"AHA! See? I told you! I told you! Let go of me you big bafoons and arrest that

menteur terribles!" Madeline screamed the second Quentin had finished speaking.

For a moment, everyone just stood there dumbfounded, staring at Quentin,

Madeline, or (mostly) me. The Inspector's mouth was hanging open, probably

wondering how I could have lied so well that it got past his military training. After

those seconds which ticked by like years, one of the officers finally came to their

senses and grabbed me, forcing me down to my knees. I said nothing, just let the

tears form in my eyes as I thought of how close I had been to saving Erik, but they

had plenty to shout. "Corbeille de gouttière!" "Laide putain!" and "Diable trompeurs

épouse!" were among the favorites screamed at me by the fuming officers. The

Inspector came to his senses and said, "Officer Quentin, thank you kindly for

exposing this little leech. You came just in time; we were about to let her go, for her

lies were so convincing that she managed to coax us into a false sense of security

and make us think she was not the kidnapper we claimed her to be. Thanks to you,

she has been uncovered for what she really is; a dangerous con artist. Now," he

started, turning to me with disgust in his eyes, "enough of your lies. Where is the

child?" I looked away from him to Madeline, pridefully saying, "Tell me Madeline, if I

am the terrible liar you claim me to be, how did I manage to convince every one of

these men that you were a crazy old bat?" She hissed in anger, but there was a

triumphant look to her now, and she smugly watched as the Inspector slapped me

across the face. "Enough! You will answer my questions! Where have you hidden the

child?" I made a show of closing my mouth up tight, then glared at him silently. He

let out an angry huff of frustration, then lifted up his foot and shoved me to the

ground. "Maybe after a night locked away she'll be willing to talk." He said,

motioning two of the biggest guards forward. I closed my eyes as they yanked me up

off the ground and began dragging me away. I couldn't look at Quentin, knowing that

though I felt a sense of betrayal, it was not his fault. He'd been nothing but kind to

me when we'd met, and I'd returned it by deceiving him. This was obviously just

karma catching up to me. I was thrown into a dirty holding cell, enveloped in the

darkness, and once the door was locked and I was alone, I let the torrents of tears I'd

been holding back flow. Now, because I was careless, because of the law of

attraction, Erik could die. And there was no way to tell him to go on without me, to

run. We were both doomed. All I could think of for those miserable hours in the

damp, cold prison was Erik's future; what if they found him and returned him to

Madeline? She'd surely kill him for causing her so much trouble. What if someone

found him in the storeroom of the tavern? What if no one did, and he was trapped

there waiting for me until he starved to death? What if he caught a chill from the

shifting temperatures I always found to be present there? The more time passed, the

more worries popped into my head, and that's why I didn't hear the door to the

room open. It had been at least four hours of the deafening silence, so you'd think

my ears would prick at any little sound, but I guess my own sobs did a pretty good

job covering it up. "Éponine!" someone hissed. My head snapped up, now extremely

alert, and I waited for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. There was someone in the

room, someone coming closer and closer to the cell. "Éponine!" the man said again,

more urgently. My jaw dropped. "Quentin? What are you doing here?" He was now

right up against the bars. "Being dangerously stupid, so it would seem. But how

about you answer some of my questions." I nodded, wanting nothing more than for

someone to hear me out. Maybe I could even get him to take a message to Erik for me.

I nodded, and he started with, "Just… what… you're…" I laughed weakly, but knew

exactly what he was trying to express. "I didn't kidnap the child. Well, I took him

away, but he went with me willingly." He frowned, a sad look crossing his eyes.

"Please… Mademoiselle I'm already very confused… I hear you deny

everything they accused you of, even your own name. Now I don't know whether I

should believe that statement or not. Just tell me the straight truth, it's the only way

I can listen."

