Aftermath--A 3rd Season Adult Beauty & The Beast Novel

By Vickey Brickle-Macky

Interruptions

The next morning he was awaked by the smell of fresh hot coffee and feeling that he was not alone. His eyes snapped open in surprise and confusion then blinked against the light. Lena casually leaned up against his dresser with her arms folded smiling, then laughing as he sat up.

"Wondered how long it was going to take you to wake up? I've been here for about ten minutes and you never twitched when I started lighting the candles," she told him pouring him a cup of coffee from the covered container on the tray behind her. "How do you take it? Black?" she asked.

"Yeah, black," he said rapidly getting awake. "You've been here ten minutes?"

he asked surprised at that news as well as seeing her standing there.

"More or less. You told me to wake you," she reminded him bringing their cups over and sitting down on the edge of the bed. She handed him his and he took it gratefully.

He was wearing a T-shirt because of the chill of the chamber. He noticed the appreciative looks he was getting from Lena, whose interest definitely hadn't cooled overnight, he noted. "So how are you, this morning?" he asked trying to be conversational.

She smiled. "Feeling pretty good. Cathy got me up at some ungodly hour this morning. She's down playing at Oliva's with Luke. Father was real friendly this morning at breakfast asking me if you were up, yet," she said.

"And what did you say?"

"I just smiled, and told him I had planned to. He got red faced and wandered off to eat with Mary. I couldn't resist," she laughed.

"You're fiendish," he teased. "It's hard telling what he's going to think now."

"Let him. We haven't done anything improper, immoral, or whatever--yet!" she said lightly and smiled.

He looked at her, and grinned. This one was more than a match for him, he was deciding. She had a sense of humor, good sense, understanding, kind and loving, everything he had been looking for all wrapped up in one neat beautiful package. He was falling in love with her hard and heavy and for once in his life he wasn't scared, because he knew with inner certainty this was the one. He just hoped he didn't blow it somehow.

"Yet?" he questioned, finally.

"I do plan on taking you up on your rain check, Devin," she said, taking his empty cup away from him and moving closer.

"I can see that, but now?"

"Why not?" she questioned, moving closer still into the circle of his now open arms.

"Visitors, for one. Remember no doors, just curtains? Night's a better time for making love. And I thought we were going to go slow, get to know one another?" he asked looking down at her and then he kissed her on her forehead.

She sighed. "Sure seems like the waste of a perfectly good morning," she complained starting to get up.

"True, but there will be other mornings. . . . I promise," he said and kissed her lightly and then when she responded he did in earnest and she wrapped her arms around his neck and they found themselves sliding downward into his nest of covers.

"Having second thoughts?" she asked as she found herself under him.

"And third, and fourth. I'm trying to be a gentleman. . . ," he told her looking down into her pale blue eyes and finding himself hopeless lost.

"Devin, you're not a gentleman," she teased as her hands roved up and down his back. "And I don't think I'd want you any other way but as yourself."

"Flaws and all?" he asked, trailing a finger down her nose, and mouth.

"Flaws? I don't see any flaws," she smiled, "just man I am beginning to love, very much," she added seriously.

"Lena, I'm not all that lovable."

"I think you are, and I'd like to prove it--if you'll let me," she told him and took his head in her hands and brought his face down to hers and kissed him deeply.

He was just responding back when they heard, footsteps, a gasp and a quick retreat of those same footsteps. Devin's head shot up and he caught the fleeting backside of his father as he made a stragetic retreat out of Devin's chamber.

"Oh, God, --Father--again!" Devin groaned and then laughed, quickly sitting up and brushing the his dark locks of hair out of his eyes.

"Not again?" Lena asked disconcerted, propping herself up on elbows and looking towards the doorway.

"Yeah, again. Either we have rotten timing or he does," Devin said exasperated.

"Probably both. I should let you get up and get dressed so you can see what he wants. He's not going to believe nothing happened, you know that," she said, straightening the skirt of her long dress.

"Yeah. You go on and go. I'll catch up to you later. Where are you going to be in about an hour?" he asked.

"At Mary's. I'm working on a quilt with her and Diana."

"Good, I'll see you there. I think Father and I need to have a talk," he said determinedly.

She nodded and then kissed him quickly before she bounced out the door, her long skirts swishing as she moved. Then she was gone. He got out of bed and dressed. He poured another cup of the still hot coffee and got his thoughts organized. That was always a good thing before talking with Father. He finished it off and then he went in search of the Old Man.

Father was in his study, as was Vincent. They looked like they had been having a heavy conversation before he came in. Somehow he didn't think it was about him. Vincent wore an almost relaxed, self-satisfied look, something he hadn't really seen on his brother's face before. He was not the tense up-tight person of the previous day. Even Father looked pleased. What was up, Devin worried?

"Ah, Devin, come in. Vincent has great news," Father said inviting him to sit.

"Congratulate me. Diana and I are getting married," Vincent said proudly.

Devin looked stunned for a moment and then recovered. "Wow, that's great!

You're getting married, when?"he asked, coming over and giving his brother a hug.

"As soon as the arrangements can be worked out with Master Po," Vincent announced. "Diana and I thought it best not to wait. We have waited long enough as it is," he said with some determination and then smiled pleasantly as if he were remembering something wonderful.

That must have been some talk they had last night, Devin thought. Boy, things do change around here. I wouldn't be surprised if little brother had lost some of his nobility last night from the way he's acting. And to test that suspicion, about then Diana came in with Jacob. The looks that the two of them exchanged left no doubt that something had happened, you could almost feel it in the air. Diana had definitely unloosed Vincent's chains, and there was no going back.

"Diana, I understand congratulations are in order," Devon said crossing over to where she stood looking at him perplexed. "I hear you two are getting married," he added to clarify his statement.

She blushed then relaxed visibly and finally smiled. "Yes, we are. Vincent proposed to me last night. I accepted."

"I'm happy for both of you. I hope you have a long and happy life together," he wished them sincerely. He was going to hug her but decided against it and instead shook her hand. She took it gratefully.

Vincent took his son and put him down for a moment to stretch and run. Jacob went immediately to his grandfather trying to crawl up in his lap. Devin felt a momentary pang of jealousy wishing he had a son that could do that. Given what he was feeling about Lena, it might happen in time and his mood lightened.

