Doors

"Andre!" Eriks holds out his arms to catch the boy running at full steam towards him. "Where have you been?"

"Where is Adele…Madame Giry?" Nadir asks, throwing his head back and throwing back his head to catch his breath.

"Do not know. We knocked…no answer…Darius…Meg came…sent me find you."

"We?"

"Madame Christine…saw…in hall…went to office…Madame Giry not there."

"Where are they now?"

"Tunnels…secret door."

"Go tell Comte Phillippe and Vicomte Raoul we are looking for Madame Giry," Erik says.

"If Dr. Gerard is still here – ask him to stay," Nadir says, mouth a straight line. "If he has left, ask Henri to fetch him back."

The boy nods vigorously and runs toward the stage door, his legs pumping so hard his flying feet come close to hitting his bottom.

"Thank God Darius showed up, I can only imagine what Christine was planning to do on her own."

"We cannot be immobilized by our fears for them – as you say, Darius is there to help," Nadir says. "Where should be begin our search?"

"Christine's dressing room is the closest – we shall start there," Erik says, walking swiftly to the door only a few steps from where they stand. "If fortune is with us – and she actually is on the path – Adele will be somewhere between here and her office. I can see no reason for her to move to the lower levels."

"Unless she was following someone…"

"Then that someone is a fool."

A giggling Meg opens the door of her dressing room, pulling up short causing Darius to stumble, pushing her into the path of Christine and Andre running toward them. "What is wrong?" he says.

"Them," she says. "Christine, where are you coming from?"

Christine's brow furrows, eyes focusing away from her friend toward Darius – turning to look behind her.

"Maman?" Meg attempts to push past her, but Christine grabs her arms.

"She is not there – or if she is, she is not responding."

"I even tried to talk to her with my special voice," Andre adds.

"Why were you looking for her?" Meg asks.

"M. Richard got hurt. M. Erik sent me to get Madame for her kit," Andre says. "Madame Christine saw me running."

"I was looking for Andre for his lesson and he told me the situation."

Meg grasps Darius' arm. "We must find her."

"Do you have the key and alarm code to her office?" Darius asks Meg.

"Yes," Meg answers, pulling a chain from her bodice holding two keys.

"Andre, please find Erik and Nadir, tell them we are in the tunnels looking for Adele," Christine says. "Tell M. Erik we used the door in my dressing room."

"Can I not look, too?" Andres pouts.

"No."

"But I want to see the secret door."

"I promise I will show you at another time – for now, please do not argue with me," she says, grabbing him by the shoulders, planting a kiss on his forehead. With a pat on his bottom, she shoos him away.

Motioning to Darius and Meg, she leads the way back to Adele's office.

"Secret door?" Darius asks, looking at Meg, who shakes her head no.

"There are a number of them – only a few of us know which rooms and where the latches are," Christine says, stopping in front of the door – stepping back to allow Meg to give them access.

"So that is how you disappeared." Meg's face brightens – her fear forgotten for the moment. "Did Uncle Erik build a secret door in your dressing room?"

Christine gives a curt nod, tapping her foot.

"So, he was the Angel of Music!" Meg chortles. "I was never sure – you never said and Maman always told me to mind my business."

"This is not the time," she says, her mouth forming a moue, indicating Darius' presence with a tilt of her head." We can talk later – please just open the door."

"What are you talking about?" Darius asks.

Christine rolls her eye. "See what you started."

"Christine – Christine – what did the Vicomte want to say to you?"

"Mademoiselle"

"Pardonnez moi – thought I saw you leave. Where is Christine?"

"I left to get my hat – while she changed from her costume. We were to have supper," Raoul said. "I should like to know her whereabouts as well. You are?"

"Meg Giry. Christine lives with my Maman – Madame Giry – and me."

"I see," he tapped his hat against his hand, looking around the small room for a possible hiding place. The red rose he brought as a gift – abandoned on the dressing table – attracted his attention. "It would appear she left in a rush."

"Are you a friend of Christine's? I do not recall her speaking of anyone."

"We became acquainted as children. I never thought I would see her again and, then, miraculously, there she was on the stage – singing in a voice more amazing than anything I ever heard – or might have expected from her." For a moment he returned to the memory of Christine's cadenza – stirring his heart in remembrance.

"She studies with the Angel of Music."