I looked at him pleadingly. "Please, I'm begging you to believe me. I do speak to

truth! His mother, that woman Madeline, abuses him. When I first met the boy he

had a huge wound in his shoulder, and I found later that a blade had been used

against him. I was only trying to help him, and that's all I've been doing for a few

weeks now, but then earlier today I heard her threaten to kill him. That is why I took

him, to save his innocent little life. He truly is the most blameless creature Monsieur!

Exposed to such evil!" I gasped, beginning to sob again. Quentin was quiet for a few

minutes, watching me as I cried. After I'd calmed down, I began to shift

uncomfortably in the silence. Did he believe me? Then, he suddenly said, "But… you

broke into her home? You took the child?" I closed me eyes and nodded slowly. "And

where is he now?" he continued questioning. I snapped up and glared at him. "They

sent you in here, didn't they? They sent you to try to weasel answers out of me! Well,

forgive me Monsieur, but you will be getting no response to your trickery. I will

protect that child to my death bed." I retorted. He chuckled. Chuckled? What in the

world was there to chuckle at? "Calm yourself Éponine, I swear to God's Almighty

name that I am here on my own accord." I relaxed just the slightest bit, but remained

silent, half of me still on guard. "Why?" I asked simply, staring suspiciously. He

looked away. "I just couldn't believe that such an amiable woman had done all they

accused you of. But it seems you have been a bit mischievous, haven't you?" I felt a

twitch of a smile, but I tried to keep my face neutral. "Believe me, Monsieur Quentin,

my skills in break and entry are not something I'm particularly proud of. But I

couldn't just sit by and watch as this child was tortured. Can you please try to

understand that, at least?" I pleaded, serious once more.

"I can. Honestly. You were so fearsome in protecting the child's location a

minute ago, I can just tell you don't mean to harm him. Quite the opposite, actually. I

believe you." He replied, and I didn't even try to test him to make sure he wasn't

telling me lies. There was a look in his eyes that told me he was ingenuous. I

breathed out a sigh of relief. "Thank you Monsieur, thank you! Now, can you please

do me a favor? I need you to bring a message to the child. Tell him that Miss Éponine

says to run, to leave the town. He'll be in the storeroom of—" I was interrupted by a

thwunk! And an ear-piercing screech. I looked over confused, and realized that bars

no longer crossed in front of my view of Quentin. He was standing in front of me,

hand outstretched in the open door of the cell. I gasped. "I have a feeling he'll take it

better if you tell him yourself." He said, grinning. I beamed back, completely shocked

and ecstatic. "Why—wha—" I stuttered, trying to find the words.

"I know you're not un ravisseur fou Éponine, and if what you say is true, then

the child could be in great danger should his mother find him again. And you've

been nothing but kind to me, so why shouldn't I believe you?" he asked.

"And the same goes to you! Which is why I have a confession to make. I feel

so guilty now with your being so sympathetic to me. The day we met, when I was so

jumpy and distracted, it was because I had run into you right after I had stolen a toy

from a store for Erik." I admitted sheepishly. He let out a booming laugh, which I

wasn't expecting and jumped at the powerful sound of it. "Well, Miss Éponine, it

seems you are better at what you do than you give yourself credit for. I didn't

suspect a thing!" he chortled in amazement. I looked bewildered at him. "You are

awfully pliable when it comes to the law!" I said, and he chuckled again. "I just find it

amusing that I'm actually helping you escape though you have robbed, semi-

kidnapped, and nearly conned your way out of imprisonment. I just find you to be

the most exciting and intelligent woman I've ever met." He smiled, shaking his head.

