Chapter 7

"I need to speak with you!"

Erik continued walking through the gardens, as Labreau trailed after him. "Whatever you've heard, I don't want to discuss it!"

"Damn it Erik! Stop and look at me," Labreau shouted. "I have my questions about that, true. But, the reason I'm here has nothing to do with that. It's about Lucia!"

Erik immediately turned around. "What happened?'

"That child walked all the way from the convent to the opéra to find you," Labreau said, his voice rattled with anger. "She misses you, and I know you miss her!"

Erik's head hung with the shame at the thought of Lucia walking the city alone. "I do miss her! But, I can't be in New Orleans right now!"

Labreau narrowed his eyes, his jaw clenched. "So it is true what I heard about you and Cassandra."

Erik lifted his head, the guilt scrawled across his face. "Yes."

Labreau shut his eyes. "Why?"

"Let me explain_."

"When I heard it, I was sure it was just gossip," Labreau said. "I thought it had to have been a mistake! Some other man following her out that night, but not you!"

"She drugged me," Erik shouted. "That night during the toast, she handed me a glass of champagne. Later, I started feeling strange. As if I was wired with electricity. Nothing seemed real at all. I didn't feel like I had any control over myself. Then I saw her, wearing Meg's dress from her last performance. She was masked. Even the way she walked was exactly like Meg! In the state I was in I thought for sure that she had come back. So, I followed her. My memories of the night were both clear and then hazy. It felt real, and then not. When I woke up, and saw her next to me, I knew what happened. I am sure_."

"I don't know if I believe you," Labreau cut in. "We all saw the way you kissed her on stage! Maybe you wanted it to happen_."

"Listen to me," Erik shouted. "Labreau, you have been my friend for years. You know Meg and I better than almost anyone! Do you honestly believe that I would willingly throw my marriage away for a woman I've only known two months?"

Labreau shook his head. "I never thought you would. But, the way the two of you were together_."

"I was tempted, yes! But, after the kiss I told her to stay away from me!"

Labreau let out a weighted sigh, and dropped onto a stone bench behind them. "I don't know what to think. I want to trust what you're saying."

Erik joined him. "When we said our goodbyes that night, I told you I was leaving to come here, didn't I?"

"Yes," Labreau said.

"You saw Henri and my carriage waiting at the side entrance."

Labreau nodded. "Yes, I do remember. I invited him inside to wait for you, but he said that you wouldn't be long."

"Again, think of what you know of me. Why would I have Henri wait at the side entrance, only to walk through a crowd of strangers and out the front doors? If I had planned to run off with Cassandra, I would have taken her out the side entrance where no one would have seen us. None of what happened makes any sense if you know me."

Labreau raised his head to look at Erik, locked down in silence and thought. Shame crossed his face, then trust.

"I'm sorry, mon ami. This last week has been so draining. When Lucia came and I saw how upset she was, it broke me down. I was so angry and hurt for her. With that and all the rumors circling around, I just lost my senses. Forgive me?"

Erik dropped a hand on his shoulder, and nodded. "I set myself up for this. I let her in too quickly."

"I'm partly to blame," Labreau said. "Hiring her right off the street. I never bothered to write to her mentor in Paris. I should have. Perhpas we would have found out who she really was."

"But, what happened was mostly my fault," Erik admitted. "She came here a few days before the premier. Like a fool I allowed her to stay the night. Later, when we were alone, she made it clear that she wanted more from me. I thought I could control the situation. But, now you see how that turned out."

Labreau forced himself up from the bench. "I have to go!"

"What are you going to do," Erik asked.

"What I should have done before," Labreau said over his shoulder. "I'm going to send that conniving bitch packing!"


"What else are you taking Señora?"

Meg looked around at the piles of gifts that filled the suite. "As much as I can fit into my trunk. Whatever is left is yours."

Her maid inclined her head with a smile. "Gracias Señora"

The sound of hard erratic knocking at the door halted their hurried packing. She heard Antonio shouting her name outside. The maid turned to her with a worried face.

"Should I let him in?"

Meg braced herself for what was coming. She expected that he would be angry with her for not coming, but she never expected what she heard on the other side of her door. The maid quickly unlocked the door and rushed aside as it flew open.

"Get out," Antonio yelled at her.

Meg sucked back her fear as he walked in. The angry man who stood before her seemed like a stranger. She stepped back, trying to create as much distance as she could between them.

"You need to calm down," she said, her hands balled into nervous fists at her side.

"You come to me, making me believe that we are finally going to be together, and now you're leaving!" He kicked a box aside as he advanced on her. "I need for you to tell me why!"

Meg stuck a hand out in warning. "I told you to calm down!"