Vincent said something to Diana and then went and retrieved his son who was going after the chess pieces on the table. Father had moved the board but Jacob wasn't giving up that easily. Vincent solved the problem by simply picking up the toddler and removing him from the object of his desire. Father grinned.

"Devin. you were just as bad at that age. I couldn't leave any games set up around you until you were at least three and then you'd still move the pieces around. That made for some interesting matches," Father said with a smile, looking up at him.

"I bet," Devin replied, as he looked over to where Vincent stood holding Jacob, every inch the proud father. "Hi squirt," Devin said to the child who was studying him intensely now with eyes as blue and as intense as his father's were.

"Hi," Jacob said cautiously to the stranger.

"That's your Uncle Devin, Jacob," Vincent told him.

"Un-kle? Dev-in?" Jacob questioned, trying out the names and the concept.

"Unk Dev?"

"Unk Dev sounds okay to me. Can I hold him?" Devin asked.

Vincent nodded and handed him over. He was heavier than he looked and solid. This was going to be a big kid. Big like his dad, minus the fangs, fur, and claws he noted. Those eyes, however weren't anyone's but Vincent's minus the deepset brow ridges. The kid also looked like Cathy too, or what her remembered of Chandler. Yeph, that was her smile and her nose. The hair was a pale reddish gold, fine and straight. Jacob was a beautiful blend of both.

"He's beautiful, Vincent," he told him. "You're really lucky. I envy you."

"Maybe one day you'll have children of your own," Vincent replied pleasantly.

"Yeah, maybe. We'll see," Devin smiled. Then Jacob began reaching for his father. " I think he wants to see you," he said handing him back.

"I think he wants his lunch. Have you eaten yet?" Vincent inquired.

"No, but I think Father wanted to talk to me for a few moments alone. I'll join you later. I know we have a lot of catching up to do," Devin apologized.

'Later then," Vincent acknowledged and he and Diana left with Jacob leaving Father and him alone finally.

"I see Vincent's problem has resolved itself," he said sitting down and facing his father.

"Yes, indeed it has. He and Diana will make a good couple. She's got a good head on her shoulders and she loves him and Jacob very much. Vincent does not wish to repeat what happened with Catherine. He's gotten to be very cautious since he found Jacob. For that I am very grateful," Father said with a sigh.

"You wanted to see me?" Devin asked switching the subject and bracing himself for the tirade he was sure that was to follow.

"Ah, . . . yes. I apologize for barging in on you this morning. I seem to be making that a habit recently with you, and with Vincent. It's hard to remember you are both grown men and need . . . privacy," he finished embarrassed.

"Oh, so I wasn't the only one you walked in on this morning?"

"Ahh, . . . no. That's one of the reason's Vincent and Diana are getting married so soon. In view of Jacob's conception. . . it was thought best. . . in case," Father couldn't finish.

"You have another grandchild on the way?"

"Quite," Father agreed. "And you?"

"I hate to disappoint you, Dad, but nothing happened. Not last night or this morning. You've got rotten timing," Devin told him with a smile.

"I see. And what are your intentions towards Lena? She is considerably younger than you and she has a child," Father inquired, peering over his glasses.

Devin sat back, and debated what to say. Then he shrugged. "Get to know her and Cathy. Try to take it slow. I like her, Father. I like her a lot, more than I have any woman I've known. We just hit it off so well. I just hope it'll last. The age thing bothered me at first too. Doesn't her. She doesn't seem like a kid. . . it's like there's no difference at all--none. It's really weird," Devin told him truthfully.

Father wasn't sure what he was expecting to hear, not this though. "So you are seriously interested in her?"

"Yeah, I think so. More than just a tumble in the sack, so to speak. She's really a great person. It's like she knows me, and she accepts me for what I am--good and bad. I haven't had anyone do that before. And she's for real--its not a put on," Devin answered, feeling kind of awed about what he was feeling for Lena.

"Son, I do believe you're in love," Father commented with a slight smile

"I think so, too. I do have one favor to asked of you--knock the next time. If you had been a few minutes later it might have been more embarrassing. This situation I can handle on my own," Devin informed him.

"I will knock from now on. So you are going to wait and see what happens?"

"I still haven't met Cathy. That's going to be the real test. I'm not that great with kids. Generally, I keep them at arms length. Guess I was afraid of getting attached to either them or their mothers," Devin said a little ruefully, remembering how often he had ducked from similar relationships in the past.

"Lena has proved herself to be a fine addition to this community since she settled down. You know her background?" Father asked candidly.

"Some, not all. Yes, Father I am aware she was a hooker," he told his father knowing that's what he was carefully trying to discuss. Father was still the moralist and somewhat a prude even after all this time, Devin noted. "That's past, not present, and was not of her choosing. I've known too many women with similar tales. It's a damn cruel world out there and sometimes there aren't any choices if one wants to eat and survive," Devin replied, remembering too many girls trapped into the life Lena had had.

"I just wanted you to be aware, that's all," Father said defensively, trying not to lose patience. "I do have a question for you, not related to Lena."

"Shoot," Devin told him, curious now. The dark eyes fixed on his father.

"Have given any thought as to what you are going to do here. . . ah, work, things along that line?" Father asked very catiously.

Devin smiled broadly, and then laughed. "You never were one for coming right to the point. I'm the original jack-of-all-trades, remember? I can do almost anything, some things better than others. Used to doing a lot of manual labor, construction, that kind of thing. Been a tour guide in several countries, I won't go in to the professionals I've been that only makes you upset. What did you have in mind?" he asked seeing that his father did have some ideas.

"That transparent, am I? Alright, teacher is what I thought of," and saw Devin begin to protest but he waved him off. "Hear me out first."

"Okay," he said skeptically, leaning back in his chair with arms folded and a very wary look.

Father smiled. "It seems with all the places you've been you would make a very unique geography teacher. You could teach them more than what they would get out of their books, the same with history. I would have you with the older children and a small group at that. You could teach it however you felt comfortable with," Father said watching his son's thoughtful expression as he heard him out.

"Maybe. . . I'll have to think about it. I've taught before but to university students, not kids," Devin replied.

Curious now, Father had to ask, "What subject?"

"Literary classics of the 17th through 20th centuries," Devin smiled, "some things do stick with you. I taught for two years and my classes were the most popular on campus and not just with the ladies. That was ten years ago."