I laughed. "And I find you to be the most casual policeman." with a wink. It was still

very dark, but I thought I saw his cheeks change color. "Well, it's never been my

desired career, but I guess exciting nights like this one make up for the insipidness

of the rest." He shrugged. I raised an eyebrow. "Not your choice career? Then why

do you opt in?" I asked him curiously. He frowned again in resignation. "Well that's

the key word there; choice. It was my father's. For when I was a young lad, I was told

that my uncle was one of the best chief inspectors in France, and after he committed

suicide, my father wanted me to follow in his footsteps to honor his memory. But a

life strict to law is so lonely, so difficult. You have to watch people's lives ruined

because maybe they are poor and just needed a bit of bread to satisfy themselves,

but didn't have the money to pay for it. That's why I try to be a bit more flexible than

the other officers. I just can't stand to see people condemned for such innocent

reasons." He finished, grimacing. My mouth was agape, but I soon realized how

tactless I must have looked and snapped it shut, asking, "Then why don't you quit

this way of life? Move onto something new?" He snorted, looking back at me with a

grin. "Isn't that what I'm doing tonight? I doubt I'll be allowed anywhere near this

place after they find out you've escaped." I giggled. "Very true." I took his

outstretched hand and he pulled me up off the ground, then we slipped out the door.

He poked his head into the main room, the motioned me forward and we ran out the

door. I almost cried out for joy at the feeling of the night's cool touch on my cheeks,

but I refrained and kept pace with Quentin. As soon as we were well away from the

police station, we slowed down and began talking again. I'd made a note to as him

something earlier, and had just then remembered it. "So Quentin, what was the

name of this uncle of yours?"

"Ah… I always have a difficult time recalling that. Hmm… well I don't at all

remember his first name, but he apparently took on another name after he left my

father and grandparents. What was… oh! Javert. Inspector Javert." He said, and I had

to bite my fist to keep from laughing. I'd actually suspected this as he was telling me

his story, with the timeframe and the 'best inspector in France' bit, but the irony of it

still shook me to the core. How could Quentin; a handsome, sympathetic, optimistic

young man possibly be related to Javert; the heartless fiend of a man I'd known?

L'Inspectuer had positively despised my family and I, having to be bothered with

settling our incessant crimes. I'd also poked fun at his hat once, and I don't think

he'd ever really forgiven me for it. I was about to say this when I realized Quentin

might flee in fear if I did. I was twenty six in this life, and if I'd been old enough to

speak during Javert's reign, I definitely shouldn't be this young now. So I reworded,

saying instead, "My father spoke of him once. Said he was ruthless in punishment,

but then again my father was unremitting in committing crimes." He laughed. "Ah..

so was a life of crime not one you chose after all?" he asked, grinning teasingly. I hit

him lightly on the arm, but laughed along with him. "No, not at all. My father was

part of a street gang, and I often got dragged into his cheats and scandals. I was

basically raised on corruption."

"It doesn't have to be the life you continue with, though. Forgive me, but why

do you carry on the way you have, stealing and lying?" he asked inquisitively.

"I haven't. No, don't you give me that strange look, I've just been picking up a

few old habits in order to help Erik secretly. It was the only way." I explained. He

nodded thoughtfully, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I was still just so glad he

believed me in all this. That he risked his freedom to come free me. 'Why?' I

suddenly thought, the madness of it dawning on me. "Why did you come free me?" I

asked after a long period of silence. He was quiet, suddenly staring at the ground as

if memorizing the cobblestones. Then, suddenly, his head snapped up, and before I

knew what was going on, I was being dragged in a full on sprint to the side of the

road, then thrown to the ground, a hand placed over my mouth. I shot him a look

that said, "Mon dieu! What are you doing?" But as soon as he stared pointedly to the

street I understood. I could hear a faint clattering of hooves, and after a few minutes,

saw two policemen on horses pass us. They didn't seem to be in any sort of hurry, so

I knew they must not know I was gone yet, but they were definitely recognizable

from the unit I'd run into earlier. After about five minutes of just lying there after

they passed us by, Quentin stood and offered me his hand. He pulled me up, and I

said, "Thank you so much. That was too close for comfort." He nodded. "Indeed. But

that also tells us we need to hurry, for I came in to free you because it my shift to

guard, and they're currently on their way to replace me. It'll be a matter of minutes

before they find us both gone and sound the alarm." He explained. I cursed under my

breath. "Alright, let's get going then. Zut, why must the tavern be so far from the

station?" Then we started off in an inaudible sprint, I leading the way considering I

