A/N: I couldn't wait to get this posted and since a lot of you have asked so nicely too… I decided to go ahead and put this up early. Thank you everyone for reading and reviewing! Also, welcome kpmindc! I'm glad you're liking my story so far and hope you like for all the surprises I have stored.
Chapter 29
That night proved to be hellish. Despite Christine's cries being muffled, Raoul could hear her sorrow and he had to cover his ears. Earlier, when Nadir told him to leave the apartment, he had argued about it, wanting to know what the Persian had in mind in keeping her in the apartment and from running into the demon's arms. The hunter had assured him that no harm would come to her and that he wanted to try talking to her again.
So like the idiot that he was and the fact he wanted to blow off steam to keep himself from saying anything wrong to her, Raoul left to make a quick junk food run. After everything, he wanted something unhealthy and salty to eat. He should have known better though. He would never forget the panic he felt when Christine came running into his arms when he opened the door and she fainted dead away.
"What the fuck did you to do?" Raoul growled, cradling Christine against his chest. "You said you were going to talk to her."
Nadir sighed. "Boy, did you honestly believe that talking alone would convince her? No… she hasn't a clue what she's doing. Or the risk she's putting herself in with these romanticized illusions. She thinks she can help… no she cannot. There is no helping the damned. This was the only way to ensure her safety. Now, you cannot tell me that was wrong."
Raoul glanced down at the woman in his arms. Was it wrong to want to make sure she was safe? Right now, he was quickly losing the belief in right from wrong. The two ideas were so intertwined that it was hard to see which was which anymore. Eventually, he had to agree that although this way was not ideal, at least Christine could not put herself in danger.
He carried her to the room where the Persian followed.
"Don't you think you did enough damage?" Raoul demanded after placing her gently on top of the covers.
"She's holding onto him that is clear. The distance has helped and the safeguards did their works as well… but she chooses to remain under his influence. I fear that her belief that she's in love with the creature is clouding her judgment and her mind from being completely free. She will fight us, you know. She will do whatever she can to flee to it. We can't have that happen."
"What do you suggest? We handcuff her to the bed?" Raoul asked, the last being a poor joke as he brushed his hand through her hair.
"Precisely."
Raoul's head snapped in his direction. "Now—"
"How many times do I have to tell you? This is for her own good. She needs to be tied up. Letting her roam free is giving her the knife to kill herself with. You have to make the hard decisions Mr. de Chagny. That is the difference between life and death."
"She'll hate me for sure," he whispered dejectedly.
"Yes… yes, she will hate you. She will rage at you. But in the long term she will have her life and in time she will forgive you. You need to keep that faith going."
Raoul gazed down at her and made up his mind. Yes, this will kill him but she meant the world to him. And if this was what has to be done, then so be it.
Raoul went over to his table where he kept his handcuffs and lifted her hands above her head to make sure she would be in place. When he turned around, Nadir had some rope.
"For her legs. She will kick."
Raoul took it from him. "No. I'll do it."
Once that was done, it was a matter of waiting for her to wake up. The dose that Nadir dipped the charm in was little and would keep her out for a while. As the minutes ticked by, Raoul noticed her body twitching as she was stirring back to consciousness.
Here it goes, he thought when she opened her eyes.
It had been worse than he had imagined. Yes, Christine hated him. There was no mistaking the look in her eyes when she glared at him. But… the worse… the part that made his heart clenched and weep was when she said he betrayed her.
On some level, he had known she would see it that way, but he didn't let the thought enter his mind when he placed those cuffs on her and tied up her legs. He couldn't. He had to remind himself that he was doing this for her benefit and good. She was under Erik's spell and she didn't know what she was doing or saying.
But to hear her scream…
That would haunt him for the rest of his life.
Now, it was growing late out and he and Nadir stayed out in the main room with the bedroom door closed. The Persian was facing the window, staring out into the black night.
"I know he heard her," he said softly.
"Do you think he will come for her?" Raoul questioned.
"Yes. He will try but he won't get her."
A couple of hours later, Raoul woke to an inhuman scream.
He darted for his gun as did Nadir and they both looked out to the window. It was so dark out, an impenetrable fortress of obscurity, but then suddenly two blazing red orbs appeared out of the blackness.
Raoul fell back, completely stunned, as he watched in horrified amazement as the two balls of fire glowed brighter and brighter… Then a hand hit the window, the nails screeching down the glass. Cracks appeared but the hand drew back, the howling from outside ringing in the men's eardrums as the touch was too much for the thing to bear.
He quickly realized that it was him… the demon. Somehow, Erik found where he lived and the burning hatred in those hellish orbs was locked on him.
"Steady," Nadir ordered.
"Can it come in?" Raoul asked.
"No. Not unless the owner offers the invitation."
"That's not going to happen," the young man muttered, but he couldn't bring himself to look away. He wanted to see this Erik, this vampire. He had to know what he was going up against.
"It knows she's here," the Persian whispered. "Even if he should break the window, the barrier will keep it from coming. Look away Mr. de Chagny. Whatever you do, you must look away."