"So she said – do you know this person?"

"One does not know angels, Monsieur le Vicomte."

"I am confused – she actually believes she is being taught by a spiritual being?"

"Her father promised the Angel of Music would come to her and he did. Since that time her voice has just grown and grown. It is a miracle from God."

"There is no angel – I suspect a scoundrel," he scoffed, running his hand along the edges of the mirror. "Is there another way out of here?"

"No, Monsieur – just this door," she said, indicating the door to the hallway.

"People do not just simply disappear." Ducking behind the dressing screen offered no answers, just a bare wall. "Where is your mother – she is the dance mistress, correct?"

"She is. Follow me – her office is not far – just up the hallway."

"Mademoiselle Daae has been kidnapped and I have no intention of allowing this to go unexamined or unpunished."

Darius takes the key from Meg, unlocks the door and leads them into the office. All appears as Adele left it – desk lamp and two smaller lamps on, papers stacked on her work table. Two empty cups and saucers on the desk, another on the coffee table. A brief look around the room reveals no Adele nor anyone else.

"The door?" He asks, turning to Christine.

Walking to the armoire, she opens the door at the bottom of the piece. A brief glance reveals it to be empty; she closes it again. "The lantern in the cabinet is missing – she is definitely using the tunnel path." Pressing her fingers against a strip of what appears to be decorative wood paneling, the panel is unlatched. Once open, she removes the lantern that hangs outside the door and lights it.

"Shall I lead the way?" Darius asks.

"Are you familiar with the interior walls of the Palais?" Christine asks.

"To be honest – no. I know the workmen use these passages, but…no, I am not."

"Then best I do so – I am perhaps more comfortable out there, than with the inner hallways," Christine says, smiling at him. "Meg, your shoes…"

"I can walk just fine in the slippers - I know the paths," Meg says, taking Darius' hand. "Maman and I used to help Uncle Erik and this was the way we went to his house."

"No," Christine says. "You know very well how dangerous it can be with solid shoes. You must stay here."

"She is my mother."

"Christine is right, Meg," Darius says, placing his hand on her shoulder. "We do not know what we will find – better you stay here."

Shrugging him off. "I do not want to stay here." Tears well up in her eyes.

"I know, my little love, but, if someone comes, you can inform them where we are."

Flopping down on the chaise, she tucks her legs under her, folding her arms – refusing to look at them.

"We shall return soon. Make some tea, for our return – your maman will appreciate it," Darius says, following Christine out, closing the panel behind them.

"Make some tea – you make some tea," she says to the closed door. Chewing on her thumb, the tears fall freely. "Be careful," she whispers.

"Is Dr. Gerard still here?" Andre calls out to Phillippe and Raoul, who still stand at the Stage Managers' office, keeping watch over M. Richard.

"What is it?" Phillippe asks, stooping down to catch the boy by his shoulders, steadying him.

"Mme. Giry missing. Mme. Christine Darius looking for her. M. Erik said get doctor," he says, struggling to catch his breath.

"Am I needed?" Dr. Gerard asks, coming out of the office.

"It would appear that Madame Giry may be injured, from what Andre tells us."

"Where is she?"

"Tunnel path. M. Erik just asked you stay."

"Is there somewhere less public?" Phillippe asks looking around.

"The rehearsal hall is close by," Raoul suggests.

"Not exactly private," Phillippe smirks, "although I do understand your desire to go there."

Giselle approaches the group gathered outside her office. "Phillippe, I am sorry to be so late – I was meeting with Alex and Monique about their new routine." Looking past him into the office, "I see M. Richard was the attack victim."

"You appear quite calm about it," Raoul says, his arms folded, leaning against a prop lamp post.

"Reynald told me someone was injured."

"But you went to spy on Alex and Monique?"

"It was being handled," she says, mirroring the folding of his arms and tilt of his head. "The work of the Opera House cannot shut down every time there is a problem on the street outside. There was no reason to believe it was a member of our staff."

"Spying?" Phillippe asks.

"She watches Monique like a hawk," he says – arms dropping, he moves away from the prop, walking up to face her directly.

"That is simply not true." Arms akimbo, she refuses to back away.

"So you were not lurking on the stairs last night when I was leaving."