"I see," Father said biting his tongue because he knew further discussion of Devin's career would only serve to get them angry at one another and that was not what he wanted to do. He had learned how touchy his son was and now he just wanted to repair the damage that had been done over the years. If his son wanted to return, really return he was going to go out of his way to keep peace between them. "Well, just look upon your new pupils as very young college students. With Vincent and Diana getting married we could use the help since Vincent will no doubt be occupied and unable to carry out his teaching duties."

"Alright, it's a deal. We'll try it--see how it works. I'm not going to make any

guarantees," Devin said honesty, standing up.

"Good, that's all I can ask. Do you want to start in a couple of days after you've settled in more?"

"Sounds good. It'll give me time to figure out what I'm going to say. Right now I want to get some food. It's been awhile since I ate."

"Then by all means, go eat. We can talk later," Father said, meaning it sincerely that his door was open anytime.

"Yeah, later," Devin replied cheerfully, looking at his Father with new respect and affection. There might be hope for them after all. Devin patted his father on the shoulder and then left.

Father sighed to himself as he watched him go, all grown up, a stranger, and yet not. These last few years with Vincent had taught him to let go and to let his son make his own decisions, his own mistakes, his own life. He must do the same with Devin now, even more so because this one had been out there in the world on his own, an independent entity for too many years to be lectured like a small boy as he had tried to do with him when he first returned. One could not lecture Devin. One could only listen and make suggestions---carefully. He didn't want to lose him again, so it was up to him to keep the peace between them. No matter how hard that might be.

Devin found the dining room without too much trouble. Memories of running down these same corridors filled his mind as he walked along. This was the first chance he had had to be really alone, to think since last night. It was happening so fast, so easy. Lena, Father, Vincent, he was becoming assimilated into their lives as if he had never left.

Father's absolute acceptance of him was throwing him. It was so unlike the Old Man, this no arguing with him over every little thing. Had he changed so much or had Father? He was treating him as an equal not a little kid---that was a new one. Even a couple of years ago Father was still trying to lecture him. This time around--he was completely different, though he could tell a couple of times he had wanted to say something but then the Old Man had decided not to. He wondered how long it would last --this truce between them. It was nice for a change being able to sit down and just talk as people not as adversaries.

Considering what everyone had been through with Vincent and Catherine it was not surprising mindsets had gotten altered radically. He hoped his stay would not do any more altering. All he wanted from now on was peace and quiet and a simple life if that was possible. He no longer needed excitement and stimulation as he had in his youth. Judging from the people here they were glad things were settled down and quiet now too.

So Diana and Vincent were getting married. Catherine had been a shock but Diana was an even bigger one. One love he could understand, but two? It may not be the same as what Vincent had going with Catherine but it was a close imitation and more practical and workable from what he had observed so far. His brother needed someone in his life. He always had, though he doubted there had been anyone until Catherine. Father's influence no doubt. Catherine had changed a lot of Vincent's attitudes. He had noted that during his previous visits. She had given him warmth, love, and acceptance. Her loss must have been devastating. In a way he was glad he hadn't been here for that. Diana seemed to fill the missing gaps in Vincent's life and strengthen him, if that was the right word. If Catherine had been bright promise then Diana was growth and maturity.

He didn't see anyone that he really knew so he sat down at one of the far tables after he got his food and began to eat. Towards the end of his meal Lena showed up with Cathy in tow. Lena introduced them. The almost four year old looked him over very carefully. He was not wearing normal tunnel clothes so that must mean he was from outside--Above--the place of danger she had been warned over and over again about. The little girl was now doubly worried and confused because her mother was being overly friendly to this stranger. Lena went to get their food while Devin kept an eye on her. Cathy was not pleased.

* * *

Commitment

"Yes, I am. But I was born here and grew up here, then left. Now I'm back to live," Devin explained seeing some of the fear go away in those big gray eyes. "Father is my father and Vincent is my brother," he added.

She shook her blonde curls negatively. "You're not Vincent's brother. You don't look like him. No one looks like Vincent, not even Jacob," she told him logically.

"Father is my real dad. Father found Vincent when I was around your age so that makes me Vincent's big brother. As to Jacob, he looks like his mommy and his daddy," Devin explained and saw that she understood and was satisfied.

"How come you know my mommy if you just came from Above?"

He smiled. "Vincent introduced us. Your mommy and I are just friends," Devin said as a way of explanation.

"That's not what Mommy said," Cathy told him, and Devin looked surprised.

"And what did your Mommy say about me?" Devin inquired leaning closer.

"A bunch of things," she answered and shrugged innocently, and then bent to inspect the laces on her jumper.

"What kind of things?" Devin asked knowing that this was going to take patience and time.

Lena came back with their food about that time so Devin couldn't ask any more questions. He was more than a little curious as to what Lena had said to Cathy regarding him. He was in strange and dangerous territory now and wasn't sure how to proceed. While Lena was getting Cathy situated with her food he went and got a refill of coffee and came back. Sitting his tall and lanky frame back into the chair he sat back down regarding the two speculatively.

Lena saw his look. "What's up?"

"Nothing, just thinking. Being here, changes, all that," he said with a shrug, leaning back against the back of the ladder back chair making it tilt a little.

"That's helpful. How did it go with Father?" she asked carefully.

"Okay. We reached an understanding. He won't be barging in again." she looked relieved, then he continued. "Then he's offered me a job--as a teacher."

She was amazed, and new respect for him gleamed in her eyes. "A teacher--wow. What kind?"

He smiled. "Geography and modern history. I start later this week and I'm going to be filling in for Vincent on his literature classes while he's away," he replied casually letting his words sink in.

It took her a moment. She looked at him puzzled. "Away? Vincent's going away--where?"

"On his honeymoon. It seems Vincent and Diana are getting married within the next couple of days as soon as the arrangements can be made. Father's happy, they seem like they're happy. Just a big shock for me. I'm still getting over Catherine being dead and Vincent having a son. Things have changed a whole lot down here," he said honestly.

"Yeah, it must still be a pretty big shock to you, not having gone through it as

we all did. Diana is an okay person. I like her a lot. She's real people. She knows what its like to have been poor, not have a lot. She works real hard when she's here making clothes, helping with the little kids, running errand uptop, bunches of stuff. And she's real good with Jacob. She really loves that little boy. As to Vincent, she's had it bad for him from the beginning. When Vincent brought her down for Jacob's naming ceremony you could see in the way she looked at him. For a while after that she didn't come down too often then suddenly it seemed like she was here all the time. Then next thing we knew was she was made an official member of the community and was given her own chamber--next to Vincent's, by the way. That was six months ago. So they're getting married now?"

