Chapter 2

"I know what you mean, Catherine. Shock that she knew about me and did not report it to any kind of authorities. Invaded that she watched us for two years without our knowing about it. Amazed that she saw the love that we share from even that distance, wonder that her she called me Vince after her husband, amusement that she would have tried to take me from you, gratitude that she thought to help people that she did not even know, and love for someone who could accept and bless us with such kindness," Vincent said to her.

"Why do I continue to be surprised that you know exactly what I'm thinking and feeling?" Catherine laughed cuddling into Vincent's arms on the balcony where they had met to read the letter from the wonderful stranger. "There is another letter here from her lawyer, let me read that to you too."

Dear Ms. Chandler,

Enclosed is a letter from our client the late Mrs. Elizabeth Faber, she left instructions with us to deliver it to you upon her death which occurred three weeks ago. Her Will named you sole beneficiary and you have only to come into our office at your convenience to collect her estate. The contents of her apartment have been sold and included in the amount of the settlement that has been left to you. She did ask us to enclose this photo taken of her and her husband Vincent Faber on their wedding day. Once taxes and other fees have been taken out of the estate, the amount that will be passed to you is $3,472,093. She told us that you had instructions as to what to do with this money in the sealed letter she had left with us to deliver to you.

Condolences at your loss,

Gruber and Sons Attorneys at Law

Catherine looked up into Vincent's stunned face knowing just what he was feeling at that moment. "How in the world could anyone call three million a meager sum? Think of all the good this can do for those Below!"

"No, Catherine, think of the harm it will do! Remember when the gold was found on the ship?"

"But much of that strife was over who found it! This time the money is a gift and will be used only to help."

Vincent quietly pondered her words before he spoke, "What can this money give us that we do not already have? We have enough food to eat, and clothes to wear, we have books to teach the children with, and the love and companionship of a close knit community."

"What you say is true Vincent, but many of those things would not be possible without your Helpers in the world Above. Think how the money might help them, and with it they could give even more aid to your world. Father is always short on supplies for the hospital chamber even though I know Peter does all he can to help. This money could buy penicillin and other needed drugs."

"You are correct of course," he replied after a pause, then continued, "Even so, there is so much more money there than any of the things you mentioned would take."

"Yes, but what about setting up a college fund for the children that want to go to university? Think of Geoffrey learning to be a doctor. Samantha a writer or poet, and Eric a…well whatever he wants to be."

"A lawyer like you Catherine. That is his desire," Vincent informed her.

Blushing slightly, she dropped her head at the compliment. Speaking to try and cover her embarrassment, she said, "There are also many here Above that could be helped. Why not open free medical and legal clinic for those who cannot afford to pay for such things? It would also be a future source of employment for the children when they graduate with their degrees."

Shaking his shaggy head slowly back and forth, Vincent said, "Catherine you never cease to amaze me! Those are goals not even Father could argue against. With you overseeing these funds we can be sure they will be used wisely."

"Vincent, I don't want to be the sole administrator of this money! Many Below still view me as an outsider and wouldn't approve. I think there should be a committee to oversee it. I would suggest some long time Helpers like Peter and Mr. Smythe, and members of the Council too. Father, of course, and maybe Mary or William."

                                                                                                                         Chapter3