Giselle laughs, her aggressive posture relaxes. "You are quite correct – I was being rude. I am sorry, Raoul," she says. "I am her friend and I am concerned about her – not because of you, but because of what she has suffered – and because of her brother."

"So, she is here?" Relief is discernable on his face and in his stance.

"Yes."

"She came in with you?" The tone hopeful.

"No – which was one of the reasons I went looking for her. She was already gone when I left with Veronique." She and Phillippe exchange a look.

Dr. Gerard clears his throat. "It would serve M. Richard well to be somewhere he can rest…"

"Of course," Giselle says, "Let us take him to his office – there is a sofa we can lay him on."

"Can you walk?" Phillippe asks the manager – bandaged and patched, obviously battered, but clean and less disheveled than earlier.

Firmin nods. "Armand should be here soon – I came with him – he stopped to purchase our breakfast…"

"Andre, please go to the Managers' Office to see if M. Moncharmin has arrived," Phillippe says. "I think it would be wise not to surprise him too much when he sees his partner."

"What should I say?"

"Just that M. Richard suffered a mishap and is being brought to the office."

The boy runs off again.

Phillippe and Raoul place themselves on either side of the chair where Firmin sits, each putting a hand under an arm, they lift and assist him in walking. Giselle picks up the blanket, folding it over her arm and follows them down the hall with Dr. Gerard.

"Does Raoul know about the interior pathways?" Darius asks Christine as they step carefully. The light from the lantern is swallowed by the seemingly endless darkness. The walls blackened with tar, manage to keep the caverns relatively dry, but the smell and sense of the lake still manages to permeate up to this the first level.

"Yes," she laughs, "this search for Adele is becoming a time for recollections." Her tone is sardonic. "She actually led him all the way down to the lake that night – a lifetime ago – it truly seems so, anyway."

"So the story is true?"

"That depends upon whose version you have heard." Her voice flat. "Some say Erik kidnapped me. I suppose that appeared to be the case – but, in truth, I could not let him be killed. So when he took my hand, I went with him. Raoul followed us with Adele's help."

"She meant to harm M. Erik?" Darius slows his pace. "I cannot believe that."

Turning to look back at him, lifting the lantern so he can see her face. "Not at all – he asked her to tell Raoul where to find us – so she did."

"Raoul claimed Erik threatened to strangle him."

"Yes – but it was Raoul who arranged for him to be shot. Erik was very close to coming undone." The shiver running down her spine has nothing to do with the chill in the cavern. "We were all in a heightened state. But he would not have killed Raoul – there was no reason."

"He was a murderer, so it was possible – I know some of his history – Nadir told me things."

"Do you believe he is a murderer now?

"No."

Continuing their trek, she say, "I did not believe he was a murderer then. Which does not alter Raoul's beliefs or faded memory." Holding her arm out behind her to stop him. "There is a bend here, hold my hand, stay close to the wall, do not drag your feet even the slightest."

Moving slowly forward, Christine stops again. "I hear something."

"I, as well." Frowning, he kneels, turning his head to listen. "Breathing. Shallow breathing."

"Yes, what I thought." Lowering the lantern to lighten the area closer to the ground, she begins to walk again. "All this blackness – her clothes – her hair – she has become one with this place. It has that quality."

"She must have fallen face down and dropped her lantern."

"Adele, can you hear me?"

"I think I hear something – voices ahead of us," Darius says. "Lights as well."

Armand pushes past Andre through the door, rushing down the hallway to meet with his friend. "Firmin, what in God's name happened?"

"The money – they wanted the money."

"What do you mean?"

"I took the winnings from the café last night. It was mine – I backed Darius and he won."

"Are you insane?" Raoul exclaims.

"Let us get him into the office and settled before we begin discussing his mental state," Dr. Gerard says. "He just had two wounds sutured up and I dislike redoing a job already well done."

Once settled on the couch, Armand pours Firmin two fingers of brandy, then takes a seat at his desk – waving an arm for the others to sit down. "Now. What did you do?"

"I have been losing and owed 20,000 francs…"

"My God – more, you have already sold your carriage and who knows what else," Armand says and with those words, he face flushes deep pink, eyes bulging. "What else? Is this why I have a letter from our benefactor?" He waves a white envelope in the air. "What else have you done – how much have you lost?"

"Let him finish," Phillippe says. "We can deal with the finances afterward."