He stopped, his face so taut with anger it looked like it would crack. "Of course. I'll be calm. You kept me waiting all night like a fool. But, of course, I'll be calm."

"When I went to you in the stable, I was hurting. I wasn't thinking. Yes, I wanted to be with you, but it wasn't right!"

"It was and it is," he countered. "I know about what your husband did to you! How he humiliated you in front of most of New Orleans. The last thing you need to be doing is packing your things!"

"I have to go back, Antonio! I have to know the truth."

"But, my sister saw everything," he protested. "He kissed another woman and then left with her! That's the truth! You don't need to go back and be hurt more than you already are Meg!"

"I love him," she cried. "I love him and I can't turn my back on that without knowing the truth for myself, and for Lucia!"

He stepped to her. "Meg. Look at me, please. Right now you have a chance for an entirely new life. One where everything is wide open for you. For us!"

"Antonio, even if I didn't love Erik and I was free, there is no chance for us."

"Yes, there is." He grabbed hold of her shoulders. "We have it right now. All you have to do is say the word, and we'll leave together!"

"I love Erik, Antonio," she whispered. "I know you don't understand."

He let go of her away, and backed away. "You want to go back to him? Humiliate yourself? Go! But, when it's over and he's gone don't think of me."

Meg shook her head at his threats. "I won't, and I hope that you do move on and find love for yourself. Then perhaps you will be able to look back and understand my choice."

He shook his head, his mouth set in a grim line. "You will regret this. I know it."

Meg remained as steady as the marble goddess in the maze. "Goodbye Antonio."


"Where is she?" Labreau's voice echoed loudly through the opéra house as he went from one dressing room to another. Every face he met was blank, and every mouth dry of answers. "Cassandra Moreau! Don't stand there gaping at me as if none of you don't know!"

"She's gone, Monsieur."

He turned to look at the owner of the timid voice behind him. Nanette, the dresser stood looking up at him like a doomed mouse to a cat. Labreau approached her, trying to keep himself calm.

"And she went where," he asked, his voice strained.

Nanette shrugged. "She came a couple of hours ago, and said that she was resigning from the company. After she gathered her things from her dressing room, she stopped by your office to leave you her written resignation."

Labreau ran hard, gasping for breath as he charged through the halls to his office door. On his desk was a sheet of crisp white paper marked by neat, precise handwriting.

Dear Monsieur Labreau,

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this company, but I am afraid my time here is over. My desires are calling me elsewhere. Being a man who leads by passion, I know you will understand. Again, my deepest thanks to you.

Cassandra Moreau

"Claude," Labreau yelled. "Claude, get in here!"

The lanky blonde errand boy strode in. "Monsieur?"

Labreau turned Cassandra's letter over and scribbled out a note to Erik. "I need for you to run an errand for me. It will take you out of the city, past Bayou St. John." He shoved the letter into a envelope and handed it to Claude. "You are to take this to Monsieur De Laval at Maison Azelée. I want you there before dark! Take my horse!"


Cassandra balled up her fist, beating on the polished oak doors of Maison Azelée. She spotted Lysette's face in one of the windows, her jade colored eyes filled with contempt. Cassandra emitted a frustrated laugh as the curtains were shut.

Go ahead and close every curtain, you stupid bitch! I'm not going anywhere...

She returned to the door, beating it again. "Erik! Erik, open up!"

The sound of the locks turning, prompted her to step back. Of course, it wasn't Erik who stepped out, but Lysette, extending a long barreled shot gun.

Eying it, Cassandra laughed. "That's no way to greet a lady."

Lysette smirked, pushing the cold barrel against her chest. "I don't see a lady here."

Cassandra smirked, keeping her eyes Lysette's face. "Do you expect me to believe that you're really going to shoot me?"

Lysette cocked the gun, and placed a finger on the trigger. "I'm more than prepared to do it."

"Wouldn't that attract some attention," Cassandra asked.

"Our nearest neighbor is two miles away. Besides, we're in the bayou. A gun fired is usually the sign of dinner being bagged, or a trespasser being taught a lesson."

Cassandra shoved the barrel away. "Erik! Erik, please come out!"

He appeared in the door way, smiling at Lysette. "You can go inside. I'll handle this."

Lysette kept the rifle aimed at her. "I think I should stay."

Erik cocked his head in the direction of the door in silent command, as Lysette sullenly obeyed. When the door was shut he turned back to her. Cassandra smiled in relief, as she moved closer to him.

"Now, we can talk privately. We have so much to discuss."

"I warned you that I never wanted to see your face again." There was an edge to his voice that she had never heard before. Before, there was always a hint of weakness that told her that he wanted to bend. But, not then.

"After what we've shared you can't mean it. I refuse to believe that!" She reached for him.

