Disclaimer:   This story features consensual sexual relationships between adult women, some implied m/m and m/f relations. If this bothers you, is illegal in the State, Province or Country you live or if you are the under age of 18, find something else to read. There are loads of general stories out there.

Language: There is some occasional strong language.

Violence: Yes, there is a bit of emotional and physical violence in the is fiction.

 

 

 

 

Hurt/Comfort: There is definitely some hurt/emotional discomfort in this one, and some brief scenes of trauma to be dealt with by the characters.

Acknowledgement: This story is for my friend Linda, who without her constant faith in my writing would never have gone further than my laptop.

Thank you to Betty for beta reading.

The children’s story is used with the permission of Julie Viridian and the lyrics are also used with permission.

Chapter Twenty-two

Jace wasn't going to get away with it today! She had found things to do that kept her out of the office when Hudson was there, and in the office when she wasn't, seemed to work. But today, no today she was caught! Hudson had requested her presence and she wasn't going to take any excuse, not this time.

Jace entered Hudson's office, when she called her on the intercom; it had been a very brusque request. 'Hope she's not in a bad mood.' Jace thought as she went through the door.

Clarissa Hudson was sitting in her large office chair it was black leather and essentially suited the woman, she did exude a dark power, almost evil in it's intent at times, or so it appeared to Jace.

"Ah, Jace. Glad you could finally set some time aside to see me!" Hudson said the voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Your time, your money." Jace said with a small smile.

Hudson watched her closely and waived her to the seat in front of her desk. "Yes, glad you realised that!"

Jace dropped down into the seat, knowing this wasn't going to be a picnic.

"So, have you finally remembered some interesting details on Warriorson for the documentary yet?" It wasn't a request it was a demand.

"No." Jace looked directly into the hard expression of her boss.

"Why not?" came a sickly sweet reply.

"It wasn't anything to do with the company when I was a guest on the ranch, it would be a betrayal of her privacy if I revealed how she lives and the people she has around her." Jace answered confidently.

"Come, come Jace, don't be naive! Catherine Warriorson will know that we will want you to tell us something about her! Hell, she will expect it." Hudson said in an amused tone.

"Well, I disagree. She doesn't expect that of me!"

"I'm afraid that if you don't tell me something, particularly the facts, then as you know in this town, things kind of slip out of proportion to the event." Hudson looked at her nails as she spoke.

Jace looked at the woman, 'Was that a threat?' "I'm sorry, forgive my stupidity here but exactly what do you mean by that?"

"As I said before, naïve maybe, but certainly not stupid. You are a very intelligent woman, I'm more than happy to have you on my team's side," Hudson continued her examination of her fingernails.

"I wasn't aware there was an issue with sides here?" Jace looked confused.

"Didn't you? Mmm, well it would appear that a line has been drawn Jace; you need to decide which side you want to be on," Hudson eyed her discreetly, curious to see her reaction.

"Why do I need to be on a particular side? It's not exactly a major issue here, you only need about thirty seconds of dialogue, is it so important?" Jace was dumbfounded. It didn't make sense this obsession of Hudson's about Catherine. 'I'm going to have to ask Catherine if she knows Hudson, maybe in her past.'

"To me it's important Jace, lets just say I'm fascinated with the legend." Hudson said almost in a whisper.

"Legend?" Jace asked her puzzled.

"Ah, too young, I forget sometimes. Let's just say Ms Warriorson has a background that is legendary; I wondered if she had changed in anyway." Hudson smiled at the younger woman and noticed her puzzled frown. "Times change Jace, she's probably nothing like the woman she was, but tell me does she still have that expressive eyebrow action that literally is one of the most powerful weapons in her arsenal?"

Jace paled, Hudson did know her. "I wouldn't know the difference would I; I've never met her before?"

"No, but I have! Indeed, on several occasions. Does she still put the fear of god into people?' noticing Jace wince at the term, she smiled. "Guess she still does, wonder if she still pulls that hard nosed bitch front she used to do when we knew each other?" Once again Jace's facial expressions gave her away. "Can't say I blame you for not wanting to say much about the cold-hearted bitch, you never know if she might retaliate. Does she have anything on you that she could score a point off you Jace?" This time Hudson looked at her directly and noted the sudden swallowing and the pale visage getting paler.

'Oh to be young and in love.' Hudson chuckled silently.

"She...she wouldn't do anything to make me upset, I know her! She wouldn't, she knows I...I value her friendship." Jace whispered at the room, it was suddenly becoming oppressive. 'God, how well had Hudson known Catherine, and when and where?'

"Guess you need to get some work done Jace. But remember who the pay check comes from okay?" Hudson inclined her head to the doorway in dismissal. "Oh Jace, in this town and our industry try to remember one thing!"

Jace looked up at her and wearily got up from the chair. "That would be?"

Hudson looked at her with a cynical smile. "Why never be gullible Jace you might never know when it could come back to haunt you."

Jace paled even more and thought, 'this woman was a manipulator, Peter had been right, she wouldn't give up; but I haven't given any damn interview either, so that was something to be thankful for at least.'

Leaving the room she picked up her purse and headed for the canteen, she needed a coffee and how!

Hudson looked at the dejected Bardley leave her office and as the door closed, she allowed herself a large grin and a small laugh.

"Oh Catherine, how you still manage to charm people to your side of the camp, and now without the mantle of Xianthos to help in your enticement. It will give me great pleasure in using what Jace didn't say! As a background to the story and eventually you will have to do the evil deed yourself and admit who you really are to her, saving me the task in the long run. I'm sure Jace will be happy to know that her...friend as she calls you, is really her number one enemy! How appropriate for you both; she gets a lesson in life, and you get a touch of your own medicine. I love it, just love it." She spoke icily into the empty room.

Grace had packed as much as she wanted for the trip home, if she needed anything else she would buy it there. Her sister Alison had been ecstatic over her visit, after all it had been three years since she'd been home, and they thought she had forgotten them.

Recalling the phone conversation.

"Hell Sis, we thought that you had finally decided we weren't good enough for you anymore. What with living like you do at that big ranch and with a rich recluse?" Alison had laughed when Grace had snorted her disgust at the comment.

"Sure, how on earth could I forget you Ali, you wouldn't let me anyway, would you?" She laughed herself at her sister's infectious laughter, it reminded her of Jace in some ways, as they were both about the same age.

"Mom was pleased that you're coming home."

"Good, it will be good to see her too, what about dad?"

"Gracie you know Dad, he never says much, but I noticed him look at your photo when I mentioned it."

"Which photo? Thought he'd got rid of them, when the police thing went out of the window."

"It's the one you had taken about six months into the training, guess he kept one or two huh?"

Grace smiled at the thought of the picture, she had been happy then.

Her Dad had been proud of her, he had been a police officer himself, but due to a heart problem had retired earlier than expected, three years ago. He had never forgiven her for the car accident and the waste of her career, what she did now was not fit work for his daughter, or that's how she had viewed his continued silence over the past five years, guess sometimes you don't need words.

"I remember it well, who has the pleasure of putting me up?" She asked, knowing that her sister no longer lived at home.

Alison laughed at the question. "Boy, you sure have a chip on your shoulder Gracie. Come on now Mum and Dad would be furious if you didn't go home, she got your room ready so you have to go."

Grace was surprised, more than surprised, the last visit hadn't gone too well and if it hadn't been for Ali's influence, she would probably have said things she would have regretted later. Mind you there would always be a second chance, Ali wasn't going to be there this time around!

"Okay, well I'll see you Sunday Ali, don't go getting into too much trouble before I get there, love you. Bye for now."

"Love you too Gracie, see you Sunday, bye."

Cradling the cell in her hand she hadn't noticed Catherine walk into the room silently. Turning she noticed the strange smile on the woman's face as she watched her from the door.

"Okay, what's so funny Catherine?"

Catherine moved from her leaning post at the door and walked closer to her friend. "I've never heard you talk to your family before, do you often?"

Grace smiled briefly and went over and put down the cell on the kitchen table. "No, no Ali, Alison my kid sister has been travelling abroad, she's an engineer, works on rigs and such stuff. Clever kid about Jace's age." Seeing the fleeting sadness in Catherine's eyes she looked away and went over to put on some tea.

"Interesting profession, obviously she likes it?" Catherine said conversationally.

"Yeah, she does. Took my dad ages to come to terms with it especially after...well anyway she gets around now." Grace kept her back to Catherine.

"After?" Catherine was never one to miss a change in subject.

"You know you could just ignore that and ask me when I'm going to leave." Grace smiled wanly at her friend and boss.

"I could! But nooo...where's the fun in that!" she returned a brief smile and sat at the table; tea looked a good possibility and she knew once Grace was gone she wouldn't be in the kitchen much until she got back.

"After I dipped out of the police, my Dad was loath to believe that his other daughter would finish her chosen profession."

"Your sister is her own person what happened to you was an accident, surely he didn't assume she would be as f..." She didn't finish the sentence.

"Foolish is the word you wanted to say I believe." Grace supplied for her.

"Yeah, foolish. Because sure as hell my friend, you certainly were in that car that night." Catherine never released the stare from the other woman's eyes, essentially taking any of the sting out of the words.

"I know, and would you believe good old Dad has never forgiven me! Hell, I was his eldest child and following in his footsteps.  Now, he thinks I'm a waste of space, doing a mediocre job for some recluse, who has more money than sense." Grace laughed as she said the words pouring them tea.

"Maybe your Dad is right, you could do better than this Grace." Catherine had pondered that very same thing about Grace recently.

"No! I couldn't Catherine. This is my home for as long as you want me in it! I'm happy here with you and now with the children, it's going to be interesting times." She locked brown onto blue in a sincere look.

Catherine placed a hand on the other woman's. "You know I think you're right Grace, it certainly is going to be interesting times."

"Yes, so don't go doing too many interesting things while I'm gone will you?" She chuckled as they sat there in friendly companionship.

"Okay, just don't stay away too long will you?"

"No, no I have something to come back too now haven't I?" she said softly.

"You never needed to go away to find a reason to stay here Grace." Catherine replied solemnly.

"I know, but some things need to be cleared up, and I can't do it here. Do you know you're too much of an influence?" She smiled at the colour, which appeared on Catherine's cheeks.

"Christ that's just what Jace said." And tried to laugh off the embarrassment that the two most important women in her life seemed to have the same opinion of her.

"I always knew Jace was an astute woman. Pity some others haven't got the same perception." She moved away quickly as Catherine jabbed her in the arm.

"Get out of here Grace, you're going to make someone an interesting wife one day!" She got up and walked towards the outer door.

"I'll be back before you go, in about an hour okay?" Catherine smiled and left her friend to her final leaving preparations.

"Interesting wife indeed! Maybe she should think about that herself."

Grace chuckled as she cleared away the tea mugs and went to her room to get her things together.

Paul Strong had started all the necessary procedures to ensure Catherine's plans for a World President of Xianthos coming into operation without to much controversy with the various personnel and departments.

He had received the internal memo from Catherine to all VP's about her plans; it had clearly stated his new role, which placed him in charge of Xianthos. Catherine wouldn't interfere, unless it meant that Xianthos was under criminal suspicion or that the market lost faith in the President.

He had practically run the company for the last five years anyway on the more sensitive issues, so she had great faith and would tell the market so in a rare interview in the coming months. She had also stated that he would be the person to move if he thought fit any VP's to new positions, especially the New York role, which would be perceived as his second in command.

Paul had considered the options he had, but primarily he needed to act on Catherine's last discussion with the other VP's; it was very appropriate how she had rearranged positions and responsibilities, just another of her many skills.

He was going to move Gareth to Africa, he'd been far to out spoken of late and what better way to see if he could actually put his money where his mouth was, or rather Xianthos's money back into the Corporate pocket.

Constance had done well there; she had turned round what had been a big loss of seventy million a year to a meagre five million.  How she had done that was amazing, sometimes he thought that she should have the new role, but he did have the more sophisticated experience with the major clients. If she continued in New York the same way she did on the African continent, she would easily oust him in about five years. He smiled at the thought.

'Hell, he had enough money from the bonuses alone to retire now, but it was always a challenge and the last five years had been exactly that!'

Then there was Eduardo. He was definitely the candidate for Europe without a doubt! Anyway he would love the new scenery, especially the European females.

Tito wouldn't necessarily have to move he could put the new person in the South American position, certainly closer to the two senior executives if things went wrong! Yes, that would work. Might cause problems with Gareth, but he would be the only one! He didn't want to lose Tito, he was a very fine man and it was his decision after all.

Now, the new candidate for the VP position was certainly something he had to consider well; the selection would have to take into account every senior manager in the corporation, which seemed to have produced several highly qualified applicants for him to consider.

The phone rang in his office.

"Strong."

"Sorry to bother you Paul, but I have Catherine on line one and Gareth on line two, which one do you want to take first?"  Celeste Johnson asked, she'd been Paul's aide for over ten years and he had never known anyone like her for efficiency, in his life.

Paul smiled.

"I'll take line two first, Catherine will wait." he smiled as he thought of his boss, she knew that the corporation came first and the day to day operations was his call.

Celeste smiled at her boss's tone; she knew that he was smiling. Catherine rarely called during normal office hours it was unheard of.

"Ms. Devonshire, Mr. Strong has just taken a call from the European VP, would you like me to get him to call you back?"  Celeste had met the woman a few times in her career at Xianthos, she was formidable but entirely fair in her dealings, or so it had always appeared to her.

Catherine looked at the time, if she put down the phone it might be another hour before Paul rang back and she would be bathing Lisa.

"I'll wait, thanks Celeste."

Celeste was surprised at her waiting. "What's the weather like in your part of the world Ms Devonshire?" It was better than the piped music, and no way was Celeste going to subject the owner of Xianthos to that!

Catherine was a little surprised that Paul's aide would try to converse with her, how times are changing, but at least it would be better than listening to the piped music. "Very cold, we had frost this morning, could be some snow on the way."

"Well it's just started to heat up here, in the seventies, so quite comfortable at the moment. My kids love the hot weather, wonder where they get it from sometimes." she said cheerfully.

Catherine smiled and thought of her two charges and wondered what they thought about the season changes. "Yes, kids appear to like hot weather, must be the thought of open spaces, holidays, swimming and generally getting up to mischief I would think," Catherine said in a relatively talkative way.

Celeste was surprised she hadn't expected much of a response to her chatter. She knew Ms Devonshire's background and that her immediate family was all dead including her only son.

"You have any children on the ranch?" It was open speculation.

Catherine wondered if the aide was being nosy or just making general conversation. She decided on the latter.

"I've got a couple of kids staying with me at the moment, only ever seen them with the cold weather, it will be interesting to see what they get up to in the summer months."

Celeste was amazed, should she say more or not? What the hell you only live once! "My son Richard, loves going boating with his father in the vacation time, but Gayle my youngest, she likes nothing better than sitting in the sun doing nothing in particular."

Catherine laughed at her description. "How old are your children Celeste?" she couldn't remember exactly how old Celeste might be, maybe mid-thirties, more or less, she didn't know, it had never been important.

"Richard is eighteen in a couple of weeks, goes to college next fall. Gayle is sixteen and making my heart stop from time to time with the number of interested young men who seem to want to get to know her. Guess you just never get over being worried about them, do you?"

Celeste said, forgetting whom she was talking to for the moment.

Catherine mulled that one over. "No, I guess you don't Celeste, but so long as they stay safe what more can any parent ask," she spoke solemnly thinking about Lucas.

A light going out on the console indicated that Paul had finished his conversation with the European VP. "Well, it was wonderful to talk to you Ms Devonshire. I will put you through to Mr Strong now, bye."

Catherine smiled, "Bye for now Celeste, oh and next time I'm on the line call me Catherine and let me know how your getting on with your children," with that she waited to be put through and a male voice answered.

"Sorry to keep you waiting Catherine, Gareth is getting up tight about your recent memo." Paul laughed softly at the remembered conversation.

"I'm sure you will handle it Paul." Catherine spoke with disinterest.

"I'm sure I will, so what can I do for you today, it's a little unusual to hear from you this time in the day?" Paul was curious.

"I had a snippet of information passed to me confidentially, that Hudson is ready to go for release of the documentary. I want access to it prior to release. No ifs or buts just send me a copy of the tape.  If you have any resistance, just get the lawyers involved!" Catherine spoke in a demanding voice.

Paul looked at the intercom thoughtfully, he had known that Catherine would get at Hudson eventually, but to suppress the documentary would only bring her even bigger publicity. "You going to veto the documentary altogether?"

"A...Paul, now why would you think I would be that malicious?" she laughed it came out as a low throaty expression that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

"Not malicious, just payback on your terms." He ventured.

"The answer to your question is no, they can show everything except Destiny. It really is as simple as that!"

"Okay, I should have it to you by courier within the next five days."

"Fine. Oh, and Paul tell Hudson if she doesn't co-operate I'll personally come over and sort the issue out!"

"You know she might just take you up on that threat."

"If she does, then I guess I'll get to kill two birds with one stone. But believe me the other bird is far, far more important than Hudson." Catherine said in a gentle tone.

"Never thought I'd see you in LA?" Paul was surprised at the turn of the conversation.

"Who says I will be yet! I'd rather conduct any of my business anywhere else in the world, but it appears that affairs of the heart Paul, sometimes ignore your preferences." Catherine spoke in a casual tone.

Paul was once again surprised, so she did have a relationship with Jace Bardley, interesting. "That they do Catherine, that they do!"

Catherine was answering a question in the background.

"I have to go Paul, Grace left this afternoon and I have the dubious pleasure of bathing a seven year old tonight, no rest for the wicked it would seem." She laughed and waited for his response.

"You will miss Grace, she's a very fine asset to you on the ranch."

"An asset Paul? Really, you say the nicest things about people. Although you're right, I will miss her. Hell! I miss her now and she's only been gone about three hours. She's a good friend," her voice wistful.

"I better let you go, I'm going to contact the VP's tomorrow and let them know my decision on the global areas. Obviously, I will update you tomorrow also," he immediately went back to business efficiency mode.

"Great, do what you have to do. Bye," she placed the cell phone down on the desk.

Paul glanced back at the intercom. 'Wonder exactly how Jace Bardley feels about Catherine? Can't say I've ever seen her quite so laid back as she is at the moment. Love must agree with her.'  He chuckled at the thought of his boss in love and the object of that love, was so different from her that it was almost ludicrous.

He pulled out his personal diary and rang UCP direct.

Catherine sat alone in the lounge and glanced at the book she had recently put down after reading to the children again. 'I wonder what my life would have been like if Lucas and I hadn't lost mother when we did? Wonder if Lucas would still be alive? Father might have come home more often and they would have been a family. Strange how mother always had a sense of the future and she knew deep down she wasn't going to be around to see our future.' Catherine idly thumbed through some of the pages of the book, and a small smile appeared as she read pieces that brought back her own memories of twenty-three years earlier.

The rambling house in a fashionable district in London was alive with laughter and people enjoying themselves in a party atmosphere.

It was Elena Devonshire's thirty-fifth birthday and just about everyone who was anyone in the publishing world was there. Stewart Devonshire had made sure his wife would enjoy the day in every way, he loved the woman to distraction, and she was his whole world. Even his children came a pale second to her and his business a necessary evil, he wanted Elena to have everything money could buy and he worked hard to achieve just that!

It was late afternoon and several of the guest requested that Elena do one of her party tricks, her two children were fascinated, it was their first grown up party and they had loved every minute of it.

"Please, you flatter me." Elena blushed as she eyed the numerous people sitting in various places in the large dining room.

Stewart came over to where the children sat with their nanny. "Your mama is very talented children, what will it be a song or some of those fortunes she tells from time to time?" he spoke into Catherine's ear but loud enough for Lucas to hear too.

Both children looked at their father and smiled brightly. "Oh I want a song daddy, mama sings nice songs." Lucas said in a loud voice, so that those seated close to them, laughed out loud.

Elena looked over at her family and knew that a conspiracy was a foot.

Stewart glanced down at his shy, gangly ten-year-old daughter. "What about you little princess, what do you want mama to do as her party piece?" he smiled at his daughter, she was at times difficult to get a sentence out of if she wasn't confident about something.

Ice blue eyes looked into his blue-green ones and smiled. "Fortunes Daddy, she could tell fortunes." She continued to look earnestly at her father.

Elena looked over at her husband.

"My love it appears Lucas wants you to sing, but our little princess here wants you to tell fortunes. Your choice." He laughed and the other guests joined in.

Elena looked at her two expectant children, noting the excitement on her son's face and the quiet anticipation on her daughter's often-emotionless visage.

"I think I will not chose, I will sing a song for Lucas and tell some fortunes for my friends. There is a catch to the fortune telling though, my dear daughter will also get her fortune told, she requested the party piece after all." Elena noticed her daughter blush and gulp at the same time; she was so very shy that one.

Sometime later after a song and several fortunes being told, Elena was tiring and Stewart said enough was enough and the children had to go to bed. Elena rested her hand on husband's arm. "No, I have one more to do and I will do it as she gets ready for bed, the little princess." Smiling at her daughter, who had looked both relieved and a little disappointed by her father's announcement.

"Okay, my love, but don't take all night, we still have a party to finish." He pushed her gently towards the children making their way up the stairs to bed.

After her bath, Catherine looked into the brown eyes of her mother and waited.

Taking her hand and turning over the palm she looked at her daughter and spoke softly. "Catherine there will be times in your life that appear as if the god's themselves are out to defeat you, but take strength my child that you will survive and you will be the stronger for it. You will suffer tragedy, but I see a great, wonderful sense of peace that will be hard fought for and it will bring you a lasting happiness. Don't ever give up on love my daughter, because you have a great capacity for it, but the darkness that is in our ancestry will rear up and try to defeat it! Always remember that there is a one true love out there for everyone, and you will have that Catherine, but you may have to sacrifice everything that you hold dear to your heart to achieve it. Take council from a brown haired, brown eyed foreigner in the future, she will steer you towards your goal. But never fear daughter, I will always be there to hold your hand in the darkness that comes and goes, it is my destiny."

Elena looked into the ice blue eyes that held fascination and wonder, but also pain at the statement her mother had made. "Mama will you always be there to hold my hand in the darkness, even when I'm older?" came a tentative question.
Elena smiled wistfully at her elder child, so solemn this one, so full of promise and yet so full of tragedy too! "Oh yes, never fear Catherine, no matter what, I will definitely hold your hand, you just need to think of me and I will be there, it is my destiny. Just as you will have a different destiny marked for you one day." She gently pulled the covers over her daughter as she got into bed.

"I love you mama, never ever leave us." It was the plea of a child not yet ready to consider the consequences of the journey of life before them.

"I love you too Catherine, never ever forget that!" Elena kissed her cheek and left the room.

Catherine wondered what her mother meant by all those words, it was far too much for her mind to understand. Mama would tell her again when she was older, for now it was sufficient to know that she would always have her mama near at hand.

Catherine wiped a tear from her cheek as the memory invaded her space, her lonely life; one she had purposely sought was now closing in on her.

'Had her mother been right? Was there a person out there who could bring her peace and love? Sometimes she wanted to believe in Adam's theory of soulmates, never more so than in recent weeks but...yes, there always seems to be a 'but' in my life. I cannot let the past go; it darkens my doorstep too often to think about trying for a life with someone new. I cannot take another round of deaths of people I love, it would break my heart all over again, and only this time I'm not sure I would ever survive it! Mama if you hear me, I could do with a hand to hold about now!'

Catherine looked again at the book and placed it on the fireside table, knowing the futility of her childish thoughts.

She closed her eyes and wondered what Jace was doing right about now.

Jace had arrived at her parents around dinner, it was rare she visited them during the working week, but today had been difficult to cope with and veiled threats by Hudson, just set her on edge.

Seeing her mother in the kitchen, she went in to greet her.

"Mom, what's for dinner?" Jace happily hugged the surprised woman, who was the same height as her daughter, but much more heavily proportioned.

"Jace, what made you come out here tonight? Not that it isn't good to see you." said the smiling woman as she smiled green eye to green.

"Can't a girl come and see her family from time to time huh?"

"As the girl in question is my eldest daughter, absolutely. It's good to see you Jace, you haven't been here for over two months."

"I've been out of the country, I told Dad, when I rang him last."

"No worries my dear, come on let me see if you've lost any more weight with this job in Hollywood." Her mother gently chastised her daughter with a twinkle in the eyes.

"Oh Mom, it's not that bad and anyway I caught a virus over in New Zealand, "she held up her hand as her mother tried to get a word in.

"It's okay Mom, no harm done, I'm fine. I was well looked after, you would have liked the people I stayed with at the time." Jace pictured her mother getting to know the stoic woman she'd lost her heart too, it brought a smile to her face.

"In that case I'd better feed you up then; come on your Dad and Lucy are in the study, talking as always. She's nearly as bad as you for talking constantly, only she doesn't have your persuasive skills with your Father." Tugging her eldest child along, they went towards the study.

There in the chair, at a much used desk sat a grey haired, ruggedly handsome man of about sixty; he generated confidence and happiness about him. He was conversing with a five foot eight inch young woman who had his blue eyes and blonde hair from her mother. At fifteen she was challenging her father to something with all the enthusiasm of youth.

"Well you two, we have a guest for dinner." Her mother pushed Jace into the room.

"Jace." Came two voices simultaneously. Both rushed forward to hug her in welcome.

"It's great to see you Jace, have you got a holiday it's the middle of the week?" her Father asked in interest.

"Oh come on Dad, Jace never takes any holidays, that place must owe her weeks and weeks," Lucy replied for her sister.

Jace ruefully looked at the two and smiled deeply, this was her family home, and she knew that she would always be welcome here no matter what happened in her life. "No holidays but I guess I was feeling kinda lonely." Well it was true; she was lonely now without Catherine.

"Looks like a decent meal wouldn't come a miss either Jace." Her father looked at the fashionably slim woman in front of him.

"Ah come on Dad I've just had that conversation with Mom; let's catch up on some gossip until dinner arrives."

They talked for about half an hour and then during dinner.

Lucy helped her mother to clear away as father and eldest daughter went into the lounge to await them.

Jason Bardley looked at his daughter with concern. Although she had been talking, it had appeared to him to be somewhat subdued conversation on her part. "You going to keep an old man in suspense Jace?" her father asked with a grin across his expressive face.

Jace turned to her father and returned the grin. "I never could keep anything from you could I Dad?"

"Never, so come on what's worrying my little girl?"

"I guess it's work mainly, Hudson has been a little vindictive of late, she's not the easiest to work with but recently she's been more difficult. She called me naive today, maybe I am. But what she wants I just can't give her that information, no matter how trivial it might be! Does that make any sense to you Dad?" she said in a quiet sad voice.

Jason looked at his eldest daughter, he knew that losing the publishing business six years ago had broken her heart; it had been something she had always wanted to do ever since she had started to walk and gone to the office on occasions with him.

She'd said that one day 'Bards Publishing' would publish a book she had written. Then the bubble had burst and he wasn't even sure if she wrote in her journal anymore, never mind the book she'd always dreamed of.

Jason had always known his eldest daughter had an almost idealic lookout on life; she never judged anyone always looking for the best in everyone no matter the circumstances. But it was also always going to hurt her one-day. All he wanted was an opportunity to be there when it did and help with the disappointment, maybe this was the time!

"Jace, you have an understanding of people that can be both a gift that hurts or brings great joy. Sometimes it's perceived as naïve, then again it can be a strength too, all depends on who you talk too." Her father looked at her intensely. "That's not all though is it Jace?"

Jace shook her head and returned his stare. "No, I've met someone Dad. Only thing is I know I love them but they don't seem to want to take a chance."

Jason had wondered when it would be that she would fall in love. Jace had never given much time to romance always saying it had to be that special person before she wanted to play in that arena. There had always been the odd skirmish with the boy next door and the couple of college friends; certainly in the last five years or more nothing or not anything she was willing to admit too!

"Wonderful news Jace, is it someone we know?" he asked gently.

Jace rose out of the chair and walked over to the window. "No, you wouldn't know them. In fact they live in New Zealand. We sort of became friends when I had to stay at the ranch to recuperate after catching a virus. Strange how the fates have put a distance between us, almost as if they're on her side." Jace whispered barely audible.

Jason wasn't sure if he'd heard right 'her side'? He had always brought his children up to respect other people's beliefs and choices in life but he was a little surprised that his daughter had chosen to become a member of a minority group. Which frequently went through the mangle at any available opportunity at the hands of bigoted and small-minded people. "You say she doesn't love you, why would that be Jace?" he asked concerned.

The young woman turned to him and realised she had let it slip that the love of her life was a woman! "You know something Dad?"

"What would that be daughter?" He bantered back.

"Have I told you recently how much I love you and how well you brought us up?" She said a tear welling up in her eyes.

"Well, come to think of it not recently." He smiled and held out his arms for her to come into a much needed hug.

"Oh Daddy, what am I going to do, she's so...so out of reach. Not just the distance physically but mentally she just wont let go of the past, and although I know she likes me as a friend I'm not sure if she even wants a relationship beyond that! Hades, she was married and had a son, so maybe it's just my hormones Dad," Jace spoke thickly into her father's shoulder.

"Jace, I've known you for what," he smiled at the rueful look he got from his daughter. "Okay, all of twenty-five years and this is not your hormones Sweetheart. Although you might have to consider, that your friend doesn't have the depth of love you have for her, you are going to have to come to terms with that and respect it. Can you do that Jace, can you just be her friend and not want more than she's willing to give?"

Jace looked into her Father's concerned face with tearful eyes, "I love her dad, if all she can give me is friendship, I have to live with that and I will. Because I can't live with the thought of not having her in my life at all, just the thought of it hurts too much!"

"Then Jace, you are going to be okay. Hell! Who in their right mind wouldn't love you in the end? Just give it time, and they say patience has it's own reward, you never know Jace, yours might just be...sorry you never did say her name?"

"Catherine, she's called Catherine Warriorson," she said softly.

"Well, your reward might just go by the name of Catherine." He smiled and held his daughter in a warm comforting hug. At the same time thinking that the name was familiar and an echo of the past in some strange way.

"Thanks Dad, I'm really pleased I came home. I always know you're there for me!" Jace said thankfully.

"We are all here for you Jace never forget that! Now come on lets dry those tears your mother and sister will be coming in soon and you know what it's like if they pick up on juicy gossip." He laughed into her blonde hair.

"Yeah, like I'd never get home this side of next week," she laughed along with her father. Somehow everything was going to be all right. It was just a matter of a little faith.

Paul Strong wearily got up from his chair, putting a hand across his brow. 'That woman was the very devil incarnate,' he thought as he'd concluded a very interesting conversation with Clarissa Hudson.

It was late and he wanted to get home and pack, before heading off to LA on a late evening flight. James would be excited at his arrival, it was going to be a surprise and how! Especially, when he told him the whole story. He smiled in anticipation of his partner's response, and picking up his briefcase and switched out the lights as he left his palatial office. On his way down from the thirtieth floor, which was the executive level he mused over his conversation with Hudson.

"Clarissa Hudson speaking," answered the sweet tone of the woman who was anything but.

"Clarissa, this is Strong from Xianthos in New York, have you got a few minutes to talk?" Paul spoke in a brusque tone.

Clarissa started out of her chair in surprise, that the most powerful person in Xianthos, other than the owner herself was calling. 'Now I wonder why?' she smirked as she knew damn well.

"Sure Paul, go ahead," never one to miss an opportunity.

"I have a request from Ms Devonshire. She wished to look at the new documentary by Peter Adamson, prior to it being released."

Hudson smiled, "Now that is an interesting request, this is the first time she has ever taken an interest in UCP, I'm flattered," she said sarcastically.

"Well don't be! We won't beat around the bush, you know as well as I do why she wants to see the tape," Paul snarled into the phone.

"Touchy subject I see Paul, pity she couldn't have come up with a much better disguise to remain anonymous. I'm only the Producer, not the Writer or Director of the documentary."

"I think you did a good job in steering them directly into her path."

"Me? No, I suspect she shouldn't have taken one of the team into her home, if she didn't want to feel any repercussions." Clarissa felt quite pleased with herself; this conversation was heading right into her hands.

"So you are saying that Ms Bardley is instrumental in some of the 'facts' on the tape involving the 'Destiny' ranch." Paul was puzzled, he didn't think Jace would give any information, not if she was involved with Catherine on a personal level, but then...

"Let's just say, Jace knows who pays her salary every month." Hudson stated simply.

"Well, that would be Xianthos then wouldn't it!" Paul answered scathingly.

"Oh, petty point Paul, she works for UCP not Xianthos, she knows that and is very happy with the situation."

"The fact remains that I need you to send me a copy of the tape, when will I see it?" Paul had digested the information.

He heard a faint laugh at the end of the line. "Don't worry Paul, you will see a copy on your office desk tomorrow evening, I will wait for the almighty Ms Devonshire to stick her two pennies in, but then it gets released!"

"Leave it with your secretary tomorrow by lunch, I will get it picked up. Have a good day Ms Hudson." He put down the phone.

Paul contemplated the conversation; he could warn Catherine about the comments made by Hudson regarding Jace and her participation in the tape. Then again, it could be nothing and he would have looked a fool.

The doors opened and he stepped out into the lobby noting the evening sky with its multitude of colours. He smiled and headed out of the swinging doors.

Colin glanced at his boss, who was lounging negligently over the railing to the paddock, watching the two youngsters with their riding lessons.

She looked relaxed and very beautiful, although if you looked deeply enough into her eyes you could see the veiled sadness held there. Not many-dared look into her eyes, so few people would ever see it. He had! At breakfast that morning they discussed the ranch, it's opportunities at length, being interrupted only by the motherly figure of one Doris Gladstone, the woman who was helping out until Grace came home. He had looked at her and seen the sadness there, not very far from the sadness in his own he suspected. Unrequited love was one hell of a burden to carry around, for his part anyway.

"They're doing well Ma'am," he said politely as she glanced around and saw him looking at her.

"Yes, I noticed." She answered quietly and went back to her observation.

"Jake is a natural you know, once he's told, it's as if he's always known how to do the exercise. Were you like that Ma'am?"

Catherine turned to him and bit of an angry retort. "I thought I told you to call me Catherine?" she responded.

He looked flustered and nodded. "You did, guess old habits."

She shook her head, "No, not old habits, just stubborn men I think, and the answer to your question is yes."

He pushed his hat back on his head and regarded the girl on the pony, she had a toothless grin plastered on her face as she tried but failed to catch up to Jake on his larger pony. "Lisa is a little different as you can see." He smiled. He'd been enchanted by the little girl from the first time he'd met her.

"So I see, I wonder how she's stays on the pony?" Catherine also smiled briefly at the sight of the little girl pushing the pony forward but slipping continuously in the saddle.

"Diamond likes her I guess."

"How old is the pony?"

"Oh, he's the eldest one on the ranch, was going to retire him but thought he might like to get to know one more rider before he gets his rest. Not sure now if that was a mistake or not." He laughed at the thought of the old pony and the excited child that first day out.

She'd pulled at his mane and tail as she executed various stages of falling off the pony, he'd even pinched her back at one stage, but she never looked scared and he'd eventually nuzzled her at the end of the session.

"Will he stay the course do you think?" Catherine asked with interest.

"Diamond?' He looked for confirmation and she nodded, "Oh yes, she has him eating out of the palm of her hand, quite literally." Colin laughed.

"Not the only one she has eating out of her hand I suspect." Catherine levelled him a wry look and moved away from the fence.

Colin turned crimson and pulled himself over the railings to enter the paddock.

"You know something Colin," she continued without waiting for him to answer but noted that he turned in her direction. "She has the same effect on me too!" Then walked over to the barn and her exercise with Tralargon.

He watched her body swing into action towards the barn, she certainly moved with power and grace; he shook his head from wayward thoughts.