"Yeph, that's what Vincent said--as soon as possible. We weren't the only ones getting visited this morning," Devon said meaningfully, she looked up shocked and almost choked on her mouthful of green beans.

"Vincent and Diana?" she asked with raised eyebrows, carefully putting down her fork and leaning closer.

"Uhuh," he replied, slowly nodding his head.

"And Father didn't have a fit?"

"Nope. He seemed like he was rather pleased about it. That was a shock for me. The Old Man has always been rather uptight about such things. Anyway, they're supposed to get married as soon as can be arranged," Devin told her, and saw that it was taking her awhile to get used to this bit of news too.

She was quiet for a while thinking over his news and finishing up her meal, as well as checking to see if Cathy was eating. Devin left her to her thoughts and he ran over all the changes occurring in his life and around him. Life here so far was going better than he had hoped.

Teaching was going to be interesting. He had been observing some of his possible students as they ate, sizing them up. They were all pretty good kids from what he could tell, quieter less rowdy than he and some of his friends had been. Though that had been in the early less settled days of the tunnels and adult supervision had been minimal because there hadn't been that many people.. He had already sized up who the leader and the followers were in the various age groups. That would make it easier. The tough part was going to be learning their names and keeping every one straight. Adults were supposed to know everything.

He might be able to fool adults but he's never be able to fool a kid if he got his facts wrong. They always knew.

"What are you thinking?" Lena asked seeing his distant look.

"Not much, just about teaching classes to these kids. A little nervous I guess," he admitted.

"Ever do it before?" she asked not seeing him as the teaching type.

"Once. I taught English lit to a bunch of college students at a small private university in Massachusetts for a year. It was a lot of fun."

"Then you're really a teacher?" she asked wide eyed.

He grinned, and then shook his head no. "Lena, what do know about me? Or rather what have you heard?" he asked candidly, leaning forward with his fist resting on his chin.

She was puzzled for a moment and frowned. "Not much. Only that you're father's son and a couple of years older than Vincent. You grew up down here and then left but everyone thought you were dead until you showed up to work at the DA's office and Catherine figured out who you were. Then you left and came back a year later with Charles and then left again. The only things I could get out of Mary were that you were always in trouble as a kid and you and Father didn't get along. Same with everyone else," she answered honestly.

"I think you and me need to have a long talk before you decide I'm worth keeping around. Let's just say my life has been very interesting and varied since I left the tunnels. I told you some of it last night, but there's more much more. A

teacher is only one of the many people I've have pretended to be," he said carefully.

"Pretending? As in acting? I don't get it. It kind of drifted by me last night when we were talking," she admitted.

"I thought so, it takes a little while for it to sink in. Lena, I'm the man of a thousand faces, identities, never the same twice if I can help it. Even Devin Wells is a new one because Devin Wells isn't sure who he is really. He was just a kid called Devin--no last name twenty plus years ago. Devin Wells didn't exist until four years ago after Father finally told me who I was. My whole life has been one long search to find out who I am, what I wanted to be when I grew up--but I and Peter Pan never did. I used to think this was NeverNever Land when I was a kid, now I'm not so sure. I think we carry it around inside of us and I'm afraid of what I'll find when I wake up. Afraid I might just find the real Devin Wells and he's not going to be the nice guy I think he is. God, I've said too much---I've got to go. I'll see you later, Lena," he said hurriedly, realizing that he had opened up at little too much to her and he couldn't handle it. He fled the dining room with Lena watching his retreating back with alarm and confusion.

She made a decision and looking around she saw Brooke and asked her to watch Cathy and to take her up to Mary's because she might be awhile. Then she went in pursuit of Devin. She tried to remember the places he had talked about from his childhood, the important places. The Chamber of the Winds and the Abyss were the most likely places he head so she went looking in that direction. She didn't want to ask anyone if they had seen him. That would only complicate matters and Devin didn't need that kind of attention.

She found him finally in the Chamber of the Winds. He had his back to her, his arms and legs outstretched to either side just letting the raw biting winds buffet his body and soul. He looked so vulnerable and lost, his leather jacket rippling hard against his slim body in the wind, his dark brown hair a wild halo. He was not aware of her, or anything except his own pain and he kept moving closer step by step to the edge of the Abyss.

"Devin!" she shouted in fear but the wind drowned her out. She tried again louder, and louder but he couldn't hear her. She ran to him, grabbing the back of his jacket, pulling him back.

He turned suddenly, knocking her down to the ground, surprised, angry, mad, that she had stopped him. "WHY?" he shouted in pain over the roar of the wind, his eyes full of tears.

"Devin, please it can't be that bad! Don't do it!" she shouted up at him suddenly afraid at the half crazy look his dark eyes held.

"It's better this way--for everyone--for ME! No more lies--no more pretending to be --anyone!" he said looking down at her, his hands clutched into tight fists at his sides and her eyes filled with tears. "I can't do it any more, Lena!

I can't keep pretending and running and hiding. Let me be--let me end it now-like they all thought I had --in the Abyss! That's were I belong!" he begged her, trying not to see her tears.

She reached up and grabbed at the material of his pants leg, holding on to it tightly. She looked up at him tears still streaming from her eyes but there was steely determination not to let him go at any price. "NO! I won't let you! You're not going to end it! I won't let you--Devin Wells! I love you and you're not going to get away from me! Ever!" she shouted at him.

He crumpled to his knees next to her, just looking at her stunned. "You mean that don't you?" he asked.

"Yes, dammit. I love you. I love you--Devin Wells! I can't make it any plainer," she shouted at him, still crying her eyes red rimmed with tears.

He grabbed her to him, and held her tight as he cried too, and they clung together like that letting their pain and their love wash over them both. Then he felt her kiss his bare neck and work herself up his cheeks and face and he met her mouth and kissed her hungrily, drowning himself in her warmth and her touch.

Before he became completely lost in her he picked her slight body up in his arms and began carrying her away from the fierce winds down a set of stone steps into a maze of caves carved into the primeval basalt rocks.

"Where are we going?" she asked confused, afraid he was still crazy.

"You'll see. It's a special place--my place from when I was a kid. I checked out the last time I was here to see if anyone had found it. They hadn't. I added a few things in case I wanted to be alone," he said mysteriously, taking her further and further into the network of caves.