He grabbed her arm, his fingers digging into her skin. "We shared nothing! When you drug a man and trick him, there really is nothing between you."

"You're lying," she said through clenched teeth. "Even now, I can feel that you're fighting this!"

He shoved his face into to hers. "I will never love you! Do you understand? Now leave!" He shoved her back, his hand on the door handle behind him. "And if I ever find you on my property again, I will shoot you myself."

Rubbing her arm, she stared at him, feeling herself running hot with hatred and desire. His words were like a fist to her face. Yet, she wanted him even more. The door shut on his back, and she heard the locks turning.

This isn't the end Erik. Not even close...


The sun had just dropped below the horizon, as Erik looked out the window. Lysette walked up beside him, a steady hand on his shoulder.

"She's finally gone?"

"Yes," he breathed. "Thank you for what you did. But, I don't need you to fight my battles for me."

She lifted her shoulders. "Sometimes, a man needs back up. Even when he's made a mistake."

The morning he returned to Maison Azelée he knew that she already understood what happened. He could see the disappointment in her eyes every time they encountered each other. Yet, she never said a word. "Lysette, I do love Meg."

"I know you do," she sighed. "I knew within the first few days of my arrival here. Any time I mentioned her name, I saw how it affected you. I've watched the two of you love and care for each other ever since then. And, I know that no matter what happens when she returns, that the two of you will be alright."

"I hope so," he whispered.

The sound of a horse racing up the drive sent Lysette back to the window. "It's some boy on a horse. Let me see what he wants."

Erik followed her to the door as she cracked it open. But, he recognized Claude's tired face in the light of the gas lantern outside. Pulling open the door, he invited him in.

"Claude? What are you doing here?"

"Monsieur Labreau sent me with this," he handed him the dirt streaked envelope.

"Lysette, please fix Claude dinner, and let him rest."

Erik took the envelope into the hall and tore it open to read. The note in Labreau's hand was brief.

She's gone. I think she may be headed your way.

Erik sighed wearily. "Too late, my friend." He turned the letter over and read over her resignation. Lysette walked up behind him.

"Is everything alright?"

He looked the letter over, then tossed it into the fire. "For tonight."


Cassandra peered through the black cast iron railings of the fence that circled the Ursuline Convent. The grounds were dotted with groups of young girls, all dressed in white, their hair primly tied back in a rainbow of silk ribbons. But, there was no sign of Lucia. She continued following the fence, checking each young, milky face. Then she noticed there was one following her. A little ebony haired girl, no older than five stood watching her with curious eyes. Cassandra paused, giving her an angelic smile as she crooked a gloved finger at her little admirer. The little girl came to her without any hesitation.

"Hello darling," she said, her voice like sugar as she stooped down. "What's your name?"

"Theresa," she answered, smile shy. "You're so pretty."

Cassandra kept the honey flowing as she spoke. "You're so sweet Theresa. I bet you could help me. Would you like to help me?"

The little girl eagerly nodded her head. "Yes!"

"Do you know Lucia De Laval?"

Her hazel eyes brightened. "Yes!"

"Do you know where she is?"

She turned and pointed her delicate finger at one of the large oaks in the distance. "She's sitting over there on the swing."

Cassandra worked the small pearl bracelet off of her wrist and handed it to her through the fence. "This is for you, because I know you're going to be so helpful to me. Would you please go and tell Lucia that her friend from the opéra is here. Tell her that her father sent me."

Theresa nodded, and hurried in the direction of the oak tree. Cassandra smiled through the fence line, watching as her little messenger went to work.


Erik arrived at Ursuline Convent, and rang the bell at the entrance door. He stared anxiously up at the tiers of windows, thinking of Lucia. He hoped she would be glad to see him, despite his selfish absence. The door finally opened as the craggy face of one of the sisters appeared. Her expression changed from mild annoyance to surprise as she pulled the door open.

"Monsieur De Laval! Please come in!"

"Thank you sister," he said, entering the entrance hall. "I know I usually send word ahead, but_."

"Mother Superior will want to see you right away," she said, motioning him to follow. "We sent word to you, but I suspect that you were gone before the messenger reached you!"

"Wait! Is Lucia alright," he asked, hurrying after her.

"Mother Superior will tell you Monsieur," she said, opening the door into what he knew was Mother Superior's study.

He rushed inside, as Mother Superior rushed up from her desk. "Monsieur De Laval! Thank God you've come!"

"Where is Lucia," he demanded.

He could see the stress working behind the calm, pale face. "We don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know," he cried. "When was the last time you saw her?"