Jace enjoyed the rest of the evening with her family; it had helped to talk to her Father. When she'd been a child it had always been Daddy she went too, even on the most diverse subjects including sex! Her father had never turned her away, always explaining patiently what his daughter needed to know, although his wife had coached him on the questions she'd thrown at him about sex. Jace had been embarrassed, but laughed when he had explained that year she was home from college and they had been reminiscing.

'Now I've openly discussed my love for Catherine Warriorson, funny it hadn't been as hard to say it, as I thought it would be.  There again I was only talking to my Dad! Hades she had to approach the subject with Catherine, now that was one wonderful but scary thought.'

Smiling, she contemplated the time in New Zealand and wondered if a phone call would be well received. "Hey, all that can happen is she's out!" Jace said out loud to her empty apartment and picked up her phone and dialled the number.

What seemed to be minutes but was only around thirty seconds the tone changed and she knew it was ringing.

Waiting.

Jace looked at her computer and she thought that maybe it would be better to just send e-mail.

Suddenly the phone was picked up and an unfamiliar voice spoke.

"Warriorson residence, how may I help you?"

"Ha... I'm sorry, hello this is Jace Bardley is Mrs Warriorson available?" Jace stuttered wondering who the stranger was at the end of the phone.

"Well, I will check. Is she expecting your call?" The woman asked Jace perceived her as being mature she had a motherly tone.

"No, no she's not but I'm sure she will take the call if she knows it's me." Jace almost pleaded with the woman.

"Be right back my dear." The phone was placed on the hall table Jace could just picture it.

Waiting.

She then heard solid footsteps making there way towards the area of the hall the phone was placed down in.

Jace took a deep breath hopefully it was Catherine.

"Hi, Jace?" came a low voice which she immediately recognised and that brought a blush to her cheeks.

"Catherine, hi yourself." She giggled at the other end to hide her sudden nervousness.

"Look Jace, this isn't the best place to chat. Give me a few seconds to get to the study and we will talk, be right back." She placed the phone back down and Jace heard her moving down the hall. Calling to someone called Doris to put the phone back on the hook when she picked it up at her end.

Catherine rushed over to her phone in the study and picked the instrument up and Doris then put down the other phone.  Hearing the click, Catherine cleared her throat of its sudden dryness.

'Jesus, was she nervous of talking to Jace? God I really must have it bad.'

"So Jace, what brings about this call? Not that I mind you understand it's great to hear from you! How are you by the way?"  Catherine spoke very fast.

"Hey hold on catch your breath I'm fine, and you?" Jace smiled as she tried to picture the woman at the other end.

"I'm good, all the better for hearing your voice." Catherine said it without thinking. Now what would Jace think?

"Glad to hear that because I feel the same. In fact that was the reason I called I wanted to listen to your voice. Stupid I guess." Jace smiled self-consciously.

Catherine smiled brightly at the admission. "No Jace, not stupid but it's going to be costly for you." Catherine laughed to ease the tension.

"Yes, well for my best friend I can afford it."

"Best friend huh? Well best friend I guess that next time I get to call and we waste some of my ill-gotten gains?"

"Sounds good to me what about Sunday, we could talk all day?"

"Please...don't you think I have things to do on a Sunday?" Catherine laughed and wanted nothing more than to do just that!

"Ah, almost forgot you have responsibilities. Speaking of which, how are the children doing?"

"Good, both appear to be settling in and they are both learning to ride so they can come for rides with me and Tralargon."

"You spoil them Catherine and I wouldn't wonder if you're not worse now that Grace has gone! By the way when is she coming back?"

"She called yesterday but she wasn't sure, just wanted to let me know that she arrived okay. I worry about her when she drives long distances, the leg gives her some pain from time to time, but she rarely says anything." Catherine said softly.

"You miss her don't you?" Jace was almost jealous, Hades she was jealous, at least Grace was in the same country, she wasn't!

"Yes."

"So, you going to come over and see me anytime soon?" Jace moved off the subject.

"Jace, you ask me on every e-mail and the answer is still the same. But I love the fact that you keep asking me." Catherine answered in a sultry voice.

"Speaking of which."

"Which?" Catherine said puzzled.

"Oh love, I was thinking about love," Jace answered almost absently her train of thought scattering.

"I see. Any reason other than the fact that maybe you might have fallen in love?" Catherine cringed at the thought but asked anyway.

Jace went quiet, how to answer that!

She was so slow in answering that Catherine spoke again.

"So have you?" She went quiet at her end.

"Well, yes and no really." Jace finally answered.

Catherine looked at the phone in her hand almost as if it was burning into her palm and frowned. "It is either yes or no! I'm not sure the object of your desire would like to be on the receiving end of a halfway statement."

"Have you ever fallen in love Catherine?" Jace already knew the answer to that.

"No, well maybe that's not strictly true," and added silently 'Not now anyway.'

"So, you have just used the yes no scenario." Jace laughed at her end.

"I guess I did; do I know him?" Catherine asked quietly.

"Him? No you don't know 'him'," she answered equally as quietly.

"I see. Guess you knew him before you came here?" A sick feeling was building in the pit of her stomach and it was almost a temptation to finish the conversation now.

"I think I've always known the person in my heart, but I fell in love with them almost from the first time I saw their eyes look into mine such beautiful eyes too! No, I met the person in New Zealand," had she said enough, she hoped so.

Catherine tried to digest the information. 'Who on earth had she met here? Was it someone prior to 'Destiny', or was it on the ranch? Who had she responded too?' Catherine was trying to decipher all the signals.

"You gone to sleep on me out there Catherine?" Jace chuckled she could almost hear the wheels turning in Catherine's head.

"What! No Jace, sorry, I was thinking." She said sheepishly.

"Must have been some thought you were having?"

"It was."

"Did you come to a conclusion?" Jace held her breath.

"No," was the plaintiff response.

"When you do let me know will you I'm always interested in your opinion especially about this particular person." Jace smiled and wished she had more time to tweak Catherine, it was late and she had to get some sleep. For someone as worldly wise as Catherine Warriorson, it sure took a hammer and chisel to get her to see the point!

"Oh Jace Bardley, never fear you're top of the list with the comments on the person you have fallen in love with, believe me!"

"I have to go Catherine, it was good to hear your voice."

"Same here Jace, sleep well."

"Behave yourself Catherine, and I lo...look forward to your call on the weekend," she finished weakly.

"Bye Jace, I..." Catherine had no more words.

"Yes, I know," Jace said softly as she hung up the phone.

Catherine starred at the instrument and became thoughtful.

Jace looked at her apartment and noticed how lonely it appeared, she headed for bed and sleep, which wouldn't come easily tonight. At least she still had Taz to keep her company, but who would keep Catherine's bad dreams at bay she wondered?

Catherine sank back into the depths of the leather armchair behind her desk. Her hand touched the mouthpiece of the phone and she sighed heavily. 'I know you deserve to be happy Jace, but...but I wanted to share that happiness with you! God, how I want that to be part of my new life; I guess creating a new life is okay but getting people to participate in it is quite something else! So my friend, who are you in love with?'

Her head dropped onto the back of the chair and she closed her eyes to contemplate what Jace had said. 'How long were you in New Zealand Jace? Couldn't have been more than a couple of weeks and one of those with me!"  Her face held a frown as she concentrated.

Suddenly her eyes blinked open in shock. 'Oh God, how could I not see it! She loves ME!' The knowledge not only hit her squarely in the chest, but it made sense out of all the conversations that she'd had with Jace.

'What could she do now? She wanted Jace to be happy; I couldn't possibly let her follow the reclusive life that I feel comfortable with. She's so young and is on the threshold of life, I'm just not the person you take home to the parents as a prospective in-law, hell, did I say that?' Catherine laughed at the thought.

'Jace why me? Why offer me your heart, I could only bring you unhappiness, if only you knew me, how you think you know me! Christ, but I so want to have what your offering me and I would love you for eternity if I could make it happen.'

Glancing at the photos of her parents and brother and then her son she smiled. 'You would want me to be happy, I know some things you just have to sacrifice for the pain you have caused in the past and I've done that for sure, especially to Adam and Maria.'

A single tear trailed down the high cheekbones and splashed on the desk. 'Maybe if I told her everything and Jace decides if she still wants me could I do that? YES!'

That would be the only answer she could ever give, better she was left the lonely one after she told Jace. Hadn't she chosen that particular scenario for herself anyway, now it would just hurt a little more but as with everything she would get used to it. At least Jace would have the chance not to be part of her dubious future, which no matter what always seemed to end in darkness.  Now, that darkness potentially had the chance to take the one hope she had seen for a light at the end of her particularly dark tunnel.

"Funny I never saw myself as a noble person before now! That's one thing you have given me Jace, those children out there may thank you one day."

Once again looking at the family photo she directed her gaze to the older woman. "You know something Mama, I think I need that hand to hold again about now, any takers?" she touched the framed photo and gently rubbed her finger over the silhouette of her mother.

Then rose out of the chair and left the room abruptly.

Catherine was fuming, her hand smashed down on the desk more times than she cared to acknowledge.

Doris had discretely removed herself from the study, after delivering the package earlier and the tea that Catherine requested, as she ripped open the parcel.

Stalking over to the video recorder, she placed the tape inside and set it running, full running time was sixty minutes, but she was only interested in the footage on 'Destiny', that would be towards the end of the tape she perceived.

The narrator was smooth, had a very cultured voice and made the scenery sparkle with life and information as each segment was described in detail.

Moving to the part depicting 'Destiny' and its owner, the narrative changed, from being a compulsive piece of documentary film to adversarial. The mention of the owner of the ranch being a recluse, the breakdown of communications between the owner and the film crew, leading to them being left in a wild spot without protection on a stormy day and subsequently the illness of one of the party; this showed a picture of an arrogant, selfish landowner attitude to anyone that came within miles of the property. This, along with flashes of the arrogance of the English aristocracy in the previous centuries to colour the narrative, as well as the beauty of the ranch was hidden behind archaic policies and attitudes from its present owner, Catherine Warriorson.  The adverse narrative depicted Catherine as a modern day tyrant.

The desk was now a punching bag and when she was finished, she wished she'd just gone down to the gym. Her knuckles were raw and bleeding and the curses streaming from her mouth, enough to keep even the most courageous away from her at the moment.

"What sort of fucking documentary is that supposed to be?" Catherine shouted at the now empty screen in front of her. Walking around her desk she noticed that her tea was spilt and most of her papers she had on the desk had been stained by the beige liquid.

"I can't believe she did this, she knew I would veto it, what the hell is she up too?" Catherine was speaking out loud, although in a much lower tone than when she first started the tirade.

"Jace hadn't given any bloody interview, of this she was certain, Hudson had used certain facts and twisted them to her own ends. Okay I get to clear this up personally Hudson, and not just the video." Catherine almost snarled at the thought of Hudson and her cocky attitude.

"Fuck you Hudson! I'm going to make you pay, and how." She headed out of the door; her hand needed some treatment and about now some hot tea wouldn't come amiss as well.

Thinking as she went to the kitchen Paul would be in his office in a few hours, she was certainly going to enjoy that call.

Paul had always known that Catherine would veto the documentary, but she now wanted it all recycled, not just the piece on 'Destiny' but everything and she wasn't up for any argument.

For the first time in years, he heard her voice take on the demon edge it possessed particularly when she was involved with nasty take-over deals. This wasn't a take-over but it was going to be nasty. He doubted that Hudson would take it gracefully, oh no, not the vindictive Hudson.

Could be an interesting confrontation though one super bitch against another and he knew whom his money would be on!

He smiled as he recalled James' face as he'd explained his new role and where he was going to have the headquarters. If someone had told him that a smile could literally transform a person's face, he wouldn't have believed it until he saw it for himself and he certainly saw that on the face of his partner. He chuckled and looked out of the window of the house that belonged to James, which he also called home, that is when he managed to get the time to visit.

It was Saturday morning and they had decided that today was going to be a day off from work, and they would just enjoy the day. Ending up having a long leisurely dinner at home, their time together was so short that going out was something they didn't contemplate unless it was absolutely necessary.

He wondered about Jace Bardley and considered his options; Hudson had implied things that Jace had said. But Catherine never mentioned any of that when she called, he had been right to ignore her jibes, if Catherine thought something was wrong she would deal with it in her way!

'Well James, I guess I'm going to make that call Monday and watch from a distance, the fireworks should be interesting. Next time we have a dinner party, I think a certain Jace Bardley should be invited, now that would be really interesting!'

He smiled and went in search of his sleeping lover who seldom got out of bed before noon on the weekends!

Sunday dawned bright and early for Jace she was so excited! No, she was more than excited if her stomach was anything to go by.

'Surely Catherine would have realised the identity of her prospective lover by now! Yes, but would she admit it if it wasn't what she wanted too?' Jace frowned at the thought and her stomach did a somersault that had nothing to do with excitement. Walking over to her computer she switched on and waited for the log in prompt. Padding over to the kitchen area she retrieved the items to make coffee and set it up and then went back to log in the computer.

Wading through her messages that she hadn't collected for a couple of days she saw one from Catherine. Quickly opening it she smiled at the contents.

Hello Jace,

Thought I had better give you some indication of the time when I would call. How does ten in the morning to you sound? Okay, I'm going to go for it anyway, in the hope that you're at least awake and if not I get the privilege of being the wake-up call. Not bad for being thousands of miles apart, don't you think?

I have an appointment with the Reverend after our call later today, as it's Monday here already things are in the normal routine. The kids will be in school so I haven't the interruptions; hope you get to read this before I ring.

Catherine

Jace smiled at the message, ever thoughtful, this woman tried to cover all the bases. Now that meant that the call would be in, Hades about now!

Snagging a cup of coffee she managed to get a bagel as well, just as the phone rang. Walking swiftly over to the instrument, she put her cup down and bagel on top of the cup and picked up the phone.

"Hi." Jace spoke softly.

"Hi, yourself Jace. How are you today? Did you get my message?" Catherine spoke in a low gravely voice.

"Catherine I'm fine and you? Oh, and yes I got the message you think of everything." Jace laughed trying to picture Catherine at the end of the line, what would she be wearing? Was she sitting in her chair behind the desk or walking round the room?

"Yes I'm fine too! When did you wake up?" She pictured Jace having just got out of bed and being somewhat tousled and dishevelled.

"About fifteen minutes ago, haven't showered yet, I can do that later." Jace was now sprawled out on the couch with her feet up on the coffee table.

"Sounds good to me, want any help?" Catherine teased from her end.

"What! Help? Zeus Catherine do you know what you're saying?" Jace spluttered at the end of her line and almost kicked the cup of coffee over at the mere thought of the help involved.

"Guess, it wouldn't be a good idea then. Pity I'm very good with a sponge so the kids say anyway." She finished off a wicked smile on her face.

"Jake let's you near him with a sponge?" Jace was incredulous. What was happening here? Whatever it was let it continue on forever.

"Well, no, not exactly. I have to chase him with the sponge sometimes when he comes from the stables. No, Lisa does though she's a really pampered little girl that one." Catherine let out a soft sultry laugh.

Jace grinned and felt her heart beat faster at the sound of the laugh. "Let me get this right. Reclusive C X Warriorson chases dirty-faced boys around her stables with a sponge, then pampers little girls who can twist her round her little finger with a luxury bath. Does that about cover it?" Laughing at the mental picture it brought up.

Catherine looked out of the window and smiled. "Just about I guess. Only it's not just little girls that can do that now is it?"

"You want to clarify that for me?" Jace asked quietly.

"Oh, I like to think my best friend has a quick intelligence that can work that one out all on her own." Catherine teased.

"Yeah! So, that means me then?" Jace replied.

"Means you what?"

"Means I can twist you round my little finger too!"

The silence that hung in the air was electric.

"Yes." One solitary word that brought about a thousand and one scenarios and possibilities.

Jace sipped from her coffee and cleared her throat. "Have you come to a conclusion after our discussion of the other evening?"

Catherine moved back to her desk and sat down. Trailing a finger over the portrait of her deceased family she smiled sadly at the group that had been held for a split second of time. Had it been so long ago?

Jace waited patiently at her end not wanting to push her into something she wasn't prepared for.

"You know I thought long and hard about what you said and I know the answer. Can't say that I'm impressed with your choice though." Catherine spoke seriously a smile edging her lips.

"What! Catherine you're fooling me! Let me tell youl...!" Jace was spluttering at the other end.

"Hey, hold on Jace, let me tell you something first, you did ask remember?" Catherine spoke with determination.

"Right! Yes I did, carry on, sorry," came the mumbled reply.

"Good! For your choice does feel the same way and is honoured beyond any shadow of a doubt about what you're offering her!" Catherine slowly answered the question.

"Catherine, do you really feel the same?" responded Jace shyly.

"Jace Bardley, I fell in love with you the night you entered my study in those ridiculously large clothes and those bare feet, hell, who wouldn't have fallen for you!" Catherine admitted in a low seductive voice.

"I can't believe this is happening. Why are you so far away from me!" Jace spoke with passion; all she wanted to do was hug and kiss the woman that held her heart.

"Hey, listen Jace, I need to talk to you about lots of things and that can't be done over the phone or on e-mail. Grace isn't back for another few weeks and then I have a couple of business matter to take care of. Then I'm coming over to see you okay?"

"I don't need to talk Catherine, I need to see you, and touch you and let you experience exactly what my love means."

"Jace, talking is important, especially about me! I need you to know everything that I was and what I've done in the past. Then, if you still love me well, I think we can sort something out on a more permanent basis what do you think?" Catherine smiled at the thought of seeing the passion she heard in Jace's voice manifest itself just for her.

"Whatever you tell me Catherine will never shake this love I have for you, that much you have to believe!" Jace spoke with conviction.

"I hope so Jace, because I've never been in love before and this feeling isn't one that I want to lose, ever!"

"I promise you Catherine, whatever, and I mean whatever you have to tell me about your past, I will be there for you after all is said and done, you can count on me!" Jace sounded as if she was trying to convince a child about going to the dentist, but then Catherine was a child in many ways when it came to the romantic relationship area.

"Good, that's one promise I'm going to hold you too! Let me say one thing though Jace it's important!"

"Go ahead I'm listening."

"If you hear what I have to say and then find you can't keep that promise, you have to tell me. Don't let me hurt you as I've hurt others in the past, you have to promise me that!"

"I wont do that to you..." Catherine interrupted her. "Promise me!"

Jace had tears of happiness flowing down her cheeks. "I...I promise." She answered in a slightly hoarse voice.

"Excellent. Now, what do I get this little wonder kid called Lisa for her birthday next week?" Catherine realised that the emotions were running too high for the present conversation to continue being thousands of miles apart; she went on to more normal conversation items.

"It's Lisa's birthday? How old is she?" Jace knew when the subject had been closed, if only temporarily, she knew why and smiled through the tears.

"Eight on Thursday, Jake will be eleven in three months; so what do you think?"

"I think you should take her shopping and let her chose something herself. Okay, you don't have to take Jake too," knowing Catherine would be putting on a face at her end.

"Oh, that kid will do as he's told or he doesn't get to ride Ruby for a day. That is the only punishment I can meter out the boy understands. He expects to be beaten I think when he rebels, not my style and certainly Grace wouldn't ever lift a hand to them.  Guess his parents thought corporal punishment was the answer, at least he doesn't have to go through that sort of abuse again."  Catherine meandered off and Jace had to stifle a chuckle as she thought of the stoic woman who most would assume that hitting a kid to discipline them would be right on target for her.

"You know, I think those kids are having a great time now, I know they will miss their parents from time to time particularly Lisa. Catherine you have provided a stable background for them to be brought up in, to be whatever they want to be in the future. You should be proud."

Laughing at the thought she responded. "Let's get them to twenty-one shall we, then we can decide if they have enjoyed living on 'Destiny'."

"Are you asking me to help you raise two children Catherine?" Jace asked, wondering if it was a slip of the tongue.

"Would you if I asked?"

"Yes."

"Then let's get that talk out of the way and we can work on that little scenario, okay?"

"You betcha! So you going to take Lisa shopping or have you something else in mind?" Jace changed the subject this time, although her heart was racing at the mere thought of spending the rest of her life with Catherine.

"Shopping is a good idea, next weekend sounds about right. Did I tell you that she gave me her tooth, which had fallen out to leave for the fairies" Catherine's voice wistful as the memory came to hand.

"She did what!' Catherine explained the situation. "Well, that child sure does love you Catherine to do something like that." Jace said in wonder.

"No! No I think she just felt sorry for me." Catherine spoke absently. 'Had it been love, or was it just a sense of sadness she had felt coming from me? Maybe I will never know for sure, but it made me feel really good.'

"I think she loves you. What did you get under your pillow that night Catherine?" Jace teased.

"I never put it under my pillow," she said solemnly, very much as she had spoken to Lisa that day.

"So you never got to receive a gift that day." Jace said quietly.

"Oh, I got a gift alright Jace but I didn't need to put the tooth under any pillow, the child had already weaved her magic on me!  She gave me back another part of my heart that day, a part that died the day my Mother died, she opened it up and I will never forget that again." Catherine said in an almost awed voice.

"Then my love you did indeed get a gift that day," a choked voice answered back.

"Yes, what have you got planned for the next week?" Catherine pushed on into neutral emotionless topics.

Her call to Jace had gone better than she had anticipated. At the end of the conversation, which had lasted about three hours all told, was with emotion, but a promise that held a future or hopefully it did.

'I hope you can keep your promises Jace, something tells me to trust you implicitly, but another part of me is holding back, what if you can't handle what I have to say, what then of Love?'

Her car was heading towards the suburb that held the Reverend's house, he was at home today, but insisted she come to see him there, after all she was doing him a favour. Parking the car in the large drive, she walked quickly to the front door and rang the bell.

Moments later the door was held open by a very distracted Reverend Stott, who looked like he'd been pulled through a hedge backwards.

"Ah, Mrs Warriorson, I'm sorry for my appearance, the dog got out of the garden and I've been chasing him around the neighbourhood, just got him back. Come in, come in." He motioned her forward.

"Thanks." Catherine couldn't help the small grin that appeared and quickly left as the Reverend looked at her immaculate appearance in close fitting black cord pants and a thick twill blouse, her leather airforce jacket slung casually over her shoulder; leather hiking boots in brown soft leather finished off the casual but cool image. Her hair was held in a loose fitting ponytail, which hung in neat precision down the centre of her back. Ice blue eyes held a hint of merriment as she walked into the house.

"This way, Mrs Warriorson, I think my study would be the best place for a conversation. Let me tell my wife you're here and she can bring us some refreshments. What would you prefer Tea or Coffee or...?"

"Tea is fine, thanks." She followed him to the study and walked inside as he left her to talk to his wife.

She noted the large pine desk, with a green leather bucket chair and a multitude of books in the bookcases or stacked in corners of the room, it looked untidy, but had a comfortable feel about the place.

She walked over to the window and glanced out over the lawn and saw the vegetable patch, with its winter selection taking life, then the birdbath and stand that obviously saw activity at all times of the year. It was a typically average sort of garden really for this part of the world.

The Reverend returned a little more composed and glanced in her direction and smiled. "Do you have a love of the garden?" He asked politely.

"Not really, Grace my housekeeper likes to keep a garden. I'm more for the open spaces myself; the natural wonders of nature have always fascinated me. Although it's nice to see them, reminds me of back home in England," she finished in a reflective mood.

The Reverend, not one to miss an opportunity to know more about a person asked, "Do you miss England?"

Catherine smiled wryly. "Not really. I no longer have family there to make me miss it too much, but sometimes things bring back memories from time to time that are good. Are you a native of New Zealand?"

"No, I came over from South Africa some twenty-five years ago. My family still live in Johannesburg and I have visited occasionally, but, my wife is a true Zealander, she's a Maori. We met about twenty years ago and have been together ever since! Truly a match made in heaven, well, I think so anyway." He chuckled at his descriptive observation.

"Sometimes they can be!" Catherine said and smiled at him.

"So you have a proposition for me, or that's how I viewed our last conversation?"

"Yes, I have started a memorial fund in the name of my son Lucas, I want the funds to be channelled into this project and others like it! I was going to ask if you wanted to be co-executor along with Grace Thornton, my housekeeper. She doesn't know yet, it was rather sudden." Catherine spoke fast and with precision.

Suddenly the door to the study opened and in walked a large homely woman, who clearly was a native New Zealander, her brown eyes looked at her with warmth and her smile was both sincere and infectious.

"Mrs Warriorson, welcome to our home." She held out her hand as she relinquished the tray to her husband.

"Thank You, I'm very happy to meet you!" Catherine responded with a warm smile of her own.

"I better let you get on with your business, if you need anything else please call me," she left the room as quickly as she entered.

The Reverend smiled at the fading back of his wife, as he looked at the woman in front of him, who had offered, what he thought, was a lifeline for his project. "Exactly what would I do in this role?"

"You, and Grace, decide who should benefit from the funds available. It can be in the form of grants to people for caring for the children, or funds to build centres or whatever you feel will benefit the project. I'm not concerned with the details, only the initial scheme of things. I'm sure Grace will be happy to help on that front." She picked up a cup of tea, these small cups never held enough tea for her.

"It's that simple? How much would the fund hold?" He asked pensively.

"Yes it's that simple. Value, well I haven't discussed it with my lawyers, but what is your funding to date?"

The Reverend looked down into his cup and sighed. "Not enough, but at least we are able to help a little and the generosity of people like yourself have made the project take flight." He answered obscurely.

"That didn't answer my question though did it? So, how much have you had in the coffers since the project started?" She continued in that train of thought.

"Just over twenty thousand dollars," he answered quietly.

Catherine looked at him with her ice blue gaze and the look was one of incredulity. "Is that all? Why haven't you asked people like me for donations, it's a good cause?" She finished a little abruptly.

He looked at her sheepishly. "It wouldn't have been right to ask you for money as well as making a home for the children, let's be fair now, you didn't exactly warm to the subject at first."

Catherine smiled at him and considered his words.

"Your right I didn't! Although I have had cause to review my original opinions. Even I can be wrong Reverend, lucky someone came into my life at the right time and showed me the error of my ways."

"Would it be too personal to ask who that would be?" He eyed her cautiously, not wanting to overstep the current good feeling he was getting from the stoic woman in front of him.

"Well, you have met her, she was the American guest I had staying when you brought over the children that day," Catherine said softly.

"Ah, Ms Bardley. Yes such a pity she had to go back home," he looked at her and noticed the tightening of a muscle in her cheek at the mention of her name.

"Mmm, well she made me reconsider things in a big way and it's working out, so her influence helped your cause. If ever you need to thank anyone for my help, she would be the one to thank."

"Will she be coming back to visit?" he asked tentatively.

Catherine smiled warmly at that comment. "Yes I hope so."

They both drank their respective cups of tea. "So when will the fund start?"

"The lawyers will draw up the papers and I need to get Grace onboard, she has my full confidence and she's a friend. My son's name will not be involved in anything underhand if she's involved." Catherine said in a forceful way.

"My dear Mrs Warriorson, I can assure you of my integrity when it comes to handling funds. I have never been involved in anything crooked in my life," he sounded affronted and rightly so.

Catherine realised after she'd spoken exactly what she'd implied.

'Guess my tact went out the window.' Stifling a chuckle she responded. "I'm sorry Reverend no slight implied, it's very important that my son's name is never tarred with any of the feathers that have inadvertently been attached to me in the past," she answered.

"So you have a past?" He looked at her and arched his eyebrow to the left.

"Reverend, I don't know anyone who hasn't reached their mid-thirties without some kind of past," she grinned at him wickedly.

"I take your point Mrs Warriorson. When do you think we will see this extra funding?"

"I should think in a month's time; Grace is back at the ranch in a couple of weeks and I can contact the lawyers, the funds are available immediately, it's just a matter of transferring them as you see fit."

"Sounds like a plan. So how are the two children you care for?" He changed the subject.

"Well, that's another reason for my visit actually. You mentioned adoption last time I was here right?" She asked tentatively.

He was surprised at her question. "Yes, adoption is a very good possibility, if they want it too."

"Yes, I was going to broach it to them soon, see how the land lies if you know what I mean." her face held a look of consternation, almost not saying the next words, "What would be your reaction if I started a relationship during the process?  Would there be any restrictions to the adoption?" She knew she was treading a fine line here but what the hell!

"No, nothing that I could see or comes immediately to mind. Are you asking me if there are some relationships that are not welcome by the adoption agency?"

"Yes," came the clipped answer.

"Then I would have to check for you, but I'm not aware of any. If the children are loved and cared for and are happy, what more can you ask for. Would that person equally care for them?" He asked gently.

Catherine got up from her chair and gazed out of the window, her back to the Reverend as she spoke quietly, "Oh yes, without a doubt that person would care for them, maybe more than I'm capable of myself. Love would never be a problem for that person, that much I can promise."

The Reverend had an inkling who she was talking about, but you never broached a subject as sensitive as that one without facts and especially not to the party in front of him! "Then my dear, have no fear. I have always believed that love conquers all."

Catherine turned to him, "Thanks." And went towards the door.

Reverend Stott got up from his seat and held out his hand. "Thank you, and I hope you achieve what you seek."

Catherine clasped his hand in a strong handshake. "So do I, will you thank your wife for the tea and I will talk to you later about the adoption, after I've spoken to the children."

She opened the door and walked down the hall with him following behind. Opening the front door she suddenly turned back and looked at him with a piercing ice blue stare. "Oh, I forgot to say what the value was, of the fund I mean.' He looked at her
with interest. "I was thinking ten to start with then see how that goes," she waited for his reaction.

He smiled happily, "Ten thousand dollars sounds good to me."

Catherine never once letting her glance be diverted she once again smiled wickedly at the Reverend as she continued. "No! No not ten thousand! I was thinking more on the lines of Ten Million dollars," she saw his face pale and she laughed. "That's, US dollars not New Zealand. Bye for now Reverend."

She left the clergyman open mouthed at the door; he was still there looking as if he'd been poleaxe as she pulled out of the drive.

"Guess money has its way of muting a conversation from time to time," she chuckled at loud as she turned off the road towards home.

Catherine was somewhat frustrated at the events over the last month, especially after her admission to Jace that she loved her.  She had intended to have the talk with Jace, then things would have been in the open and they would be either building a life together or she would be here on her own. Well, she was certainly still here on her own although it had nothing to do with Jace.

Circumstances had decreed otherwise, Grace hadn't returned after her three-week visit, her father had suffered a heart attack and died two days prior to her coming home.

Now she was waiting for Grace to ring and say exactly when she would be home! But was home 'Destiny'? That had been a question that Catherine had asked herself time and again, without a definite answer. Plans that she had made, which included Grace had to be put on a back burner, would she come back, or stay in Auckland with her mother? God, too many questions and no adequate answers, this had been aggravatingly frustrating for Catherine.

Jace had been supportive from afar, unfortunately it was evidently clear events Catherine had set in motion with Hudson had affected Jace. Hudson was being particularly obnoxious with Jace sending her to South America on some really weird projects, which often meant they talked less and less and only e-mailed sporadically due to bad connections in the places she visited. This would end soon, that was for sure, the need to be close to Jace, especially since they had both admitted their love was overwhelming. At times she wanted to get the next plane out of New Zealand and go and see Jace. But she hadn't she had responsibilities. Kids! Who'd have them?

Catherine smiled at the thought and reminded herself that without them in the last month, certainly she would have gone out of her mind. 'Yes, I would have them, especially these two wonderful children of 'mine'. Maybe it was time to talk to them about adoption it didn't have to be soon, it could be in a couple of years or never. I feel good about the prospect and I have never been one to pass up a chance that I perceive to be correct.'

Walking over to the study window she saw a redheaded child riding around on a bicycle in the yard. She looked happy with the rag doll, which she had brought with her, sitting precariously on the handlebars. Catherine smiled wistfully as she recalled the trip into town a couple of days before Lisa's birthday.

"You don't like taking us to town do you Catherine?" Lisa stated and looked at her with inquisitive blue eyes.

Catherine pulled the Landrover into an empty parking spot in the centre of the town and looked over at the child in the back seat. Jake had opted to sit in front and he was looking at both of them with interest.

"Yes well, the last time I came into town with you two, we had trouble if I recall correctly." She looked at the boy who fidgeted at the remark and them smiled at the two of them. "I don't know about you two, but I'm always up for a challenge."

Lisa sent out a whoop of joy and Jake laughed.

They piled out of the vehicle, Catherine wasn't too sure where to take them to shop; she looked around when she felt a small hand tug at her larger one. Looking down at the blonde child she raised her eyebrow in question.

"We might have to cross a road," was the serious rejoinder.

Jake scuffed his toes on the pavement edge and looked down.

"Okay, sounds reasonable to me." Catherine clasped the hand in a firm but gentle hold.

Jake walked along behind them and they all glanced in the stores although they never ventured into any one of them.  Half an hour later they all looked at each other...

"Guess this isn't getting us any where is it?" Catherine looked at the two children.

"No," they replied in unison.

From time to time people looked at them and voices could be heard discussing what they thought was an interesting trio. Catherine smirked at some of the comments and thought. 'One day it's going to be an interesting quartet, let's see what they make of that!'

Catherine didn't really know what to do, what would her two friends do in the circumstances? 'Ask the kids probably.'  "So, Lisa as it's going to be your birthday, what do you want to see?"

Lisa looked at her with glowing blue eyes, 'one day that kid was going to bowl people over, that was for sure. Hell, she was doing it now!'

"Can we see the bikes?" Her voice rose in anticipation.

Catherine looked at her puzzled at first and then saw the shop that her young charge was looking at. "Oh, bikes. Yes, no problem whatever you want." Catherine looked at Jake who smiled tentatively at her.

"Cool," said the young voice as she suddenly felt herself dragged towards the shop with Jake walking slowly after them.

Settling into the shop, she motioned Lisa to look around for as long as she wanted. Then she watched Jake from the corner of her eye; he was looking over at Lisa with a sad expression. 'Something was bugging the boy again. Hell, was this kid ever going to be anything other than complex?'

Approaching him, she laid a hand on his shoulder and he looked up at her and smiled briefly. "What's with you?" Over the weeks he had lived on the ranch they had reached the conclusion that straightforward confrontation on a subject seemed to work the best for them both.

He looked sheepishly at her and shrugged his shoulders.

She quirked her eyebrow and he knew that only a verbal response would appease the woman in front of him.

"I can't buy Lisa a present." He solemnly said.

Catherine looked at him puzzled. "Why not?"

He shuffled around and then starred at her with his frank hazel gaze. "I haven't any money of my own." A simple statement, suddenly Catherine realised she had missed something else in the child rearing game.

Passing a hand over her hair in frustration she looked at the boy and gave him an apologetic glance. "I'm sorry Jake that's something we need to sort out when we get home. What do you need now?"

He looked at her and motioned for her to bend her head so he could whisper into her ear what he wanted to purchase for Lisa.

Smiling she looked at him and realised that the kid was indeed growing into a really likeable person. Reaching into her purse she took out several notes and passed them to him discreetly. "That enough?" she said huskily.

He looked at the wad of money and then back at her and gulped at the amount. "I'll bring you some change." He said as he went out of the bike shop towards the shop two doors down.

"You keep out of trouble, that's all I need." She smiled as he left with a big grin on his face.

They had bought the prettiest pink bike in the place, including every imaginable accessory, place was a basket to hold 'Sherry' the rag doll, or that was what Lisa had said at the time. By the time she had purchased everything and had them packed for transport to the car, Jake walked in with a large parcel tucked under his arm he was smiling broadly.

"Hey Jake what you got there?" Lisa asked him excitedly.

He looked at the little girl and smiled. "It's a surprise."

She looked at him and she smiled beguilingly at him. "For me Jake?" A soft voice asked.

He looked into the blue eyes and was lost. "Yes."

She smiled even more brightly, if that could have been possible and this time as they left the shop she held not only Catherine's hand but Jake's too!

Catherine decided they would eat at a burger bar, 'well at least it was fast food and she didn't have to cook it!'