He set her on her feet before a large boulder leaning against a wall. She looked for it to him shaking her head. "What now?"

"Watch," he said as he pushed it easily away. "Stay here for a minute while I get us some lights on," he told her stepping into the blackness beyond. A lighter flared to life then he went around lighting candles. "Close your eyes," he instructed her and she did feeling kind of silly.

He came back out and picked her up again. "Keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them, okay?"

"Okay," she agreed skeptically and felt him carry her deep into the room then set her down within a mass of soft pillows and then he laid down beside her.

"You can open them now," he said his voice coming from near her ear.

She did and was like something out of Arabian Nights or a pirates dream. The rough rock walls were covered in shiny pieces of multicolored silks and satins and Persian rugs as was the floor except where they were which was covered with pillows and a huge mattress. There were a few low tables scattered here and there and a handmade chandelier hug from the center of the room. The only other objects to be seen were books--hundreds of them, mostly novels from what she could see from their faded spines.

"My hideout from everyone and everything. Not even Vincent knew about this place, though he tried to find it. What do you think?" he asked, watching her reactions.

"It's incredible! You did it yourself?"

"Yeph. Took a long time because I had to sneak the stuff in. I brought you here because I wanted to share it with you. It's the one place I'm sure of that we're not going to be disturbed," he said with a grin reaching for her.

"Never be so sure, boy. Didn't you learn that lesson?" came a heavy accented voice from the doorway.

He sat up quickly, staring. "Narcissa!"

The old witch woman stood there almost looking like he had seen her last--- many, many, years ago in her cave. Her strange eyes seemed more clouded and she had added more bangles and beads to her person but she was much the same. She excluded an air of peace and warmth. She was happy to see them both.

"You remember? I remember you. . . Dev-in. You gone long time from this place, but you come home as I always knew you would. Tell father you not lost, just finding your way," she laughed, "but the Father too serious, never understood," she added coming into view.

"Narcissa, I didn't know you still lived down here. I thought you'd be. . . ,"

"Dead? You can say it boy, I walk with them, listen to their stories, but I am far from joining them. I see you have lady friend. Lena is it not?" she asked her.

"Yes, . . . it is. How do you know me?" she asked frightened now.

"I know many things, child. See you for a long time in the waters and see him return, see him find where he belongs. I came here to give you gifts," she said shuffling forward to where they lay amid the pillows still.

"Gifts for us, Narcissa? Why?" Devin questioned, very curious now because the old woman was not known for giving gifts without a reason.

"Spirits say so. For your marriage and children that are to come," she smiled with secret knowledge.

"Marriage? Children? I haven't even asked her," he protested.

"But you will. The question is already there and you will be father by end of the year," she laughed at his opened mouth expression. "Here these are yours," she said handing them each a matching gold ring carved in intricate designs, they tingled for a moment in their hands but that could have been their imagination.

"Narcissa," he said looking the ancient appearing rings over carefully, "are you sure? "

"Yes, child, very sure. You are now man and wife, put them on before you make love first time. They will protect you and make your love that much stronger. You will understand," she told them. "Now I must go. Be blessed my children as you walk this life together," she said in parting and as quickly as she had appeared she disappeared into the dimness of the corridor.

"Devin, was she nuts or what?" Lena asked, trying to sort through her impressions of the wildly dressed old black woman.

"Father always thought she was. She claims she's just a crazy old woman but when we were kids we used to think she was a witch because she was always chanting and mixing strange powders and she always knew what was going on and who we were," he asked reflecting on Narcissa's visit as well.

"What did she mean that we are now husband and wife and to put these rings on before we made love the first time? Did she marry us and we didn't know it?"

Lena asked speculatively turning the ring that had been given her over and over, feeling its odd carvings.

"I'm not sure but it sounded like that. I do know I trust her. She never steered me wrong as a kid, and I don't think she'd do so now. Before she came in I was getting ready to propose to you," he said seriously as he lay down on his side beside her, propping his head up with his hand.

She looked at him, her gray eyes large in wonder. "You were?" she asked afraid to believe he was serious.

"Yes. I'm not too good at this so bear with me," he said with a shy grin, brushing the hair out of his eyes first. "Lena, would you give me the honor of becoming my wife and sharing my life--such as it is?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes, Devin, I will. Are you sure you want to be my husband and be a father to Cathy?" she asked him seriously.

"I do, and I mean it. I never felt more sure about anything before in my life as I do about you. The father part is going to take some practice though, but I'm willing to learn. I want to learn," he said his dark eyes meeting hers. Then he took the ring she was holding from her hand and slipped it on her finger. "With this ring, I thee wed," he told her solemnly, his love for her plain to see.

She then took the ring her was holding in his hand. "With this ring, I thee wed," she repeated her eyes shiny and luminous with love for him.

"I don't know whether this makes it official but Narcissa pronounced us man and wife, so the only thing left is to kiss the bride," he said with a smile.

"After you close the door. This time--no one's walking in on us," she told him in no uncertain terms, and he laughed as he got up and did just that.

Then he returned to her waiting arms, the soft light of the candles glinting in her white blond hair. She looked so young and vulnerable laying there among the multicolored pillows and cushions, her blue-gray eyes innocent and trusting but warm and inviting too, welcoming his love. How could such a beautiful creature as her want an old man like him, he wondered as their lips met? By her responses there was no mistaking what she felt and it was genuine not put on. She did love him, and he marveled anew at this miracle he held in his arms.

They made love for many hours undisturbed in their hidden room within the Chamber of the Winds. Her body was perfection under his gaze, as his was to hers. She completed him as no woman ever had and he was what she had been searching for. They were joined in all ways with no regrets and lay together wrapped in each others arms completely spent, their love making for the moment completed.

'Devin, are you asleep?" Lena asked attempting to sit up, managing just to prop herself up on her elbow.

"Uh-uh. . . , just resting. I see I'm going to be needing vitamins to keep up with you. Damn, girl, you're good," he said trying to be complimentary as he lay there recovering from their very intense lovemaking.

"I take it I'm worth keeping?" she asked trailing a finger down his bare chest.

"Very much so," he said softly, turning over on his side to face her. "Lena, I

am in love with you. The you that's in there," he said pointing to her head and to her heart. "That it comes in such a beautiful package is an added bonus," he said seriously his dark eyes meeting hers. "Lena, when I said I took you as my wife, I meant it and if you want to make it more official we can uptop or Below," he added.