still hadn't told Quentin the address. After a few more minutes of seemingly endless

dashing, we stopped in front of the tavern, which was still glowing with that warm,

loud, obviously still occupied light. I grimaced, though I knew I should have known

that it would not be empty, was it ever? "Alright, I'll go in first. Wait about two

minutes, then come in after me. Less suspicious that way. They'll probably be too

intoxicated to notice anything but the glass in front of them, but we need to be as

cautious as possible. I'll figure out how to get you into the storeroom with me from

there. Got it?" I explained hastily, stepping towards the door. He nodded, but as I

turned to open the door, caught my arm. "Wait Éponine, I need to t—" I cut him off,

too worried for Erik to think of anything else. "Forgive me Quentin, but it will just

have to wait. I need to make sure he's safe." I pleaded. He sighed, but let me go and I

walked inside. " 'Ey look y'all, it's Éponine!" one of the dailies drawled as I walked

towards the counter. The current barmaid, a shrew of a woman named Véronique

looked up, confusion flashing through her eyes. " 'Ponine? But your shift isn't until

this afternoon. What are you doing 'ere?" I smiled, trying to look as innocent as

possible. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd come here." Véronique laughed. "Why in the

world would you choose to come 'ere? This place is the last place I wanna be at any

time of day."

"Then why don't you head home? I can take over your shift. I don't mind

being here, and why not make use of my sleepless night?" I offered breezily. Her

eyes widened. "You're sure? You really don't 'ave to…"

"No, please! You look like you could use some extra rest. Go! I'll hold down

the fort here." I told her, shooing her out the door. She beamed at me. "Thanks

'Ponine, I owe you one." I smiled back and nodded to her, then turned to take my

place behind the counter. The second I had settled there, Quentin walked in, looking

more out of place in his neat officer's uniform than a cat in the middle of a group of

mice. I made a mental note to find him some different clothes later, then held back a

laugh as the drunkards glanced his way, gasped, then turned back to their drinks as

fast as they could. I'd bet every one of them had something they'd gotten away with

in opposition to the law, and apparently wanted to keep it that way. He locked eyes

with me, and I instantly said, "Ah! Officer! You're just in time. I believe we were

robbed. I just got here, but the storeroom is in near wreck. Come, I'll show you." And

beckoned him towards me. he nodded, face impressively stern, and followed me into

the back room as all of the men in the tavern watched us, whispering. I couldn't hear

what they were saying, but I knew that our performance had been so believable, it

could be about nothing other than the "robbery" or maybe their own actions that the

police would frown upon. As soon as we were out of earshot, Quentin let a bemused

expression break through his mask of solemnity, and he chuckled. "Mon dieu

Éponine, you even had me going there. You could be a prima donna." I grinned back,

curtsying. "Why thank you Monsieur, but the show's not over yet. Come on, this way."

I led him to the storeroom door, where I stopped to study. "Oh, thank God. No one's

been inside." I sighed in relief, smiling to myself. Quentin's brow furrowed. "How can

you tell?" he asked curiously. With a proud sort of smile, I justified, "It's an old trick I

learned from my gang days. You take a bit of ground grain and spread it evenly in

the crack of the door on the ground, and then if someone has intruded, you know

because it's scattered all about." Then I cracked the door open to prove my point.

His mouth made a silent "o", but before either of us could speak again, I heard a little

voice. "M- Mamán?" Erik whispered. With that I flung the door the rest of the way

open, and rushed into the dark room, feeling a tiny flying force take a steel grip on

my legs. I gently pried him off, sitting down and placing him in my lap. Sobs began to

rack his little body, and I rubbed his back, trying to soothe him. "I—I—I was s—so

frightened, Mamán! I thought—I thought you weren't c—coming back, that a

monster had gotten you! I—I—I thought that my bad Mamán was going to find me,

that she was g—going to strike me more! And it was s—s—so cold Mamán! I wanted

to g—g—go into the light room, but you t—told me to stay here! So I did! But it was

so cold…" he trailed off, nuzzling his head into my shoulder. I wanted to kick myself

for leaving him so long on his own, but for now comforting him was the first priority.

