Chapter twenty-one: The Threats

Idonea exhaled and burrowed closer to Erik. She let out a sigh. "Is it wrong for me to be missing Gustave even when I'm deliciously happy with you."

Erik chuckled and kissed her brow. "You're a mother now, I'd say it's logical for you to want to be near your child." She looked up at him and smiled at his choice of words. "Yes, Gustave is our son now. Do you want to go home?" She nodded eagerly. "Ok." He kissed her forehead. "Let's get going."

She kissed his cheek. "I love you." He smiled as she stood up and inhaled sharply. As if sensing his concern she spoke without turning around to him. "I'm alright Erik, I'm just a little sore." She smiled, her hand over her womb. "If you hadn't already put a child in me, you'd have put one in me these last few days."

He chuckled. "Indeed, it's been a pleasure."

She threw a pillow at him, causing him to laugh. "Erik! You say the most scandalous things at times!" A knock at the door caused Erik's heart rate to spike. "I'll get that."

"No!" Idonea froze on the spot as Erik floundered out of the bed and hurried to the door. He could feel her staring at him as he flung the door open. There was no one in sight in the hall, but there was another letter. "Damn it." Erik muttered as he picked up the letter and opened in, mentally steeling himself for yet another message.

I've already claimed her as mine freak. Her body and mind are mine. I had her first and I will always be her first. Let her go to me or I'll see to it that neither of us have her.

"What's going on Erik?" She asked calmly. Erik looked up begrudgingly. "I know there's something wrong now. How long you've been hiding it from me, I don't know, but I want to know now."

Erik exhaled and stepped towards her as she stood there, her arms crossed. "Idonea," he said slowly. "remember that I love you, never forget that. I will keep you safe." Her arms relaxed slightly as she reached for the letter. As she read the letter, Erik gripped her elbows gently as he assured her. "You will be safe Idonea, I swear it."

She inhaled. "Erik...how many of these...have you received?" He hesitated and she threw the paper down. "Never mind, I don't want to know." She shuddered. "Dear God, Erik, am I never to be allowed a moments peace?"

"Idonea, no one will hurt you."

"We got one of my rapists, but this other one," she shuddered in disgust. "dear God. He was...from Hell. He did...everything to me. Mr. Terrence was a relief. This thing...he'd do things. Horrible things with knives, whips, fire...glass bottles." She covered her mouth. "He, always wore a mask."

He gripped her hands. "That's, why when we made love...you wanted me without the mask."

She nodded. "You're so different from him. His eyes...like a mad animal. You...I never saw anything to fear in your eyes."

"He won't get you." He swore. "He'll be dead if he ever tries to lay a hand on you."

She rolls her eyes. "Erik, you're a darling man. True, you've a temper, but you can't raise a hand to your own son. I can't see you killing anyone."

"I've killed before." Idonea stared at him in shock. "I'm wanted in France for murder. Two murders actually."

Idonea stared at him as he filled her in about Buquet and Piangi. She was surprised and silent for several long moments before saying. "I should be angry with you, for hiding this from me. However, now, this news is comforting to me. I shouldn't be glad that you killed, but...it does give me some comfort that you're not as soft as I thought." She inhaled and reached for his hand. "Please, find this monster and turn him over to the police,"Alive."

"I can't guarantee my control about what I'll do when I see him." Erik stated calmly. "I don't mind people threatening me. But no one, threatens my wife and slurs her name."

"Oh, dear God Erik." Idonea pressed her face against his chest and sighed. "How many times have I said I love you?"

"I was starved for love Idonea. Your kind words make the world seem like a better place every day." He touched her cheek. "Even a smile, makes up for a multitude of suffering."

"I'll say it as often as I can." She kissed him deeply. " I love you. I love you." She gasped the words as Erik got up, dipping her backwards on the bed. "God, I love you."

Idonea kept her gaze riveted to the ground as Erik collected the mail that had started to pile up with Erik's absence. She blushed and away from desk clerk's gaze as he handed Erik the mail. Erik tucked the mail into his coat and reached for her arm. Their bags were already loaded into the carriage. She blushed as Erik lead her towards the entrance. "That was embarrassing."

"Well, Idonea love," he said gently. "we haven't been out of our room for days and you weren't exactly quiet."