"As I started to say, I have been losing when playing for myself. They allow people to bet on players. When I saw Darius, I just felt he was good, so I sponsored his play – and wagered that he would have the greatest winnings overall."

"That was risky," Phillippe grunts.

"Nothing ventured…"

Armand groans.

"I was desperate," Firmin says, sipping his drink. "And I was correct – he won." Outrage fills his face, puffing up and turning red with passion. "They were going to keep it all. I could not let that happen."

"So you took the money?" Raoul says, rolling his eyes. "How did you manage that?"

"There was a player I noticed – always carried a blue bag, like the one Massoud kept the money in. They were involved in a little tete a tete, paying me no mind. The bags were on the floor next to one another. I waited outside the door until the young man took his leave. When I did not hear Massoud shoot the lock, I chanced going back inside."

"That was a risk in itself," Raoul says.

"I had nothing to lose," Firmin responds. "They…Massoud and Harim said I was not to get my winnings."

"The bag was still there?"

"Yes, Massoud was gone, so I took it."

"What happened then?" Phillippe asks.

"Messrs. Saint-Rien and Khan can fill you in." Tossing down the rest of his drink, he hands the glass to the doctor and lays back on the settee. "I am exhausted, sick, in pain, terrified and in debt."

"He really should be allowed to rest," Dr. Gerard says. "Angry as you all may be with him, he was attacked and suffered trauma…and a great deal of emotional strain…"

"One more question – when you examined the bag, did you find it empty?" Raoul asks.

"Not entirely – there were books inside."

Phillippe darts a look at him. "Do you know something?"

"No – not exactly." Raoul says. "What did the young man look like?"

"Vicomte."

"Please let him answer."

"It is all right, doctor," Firmin says. "Moderate of height – thin – pale skin with dark hair and mustache. Wore all black…and a beret."

"Why are you asking this?" Phillippe persists in his questioning.

"I am not sure," Raoul says, rubbing his eyes, not returning Phillippe's stare.

"Do you know someone who looks like that?" Giselle asks.

"No – not like that," he says, rising from his chair. "I really must see Monique – to let her know I am here."

"She is in rehearsal – I told you that," Giselle says.

"Yes, you did," he responds. "I shall return shortly. Then I must speak to Erik."

"Raoul…" Phillippe says.

"Stop treating me like a child," Raoul growls. "I wish to see Monique now. I shall return as soon as I have assured her I am close by." Raising his hand to prevent further objections, he leaves the office.

"You are my dearest love – you know," Monique smoothed the one blond lock that always falls on his forehead, refusing to behave despite his ministrations with various creams.

"Am I? I wonder sometimes." Gathering her closer, he breathed in the scent of lilac she had taken to placing at her throat and behind her ears. Her lithe frame molded against his, settling against his chest, becoming a part of him.

"No one has ever cared for me as you have. No one knows or appreciates you as I do. There is nothing I would not do for you."

"That encompasses much."

"Only what you deserve," she replies. "Enough talk."

Her sweet mouth would always dispel his doubts and fears about her professed, yet confusing love for him. He, in his turn, loved her so, supposing he, too, would do anything for her.

"Erik?"

"Christine?"

"Oh, thank God," she says. "Walk slowly, I think we must be very close to her. We can hear ragged breathing, but cannot see anything."

"Stay where you are, let us come closer, we shall need to return in that direction," he says. "Three lanterns will give enough light."

"Adele," Nadir cries out. "Please let me go first."

Erik stands back, allowing the daroga to rush past him. "Take care, my friend, I would not wish to be rescuing you as well."

"Erik, please, not now," Nadir growls, his face fierce, prepared to fight.

"You need the distraction – you are crazed with fear – I merely wish for you to slow down – keep yourself safe for her sake, if not your own."

Nadir stops to take a deep breath. "You are correct." With greater care, he moves forward – Erik close behind.

"I see her," Christine says, moving to Adele's crumpled form, lying on her side. Handing the lantern to Darius, she kneels down, cupping the older woman's head with one hand, pulling her body toward her to rest on her lap. "Adele, can you hear me? It is Christine."

Nadir reaches the two women from the opposite direction, joining Christine next to the limp form of his wife. "Adele, it is Nadir – please let me…us know you can hear?"

A soft moan escapes Adele's lips, her lashes flutter against pale skin. "Nadir?" Her voice is weak and raspy.

