In Dreams She Came

Chapter 8: She Had No Fault

Catherine wrapped her arms around Matt. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not until -that is if- Josh comes back."

"Baby, are you okay?" Catherine asked softly.

"I will be. As long as he makes it home safe. I hope he gets back," Matt moaned in grief.

"Back?" Mari laughed. "Where would he go?"

"He called the number," Matt sighed. "He's going to meet someone."

"Hey, Cath, did you tell Matt about you know who?" Mariah smirked.

Catherine blushed. "Mari, stop."

"He should know that he has competition," Mari said teasingly.

"Mariah Jane!" Catherine laughed.

"I hope he makes it back," Matt moaned again.

Mari laughed. "There you go again! Why wouldn't he make it back?"

"Yeah, Matt, why are you so afraid?" Cath questioned.

"They wanted to meet at his office," Matt said slowly. "The Town Hall office."

"Oh...I'm sure he'll be fine," Catherine said optimistically.

Mari frowned. "You don't think-"

Matt collapsed onto the couch and put a hand to his forehead. "I don't know, Mari."

Catherine sat down next to him gently. "Is there anything I can do?" She asked softly. "Can I get you anything?"

"No, Hon, it's alright," Matt sighed.

Mari silently rose and headed toward the coat rack.

"Mariah, where are you going?" Cath asked slowly.

Mari looked at her friend as though it were obvious. "To get Josh before he gets himself arrested."

"Mari, don't. I'm begging you, don't," Catherine sighed. "If you get involved, it might make things worse. He could be in the middle of solving Mel's case right now."

"And what if he's not?" Mari snapped. "What if he's in some dark prison cell waiting for one of us to bail him out?"

Catherine was about to snap back when Matt grabbed her hand softly. She sighed. "Fine. Go."

Mari looked on the verge of tears. She rushed to Cath, wrapping her arms tightly around her. "If, for some reason, I don't make it back...I want you to know that you are the best and only friend and sister I have in the world."

Catherine held her tightly. "I love you, Mari," she sighed. "Your friendship means the world to me."

Mari didn't ever want to pull away, but she forced herself. "Goodbye, Cath." She hurriedly made her way put the door, careful not to show her heavy tears.

Catherine sighed with worry. "I hope she'll be alright."

Matt moaned and shook his head. "I wish I could say she will be."

"Have you replaced your bandage yet today?" Cath asked as she sat down, gesturing to his hand.

"Don't bother with me. I'm not worth it."

"You are worth it," Catherine sighed. "And if you don't replace it, it'll get infected."

"Go ahead."

Catherine grabbed her supplies and began to unwrap his hand. "God, Matt," she said with a small laugh. "I can't believe you hurt yourself this badly."