"And who's fault is that?" She demanded as she slapped his arm.

"Mine, but granted, God made your body really too desirous."

She laughed and wrapped an arm around his waist. "You flattering fool." He swept her up into the carriage, setting her on the set. She laughed as he closed the door with an clatter that caused the blinds to come down over the window. She gasped as Erik pressed her into the velvet cushion seat. "My darling man." She patted him. "Erik, you need to read your mail." He kissed her mouth, causing her to moan. "Erik, give me a moment."

He sighed and shook his head. "As you wish," he got off her and reached into his pocket for the letters. "let's see what we've got."

"Yes." She straightened up and leaned against his shoulder. "What's of interest?

"Not much, mainly bills." He handed her a letter. "One from your mother."

She snorts. "Whatever."

"And," he hesitates as he looks at the letter. "another one from...him."

She exhaled and took the letter from him. She looked at him and handed it back to him. "The man's obviously mad. He doesn't know me at all."

"No one needs to know you, as long as I know you." He stated as he opened the letter and glanced at it. It wasn't even worth noting. Erik placed the letter in his pocket. "What does your mother say?"

She exhaled and handed him the letter. "I couldn't really care less. You read it."

"No, Idonea, you need to read it at some."

She sighs and shoves it into his pocket. "Fine, I shall read it later." The sounds of people shouting caused her to frown. "What is that?"

The carriage jerked to a stop and Erik glowered. He carefully shifted Idonea over to the other side of the carriage and opened the door to demand. "What the Hell is-

"It's Mr. Y.!" Someone shouted. Idonea frowned and peered out the carriage window to see a few reporters approaching from a cafe.

Erik groaned and peered at the driver. "What is it?"

"There's a carriage missing a wheel." He apologized. "They've almost got it on sir. Shouldn't be long."

Idonea screamed, causing Erik to jump back into the carriage. One of the reporters had actually opened the door! "Ralph!" She shrieked. "You bastard! Get out!"

"Idonea!" Ralph was too cheerful. "Hey, it's Mr. Y.'s mistress!"

"I think you mean wife." Someone added. "She's wearing a ring. Get out of the carriage."

"Relax Joe," Ralph said too cheerfully. "I know this girl."

Erik grabbed Ralph by the shirt and threw him out of the carriage. "Stay...out!"

Someone, he assumed was Joe, started laughing as Ralph landed on his back. Erik slammed the door shut and locked it. "Aww, Idonea. That's no way to treat an old friend. Come on, what's under the mask?"

Idoena flipped the curtain up and snapped. "A face too beautiful to be appreciated by scum like you. And we, were never friends." She snarled. "Never."

"Come on, I need a break." He stood up as the carriage jolted forward. "Come on!"

"Stay out of my life," She snarled. "or I'll have my husband break your neck." She slammed the blinds down and growled. "Damn it, I hate that man. He makes me so angry." Erik went to question her, but she cut him off. "It's like you and Raoul. Could be friends if we wanted too, but there's just something too off about him. Ugh, I'd like to snap his neck."

"Your wish," Erik pulled her close. "is my command."

She giggled. "Well, maybe a bloody nose and a black eye wouldn't go amiss."

"How do you know him?"

She shrugged. "My parents took him in for a bit. He always had a crush on me."

Erik hesitated before asking. "Idonea...it...couldn't be him...could it?"

She paused before shaking her head. "No, he actually found me. Can we change the subject, please?"

"Fine," he ran his hand over her firm stomach. "so, tell me wife? Is it a boy or a girl?"

Idonea paused and smiled. "I don't know, I hope it's a boy. This is...so new for me, moreso for you."

"Well, probably for you. After all, you weren't expecting to have children."

She smiled as the carriage jerked to a stop. "No, but...I'm glad."

"Me too." Erik got out of the carriage and gently lifted Idonea out of the carriage.

"Erik, you don't need to carry me."

"Idonea, please, don't mother me. Let me help you around a bit."

She smiled as Erik headed towards the door. Idonea reached for a note taped to their knocker. She pulled it freed and sighed. "It's another note Erik." And for once, Erik got to experience the dread Firmin and Andre felt every time he'd left a not for them. And now, he actually felt sorry for the torture he'd put them through.