"Devin, you really do mean it, don't you?" she asked finally believing him.

"Yes, I've never been more serious in my life. As far as you, and I, or the world is concerned we are husband and wife---until death do us part. I may make jokes about a lot of things, but this isn't one of them. I have too great of a respect for the institution. I always told myself that I would only get married once, if I ever did, and when I did it would be for keeps. Now I hope I haven't scared you?" he asked.

She shook her head looking at him with new respect. "No, I feel the same way. So I'm now officially, Mrs. Devin Wells?" she asked.

"You were when you put that ring on your finger. But if you want to make it more legal, we can. I didn't screw up any plans for a big church wedding, did I?"

"Not hardly," she laughed, "but it would have been nice to have gotten married in Father's Chambers with everybody watching. But I don't want to take away from Vincent and Diana's moment, either," she said with a little regret.

"Me neither. We could always say we got married uptop or even do it for real?" he suggested.

"No, this is good enough. We just tell everyone we got married uptop by a justice of the peace over in Delaware. It sounds like something you'd do," she said with a slight smile.

"You do know me don't you? he laughed falling back into the nest of pillows, and grabbing her at the same time pulling her on top of him. "Well if we drove to Delaware then we'd better wait a few hours before we show back up. You don't mind, do you?" he asked, running his hands slowly up and down her back and hips.

"No," she purred and shivered under his touch. "I just hope Mary doesn't get too upset with me. I told Brooke to take Cathy to her when I went after you," she added.

He winched at that memory. "Sorry, about that. It was just everything getting to me all at once. Being down here brings up a lot of stuff I kept buried real deep.

I warn you I have a lot of personal demons I'm going to be fighting that have nothing to do with you and I may get weird on you on occasion," he told her truthfully.

"I know, I can tell. You and Father especially. There's a whole lot of pain there."

"Yeah, sometimes more than I can deal with. It used to be something got to be too much for me and I'd just walk away--vanish. I'm not going to do that anymore, I won't, not just because of you, but for myself. Maybe Peter Pan is finally going to grow up after all," he said seriously.

Then he reached up and took her face in his hands and brought it down and kissed her like the drowning man he felt like inside getting lost once again in their lovemaking to replace the pain with joy.

* * * * *

Many hours later, they got dressed finally and left Devin's hidden room. They walked together arm and arm back to the community tunnels. It was late and they knew it. On the pipes Lena could hear the chatter that they had been spotted and the news was being relayed to Father and all other interested parties.

"Devin, get prepared for an explosion," she warned him as she mentally decoded the pipe codes traveling back and forth.

"I take it we're a hot topic of conversation?" he asked just hearing bits and parts.

"Very hot. Vincent's been sent to welcome us and his reply did not sound happy," she relayed to him with a worried look.

"Figures," and glancing up the dimly lit corridor he saw Vincent striding towards them, his black cloak billowing behind him like a flag. Devin and Lena stopped where they were and waited for Vincent to come to them.

"I see you've returned Devin, with Lena. Father and Mary are frantic with worry since the last anyone saw of either one of you was you running out of the dining room with Lena following after heading for the Chamber of the Winds.

Where were you?" Vincent asked, not too politely, his anger plain.

"We went Above. We had things to do," Devin said tersely trying to keep calm.

"No one saw you come or go. Why Above?" Vincent asked a little more calmly, seeing how Lena was clinging to Devin's arm and looking at him frightened.

"I have my ways in and out. And if you must know Lena and I went to get married in Delaware. We just got back," Devin said holding up their hands with matching wedding bands and enjoying his brother's poleaxed look.

"Married? You? Married?" Vincent said his blue eyes wide and staring in shock at Devin.

"Yeah, me. All above board and legal. Lena is now my wife. Do you have a problem with that?" Devin asked him, enjoying Vincent's discomfort.

Vincent shook his head. "No, no problem. Your news just took me unawares.

Did anyone know of this?"

"No. I proposed, she accepted and we decided not to wait and drove to Delaware this afternoon, found a Justice of the Peace and we did it."

"But marriage is a serious undertaking. You two hardly know one another," Vincent ventured to protest.

"You sound like the Old Man. We are very aware of how serious it is. This is the real thing for both of us. Neither one of us are wide-eyed innocents."

"Lena, are you sure about this?" Vincent asked her, wondering if somehow his brother had pushed her into marrying him or vice-versa.

"Yes, very sure. I love him, Vincent. It was meant to be. I know him and he knows me and I'm happy. Please don't be angry with us," she asked him.

"I'm not," he said looking from one to the other, "I'm just stunned by your news. And what of Cathy? What of your child?" he questioned unsure of Devin's qualifications as a parent.

"She'll have a real family now, a father. It'll take some adjustments but it'll work out. You'll see," she said seriously, seeing that he was very skeptical.

"Vincent, I know what I'm doing. I'll be a good husband and father to Lena and Cathy. Aren't you going at least to congratulate us?" Devin asked, not liking his brother's reactions to the situation at all.

Vincent looked embarrassed at his lack of manners, and went to embrace him in a warm hug. "I congratulate you Devin, may you and Lena have a long and happy life together--always," he told him sincerely.

Then he released him, and lightly hugged Lena as he was not sure whether to give her a kiss or not. She solved that by standing up on tiptoes and kissing him on his cheek. "Congratulations, Lena, may you be happy in your new life," he told her.

"Now you're my brother-in-law, Vincent. Strange how life works," she commented to him then stepped back to her husband's side putting her arm in his.

"Yes, I'm noticing that. Are you going to tell Father tonight?"Vincent asked still eyeing them ruefully as he leaned against the wall of the tunnel.

Devin struggled, "I'd better if I don't want him barging in again on us. And where's Cathy?" Devin asked.

"With Diana. Mary was too upset. She was afraid that Lena had run away again maybe because of a fight with you. No one was too sure what had happened because you two vanished so abruptly. In view of your new situation Diana and I will keep Cathy with us tonight and I'll tell Father and Mary you're alright," Vincent told them both and saw Lena's relieved looks.

"Thank you, we'd appreciate that both watching Cathy and telling Father. We probably should have waited but we didn't want to spoil your show or wait," Devin said sensing that Vincent was in no mood for levity.

Vincent just nodded, declining from making any further comments. "You can go on. Father will be expecting you," Vincent said in parting as he picked up a rock and began tapping a message on the pipes.