His tears flow unbidden and unashamed. "Praise, Allah." Gently lifting her, with Christine's help, he draws Adele onto his own lap, cradling her in his arms. "You are alive. You are alive."

"What happened? Why is it so dark?"

"We are in the tunnels, Madame – you lost your lantern."

"Is that you, Christine?"

"Yes, Madame." Christine holds the lantern so Adele can see her face.

"Hold the lantern so I can see you better – you are in the shadow."

Nadir and Christine's eyes lock.

"Darius and Erik have the lanterns – they are standing behind us. Just keep your eyes closed until we have you safely back inside," Christine says, standing up and away.

"I heard a noise. It startled me. I fell," she says, lifting her hand to the back of her head.

"Yes, my dearest one, but now you are safe with us," Nadir says.

Darius takes Christine's place closer to Adele, waiting instructions to assist Nadir.

"She is light as air, but if you could carry her…you are younger and stronger than either Erik or myself."

Darius nods. "It is I, Madame, Darius. I am going to lift you up – place your arms around my neck."

"Thank you, my son," she murmurs. "Meg is a lucky girl."

"Yes, Madame."

Nadir leads the way back to Adele's office.

Christine waits for Erik to join her as they follow. When he reaches her, she throws herself into his arms.

Pulling her close to him, rubbing her back as he kisses her forehead. "What is wrong?"

"She cannot see."

"Raoul, my man, so good to see you," Alex says, slowing the pace of his tapping, but continuing to dance, even as Monique stops and runs to meet him.

"That would be a first," Raoul responds, opening his arms to her.

She kisses him on the cheek. "I hoped you would come," she says, patting the lapels of his brown jacket and straightening his cravat.

"Phillippe and I have a meeting with Erik, but I wanted to see you first – you arrived early."

"Yes, I slept so much yesterday. I was restless last night and went to see Alex."

The tapping takes on a life of its own, tap…tap…tappedy tap, becoming a part of the conversation. "No offense, brother, but we really must work on our dancing."

"Brother, is it?"

"Monique has informed me, in no uncertain terms, that you are her one true love and I must behave accordingly," Alex smirks, as he shuffles around the couple.

"Is that so?" Raoul asks Monique.

"I have told you so," she laughs. "Do not be so serious, my love. Let us be family."

"Family. Yes." Taking her hand, he walks her to the chairs along the wall, forcing Alex to stumble back at the unexpected movement. Sitting her down, he asks, "Do you think you might wish to move your belongings to my home today?" Looking at Alex, who stands, arms folded, one leg crossed in front of the other. "After your rehearsal, of course. It is your half day."

"I believe that would be agreeable," she says, snuggling against him. "Home has a nice sound. I like that you are concerned for me."

"There was another attack in the alley this morning – I would feel much better if you were accompanied by staff coming and going from the theater."

"Having staff would be quite a luxury." Alex says, abandoning his pose, striding to the table holding a water pitcher and glasses. "An attack in the alley – one must indeed be careful coming and going."

"Who was it? Someone from the opera house?" Monique asks.

"M. Firmin Richard."

"Do you suppose it was a deliberate attack on him – or just by chance? Some thug?"

"I am sure Monique means to askif one knows why attacks are happening. It would be well not to commit the same acts," Alex says. "If it was, as they say, out of the blue, then I would like to know that as well and be prepared to fight back."

"Interesting logic."

"I think it makes sense," Monique says. "Do you know why?"

"Gambling," Raoul says.

"Oh."

"So, I shall stop by after my meeting," Raoul says, squeezing her hand as he rises. "Take care with your comings and goings, Alex. I would not wish my new brother come to any harm."

Nadir pushes the panel open, waving at Darius to precede him. "On the chaise. Meg, would you mind?"

Meg leaps to her feet from her place on the chaise. "Maman?"

Darius carries Adele through the door, around the desk to the lounge chair.

"Place the pillow so she can rest her head," Nadir says, looking around the room. "Is there a blanket for her?"

"What happened," Meg asks as she removes a quilt from the armoire.

Darius sets her down – then steps back so Nadir and Meg can be next to her.

Erik and Christine step into the room – Erik closing the door behind them. "Darius, could you locate Dr. Gerard? Hopefully, Andre was able to find him before he left."