I started to sing, "Rien ne vavous faire du mal, pas tant que jesuis dans les parages

Rien ne vavous faire du mal, non monsieur, pas tant que jesuis dans les parages

Démonssaura vous charmeravec un sourire, pendant un moment,mais dans le temps

rien ne vavous faire du mal, non pas que je serai là." His tears slowed to a mere

sniffle, and he looked up at me. I held back a gasp when I saw his yellow eyes glowed

in the dark like a cat's. "That is very pretty Mada—I mean, Mamán. Will you teach it

to me?" I smiled warmly back at him. "Of course Erik. As soon as we get out of here,

I'll teach it to you." He scrambled off my lap, jumping up, eyes lit up with excitement.

"Let's go then! Let's go to—" he stopped, staring wide-eyed in fear towards the door.

I looked up in panic, but the n remembered my companion. Erik scurried to hide

behind my skirts, but I patted his head. "It's alright, bien-aimée, he is a friend. He

helped me get away from the monsters." I told him, crouching down to meet his eyes.

I walked towards Quentin, and Erik trailed behind cautiously. When I stopped next

to him, Erik looked up as if searching for reassurance. I nodded at him

encouragingly, and he stepped out from behind me, looking up at this curious new

stranger, brow furrowing when his fleeting eyes fell upon the large policemen's hat.

"You… you saved my mamán from monsters?" he asked tentatively. Quentin

chuckled, crouching down to Erik's height. "Well, some very bad men at least. But

maybe I should introduce myself first. My name is Quentin. What's yours?"

"Erik." Erik replied shyly, looking down at his feet and taking a step back.

Quentin wasn't discouraged by this action, and he smoothly said, "Alright Erik, how

would you like to try on my hat?" Erik looked back up, and he nodded with wide,

inquisitive eyes. Quentin handed it to him, and Erik placed it on his head, giggling as

it slipped down over his eyes. He whipped around to me, and he sniggered, "It is

such a funny hat! Do I look funny Mamán?" I laughed with him, replying, "Quite. But

you also look like an officer. Very official, Erik." The little boy tittered at my

description, puffing up his chest and standing up tall. "I am les braves Monsieur Erik,

layer of the lawr!" Quentin and I laughed heartily, and through my chuckling, I said,

"Law Erik, no 'r' sound." But I knew with his little underdeveloped mouth, "law"

would be a difficult word to pronounce. I took the hat off his head and handed it

back to Quentin, despite Erik's protesting pout. "Don't worry little sir, I'll hand it

back over later." I heard Quentin whisper, and Erik's protruding lip disappeared.

"Alright then, the back exit is over there. Let's get out of here, once and for all." I said,

sweeping Erik up and stumbling towards where I knew the back exit was. "Why

didn't we just use this one to get in? Would have been a lot safer." Quentin asked.

"But not nearly as much fun, my dear officer. Didn't I tell you the show had

not yet ended?"

Author's Note: Happy Thanksgiving! (for all you who are American, though my traffic stats say some visitors are other nationalities! Huzzah!) Well, ComicCartoonFreak13, I bet this was a twist you weren't expecting. Madeline just getting arrested? *sigh* Don't we all wish it were that easy? (but as 'Ponine put it here, not nearly as much fun. ;) And yes, for all you Quast Javert fans out there, Erik was sort of imitating our favorite Inspector in here. I just couldn't resist. XD Also, just in case anyone was wondering, the thing 'Ponine sings to Erik is the French translation of "Not While I'm Around" from Sweeney Todd. Such a beautiful song! Thought it would fit in perfect here. Well, that's all I really have to say for now. R&R, let me know what you think of all this so far (especially opinions on Quentin, the guy's starting to grow on me, but who knows where this story will take him…)! I've got a few new readers who reviewed as well, so thanks you guys, I (and Erik) really appreciate it!