She turned away, slender hands pressed together in an almost prayer like pose. "It was this morning. We let the girls have time outside. When the hour was over, Sister Clotilde noticed she was missing. We questioned the girls, and no one seemed to know what happened to her. Then, one of our youngest students came forward. She said that a blonde woman called her over to the fence. She gave her some trinket and asked her to tell Lucia that you had sent her. Lucia went to the fence. This student went on to play and lost track of Lucia. It wasn't until the girls returned to their studies that we noticed she was missing."

He cursed under his breath as he paced around helplessly. "Did you call for the police?"

"Of course, and we sent word to you! They said that they would send officers to the opéra and to your home_."

Erik shove the door open, running through the halls and out to the carriage. "The opéra," he shouted at Henri. "Hurry!"


The opéra doors were wide open when he arrived. Policemen were questioning cast members all around. He searched for Labreau, but didn't see him among the anxious faces. Running back stage he found him engaged in a shouting match with Captain Guilbert. Erik hadn't seen the Captain in over a decade since Jean Hollier attacked Meg. He had hoped he never would have to again. When the Captain noticed him, he left Labreau.

"Monsieur De Laval, your daughter_."

"I know," Erik growled. "I just came from the convent!"

Labreau grasped his shoulder, his eyes red from tears. "We will find her mon ami. I_."

Captain Guilbert interrupted. "Monsieur De Laval. Did this Mademoiselle Moreau ever mention having any friends or family nearby?"

"No," Erik muttered. "She gave me the same story as everyone else you've questioned. No family as far as any of us know."

"Did she ever make any threats towards you or your daughter?"

Erik covered his face with his hands, fighting to catch his breath. Everything around him, including his emotions were spinning beyond his control. "No. She showed up at our home last night, but I sent her away. What the hell are you doing to actually find my daughter, Captain? Your officers standing around here won't bring her safely back to me!"

"We have some of our men patrolling the docks to make sure she's not trying to take Lucia out of the city. I also have men riding up and down the roads outside the city searching any carriages. We're also getting word to residents to be on the look out for this woman and Lucia. We are doing everything possible to find her!"

Erik shook his head, turning sharply on his heel. "It's not enough!"

"Monsieur! Wait! I have more questions," Captain Guilbert shouted.

Erik kept walking as Labreau followed. "I'm coming with you!"

They hurried outside to Henri and the carriage. "Where to now Monsieur?"

"Home," Erik yelled, opening the door. As he went to step inside he noticed a note waiting on the seat. He grabbed it and tore it open.

"What is it," Labreau asked.

Erik held up a hand to quiet him, as he read.

If you want to see Lucia again, keep this to yourself. We're waiting north where the camellia's grow wild. I know you'll figure it out.

He read over it several times, until the words swarmed through his head like an army of flies; senseless and vile. Labreau grabbed it out of his hand, and read it out loud.

"North. Where the camellias grow wild." He muttered the words over and over.

Erik sank against the side of the carriage, watching helplessly as Labreau stood lost in thought. "Does that mean anything to you?"

"It may," Labreau said. "I grew up north of here, as you know. Along the river. There was this one old house that had a grove of camellias. Hundreds of rows of them. My mother use to drive us past there often. I haven't been back there since_."

Erik pulled the door open and hurried inside. "Get in!"


"You can't go there alone," Labreau shouted as Erik pushed through the doors of Maison Azelée.

"I have to," Erik said tearing off his coat. "Henri! Saddle up a horse for me!"

Lysette came out of the kitchen, her face worked with confusion. "Monsieur? What happened?"

"Lucia is missing," he breathed. "I need for you to get me one of those old hunting knives that Gilles sent when I moved in. Sharpen it. I also need rope. The strongest you can find."

Lysette nodded her head, giving him a look of understanding. She already knew who was responsible. "I will find them."

Erik grabbed a sheet of paper off a nearby desk and shoved it at Labreau. "Draw me a map of this place."

Labreau opened his mouth to argue. "You need_."

"Do it!"

Labreau grabbed a pen out of the ink well, and hurriedly scribbled out a crude map. "It's a good 10 miles north from here as you follow the river. You will pass three old houses, or what's left of them. This one is farther off the road, but you will still be able to see it. The camellia grove borders the road." He handed the map to Erik. "Be careful, mon ami."

Erik nodded, and rushed out the door without a word.


It was dark, and the miles of river cut past him in a blur. As he rode, he could feel the past awakening inside him. All the anger. All the hate. The conscienceless determination to let nothing stand in his way. All that he thought had died when he finally said goodbye to Christine was clawing its way out of him. It tore through the thin veil of self control he had contructed, alive and hungry.

He was the old Erik once more.

As he rode up on what was left of the camellia grove, he made a vow to himself. If Lucia was hurt, Cassandra Moreau wouldn't live to see another sunrise.