was ever present when he thought of her.

“Oh Catherine.” He whispered low enough for her ears only. She looked at him shaking her head, understanding at once the look of desire in his eyes, knowing that he still hadn’t given up the idea of her being his.

“Want to rest?” Devin’s question turned her gaze from Elliot’s and she shook her head, “No, why?”

“Just thought you looked as though you needed to.” Devin laughed. The first time he had in four days. “I hope I don’t look as bad as that.”

“Believe me Devin you look worse than I feel.” Despite the tension she was feeling Catherine laughed.

Over the last four days Catherine had shared her chocolate but even so Devin looked awful and Elliot looked as skinny as a rake. His clothes hang from him ragged as they were and his beard had grown so that much of his face was covered with whiskers where it wasn’t covered with grime.
Devin didn’t look much better. Catherine had never seen him sporting a beard. In many respects it suited him and at least covered the telltale scar that Vincent had rendered to his cheek many years before.

“Well take a rest anyway. I’ll just scout ahead for a moment, and you…” he motioned his head to Elliot, “Can come with me, like it or not!”

“Don’t you trust me?” Elliot remarked settling down making it blatantly obvious that he wasn’t going anywhere.

“Frankly no.”

“Its all right Devin.” Catherine intervened, “I’ll come with you. Elliot can rest awhile.”

Looking from one to the other Devin was for a moment undecided. Catherine looked as though she needed to rest. The last time he had seen her in the light she had looked wane now she looked really ill. He didn’t like it and despite her sharing with them the chocolate she’d had with her, he also noticed that she was getting through her own supply much faster than he was with his. Devin wondered and not for the first time if she may be diabetic. It worried him, and despite the risk of leaving her with Elliot he concluded that if he were right about them anyway then she would welcome the guy and wouldn’t need protecting. However, he supposed if he didn’t go far then she could quite easily accompany him for a way and he could leave her somewhere else away from Elliot, while he walked further afield. Thus feeling better about the last, he replied, “Okay. Come with me.” Then to Elliot remarked, “We wont be long, make the most of the rest.” Before taking Catherine’s arm and walking off with her much to Elliot’s dismay.

They walked some fifty yards or so, when Devin bade Catherine sit. “Don’t come any further Catherine, you need to rest, wait here for me, I’ll be about ten minutes.”

Catherine smiled, “Thank you Devin.” She sat gratefully, so quickly that Devin wondered about her decision to go with him at all. She looked so tired.

“You all right?” The concern for her was paramount. Catherine felt it and responded to his genuine warmth.

“Yes, I’m fine. Devin?”

“What?”

“It wasn’t what it looked like…back there… when Elliot you know… it wasn’t how it seemed… I didn’t want it…please believe me.” Her eyes so luminous and appealing had Devin kneeling beside her in an instant.

“I believe you. But you must keep your distance from him. I’m worried about Elliot. He’s been down here a long time, something like that - it can send a person nuts.”

“Yes. I have to admit he frightened me. Elliot might not like to accept a refusal from me, but he does usually understand the word no. The other day he didn’t. Didn’t even seem to hear it.”

“You’ll be okay here. I won’t be long. Try to rest huh? Hopefully he’s doing the same.” Squeezing her shoulder Devin stood, “Try to get some sleep. You look as though you need it.”

“Yes.” Already her eyes were closing. Curling herself into as comfortable a position as possible Catherine gave way to the weariness that washed over her in soft waves. She barely heard Devin’s footsteps as he walked away from her.

“Catherine!” He whispered loudly, knowing the folly of shouting too loudly in a mineshaft, “Catherine! Can you hear me?” He listened but there was no sound. He felt that he hadn’t gone far enough for the echo of his voice not to reach her, and concluded that she must be sleeping. “Catherine!” His whispered louder his voice bordering on a low shout.

“Elliot!” In desperation he called to the man, hoping that Elliot, though further down the tunnel might hear him better.
The problem was he wasn’t quite sure which direction to call, and bit by bit called in all four directions, until he was satisfied that if they were awake they would surely hear. And then he waited, the pain in his knee throbbing, the nausea in his stomach rising and the tension of the moment leaving him almost numb with anxiety.

Carefully, his heart in his mouth Elliot crouched low, falling into position of all fours and crept slowly toward her. In the misguided belief that Catherine would not shun his advances Elliot reached out a hand and to his great joy touched the warmth of her inner thigh without waking her. His fingers immediately began a soft kneading, anticipating a favourable response if he could rouse his true love from her slumber and Elliot smiled when she rolled onto her back allowing him access to greater intimacies.
Elliot’s heart raced and sweat broke out on his brow as his erection filled with hot pulsating blood. Catherine wanted this. She was his, his for the taking. But they must be quiet for somewhere up ahead Devin was waiting, perhaps listening but Elliot hoped that something might prevent Devin from returning too soon.
Catherine moaned as the hand on her thigh worked its magic and she knew not Elliot’s hands touching her intimately but Vincent. It was Vincent that prised her legs apart to touch her there, it was Vincent to whom she now reached out her arms - it was Vincent who went into her open invitation so willingly. And it was Vincent who tugged at her jeans and panties and slid them down thus baring her body to his hungry perusal.
Catherine shuddered, her heart singing Vincent’s name as she felt the weight of a body upon her and of their own violation her legs wrapped around his hips drawing him into her.

“Oh Cathy, Cathy.” Elliot could not help the expulsion of her name torn from his lips as he felt his body sinking into her warmth, and knew he’d come home. He had yearned for this with all his heart ever since he had met her and now to know how good it felt to join his body with hers, Elliot felt complete and so utterly, utterly in love.
Confusion dawned as Catherine’s eyes snapped open, even as Devin’s cry rang out around her, “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!” And Elliot was partially lifted partially pushed away from the place where he had found his heaven.