So here she was, watching the child with her new toy and the rag doll didn't reside in the basket that was left for the puppy dog that Jake had bought for her. It was a brown beagle, look a like it had been quite a scene when she had opened that present.  Tears had streamed down the child's face and the boy had looked embarrassed, although in a shy sort of way very pleased with himself. So he should be too! Catherine had been proud of him; he had actually thought about the present, and if she hadn't been too obtuse she would have realised that the children needed some money of their own, even if it was only a token sum every week or month.

Glancing towards the ranch drive, she saw a cloud of dust appear and thought at first it was either Colin or one of the other men on the ranch. Her first concern was for the child riding the small bike around the drive. If it was a stranger to the ranch, they might not be aware of the small obstacle that rode merrily around.

Moving quickly she opened the patio door of the study and called to Lisa to move towards the house, the child did so and stopped her bike close to Grace's herb garden, propping it up against the porch steps.

Watching the vehicle approach, she at first couldn't gauge the vehicle then suddenly it came into view. 'No, it can't be!' she looked again at the clear image of the vehicle now. 'Good grief that woman hadn't even called to say she was coming.' Catherine quickly went down the steps of the porch and waited for the vehicle to stop.

Hands on hips she looked menacing until you looked up into her eyes and noted the sparkle of warmth within.

The woman got out of the vehicle and slowly approached what looked like a very imposing figure to anyone who didn't have personal knowledge of the woman's stances.

"Good to see you Catherine." choked a voice with sincerity.

Catherine didn't waste a second she rushed down the final step and pulled the woman into her for a hug. "Bloody glad you came home Grace." And held her closer as the other woman cried into her shoulder.

Pulling away she looked up into the concerned ice blue gaze and smiled wanly. "I figured arriving home would be better than a phone call," she managed to say with a break in her voice.

"Yes, I would agree with that, and we all are very glad to have you back, we have missed you Grace." Catherine said sincerely, knowing that at the moment, just holding the woman brought her a peace she had missed in the weeks Grace had been away.

Grace looked at her with tear-filled eyes and she smiled again. "Thanks Catherine, I missed this place and everyone."

"Good, come on let's get Doris to make us some tea." With that a little redheaded whirlwind descended on them.

"Grace? Grace you came back to us, we missed you!" A small girl wrapped herself around the younger woman. Catherine grinned at Grace and moved away so that Lisa could hug her properly.

"I missed you too little Miss Alice. What have you been up to while I've been gone?" she asked in a happy voice.

"I had a birthday Grace and Catherine bought me a bike, do you want to see?" Lisa asked as she pulled Grace towards the bike and it's residents.

Catherine laughed and motioned Grace to follow Lisa. "It's okay Grace. I'll sort out the bags and when you're ready, tea will be brewing." Grace smiled back at her boss and thought she looked different, something had changed and she wanted to know exactly what that was.

Later!

Catherine watched as Grace consumed her evening meal chatting amiably with the children. Lisa had never left her side since she'd arrived back and even Jake looked happy at the prospect of having Grace back in the fold.

Colin had briefly looked in and given Grace condolences over her father and then left abruptly as she teared up at his concern.

Doris had made the evening meal and then left, she had enjoyed her work at 'Destiny' and indicated that if ever they needed any help again just to let her know. Catherine had thanked her personally with a healthy bonus that had been very unexpected, but gratefully received.

Grace looked over at Catherine and smiled warmly at her. "Everyone seems to be happy and healthy here you haven't caused havoc while I've been gone it would appear?" She teased the older woman.

"Oh, come on Grace, now why on earth would you think that?" She smiled back at her friend.

"Just a thought, you appear happier now than when I left, any reason for that?" Grace pushed her luck.

Catherine quirked an eyebrow and then gave a brief grin. "Yes, a very good reason, I'll tell you about it later or maybe tomorrow, you look tired."

Grace accepted the truth in the statement. "Yeah, I'm tired it's been a long month all told."

Catherine pierced her with a compassionate look clearly sending the sympathy message without words. They both looked at each other at length and them turned away as Lisa began a story about 'Sherry' and 'Blacky'. Now that had been amusing trying to explain to Grace and making her understand that the brown beagle soft toy was called 'Blacky', at the time it had amazed both Catherine and Jake. Neither had the heart to ask Lisa about the name, just accepting it, even if it did make them chuckle everytime she mentioned the dog. "I know I think an early night for us all wouldn't go amiss now would it kids?" her tone brooking no objection.

"Will you still read to us the next story though Catherine?" Lisa chirped in.

"Yes, you've only got the last couple to finish now." Jake added for good measure.

Catherine smiled at them and held up her hand. "You know when we are finished here, we will be on the third book, and there is a limit to how many books have been written."

"Yeah we know but you will finish it won't you?" the plaintiff voice of the girl asked.

Suddenly, Catherine got up from her chair and walked over to the small figure seated opposite her; looking down at her with a warm ice blue glance she stroked the blonde hair. "For you and Jake anything Princess," and turned and walked out of the room.

Grace had watched the display of affection with fascination, Hell things had changed here and in a big way, maybe she wasn't so tired after all!

Although both women had agreed they were tired, it felt good to just relax together after the children went to bed with a coffee and companionable silence around them.

Catherine was the first to break the silence. "I'm sorry about your father Grace."

"Thanks," she said simply.

"You want to talk about it?" Catherine asked gently.

Grace looked at the older woman and once again marvelled at the gentleness she sensed in her, which certainly wasn't around when she left. "I think I've done all the talking about it that I need to do, now I need to heal. My sister was a big help; Ali is staying around Auckland for a few more months to help Mum adjust. I think it will work out."

Catherine nodded her head and acknowledged the truth in the statement. "I never got around to talking about any of my families deaths with anyone, guess that's why I got myself into a mess in the end."

Grace looked at her directly and smiled sadly. "I wish I'd been there for you then Catherine, but its no use wishing for things that are firmly planted in the past, you have to look towards the future instead."

"Thanks Grace, you have been a good friend, I've genuinely missed you around here, it's been very lonely without you and the kids have missed you too!"

"Ah, the kids only want my cooking or should I say cookies and you! I hazard a guess it was my tea-making skills that you missed?" She smiled at the thought.

"Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say that, but your skills in making cappuccino certainly rate high on my list of reasons to keep you around," Catherine gave a warm throaty laugh.

"Great knew I had a good reason to get myself back here," she smiled and continued. "You've changed Catherine?"

Catherine looked at Grace speculatively and grinned that lop sided grin that produced mischief in her eyes. "Yes, I know.  Hopefully, it's for the better."

"The better! Hell, if you changed any more I might think we opened a sanctuary for do-gooders here on 'Destiny' during my absence."

"Never that Grace! But it feels good to do something for someone else instead of for purely selfish reasons." Catherine got up from her seat and walked over to the window and looked out over the dark drive. "I think it could snow soon it's getting quite icy here in a morning."

"So, who or what is responsible for the change?" Grace persisted.

Catherine turned back and regained her seat next to Grace. "Jace."

"As simple as that huh?" Grace noticed the tenderness when Catherine said her name.

"Yes, it was really as simple as that! You once told me to listen to the knocking on the door Grace. I did and I opened it, you were as usual in these things right!" Catherine sheepishly smiled at Grace.

"You telling me what I think your telling me?" Grace was surprised but happy for her friend and boss she looked so relaxed.

"That I've admitted I love Jace Bardley, oh yes!" Catherine spoke the words almost in wonder.

Suddenly Grace pushed herself out of her chair and kneeled in front of the one Catherine sat in and placed her arms around the legs of her friend in a comforting hold. "Then I'm happy for you, does Jace know?"

Catherine laughed out loud at that question. "I certainly hope so! We obviously haven't been able to see each other since the admission but I'm going to see her shortly, now you're back that is."

"You're going to LA?" Grace was surprised at that.

"Oh, I know I don't like the place,' Grace sent her a look that made her blush. 'Okay, so I hate the place, I have business to attend to and of course Jace lives there for the moment, so why not kill two birds with one stone." Catherine said matter of factly.

Grace snorted at the last comment. "Jesus Catherine, I'm sure glad you're not courting me!"

"What do you mean?" Catherine looked at her in indignation.

"Look when the object of your desire is spoken about in the same breath as a business deal, I kind of would be upset."

She looked perplexed and thought about what she'd said a worried look appeared on her face. "I guess you're right again, but Jace will always come first, believe me!"

Grace patted her hands that were clenched tight together on her knees. "Hey, I know and Jace knows. We both understand that you are a powerful business woman and at times relationships might have to take a back seat to that."

"It won't matter soon Grace, because I'm going to leave all the business dealings to others, I've already got that plan in operation. Tomorrow we need to talk about something important I need you to consider. Tonight you're way too tired to give it your best attention."

"Well, that's something to ponder when I'm trying to sleep now isn't it," Grace answered feigning a heavy sigh.

"Do you want to know what I need you to consider now?" Catherine looked at her in surprise.

"No, leave it Catherine, after breakfast we'll talk. I need to make a call in the morning first thing, so I will attend to the breakfast but leave you and Colin for an hour or so, if that's okay?"

Catherine glanced at her and noticed the sadness appear once again but for a different reason. "The good doctor?"

Grace looked at her and a tear threatened to fall, eventually it slowly trickled down her cheek. Catherine wiped it away with one of her tapered fingers. "Yes," came a strangled reply.

"I'm here for you Grace, never forget that!" She gave her a long sympathetic look. Brown eyes looked into the ice blue ones above her and she smiled briefly.

"Yeah, I know and I love you for it." Getting up she slowly made for the door feeling drained.

"Do you know something Grace?" Catherine spoke quietly as she watched her move towards the door Grace inclined her head in question. "My mother was right she told me about you and how you would help me see what would be best in the future."

Grace turned in surprise, "I never met your mother didn't she die when you were a child?" What an odd thing for Catherine to say!

"Yes, she did, but she was a descendant of a long line of people who had the gift of prophecy. She told me about you when I was ten years old guess it's taken me a few years to see it that's all."

"Did the gift pass to you?" Grace was fascinated with this new facet of Catherine's life.

"I hardly think so, do you? Or I certainly wouldn't have made half the mistakes I've made in my lifetime so far!" She laughed depreciatingly.

Grace smiled back and shook her head. "Maybe you just needed to believe in the power of love a little more before you get the gift."

"It can be a curse and in my case, I would think it would be just that!" Catherine looked down at her hands, which now lay flat on the top of her thighs. "Goodnight Grace."

"Goodnight Catherine, pleasant dreams." She opened the door and left.

Catherine mused over the previous statement. 'Do I want the gift? No! Knowing the future would certainly be a curse having the things happens, as they do could be hard to bear at times. Actually knowing the outcome before hand and not being able to change isn't something my competitive nature would ever get to grips with. Had my mother seen her own death? Yet Mama had been so calm and serene about the gift she possessed. Surely she would not have been had she known how short her life was going to be? Questions and yet more questions and no one to answer any of them. Or was there someone? Yes! She might not want to talk to me but it is worth a call something to consider in the future, yes, certainly I will go to her and talk, it was time.'

Catherine moved out of the chair and turned down all the lights, double-checking that everything was secure she walked up to her room.

Checking on Lisa as she walked by the bedroom, which most definitely belonged to a young girl. As she walked over to the bed and pulled the covers back over the child as they had been pulled off at some stage during sleep she swiftly glanced round the room. The floor had some clothes scattered around nothing too untidy, but one day it could be a problem. Then there were the few trinkets Lisa had been left by her mother, taking pride of place on the dressing table although there was nothing of intrinsic value. Catherine had been given Lisa's mother's rings and a gold chain for safe keeping until the child was old enough to appreciate them.

It was still very sparse for a child's room, the only toys being the original rag doll 'Sherry' that had been brought with her and 'Blacky' the brown beagle that Jake had bought her. She knew that the wardrobe was full of clothes; Grace had purchased most of them before she left.

Checking again that the child was sleeping peacefully she went out onto the landing and looked at the room that Jace had used, it was empty but she opened it anyway.

Entering the room she had the distinct impression that Jace was close by and her thoughts of the young woman she loved magnified accordingly. Jace had not only stolen her heart but also offered her a chance for a bright future with a happy family atmosphere, rather than the austere loneliness of the reclusive life she had opted for five years before. Looking round the room, it hadn't changed much since she had left, the bed was in the same position, the chair was pulled up close to the table and the table lamp was angled towards the bed.

Kicking off her shoes Catherine climbed on the bed and sank into its depths.  Closing her eyes she imagined the smaller body of the woman she had grown to love within the circle of her arms. Catherine had loved Jace in the short time she had stayed in the house and it had just gone from strength to strength after each message or call. Recalling once again holding Jace in her arms she sighed and opened her eyes knowing the futility of dreaming about things that couldn't take place at least at the moment. But, oh she hoped that would be over soon and that it wouldn't be a dream, it would be a reality!

Gracefully getting up from the bed, she left the room and its memories and headed to the next room and its closed door.

Jake hadn't had a nightmare for a couple of weeks and so they had agreed that he could keep the door shut. The boy had been embarrassed on the several occasions that he had been consoled by Catherine and realised that he had disturbed not only her but Lisa as well. Now he was getting his dreams under control, but Catherine suspected that they would surface again if anything upset the boy too much. She was not going to let that happen any time soon, not if she could help it.

Opening the door she glanced in and noticed the magazines strewn on the floor and the shoes kicked off haphazardly into a corner. He didn't have any toys or anything other than magazines in his room clothes of course but nothing personal. His parents hadn't left anything of value for him. To say he was impoverished was somewhat melodramatic, but basically correct.

She hadn't approached the subject of money after the visit to the town now Grace had come home she would ask her to deal with that small point. She smiled, as she looked at the peaceful expression on his face, it often held a scowl or sullen look about it, and only when he was riding Ruby or speaking to her or Lisa did he give a smile of any depth. Maybe with time, they would find out the depth of the hurt this boy had suffered, then again maybe not, no harm in trying though and she knew just the person who might have the right sort of compassion for that task in the future.

Seems Jace had the compassion to tame the savage beast and some of the boy's hurt certainly mirrored some of her own. Time would tell.

She closed the door and headed for her own room, to find sleep.

The long distance trips that Hudson pulled on her at short notice were frustrating Jace. For the last three weeks she hadn't been home longer than a day.

Now she was heading back! Hudson had been called away to New York, very strange, only for Jace it was a heaven sent opportunity to not only have a break, but also get back in touch with Catherine. If they had e-mailed four times in the last two weeks, that would be about all their joint interaction and that certainly wasn't enough for either of them. She missed the older woman with an intensity that threatened to overwhelm her at times. Her insecurities would often rear their ugly heads when she settled down for the night, and not being in a position to contact Catherine to calm her fears only fuelled the problem.

Well, she was an hour from home, only she really needed to go into the office and check in there, if only for a short time. Walking into her office space an hour later she asked Agnes what was going on. Hudson's secretary was anything but informative, she could only say that a very important meeting was being arranged and very powerful people were involved. That really didn't say anything at all.

Looking over the mountain of mail she decided that maybe having a few days off wasn't going to work with all this garbage on her desk.

Wonder what was happening to Peter's documentary, he'd mentioned that there had been a hold-up, but she hadn't heard anything for at least the three weeks she had been away. Maybe now was a good time to find out what was happening with her friend and then she would get home and make that longed for call.

The room that Peter Adamson occupied on the property was compact and gave the impression that the director rarely ever entered it. That wasn't strictly true but he had always preferred to be on the set and marshal most of any project he was working on himself. Jace entered the room after knocking and hearing a muffled voice say enter.

Looking up from his desk Peter Adamson beamed when he saw whom his visitor was. "Jace, good god has she finally let you come home?" He got up from his chair and gave her a hug.

"It's good to see you too Peter." She laughed into his shoulder as he hugged her harder.

"So what brings you into my office, thought you would want to go straight home and rest up, I heard she sent you to some rough terrain," he looked at her seriously.

"Yes she did, and yes I would like to go home. I thought I would catch up with the news before I went." Jace smiled at him and sat in the chair opposite his desk.

"Well, that could be tricky, exactly what are you interested in?"

"Have you got a release date for the documentary yet? Wasn't it held up for some reason?" she inquired.

Peter looked at her and a small frown appeared over his forehead.

"No it hasn't got a release date, in fact the current edit has been vetoed altogether. Hudson won't change some of the dialogue and the person vetoing won't change their stance."

Jace looked at him in sympathy. "It was a good documentary Peter, the filming is superb as always, can't you pursued Hudson to change the dialogue a little, if that's the only objection?"

"It's called internal politics Jace, looks to me like a waste of money and time, guess it's their money to waste." He stated bitterly.

"Do you know who the person is that's vetoing the project?"

Peter looked at her strangely and took a deep breath before he answered. "Yep, I sure do!"

"Going to share?"

"It doesn't matter Jace nothing can be done." He said resignedly.

"Peter, please tell me. If you don't I will find out from someone else. Is it such a big secret?" Jace spoke in a determined fashion.

He knew she would too! Nothing would get past Jace when she wanted information badly enough. What the hell, he had no love for Catherine Warriorson anyway.

"Ms Devonshire the owner of Xianthos Holdings is the person behind the veto."

Jace suddenly paled and a strangled sound came from her throat.

"Devonshire? Ms Devonshire is behind the veto? How can that be?" She managed to whisper finally her face clearly shocked at his admission.

"Obviously she has an interest somewhere and Hudson has stepped on her toes." He was sorry to see his friend upset. He knew how she hated the mention of the woman if only she knew who the woman really was!

"Peter, if it had been Catherine I could understand that! But where does Ms Devonshire come into the equation?" clearly puzzled at the revelation.

"Maybe your friend Warriorson has powerful friends?"

"But even if she did know Devonshire, how can she influence Hudson, it's an independent studio?" Jace was getting confused by the minute.

"Jace, look I'm sorry. I never wanted to be the one to tell you certainly not after you told me about your dislike of all things Xianthos. Devonshire can do what the hell she wants with the studio, she owns sixty percent of the holdings! Hudson keeps quiet about the set-up, she thinks that way she keeps the power plays all to herself."

Jace got up from the chair and her pale face showed the anguish etched there. "So I've been working for Xianthos all these years and I never knew about it!" It was a heart-piercing statement.

"Yeah, unfortunately you have had the pleasure of being employed at least in part by the mighty Xianthos holdings. Only good thing is the pay I suspect," he said scathingly.

"I need to go home and completely understand all the implications here Peter I...I will see you later." She walked like a zombie out of the door towards the car park.

"Jace wait up." He called as she got the door of her rental car open.

Looking round at him she waited for him to say more. "You going to be okay? You look kind of out of it, I worry about you Jace."

"Thanks for your concern about me Peter. I'm going to be fine I just need to get home, it's been a long month all in all." She climbed into the driver's seat and switched on the engine.

Peter watched her drive out of the lot and walked slowly back to his office. 'Hell, why did these women make life complicated for not only themselves but also all the others around them. At times like these he wished only men held the power to complicate lives. Then again, they made a fuck of a job of it also, most of the time. Thank god, I spend most of my time behind the camera, away from this shit.'

Grace had arrived back on the ranch and was busy clearing up after feeding two hungry wolves or their two kids appeared that way to her.

"You two been eating while I've been gone or have you been saving it up until I arrived home?" the woman asked casually as she cleared plates into the dishwasher.

Both children looked at her and smirked. Finally Lisa answered her, "If we saved it up waiting for you, we would be dead by now Grace." The innocent reply echoed in Grace's eardrums.

Grace suddenly slammed the door of the dishwasher at the words and her hand caught in the top she gave out a scream of pain.

Jake ran up to her and pulled open the door and helped her to the basin to run cold water on it. "Lisa, Grace needs help find Catherine or Colin. Now!" The boy said quickly noticing the tears of pain streaming down the older woman's cheeks.

The girl clearly upset ran out of the kitchen to the stables shouting at the top of her voice for Catherine.

Catherine heard the commotion as she was talking to Colin about the horses and the new stock that was due in a week's time.  "What the hell is that all about?" She muttered as she saw the child flying in her direction.

Catching hold of the bundle of child, she steadied her by the shoulder and pushed her long frame down to the child's level. "Hey Lisa, what's the matter princess?" Catherine spoke softly to the child.

Lisa gave her a tearstained look "It's Grace she got hurt in the dishwasher and she's crying Jake said we need you!" The child put her hand on the woman's larger one and started to drag her up and towards the house.

Looking at Colin who had a worried expression. "I'll deal with it Colin, if I need you I will call, okay?"

"Yes, I'll wait around to make sure." He said quietly his expression worried.

"Good, come on Lisa, let's go and make Grace better." Catherine suddenly lifted the lightweight child in her arms and strode off towards the house, her strides quickly making short work of the distance.

They entered the kitchen area and Grace was setting with a towel wrapped around her hand and a hovering boy looking a little upset.

"So, what have we got here then? Can't leave you for two minutes alone can I Grace?" Catherine tried to bring some light relief into the sober scene.

Grace looked up at her friend and boss and noticed that Lisa was held securely in Catherine's arms; she didn't look like she wanted to be put down either, smiling wanly she shook her head.

"I'm sorry Catherine, I did something stupid tried to shut the door of the dishwasher when my hand was still in it. Jake here has helped me to put a cold compress on it."

"I can see that! So, do we need the doctor?" An expressive eyebrow rose in her face.

"No! No, it's okay Catherine; we can deal with it here. Should be fine soon." Grace spoke quickly and nervously.

"Right, well in that case you better show me the damage then."

"Oh, it's okay I will just keep this on for an hour or so and it will be fine."

"Show me!" Catherine lowered her voice to almost a growl. Slowly putting Lisa down she tweaked her hair and motioned her to a seat. Catherine swiftly walked around to where Grace was seated. Jake previously hovering beside Grace moved to the chair next to Lisa and sat down concerned.

Grace looked at Catherine and knew that nothing was going to stop her viewing the injury. Gently she felt Catherine un-wrap the towel and heard her suck her breath in as she saw the damage.

"For gods sake Grace, it's swollen already, you might have done some major damage, and you need to see the doctor!"

"Catherine No! I won't see him! Don't even think about calling him out. It's swollen and looks nasty but I can move my fingers so no breakage's, it will be fine, let it be!" Grace implored her.

"Okay! Okay. I can see the problem, are you sure you can move all the fingers? Go ahead and try," came the serious retort.

The fingers moved slowly and the pain clearly etched on her face but she maintained her control and satisfied the tall imposing woman in front of her. "Told you so!"

Catherine gave her a look that silenced her, and then she looked at the children. "Right kids, go tell Colin that everything is fine here. Grace is going to be okay and he can give you your next riding lesson now. Be back for lunch at the usual time, although it looks like it's my cooking for the rest of the day." Chuckling she saw the children each look at her and then each other and grimace.

"Hey it's not that bad!" Catherine said with a hurt look on her face.

They both laughed and headed for the door. "Kids." She snorted as they left. Turning back towards Grace she noticed the slight smile on her friends face. "Okay, are you going to comment about my cooking skills too?"

"Never, would I dare?" Grace smiling replied.

"Hmmm, not so sure these days with you Ms Thornton."

Catherine walked over to the medicine cabinet, one of the few places in the kitchen she did know intimately. Selecting a bandage and sticky tape she proceeded to wrap the injury and make it more comfortable giving Grace a chance to swallow the painkillers she had found. "Guess this is as good a time as any to talk to you about the project I want you to consider, but first, how the hell did this little episode happen?"

"Lisa answered a question I posed, and she referred to being dead or the prospect of being dead, guess it threw me, I lost concentration for a moment." Grace said sheepishly.

"I'm sorry, I should have warned the kids but it sort of comes under the sensitive chat parts and I'm not much good at those."  She noticed a quirk of an eyebrow from her friend. "I've not changed that much Grace!" She smiled grimly at the thought of bringing back bad memories to them.

"That's okay Catherine, I will tell them myself when I feel up to it.

So what project have you got for me? You left me intrigued last night."

"Great. Well, for sometime now I've toyed with setting up a trust fund in the name of my son, wasn't sure what type of fund to have though. When this opportunity came around, it peeked my interest, once I was involved I thought why not help in this area.  I went to see the Reverend and asked him to be a co-trustee, he accepted readily and I want to ask you to be the other trustee Grace?" Catherine wasn't too sure if Grace would accept but she was her first choice, her only choice really.

Grace starred at her and swallowed several times before she answered.

"You want me? You're going to trust me with a fund? But why me?"

Catherine smiled at the surprised face of her friend. "You are the only one for the role Grace. First I trust you implicitly and when it comes to anything with my son's name associated with it, I know you won't disappoint me. Second I can think of no one better suited to making sure the money will work for the right causes. Are those good enough reasons?"

"Thank you Catherine, for your trust and I will gladly help with the fund, what do I need to do?" she spoke with emotion.

"The lawyers are waiting for me to call for the transfer to take place, then it's up to you and the Reverend to get together and plan what you want to spend it on. I have advisors for you to call on at any time if you need to do so," replied Catherine in true business like terms.

"Just how much are you talking about here?"

"Oh, I thought ten million US dollars and if that's not enough for the first year, I can be persuaded to increase it for a good cause." She laughed at the thought.

Grace nearly fell off her chair. "Jesus Catherine, ten million? What the hell kind of number is that? You're going to trust me with that amount of money?"

Catherine laughed loudly at the spluttered words floating around the kitchen. "Well, I can make it more if you want? Why wouldn't I trust you Grace?"

"No, no believe me ten is quite enough to be going on with and thank you. Thank you for your complete trust Catherine I know it's hard for you to completely trust people." Grace said with conviction.

"Well, glad that's settled then. Have you finished with the good doctor?" Changing the subject totally.

"Yes, I realised that I wasn't in love with him, might have thought I was, but I think it was just running away from the truth."

"And that truth would be?" Catherine asked although she wasn't sure she was going to welcome the answer.

Grace watched Catherine move gracefully towards the kettle and switch it on. "The truth is I love it here on the ranch and the people too! Now, we have the kids, it's more reasons to stay and I found out that this is home Catherine, here at 'Destiny'.  Whatever happens in the future I know it's going to happen on this ranch and I will fulfill my own destiny here." She spoke with such insight and strength it threw Catherine for a few moments.

"You sound like my Mother when you talk like that! Seriously Grace is you sure finishing with the doctor are the right choice?  He was in love with you."

"Yes I know he was and it hurt to tell him, he understands my reasons and will remain a friend. I guess this place is all I need right now and a few friendly faces too!"

"Then that's absolutely no problem, we can certainly furnish you with the friends and speaking of kids, can you arrange a personal allowance system with them? I think I'm being a little mean not giving them any personal income," Catherine smiled at her ignorance.

Grace laughed genuinely for the first time since she arrived home.

"You know, it's somewhat of a let down from being a trustee over millions to administering pocket money to two children, but I think I'll cope."

"Good." Catherine grinned and pulled on Grace's free hand and tugged her out of the chair. "Now I suggest you get some rest, let me worry about the kids for a few hours. Wonder if they will bring burgers all the way to the ranch?"

"Oh god Catherine, that would be priceless." Grace laughed again as Catherine's hand lead her towards the stairs.

"Go rest woman! I'll bring you some tea shortly now I have some calls to make."

Grace watched her move back towards the kitchen, 'If I wasn't seeing it with my own eyes I would never have thought you could change so much and in such a profound way Catherine Warriorson; falling in love has certainly been a catalyst for change in you my friend and we have a small, blonde, green eyed Californian to thank for all of it; way to go Jace!'

She smiled and headed for the luxury of a little sleep, her hand was throbbing but the painkillers would kick in soon enough.

Jace arrived home and she threw her case and car keys into the apartment in a haphazard way, not really caring where they ended up.

'All these years I've been working for Xianthos and never suspected. What sort of publicity person am I, when I didn't even know that the studio was sixty percent owned by another entity, Hudson had certainly maintained that secret well. Too well!  Now, I have choices to make, but not many. Did Catherine know Devonshire? And if she did how well did she know her? I hope you don't Catherine; it would break my heart if you told me she was a good friend of yours. How would you react to my hatred of her? Do I even need to tell you of my dislike of the woman we might never meet? Guess it's something for our talk when we get together, not over the phone or the e-mail, you need to understand my hatred and I can only do that if you're here with me in person.'

Slowly retreating to the bathroom she decided the best remedy would be a long soak in the bath, followed by a call to Catherine just to hear her voice, would be therapy enough for her.

Watching the bubbles grow in the bath she contemplated her options and wondered if James had any openings in his organisation she would call him soon and check out the possibilities.

'Catherine my love, I think we need to get that talk over and done with and soon. Before I just hijack a plane and come running into your arms without warning. Wonder what you'd think about that!' Smiling she stripped off her clothes and slowly lowered her aching body and mind into the luxury of a hot bubble bath.

Catherine's phone rang; she had just completed her calls to Paul Strong and a couple of the other vice-presidents. Picking up the instrument absently she said a curt "Warriorson." and waited for the recipient to answer.

"Hey, with a welcome like that I'm not sure what to expect when we meet up again finally!" Jace laughed softly at the other end of the line.

Catherine nearly dropped the phone shocked hearing Jace at the other end. "Oh God, I'm so sorry Jace, I was preoccupied.  Forgive me?" Her voice held a trace of anxiety.

"I will always forgive you no matter what!" Jace replied mollified at her apology.

"I might hold you to that one day." Catherine said seriously.

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure. So, how have you been?" Jace smiled as her mind pictured Catherine in the study. It gave her a warm feeling in the pit of her stomach as she recalled every feature of the woman she loved.

"Good, and you?"

"All the better for hearing your voice. I've missed you Catherine." Her voice cracked a little as she said the last words.

"I've missed you too Jace.' Catherine pictured the younger woman reclined on the sofa in her apartment, Jace had often described the scene to her in their numerous calls. "Grace came home, looks like I can arrange my trips away from here now."

Jace gave a small sigh of relief. "That's good news, How is Grace?"

"She's doing pretty well, although she had an accident today with the dishwasher, means I have the dubious task of cooking for us this lunchtime. Kids are a little skeptical about my cooking skills, I think Grace just laughs. Maybe she won't when she tries my cooking teach her to lose concentration with the domestic appliances." Catherine smiled into the receiver. It was so good to hear Jace's voice, it warming her in more places than she wanted to admit too.

Jace laughed, "Guess you need some lessons, do you want me to give you some?"

Catherine raised an eyebrow even though there was no one there to see it. "I can think of other lessons I would prefer you to teach me than cookery!"

"I...well...yes! I'm sure you could." Was all Jace could manage; she was completely floored by the suggestive comment.

"You know my love there is no reason to be embarrassed it's only a phone call. Wait until I'm in the same room with you, then you can take me to task over any comment I make, and in any way you want!" Catherine mellowed at the thought.

"I love you Catherine," Jace's voice took on a husky quality.

"And I love you too, my dear Jace! Are you home for good now, or has Hudson plans to send you even further afield?" It was difficult to maintain composure even with a phone call, and it really was getting too much taking the proverbial cold shower after every call.

"Hudson is away in New York, not sure what she has planned for the future, hopefully nothing as rural as where she's has been sending me lately." Her voice held the frustration she had been feeling recently.

"Mmm, well I hope she doesn't send you anywhere in the next few weeks because I would have to come and find you, now wouldn't I." Catherine growled into the phone.

"You say the nicest things Catherine." Jace chuckled at her end. Having Catherine come looking for her in any part of the globe sounded pretty romantic to her.

"Glad you think so. I've got Grace and the Reverend on board for the trust fund and the kids are settled. I was wondering..."  Catherine stopped mid-sentence as she heard a giggle from the other end of the line.

Jace was intrigued, what had she been going to say? "You were wondering?"

"Ah, yes wondering." Then she said nothing more. Silence prevailed, they say silence is golden but to Jace, silence in this particular case was intriguing.

Jace was happy the woman had completely lost her train of thought or it appeared that way. Over a giggle too! I wonder what else I can do or say that would bring on that reaction? "You going to tell me?" Borrowing an expression that Catherine used frequently to get answers from people.

"You sound like me!" Catherine was surprised but pleased at the banter she was being subjected to, it felt really warm and quite good inside!

"Is that a good thing or bad?" Jace countered.

"In this case good, but don't let it happen to often." Catherine retorted with mock indignation.

"I'll remember, you were wondering or don't you remember now?" Jace teased her gently.

"Yes, I remember, you don't get my mind to completely shut down Jace Bardley," Catherine let a light laugh finish for her.

"I hope I do one day," was all Jace replied. She heard a sharp intake of breath at the other end, which pleased her very much, and brought a warm, glowing smile to her face.

Catherine left that comment for another day, as it was getting way too hot in here, however it had nothing to do with the temperature in the room. "Yes, well I was wondering if I should adopt the kids or at least ask them what they think?" the tall woman changed the subject abruptly.

"Way to go Catherine, that's a wonderful idea." The happiness in her voice, made Catherine smile and realise that she had been right to think Jace would show the kids more love than she ever could.

"Glad you think so, because I sort of hoped that maybe...well that you would...I guess what I'm trying to say is..." Catherine was at a loss to finish the sentence without pushing her boat out too far.

"Yes," came the solid answer from Jace, who was smiling broadly at the cell phone held in her hand. All she wanted to do was hug the woman at the other end and hold her close; probably more, but she would accept the embrace for a start; yes a start of something more intimate.

"You don't even know what I'm going to ask?" The tall woman at the other end was smiling equally as broadly.

"Yeah I do, you want me to help you raise two kids. Am I right?"

"Yes!" an almost inaudible sound from the other end.

"Does that imply you're going to make an honest woman of me?' Jace couldn't help the chuckle and the possibility of making the older woman blush. "Have I made you uncomfortable Catherine?"

Catherine was certainly blushing, she hadn't thought of making a permanent commitment well, not until she had spoken to Jace about her past anyway. Then again she hadn't really considered the possibility of a permanent statement of their relationship, 'Honest woman indeed!' "Not uncomfortable no!" She muttered.

"So, are you?" Jace persisted.

"Am I what?" Catherine responded cautiously.

"Going to make an honest woman of me? Or will I just be the nanny?" After Jace said the word, she suddenly realised that she could have meant exactly that, they hadn't talked about a permanent arrangement together. Had she been wrong with her assumptions?

"Nanny? Now there's a thought! How about I answer that question when we see each other shortly?" Catherine refused to be drawn into the subject until after their talk.

Jace sighed heavily and a feeling of rejection took over, 'Maybe she did only want a nanny? What a fool I can be sometimes, I must be very tired to have pushed this far.' "Okay, I look forward to it."

"You won't be disappointed, I promise you Jace." Catherine spoke in the low voice that sent Jace's senses reeling. Her feelings suddenly shooting back onto the exhilaration level.

"Glad to hear it! Please tell me Catherine, what else is happening with you and at the ranch?"

They talked about several issues, Grace, the doctor, Colin and the children. Finally Jace had to ask the question that had been plaguing her since Peter had mentioned Ms Devonshire.

"How well do you know Ms Devonshire of the Xianthos Corporation?" Jace nonchalantly asked.

Catherine found the question unexpected, and a little strange but she countered with a question of her own. "Why do you ask?"

"The documentary we filmed at the ranch has been vetoed by her I wondered if you had been influential in that decision?" Jace held her breath waiting for the reply and hoping she wasn't going to be too unhappy with the response.

Catherine thought about her answer, it wasn't the right circumstances to explain and tell Jace that she was Devonshire, that admission had to be done face-to-face, one on one to gauge the reaction.

"Yes, I was influential in that decision, let's just say Xianthos owes me a favour or two."

"So, it was really you who vetoed the project?" Jace asked quietly, her heart beginning to race as she thought about the powerful friends that Catherine could weald if she wanted too.

"If you put it like that, yes.' Catherine needed to say more. "She shouldn't have pushed me on this one Jace, I had already denied access to my property, she ignored me! Did you think I would leave it like that? I'm not a person that you walk all over and ignore!"