They did go on with Lena listening carefully to the messages beginning sent back and forth. She was not happy. "Father is furious. It's like we committed a major crime or something. Why?" she asked as they felt their feet dragging the nearer they got to Father's domain.

"Because it's me for one. They'll all think I talked you into it--took advantage of you in some way since I'm fifteen years older than you. Robbing the cradle is what they used to call it. Then we just ran away to get married after just knowing one another for a day. Then there's my track record and maybe even yours thrown in. To Father I'm a con man, a faker of identities, stealing other people's lives, and heaven knows what else--the bad seed who's going to drag you and Cathy down. I can see it all now, " Devin said bitterly.

"Devin, maybe you're over reacting?"

He laughed, a bitter laugh. "I'm probably under reacting. No matter what

happens, what gets said--know that I love you and I do mean it. You are my wife and nothing and nobody is going to change that," he said determinedly as they appeared in the doorway of the lower portion of the chamber.

"You wanted to see us, Father?" Devin asked calmly, announcing their presence.

Father looked up from his cup of tea, and motioned them forward. His expression was unreadable. Mary saw them and excused herself quickly heading out the upper entrance towards her chamber. The atmosphere seem thick and tense, closed up for such a spacious room.

"Vincent, informs me that you two have just come back from getting married. Is this true?" Father inquired casually, looking at them over the rim of his glasses.

"Yes, sir. It is." Devin said.

"I see. What happened to you were going to wait, get to know the girl and her daughter? All the things we talked about earlier?"

"We changed our minds. We thought that getting married would be less embarrassing than just sleeping together. I respect my wife and her reputation as well as love her--deeply," Devin said seeing his Father start at that confession, it was not what he expected to hear from this son.

"I see, " he mumbled unsettled. Then Father looked up at Lena, holding on to Devin's arm tightly. "You were not forced into this? You wanted to marry my son?"

She nodded. "Yes sir, I did. I know we don't seem like we've known each other very long but we do know one another where it counts, in the heart. Neither one of us are great prizes in the outside world but here we have a chance to make something better for ourselves. I love your son, Father, and for good or bad, he's my husband and I want to make him a good wife. So you can yell at both of us all you want because we aren't going to undo what we did," she told him boldly.

Father looked a little taken aback at her statement. "Yell at you? What in heavens name for, child? I may wonder about your relative sanity in wanting to take up with my son but yell at you, no. In fact, I want to congratulate you and welcome you as my daughter," Father said rising from his chair surprising them both by his easy acceptance of their marriage.

"You're not mad?" Devin asked skeptically wondering who this stranger was.

"At first I was, but then I realized it was the best thing that could have happened to you, to Lena and to Cathy. It's not going to be easy plunging into this like you are. But you never have been one to wait once your mind was made up. I could see you had it made up this morning. You just exceeded my expectations on when you were going to formalize your union," Father said, really catching Devin off guard.

"I did?" Devin replied still not believing his father's accepting attitude.

"You did. I wish I had been there to see it, but what's done is done. Can I congratulate you now?" Father asking wanting to hug his son.

"Sure Dad," he replied and did hug his father warmly, relaxing somewhat in Father's total acceptance of his marriage to Lena.

Releasing Devin then he stepped to Lena, who let herself to be hugged and kissed by Father and kissed him in return. She was as unsure as Devin about Father's behavior and acceptance of their marriage. But she thanked Father graciously and then went to stand by Devin.

"So what are your plans now? You are still staying here Below?" Father asked cautiously.

"Yes. Now that Lena and I are together I have more of a reason to stay than I did. However, we might be needing larger quarters if there are any available," Devin inquired, remembering how small Lena's room was and his in the guest chamber wasn't too much larger either for three.

"There are some possibilities both on the upper and lower levels. We can discuss them tomorrow if you like," Father replied understandingly.

"That will be fine. I just want to get settled in as soon as we can. We know we're going to have to make a lot of adjustments to each other and with Cathy I want the transitions to be as easy as we can make them. This is going to be big shock for her because she's just met me," Devin apologized.

"Children at that age are pretty resilient. I hope everything will work out. I should let you go and let you celebrate your new life together. Devin, Lena I am happy that you two got married, I really am and I love you both," Father told them sincerely.

"Thanks, Dad, I am glad you approve of us. We'll see you tomorrow, and you get some sleep, please," Devin told him coming over and giving him a kiss on his head.

"I can now," he said with a smile as he watched them walk off hand in hand heading towards their rooms. He sighed, contented and relieved that Devin was home safe and it looked like he was going to stay thanks to Lena.

They walked back to her room hand in hand. "Didn't we do this last night?" he asked with a smile as they neared her room.

"Yeah, but this time your father isn't going to come calling on you, nor do I hope anyone else," she said feeling strange about this after all the excitement had died down.

As in answer to her thoughts Devin asked her, "So how are you feelings, Mrs. Wells?"

"I feel . . . I'm not sure how I feel. So much has happened today. Are we really married, Devin?" she asked looking up at him.

"I think so, and in my heart I know so. Wait, let me carry you across the threshold," he said stopping before her door and picking her up. He shouldered the curtain aside and carried her across the room to lay her on her bed which in their absence had been sprinkled with rose petals.

"We've had visitors," he said looking around and she did too. Scented candles were burning, there were red and white rose petals on the bed, and on the table was a white cake, plates, silver ware and a bottle of Champagne with two glasses, along with a large card.

Devin went over and picked it up. "It's from Vincent he says: Since we did not have time to give you a proper send off on your new marriage we hope these small tokens will help make your night more memorable. Best Wishes to you and Lena---Vincent and Diana."

"Wow, that's sweet of them. Cake and champagne. I haven't had any in years," Lena said feeling happy.

"I thought you just turned twenty-one?" Devin inquired with a lifted brow.

"I did. Don't tell me you didn't sample things before you were supposed to when you were younger?"

He laughed. "Got me there." Then he changed subjects. "One thing I do want to do is take a hot shower and get some clean clothes. I kind of threw things on this morning. I'm usually not quite this scuffy. If you don't mind me leaving you for a little bit?" he asked coming over to where she sat up now among the petals.

"A shower sounds good too. I could join you if you don't mind company?" she asked looking up at him innocently.

"Deal. Meet me in five minutes?"

"Deal. Five minutes," she agreed and rose to meet him.