“Get off me!” Elliot with his pants down around his knees lashed out at Devin, his fist meeting hard rock as Devin ducked. Cursing, holding his hand tightly against his chest as tears of pain and anger filled his eyes Elliot glared at Devin wishing looks could kill.
Catherine stared. Just stared her disbelief warring with anger. How could he? How could Elliot take advantage of her and while she had been sleeping? And where had Devin been to allow it to happen? She looked raggedly from one man to another, finding her voice suddenly “How could you!” leaving each man only to wonder at whom she had directed the question.

His eyes mere slits of contempt Devin flung Elliot away from him, allowing him to fall like some rag doll as all the fight drained out of the man.

“Cathy.” Elliot tried to appease her, “You know how much I love you.” He said this as if it was the answer to everything. As if it gave him rights to assume that she would allow him to make love to her.

“I hate you!” Devin spat, and Catherine assumed that he meant Elliot as she added, “Likewise.” Unable to say more as she fumbled with her clothing hastily hiding her body from prying eyes.

Devin stared at her incredulous that he had heard her right. Contempt rising in the pit of his belly that this woman had pledged love to his brother when all along she loved another man. He didn’t get it, he couldn’t comprehend why she had promised to spend her life with Vincent beneath the city streets and thus forsake all that she had above when she had intended to be with Elliot all along. Had it of been the other way around it would have made perfect sense. Had she of pledged her undying love to Elliot, had she of married Elliot and then gone to Vincent it would have been logical. But why marry a man that had nothing to give but his love when she so obviously wanted to be with one that could give her everything?
Devin shook his head, unable to clear from his mind the image that had presented him as he had hobbled around that final bend. Elliot and Catherine making love, and so obviously enjoying one another if the way Catherine’s arms and legs had been fastened around the man was anything to go by.
Why he hadn’t of just let them get on with it, he would never know. He supposed shock and stunned disbelief had something to do with it, and probably the misguided notion that maybe just maybe it was rape and Catherine didn’t know what was happening. But her arms and legs around the guy had changed all that. It hadn’t been rape, Catherine had consented, and Devin hated her for that.
The ice in his eyes worried Catherine. As Devin looked at her contempt was written in those large brown orbs that seemed to burrow deep into his heart. She shook her head trying as she might to comprehend why he looked at her with such venom in his eyes. ‘He didn’t believe…surely?’ Catherine shook her head again, ‘no it was too ludicrous for words, Devin would never think that she had been willing to make love with Elliot would he?’

“Devin?” She queried her voice wavering, uncertain of his response.

“What!” He flung at her his chest heaving, his fists in tight balls at his sides. It was taking everything he had not to pound Burch to pulp for his brother’s sake. It was taking everything beyond that not to do likewise to Catherine.

“You surely don’t think…?” Catherine’s voice faltered. As she had started to speak Devin stared at her fully and the naked hatred she saw in his eyes filled her with nausea.

“Devin please.” The words caught in her throat, her eyes filling with tears as she choked out, “I didn’t want this. You have to believe me…”

A derisive laugh echoed around them, “Didn’t want it?” Elliot’s face leered at her, “Am I hearing you right? Cathy don’t fight it, you love me you know that you do.”

“NO!” Her heart broke as Catherine turned first to Devin and then to Elliot, her eyes pleading and begging each to believe her, “No Elliot, No Devin you have to believe me. It was…. It was…” The word stuck in her throat, she thought never to have to utter such a word and apply it to herself ever again… That was in the past… and since that dreadful night when he had found her Vincent’s protection had assured her that she would never have to suffer such atrocities as rape ever again.

“It was what Cathy?” Devin sneered, “Lust?”

Elliot laughed nodding wholeheartedly, readily agreeing with that.

“No!” For a split second Catherine remained rooted to the spot as she denied the possibility and then seeing Elliot nod so enthusiastically, she flung herself at him fingers outstretched and sharp nails renting open flesh wherever she encountered it around the stubble on Elliot’s face.

“You little wildcat!” Elliot laughed and pinned both her flaying hands in his to thwart a further strike, “how about doing that down the length of my back sometime?” His laughing eyes crinkled at the corners.

Devin spat saliva like venom onto the dust at Elliot’s feet, “You disgust me…both of you…you disgust me!” Before hobbling away eager to put as much distance as he could between himself and them. Dismayed Catherine watched him go only just realising that he was injured. “Devin wait!” She turned to hurry after him only then realising that Elliot still held her hands, “Let go of me!” She flung at him through gritted teeth. Instantly he complied though Catherine was dismayed to note that the laughter still hadn’t left his eyes and it was disconcerting for her to know that he seemed to think that she was playing some game even now.

“You raped me Elliot!” She seethed through clenched teeth. “Did not. It didn’t go far enough, besides it would never stand up in a court of law. Our only witness would say as I would, that you were more than willing.” His arms were folded as he stood smiling at her, humouring her, “Cathy.” He beseeched her the tender tone to his voice making her fume “You know it had to happen, you know you wanted me as much as I wanted you. Don’t fight it anymore my love.”

“You’re despicable! I hate you!” Catherine flung at him as she turned on her heels to seek out Devin. This was a nightmare and Catherine hoped that she would soon wake up.

He knew not what had happened only that something dreadful had transpired. Nothing that was life threatening, but something of equal proportions, something that in effect could kill him when he knew. Catherine was covering this fact, hiding it deep in the recesses of her heart so that he could not probe the secret and that in itself told Vincent how serious, this, whatever this was, would be. And they were so far away, there was nothing he could do but stay at home and wait, and Vincent roared with frustration at knowing he could yet be waiting quite some time.