Catherine looked around the study, it was getting close to lunchtime and she needed to start something, those kids were always hungry.

'That, and your scared to death she will think less of you, because of your show of what? Power? That was all it came down to in the end, petty power plays, because you hate Hudson's guts,' her internal voice mocked her.

"No, no I knew that you would perhaps take a stand, but to stop the whole documentary being released, that reeks of something else." Jace answered in a quiet voice.

"And that would be?" Catherine answered her coldly, this conversation wasn't going anywhere, and it wasn't relevant to them personally!

Jace bit her lip as she heard the change in tone and knew that the woman would have a very cold expression especially in her eyes.

"Childish behaviour." She'd said it, and knew that it wasn't going to be something Catherine would take lying down.

It was a minute before she heard heavy breathing and a sharp intake of breath at the description. "Childish bloody behaviour!  What sort of answer is that? Do you think I've been stuck here with kids too long Jace?" was the scathing reply.

Jace was upset and knew that this wasn't how she had envisaged the conversation to go. "Never that Catherine, but...why veto everything?"

"Because I can!' came the blistering reply. "I have lunch to prepare Jace, guess I'm going to have to resort to some more childish behaviour to tackle that problem. You want to say anything else?"

Jace could hear the drumming of angry fingers on the desk. "I guess not."

"Glad to hear it, I'll be in touch." Catherine replaced the receiver and pushed herself away from the desk, but then moved forward again and placed her hands on the top of the polished surface.

'Are you mad, what the hell have you just done?' Her head hit the desk as she closed her eyes at her own impatience and lack of understanding. 'That was Jace, the woman you love. Not some bloody business associate who has rattled your cage. Get a grip on life Catherine or your going to blow it all away, again! That is assuming you do love her that is? Yes! Oh god yes I love her.'

Jace was crying, it was a natural reaction; the tears felt justified. It had been a long three weeks, and now this!

"Why? Why did it have to end like that, it wasn't meant as a criticism?

More an observation, when will she be in touch? What if she doesn't get back to me? What am I going to do? I can't pretend anymore that I can walk away from this without being hurt, and it sure hurts now! Please call me Catherine, please!' her mind pleaded.

Jace walked into her bedroom and flung herself on the bed and cried herself to sleep, Xianthos had a lot to answer for!

Grace had seen the gathering storm that threatened to fall in their paths any day now! Catherine Warriorson was a veritable storm front waiting to burst forth. She had been like that for days, in fact over a week. Nothing anyone could say brought a smile to her face, not even when the kids tried, and they had tried. She'd even stopped telling them stories, saying she was busy with work related problems and that she was going away soon.

That had upset them, particularly Jake. He was even having bad dreams again, but Catherine was way too busy to see that, she was always ensconced in her study and hardly past the time of day with anyone. There could be only one reason for this, Jace!  Well if the storm front was coming, she was ready for it, wellingtons, raincoat and all!

Catherine stalked into the kitchen that afternoon and sat heavily in the chair a scowl on her face.

"You know if you keep that expression on your face too much longer it's going to be permanent and you have a beautiful face Catherine," she was never one to miss an opportunity.

"What the fuck do you know?" Catherine angrily replied, it wasn't often she swore and certainly never to Grace.

"Guess you're not in a good mood, couldn't tell by looking at you?" Nothing ventured nothing gained.

"What the hell do you want from me Grace?" Catherine pierced her with a cold look.

"How about what's wrong Catherine, friend to friend?" Grace smiled at her warmly; this wasn't the time to run from the problem.

"Nothing." Catherine replied sullenly.

"So, nothing is making you walk around as if the whole world is going to end at any time?" Grace tired the diplomatic route.

"Don't be melodramatic Grace," Catherine said scornfully.

"Okay I won't, if you tell me what's wrong?" Grace gave her a friendly smile.

Catherine ran a hand through her unruly hair; it needed to be in that damn ponytail. "I think my world is ending Grace." A desperate voice replied. 'Now, who was being melodramatic?'

Grace looked at the untidy image of her usually immaculately coifed friend; smiling gently she said one word. "Jace?"

Looking up, Catherine smiled wryly for the first time in days. She nodded her head. "Have you argued?" Grace asked her quietly.

"In a manner of speaking, it was to do with the documentary, she didn't like my tactics, called me childish," her voice held a hurt expression.

"Was she right?" Grace asked tentatively.

"I hope not! But I was rude to her and I don't know how to take it back?" Catherine almost blasted her anger at Grace with her question.

"You know, Jace might be feeling equally as bad and it's easy, how about you send flowers and then follow up with a call. In person would be better, but the phone would be a start." Grace felt suddenly ancient next to this vulnerable woman who didn't have the slightest clue about relationships.

Catherine suddenly got up from the table and went over and hugged Grace. Beaming she whispered in her ear. "I don't know what I would do without you Grace. You think that would work?"

"It would with me!" Catherine hugged her even harder.

Grace laughed loudly and the kids came in at that moment and stopped as they saw the tall, dark and recently usually angry woman smiling and hugging Grace. "How about tonight you take back your place of reading to our children here?" Her head moved to indicate the present children.

Catherine released Grace and a flush started at her neck at having been caught in a sentimental embrace. Looking at the children she sheepishly smiled. "Do you want me to take over tonight?" It came out slowly and quietly.

Both children exchanged a look and then they looked back at her.

"Yes please, Grace doesn't know how to make the right voices for the characters especially the animals." Lisa piped up and then launched herself at the tall woman for a hug. "We missed you." The child spoke into her thighs, which was the highest she could reach without being lifted off the ground.

Jake just looked at the end of his shoes and a slow smile took over at Lisa's enthusiasm.

"I missed you too Princess, I'm sorry to you both for my...my indifference." She looked at the boy with apology in her eyes.

Jake looked directly back and grinned back at her nodding his head at her apology.

"Well Grace, I'd better get onto that florist before I lose my nerve." With that she released Lisa and kissed her head, and on the way out of the door placed a hand in Jake's hair and ruffled it gently.

Grace was chuckling "Was that easy or what!" She congratulated herself as she went on to get some cookies for the kids, before they started to fend for themselves, which would be worse than a storm brewing with Catherine.

Sending flowers half way round the world was easy all you had to do was find an international florist.

'Okay, that's not a problem, just send a selection, yes that would work. She didn't know what Jace's favourite flower was anyway,' smiling she picked up the receiver and called the largest florist in Christchurch and told them to arrange whatever they could as quickly as they could to get to LA, money wasn't a problem.

Then she thought about another option! Chocolates. All women liked chocolates didn't they? Yes, except for you! Okay, but who could arrange that one? She scanned the Internet for an hour. Finally she selected what she needed, that would certainly keep Jace in chocolate for...depends on her appetite for goodies,' that brought a smile to Catherine's face; she wished she could be there to see the said goodies arrive.

The next thing she needed to do was arrange a courier to get a personal message to LA to arrive in tandem with the flowers and the chocolates, calling her usual courier, she arranged for the person to arrive within the hour, this was way too easy she thought. Then it occurred to her, ' what was she going to say on the message? Hell, I'm no good with words, not romantic ones anyway. Screwing up romantic situations is more my line.' Thinking about the problem, she put on the radio for background noise and heard a song that had words that explained the situation, what a coincidence.

Opening her personal writing draw in the desk, she pulled out a handmade, pristine white piece of paper, with her personal monogram of the ranch on it. She hardly ever sent this paper out, usually only used for invitations to the ranch or close friends.  Not that she had many of those, but it would have served that purpose. Now it seemed appropriate to send this message on something more fitting than a normal card or sheet of paper.

Picking up her Mont Blanc fountain pen, she penned the note that she hoped would help her make up to the woman who held her heart and her prospects for a brighter future.

Jace had been walking around the studio or sitting in her office either moody or withdrawn. Peter had been called to Chicago to talk about another project and he had been away since the morning she came back on the lot, which had been two days after talking to Catherine. She hadn't been in the mood or capable of putting her personal problems on a backburner, now she had to, she had to get on with her life, what was left of it anyway!

Hudson had arrived back two days later and smirked at the obvious unhappiness of her publicity PA. Could it be she wondered anything to do with a certain Catherine Warriorson? 'Oh I hope so, yes indeed I do. Life is looking up for me at the moment, and another's discomfort always added to the euphoric feeling I'm having. Well, soon enough you're going to hear the truth about your little friend Jace. No! That's definitely the wrong word to use for her! No, you're tall, dark, sexy and very dangerous friend. I'm going to love every minute of that encounter.' Hudson grinned evilly at the back of the young blonde and re-entered her office.

Jace had tried to concentrate on her work, she really had but it was becoming intolerable, she needed to talk to someone about it soon and she didn't have a clue who she could confide with. Her Dad was away on business and Peter was still away, not due back until late the next week. Turning in her chair she looked at Hudson's door. "God I must really be losing it, if I even think about discussing this problem with her!'

Jace pushed a lock of her hair from her eyes and looked at the blank screen in front of her. 'Dare I send Catherine e-mail? No!  She doesn't want to hear from me or she would have done something about it by now, wouldn't she? Maybe, she thinks I should get in touch first? No, she said she would be in touch; she's the one who got angry, not me! Why, why do I keep going over this, it won't help anything?' Tears stung her eyes as she tried to stop them flowing.

Getting up from her desk she noticed it was five p.m., 'Hell, I might as well go home I'm not contributing much here at the moment.'

Hoping that Hudson wouldn't come looking for her, she picked up her purse and car keys and headed for the parking area. The sun was still beating down as she exited the building and continued on her way. Pausing for a moment she looked at the simple colours that made up the logo for UCP, wondering not for the first time this week if the colours had any relation to Xianthos, maybe she would check tomorrow.

Climbing into her very hot Toyota coupe she turned the ignition and hoped the air conditioning would get to work fast, getting incredibly hot inside a car would only fuel her depressive state at the moment.

The car negotiated the final turn to her apartment complex and she locked the vehicle and ran up the steps to the building wing that housed her apartment and the prospect of a cooling shower.

Glancing at the corridor as she got off the elevator she noticed a man loitering half way down the hallway, he was wearing a uniform of some description. Quickly walking towards her apartment, she noticed a delivery man was lounging on the wall opposite her door.

"Anything I can help you with?" she enquired as she put the key in the door. Wondering if she was smart doing that, you never knew who was hanging about these days.

The young man fairly beamed as he saw which apartment she was entering. "Would you believe you sure can?"

Jace looked at him and noticed the name of a famous international florist on his jacket. "Then you better tell me?"

"Are you Ms Bardley?" He said quickly, pulling out his delivery sheet.

"Could be, who wants to know?" Jace answered with a slight smile.

"Your lucky day I guess, must have a really wealthy suitor, hope you have room, I'll be right back," he announced as he quickly levered his body from the lounging position against the wall and rushed towards the elevator.

Half an hour later, flowers surrounded Jace, flowers in every variety and colour of the rainbow and some that had nothing to do with the rainbow. It was spectacular and totally unexpected. One thing missing was a note or message of any kind.

Carefully walking around the living room, she negotiated an area of the floor that was covered by flowers and heard the doorbell ring. Approaching the door she was greeted by another delivery person, who asked the same question as the previous young man.

Sometime later she sat on her computer chair and contemplated the flowers and the boxes and boxes of chocolates from every known chocolate producing country of the world, it was awesome, but no note or message! She wasn't sure if it was someone's idea of a joke, but a lovely joke none the less. Or was it Peter? Or could it be the only person she really wanted it to be from, Catherine? 'It had to be Catherine, it just had to be!'

Now she waited in anticipation, surely she would get some sort of message no one would go to this effort without at least some sort of note would they? Putting on a pot of coffee she felt her emotional walls beginning to break away again and this time it was for a happier reason.

Stepping over the flowers into her bedroom she picked up Taz and hugged him. "I know it's you Catherine, I just know it!" She whispered into the soft toy's ear, seeing only the wicked smile answer her.

Then the doorbell went again, she nearly crashed into a basket of roses at her haste to get there. Wrenching open the door she saw the courier and he handed her a plastic wallet and made her sign for the document and went on his way.

Glancing at the plastic wallet she noted the country of origin. "I just knew it!" she shouted in happiness and noted the surprised expression of one of her neighbours, who had been going into his apartment.

Closing the door with a faint blush on her cheeks, she held the wallet to her heart.

Grabbing a coffee she sank into her sofa and put her feet up on the arm of the furniture and gently opened the seal on the wallet.  Gingerly opening it she extracted a pristine white envelope in what could only be specially prepared paper and if she didn't know better it looked like Chinese handmade to her. Putting the envelope to her nose she could smell the faint trace of fresh cologne, which was all Catherine Warriorson. Slitting open the envelope, she pulled out a matching piece of paper and slowlyopened it out to see the flowing bold script that told its own story.

Jace,

Seems that words are not my friends on many occasions, and I wanted to tell you exactly how I felt. At times it's hard to find the right words, so I've taken the liberty of borrowing a few from a song, I'm sure the author or the singer won't mind in this instance. As you know I love to listen to songs, I can feel so much through them that I find difficult to voice on my own, so here goes.

Don't turn me away; I'll give anything to see you stay.
I'm lost and alone without you here with me.
I will be your lady if you really want me
I need you to be the first sight I see, living fantasy as reality.
That's where I'm gonna be.
I would never break your heart my love is beating strongly here for you.
Please come home and collect it from me as only you can.

I hope you know the song, heard it today on the local radio station, kind of a fortuitous listening session for me. The rest of the lyrics mirror what I need to say to you Jace and I'm going to do just that very soon if you will let me? Please give me the chance to show you how I feel Jace that's all I ask?

I'm going to call, please don't hang up on me!

I love you,
Catherine

Tears streamed down the cheeks of the emotionally happy woman. It had been a maelstrom of torrential emotions as she read and reread the note. Her heart was so full of love for the woman who she knew deep down to her core was going to be her lover sooner rather than later it was their divine destiny. 'I love you too Catherine.' smiling tearfully into the empty apartment as she looked over the array of flowers and chocolates.

The phone rang.

Picking up the cell phone on the coffee table she answered with a warm "Hi." Jace was far too overwhelmed at the events happening, it was all she could say.

"Hello Jace, I'm sorry!" Catherine Warriorson spoke softly and not without an element of trepidation in her voice.

"I love you Catherine." Jace managed to utter before she burst into tears. Catherine listened to the woman crying and wanted nothing more than to get on the next flight and go to her, but it wasn't possible to many people still had to be dealt with before she could fly off at the drop of a hat.

"Jace? Jace are you okay? I'm sorry love, there is nothing I want more than to be with you and say that in person and I will as soon as I can believe me, I will!" Catherine wasn't immune to the emotional storm that was going on in LA.

"I...I love you Catherine! That's all that matters. That's all that will ever matter to you and I!" Jace was trying to control her tears and get her breathing under control.

Catherine breathed a sigh of relief and smiled briefly. "You forgive me to easily Jace, was it the flowers or the chocolates that helped me out here?" Catherine tried to lighten the tension.

"You know it wasn't either of those, it was your note. I loved the note and even if all you had written was 'I love you', that would have been enough! But when you get here, I'm going to make you listen to that song again and we are going to act on it okay?" Jace finally managed to get her vocal chords in full working order.

"Anything you say, I will be all yours to do whatever you want with, and you will be the only person that has or will ever get that promise." Catherine spoke with conviction.

"I've got to tell you this Catherine, I thought you had given up on me!" Jace gulped back a sob.

"Give up on you Love! Never! Nothing will ever be that bad that I will not want you in my life, nothing do you hear me Jace?"  Catherine spoke with such conviction.

"Yes, but something might?" Jace whispered.

"No! You are my life Jace Bardley, without you I'm a shell that exists but has no meaning. When I think of you and what I've already achieved simply because you're behind me, no matter the distance between us, just think what I could do with you by my side!"

"Then I'm going to be by your side for the rest of your life. Think you can put up with me and my questions for eternity?" Jace was smiling happily, everything was going to be okay, and she knew it.

"Oh Eternity with you, well...guess I could try it and see what it feels like." Catherine chuckled at her end. This was one of the happiest calls she had ever made. No, it was the happiest.

Catherine Warriorson had often wondered what it would be like to fall in love. Now she knew exactly what it felt like and the obvious elation the feeling gave you was nothing in comparison to the drawbacks like jealousy, anger, frustration and loss of control!

Now who was she kidding, even if the other emotions went into override she would still want to share this experience with Jace, it wasn't a decision she could calculatingly make any more, it was just there and not to be trifled with. No, being in love with Jace Bardley was the most important thing in her life, and she was going to make sure that if Jace wanted to share her life with her, then who was she to stop it!

'She said she would take the baggage whatever it was and I'm going to hold her to that! I can't foresee my life without her in it now anyway.'

Tonight she was finishing the last of the 'European short stories' she had started a week ago; those kids wanted at least three chapters a night, so it was easy to get through a book in a week. Nothing she had previously experienced in her life could have warned her of the dangers of becoming emotionally involved with these two children. She had let the defences that Jace had casually brought down around her, remain down and let them in, not just to her home but to her heart also!

Waiting for them to appear or rather the shout from Grace to say that Lisa was bathed and ready for her trip down the stairs it had been another ritual, which had been broken because of her obstinacy over her disagreement with Jace. Now she was back in harness and the kids didn't seem to be any the worse for wear over her handling however badly of them. Except, Grace had informed her of Jake's nightmares and she had been visibly shaken, for she knew she had been partly responsible, no wholly responsible for their return.

"Okay boss lady, there all yours." Shouted a happy sounding Grace.

"I'm on my way." Catherine responded with a chuckle.

Making her way to Lisa's room she glanced at the next door and sighed heavily, it was almost time for her visit to Jace, almost!

Walking inside the child's room she noticed a few toys and trinkets that hadn't been around the last time she looked in. "Have you been shopping Lisa?" Glancing at the small redhead who was dressed in a nightdress with small teddy bears swinging from a half moon emblazoned on the material. Her dressing gown had a similar motif.

The child looked up at her and smiled her gap tooth smile, although the tooth had begun to peep through. "Grace took Jake and I shopping, we have pocket money now!" Her excited voice answered.

Catherine laughed at the remark and held out her arms for the small child to be lifted up and carried downstairs. For some reason they had developed this routine and neither one of them appeared uncomfortable with it. There is only one word for you these days Catherine 'SOFT.' in capital letters. "Glad to hear it, looks like you made some good choices, tomorrow you can show me what you bought, if you want too?"

"Yes, please Catherine." The child hugged her tighter round the neck and planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek.

"Come on, let's get to the lounge before Jake reads the story before us." Catherine was slightly embarrassed at the display of affection, but deep down she relished the innocent contact and silently thanked whoever had let her have a second chance at motherhood.

They settled into the large armchair, Catherine seated with Lisa nestling into her chest and Jake at her feet resting his back against her legs. He didn't go much for personal contact but managed to settle into this pose comfortably.

An hour later the book was put aside on the coffee table and Catherine saw the yawns from both children, although Jake would never openly admit he was tired.

Two minutes later Grace walked into the lounge bearing a tray laden with milky drinks for the children, a mug of tea for Catherine, she brought along her coffee also. It had been something they had agreed on after an hour of reading to have the bedtime drinks around that time, so that the story telling didn't get carried away, as it had one evening when Catherine had totally forgotten the time.

Grace settled down into the chair opposite Catherine and winked at her.

Sending her a raised eyebrow but having a grin plastered on her face, Catherine looked at the drowsy children and took a breath as she considered her options. No better time than this, she might as well get everything in the open. "Jake, Lisa. I need you to listen to me for a few minutes please?" she tentatively approached them.

Grace smiled warmly at them as they stared intently at the woman who had become almost an idol to each child in different ways.

"Okay." They both piped up at the same time.

"Good, good. I need to go away for a few weeks,' noticing they're crestfallen expressions and the quickly tearing up of Lisa, she held the child tightly to her and whispered in her ear. "Hey, it's not that bad, honestly." Lisa gulped and Jake continued to look at her with a hooded almost closed look in his eyes, mirroring old pain.

"I have to go to America and clear up a business problem but I'm coming back and hopefully, I will have a good surprise for you when I do get back.' She looked at their faces closely and smiled at them with gentle understanding. 'You will hardly miss me, for no sooner will I have gone but I'll be back, I promise."

Grace saw the sudden welling of emotion in her friend and continued in part for her. "Yeah, kids we can get the horse lessons finished, for when she comes back so you can surprise her and you can all go riding together as a family, what do you say?" The children looked in her direction and each gave her a small smile the question unanswered.

"What I really wanted to say was while I'm gone I need you both to consider something for me and you mustn't rush into making up your minds, we have plenty of time. What I want to ask is, if you will consider letting me adopt you both!" There she'd finally got it out and what a relief that was.

Both children looked at her in astonishment and wonder. "You know that I care about you and so does Grace. We thought that maybe you might consider becoming a real family here on 'Destiny', but I'll understand if you can't or if want to wait until you're a little older to decide. Like I say, think about it and let me know when I get back. No pressure, it's all up to you." Catherine finished lamely.

Lisa slipped out of the arm that held her and scrambled off her lap to stand at the foot of the chair, almost standing on Jake in her haste, he moved hastily aside for her. Looking into the ice blue eyes that had given them a new life even if she was a little quiet and austere at times.

"I can answer you now Catherine, but I'll wait until you get back. Might make you get back to us quicker?" The childish logic wasn't that far from the truth.

Catherine smiled at the serious expression. "That it will Princess, that it will." She then looked at the bowed head of the boy on the floor, only a foot away from her chair. She waited.

Grace was looking at the bent head of the boy and the pensive expression on Catherine's face. Suddenly he looked up at her and his hazel eyes held a fear that she didn't understand. "It won't make you my mother will it?" He asked her directly.

Catherine was stunned by the question and a little sad at his objection to her taking the role even as a surrogate. "No, no I could never be your mother." She answered his question sadly.

"Then I will do the same as Lisa, when you get back I will let you know what I think about the idea." He got up from the floor and picked up his drink and walked towards the door. "Goodnight," and left the room.

Lisa looked at the two adults in the room knowing that Jake hadn't meant to hurt their feelings. She placed her hand on Catherine's arm and got her attention. "He just gets upset sometimes about his parents, but he wants to be family, really Catherine," the child said earnestly, championing her 'brother'.

Catherine stood up to her six feet and picked the child up and swung her over her left shoulder and snagged her drink from the tray.

"Yes, I know Princess, now it's time for bed and let's get that show on the road before Grace gives us a hard time okay?" as she glanced at her friend.

"Yeah, I should think so too! Keeping our kids up late, shame on you Catherine." Getting up from her seat she placed a gentle kiss on the child's forehead and winked at her.

Catherine entered the room a short time later and walked towards the window, peered out at the white sheet that was forming over the yard, "I think its going to be a hard winter this year Grace."

Grace moved towards the woman standing rigid at the window and she looked at the natural beauty snow held to the onlooker.  "Oh, I don't know, something tells me that with luck this winter might be quite beautiful and full of surprises."

"Ever the optimist Grace."

"Someone has to be, thought I'd told you that before?"

"Yes, I think you did and perhaps you're right as usual."

"Jake will be fine Catherine, maybe he's just a little shocked at the speed you came to this decision? Hell, I am!"

"Why?" Catherine turned from her view of the growing bed of snowflakes.

"Come on now, when was the last time you did anything remotely like this?" Grace asked her knowing the answer already.

"I've never done anything like this in my life!" She replied enigmatically.

"Exactly," her friend grinning at her lack of understanding.

"And your point would be?"

"I love you Catherine, the kids love you, and Jace loves you. But lady you sure have some baggage that you're finding difficult to shed and until you do, gestures like this, can mean everything and nothing, depends on your mood." Grace hadn't meant to sound critical of her friend's decision, it was the right one for them all, but she did have problems that she kept locked away and they needed to be aired.

"Yes you're right,' a quizzical look appeared on her face, "why are you always right about me Grace?"

Grace laughed at the look on her friend's face, and smiled broadly.

"Guess it must be something your mother passed onto me, who knows."

"Maybe, to answer the jibe, I'm going to tell Jace everything about me! My past, my present and how I want to spend my future. Then I'm going to tell you everything too! You deserve that much my friend."

Grace smiled warmly and put her arm around the taller woman's shoulders in understanding. "Bring Jace back with you, that will be all the explanation that will ever be needed between us Catherine. You're not a saint and I'm sure you've done things that I would personally abhor, but what you are today, far outweighs anything that has happened in the past. That goes for Colin too!"

"You know most of the time Grace, you speak for everyone on this ranch, myself included," she smirked at the blush on her friend's cheeks.

"No! Well, okay it's becoming a habit, I really must do something about that," pulling the woman back towards her chair as they settled down to a few minutes of peace and quiet. "By the way when are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow evening, I have a flight out of Auckland to LA and then onto New York, it leaves at 11pm. I need to get to New York as soon as possible."

"Your business okay?" Grace asked, interested in the other world her friend was embroiled in but rarely mentioned.

"Yes, but I have a threat that needs to be resolved, once it is, I get to ask a certain Jace Bardley if she wants to come and live with me!"

Catherine looked bashful as she said the final words.

"Do I get the guest bedroom ready?" Grace smirked as she looked at the ice blue eyes of the woman in front of her, which held quiet joy at the prospect.

"Christ, I hope not Grace!" Catherine said with feeling.

"Good, I would need to have help soon, if you fill any more rooms." She laughed softly and drank her coffee, seeing the faraway look on her friends face, but it was happy expression.

Hudson was happy she had finally received the call from Paul Strong that she had expected over a week ago for some reason he had been unable to contact his employer. Now, he had confirmed the date, it was going to be in three days time at her offices as requested.

'I've finally got to her, she's on the run, if she wasn't, then she wouldn't entertain coming out of her exile for me! I thought throwing in the threat to expose interesting material to the media, might get the desired result. Especially now that she was involved with a certain employee of hers. It had been interesting to see Jace go from despair to the ecstatic all in the space of a few days. How will she react when she finds out her sworn enemy is also the woman she loves? Wonder if the sensitive kid can take it, this once she would bet her share of UCP that Jace couldn't hack it! Well, only three days to go before we find out, now that is some meeting that I'm looking forward too! You never wanted my bed, but I'm going to get you in it Catherine no matter what; some naive blonde isn't going to succeed, not now, not ever!' Walking over to her desk she called for Peter Adamson to get his rear end into her office now!

Several minutes later a harried looking Peter Adamson pushed open the door to Hudson's office and noticed her negligently draped across her desk, viewing some stills of a new feature.

"You wanted to see me?" Peter spoke politely.

"Yep, I certainly do, now shut the door and take a seat," she directed not looking up from the stills on her desk.

"I've got the Xianthos people coming here in three days, are you going to be available to see them over your project?"

"Sure, who's coming from the Empire?" He asked with interest.

"Ah, well I could say it's a secret, but as you already know part of the story, the very reclusive Ms Devonshire or should I say Warriorson herself will grace us with her presence. Also, Paul Strong their new President, appears he's taking over the reigns officially from her," the last she said with bitterness.

Peter smiled inwardly; he liked Paul Strong, and had met him over dinner with James on the several occasions, when he'd been in town. "Sounds like all the big guns are in town, but isn't that a little over the top for a project this small?"

"Let's just say I have my own personal agenda with Ms Devonshire, so at some stage I want you to take Mr Strong out of the room for me and show him the ten cent tour okay?" Her voice brooking no argument.

"Whatever you say, I just want to get a release date before I move on next month," Peter stated finally.

"Yeah, well no promises but I think I can wangle that one if you do your bit."

"If I don't?" He eyed her suspiciously.

"Then your reputation as a director might get a little sullied in the process of this deal, you catch my drift?" Hudson spared him a withering glance.

"Yeah I get the drift. What about Jace?"

"What about her?" Hudson was bored with the subject.

"She doesn't know her friend Warriorson is Devonshire, it will break her heart," Peter said in a quiet voice.

"Fancy that, I'm counting on not only Jace being heart broken but a certain recluse as well! Makes perfect sense to me," she smiled at him.

"You have a strange sense of perfection then, if other people suffering gives you any kind of thrill." He was disgusted at her and knew the sooner he could get out of her grips the cleaner he would feel.

"Quite so, but for Devonshire, nothing else would be appropriate believe me, she's no innocent babe in arms, I have proof of that."

"But Jace is!" Peter exploded at the injustices he saw for his friend.

"Oh Peter it's a casualty of war, think yourself lucky, you get to pick up the pieces, sounds like a good deal for you from my point of view," the vindictive woman eyed him speculatively.

"I don't want her that way," he knew that he was lying; he would take Jace on any kind of rebound situation, any kind at all!

"I don't believe you! Time will tell as they say and the time is getting ever closer," she gave him the dismissal look and he got up and left the room.

He heard her laugh as he passed by Jace's empty chair and went out into the sunshine of a beautiful Californian day.

Catherine walked into her building in New York; it was impressive by any standards and had the opulent designs of the twenties. Her father had chosen well when he'd purchased the deeds back in the late seventies.

She sauntered towards the reception area and waited in line for her turn with the receptionist, a tall brunette who had a smile permanently placed on her face, no matter what the situation. She was new or certainly hadn't been here when she left the building that final time over five years ago.

It gave her the usual rush of adrenaline as she waited and watched the numerous people coming and going in the area. At one time her father being the head of the company, had his picture plastered on all of the thirty floors, or at least twenty-nine, as there was never a thirteenth floor in any building. She had left them in residence until each floor had been redecorated over a period of time and now only one hung in the boardroom, along with her only portrait. She refused to have her picture strewn all over the place, it didn't matter if her employees knew who she was, all she asked was that they do a good job in the positions they held. Having people watch out for her, was a waste of energy and time and in her mind, time was money and she paid far too well to waste it!

Finally the receptionist asked her whom she wanted to see. The tall elegantly dressed woman noticed the badge of the very efficient receptionists, which clearly stated her name as Clare Fallen.

"I have an appointment with Mr Strong," Catherine spoke decisively.

The young woman who looked closely at her and continued, "May I ask who's calling to verify on my appointment sheet, please", then gave her a speculative look? The false smile was back, it amused Catherine and she gave a tight smile of her own.

"Certainly, it's Mrs Warriorson." Catherine waited to see if there was any recognition of her name.

The girl scanned her sheet and looked perplexed. "I don't appear to have that name down on my sheet. Are you sure your appointment is today?" The girl asked tentatively, it wouldn't do to upset potential clients and you just never knew who was coming through the door unexpectedly.

Catherine's smile faded and she looked at the sheet from her elevated position, her stance giving off an angry message. "I'm sure! In that case I suggest you call Mr Strong immediately and clear up the difficulty." Her tone brooking no argument. 'This wasn't good enough, was Paul letting things slip?'

"Would you please take a seat, I'll call his secretary." The young woman spoke quietly to the seemingly pissed off woman.

Catherine glanced her way and gave her an icy stare and shrugged her shoulders then went over to the glass display panels that held information about the company. Her name was mentioned and there was a small photograph taken some eight years ago, when she had taken over from her father.

Celeste Johnson, Paul's personal aide answered the phone. "Hello, Johnson speaking."

"Hi Celeste, it's Clare at reception, does Mr Strong have an appointment that he hasn't mentioned?" Came the quiet voice of the girl, she didn't want to upset the PA, especially if she'd screwed up.

"No, he didn't mention anything, why?" Celeste was inquisitive; Paul was usually very meticulous about appointments, something he had learned from the owner.

"I have a woman here who says she has an appointment and believe me she doesn't look the type you disagree with, not if you still want to be left in one piece that is." Clare said with a light laugh.

"Oh, don't tell me tall, dark and beautiful?" Celeste laughed along with the woman.

"You're right on target, but how did you know?" Clare gasped at the accuracy of her description.

"I didn't but I know what you consider dangerous material. So what's the mystery woman's name?" Celeste chuckled.

"Warriorson, Mrs Warriorson," responded the receptionist.

There was a sound that could have been the phone being dropped, but quickly picked up again. "Are you sure about that?" a strained response from the other end.

"Yes, positive, why who is she?" Clare was intrigued.

"Clare for god's sake send her up immediately, no special passes nothing, do you hear me?" said the PA in an authoritative tone.

"Well, that's outside protocol Celeste, surely she needs a pass, security will raise a fit with me and so will my boss," Clare was surprised at the directive.

"Clare get her a pass, make it one of the gold VIP ones okay, just put down her name and that should appease all the protocol you need. Don't waste any more time Clare, just do it!"

"Who is she Celeste, surely she's not that important that we break all the rules for her?" This was fascinating the woman it was a rare day indeed that anything rattled the Vice-President's PA.

"When are you going on break?" Celeste asked her.

"Actually in about two minutes, Connie is walking towards me now."

"Okay, get the pass, hand over the position to Connie and personally bring Mrs Warriorson here and then you will find out first hand." Celeste smiled at her idea, she knew that Clare was discreet but speculation would be rife if it wasn't handled properly and Clare was excellent at handling this type of situation.

"You got it, see you shortly," replacing the handset, she reached for the box that held the special passes, it would allow a person access to all levels, except for the Vice-President's office, his PA, the boardroom and the not in residence, Chairwoman's Executive Suite.

Clare passed over the position to Connie and said she would be gone about half an hour or less. Walking swiftly over to the tall woman looking intently but with a bored expression on her face at the history of the company.

"Mrs Warriorson, I have your pass, please follow me, I will escort you to the executive floor," she smiled genuinely at the visitor.

Catherine quirked an eyebrow at the woman, "That isn't necessary, I've been here before."

"Oh, that's okay, it is my pleasure." Turning she motioned to the far side of the elevator bank, taking the furthest one from their position.

Catherine was surprised at the move and her face must have shown this.

Clare smiled briefly and said, "We will have the elevator to ourselves, and most people can't be bothered to walk the few yards to the end, but will wait ages for another if it's full. I could never understand that logic myself."

"Yes, I wouldn't understand that logic either, this time Catherine sent her a lopsided grin.

Getting into the elevator, Clare pressed the button of their destination.

"How long have you worked for Xianthos?" Catherine asked her pleasantly.

Clare looked at the woman and saw her interest. "Four years, straight from college; I'm working on an advanced degree in administration and hopefully I can get more experience in other roles."

"I see...working on reception won't be a good foundation for your degree?" Catherine arched her eyebrow in question.

"Perhaps not, but the company pays well and I need to do the studying part time, I'll work on that problem later," Clare replied confidently.

"Have you talked to your supervisor about it?" Catherine persisted; one thing she wasn't happy about was a waste of talent.

Clare laughed it was almost musical in its tone. "No, Mr Reeves wouldn't understand."

Catherine raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

"Well, he's old school. Thinks that women should be around for the more menial tasks not management roles. It happens," the girl replied without bitterness.

Catherine pondered the remark. "I thought this company was owned by a woman? Doesn't that sort of deflate his ideas?"

"No, why should it. Ms Devonshire is only a figure head, men run the company, here in New York particularly," the door slid open as they reached the floor.

Plush green carpet swept up in front of them and she could see the familiar doors leading to the various executive personnel assigned to the floor. Immediately ahead was the Chairwoman's office, the only key except for a security key was in the possession of the Chairwoman herself. They walked briskly towards Paul's office area and his PA in particular.

"You do know your way around," Clare smiled at the woman who was way ahead of her.

Turning back she dismissed the woman's comment but nodded her head, turning the door of the PA's office she sauntered in, followed quickly by Clare. "Hello Celeste," Catherine greeted her.

"Ms Dev...Warriorson, I wasn't expecting you." Celeste got up quickly from her chair, not knowing if she should shake the woman's hand or just find Paul Strong.

Catherine dealt with that problem, she held out her hand and shook the proffered hand that Celeste held out. "How are the children?"

"Fine and yours?" Celeste said in surprise.

"Good, it's snowing at home, they should be having fun at the weekend, Colin is taking them sledding."