Their wedding night went all too quickly as they took up where they had left off at earlier in Devin's hideout with Devin discovering he wasn't quite as old as he thought he was. Finally they slept and awoke late in the day. The bedside clock proclaiming that it was almost noon.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Wells," Devin said kissing Lena's bare shoulder.

She was instantly awake. "Afternoon? What time is it?" she asked, struggling to sit up, the covers tumbling down around her.

"A little after twelve. What's up?" he asked, seeing her worried expression.

"I--we were supposed to get Cathy, remember?" she said, wondering if anyone was mad at them.

"I think we can be excused a few minutes. I mean Vincent and Diana are going to be gone two weeks, I don't think our being an hour or so late is going to seriously upset anyone and if anyone is, that's their problem. I wish I could give you a proper honeymoon--take you to see the mountains you said you always wanted to see," he said sincerely.

"No, that's okay. Maybe one day we can, maybe even take Cathy too. Right now we're needed here. It wouldn't feel right going off, leaving everybody," she said though inwardly she wished they could go off.

He didn't believe her but he wasn't going to argue. He knew what she was afraid, losing what she had. She still hadn't gotten over Vincent's angry reception last night in the tunnel and Father's acceptance rather than his anger had unnerved her too. The news of their sudden marriage had already hit the pipes and news had been spread throughout the community. She wondered what kind of reaction they were going to receive once they left her chamber.

"What's bothering you, little one?" he asked noting her nervousness.

"Wondering whether everyone's going to be as mad as Vincent was last night.

Since I ran away that time, I've been real careful not to do or say anything to get people upset at me. I don't handle people being angry too well, especially people like Mary or Vincent. Do you understand?" she asked, tossing her long fine hair back and looking up at him with a scared and worried look in her gray eyes,

"It'll be okay, I promise. If they're mad it's not going to be for long. I think they'd rather see us married than just sleeping together. They get real upset about that down here," he said trying to get her to smile.

"Yeah, they do," she agreed. "I guess I'm just being silly, and worrying too much. Come on, let's get dressed and get something to eat. Then we'll collect Cathy, and go from there," she said, throwing the covers back and getting out of bed.

He sighed heavily as he watched her bounce across the room, thinking other thoughts than wanting to get dressed at that point in time. She was putting on her slip when she noticed he hadn't moved and was laying on his side, his head propped with his hand, just watching her.

"What are you doing?" she asked, seeing his amused and smoldering expression.

"Enjoying the view. You bounce quite well. Sure you want to . . . get dressed?" he asked, with an inviting smile, his other hands tracing an abstract design of circles on the bottom sheet on her side.

She smiled, then shook her head. "Don't tempt me."

"I'm trying. . . ."

"Devin, we really do have to go get Cathy. Heaven knows what she's been told. I just dumped her with Brooke yesterday and she hasn't seen me since," Lena explained.

He sighed. "You're right. We've got tonight to catch up on what we missed.

How do you think Cathy's going to take to me---you--us together?" he asked sitting up and looking for where he put his clothes.

"I don't know. How did she take to you yesterday at lunch?" she asked putting her jumper on over her dress.

He was thoughtful for a moment, remembering his impressions of the little girl. "Suspicious for one, because I was from Above. Telling her that Vincent was my brother and Father was my father didn't cut any ice. She didn't believe me and that you were very friendly to me really bothered her."

"She takes everything very seriously and worries a lot about the strangest things. I have a hard time figuring her out. I don't think I was ever that serious when I was little. Then she's always trying to be the proper young lady. She hates getting dirty or getting fussed at. Then she's real smart," Lena said proudly.

"Sounds like a neat kid. Lena, I hope you know I'm real new at this parenting thing. I mean like I've been around kids, but I never really got involved with them.

I kind of kept my distance, if you know what I mean. Don't expect miracles, okay?" he said trying to be honest with her.

"I'm not. I know you haven't had much experience but you'll do okay. Like Father and Mary keep telling me--trust your instincts, and when in doubt try patience, understanding and lots of love," she told him coming over to where he sat watching her.

"I'll try, but what if Cathy hates my guts? Then what? I mean I just found you, I don't want to lose you. But I won't cause problems between you and your daughter," he said sincerely.

"Now who's the worrier? Devin, it'll be okay. It really will. It's going to take some time for all of us to get to know one another, but it will work if we make it work and not give up before we've even tried," she said sitting down on the bed next to him, and putting her arm around him.

He put his arm around her waist giving her a hug. "Lena, I've never had a long term relationship with anyone before, . . . never committed myself to anyone, anything, for more than a couple of months. This is a first for me, a big first, and I guess I'm afraid of screwing up big time. I don't want to screw up yours and Cathy's life," he said looking at her sadly.

"What are you trying to say, Devin? That you're backing out before you've even started? I won't let you. No matter what happens, good, bad or otherwise, you're going to see this through. You may have failed at everything else but you're not going to fail at this--do you hear me?" she told him, knowing that's what he needed to hear.

"Lena, . . . I hear you, but why do want to put up with me? Let's face it, I'm a real loser," he said truthfully.

"No--you're not! That's only in your head. I see a very wonderful man, that's very, kind, very loving, and very lonely. Who has a terrible opinion of himself when he shouldn't and I also see the man I love very much--if he'll let me love him and not run away when someone gets too close," she told him and leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

He just shook his head in wonder at her wisdom and her perception of him. She may have been younger than him in physical years but mentally she was far older and wiser in a lot of ways. "Damn, girl, why do you have to be so good to me?"

"Because I do love you, Devin Wells, and I'm not going let you just run away."

"I believe you. For you, I will give it a shot, but I won't make any guarantees," he told her and saw her nod in acceptance. Then he stood up and began dressing and then she got up and went to finish fixing her hair and putting on her shoes.

When he was finished, he came up behind her and hugged her, kissing her neck. "Sorry, if I upset you. It's all so new and scary for me too. This is the most important thing I've even done in my life and I am so afraid of blowing with you and with Cathy. Lena, it's real hard for me to let go and be the real me. It kind of got lost in all the other me's I've been. But the real me, the one that's deep inside here, does love you--that I am sure of--and I will try to make it work, I really will," he said holding her tight.

She turned in his arms to face him, and her light eyes met his dark ones. "And I will try with you--together we will make it work--we have a whole lifetime together--I know we do," she said and then stood on tiptoes and kissed him lightly.

Come on, let's go face our brave new world--together," she told him taking his hand and leading him out the door. He had no choice but to follow.

* * * * *