"Is there anything else?"

"Ice – there is an ice box in the commissary," he says. While talking, he removes the aid kit from the armoire. Locating the willow bark tincture, he prepares a glass for her to drink. "We need to cool the area where she hit her head."

"Very good," Darius says, touching Meg lightly on the shoulder and leaves.

"Hold her upright, while I make her more comfortable," Nadir says to Meg. "She needs to be kept upright and awake." Stroking Adele's face, he asks, "Are you in any pain?"

"No…well, here…" She raises her hand to the ridge on the back of her head.

"What can I do?" Christine asks.

"Soak a cloth in some water – we can use that to help ease her discomfort," Nadir says as he undoes Adele's chignon, allowing her dark hair to fall around her shoulders, pressing his fingers lightly against the area. "No blood – at least that I can discern – anywhere else?"

"No," she replies. "Can I open my eyes now?"

The question is met with silence.

"I see – or perhaps I cannot see. Is that what has all of you tongue-tied?"

"You cannot see?" Meg exclaims.

"At the moment – no," Adele responds. "But then I have my eyes closed." The jest relieves a modicum of tension.

"Then why do you say you cannot see?"

"In the tunnel I asked Christine to bring the light to her face so I could see her – her response was odd," Adele smiles. "Dear Christine does not know how to lie."

"Could you see me at all?" Christine asks.

"An image, not very clear."

"You have likely suffered a concussion – sometimes that affects vision," Erik says. "How brave do you feel?"

Nadir wraps his arm around her, kissing her on the forehead, before taking the damp cloth from Christine, holding it against the back of her head. "It is fortunate you have such thick hair."

"And such a thick head," she chortles, grabbing his hand, she breathes deeply and slowly allows her lids to part. A gasp escapes her lips.

"What? Can you see?" Nadir asks.

"Some – not well, everything is blurred, but some."

"That is good, better than no vision at all," Erik says. "Your stomach? Nausea?"

When she shaking her head, she sucks in her breath.

"Best to keep your head still – drink this and eat some of this croissant to keep your stomach calm."

"My stomach is not anxious – it is my mind," she says, following his suggestion about the food, nonetheless.

"What were you doing? I thought you were working on the books with Veronique," Nadir says, checking the cloth. "Still no blood – I am not sure if that is bad or good. Erik?"

"We must monitor her, try to keep the swelling to a minimum," he says, thrumming his fingers on his thigh.

"In other words – wait," Adele says, relaxing against the back of the chaise, closing her eyes again.

"I need to secure my acupuncture needles," Erik announces, making his way back toward the panel door.

"What about Dr. Gerard?" Christine asks, rising to follow him.

"When he comes, he can do what he will – I must do what I can – I should have gone for them immediately."

"I shall come with you," Christine says.

"No – you can do more good here."

"Is that so?" she retorts. "I happen to disagree. Adele, do you wish my presence?"

"Go with Erik – keep him under control," Adele says. "I have my family – I shall anxiously await your return."

"Come along then, the sooner gone, the sooner we shall return."

Erik and Christine pass once again through the door to the caverns, closing it behind them.

Nadir pulls a chair next to Adele, continuing to hold her close. "What prompted you to go investigating on your own?"

"Veronique and Giselle were gossiping about Alex and Monique."

"Gossiping how?" Nadir asks.

"Oh, about Monique and Raoul. It seems that once he left last evening – she went out and did not return all night."

"That has happened quite often, Maman."

"She does not stay home at night?" Nadir asks, "You never mentioned that.

"I think she goes to stay with Alex." Meg shrugs. "I did not think it was important."

"So, then, perhaps I was wrong," Adele says.

"About what?" Nadir asks.

"I went to Alex' old dressing room – there was a cape and hat – like Erik's – hanging on the dressing screen. Giselle watched Alex move his things and locked the door herself - so those items were placed there since then."

"You think he had another key?" Nadir asks.

"Or he figured out how the mirror opens," she says. "Or our new Opera Ghost is someone else."

"Or two people." Darius says. "Sometimes it is hard to tell the two of them apart."

"Well, this new Opera Ghost appears to have wreaked a substantial amount of havoc already – perhaps he or she is taking a respite from mischief for the moment," Nadir says.

"One can hope," Adele says.