"They will have fun, I'm sure. Paul is in a meeting until 1 a.m. with some clients, I can interrupt him for you?"

Lifting up a hand, she motioned for Celeste to sit down. "No, that's okay, I could do with a drink though, what have you got for me?"

Clare was watching in fascination, this was no ordinary VIP.

"Anything you want?" Celeste confidently answered.

"If they make decent tea, I'll have a mug. If not I will have a cappuccino." Turning she looked at the girl waiting by the door.

"Miss...Fallen, what do you drink?"

Clare was surprised, but was outdone in the surprise stakes by Celeste, who looked at the tall woman with her mouth open.  Catherine saw the look and laughed at the sight. "Better close that Celeste before you catch flies," she said casually as she walked towards the window, which had a good view of the city.

Clare looked at Celeste for guidance. She just shook her head.

"So, what are you drinking Miss Fallen?" the voice asked again from her position at the window.

"Oh, expresso for me." Looking once again at Celeste, "Do you want me to go for them?"

"No, take a seat Clare, I will have them brought up." Picking up her phone she connected to the cafeteria on the fifth floor.

"Clare works for someone called Reeves, Celeste, get me his file and have him in my office in an hour," the tone was cold and determined which surprised both women.

Celeste looked at the girl seated opposite her and her frown gave everything away. "Will have that in here shortly."

"Oh, I didn't mean to cause any trouble, it was only an observation." Clare didn't know what to say. 'Which office?'

Catherine turned back to the occupants of the room. Sending the girl a stare that would silence the most antagonistic, "Have you known this woman long Celeste?"

"Yes, since she arrived about four years ago."

"Have you known her to be anything but honest?"

"No, she's a very honest and capable worker."

"Fine, then I'll take your observation and let's see if I make the same diagnosis," she gave a wicked smile and turned back to the window.

Without thinking Clare asked a direct question. "Who are you?"

Catherine chuckled in merriment. Celeste put a hand to her mouth and just cringed.

"Me? You want to know who I am?" as she walked towards the girl seated in the low chair, she didn't look much more than in her early twenties, it reminded her of Jace. Must be the girl's lucky day, giving her a mock menacing stare she answered. "I'm someone's worse nightmare, but I can also be their saviour too. Today young lady you're going to have a saviour," she walked up to Celeste, "When the drink comes I'll have it in my office, along with that file."

She passed the PA and went to the permanently locked door of the Chairwoman's office and pulled out a key, opened the door, entered and then shut the solid, decorated door gently behind her.

Clare looked on as she saw where the woman went; her face paled as the tall impressive frame opened the sacred door and went inside. "I just made a grave mistake here didn't I Celeste?" A small voice asked.

Celeste walked over to the girl and patted her hand, "No, not really. Trust me, she's not the bitch everyone thinks she is, whatever you said, if it's the truth she will see it also, so don't worry."

"Easy for you to say, you knew who she was' I'm right in thinking she's the Great Ms Devonshire?"

"In the very flesh Clare," Celeste smiled at the devastated expression on the younger woman's face.

"She's very beautiful," Clare slowly lifted her head from its hung position and smiled weakly at the other woman.

"Yes, she is. The drinks are here, come on have that before you go back to work." Celeste picked up the mug of tea and the file she had received from personnel, and entered the other office, coming out a few minutes later with a smile on her face.

"She wants the office cleaned, said it's dusty and she hasn't enough clothes with her to have them messed up with dirt."

"Can't she buy more, she must be incredibly wealthy."

"I wouldn't know, she probably is very wealthy if the share prices of this company are anything to judge by. Catherine Devonshire is a woman you never second guess, too many people have tried and to-date no one has ever won that particular game with her, I doubt they ever will." Celeste went back to her desk and called Reeves.

Catherine had her meeting with Reeves, it was one of those times she really liked demoting people, he was pompous and his results over the last two years didn't measure up. He appeared to relish putting women in the background you could see that with the staff line-up. Men dominated all the senior positions and the woman had lowly administrative roles. The turn over of female staff was incredible, especially as she knew that the company was one of the top ranked for employee pay and benefits in the city. 'Wonder why personnel hasn't picked up this trend? Glad the girl was right with her observations, or she would have been looking for a new position herself.'

Closing the file, she would write the report herself, as Paul wouldn't be back for another hour; so she turning on her laptop computer, which had been pulled out of the secured cabinet close to her desk and started the demotion paperwork. The place hadn't changed at all!

Her cherry oak desk with its royal blue blotter in the centre was empty, except for a small in tray of royal blue.

Opening one of the drawers she pulled out a fountain pen and a cartridge, waiting for the flow of ink to reach the gold nib. She glanced round at the dark blue leather sofa, which adorned one side of the office wall. A cherry oak cabinet held her personal filing system and some stationery. A leather swivel chair designed for computer use was tucked away in the corner closest to her desk. Her leather executive chair had pride of place in front of the desk and she sat in its welcoming comfort. The small cabinet close to her desk, housed the computer and the communications system, her personal company cell phone sat in the drawer and would remain there!

Getting up she walked over to the window and switched back the blinds, the bright light of a sunny New York day spread itself over the room. She missed this! The total control she had when she came into this office, it was something she wondered if she could ever have given up, but she had and until now, she had never felt the nostalgia of the situation. 'I was bloody good at the role, even my father might have been proud of me in the end.' The door was pulled open and Paul Strong entered a wide smile on his handsome face.

"Catherine, why didn't you say you were coming?" He went over and shook her hand.

"I thought I'd mentioned coming over, we talked yesterday?" Catherine looked at him in surprise.

"I thought you wanted a meeting at the hotel, not here!"

"I guess I never made myself very clear, but it's good to be here Paul."

"It's good to see you her also, I miss you around here you know?" He looked at her sheepishly.

"Thanks. Even if I was one of the most ruthless people you have ever work with huh?" She smiled at his sudden blush.

"Oh, I wouldn't go so far as saying that," he laughed self-consciously.

"You know if you weren't already taken, I might just ask if you would be interested in a date, you look real cute with a blush."  Catherine teased the man that was going to be effectively the man behind the Empire she had forsaken.

He looked at her in surprise. "I would think that a certain party that holds your affection might have something to say about that too!"

"Yes, maybe you're right. Hate to say this Paul but I've kind of demoted one of your senior personnel, a man called Reeves, any objection?" She waited for his response with interest.

"Not me Madam Chairwoman, if that's what you want, I haven't a problem with it. He's been with the company for over thirty years, old school type."

"So why haven't you done something about it?" Catherine asked him with veiled interest.

"He managed to scrape in each year with passable explanations, I'm sorry," he looked at her for a chance to gauge her reactions.

"Who would be the prime candidate to replace him?" She sounded bored with the discussion.

"You have any suggestions?" He asked hopefully.

"Yes, but let's get on with the new line up here and in South America. Constance ready to take over here?"

"Yes, she's been over twice, she passed all her materials to Gareth last week and will be here tomorrow, before we go to LA.  Enricho Garcia is the new vice-president for the South American operation. He's been with the company for ten years and was heading Eduardo's sales operation. I know he will be good for the role; he has the connections as well as the intelligence. He could do with some support for a few months though, but I'll tackle that one as soon as I can," Paul explained briefly.

Catherine digested all he said and smiled briefly.

"Time for lunch, you seem to have everything under control. I want Celeste's personnel profile on my desk when I get back, she will take over from Reeve!" Looking at the shock on his face.

"Come on Paul, Celeste isn't going to LA with you, so Constance can get her own PA, we need her in there Paul, it's our communications in the company; I want the right person in the position, and she is the right person. Clear it up for me, will you?"  She smiled at his expression.

"Did I say I was glad to see you back?" He asked her with a wry grin.

"Something like that," she grinned back it him.

"Do I get to take it back?" He headed towards the door and opened it she walked towards him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "No!"

They headed for the elevator and the fifth floor; this was going to be quite a day, her first day back from exile and she was already making waves, what a wonderful feeling.

Catherine sank into the wonderful downy bed in the hotel room in LA. She was tired after her journey from New York and the hours she had needed to work to enable her to have everything covered. Now reclining on the bed she was tempted to just sleep the afternoon and evening through until her meeting with Hudson...but NO! There was an infinitely better reason to stay awake tonight, Jace!

Paul had taken the opportunity to spend some time with his partner, although he had offered to have dinner with her she had declined. Hell, she had a much better candidate lined up for that festivity.

Picking up the phone she dialled the UCP office number given to her by Paul, and asked to speak with Ms Bardley.

"Hello this is Jace Bardley, how may I help you?" a cheery voice answered.

Catherine found the voice totally enchanting. Smiling she answered in a low voice, "Ms Bardley how about dinner?" she waited for a response.

Hearing a thud and a scuffle she was a little surprised, was there a problem at the other end. "Hey, Jace are you still there?" Catherine asked in concern.

"Zeus, Catherine you surprised me! What do you mean dinner?" Jace was flushed and excited all at once, having recovered from dropping the phone.

"Well...I kind of thought that as a stranger in town you might take pity on me tonight." Catherine spoke in a low gravely tone, and to Jace it was one of the most tantalising voices she would ever hear in her life, it consistently set her emotions on overload.

"You're in town?" Jace asked in wonder, if Catherine could see her eyes they would have been as round as saucers.

"Yes, I think a certain best friend of mine constantly invited me so here I am," she chuckled at the complete surprise of her friend.

"You never mentioned it at all! Catherine if I didn't love you so much I would be furious with you!" Jace laughed self-consciously at her end.

"So, have we a date?" Knowing she was teasing Jace.

"Oh, my god, of course we have a date. Do you know how long I've been waiting for you?" Jace answered breathlessly but in a serious tone.

"Two months, three weeks and a day." Catherine said nonchalantly.

"Hades, I didn't realise you were counting, but I was going to say Forever," she laughed at the thought of Catherine counting the days since she had left 'Destiny'.

Catherine this time was the one to be surprised and she let out a sigh as she sank back into the bed.

"Are you still there Catherine?" This time Jace was concerned.

"Yes...yes I'm still here. Guess I wasn't expecting that! What time shall I pick you up?" Catherine said quietly, still digesting the last snippet of information from Jace.

"How about I meet you at your hotel, and we decide where to eat from there?"

"Sure, but I still need a time?"

"I would take the afternoon off if I thought I could get away with it, but Hudson is having a strange day, so make it seven, okay?" Jace said abstractedly.

Catherine smiled at the statement regarding Hudson. 'Yeah with luck she might actually be rattled for a change.' She continued with her conversation. "Great, I'll meet you in the lobby at seven."

"Until then." Jace smiled into the handset.

"Until then, bye Jace." Catherine replaced her receiver and shut her eyes, with one thought coming to mind, or was it a word?

FOREVER!

Jace was smiling. Well, grinning would have been a more appropriate expression. Everywhere she went on the lot she smiled, it didn't matter if someone was happy or gave her a sad story about their dog dying or that their grandson was in an accident or something equally distracting, she smiled! It was almost as if she had found a secret stash of a happy drug or something, people who knew her well, found her smile intoxicating and reciprocated. Others thought she was on a high and someone really should do something about it!

As Jace rounded a corner of the lot near her office, and the time got nearer to six, she suddenly jumped as high as she could and said out loud to no one in particular "YES!" Giving the air a high five as she jumped. Her happiness wasn't going to be dulled by anyone, not even Hudson. She briskly walked into the building.

All sorts of thoughts went through Jace's mind as she went about her day, she couldn't believe that Catherine was finally here and she hadn't mentioned one word, not a one. 'Oh there is payback and how Catherine! I can't believe you have come over and to see me! I'm going to make tonight so special that you won't want to leave ever again, or at least not without me by your side.'

Jace walked by Agnes' desk and noted she had gone for the evening, which was always a good sign. Walking into the area that held her office space and also the internal door to Hudson's office, she noticed that the light was still shining under the door.  "Hades, I hope she doesn't want me now!"

Jace went to her desk and sorted through any mail that had arrived in the interim of her absence. Nothing to worry about, she put them away in a secure place and closed down her computer, with that the door to Hudson's office opened and Peter Adamson was being hustled out.

"Ah Jace, glad to see you back! Wanted to let you know we have important visitors tomorrow and Agnes is on holiday, so I need you in the office to welcome them and stay until they leave." Hudson demanded not asked.

Jace glanced at Hudson and nodded her head, and then she noticed that Peter looked uncomfortable as she looked quizzically at him.

"Hi Jace, do you want to go out to dinner tonight?" He smiled at her wearily, his face telling her more about his trials with Hudson then a thousand words could ever express.

"I'm sorry Peter, but I already have plans." She replied softly, giving him a smile of understanding.

"Rain check then?" He tilted his head in her direction totally ignoring an impatient Hudson.

"Yes, look forward to it." Jace looked from Peter to Hudson.

"Oh, so you finally noticed the boss exists, how very kind of you!" Hudson said sarcastically and noticed Jace flush.

"Just remember who signed the pay check Jace, I think we have already had this conversation, and hate to repeat myself!"  Hudson said maliciously.

"Yes, you have already told me that! Do I get to know who the special visitors are?" Jace looked directly at her boss.

"No!" Hudson said and strode past the two of them and out of the external door.

Jace watched her go and then looked at Peter in question.

He shrugged and walked over to her desk. "Is it a heavy date?" He asked her with interest, somewhat disappointed.

"Yes." she answered with a slight blush to her cheeks.

He noticed the colouring and managed to look a little contrite. "Guess it's none of my business, hope you have a good night." He walked towards the door.

"Peter!"

He turned to look at her.

"You're my friend Peter, thank you for asking," she smiled at him and collected her purse and car keys.

Peter left the building and Jace glanced at her watch. "Hades, I have to get home and shower and change and get to the hotel in...hotel...which hotel? Oh gods, I never asked. She's going to kill me, I never thought about it." She spoke absently to one of her resident dragons.

Sitting down on the chair, she looked at the blank terminal screen in front of her and wondered what to do. Putting her head on the desk, she closed her eyes and knew she had really blown it. Getting up slowly she noticed it was six-fifteen; and she needed to get home and changed, there must be some way she could find Catherine?

Walking as fast as she could, but without the spring to her step of earlier, she got into her car and headed home.

Catherine awoke from her sleep at five, not bad really, she certainly felt refreshed for her evening with Jace. Gradually waking enough to get out of bed, she stretched and realised she could have at least an hour in the bath before her engagement with Jace.

Walking over to the TV, she switched channels several times, and then decided that CNN was perhaps the best option for a foreigner, especially in the States, too many damn channels to choose from and nothing on any of them to watch. No, that wasn't quite true, if you liked a particular program you usually saw it first in the States. Not like at home, usually at least two seasons behind, assuming they didn't cancel it on the home run; now, that really was a pain. Fortunately with her resources, she bought up videos ferociously to combat that particular planning problem. Not only that, she hated Ad's and that was one thing the BBC was good at, no Ad's. Still she no longer lived in the UK and hadn't for a while now, so it had been purely nostalgia. Good nostalgia though!

Curling her toes on the thick carpet, she decided to run her bath and contemplate her evening.

Sitting in the bath relaxing, she wondered what she would say to Jace tonight. 'Tonight was perhaps the right time to tell her everything, it would give her time to digest the information and decide if she really did want any sort of lasting relationship with me. Mind you, Hudson in the morning after seeing Jace upset wasn't a good way to have a meeting. No, think the explanation will come after the meeting with Hudson, at least she will know part of the story by then or at least the alter ego. Hell! I can't see any problem with Jace knowing that my business life went under the name of Devonshire, hardly a major topic of conversation.  Yes, that sounds good to me.' Sinking further in the bubble filled bath, she suddenly shot up!

"Oh Christ! I forgot to mention which Hotel I'm in!" Catherine spluttered as she spoke the words out loud and close to the bubble water line. Thinking fast she rushed out of the bath and grabbed a towel and moved into the recreational area. Picking up the phone, glanced at the time, "gads, it's was six-ten". She speed dialled a number she had programmed into the cell phone.

After leaving a message on Jace's machine, she rubbed herself dry and sat down heavily on the end of the king size bed in the luxuriously decorated suite. Suddenly weary at the thought that what she anticipated as a wonderful evening could easily have been a very frustrating one.

Catherine walked around the lobby in an agitated way; it was seven-twenty and still no sign of Jace. Hell, maybe she hadn't managed to get away from the studio?

Her back turned away from the main entrance; she failed to see Jace enter.

Jace looked around the lobby, noticed the woman who would always hold her attention no matter where she was or what she as doing. The tall, dark and quite intoxicatingly beautiful Catherine Warriorson was only yards away from her; she felt the magnetic pull of attraction so acutely it was almost breaking her apart. Walking over to the raven haired beauty, Jace smiled at the anxious look she saw on Catherine's profile from the left side. "You know if you keep that expression on your face much longer it's going to stay for good and mare that beautiful face." Jace spoke softly to the woman whose back tensed at the words.

Turning, Catherine drank in the lovely sight that appeared like a spectre to her. It had seemed so unattainable, yet it was within her grasp at last. "Have you been talking to Grace recently?" Catherine nonchalantly replied, although that belied the true feelings she had coursing through her veins at the sight of the young woman.

"Hello Catherine". Jace spoke shyly her eyes never leaving the ice blue gaze she had longed for in the months of their separation.

"Hello Jace Bardley". Catherine couldn't stop herself from putting out a hand and gently touched Jace's cheek. 'She was definitely real!'

Jace was entranced. This was the woman she had professed her heart and soul too, and all she wanted to do was drown in the emotions of being with her again. "I love you Catherine Warriorson." Her voice cracked at the emotion she felt at their close proximity.

Smiling Catherine gently grasped one of Jace's hands and pulled it towards her lips. "I love you more than life itself Jace," the emotional charge around the two of them was electric.

They stood there, absorbing the presence of the other; neither wanted to move.

"Where do you want to eat?" Catherine asked finally, her ice blue gaze tracking the green eyes with precision.

"Eat! You want to eat?" Jace asked her in frustration.

"Well, there are alternatives to that of course. What do you want to do?" Catherine gave her a cautious look as she saw the frustrated expression on Jace's face.

Jace saw the concerned look from her friend and decided that eating was a start. " Okay, we eat. How about my place?"

Catherine's smile changed to a grin. "Maybe tomorrow. How about we have a meal here and we talk. What do you say?"

"Well, I guess we can. But wouldn't you rather go back to my place?" Jace look disappointed.

"Patience my friend, patience! Let's go and have something to eat."

Catherine saw the disappointed look and disregarding anyone or anything in the vicinity to them she dipped her head and placed a tender kiss on Jace's lips before gently taking the younger woman's arm and guided her towards the hotel restaurant.

Jace bemusedly followed the feel of Catherine's lips imprinted on hers to savour. Tonight, was going to exceed her expectations of this reunion, without any shadow of a doubt.

Their dinner progressed easily, each woman talking about situations in their own world, and constantly passing tender glances across the table.

At one stage their glances had locked so much it had taken the waiter several clearances of his throat before he could get their attention. He looked the most embarrassed of the three, playing out that little scenario, when they finally noticed him.

As they concluded the main course, a dessert was offered and Catherine passed the menu to Jace with a smirk.

"What?" Jace grinned at the woman opposite her, whose face held such an expression of happiness it was hard to associate her with the stoic persona that could easily present itself to the world in general.

"Dessert for you, not me." Catherine gave her a grin.

"Well, I was kinda hoping that..." Jace gave her a wicked smile.

With Catherine's left eyebrow raised she looked quizzically at her friend. "Hoping?"

"Yes, hoping that the dessert I was going to offer at my home would be more to your liking." Jace looked down at her empty place setting and a blush became apparent to the onlooker.

"You do, do you? Now that's an offer worth considering." Catherine spoke in a low growl for Jace's ears only.

"Does that mean a yes or no?" Jace asked breathlessly.

Motioning over the waiter, she spoke briefly to him; he immediately rushed to his station and grabbed their bill. He quickly saunters back to them, with more haste than Jace had ever seen in a waiter.

Catherine looked at the green eyes of her friend and saw the sparkle of laughter at the action of the waiter; who had tripped in his haste to swiftly present the bill to Catherine.

Taking the bill from the man, she signed the paper with a flourish and looked him in the eye, unexpectedly giving him a wink, added something to the bottom of the bill, passed it back to him and saw his smile grow wider. Catherine then looked back at her dinner guest and smiled seductively. "Does that answer your question?"

"Yes." Jace swooned silently, giving a thank you to whoever was listening.

"Let's go then." Catherine got up from her seat and with a speed that amazed Jace; she was behind her seat helping her up.

Jace looked into those ice blue eyes and the look she received almost sent her back into the cushioned seat to stop her legs giving out at the dazzling, sensuous glance.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure."

They walked out of the restaurant and out through the main door into the cool night air. Catherine casually linked her arm in Jace's as they headed for her vehicle and the place Jace called home.

Glancing round the small apartment, she noticed arrays of flowers and smiled, knowing that they must undoubtedly be from her.  She also noticed all the items of furniture that Jace had mentioned in their conversations and e-mails. Going over to the desk, which housed Jace's PC, she picked up a framed photo, which could only be of Jace's family.

Jace had gone into the kitchen to prepare some coffee and in all honesty to get her equilibrium back, although she had wanted this!  Jace had no experience whatsoever of how to seduce Catherine, other than with words and she had obviously done that already!  Having read some revealing fan fiction on the Internet it had at least given her ideas, if not the courage to attempt them.  Had Catherine experience with other women; I know about her taste in men or at least one man, but women? That was something different again. Pushing a hand through her hair she collected the coffee mugs and went back in search of her friend.

Hearing her approach, Catherine turned and smiled gently at Jace, she looked a little nervous. "Is this your family?" a hand pausing over the picture frame.

"Yes, my Mom, Dad and my sister Lucy. We're very close, I was over at the house a few weeks ago," her gentle smile clearly painting its own picture.

"Your parents have done a good job in bringing up at least one of their daughters." Catherine looked keenly at Jace.

"My parents will be happy to meet you anytime if you say nice things like that about them, without prompting too!" A chuckle passed Jace's lips.

They each drank a mug of coffee in silence.

Catherine glanced around the room and then grinned at Jace. "I don't see any chocolate about, didn't I send enough; or wasn't it to your taste?" Catherine asked her in earnest.

"Don't go there Catherine, I'm not sure if I should even allow you around me, you are so, so bad for me!" Jace chuckled at her friend.

Catherine moved closer to Jace. "How so?" quirking her ever faithful left eyebrow.

"I must have put on ten pounds with all the chocolate I've eaten already, it was irresistible." Jace grinned at her.

"Irresistible huh? So it's all gone?" Catherine sounded disappointed.

"No! No, quite the contrary, in the kitchen you will find a cupboard called Catherine's chocolate cavern, trust me on that!" Jace gave her a dazzling, appreciative smile.

Catherine found something equally irresistible to her; bending closer to Jace she captured her lips in a searing kiss, leaving them both breathless when they eventually surfaced for air.

Considering her options, Catherine looked deep into green orbs that looked back at her passionately. She'd hoped to not have this conversation tonight. "I need to tell you some things about me Jace. Some are good, some are bad and to be honest some are downright disgusting. I need you to know everything about me," her eyes never left the blonde and she could see conflicting emotions pass over the expressive face.

The silence became almost unbearable for Catherine.

Then suddenly Jace moved to within an inch of her face and a dreamy expression came over her face. "Can I show you something?" She whispered seductively.

"Sure," came back the simple reply.

Capturing one of Catherine's larger hands in hers, she tugged her towards a room immediately left of the kitchen area; opening the door they entered Jace's bedroom.

Catherine looked startled at the younger woman and started to speak, a slim finger was placed over her lips to silence her. "Sit, I'll be back in a few minutes." Jace went through a door in the middle of the right hand wall; it was a small but comfortable bathroom.

The bedsprings squeaked a little as Catherine lowered her weight on the bed and looked around at the very tidy but cosy room.  'This isn't working we should be talking. She needs to know everything!' her mind said, but her heart was thudding at the possibilities the situation was opening up.

The door to the other room opened and Catherine was hard pressed not to shout out at the vision in front of her.

Jace had dispensed with her clothes and stood before Catherine almost as an offering to the gods of the ancients. Her body was very well defined and it was clear that Jace worked out. Her tan evidence of the part of country she lived in, the expression 'all over tan' popped into Catherine's mind. It made her skin look very healthy and quite magnificent.

Jace walked over to Catherine who couldn't keep her eyes from the vision getting closer and closer, speech was no longer an option, her mouth far too dry to utter one syllable. The super confidant Catherine Devonshire-Warriorson lost for words? She most certainly was.

Jace stopped within inches of Catherine, who sat rigid on her bed, smiling, her confidence coming back in leaps and bounds.  Somehow she was in total control and it felt good, no, it felt wonderful. "I think I promised you dessert?" Jace huskily said, looking into ice blue eyes that held deep desire, or could it be 'fear'? No, it was returned desire.

Catherine hadn't recovered from the vision in front of her and she didn't think she ever would, her response was to nod her head.

Had Jace not been locked in a sense of complete sensual mist herself, she would have chuckled at the nervous anticipating movement of Catherine's head. Sensing it was up to her to make the first physical approach, as Catherine seemed incapable of any suggestive action for some strange reason. Her green eyes sparkled with the fire of rekindled need and unexpected passion, making her blush and chuckle silently. Placing her hands around the broad shoulders of her friend, she lightly turned her face to Catherine's for what started as a gentle exploration but ended up a passionate embrace, sending erotic shockwaves through both of them. Jace relished in this sensation, collapsed on top of Catherine and settling into her lap.

Cradling Jace's face in her hands, Catherine finally managed to speak, although it was rather hoarse. "Please, Jace we need to talk!"

"No! I need for you to know how I feel about you and the only thing that will do that is for you to touch me, not talk to me," her emotions evident in her words.

"Jace it's important to me that you know what and who I am." Catherine pleaded.

"I know what you are! You're the woman I love, what more do I need?" several soft kisses were placed on full lips and she heard a low growl of protest.

"I love you too! But..." Catherine tried again, knowing her resolve was just about shot to hell.

"No buts Catherine, you're mine! That's enough for me, now stop talking and kiss me." Jace placed her inviting mouth tantalisingly close to the older woman's.

'I tried, I really tried, but oh hell, she's just too much for me.' With her resolve finally shredded to the wind, Catherine pulled Jace further into her arms as she lay on the bed and kissed her soft lips again, again, and again.

"You have too many clothes on Catherine." Jace finally whispered into her neck, Catherine's clothes already askew from their passionate kissing and exploring touches.

"I know Love, going to help me with that problem?" a throaty voice, close to the curve of Jace's left breast, eventually asked.

"I doubt you would try and stop me!" Jace began her task in loving earnest appreciation.

For the rest of that night only the sounds of two people very much in love could be heard, experiencing and professing that very emotion; two souls being satisfied that once again, having been reunited and claimed!

Catherine woke to find herself being held captive by a blonde wrapped tightly around her body, sleeping soundly. 'If this is the captivity of love, then I'm never letting it go!'

Glancing towards the small bedside table, she noticed that it was five thirty a.m. 'Hell, I've got a breakfast meeting with Paul in the hotel at seven, going to have to wake up sleeping beauty.' The thought made her smile in anticipation

Placing feather light kisses all over the face of the woman who had so deftly and without apparent effort claimed her heart.  Catherine felt Jace stir and she smiled, the smile becoming wider as Jace finally opened her eyes.

"Good morning, my Love, are you going to wake me up like this every morning?" Jace looked at her with a sleep filled expression.

"Good morning to you too, and the answer to that one is yes!" a low growl erupted from Catherine as she said the final word.

"Gods, do you know how sexy you sound when you say things to me in that tone of voice?"

"No, but I'm sure you will enlighten me," a slow sultry smile settled on Catherine's face.

"Catherine, I think you can feel what you do to me with that voice, without any help from me!" Jace softly responded.

Catherine placed a hand in a strategic spot, her lips curled up in a wolfish grin. "So I see."

Laughing she gently disengaged her hand from the spot in question and looked deep into Jace's glazed expression and it wasn't from any remnants of sleep either. Lacing her fingers with her younger partners, she brought them to her lips and kissed each one reverently. "I have to go Jace. Unfortunately business calls and somehow turning up at the hotel looking and smelling as I do, wouldn't quite be in keeping with my image." She smiled gently at Jace, who looked disappointed.

"We could always cancel what we have on today and stay in bed?" Jace flushed at the thought of spending the entire day making love with this silky haired, beautiful woman. Catherine hadn't said but it was obvious to Jace early in the throws of passion that Catherine wasn't a novice in the art of making love to a woman, she was going to ask about that someday, but not today!

Tracing a finger down the cheeks on Jace's face that had taken on a rosy glow, she gazed at her young lover and wanted nothing more than to spend the day in bed with her, but later. After today, then the way would be clear for them to do whatever they wanted. "I want that also Jace! But today I have to keep to the appointments I've made, it's important to my future.'  Catherine noticed a look of anxiety on Jace's face. "Hey, my love don't worry, it's just business and when I think about it, it's for our future. So come on, the sooner you let me up, the sooner I can finish the business and get back to you!"

Jace turned her face into Catherine's chest and the older woman felt moisture forming on her breasts.

"Are you okay Jace?" Catherine anxiously asked her lover.

"I love you Catherine." Jace turned her head slightly so that Catherine saw the tears she was shedding.

Tilting up Jace's head with gentle fingers, Catherine kissed away the tears and sighed softly into the face that would forever hold her soul.

'Did I really think that? She has my soul? Maybe, I do believe in soulmates after all! How ironic that would be!' Laughing she caught Jace's surprised look as she leaned in once more and passionately kissed her hungrily on willing lips that had clearly been lovingly sought and tasted repeatedly the previous night.

Catherine had called a cab; she knew Jace had to be at the studio, so it made sense for her to make her own way back to the hotel.

Looking at the blonde who was standing a few feet away from her in an over-sized T-shirt with the familiar 'Taz' on the front. Catherine's mind flashed to the moment in Christchurch when she had seen the store with toys of all shapes and sizes. She had almost sent Jace an adorable Pooh Bear complete with the honeypot. Then she had tripped literally over the giant 'Taz', after cursing a couple of times, she'd noted its mischievous grin and for her it was the only thing to send. After all, hadn't Jace done just that to her, made her trip and fall in love, yeah even in those early days.

Crooking her finger at the gorgeous sight of her young lover. "Tonight, you, me and a very long chat. Then you can get your wish my love, I'll spend the rest of my life in your bed, if that is what you want?" Her eyes gently caressed the honey haired woman with love.

Jace walked over to her and placed her hands round the neck she knew every inch of after last night. "Okay, my place or yours?" Lips captured Catherine's in a searing kiss of lingering desire and possession.

"Yours, most definitely yours!" a breathless Catherine Warriorson responded, with desire threatening to devour her entire being.

The sound of the bell being pushed on her apartment made both women groan.

"Gods, I miss you already." Jace spoke quietly into her black hair, hanging unsecured.

"Tell me about it! I love you Jace, see you later." Placing a soft kiss on her nose, Catherine opened the door and proceeded to walk down to the waiting cab, the drive back having little significance to her.

Paul Strong was greeted by a very enthusiastic but somewhat tired looking Catherine Devonshire. "Did you have a good night?" he asked her as he set a menu in front of her, having been given the table earlier.

Catherine smiled at him wickedly. "You could say that." Picking up the menu she couldn't help the grin covering her face that refused to retreat into its stoic demeanour.

Paul chuckled softly. "Glad someone had some success in their love life."

Catherine raised the formidable eyebrow. "You didn't? Why was that?"

Looking at his menu, he smiled wryly. "James had a party he had to attend, he didn't get home until late and wasn't exactly in a fit state to do anything but sleep it off."

"Sorry to hear that." She smirked in his direction as the waitress arrived to process their order.

"I guess food might be high on your list of things about now?" Paul slyly intoned.

Winking at him from across the table. "Sure, what's your excuse?"

They both laughed as he ordered the largest platter of food he could.

He liked this Catherine Devonshire, this was the woman that you got glimpses of from time to time, but it was certainly out in force this morning; long may it last!

Jace watched Peter walk into her office space and look at her with a mixture of interest and a spark of jealousy.

"You look as if all your dreams have come true in one night?" he asked her quietly, not wanting Hudson to hear as the door to her office was open.

"Maybe they did." Jace quietly answered him back but her smile gave him an answer he was not sure he wanted.

"I'm pleased for you, is it someone I know?" Peter tried not to sound jealous.

"Yes," she said emphatically.

Peter looked at her speculatively, and then glanced at the door to Hudson's office. "Got to go, catch up with you later and you can tell me all about it."

"Oh, I don't think your going to get all the details, but if you buy lunch, maybe some of them!" Jace smiled at his retreating back, he was her friend, and she knew he would be happy for her.

"You're on," with that he entered the other office and closed the door behind him.

Jace looked at the closed door and waited impatiently for the VIP visitors; she still didn't know who they were. A black Land Rover appeared into view from her window and she watched in fascination as a man came into line of vision, how ever, she was not in a position to see the other party with him, she looked closer.

'Why that's Paul Strong, James' friend! What's he doing here? Doesn't he work for some large corporation or something? Hell, he must be the important visitor, she didn't realise he had that much authority.' Trying to get a closer look at his companion, she craned her neck but to no avail, the person had walked outside her range and view totally. 'Well, this isn't to bad then, she liked Paul Strong.' Walking over to the coffee machine she started it up and waited for them to enter the building.

Paul Strong came into the office area first, the other person had the door held open for him and he walked casually but confidently into the room. He looked like any middle aged executive with a definite style to his wardrobe, which was expensive but quietly and impressively, so. The other party walked into the area seconds later just as Jace turned back to the machine to make sure she hadn't over filled it.

Catherine Devonshire saw the young woman and smiled briefly, her mind creating images she could certainly do without at this moment, and then she put back on her stoic persona. Hudson didn't need any advantage in this battle.

Jace turned and came face to face with the woman who had indeed made all her dreams come true in one night. The tension beginning all over again as Jace looked her lover over in frank admiration and shock at her appearance in the office. 'She never mentioned coming here today? You never gave her the chance!' Jace answered herself.

Catherine was dressed in an expensive pinstriped navy blue skirt suit the skirt came to a stop at the top of her shapely knees, which were encased in what she surmised to be silk stockings. Her blouse was a stark white, very plain but obviously in silk.  She looked the epitome of a professional businessperson and her stance showing that she exuded power out of every pore. Her hair hanging loose around her broad shoulders giving her a very primitive yet controlled image to the onlooker.

"Catherine?" Jace managed to say as she finished her observation, her mind lost in thoughts of undressing the woman before her.

Paul took the opportunity to state their business. "Nice to see you Ms Bardley, we have an appointment with Ms Hudson, would you inform her that we are here." His voice clipped out in a totally businesslike way.

Jace smiled warmly at him, but her eyes never left Catherine's who had been looking at her with a sparkle of laughter in them.  "Who shall I say is calling?" Jace asked sheepishly, knowing they would think it strange that she didn't know the visitor's names.

Paul raised his own eyebrows at the question, but duly answered. "Tell her Ms Devonshire and Mr Strong are here from Xianthos," he looked at the woman next to him and smiled briefly.

"What!" Jace shouted at him, her mind not taking in the answer. 'No, no this isn't happening, she's not her, and it can't be her!' Jace's mind was shrieking at the unexpected discovery.

Catherine noticed that Jace had paled, but now was not the time to let her personal affairs get in the way, she had to be focused; Hudson was always difficult at the best of times.

The door to Hudson's office opened as Jace sat heavily down in her chair. "Ah, Catherine at last! Paul good to see you; please come in, come in! Jace get the coffee will you?" she said sweetly.

Catherine without a backward glance followed her into the office and Paul looking at the younger woman slumped into the seat gave her a compassionate glance. 'Catherine had obviously forgotten to point that little detail out to Jace, I wonder if she forgets just how powerful that name is in some circles?'

Jace heard the introductions around the room and the door closed with a definite click. Her head was whirling; she didn't know what to do, what could she do? Hadn't she come face to face with the enemy? Oh god, why didn't I listen to her, why?' Tears threatened to fall as she gathered up some coffee cups and placed them on a tray, all the actions on automatic, and her mind too full of questions.

Slowly she dragged her mind to the task and opened the door to the office and her worse nightmare. Walking on autopilot inside, Peter Adamson got up from his seat and took the tray from Jace. He'd noticed her pale face and her attempts to stem tears. He knew the reason why.

Looking at the person who had caused the pain, however innocently, he noticed she was a little pale herself and was watching the younger woman in earnest, concern plainly etched in what would otherwise be a very cool and composed expression.

Jace now in shock as the realisation of the events sank in.

Hudson looking at her emotionally distressed PA and also the closed expression on her very important visitor. "Jace, I want you to meet Paul Strong, he's the President of Xianthos and of course you know Catherine Devonshire." Her smile, sickly sweet, knowing the hurt she was inflicting.

Jace looked at Paul and smiled a weak smile "Paul good to see you again."

Hudson looked a little put out at Jace's familiarity with the man, but not for long, taking the advantage. "But of course you don't know Catherine by that name do you? She's none other than your reclusive friend C X Warriorson. Small world wouldn't you say?" She maliciously intoned.

Catherine smiled at Jace, but it soon died as she saw a cold expression come over the usually animated and happy visage that she loved.

"I need to leave if that's no problem to you Ms Hudson?" Not waiting for Hudson to answer she rushed out of the office.

"Oh Jace, shame on you no words of welcome for your friend?" Hudson smirked at the retreating back.

The two men in the room watched the differing expressions on the three women and each had their own opinions on what was transpiring.

Catherine followed Jace out the door. "Be right back," she stated absently as she pulled the door shut behind her.

"Jace!" Catherine drew her immediate attention by her authoritative voice.

Looking like a bird about to fly out of a cage she turned to look at Catherine. "What's the problem Ms Devonshire, the coffee not to your taste?" her voice carrying the cold front Catherine had seen on her face moments earlier.

"I thought you would be at least pleased to see me?" Catherine softly asked the woman she loved. Catherine watched the emotions wash over Jace's face; they went from surprise, anguish, hurt and finally anger.

"How could you...how could you lie to me?" Jace accused her lover.

Catherine shook her head in surprise, what the hell was wrong here? "I'm sorry, but I don't understand? I've never lied to you!" was the quiet response.

"You never told me you were...are the Devonshire behind Xianthos?" Jace's tone angry and held bitter.

Catherine looked perplexed, 'why the hell would that particular fact matter?' "Does it matter? Hell, I don't even go by that name anymore. Most of that part of my life is dead to me now!" Catherine emphatically replied.

"Yes it matters! It matters to me! I hate Xianthos and I hate the person who owns it!" Jace replied with passion, her anger nearly manifesting physically.

The words came like a body blow to Catherine; she recoiled from the venom spat out in words. "Why?" Catherine whispered, her world suddenly starting to crack open around her.

Jace looked at the pain etched into the beautiful face before her, it took all her will power not to reach out and touch it in comfort, but her hatred of all things Xianthos stopped her. "My father had a publishing business in Santa Barbara. You! Bought it out, but you disregarded him as irrelevant. He fought you, you called in all his debts, and he's never been the same. Nor have I!"

"Are you telling me this is about a business deal?" Catherine couldn't believe what she was hearing, she slowly put a hand over her eyes to try and clear the fog that had apparently descended on her relationship with Jace.

"Yes, no...yes it was our family business, our lives!" Jace was completely overcome with her bitter emotions, her ability to make coherent sentences losing the battle.

Catherine tried to make sense of the situation; it hadn't any grounding for such a response from Jace, not to her anyway. "I told you Jace, you wouldn't like some of the things I've done in the past. You told me it didn't matter, did you lie to me?" Catherine asked calmly, yet her guts had reason to want to jettison her breakfast.

"No, no I never lied to you! This is different." Jace looked at her with pain filled green eyes.

"How so? It's okay for my past to affect others, you could ignore that, but because it happened to you it's different?" Catherine advised her logically.

"Yes," she whispered, knowing she was being totally unfair.

Catherine passed another hand over her eyes in what could only have been a gesture of defeat. Squaring her shoulders she looked at the other woman, who refused to acknowledge her stare? "Then I guess I'm going to have to live with you hating me Jace. Because sure as hell, I can't change what happened in the past." Her voice cracked as she looked over the blonde's shoulder to a picture hung on the wall, unable for the moment to move away.

Jace turned to her and saw the stoic expression settle on the face of the woman that she had loved, in every possible way. "I loved you Catherine Warriorson!" Jace said in a voice devoid of emotion, her heart screaming at her to retract her words.

Catherine quirked her eyebrow at the expression and considered the words. 'Loved? How fitting.' Catherine turned towards the inner door preparing to depart, changing her mind she closed the gap between them.

Placing her hands around the tearstained face. "No Jace, you loved the dream of a woman I'm obviously not! Funny really because this woman here before you loves you an awful lot, even now!" Catherine spoke in a quiet resigned voice. Her will the only thing stopping her own torrent of tears threatening to fall.

Bending her head she placed a tender kiss on Jace's lips and left her swiftly re-entering Hudson's office.

Jace's lips tingled from the contact and tears cursed down her cheeks as she picked up her purse and car keys. The turmoil she felt in her life at the moment was incredible; Jace didn't know what to think where to turn too, what to do! 'I'll go home, it's the only place left. Maybe everything will make more sense.'

She left the building.

Catherine re-entered the room and saw everyone glance up in her direction. She gave them a cold stare, except Paul; he knew his boss well.

Hudson wasn't fooled, 'Interesting body language. So there is something going on with those two. I knew it! Oh I'm going to enjoy this even more now.'

Catherine had years of experience of not showing her feelings in public, even if her heart had been ripped out of her chest and lay bleeding to death at the foot of Jace's desk. Somehow she always rallied round it was instinct. "Okay Hudson, what do you want?" Catherine asked brusquely, no longer interested in the meeting.

Hudson knew that the preliminaries were over, even before they had started, not a bad call. Smiling smugly she pointed at the men in the room. "Maybe they should leave?"

Paul looked at Catherine for guidance, this wasn't a business meeting at all, something was going on that had personal undercurrents.

Peter took the opportunity to leave, not saying a word.

"Well, he can go and take care of Jace, she obviously has some sort of problem today," Hudson said nonchalantly.

Catherine grimaced and moved around in her chair, wanting to physically hit the woman at the desk. "Paul stays, get on with it!"

Paul stifled a chuckle as he recognised the old Devonshire style.

Hudson looked taken aback but recovered quickly. "Fine with me, if you want all your dirty laundry aired in public, that's up to you."

"Believe me the way I feel at the moment, I don't give a damn what you do to me!" Catherine smiled briefly at Paul; he might as well know all the facts.

"I want your sixty percent holding in UCP transferred to me, and a guarantee that you will support with financial aid UCP for the next twenty years." Hudson drummed her fingers on the table as she looked at the woman she desperately wanted, regardless of her feelings for someone else.

Paul got up from his seat and was ready to punch the obnoxious woman himself, Catherine watched his movements and responded to the threat. "Sit down Paul, let her finish. I assume you have something else to say?" Paul reluctantly did so.

Hudson looked at them both and lost a little of her composure, she noticed Catherine didn't seem to care one-way or the other.

"And?" Catherine asked calmly. She was too calm Hudson knew that.

"I want you!" Hudson leered blatantly at her to exaggerate her point.

A sharp laugh was the answer from Catherine as she continued to stare out of the window for a few minutes. Catherine rose from her seat and walked past Paul squeezing his shoulder in reassurance as she headed for the window. "You mean you want my body?" Catherine purred, her primitive instincts now getting a chance to voice themselves.

"Yes." Hudson's voice became hesitant, she hadn't expected this reaction, what the hell was going on in that sharp mind, it was almost as if she was planning to spring traps, like a hunter.

"Right! So if I say no, what are you going to do about it?" Catherine appeared nonchalant about the whole situation.

"If I told you now, Paul would know and it's no longer a secret," Hudson said petulantly.

"Get on with it Hudson." Catherine's sneered her stance at the window clearly angry and frustrated, she needed this like a hole in the head right now.

"Your father told me about your troubles, the drugs, alcohol, the prison in particular. What you did inside to get by, shall we say." Hudson said maliciously.

Catherine said nothing from her position at the window, Paul looked on in embarrassment.

"Your drug dealing, your sex for drugs, your violence in prison! Do you want me to go on?" Hudson thought she had Catherine now, hell, no one wanted this sort of thing public, not in her position surely.

"You made your point, in your usual tainted way Hudson," a very bored voice declared.

"If it gets out your business is going to nosedive. Your precious domestic life will be ruined. I'm sure the authorities in New Zealand will be interested, you have children under your care now; hardly think you're a fit parent. Then there's your love life, it would be a real turn off wouldn't it?" Hudson laughed enjoying the pallor from Paul and the rigid back from Catherine.

Paul got up from his chair and walked over to his boss. "Is it all true?" He knew some of the story; he had been part of it, but not it all.

Catherine smiled wryly at him. "Yes, I'm afraid so. It was a long time ago, seems like another lifetime now."

Paul looked at the calm profile of his boss and then returned back to the agitated Hudson. "Yeah, it was a long time ago and you're not that woman now." He smiled and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Thanks Paul," she continued her observations out of the window. 'Jace hates me now! Wonder what she will think about me when she finds out about all Hudson's so called facts?'

"Oh cut the sentiment please, what are you going to do?" Hudson was frustrated it really wasn't going the way she planned.

"Do your damnedest Hudson; only remember once your through, it's my turn." Catherine gave her a chilling look, her ice blue eyes working overtime.

"You think that when all this gets out your going to be in a position to try anything? I'm scared!" She laughed maniacally at the thought.

"Believe me, you should be!" Catherine replied quietly but with a definite edgy menace.

Paul turned to Hudson. "You just made a mistake lady, she's very dangerous when cornered, very like a lioness with her cubs, think on it?"

"You think wrong, it's more like a rat, and edging back to the sewer she just crawled from," Hudson retaliated.

"Funny, I would have used that expression for you! In fact, don't be surprised if it's not a premonition of events about to unfold.  Oh, to you I mean," Paul gave her a dazzling smile.

"Get out of here, your nothing but her resident arse kisser," exasperated Hudson threw her pen at the door.

"Been called worse in my time." He left the room, giving his boss a reassuring glance.

Catherine walked over to Hudson and gave her a stony glance that would have frightened most people. Hudson just didn't give a damn. "Thank you for the offer Hudson, but you pale considerably in comparison to what I know is right for me. Maybe you should think about settling down yourself, with a nest of rats, more to your taste I suspect," Catherine drawled.

"Ha! Don't get clever with me Catherine; I know Jace hates your guts, now she knows whom you really are! Not much you can do about that is there?" Hudson snarled at her.

Opening the door to the office to let herself out, turning briefly she said. "I might not be able to do much about that, that's about the only thing you have said that might be factual today. It's ironic really the whole situation, we both came off losers in the name of love."

Hudson looked at the woman with a startled expression and shouted, "I DON'T LOVE YOU!"

Catherine silently walked back over to Hudson and stroked one slim finger down her right cheek, watching the desire fire in the other woman's eyes. "No, your right, you didn't love me, because you can't love Hudson. At least, I found out I can!"

She left the other woman in a rage. Hudson dragged out her file, you asked for it, your going to get it! 'If you won't have me Catherine Devonshire, then believe me no one else will ever hold you! If you thought you were a recluse before, then when I'm finished with you, Howard Hughes will look like the ultimate party animal.'

"Are you going to see her?" Paul asked Catherine finally, as they sat at the bar in the hotel, each nursing a scotch and water.

Catherine looked up from her drink and gave him a wry smile. "No! It's over," she then went back to studying her drink.

"How can you say that? You need to explain things to her, she deserves that! You deserve that!" Paul almost deafened her with his rather explosively spoken words.

"Funny, I tried to explain just that last night, she chose seduction over the truth. Guess we are both going to pay for that delay.  She has to live with the fact she seduced a woman she hates, and I have to live with the memory of how much I love her and how it felt to hold her." Catherine gradually let the tears fall, it didn't really matter anymore if anyone saw her this way, what more was there to lose?

"Will you go home?" Paul asked her gently, seeing the tears but making no obvious gesture that would make her self-conscious.

"Can I go home once all this comes out? The authorities in New Zealand are going to want some answers and maybe I haven't got them!" Catherine dejectedly looked into the depths of her drink, which she had hardly touched.

"What about Grace, 'Destiny' and the children?" It wasn't like her to give up.

"I'm going to call Grace with the sordid facts when I go to my room, she deserves to know before the media throw it in her face, then she might want to leave also!"

"She won't leave you!" Paul said adamantly.

Catherine looked in his direction and put her drink down after taking a long drink of it. "You sound so sure, why?" her left eyebrow rose in question.

"Because if she hasn't in the last five years, no way will she desert you in your hour of need," he smiled at her.

"That sounds so melodramatic, just the sort of thing Grace would say." For the first time since they arrived at UCP, she gave him a genuine smile.

"Maybe. Grace loves you as a very good friend and you need one right now." Paul stated the facts as he saw them about her friend.

"What about you? Are you still going to be a good friend and stick around, when this mess goes public?" Her ice blue eyes pierced him with a serious glance.

"Yes, I'm here for the duration, come what may. Might even help our share prices," he tried to bring some levity to the serious conversation.

"You know you might just be right about that." Catherine put a hand on his and held it in a warm hold. "Thank you Paul Strong, for everything."

He patted her hand in sympathy as they decided on the next move.

Jace arrived at her family home and pulled the car into the drive; her father wouldn't be home and Lucy would be at her part time job in the mall.

Taking a deep breath she went towards the back of the house and saw her mother tending the garden, walking slowly over to her she crouched down next to her mother and simply put her arms round the rounder figure, her tears flowing unchecked.

Alison Bardley was at first shocked by the presence of her daughter and then upset on her behalf at the obvious distressed state she was in. 'What the heck had gone on now?'

Gently cradling her daughter in her arms, she waited for the sobbing form to still a little and gradually guided them both into the house. Sitting her down in one of the kitchen chairs she put on the coffee pot and sat next to her eldest daughter and took Jace's cold hands in her own and gently chaffed them to try and warm them up. "Do you want me to call your father Jace?" Alison had never been Jace's favourite parent to talk her troubles over, not that she hadn't wanted to, it was something that Jace had always done with her father. Lucy, her younger daughter was totally different!

"No! There's nothing he can do," Jace said tearfully.

Alison looked thoughtfully at her daughter. Jason had explained Jace's problematic love life to her later in the evening after Jace had gone back to her apartment. Some how it hadn't surprised her, her daughter had never really taken any interest in any man, mind you she hadn't in a woman either, until she had spoken to her father. "You need to let it all go Jace, don't bottle it up inside. We are here to help you, you've always known that, we love you," what more was there to say to your heart broken child?

Looking into her mother's green warm eyes she smiled briefly and gulped back a sob. "I fell in love Mom; nothing big huh?"

Alison smiled, "Well, its kind of a big thing to us dear. Who is the lucky person?"

Jace gave her a guilty look. "Catherine, Catherine Warriorson."

Nodding her head in understanding, Alison put a hand round her shoulders and hugged her close. "Has something happened to her?"

Jace started to cry again and her mother wondered if something tragic had happened to Catherine Warriorson. "In a way Mom yes, Catherine is also known as Devonshire, Catherine Devonshire, the owner of Xianthos."

Looking perplexed Alison gave her daughter a quizzical look. "What exactly does that mean?"

Jace gave her mother a tired half smile, her father would have understood. "Xianthos took the business from us, remember?"

"Ah, that Xianthos. Aren't we good enough for her, is that why you're upset?" Alison was surprised her daughter would even know the woman, never mind fall in love with her; surely they didn't frequent the same circles.

Jace smiled weakly at her mother, "No Mom, I told her basically she wasn't good enough for me! I told her nothing she had done in the past mattered and when I found out, I just flipped and all my old stored up hatred spilled out."

Her mother looked at her in shock, this wasn't their gentle understanding daughter here, this sounded more like a woman with hate in her heart, and it didn't make sense. "You said what exactly?"

"She arrived at the studio, I didn't know she was Xianthos, it was a shock. I didn't let her explain, I just looked at with prejudice eyes. Mom, I wasn't thinking straight, it happened so fast," her daughter whispered into her shoulder.

"That isn't like you Jace, you have never judged anyone before without full and complete facts, what was so different with her, especially if you loved her?" Alison felt sorry for the other woman.

"I know Mom, but it was so overwhelming and especially after we had such a wonderful night together, I'm so lost and I don't know what to do?" Jace looked at her mother with a heartbroken pleading look in the green eyes, similar to her own.

"Why not try calling her and apologising, then see where it goes from there?" Alison looked at the fragility of her eldest child and was surprised at what she would have seen as a lover's spat, hurt her child so much and wondered if there was more to this than a simple identity misdemeanour.

Jace suddenly looked up and her tears stopped for a moment as she looked at her mother with hope. "Do you think she will talk to me?"

"Does she love you?" Foolish question really, she was sure that the woman who had captured Jace's heart would have equally lost her heart to this usually kind and compassionate woman in her arms.

"She said she did, even when I...I said things that were hurtful to her. She wasn't easy to get to know Mom, I could have blown away my chances with her with some stupid words!" Jace's sobs increased.

"Words are often greater weapons than actions Jace, with your background surely you know that?" Stroking the blonde head and easing the tension in her child,

"I know, I know. I just want so much to take it all back and say it's okay. Everything she was makes up the person she is today and that's the person I love and need!" Jace turned her head further into her mother's embrace and was held there protectively, which reminded her of Catherine and how she had cradled her that morning, fresh tears started again.

"Then she will understand Jace, believe me she will understand," her mother gently crooned to her daughter.

Catherine wearily sat at the edge of the bed and looked at the time, it was 1 p.m. She was waiting for Paul to confirm that the Xianthos private jet would take her to South America.

They had agreed, that until the sensationalism of the news, became old news she would go and help in the training of the new vice president.

She was virtually unknown on that continent and only Garcia and himself would know her true identity out there, she would take a pseudonym for a month or two, change her hair colour, stay low.

Her cell had been cut off, her communications link on her laptop had been changed, and she no longer had the same e-mail address; there was nothing to trace her to her next destination, until she wanted to be found. Grace would be given her new cell number and e-mail address, but it wasn't to be revealed to any one else, unless she authorised it and that wasn't likely in the circumstances.

Looking morosely around the room, she picked up her cell wanting nothing more than to just hear Jace's voice and explain it all away. Hadn't she always said this relationship was impossible! Hell, she had been proved right in a way she hadn't even considered. In a fit of frustration and acute anger she threw the cell at the hotel wall, watching it bounce off and land with a muted thud on the carpeted floor, the casing cracking along one side, rendering the instrument inoperable. Staring at it, she quietly muttered to the empty room, "Guess you just did that to my heart Jace Bardley."

No recriminations, just resignation of her fate. Previously unshed tears cascaded down her cheeks, she closed her eyes to ward them off, but they continued anyway. Laying her head on the pillow she tried to shut out the thoughts of the woman who had made her feel love in such a profound way, it was a struggle to consider living without her. 'What am I going to do without you in my life Jace, you are the reason for my life!'

The hotel phone rang. Catherine answered it and smiled, Paul said the jet was ready when she was. Getting up from the bed, she picked up her bags and left the room, as the elevator doors shut behind her, the phone rang again, only this time it rang into an empty room.

Catherine Devonshire-Warriorson had gone!

Jason Bardley wasn't sure if his eldest daughter would be capable of taking the revelations in the newspapers, but she would need to know sooner rather than later.

Her distraught appearance when he'd finally arrived home yesterday evening was enough for him to gather that her life wasn't exactly under control, and rather than bring up the story again, he waited impatiently for his wife to give him the edited highlights when Jace had gone to bed.

Jace had refused to eat. She would sit by the phone and will it to ring. He wasn't to know until later that she had tried to contact Catherine Warriorson and been given the message that the woman had left town without a forwarding address.

Lucy unsuccessfully tried to engage her sister in a discussion on her recent college venue, Jace merely muttered a few muffled words. Eventually the family could take no more of her miserable demeanour and Jason persuaded his daughter to try and rest, that tomorrow would be a much better day all round.

Jason always had that extra soft spot for his eldest child; most people had thought he encouraged Jace in the family business because he didn't have a son to leave it to! Not so! Jace had a mind of her own even at an early age, and she had hounded her father to take her everywhere he could he had obliged willingly. Jace was so endearing and would charm the most grizzly of his contemporaries when she went into the office.

Now here he was a proud father of a child that was experiencing so much pain, and he couldn't do a damn thing to prevent it!

His glance slid over the headlines and the contents of the article and he snorted in disgust. 'Old news, it's all old news, goddamn it was over ten years ago,' his compassionate nature a sure sign as to where Jace had picked up that particular character trait.  Placing the newspaper under his left arm and a coffee in his right he headed for Jace's room, no time like the present to have all the revelations in the open.

Knocking softly on the door, he heard a muffled enter. Walking in slowly he smiled gently at Jace, who looked like she hadn't slept a wink. "Good morning darling, you okay?" his eyes catching hers in a sympathetic look.

"Hi Daddy could be better." Jace gave him a weak smile her eyes rimmed red from her tears and sleepless night.

"I know Jace,' he put the coffee down by the bedside table and looked at the paper in his hands and finally offered it to her.  "You'd better read this Jace."

Jace looked at her father in silent question and then asked, "You look worried?"

"I love you Jace, just remember that and when you're ready to do what you have to do, we will be there for you okay?" He didn't wait for a reply he left the room.

Jace turned the paper over and with trepidation glanced at the headlines.

'C X Devonshire, multi-millionaire owner of the Xianthos Publishing Corporation, revealed as a Drug Taking, Drug Dealing, Alcohol addicted, Ex-Con. Hiding away from her past in New Zealand!'

Jace flinched as she saw the headline and wanted nothing more than to throw the paper into the nearest garbage disposal. 'So this is what you wanted to tell me and I wouldn't let you? God what a fool I was!' Picking up her coffee she sipped it slowly wanting a caffeine injection more than anything to get her over this hurdle of lurid scandal or supposed anyway to some. Her eyes strayed to the article and she began the task of reading things about her lover that might actually be true.

C X Devonshire, the daughter of the late Stewart Devonshire the man who created one of the largest publishing empires in the world, has been revealed as heavily involved with drugs and alcohol resulting in a seedy prison term. Devonshire now reclusive in New Zealand has refused to deny any of the following.

In her early twenties she was frequently under the influence of hard-core drugs and alcohol, resulting in her dealing in drugs to ensure she never ran out. Eventually resulting in her being sentenced to a prison term in Germany for drug trafficking. Sources say that she maintained her addiction in the prison by indulging in affairs with both inmates and prison officials to pay for her addiction.

Sources also revealed that while in the prison, she was involved in a violent altercation with two inmates, one of which died as a result. Although involved in the incident it is believed her father was instrumental in influencing the prison board into leniency.

Jace was crying for the young woman, who had suffered the cruelties of drug addiction and still managed to crawl out of the sewer she had tragically fallen into. The person being depicted here wasn't the woman she knew! 'Oh god what are you feeling now Catherine? Who is there to hold your hand? Why did I have to be so naive and stupid?'

Her eyes scanned the next passage.

Catherine Devonshire 'used' people to help in boardroom take-overs; sources say she would take anyone to her bed if it helped improve her acquisition potential of any business. Many believe that she used drugs in making people think her way was the only way.

Her abandoning of her late husband the critically acclaimed author Adam Warriorson and her young son to become the power hungry, sexually aggressive owner of Xianthos after her father's death was instrumental in both their deaths three years later.

After the deaths of her family, she deceived the authorities in New Zealand into giving her permission to reside in the country eventually taking on the guardianship of two orphans.

The fact that Devonshire refused to deny any of the accusations must concern the New Zealand authorities and the shareholders of Xianthos. Have they got a decent citizen in control of their money and their children or some drug taking, volatile, enigma, and a time bomb just waiting to explode?

Jace screwed up the paper and threw it at her bedroom wall, hitting a picture and sending it crashing to the floor; the coffee mug following shortly after, making a brown stain on the paintwork of the wall and dripping incriminatingly onto the beige carpet.

The door to her room opened and her father walked in, taking a quick look around the room he immediately sat on the bed and engulfed his daughter in a comforting hug.

"She's not like that Daddy! Catherine maybe many things, but she's not the woman they are portraying, I know that! I'm going to find her and tell her so." Jace whispered fiercely into her father's shoulder.

"Well, with you in her corner Jace, something tells me she might just come out of this intact." He knew what determination Jace had and now she was resolved to help her friend that's exactly what she would do!

If she only got the chance!

Grace had often wondered about the past of her employer and friend! Hell, she was a walking time bomb, which was about the only thing that the newspaper had right!

When Catherine had called and said the chat she had planned for her return was going to have to take place there and then. It was a surprise and when she'd finished, it had been difficult to think straight.

Catherine's admission of taking drugs at fourteen, anything from cannabis to finally heroine in her early twenties, was a little hard to believe, but the quiet insistence in her friend's voice had made the information both poignant and starkly factual.

Catherine gave no reasons for her fall into disgrace and had little remorse either, it was for her a long time ago and one she both regretted but had to live with; her mistakes, her problems!

The drug trafficking had been a little hard for Grace to take, having her roots firmly entrenched in the law abiding ways of her once chosen profession and her parents staunch up-bringing.

"I never sold to minors Grace, only people in the same position as me, more money than sense. It was a transaction, a way of making money after my father cut me off from my allowance." Her need to make Grace understand this point had taken the other woman by surprise.

The prison term had been difficult! She had a drug's problem, it was duly exploited in the prison, Catherine did what others did, no big deal. Her body the only asset she had to continue her craving for the drugs that would probably one day kill her. The violent episode was entirely a problem of a different nature.

Catherine had quietly explained the situation.

"I was a target for some of the more, shall we say forceful breed that frequent prisons. Having a body although abused by drugs holding some form of beauty became distinctly appealing to some of these women and that included the guards too! Let's just say I have marks on my body that need explaining away from time to time, especially if I take a lover.' Catherine had laughed hollowly at the remark, her mind straying to a gentle voice, intrigued at a scar six inches long on her back and several others on each of her breasts, although faded, at close range they were visible and Jace Bardley at been at close range. Catherine had managed to kiss away the question and used her hands to demonstrate that the time was for touching not talking. "I met someone who would eventually teach me to at least stay alive, only problem was she died instead of me!" Grace had gasped at the last comment.

"Hey, Catherine do you really need me to know this? I know situations occurred, if it's too much please my friend don't push it." Grace didn't need her friend to explain her life, she was happy to have her alive and not dead as the situation in her early life could quite possibly have dealt to her.

Catherine smiled at the phone in her hand and could almost see the concern on her friend's face; it was something to reach for. She wasn't finished with this life yet! Not in a big way! Maybe love would never figure in it again but too many other people still needed her to be around. Catherine would do it for them, it no longer mattered what she wanted anymore her dreams were over.

"I said I was going to tell you it all, you get it all," Catherine mock warned her friend.

"Fine, well carry on then those kids of ours will want a story soon." Grace tried to ease the tension a little.

"Maria, taught me basic self defence she also helped me to start the treatment to kick the drugs, it wasn't pleasant and when the tension got too much she taught me to use music to ease it. The workouts I do at home are a product of Maria's influence; she was a great athlete. I loved her in a way that brought me a measure of peace after the first six months of my prison term.
Then a bitch called Katria, decided that I was the new game in town and Maria shouldn't have all the spoils. It was quite a normal situation in prison, but this time it turned out the bitch was going to go all the way. She cornered us in the gym area and punched me around a little until she almost knocked me senseless and slashed at me in the back with her knife when I wouldn't co-operate. Then Maria attacked her. I was watching but it was like living in a slow motion movie the knife came out of nowhere and Katria ripped her throat open. I moved then in a haze and started to choke the living daylights out of the bitch, the strength coming from some place deep down that I didn't realise I had. The guards stopped the fight before I killed her, because sure as hell Grace, I would have relished that at that point. I was in the prison hospital for a short period and spent the rest of my stay in solitary I'm not sure how but I was released shortly afterwards. I know they're saying it was my father who influenced that decision, I will probably never know for sure." A silence descended as the two women each mulled over their own feelings to the story.

"Adam Warriorson came to my rescue when my only brother died a month after my release from prison. He saved my life, by offering me security and his love. I took it! Then I broke his heart and my son's by going off to be my father's daughter! Ironic when I hadn't even set eyes on my father in over ten years. I was the power hungry executive that always won. I did things to get results, like slept with the odd chairman of the board, but I think it was more enjoyable for them than me! I stopped the drugs back in the prison and Adam made sure I completed the treatment, I've been clean ever since I was twenty-three. Alcohol took a little longer as you know, but I was never dependant on it anyway just another way of getting over life's troubles in general. I will never forgive myself for the deaths of Adam or my son, but I have to live with it in the only way I know how." Catherine sounded relieved to have spoken out over her life's disasters. Her heart ached with the image that Jace would read all the so called facts from a news sheet rather than Catherine giving her the personal details as she had narrated to Grace.

"Are you coming home Catherine?" It was the only question Grace wanted an answer too!

"Would you want me to come home?" A tentative question.

"Yes! Never doubt that Catherine Warriorson, never ever doubt it!" Grace passionately insisted.

"I have to attend to a business education problem in South America, and if the authorities don't cancel my residential status; yes, I'm coming home!" it was a heartfelt comment.

"You think they might cancel it?" Grace was shocked at the thought.

"Maybe, depends on how the public take Hudson's little titbits on my life." Catherine answered her matter-of-factly.

"Have you discussed this with Jace?" Grace heard a sharp in-drawn breath.

"No," Catherine replied shortly.

"Why?" Grace whispered in surprise.

"Ms Bardley kind of didn't like my alter ego Devonshire, we had an argument of sorts. Guess she will see all the gory details in the paper tomorrow." Catherine sighed at the thought and her sadness was palpable over the phone line.

"You need her Catherine, never more so than now!" Grace pointed out.

"I know, I know I do Grace but try telling Jace that!" Catherine sighed heavily at her end of the line

"Perhaps I will." Grace answered slowly her mind going over the possibilities.

"No! You will not tell Jace anything! Her decision was made and she chose where she wanted to be! Unfortunately for me it wasn't at my side. I saw the hate in her face when she spoke about my company and me in particular, this might just put the final nail in the coffin. I need to trust you on this Grace, withhold all the information regarding my whereabouts and any other detail that could possibly interest Jace, okay?"

Grace bit her lip as she tried to think of a way to let Jace know without letting down Catherine. There was no way; her choice had already been made. "Fine, Jace Bardley is dead to you."

Catherine digested that last sentence. "Not dead Grace, she will never be dead to me, she holds my heart and soul."

Grace had talked to Colin, she had hoped that he would understand if not approve. It was conceivable that some of the men, Colin included might want to quit the ranch, well so be it!

He had taken the revelations of Catherine's past in his stride and told her not to worry. Her main criterion was making sure the scandal mongering didn't harm the children and the bigoted people that she was sure to come across. That had been Catherine's final comment as she ended the call and said she would phone again in a week or so.

The children wouldn't suffer and that would be her task in all of this, Catherine's peace of mind.

Jace finally arrived back at her apartment; it hadn't been easy! When she entered her mind went back to a week ago and the woman who had shared her bed that night. Since that time her life had crashed to pieces before her and it had all been her fault.

It had been impossible to track down Catherine after she'd left the hotel; numerous calls to Xianthos in New York had been either viewed as crank calls or further invasion of Ms Devonshire's privacy. The company had closed ranks and no one was talking!

Jace had even tried to contact Paul Strong but his PA had thwarted that, eventually breaking down in tears, which the PA although sympathetic still refused to disclose any pertinent details about Ms Devonshire to her.

Her father had used some of his old contacts in the publishing world to retrieve any possible information about Catherine. The steel barricades had come down heavily on the media and anyone else for that matter who wanted information, it was as if Devonshire had unbelievably gained more respect from her character deficiencies. Not many in the industry believed the garbage of her using drugs to tempt people, she hadn't needed to do that her intelligence, and charisma had proved adequate enough not to mention her beauty.

Jace had to see Hudson the next day; going back to her apartment had been the only solution. Now scanning the room she had called home it was now nothing but an empty shell. She went over to her computer and switched it on at least clearing up her inbox would keep her mind occupied for a little while.

Waiting for the machine to boot up, she made coffee and regarded the wilting flowers all over the apartment, which had once been fresh and alive like her love for Catherine, now dead and dying, the flowers visibly represented her destruction of that love.

Sitting in front of the screen, Jace saw numerous messages, many from selected site digests and several from Peter, then she saw an unusual addy and almost deleted it, but was intrigued by the title.

'A lyric tells it all!'

Opening the mail she gasped at the author!

Jace,

I'm not actually sure if this message will be welcome. You may not even bother to read it, I will understand!

Apologising was never a strong skill of mine, but I guess I owe you one for not explaining sooner that I was also the 'notorious Catherine Devonshire', I'm sure by now my name will be somewhat scandalised.

As I said to you in the office of UCP, I can't change the past and if I'm honest, I wouldn't want too! I might never have met you if my life had changed in any way, which isn't an option that I want to contemplate. You brought love into my life that can never be measured, and I now know what it feels like to put that love ahead of anything else in my life, even my own selfish desires. So, you actually did us both a favour Jace by hating my other life, because now you can't be tarnished by the dark clouds of my past.

Well, I guess by now you know I use lyrics to speak for me and this one is exactly how I feel about you.

   Alone

There are words written which speak of love, tokens given that carry the flame.

But never will I look upon a face that illustrates it quite like your face does for me.

Lost and alone, the bleakness blending into your soul, I know I make you cry, I know you hate me!

Friendship is the key, love is the lock, and please let me unlock your love with my key.

It was written in the stars, etched into my heart, I have only silent words for what I feel for you, the truth being I love you!

Lost and Alone, the bleakness blending into your soul, I know I made you cry, I know you hate me!

I thought that I was over you, but your scent invades me, your body haunts me, your words evoke me, but can you still love me?

Do I beg you to stay, I will, I will just say.

Give me a chance, I'll make it right, nothing can prevent the light of your love has shown me.

Lost and alone, the bleakness blending into your soul, I know I made you cry, I know you hate me!

If you ever hear the song by Infinity, I hope you can think of me a little more favourably.

Goodbye Jace Bardley, and thank you.
Catherine Devonshire-Warriorson

Anyone passing Jace Bardley's apartment that evening would have been struck by the racking sobs of the young woman.

Clarissa Hudson paced her office like a caged animal.

What the hell was wrong with people today? Now she was being sued by Xianthos Holdings for her disparaging comments about their chairwoman's tactics on the acquisition trail.

Paul Strong had spoken to the lawyers immediately after the newspapers had released the story. Hudson thought she was immune from any repercussions, leaving her name out of the article. 'Her father would be turning in his grave, if he knew what Catherine had done, by bringing an action against me! It was the truth anyway!' Hudson continued to pace the floor, Jace Bardley was due back in the office anytime and that would be an interesting conversation. 'The bitch hadn't been back in the office for a week and had called in sick! Sick what a pathetic excuse, couldn't she stomach the truth either?'

Paul Strong had been adamant that Xianthos would not back down from this case, he would personally see it through, after all Ms Devonshire had no ties to the company except to get her profit revenues when due.