Although he sets a brisk pace, Christine manages to keep up with Erik – the route now as familiar to her as it is to him. Neither speaks, simply following the familiar path – hardly thinking about where the next rough patch is or the bend requiring them to shift direction to the right or left.

Nearing the end of the journey, Erik finally speaks. "You know I want you with me always," he says, "I forgot how much these steps have become a part of you.

"I believe you wanted me to be safe, but I needed to come with you," she says, "although I realize you could move more quickly to achieve your goal and return by yourself."

"I longed for speed and it was not denied by your presence," Erik says. "I take it you wanted to speak with me about something you did not want the others to hear?"

"Yes," she says. "Not once, but twice, today, conversations led to remembrances of my most important journeys down this path with you."

"Tell me." Having reached the bottom of the last stairway, he turns to her, taking her hand and guides her to the skiff."

"I was never truly aware of how angry Raoul was when I left with you that first night – through the mirror."

"How did you become aware now?"

"Meg. Meg saw him in the dressing room. He was trying to determine how I left – running his hands up and down the sides of the mirror – looking behind the dressing screen."

"So you believe Raoul knows about the secret doors?"

"Suspects, at least."

"And may have shared that information with someone?"

"I do not know – I never consider what he does or thinks, but, Meg's story made me believe I should. He was angry that I left and insisted I had been kidnapped."

Erik laughs. "You were."

"No, I went because I wanted to be with my Angel."

Erik laughs again. "We did have a rather strange relationship."

Looking up at him over her shoulder, as he directs the boat with the oar, she says, "I like to think of it as romantic."

"You are always too kind when it comes to me, my dear – for which I will be eternally grateful," he says. "And the second incident – the journey into hell, some might say. Meg again?"

Shaking her head, she says, "Darius – repeating how Raoul told everyone you tried to kill him."

"Hmmm, Raoul again – I was not gentle with him…or you."

"He wanted the police to kill you – that is what I told Darius."

"Again, you mitigate a situation where I was on my very worst behavior." Guiding them to the shore, he secures the boat and offers his hand to help her disembark. Taking her lantern, he snuffs the light and leaves it at the edge of the boat.

"We all behaved badly," she insists.

His looks at her in wonder. "You believe that – you really believe that."

"You may have been the worst – you were certainly the loudest and the most frightening." A chuckle escapes her lips. "I know it is not funny at all, but somehow it really is."

Erik puts down his lantern. Taking her hand, he pulls her toward him and locks her in an embrace, clutching at her back, biting down on his lower lip. "Your angel became a demon."

"No – just a damaged man – hurt beyond what anyone should be meant to suffer." She presses her hands to his face and kisses him, much as she did that night.

"I am so sorry," he says.

"I am sorry as well," she replies. "Had I been honest with myself and with Raoul – that whole business need never have happened."

Detaching himself from the embrace, he asks, "So you think that Raoul is involved in these attacks?" Giving her another small kiss, before taking up the lantern again, he proceeds to the house, through the sitting room and into his laboratory off the kitchen.

"Perhaps not directly, but he knows things he is not telling us," she says, standing at the door waiting for his return.

"Phillippe is here with Raoul," he calls from the other room.

"You did not tell me," she says, her brow furrowed, stamping her foot.

"I only found out when I heard about M. Richard – he sent a note, but it was left at the Stage Manager's office," he says, coming out of the lab with a small leather case he tucks into the pocket of his jacket. Kissing her lightly on the nose. "Do not be angry with your poor husband – by the time I knew he wanted a meeting, he was already here."

Her arms find their way around his waist, and she nuzzles his neck. "Forgive me – I am becoming a shrew."

"Not at all," he returns the hug, but cuts it short. "Come, I must attend to Adele."

"Oh, dear, I nearly forgot in my concern about the secret doors."

"They seem to be a big part of these attacks," he says, guiding her with his hand on her back. "There is so much foolishness going on that has turned vicious. We are going to be parents and have no need for this in our lives," he grumbles.

Tucking her skirts around her, she settles in. "Adele will be all right, will she not?"

Pushing off from the shore, he says, "With Dr. Gerard's skills – my own – and Nadir's love – I hope so. You might want to put a word in with your god, as well."

A/N - a special thank you to tasteofthebitchpudding for her suggestion about how impending fatherhood might be affecting Erik's way of looking at current events.