Hearing the door to the other office open, Hudson stopped her pacing and heard the scrape of Jace's chair on the tiled floor.  Waiting for all of two minutes, she rushed through her door. "THOUGHT I SAID I WANTED TO SEE YOU!"Clarissa shouted at the pale face of Jace Bardley.

"You did, I was just opening up my desk and then going to let you know I was here." Jace replied calmly, there was nothing this woman could do to her that she hadn't done to herself already.

"Get in here then!" Clarissa barked back at her.

"Okay." Jace stood up and followed the angry producer into her office, closing the door behind her.

"The bitch is suing me, did you know that?" Hudson bitterly stated.

"No." Jace stood in front of the desk and looked at her dispassionately.

"I thought you might know what the bitch was doing, weren't you sharing her bed?" Hudson sneered at her.

"Catherine didn't discuss business with me," Jace refused to be baited.

"So, you did share her bed was she any good?" Hudson looked at Jace with frank interest.

"My personal life is my affair, not yours and whatever she's good at that's surely for you to find out." Jace wasn't going to let this woman have the upper hand.

"Once you found out who she was you abandoned her, am I right?' noticing the pale cheeks of the woman before her at the comment. "I was right about you Jace you can't hack it. Life isn't all rosy you know; you must have known she had a history?"  Hudson uncharacteristically sounded apologetic.

"Perhaps." Jace replied quietly.

"So, what are you doing here anyway? Thought you would have left now that you're aware that Xianthos owns more of the studio than I do?" Hudson eyed her with interest; she was really quite a presentable looking woman, if you liked the small ones.

"Good point. Actually I am giving you notice Hudson, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! Good luck with your lawsuit." Jace turned her back on Hudson and heard a sharp gasp.

"You can't do that! You owe me!" Hudson's mind turned off her speculation of Jace's body and spat venomously at her instead with words.

Turning back to face the woman, she noticed the spots of red in Hudson's cheeks, spots of anger. "I can! I will! I have! I owe you nothing."

This time she had her hand on the handle of the door before Hudson responded. "I'll see that you never work in this town again Jace!"

Jace wanted to ignore the comment but something inside her tempted out the devil inside. "Go ahead. It must be the only thing you're good at, maligning people's character! Give it your best shot because you will only get one chance."

Jace slammed the door in Hudson's face.

Hudson didn't like that one bit. She stormed out of her office as Jace collected her belongings and stood directly in her path to the exit.

"Not so fast little girl. I'm going to enjoy taking you down just like I've taken your 'friend' down. Only you will be begging me to take you back here when I've finished with you."

Jace realised that Hudson was mad. She was so convinced about her power over people that she lost sight of the reality of life.  "You didn't break Catherine, so no way are you going to break me."

"If I tell the world about your affair with the wonderful Catherine, wouldn't that be peachy." Clarissa smiled seductively at Jace.

"You wouldn't?" Jace sent her a pleading look, immediately realising she had made a big mistake allowing her feelings to show.

"Well...you could always let me take her place in your bed, until I tire of you that is. Then maybe you could convince me to keep quiet, what do you say?" Hudson saw the fear in Jace's expression.

Jace's expression took on a look of absolute shock and horror at the thought. "NO!" she finally managed to shout at Hudson.

Clarissa Hudson put a hand out and stroked a well-manicured finger down one of Jace's cheeks and noticed the flush appear a mirror of what Catherine had done to her the week before; paybacks are such a bitch. "Pity, we could have had a good time.  Catherine won't come back to you, you left her remember?"

Laughing she moved to let Jace go, her body making contact as Jace tried unsuccessfully to manoeuvre around her to prevent further contact with her ex-boss. Cringing Jace made it to her car, immediately her body reacted to the threat and sleazy comments from Hudson, she couldn't keep her breakfast down and was sick in the car park area.

'I know I left her that's the hardest thing to live with,' her mind constantly reminded her, Hudson's words reflecting her own.

Grace watched Colin from the porch as he gently coaxed Lisa into a run around the paddock on the pony. The child wasn't the best horsewoman, but she wanted to go on the rides with Catherine and Jake, when Catherine came back from her travels.  Grace sighed and noticed that Jake was walking over to her, he was turning out to be a very interesting and caring boy. He had taken over reading to Lisa now that Catherine wasn't around and Grace had been busy. "Hi Jake, finished your lesson already?"

"Yes, Colin wants to spend a little longer with Lisa. So, I thought I would come and see if you needed any help?"

"That was thoughtful Jake, but everything is done for the moment here, how about we go inside and have a drink and a cookie?"  Knowing the child enjoyed her baking skills.

He beamed at her and nodded his head.

Taking his normal seat at the kitchen table, he looked over at the space opposite him. "When will Catherine come back?"

"Oh, well she has business to attend to and then she's coming home."

"They say she's not coming back," he said quietly.

Looking at him she saw him frown and bite his lower lip. "Now who would 'they' be Jake?" taking a pointer from Jace's book on dealing with the child.

"The kids at school and some of the teachers have asked me if she's home yet," he endeavoured to explain.

"I see. Well, I talked to Catherine recently and she's coming home Jake trust me." Grace smiled warmly at the boy.

"We won't have to go back to the orphanage will we Grace?" He watched her put down the cups she held and turned to face him.

"No! Jake, Catherine wants you to answer her question when she gets home and if you don't want to go back to the orphanage then you won't, we will both see to that!' Grace got closer to the boy and suddenly pulled him into a hug. "Jake, she loves you and Lisa, and right now the both of you are the most important people in her life."

"Is she in trouble Grace?" He suffered the hug.

"Yes. I won't lie to you Jake, various people are saying nasty things about her and some are true, others aren't. What you have to tell yourself is do you like her enough to still be here for her when she comes home regardless of what other people think of her?"

Jake looked into the serious face of the woman who shared the duties of looking after them and he smiled ruefully. "I don't just like her Grace, Lisa and I will still be here for her when she comes home."

"You know what kid, I don't know what she ever did to get you in her life, but it must have been pretty awesome." Smiling she captured some cookies and set them in front of him, collecting a coffee for herself and handing him a milkshake.

"That goes for you too Grace." He picked up a cookie and settled down to devour as many as Grace would allow him.

Grace actually blushed at the comment and put more cookies in front of him. 'Wonder when this kid had taken charm lessons?'

Catherine sat in her one room apartment in the centre of Rio de Janeiro and contemplated her future.

'Well, I've got Grace, Jake, Lisa and Colin to go home too for starters. Then there's Paul who will take care of the company for me and probably do a better job than I ever have. Maybe I can get the Reverend to put in a good word for me with the authorities, now that they want to discuss my visa?' mulling over the only people who cared about her now, she smiled at the gathering darkness.

'Perhaps coming here was the answer to most of my problems, except I miss my home and my family.' The consistent ache in her gut when she thought of the ranch and the coming season change; winter would be getting a hold now and she had wanted to see the kids in the snow and take them to see some of the spectacular scenery around when the snow covered everything, particularly the glaciers.

Moving out of the small room she entered the bedroom and sat down heavily on the edge of the bed. Her dreams or should she say nightmares had flared to unbelievable proportions and now they had Jace in them to, her angry face as Catherine had last seen her the final element of the dreamscape.

'Funny if you were here with me now Jace, my nightmares would disappear like magic. You could always soothe whatever beast resides inside me and I would be happy to let you do that! Would you consider being my friend again I wonder? I can't let you into my heart again Jace Bardley it hurt too much when you walked away; but I would give everything I possess to see your smile and have it turned on me again.' Her shoulders shrugging, she went into the small bathroom, realising the futility of her thoughts, they had no conceivable expectation of reality.

None at all!

Grace had often wondered what it must be like to own a property as large as 'Destiny' with its constant changes with the seasons, and the comings and goings of personnel; not to mention the needs of the numerous smallholders affiliated with the property. She had her wish!

Three months after Catherine had left, not only did she have her housekeeping tasks, but also was the only 'care taking parent' in residence and she had her hands more than full!

Thank god Colin had taken over the running of everything associated with the ranch that Catherine had looked after. He had taken it onboard without a word and didn't complain when he spent hours in the evening going over bills and forms, which kept turning up for processing. Fortunately for them, money wasn't an issue, and even if Paul Strong hadn't made deposits every month into a ranch account with her and Colin's as coassignee's, the ranch finances were viable in their own right.

Grace knew Colin watched her in the evening with the children as they settled down to read or watch TV in a companionable atmosphere. He would have a secret smile that she was sure he only ever used when he watched her with Lisa tucked into her lap in the evening. He hadn't asked her on a date since she arrived back after her father's death and she had felt relieved but disappointed also; it didn't always make sense to her these days, life in general wasn't making much sense.

Catherine called twice a week. During the working week she talked with Grace and Colin but on a Sunday evening she would call and the intercom system in the study would be used so that the children could participate in the chat sessions. The children knew she had to be away but they sorely missed her, and the chat sessions she had been persuaded to participate in after a particularly long session with Grace had cheered them all up. Now, it was a weekly ritual and Catherine had never, ever let them down. At precisely seven p.m. she would call and they would all be seated with a hot drink and cookies. It was as if Catherine was in the room with them instead of her small lonely apartment in Rio several thousand miles away.

Grace watched the weather front changing, spring was about to come their way; she was pleased about that at least. Maybe Catherine could come home soon; she was certainly missed.

A pity the New Zealand authorities had been zealous over taking her visa away. One of the things Grace admired about her country was its open-minded approach. Catherine had been doing the diplomatic backslapping for the last three months and was getting close to having her visa returned in some form or other. Fortunately the children had been left well alone; she and the Reverend had worked on that particular problem together. That had been the easy part, no one wanted to lose the sort of financial backing Lucas's trust fund provided and Grace had threatened that in a formidable fashion. Catherine had lost enough her prized privacy had been invaded; Grace doubted that Catherine would ever live a life now without the odd camera or two trailing after her.

Looking at the clock in the kitchen and quickly collecting her tray of goodies for their get together. Smiling at the thought of Catherine so far away and wondered if she had a mug of tea in hand at this very minute. It was something she was going to ask her friend when they spoke it would give them a sense of togetherness and family, even if only for the length of the phone call.

The children would be watching a cartoon, waiting patiently for the hour to flick to seven.

Catherine walked the two-mile stretch that she'd know in her sleep! In fact it helped her sleep, miracle of all miracles. Except tonight she went out earlier than usual, it was Sunday and the family phone call was only an hour away. She loved that feeling of contact with her 'adopted' family, and hopefully she would gain her visa back from the New Zealand authorities next week, although it would only have temporary status.

There was a mix of rich and poor in the area she walked, typical of Rio in many ways truth be told she didn't particularly like the place, because of it's poverty traps but she had few choices at the moment.

She walked in the poorer area not exactly slum accommodation, but in a few years it would turn into that situation and probably worse. Catherine had run ins with the local punks in those first few days she'd walked this route, allocating a few busted noses and a couple of broken arms in her wake had stopped that harassment. The punks gave her a wide berth.

She smelt the burning of wood before it came into her line of vision. A small two story house, although to her eyes it looked nothing more than a shack virtually all wood burning in the twilight of the evening. If it hadn't been so tragic it was a glorious sight of colours against the backdrop of the early evening skies. People were milling around, no one seemed to be interested in the screams that she heard echo from the burning building.

Running closer to the scene she caught hold of the arm of an onlooker.

"What the hell is going on here? Have you called the fire department? How many are still inside the building?" Catherine bit out in a staccato voice, bellowing the last comment into his ear.

The man looked at her with little interest or was it understanding; yeah the guy probably couldn't speak English. Damn!

Catherine gave the scene one more cursory glance, and galvanised her body into action. "Is this my destiny?" the unconscious thought drifted through her mind, her voice lost in the smoky night air and propelled herself into the burning building.

If someone had mentioned that this particular event would be unfolding and she would be in the thick of it, she would have laughed out loud at them and called them ridiculous. Yet! Here she was, her eyes stinging from the smoke and choking on its intensity, could that be plastic burning? Acrid smoke filling her lungs at every breath she managed to take.

"Hello? Anyone here, come on give me a shout?" Coughing into her sweatshirt sleeve, she finally caught a muted cry for help.  That was universal in any language at least.

Entering the room to her left she saw flames panning to her right and a figure huddled in shock to her left. A woman sat against a grimy paint-peeling wall, cradling a bundle to her chest. "Okay, I'm here." Catherine managed to say noticing the speed at which the flames were engulfing the room she had to be quick. Knocking over any furniture in her way she made a path towards the woman, kneeling down she touched the woman on her shoulder, and saw agonised brown eyes looking at her in trust. Seemed to happen to her a lot that expression, must be something to do with the eyes. A smile slowly crept across her lips and she pulled the woman up gently to stand beside her. The woman clutched at her hand as the flames suddenly shot out in their direction.

"Easy there, you're going to get out okay." Catherine glanced across to the bundle held tightly to the woman's chest, it wasn't moving or appeared to be breathing, but it was difficult to tell with all the smoke. Now wasn't the time to ponder that particular question, it would have to wait, they needed to get out fast!

Dragging the woman in her wake, Catherine propelled her out of the room managing to skirt the fireball quickly devouring the room. The external door was open and she pushed the woman out into the open, relishing the opportunity of breathing air not polluted by the smoke from the fire.

Sirens were getting closer, 'Good!'

Then as she managed a gasp of fresh air; that is, if you could call any air in Rio fresh. A child's scream pierced the night chilling in its intensity and fear. Catherine looked to the other woman in question, who was being enclosed in a blanket and the bundle being tenderly extracted from her shocked hands by a neighbour.

The young woman she had saved looked at her beseechingly "Carlos," came the strangled response as the woman fainted from her ordeal.

Time was running out!

Catherine ran back into the building as if the furies were chasing her. She noticed the hall had become almost black in the thickness of the smoke and by the clouds hanging in the air on the next level the stairs looked pretty risky.

In for a penny in for a pound!

'Hell what's a little risk between friends?' her mind supplied as she fought the laboured breathing. Taking the stairs two at a time, she pushed open the first door she came to. Nothing! Well, except for a wall of fire that she was damn sure had singed her eyebrows off 'Damn'.

Then the next room came into view, as much view as she could manage with the smoke progressing at an alarming rate through the house her own body producing tears to clear her eyes naturally. She pulled the door open a little more cautiously this time.

The boy sat in a corner of the room close to the window, although it was closed. He couldn't have been more than five years old, clutching a blanket that had seen better days.

"Hi Carlos?" she gave him a dazzling smile, hoping he could see it through the streaks of dirt and smoke she knew covered her face. "I need you to trust me Carlos, we need to get out fast, okay?" Not sure if he understood her she picked him up in one swift movement and held him against her shoulder.

As if on cue an explosion rocked the floor of the room and reverberated around the building as one of the walls collapsed, engulfing the room in black smoke the flames that had otherwise been kept out of the room, now trailed dangerously close to them cutting off the door. 'Well, that way's out of the question, only one exit left,' opening the window, she shouted at one of the newly arrived firemen, her voice hoarse from the smoke.

"Get the boy!' glancing at him and smiling "How do you feel about flying Carlos?" with that she threw the child out of the window and crossed whatever you crossed in this situation.

Continuing to look out of the window and wondering whom the hell was or what would catch her, she didn't notice that a wooden beam from the roof had cracked through the thin ceiling and as if in slow motion headed towards her. Catherine's senses picked up something being horribly wrong just as the beam hit her on the left side, cracking her head and shoulder, the fire catching her hair and clothes. Finally the momentum of the object was propelling her out of the window.

Her last thought as the pain engulfed her and darkness beckoned. 'Why Jace? Why did you marry him?'

It was suddenly mercifully dark.

Three months had seen changes in Jace Bardley's lifestyle that wouldn't have been expected. To all intents and purposes she was now a happily married woman.

Peter Adamson, rescuing her at the eleventh hour had thwarted Hudson's threats. He had been as good as his word and had married her the following day to defeat the malicious machinations of Hudson.

Her mind in turmoil and distress Jace agreed to his suggestion and married him. All avenues to Catherine had been closed to her. Peter was a perceived lifeline; Jace caught it and made one of the biggest mistakes in her life.

Her family hadn't understood the reason for her marriage in haste, not when she'd been so adamant about her feelings for Catherine Warriorson. This wasn't the daughter they had watched grow from a baby into a mature adult, the woman saying her vows to this virtual stranger was an enigma to them. Consequently, Jace had not been home since the wedding.

The wedding was a sham at first; Peter was her friend and doing her a favour. Although eventually after six weeks and too much alcohol at a party they had been to, she finally allowed him to her bed. It was the beginning of the end.

Her independent mind finally reasserting itself after being locked up for weeks in a living hell Jace had permitted to happen.  Now they spent whatever times together in a sense of impending disaster, neither wanting to broach the subject that would finish their marriage.

James Thompson had invited them to a party that evening and both wanted to go. Peter would be going to Europe to film a documentary in a week's time; they had argued frequently over Jace's refusal to go with him.

"I have a career of my own Peter. I can't just up and leave it for a year to watch you film," Jace was adamant.

"You're my wife Jace, surely you want to be with me? I'm going to be gone for a year, maybe more if the backers want to do a series," he pleaded with her.

"I can't," her voice almost broke.

"You can't or you won't?" his voice held a hint of sarcasm.

"Does it matter?" Jace's voice had grown tired of this particular conversation.

"Yes!" Peter angrily spat the word out.

"Then I won't!" She gave him a weary look.

"Is it because of her?" Peter was pushing into territory they had agreed never to discuss.

Jace eyed him with a sad lost look.

"Yes! She might come back one day."

Her admission was breaking Peter's heart. "For god's sake Jace, you left her remember? She's not coming back! Hudson did the works on her; Devonshire's never going to show her pretty face in this town again, maybe not even the country!" Peter spoke to Jace as if reprimanding a child for taking a cookie out of the jar before supper.

Jace knew deep down what he said was probably correct; she knew that she hurt him deeply by her continued obsession with Catherine. The feeling never went away it; and she knew that it never ever would. When she'd told Catherine she had waited forever, well that was right and forever was still along way off! "Peter?" he looked at her strengthening gaze.

"Yeah?" He saw her green eyes reflect seriously back at him.

"I think we need to discuss our future," Jace had finally made up her mind to end this charade.

"No!" his voice sounded like he was suffering acute pain.

Jace watched the sadness take over as he finally continued in anguish.

"I love you Jace. If staying here is what you need to do then you go ahead and do it! But I don't want you to leave me!" He had tears settling in the corner of his eyes.

Her heart broke for the man in front of her, he had done nothing in her eyes except give her his love, and here she was throwing it back in his face. Compassionately she held his head to her shoulder. "Okay Peter we'll try to work it out." She whispered her own tears falling silently down her cheeks. 'Though god's knows how?' her mind slipped in for good measure.

The party was in full swing when they finally arrived at the house. James was without doubt an accomplished host. The parties he threw were usually large affairs with lots of people milling in and out all evening, tonight was no different.

Some colleagues had tackled Peter over his new project and he was talking to them intently.

Jace was leaning against a far wall watching a tall-distinguished man talking politely to a young girl dressed in knee high boots, a skirt that just about reached the top of her thighs and a ribbed purple blouse, leaving little to the imagination.

"You know he doesn't bite. Well, girls anyway," James chuckled as he handed her a glass of white wine.

"I know, but to be honest, I haven't seen him since..." she trailed off, her face clearly expressing the hurt behind the memory of that last encounter.

"Yep, I know,' giving her a long look. "Come on let's rescue him."

"Oh, I don't think so James, I hardly think I'm on his list of favourite guests, he's Catherine's friend." Jace tugged against the firm hold of her friend's hand.

"Don't chicken out on this Jace, he might have news!" Jace knew that would be her un-doing, any news however insignificant would be welcome to her starved soul.

Walking over, James tapped his partner's shoulder; who then turned to see who wanted him; Paul Strong gave James a smile of pleasure replacing the polite boredom in his eyes. Then his eyes strayed to Jace who was fidgeting nervously at James' side.  They took on a quizzical look.

"Hello Jace." Paul said quietly, James skillfully steered his partner towards the younger woman who was more appreciative of his presence than the individuals he had been conversing previously.

"Hello Paul, how are you?" Not knowing what else to say to him.

"I'm very well. And you?" he looked directly at her with a pointed glance.

"Pretty good." They both lapsed into silence for several seconds.

"I see marriage appears to agree with you?"

Jace winced at the comment. "Peter is good to me. What more can I say?" her eyes sought out a reaction, but what reaction?

"Nothing more I guess. I heard from James that you left UCP, we're sorry to have lost you," Paul sounded genuine in his platitude.

"Yeah, I went back to my first love publishing. Ironic wouldn't you say?" she laughed hollowly.

"If that's what you find suits your talents where's the irony in that?" he continued to keenly appraise her.

"I have a post proof-reading for a small publisher in Santa Monica." Jace for the first time since he'd seen her arrive actually looked interested in something. He had noticed her quiet observation of him from her position at the far end of the room.

"Sounds like you enjoy it?" He saw now why his boss had been captivated; her eyes alone snared you in when they became animated.

"I do! I also get a chance to work on my writing. I kind of stopped for a while, now I'm ready to start again," Jace timidly explained.

"I hope you succeed. If you ever need work please call me," he said sincerely.

"Thanks. Are you saying that for my professionalism or because of my ex-relationship with Catherine?" There she had succumbed to her desire she'd mentioned Catherine by name, it tasted so good on her lips to say the name openly again.

Paul looked seriously at her and smiled. "Your professionalism of course. Catherine no longer runs any of the Xianthos operations, she has no direct influence on any decisions made by the company."

"Thank you!' She needed to know, "how is she?" a whispered plea.

"Last time I saw her she was tired but okay." He finally responded after a long drink from his beer.

"When was that?" her heart rate tripled in anticipation of his answer.

"The last day you saw her in LA." He saw her look of confusion.

"I guess I should have known, you're not going to tell me anything! I hurt her I know, and believe me if I could take it all back I would." her voice choked out.

"I told you the truth Jace, the last time I saw her was the same day you did." Was he going to answer her question? Sure he was. "You hurt her that day sure, but you're marriage hurt her more." It wasn't an accusation just a statement.

"She knows?" Jace looked startled.

"Yes," he said quietly.

"I...I didn't do that to hurt her! It was other circumstances," Jace tried to find the words.

"She got the message anyway." He enigmatically replied.

"That would be?" Jace needed to know how much more damage she had inflicted on the woman she loved.

"You didn't love her," Paul offered quietly.

"Oh god Paul," with that Peter sauntered across and put an arm about his wife.

"Strong, nice to see you again," his tone belied the sentiment in the words.

"Adamson," he nodded his head. James took the opportunity at that moment to interrupt saying Paul had an urgent call. He left them with a polite nod of his head.

James and Peter began a conversation that partially excluded her.

'She thinks I don't love her? Hades, that couldn't be further from the truth!' she watched Paul Strong take his call and noticed a shocked expression pass over his face, which he masked quickly as he scanned the room for James. Putting down the receiver he quickly went over to his partner and spoke a few quiet words to him and then quickly disappeared up the stairs.

Something was wrong, very wrong.

"James are you okay?" she asked in concern.

He looked at her with an almost vacant expression his mind obviously elsewhere. "Jace...yeah I'm fine. Someone we know has had an accident, Paul has to leave. Jace maybe..." he trailed off as he noticed his lover emerge from a room and descend the stairs.

Jace watched looks pass between the two men and Paul looked in her direction briefly, she could have sworn that he was about to say something, when Peter hauled her off to talk to some friends.

When she turned again, Paul Strong had departed and James was engaged in being the genial party host

Enricho Garcia paced the floor of the hospital critical area. He had been called three hours after Catherine had been in surgery.  It had taken the police that long to trace her apartment and find out a contact. Once he'd been informed he contacted Paul Strong, his boss, he needed to know what was happening; now three hours later, he was still waiting for news of her condition.

He'd eventually found out that she was some kind of heroine; her bravery in going into a blazing house not once but twice for people she didn't know in this city was unheard of, especially by a European woman too!

The mother and the young boy had only superficial burns and smoke inhalation, the baby had died from the smoke inhalation in his mother's arms before Catherine had turned up. Garcia felt proud of Catherine as if she was a relative.

He'd invited Catherine to his home on several occasions in the past three months some she accepted, many she hadn't. His wife Angelica was always happy to see her, they had a small daughter who was just learning to walk and the tall stranger was a great climbing frame. He felt that Catherine had some peace on those days that she never appeared to have at any other times. He had read the press about her but, she wasn't the person that was depicted in those tabloids, no she was stronger than the weak person they portrayed to him, she was quite simply incredible!

Paul Strong was on his way and would arrive in approximately four hours hopefully he would have good news for his boss. He knew that Catherine and Paul were friends and it would be a shock to him if anything happened to her. But God didn't do that to Hero's did he?  It was a question he constantly asked himself for the next three hours waiting alone in a white walled room with little to occupy him but his own mixed up thoughts.

The door opened as the early morning light seeped through the windows of the waiting room. Stirring from the chair stiffly, he was motioned to sit again by the doctor who sat opposite him.

"Are you a relative?" the doctor asked in a quiet voice.

"No, no she doesn't have any relatives in Rio, in fact I don't think she has any living relatives, I work for her." Garcia hurriedly tried to explain.

"I see," he pondered the facts.

"Her friend Paul Strong is due here anytime, he's a business colleague but also a close friend, will that help?" Enricho suggested.

"It is of no consequence. Her injuries are, as you know severe. She has multiple burns to the body particularly on her head. She has a broken shoulder and her head suffered a trauma that cracked her skull in two places. We will wait to see if she regains consciousness before we can evaluate that correctly." The doctor patiently explained.

"What! If? She regains consciousness, what does that mean? Is she in danger?" He asked shocked.

"Well, her injuries are severe as I told you. The shock alone when she wakes will determine if she can overcome the burns.  Then we have to know what the head injury has caused, she is very lucky to be alive. When she wakes she may not want to live, that is always the threat with this kind of trauma, she is a mess. She was a beautiful woman," he stated clinically.

"No! No, she's still a beautiful woman she will fight it, she will live!" He spoke positively.

"You sound so sure?" The doctor looked surprised but pleasantly so.

"She's beaten worse in her life, this episode will not defeat her," he smiled weakly at the doctor.

"Good. She will need constant care for many months, is she in a position to fund that kind of care?"

Garcia snorted. "Oh my, yes!"

"Excellent, when her friend arrives I will talk to you both in detail about her injuries, in the mean time you may see her if you wish," he got up to leave.

Garcia walked with the doctor to the private emergency room and Catherine Devonshire's very still form; nothing to do but wait.

Paul arrived at the hospital at nine a.m. three hours later than he had expected, weather turbulence attributed to the delay of the flight for over two hours. Walking into the reception area he waited impatiently for the receptionist to complete her phone call and talk to him. Drumming his fingers on the desktop, he finally caught her eye.

Smiling falsely at him she asked him whom he needed to see.

"Catherine Devon..., no Catherine Smithson, which room is she in?" he asked shortly, the plane journey taking it's toll along with the worry over his boss.

"Smithson, no Smithson, ah wait a moment. Smithson yes, she's in room two hundred, the critical wing." With that he headed for the elevator without even saying thank you. He would apologise later.

The time seemed to go slowly in the elevator as he thought about Catherine and what state she was in, if she indeed she had managed to survive! 'I almost told her Catherine. I nearly broke my promise to you and told Jace you were hurt. You know I wanted too, but maybe it really is too late for you two after all,' his mind ceased those thoughts as the door opened to the critical wing and he headed for room two hundred.

Walking into the room he saw Garcia slumped in the chair, he had obviously been here for hours, the man was another devotee of the Devonshire charm that was for sure. He'd heard from other VP's that Garcia extolled the virtues of the owner of Xianthos. Some thought him pathetic, others viewed it as hero worship, but Paul saw it as a genuine friendship in the making, even Catherine had been charmed to some extent by the man who offered her hospitality without any catches, particularly after all the media attention around her. Not wanting to disturb him he looked at the person in the hospital bed.

Wires were hooked up everywhere or so it appeared to him, he noticed that her head was swathed in bandages and her nose looked broken, what did he know? Traction equipment was stationed close to the bed as the body was elevated slightly due to some other injury, he couldn't quite perceive was it a broken arm? All you could really see amidst the bandages were the eyelids and they looked swollen and her eyebrows, those formidable eyebrows were gone. He walked slowly over to the bed and wanting to take one of her hands, noticed that the left side of her body was encased in bandages but her right side was relatively unscathed. Reaching for her right hand he sat down next to the bed and just held it, waiting for Garcia to wake, and in about twelve hours Grace would be here too!

He'd rung Grace as he waited for his flight, which had been a difficult call to make.

The phone ringing in the study at seven thirty had all the interested parties finally smiling they had been worried. Grace picked up the line and turned on the intercom.

"Grace?" the voice of a man at first Grace didn't recognise.

"Guess it's not Catherine then?" Grace said flippantly.

"No, no Catherine is...she's been. Hey Grace are we on intercom?" Paul decided it wouldn't be good to have witnesses to what he had to say, which would be up to Grace to decide who at the ranch would get to know about Catherine's condition.

"Yeah, the kids and I are waiting for Catherine's usual call to us, she's late." Grace smiled at having to tell Catherine that Paul might be the one keeping her waiting for a free line.

"Can I speak to you for a few minutes, without the intercom?" he asked her gently.

Grace wasn't stupid, she could hear the change in timbre of his voice, something was very wrong! "Hey kids, why don't you go and see what's on TV for a little while and I'll be with you soon okay?"

"But Grace, Catherine might call?" Lisa said plaintively.

"Hey sweetheart it's okay, Catherine will ring back, and you know that!" Grace smiled at her.

"Okay, but don't be too long," the child said petulantly.

Jake stood up not saying a word and took Lisa's hand they shut the door behind them.

"Okay Paul, it's just you and me, what's she done now?" Grace said in an exasperated way.

"She's in the hospital in Rio," he finally said.

The silence stretched, Paul didn't know if she was still there, Grace was upset, he'd heard the sob in her voice. "What happened?" Grace finally whispered.

"Not sure, Garcia said she was some kind of heroine, he didn't say much. She's in the operating room now. I have a flight in about half an hour, will get there in about three hours time. Do you want to wait until I find out the score, or are you going to get a flight out?"

"I'm on the next flight out of here, she might never know but I want to be there if...I want to be there!" she finally said brokenly.

"You know her Grace, she never let's go," he tried to sound confident but failed miserably.

"Yeah. See you in about a day Paul. Give her a kiss from us okay," with that she put the phone down and called Colin.

Now looking at the almost obscured face of his friend, how did he do that, kiss her and not hurt her. He picked up her right hand and gently kissed each knuckle. 'For all of us Catherine, we're here waiting for you, don't forget that!'

The doctor had been kind, in his own way. Garcia had returned home and back to business, it wasn't the time to tell anyone about this yet! It may never be the time.

Paul had cancelled the rest of the week's schedule, explaining he had a virus and he wasn't capable of travelling, he was the man in charge after all.

Grace had arrived and wouldn't move from Catherine's bedside.

Now, three days after the event, Catherine was finally stirring from her unconscious state. Grace was smiling, Paul still looked pensive, the doctor looked on in interest.

"Come on Catherine, how about you show us those ice blues, some time soon, well like right now." Grace said gently, stroking the uninjured right hand slowly.

Gradually one lid opened briefly but slid shut as fast as it opened. A few minutes later after much coaxing, her right eyelid opened and the ice blue of her eyes looked ahead.

Grace looked at the doctor as she noticed that Catherine didn't seem to be responding to the light, there was no stimulation at all.

The doctor used a penlight to flash in the eye and it didn't move he sighed heavily. "Catherine, how about you open the left eye, just for me?"

Catherine tried to move and was prevented by traction equipment on her abused body. "Who the hell are you?" her voice cracked with its enforced disuse although her tone, clearly the Catherine they all knew.

Paul couldn't help the smile that crossed his face and Grace snorted and laughed softly.

"Guess your vocal cords are going to be okay at least," the doctor stated un-necessarily. "I'm your doctor, Doctor Assanti."

Her left eye opened reluctantly. "It hurts like hell to open this one," she exclaimed.

The doctor gave it the same examination and he reluctantly nodded his head in resignation.

"Haven't you paid the bills around here, why are all the lights off in this place?" Catherine finally asked the question the others had dreaded, after seeing the doctor's expression.

The doctor looked at the other people in the room, Paul looked to Grace. She reluctantly looked at the doctor and he gave her a reassuring look.

"Have you all gone deaf too? Grace?" It was tentative and held for the first time a hint of fear.

"No, no Catherine I'm here. It appears that the blow to your head has caused some problem with your vision." Grace pointed out as tactfully as possible in the circumstances.

Catherine turned her head in the direction of the voice of her friend, "Grace, are you telling me I'm blind?"

Grace pursed her lips in thought. "Yeah, in a nutshell, that's exactly right, teach you to be a hero won't it." Grace tried a touch of levity.

Catherine knew that Grace being funny at this point meant that it wasn't good. So what the hell else was wrong?  "Okay, give me the bottom line and a drink too?"

"Doctor?" Grace passed the problem over to him, he knew all the facts, although she snagged a paper cup of water and gently administered a few drops to her friend.

Clearing his voice Doctor Assanti explained the injuries. "Well, it appears that you have suffered blindness that could be temporary, we will have to run tests. You will need months of therapy for your shoulder; it was broken in several places. You will also need skin grafts on your face and left side of your body. That will take maybe the best part of a year to complete. Your hair will eventually grow again as will your eyebrows," he clinically stated.

"Oh, so effectively I look a bloody mess?" She eventually said in a tone that bordered on indifference.

"Yes, but it could all be normal in about a year." The doctor finished.

"Perhaps but the eyes might never recover, right?" Catherine dogmatically continued.

"I cannot say at this point, we need to run tests." He smiled at the others in the room.

"Well, you better get a bloody move on then and sort out those tests, do you think I'm going to stay here forever?" Catherine muttered, her voice gaining strength.

The doctor laughed out loud at the European woman who had indeed more strength of character than he had seen in many years; her injuries without the blindness would have finished many off. This woman was beautiful. But her beauty also transcended the flesh; she had a strength within that no one could deflate. Her other friend had been right, she would fight, and she wasn't finished yet!

"Right away, how does this afternoon sound for the first one?" he asked her, noticing she was tiring.

"Good." She gradually closed both her eyes and mumbled, "Are the children okay Grace, you haven't left them to fend for themselves have you?" Grace heard the old sarcastic humour return in her friend's comment.

"Would I do a thing like that Catherine?" She replied innocently.

"Mmmmm, smart thinking Grace, or you might be looking for another position in life." Her hand clutched at Grace's as a spasm of pain went through her left temple.

Smiling at her friend's unexpected banter, she pressed the hand back in comfort. "Paul is here," Grace said softly.

Paul moved away from the wall he'd been leaning against. Moving close to the bed, "Hi Catherine."

"Hi Paul, so what's with you taking time off to see this wreck?" Paul had to wince at the statement, for how right she was at this moment in time.

"Oh, you know me always was a little nosy," he laughed softly.

"Glad to hear it. How's James?" She asked sleepily.

"He's fine, sends his love." Paul grinned at her attitude; it had been difficult to gauge how she would react when she woke for the first time after the accident.

"Well, I guess one day I will get to meet him, but maybe we will take a rain check for the moment okay?" Catherine frowned as if she tried to recall a memory and it refused to appear.

"Sure, whenever you want. Jace is fine also." He couldn't help it; if she had changed her mind he would do something about it and quickly.

"You've seen her recently?" It was a whisper. Grace looked at Paul and smiled, she had been thinking the same thing herself, Jace should be here, what the hell did it matter if the woman was married, she needed to know, she needed to be here to help Catherine through the trauma.

"Yeah, the night of the accident. We had a party, she asked about you, how you were," he waited.

"How I am?' Catherine's lips curled in a wry smile 'appropriate.' Closing her eyes briefly she finally opened the sightless orbs and spoke again. "Was she with her...husband?" Catherine asked quietly.

"Yeah, Adamson was there. Jace wants to see you Catherine!" he said quickly.

"No!" her voice gained extra strength from some unknown region in her battered body.

"Because of your present condition?" Grace asked in interest.

"No. She's married, that should say it all!" A tear slid from Catherine's right eye there was nothing she could do to prevent it.

"She loves you Catherine," Paul said finally.

"No you're wrong, she loved me. Let's have the sentiment correctly interpreted here not love, loved! She proved that by marrying Adamson. I need to get some sleep." Discussion closed.

Paul looked at Grace and they both had a sad look on their faces, they noticed the even breathing of their mutual friend. "What about coffee?"

"Love one, she'll come round Paul, trust me. Looks like I'm going to get months to work on her." Grace placed her arm on his elbow and they went towards the vending machine.

"I hope so, they both look lost without each other. It's as if they are both searching for something out of reach," he shook his head at the thought.

"They are. I think it's called a soulmate and they are each other's," Grace said simply.

Chapter Forty-one
(Six months later)

Jake had been given Ruby as a present for his eleventh birthday. Catherine hadn't been on the ranch at the time, but she made up for it when she'd arrived home, four months ago.

She was still struggling to move her left arm, but it was slowly responding and the therapist who came six days a week, said it would eventually be normal. The skin grafts had taken surprisingly well, her own bodies healing mechanism amazing her doctors.  She had smiled at their faces on more than one occasion. Catherine was amazing for her recuperative powers, which no one could dispute!

The blindness unfortunately hadn't responded to treatment as well as they had all wanted! Her right eye had eventually cleared a little and she could see images and colours but nothing distinct, mere shadows. Her left eye where the main impact of the blow had occurred was totally useless. For anyone but Catherine she suspected the toll of the injuries would have certainly sent them into depression at the very least. Not Catherine Warriorson!

She had conceded the need for a dog to guide her around the ranch, especially if she left the confides of the house. Fortunately the dog ended up as much a part of the family as it did Catherine's lifeline to the outside world.

Turning to observe the porch Grace saw Catherine sitting patiently with the dog at her feet, she was stroking its ears. Grace could never work out if she did that to ease tension or because the dog liked it, either way it was endearing to watch. There was a serene expression on Catherine's face when she did this particular exercise with the dog.

Venturing out on the porch Catherine glanced towards the sound and her right eye tried to focus on the figure coming towards her. "Grace?" A strong vibrant voice asked.

"Yeah, wondered if you wanted tea before you set off with the urchins?" Her smile one of thankfulness Catherine was alive nothing else was important!

"No, thanks anyway, think I'll have one when we get back. I'm taking them to Cutters Ridge today, thought it was time they met Lucas and Adam." Her voice quietly explained.

"Good idea, time they met the rest of the family." Grace often wondered what went on in this woman's head, Catherine had never truly opened up to her even in the months of agonising pain she'd suffered. Her solitary bearing of the pain and the
emotional turmoil it must have created was heart breaking to observe. There was nothing she could do but be there for Catherine and that she did most willingly.

"Thought so myself, it's Lucas's birthday today."

That surprised Grace; she had never volunteered the information before.

"How are you getting to Cutter's?" Grace asked.

"Colin is taking us to the plateau and then, we will walk. He'll come back about two hours later, unless the weather takes a turn for the worse. He's not going to leave us on the Ridge, that's something I would do," she had a sad smile, a bittersweet memory obviously taking over her thoughts.

"Good Colin needs to take a look over at some of the fences." Grace had seen the sad expression; she also knew the memory that Catherine had invoked.

"Have you decided what to do about Colin?" Catherine asked her un-expectedly.

Grace moved towards the railing on the porch and sighed. "Not really."

"What do you want to do?" Catherine continued to stroke the dog's ears and listened intently for the answer.

"If you had asked me that six months or more ago I would have told you that Colin didn't picture in any frame I had available.  Now, well he kind of pops up in them all. Strange really." Grace said slowly, almost savouring the words.

"Not strange, only love," Catherine supplied.

"You would know all about that." Grace looked at the tall woman who stood up at the comment, her black hair had grown to the nape of her neck, grey pronounced at the temples these days, and it gave her a rakish ambience. The burn marks travelling down the left side of her face now fading with the grafts. She was certainly a woman you didn't ever forget meeting. Then again, she had always been a force to be reckoned with!

"Yes I would, I just left it a little late to find out." Catherine quietly reflected.

"Its never too late Catherine." Grace said softly.

"Ah, how I wish you were right on that one Grace, how I wish." She sighed heavily and moved closer to the other woman at the railing.

"You know what's wrong with you Catherine?"

"What?" Catherine turned her sightless eyes on her friend, the ice blue gaze unable to focus.

"You're a hero and you refuse to believe it! There are people alive today who can vouch for that, kids close by that have a happy home and people who love them because of you. There are also numerous other kids who will benefit from the gift of the trust fund you set up in your son's name and they will never know that!" Grace challenged her friend.

"Hero?' Catherine snorted. "Get out of here Grace, whatever I am it certainly isn't that! I'm more like the old crock you put out to pasture because its useful days are over." Catherine snorted at the suggestion.

"Okay, have it your way but one day you're going to see it for yourself, bank on it." Grace said confidently.

"How about you're my hero Grace?" Catherine said quietly

"Ah, how you wish Catherine." Grace laughingly placed her hand on the other woman's shoulder.

"I might wish for something more maybe?" A wistful note clearly telling Grace it wasn't her Catherine was thinking about.

"In your dreams Catherine, alas I'm not your type. But I do wonder who is?" Grace watched the expressions flit across the battle scarred face.

"At the moment, I don't have a who." She stated blandly, knowing full well the lie she told.

"I think you still hurt too much at the moment to have a realistic look at what you need or want. But seriously, I didn't have you down as anything other than straight until Jace came along and blew that out of the window. Latency becomes you I might add." Grace chuckled at the thought.

Catherine wasn't sure if she should reply or not, when she did it surprised both women. "The only time I ever felt emotionally involved with another woman was with Maria in the prison, but we never took it to the physical plane, I doubt we ever would have. The other times I'd been with women were in a drugged haze they never counted. That was until Jace, it was different, oh so different." Catherine's voice held an awed quality about it as she spoke.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Grace offered her a shoulder to cry on if she needed it.

"No, not yet anyway, perhaps one day when it doesn't hurt quite so much." Catherine gave her a weak smile.

"Okay I can go with that. May I ask you one question?"

"Sure go ahead, you will anyway." Catherine smiled, her scar tissue tightening on the left side of her face, inwardly making her flinch at the feeling it caused.

"How do you feel about Jace? Now I mean?" Grace knew her words would it raw spots in Catherine.

Catherine mulled over the question and Grace sighed thinking she wasn't going to get any answer today. "Lyrics tell a story Grace, mine for Jace would be 'Forsaking Forever,' you know the one by Infinity?"

"Oh, so you do listen to the lyrics too? I often wondered. Now that paints it's own story. Pretty apt for your current situation." Grace laughed softly there was hope yet!

"Modern poetry to music Grace, perhaps I should buy a music studio? Would go with my scandalised image now wouldn't it, the drugs and drink, what do you think?" She laughed depreciatingly.

"I'll go with the modern poetry to music, but no, leave the music studios to the other's. Lady the only drugs you take now are for medicinal purposes and eventually that will stop." She closed her hand over the larger one resting on the rail; the lesson would be over soon.

~ ~ ~

Now, she watched the LA shopper's downtown at Starbucks, it was her favourite coffee shop in town. Her friend waving furiously at her from the window opposite caught her eye she, smiled widely at him in welcome.

Making his way over she noticed he wasn't alone, following closely behind but stopping to place their order was Paul Strong; her heart leapt when she saw him. He was her only fragile thread to Catherine.

"Hey Jace, how's life treating you?" James beamed at her and bent over to kiss her cheek.

"Good, I can't complain. What about you?" She smiled directly at him, pleasure evident in her eyes at his presence.

"Great, things have been very good, especially now that Paul is based in LA, he glanced over at his partner.

"I didn't realise Paul was going to be with you today?" She stated quietly.

"Sorry Jace, spur of the moment decision by him not me, I might add. When he knew I was meeting you, he got all-mysterious on me, and wanted to come along, so he was allowed. That, and I want to know what the deal is." He chuckled as Paul made his way over with three coffees of varying choices.

"Hello Paul." Jace held her hand out politely. He looked at it and smiled wryly.

"Guess I don't warrant the kiss on the cheek huh?" He laughed softly.

Jace looked surprised and blushed a little, having no answer for the man now seated opposite her.

"James tells me that your divorce came through last month, sorry to hear it didn't work out." Paul said, although his eyes didn't mirror the sentiment of the words.

Once again the blush spread over her cheeks, it was becoming quite annoying. "Yes, Peter and I split up six months ago, he was going to Europe for a year, so I guess it was a good a time as any to finish it. A clean break well, as clean as it gets with this little complication." She patted her belly, which showed the evidence of a pregnancy in the later months.

Paul and James looked at her; she looked like any young mother to be, healthy and presumably happy. The only reason to suspect any different was the semi-permanent sadness that looked out at the world from her green expressive eyes.

"Does he know about the baby?" This time James added to the conversation.

Sipping from her cappuccino, she smiled and nodded her head. "We decided that if I needed anything he would be there for me."

"But you don't need him right?" James supplied cautiously.

"No I don't need him, the baby and I will be fine. The position I have pays well and I can work from home initially. I have a very understanding boss." Jace smiled at her friend.

"He must be!" Paul said in surprise.

"Actually he's a she, and yes she is!" Jace laughed her eyes sparkling.

"How well do you know her?" Paul asked a little shortly, he hadn't liked the fact that someone else could be involved with Jace.

Jace and James looked at him in surprise. Paul noted their expressions and shamefacedly looked out of the window in embarrassment.

"If I didn't know better Paul, I would think you're looking out for my interests here, when did you take up being my protector?" Jace asked her interest piqued.

Silence stretched out for several minutes, eventually James broke it, "The lady asked you a question Paul?" This was totally unlike his partner.

"From the day Catherine couldn't." He finally replied and looked Jace in the eyes with a piercing stare.

Catching her breath, she almost choked over her coffee. "What? What do you mean?" She responded breathlessly. 'Catherine couldn't? What did that mean?'

"Jace from the moment you left Catherine, she has always known what you were doing. When you married, where you live, when you went to the gym. It was her way of being in your life but not, so to speak. Her prime motive was to see that you were always taken care of; she wanted your happiness above all else even at the expense of her own! She did it so well too, I bet you never knew she had a private detective around those first three months?" He explained mechanically.

"She had me followed? That's an invasion of my privacy!" Jace gasped out, angry with Catherine's tactics. Once again her mind taking a negative stance against her ex-lover instead of being happy she'd cared enough to do that. Her heart became heavy, she immediately wished she hadn't made the statement.

"She thought it for the best, she had to leave the country for a while and couldn't do it herself, not with any degree of success anyway. Don't be angry with her Jace, she loved you at the time."

His final remark bringing tears to her eyes, "You said Catherine isn't able or words to that effect, is she ill?" Jace answered him after gulping down more coffee.

James decided that the conversation, although interesting could do with a coffee refill for all of them. He held up his cup quizzically, and quickly went to the counter for the refills.

"She's not technically ill. She...how do I put this?" Paul frowned; he didn't want to sound melodramatic.

"Why not try the facts?" Jace gave him her full attention.

"The facts? Yeah, I could do that, how many months are you?" He eyed her swollen belly cautiously.

"Six months and don't worry this baby is staying put." Jace stroked her belly absently.

"Was it conceived on the night of the party?" He looked at her with interest.

Jace stared at him; he had hit the nail on the head. It had also been the night she had finally admitted the marriage wasn't going to work. Her thoughts as they made love had been on Catherine, it had been as if her mind was replacing her husband with Catherine's image. "Yes," she said in a subdued voice.

"I wondered. She was in an accident, a fire that night Jace. We thought we had lost her; she was a mess. To be frank, she still is in many ways." Paul punched out the details in a staccato voice.

"She was injured and possibly dying that night and you never told me? Why?" came the strangled response, tears now clearly making their way down her cheeks, they were uncontrollable. It would have been useless for her to try and stop them.

"She gave explicit instructions not to disclose where she was or anything about her. We carried out those instructions to the letter, especially once you were married and theoretically it didn't matter what happened to her." Paul shrugged, seeing the pain etched in the face opposite him.

"Where is she now? I assume you're visit here today is to tell me that? Not taunt me more," Jace choked out.

"Catherine has maintained her expressed wish that you are not to be informed of her condition or her whereabouts," he said slowly.

"Right, so what good is telling me all this if her wishes are sacrosanct with you?" Jace gave him an angry look.

"Because I don't agree with her now! Maybe while you were married, she was right to keep things from you. Now...well now you need her as much as she needs you, maybe you might need her even more?" He smiled genuinely at her.

Taking his hand that was resting on the table. "Thank you." Her heart was surely going to burst with happiness.

"Hey don't thank me yet! You've got to get through to our stoic friend, who won't be easy." He winked at her, as she looked perplexed. "You have a couple of things in your favour though. Notably I have a visit planned in a few days to see her and a certain friend called Grace, who says hi by the way, who my dear Jace will get you the opening." He laughed at her tearstained face suddenly having the expression of a Cheshire cat.

"Grace? How is Grace? Is she married yet?" Jace spluttered out.

"Grace is fine, or was when I talked to her yesterday. No, she isn't married yet. She sends her love and says don't drown me in those tears you're so famous for," he laughed at her blush.

"She hasn't changed any then?" Jace gave him a tearstained glance.

"Guess not." He saw James making his way over with the second coffees.

"Good man James. Now Jace, we need to arrange for you to get time off work and make the trip with me; if that's what you want of course?" It never occurred to him that she might not want to go.

"Oh Paul, if I have to give up my job to go and see her I will. Not going isn't even a thought for consideration." It was something she wouldn't do for her ex-husband, but he hadn't been Catherine.

James smiled at the change in the stances of both parties. Great! Everything was going to be just fine, well wasn't it always in Tinsel Town!

~ ~ ~

Colin had pointed certain natural landmarks to the children, just in case he'd explained, as Catherine had snorted at her possible inability to steer them to the right spot.

She could feel that they were close by; she had always felt at peace when she came here, as if Adam and Lucas were willing it from their resting-place.

"Catherine there's a small fenced area behind this outcrop, is that what we're looking for?" Jake asked quietly, he had Catherine's large right hand in his left and Lisa's in his right hand. Catherine's guide dog Rio was in the weaker left hand, it was her way of trying to strengthen the annoying limb.

"Yes, that's it Jake. Do you want to go ahead and open the gate for us to go through?" She turned her sightless eyes on the boy at her side.

"Sure. Here Lisa, take Catherine's hand." He bounced off towards the gate.

"Will this make you unhappy again Catherine?" Lisa asked her in a small voice.

"No Lisa, it's time to let the past go! That's why I want you both to know about my family, you would have all got on marvellously I'm sure of it," she responded softly.

Walking slowly towards the fenced area, they went through the gate, the grass under foot springy and long she could feel it trail over her boots at the ankle. "Needs to be cut here I think."

"Can we do it for you?" Jake asked her eagerly.

"Why that's nice of you Jake, once a month, okay with you both?" she turned her head to the girl at her side, sometimes it was uncanny that either he or she would speak for them both and they never ever were wrong. 'Some kind of connection here!'

Silence descended as they shared the beauty of the small valley that held the family the children would never meet.

Jake was the first one to break the silence, which was not melancholy, just thoughtful. "Your husband was old Catherine!" the boy exclaimed.

Catherine for the first time in months laughed heartily at the arrogance of youth. "He wasn't that old! What must you think of me?" She was still chuckling as she answered him and he leaned forward so she could put her hand through his hair; it was a gesture she had often done when she had been restricted to her bed and they had the story hour together. That had reminded her painfully of the last months of her mother's illness as she had read to her mother and brother. Jake and Lisa now took turns in the reading session, now that she was no longer capable of the task or at least, what she was prepared to admit she wasn't capable of.

"You're not old? Are you?" This time Lisa asked the question.

"I'm older than you both, that is going to have to be your answer to that one," she smirked at them, her face tightening on the left side. The children had never commented or seemed afraid of her condition when she had finally come home four months ago, but the descriptions she had received from the nurses had left her in little doubt that her profile on the left side was scary to most people. Now, it was healing through skin grafts but it still had a way to go.

Rio the dog had been let off her harness so that she could explore in the close vicinity to her mistress. Lisa in particular loved to run around with the dog, it was a wonderful image to conjure up when the darkness threatened to overwhelm her.

"What did Lucas look like?" Lisa's curiosity overcame her promise to Grace not to pry.

"He looked, a little like Jake, dark hair but he had my blue eyes and his fathers smile, Adam had a very engaging smile, a little like seeing Santa Claus on Christmas day." Catherine was awash with memories of her son and husband and they were good memories, from the early days of her marriage.

"That doesn't make sense Catherine, how can a smile look like Santa on Christmas day?" Jake said disparagingly. 'Adults, did they know anything!'

Laughing again Catherine turned in the direction of the boy's voice and saw his dim outline. "Ah, well Jake it's all a question of imagination, and what do you think about when you imagine Santa smiling on Christmas day?"

"He looks all red and happy and makes people laugh." Lisa said chuckling at the thought.

"Exactly! Jake what about you?" Catherine tilted her head in his direction.

"He has a jolly face, all glowing and happy," he muttered.

"Well, that's how I think of Adam's smile," Catherine said quietly.

The time moved all too fast as they made their way back to the top of Cutter's Ridge, where a ranch foreman was pacing up and down. Catherine smiled as she heard the pacing, one thing for being all but blind was the increase in some of her other senses. She smiled as she approached her friend.

"Been waiting long Colin?" She smirked, knowing that he was probably turning red at the moment.

"No, no Catherine, quite the opposite in fact." He said lamely.

Walking up to him she placed her hand on his shoulder and whispered into his ear. "Liar, but thank you for caring." She walked towards the vehicle she could just make out a hundred yards in front of her.

He was certainly blushing now as Lisa commented on his red cheeks, Catherine had to put her right hand over her mouth to stop the laughter, she was sure her ranch foreman wouldn't appreciate it.

They all clambered into the vehicle and took off back towards the house.

~ ~ ~

Chapter Forty-two

Jace was coming; she would arrive at any time now with Paul Strong. They had both agreed, that now Jace wasn't married, it was no longer necessary to keep the truth from her! Catherine hadn't been in a condition to check up on Jace for months and when she had finally asked, they had been honest but not exactly factually in everything that had happened to Jace in the past few months. They had said she was well, which she was most definitely; pregnancy gave her a glow according to Paul anyway.  They had omitted her divorce and well, the baby that was going to be up to Jace; as a matter of fact everything from here on in was entirely up to Jace.

This was all to do with love and what could only be described as the uniting of two old souls no matter what Catherine thought!

A vehicle was approaching from the West gate; it had to be them. Going onto the porch she waited with baited breath for the visitors to alight from their vehicle. Paul Strong was the first; he quickly went round to help the rather pregnant Jace Bardley from the car.

Jace saw her friend and a smile that simply made most lighthouses dim in comparison fix itself on her face. 'Yep, Paul had been right she was certainly glowing.'

Walking quicker than Grace expected Jace was suddenly flying up the stairs and into the older woman's arms. "Oh Grace, how I've missed you!" Were Jace's heartfelt words.

"Well, let me look at you Jace?" Grace finally extracted herself from the hug she had received from the younger woman. Turning Jace to face her, she noted the pink cheeks and the sparkling eyes and obviously the protruding belly that gave her very much the pregnant look.

Jace was a little embarrassed at the scrutiny and her cheeks coloured up at her friend's intense look. "You don't look so bad yourself?" Jace countered.

"Yeah, keeping up with those kids and not to mention Catherine, who I swear has decided she wants another crack at being an adolescent, keeps me going." She laughed.

Oh, how Jace had missed this simple pleasure of friendship with this woman. She had lost so much by being bitter and plain stupid!

Paul decided to make his presence know at this moment. "Well, ladies I know you have lots to talk about but just as a point of interest, where is our esteemed leader?"

Grace smiled at him, "Hi Paul, good to see you again. She's showing the kids, a special place in her heart." She hugged the man as Jace gave her a puzzled look at the statement. Grace had never missed much in her entire life, well, at least it never got boring she always thought to herself. "She has taken them to Cutter's Ridge and the family plot."

"Ah," was all Jace could muster.

"Right! Let's have some refreshments and get a plan into action; we haven't much time." Grace walked into the kitchen from the porch.

Her visitors followed closely behind her.

Sitting at the familiar kitchen table the young pregnant honey-haired woman reminisced; the place brought so many memories to her mind that tears began to fall before she even realised it.

Grace turned from her ministrations over making coffee and laughed happily. "That's my Jace, never could stop that river flowing could you?" Grace turned to Paul and saw him give the younger woman an indulgent smile. "Told you she would cry all over you Paul, was I right?"

"Yeah." He admitted as Jace wiped her tears and gave them a watery smile.

"What did I do in life to deserve you both thwarting Catherine?" Jace had wanted to ask this question for some time now.

Grace finally decided to answer. "You did what only you could do Jace, you loved Catherine wholeheartedly. She has never been the same since and it has helped her stay alive strange as it seems. Especially when you left her." Seeing the startled look in Jace's face, she gently touched her cheek in understanding. "She forgave you Jace, you helped her achieve something she thought she'd never experience, Love! For those of us who care about her, what's happening now goes beyond what Catherine wants, or what you want, it is just a matter of what the fates decide is our destiny, it's often difficult to define, if indeed we ever can. You just have to accept it and take what happiness it allows."

Jace considered what Grace had said and knew she had no tangible answer. "So what can I expect when I see her, not verbally but physically?" Paul had not divulged Catherine's state of health to Jace; he had hoped Grace would be better at that than he ever could be.

"Glad you asked, she's not the woman you met a year ago!" Grace looked at Jace shrewdly.

"Oh, I know that Grace, but come on has she grown two heads or something as drastic?" Jace returned Grace's gaze with a strong one of her own.

"You know something Bardley, you can be real impatient at times." Grace laughed at her friend.

"Yeah, well when it involves the woman I love, give me some slack okay?" Jace laughed at the teasing from her friend.

"Good call.' Grace laughed and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Catherine suffered severe burns to her head and left side of her body, skin grafts are working, but like everything it takes time.  You can see the ravages of that battle on her left profile. Her shoulder was broken in several places and some sort of motor problem has occurred to her left arm, the therapist is working on that, it gets a little better everyday."

Jace had kept her face blank of any expression it must have been horrific at the time of the fire, what she must have gone through.

"I guess I can cope with that, is there anything else?"

"Yes." Grace turned a serious face to Jace's and pulled her unexpectedly into an embrace that made her shudder at the shear intensity of the emotion Grace was emitting.

"That would be?" Jace kept her eyes glued to her friend's.

"Catherine is blind. Well, to all intents and purposes she's blind!" Grace softly explained the final injury.

Jace hadn't heard that! No, she hadn't heard Grace say Catherine was blind. Not to have the light of recognition shine from those ice blue eyes; they were so much a part of Catherine! "It's not fair!"

"Few things in life are ever fair Jace, but she's alive and I for one will thank God for that miracle everyday of my life." Grace said emphatically.

Jace looked at Grace and their glances locked in a shared emotion. "You say she's blind to all intents and purposes, exactly what does that mean?"

"Catherine can make shadows out with her right eye, but her left is totally blind." Grace gave her the facts.

Nothing was said in the room for several minutes, each had their own thoughts and all had a certain Catherine Devonshire-Warriorson as the main subject.

"Do you want to leave?" Paul finally said.

"Leave?" it was a whisper from Jace. 'Did they think that Catherine being blind would change her mind? What kind of love was it that would shrink from a disability? No! This was her heart reaching out, it didn't matter if Catherine was blind, deaf and dumb, she was here for the duration, and her soul demanded it!

"Yes leave, before she knows you have been here?" Paul asked her again.

"I don't want to leave! I want to hold her in my arms and thank god, whichever one that might be! That she's still alive for me to even have the opportunity to be in her presence, to embrace her, eyesight or no eye sight!" Jace responded her voice gaining in strength at each word.

"You know you say the nicest things Jace." Grace finally rejoined the conversation smiling.

"Must be the Californian genes." Jace flippantly replied.

"Good to hear, you must tell Catherine that one, maybe she won't be so anti-Californians in the future, can't be good for a steady relationship." Grace chuckled.

Walking towards the window of the kitchen, she saw a vehicle approach, time to put on that tea. "Well Jace, I hope you're up to this, she's about to get home."

Jace watched as Colin got out of the Land Rover, with Jake getting out of the front passenger side; Lisa falling out of the large vehicle making Jace laugh softly, the girl was exactly as she remembered!

Her eyes saw the door of the rear passenger side open and a dog jumped out of the vehicle, then waited patiently by the door, it's very demeanour indicating that it was waiting for someone important. Then long legs encased in jeans slid out gracefully, a tall form appearing from the vehicle with ease. Jace watched, as the person she had resigned herself to never seeing again was now, so close, so very close. Jace noticed the stiffness to the walk; the reaching for the harness of the dog was obviously an effort. Jace's heart started beating faster, and she winced as she saw pain etched in the beloved face of the raven-haired woman. Yet there was a confidence about the woman that belied her afflictions, she walked towards the house without a care, Lisa taking her right hand and skipping along constantly chatting to her tall companion. Jake had fallen into step beside Colin as they strolled off towards the stables.

Catherine was getting closer and closer.

Grace came over and placed a comforting arm over Jace's shoulders and smiled at her. "Sit Jace, she will go to her study now."

"How do you know that?" Jace asked puzzled.

"Ah well, let's just say she always does and our Catherine is a creature of habit these days."

Catherine ambled into the main house along with Lisa, who was the only one to enter the kitchen, she looked around and her eyes met Paul's and she smiled shyly at him. Then, she saw Jace for the first time; the child gave a whoop of joy and hurled herself at the body before her.

"Hey, be careful Lisa, Jace is having a baby." Grace admonished the child, but smiled to take the sting out of the words.

"Jace, Jace you came back to us?" The child was starry eyed and she was crying. Gently cradling her smaller form close to her, Jace placed a tender kiss on top of the small head.

"Did you do what I said Lisa?" Jace asked the child with tears of her own now appearing.

Grace just swallowed rapidly at the words and the emotions, "Yes Jace, everytime she was sad I held her hand. But she needs to have a hug from time to time too," the child said innocently.

"Glad to hear that Lisa. Thank you for loving Catherine for me while I've been gone." Jace spoke into the little girl's ear.

"That's okay Jace, I love Catherine too." Lisa whispered into Jace's ear.

Grace made tea and got Catherine's mug ready. "Your turn to serve the boss I think Jace, you up for it?"

"Oh, yes I'm certainly up for that and more." Jace replied happily.

"Great, don't forget to put it on her right side or she will know it's not me immediately."

"Thanks Grace." She hugged the other woman and took the mug of tea, and smiled at Lisa and Paul as she left the room.

Lisa turned to Grace, "Will Jace be staying forever now Grace?"

Grace smiled at the child and glanced briefly at Paul, who shrugged his shoulders. "It's hard to say Lisa, Catherine and Jace had a disagreement and they need to work through it, just like you do with Jake."

Lisa turned to Grace in all seriousness and a twinkle entered her eyes. "Oh well Grace, she will be staying then, because Jake and I always make up."

"Well, it's not always that easy Lisa." Grace tried to explain that adults didn't always act logically.

Getting up from her chair Lisa went over to the kitchen door. "Yes it is Grace, because they love each other, like we all do."  With that comment floating in the silent kitchen, she skipped out of the door towards the stables; she wanted to be the first to inform Jake of Jace's return.

Grace looked at Paul who was grinning broadly. "Guess she got that one right!"

~ ~ ~

She never turned when the door opened and 'Grace' entered. Hearing the mug placed gently on the table, she sighed heavily and pondered her recent visit to Adam and Lucas's graves with the children; it hadn't gone to badly. Her mind pre-occupied with other thoughts, she never heard the loading of the CD player in the room, it was only the faint strains of a record she vaguely recalled filtering into her consciousness that alerted her to the fact that maybe it wasn't Grace.

"Grace?" The commanding voice that Jace loved spoke into the room.

Jace looked at the older woman as she'd entered the room and had to stop herself running over to her and apologising on bended knee, the months had not been kind to either of them in any way.

Jace after placing the mug on the right hand side of Catherine, walked over to the CD player in the room, pleased things hadn't changed!

Placing the CD she had brought with her in the player, she pressed the play button and waited for a reaction, it came swiftly.

"No." Jace answered and then saw the shift of the body away from the window and gaze sightlessly into the interior of the study. Jace saw the expression of disbelief; hope and sadness appear on the marred features of Catherine's still very beautiful face.  This woman had captured her heart and only she had the key to allow it to feel happiness again.

Walking over to the other side of the desk, she approached Catherine as the music played the intro to 'I'm Here," by Infinity.

Jace placed a gentle finger on Catherine's lips as she tried to say something. "Please listen." Jace softly entreated her as she placed her smaller hand in Catherine's larger one.

You came into my life, not expecting anything, not wanting anything.

From the first day you challenged me, you offered me a world I never dreamed of.

At a distance your words pierced my heart, I feel your eyes protecting my soul.

You never cease to amaze, you are the life that I crave I'll always be here.

Never questioning the darkness I live, you tell me of the happier things.

As I task the demons to fight, will you fill my lonely soul with light?

There will never be enough words to describe this feeling inside,

When you whisper my name and leave doubt in the shade.

I'm here waiting for you until you want me too!

You never cease to amaze, you are the life that I crave I'll always be here.

With my heart in your hands, please keep it steadfast and safe.

I will let you teach me about love, if you let me follow my heart and that heart will forever be beside you!

Love will always touch my soul if you're there to follow me whole.

Be my light in the dark, let me be your love that makes you spark.

I'm here waiting for you, please accept it as true.

You never cease to amaze, you are the life that I crave I'll always be here.

The words of the song pounded deep in Catherine's heart. She flinched.

The song ended and Jace managed to stop Catherine from dropping her hand.

"Why did you come back? I haven't changed," Catherine said bleakly.

"No you haven't, but I have!" Jace said in earnest.

"I can't be what you want Jace, there are too many obstacles, especially now!" Catherine's face showing annoyance and frustration.

"Do you have any idea of exactly what I want from you?" Tears spilled down Jace's face, her eyes taking in the almost vacant ice blue eyes and the tense expression she saw on Catherine's face.

"Love, happiness, stability, no bad dreams. How's the husband?" Catherine responded gently, but her tone turned harsh as she mentioned Peter Adamson.

"Peter and I are divorced. It wasn't working." Jace admitted ruefully.

"I'm sorry, he seemed a nice guy." Catherine feigned solicitude.

"Oh Catherine, now I know your lying to me! Hades, you never talked to him except in anger. He helped me out of a situation I thought I couldn't handle, I should have had more faith." Jace simply said.

"What situation would be so bad you married a man you didn't love?" It was something she had wanted to know from the day she found out about the marriage; she was helpless to stop herself from asking.

"Hudson. She threatened to expose me as your lover."

Catherine expelled a sharp breath. "Obviously you wouldn't be happy with that situation and the circumstances knowing who and what I was?" Catherine finally said quietly. Her heart dropping at the thought that Jace had been ashamed of their relationship and association.

"No you don't understand! I just couldn't find you, all the avenues had been closed to me, what did it matter what I did with my life if you weren't in it! I used Peter to try to appease some of the pain, the pain I caused myself. I couldn't find you to tell you it didn't matter; none of it mattered, except my love for you. I'm sorry I hurt him and I'm sorry I hurt you Catherine!" Jace's voice was completely full of the pain and anguish she'd caused.

Catherine visibly paled at the comment. "I shut all the doors."

"You sure did." Jace let a tiny smile curve her lips; perhaps she had reached through to her.

"Where do we go from here?" Catherine asked, her eyes staring in her direction but for the most part unfocused.

"How about we start with friendship and see where we go from there?" Jace proposed tentatively.

"Is it going to be a long distance friendship?" Catherine wasn't sure she wanted the answer.

"Guess I should tell you one more thing before I answer that." Jace said slowly, her heart pumping hard.

"What is it?" Catherine cocked her head to the side and listened intently, her stance becoming anxious.

"You once asked me to consider helping you bring up two children if I recall?" Jace looked carefully at Catherine for any sign that her words were unwelcome.

"Yes, that's right." Catherine drawled.

"Well, how would you feel about it being three children?" She placed the right hand she held over her bulging stomach.

Catherine didn't know what to say, what to think, what to feel. Her hand was resting on the belly of her ex-lover, who was heavily with child, in fact it was moving under her hand. Her smile came un-consciously, the face taking on the expression of one being given a gift.

"What about Adamson, surely he will want some say in bringing up his child? Might be a little put out if he knew I would be influencing his son or daughter?" Her voice sounding harsh, particularly to her own sensitive hearing.

"Catherine, Peter knows I would take every opportunity to find you. He's too busy with his movies to be bothered with a child now anyway." Jace gently explained.

"What about later, will he want to see the child?" She wasn't convinced this was a good idea.

"I won't stop him if he does want to see the child, will that be a problem?" Jace held her breath.

Catherine pondered the question for a few seconds. "Guess not. I can always be away from home if he shows up."

Jace gazed directly at the woman she loved, knowing Catherine would perhaps never experience the gift of sight again, or probably never see clearly the child Jace would bring into the world, never see those beautiful eyes look at 'their' child in love and laughter. 'Catherine, one day I'm going to tell you how this child was conceived, because it's as much your child as it is mine even Peter knows that!'

"So, is it a yes?" Jace finally responded.

"I guess one more mouth to feed won't kill the bank balance." Catherine finally managed to say, her throat suddenly becoming very dry.

"Well, in that case to answer your earlier question. No! No, not this time Catherine, no more long-distance friendship for us.  Let's face it my love; you get into to much trouble without me. I thought maybe I could get a job close by, any ideas?"

Catherine laughed heartily at the comment. "It's possible I know of a position which might suit you." A smile played around the lips of the woman's gaunt features, she had certainly aged. Jace now noticed the grey at the temples in her hair that hadn't been there the last time they had seen each other.

"Then you want us to try again?" Jace said hopefully.

Catherine considered the question, her hand delicately balanced on the swollen abdomen of her friend; Jace nearly panicked when Catherine took longer than anticipated over the answer.

Catherine relinquished her tentative contact with Jace and turned back towards the window.

Suddenly the left hand that was scarred from the fire, reached out and gently with little strength behind it, took Jace's hand in hers. Putting the hand to her lips, she kissed the knuckles reverently and a smile radiated from her face and a glowing light to the ice blue eyes as they looked at the smaller woman, not really seeing. "The X stands for Xianthos."

Jace chuckled, it had taken a year to find that out and what a year!

'Wonder what would have happened if she had learned that from the first day?' Catherine had said she would never reveal it unless she trusted someone implicitly, hadn't that been one of the first conversations they had ever had?

Now to make the woman at her side realise it wasn't just friendship she needed, but her love too! Jace had her work cut out on that front, but hadn't Catherine offered her trust again? That was certainly a bridge worth crossing; it was a journey she was more than willing to take. Something to strive for and they had lots of time to do so, hadn't she once said the one word to encompass her feelings, 'Forever'!

Her soul now firmly locked in place with the one at her side, she had finally defined her destiny and come home.

The End

Return to the Academy

This is copyrighted material, all rights reserved.It may be reproduced, duplicated or printed for personal use only.
It may be reproduced, duplicated or printed for personal use only. For all other uses, please contact jmdragon