Raoul didn't object or argue. Instead, he heeded the hunter's warning and buried his face into his pillow, but throughout the night… he couldn't shake away the feeling that Erik was staring at him.
xxXXxx
It wasn't until dawn that the sensation of being watched was gone and Raoul found Nadir already dressed and inspecting the window.
"What's the damage?"
The Persian sighed. "There are cracks but it needs to be fixed, even only temporarily. Now that the creature knows where we are, it won't hesitate to try again."
"And Christine?"
"She's fine. Still sleeping when I checked. But you… You need to sleep."
"I'm fine."
Nadir shook his head. "No. You're not. I'll go out and get what I need to fix this. You will stay and rest. There is no quicker ways to die than if you are exhausted."
"What about you? You were up all night," Raoul argued.
"For the most part. I did get a couple hours sleep in before morning and that's all I need. I'm used to it while you are not. You are no good to Miss Daaé like this. Sleep. She'll be fine in the meantime."
"What about those… what did you called them? The touched ones? Would he send them here?"
"Maybe. But they are human and you will know like I said by the brand of the silver. Besides, I won't be gone for long. An hour max."
Raoul couldn't stop himself from yawning and he wouldn't be able to put up much of a fight with the lack of sleep. Nadir was right. He wouldn't be doing Christine any favors if he kept pushing his body to the extremes of exhaustion. He relented and nodded.
"Good. I won't be gone for long."
Raoul got up and handed the Persian his key and waited for him to leave. His body was screaming for some shut eye, but there was one thing he had to do first.
Carefully, Raoul opened the bedroom door and found Christine still sleeping like Nadir said. He tiptoed into the room and stopped by her side. She was breathing softly, but she was twisted on her side while she slept, which did not look comfortable.
He cringed, knowing that he had been responsible for keeping her like that all night long. Yet, as much guilt as he felt, he had no regrets. No, he believed he was doing the right thing in doing what he did to make sure Christine didn't risk her life. He was still furious at the Persian for breaking his trust and poisoning her, but this was a desperate situation. He understood that even if Nadir's solution was undesirable. At least Christine was safe and alive at this very moment.
But still… she shouldn't have to suffer anymore.
Raoul removed the gag from her mouth. He believed he could trust her from screaming out; at least that's what he hoped for, and then went to her legs and untied the rope so she would be able to move her legs around. He wished he could remove the cuffs, but there was still a good chance that she might try to escape to go back to Erik. Perhaps, with the rope and gag gone, she will see this as his way of apologizing for keeping her trapped like this.
He very well knew that forgiveness would not come easily and he accepted that. In time, he prayed Christine would understand his motive, but this had to be a start. That he was sorry that it had come to this and that he trusted her to do the right thing, especially when his main concern was for her well-being.
He sighed quietly and gave her one last parting look before he went back out to the main room.
He checked his gun to make sure it was loaded and placed it under his pillow. As soon as his head lay against it, Raoul was fast asleep.
xxXXxx
It was approaching one o'clock when Raoul woke up. He saw that a wooden board was covering the lower half of the window where the cracks were. Nadir must have done that while he was still sleeping.
I really must have been tired if I didn't hear him nailing it in, he thought. He stood and stretched out before pushing himself up on his feet. On the coffee table he saw a note and instantly knew it was Nadir.
Gone to get more supplies. Need everything we can get. Miss Daaé had her breakfast and don't worry… I took the cuffs off her for a while. She has them on again and I made sure there would be no more cries either. You took a risk! I put my number on speed dial on your cell in case you need me. Press 1. One more thing—do not trust anyone. Now that your address is no longer secret, you cannot count on anyone.
Raoul crumbled up the note after he read it and tossed it in his garbage bin. He was a cop for god's sake and he knew better than to let anyone into his apartment. He wasn't a greenhorn.
His stomach was grumbling and he figured he should eat something. Maybe bring Christine lunch too since she might be hungry as well. And he was going to throw out that blasted gag too.
He put together a quick PB&J sandwich for himself and Christine. Then he checked to see that Van Helsing was set and knocked on the door before entering.
She was awake, her gaze narrowing into a glare, and she was flexing her fingers so only one would be showing.
"I know Christine. You don't have to keep reminding me," he said and brought the plates over to the nightstand. He reached over and took the gag off again. "I left it off purposely. I guess he didn't trust you."
He was expecting a tart reply, but to his surprise, she didn't say a word.
He picked up one of the plates and set it next to her. Then he pulled out the key to unlock the cuffs. Immediately, she was rubbing her hands together, but she still did not speak.
"I deserve it, okay? But the silent treatment isn't going to help. I am sorry Christine. You may not think so or believe me. Hell, you may not even trust me anymore. I don't blame you, but I did it for you regardless. I know you want to believe your feelings for Erik are real, I get that. I do. But you need to understand that this is a grave situation. You are not thinking clearly and you were making a hasty decision."
He winced, knowing that lecturing her wasn't going to win her over. Yet, he couldn't stop himself from trying to justify himself. The silence was killing him and he wished she would say something. Even if it was to cuss him out. It was better than this stubborn silence.
She didn't even touch her lunch.
"Are you hungry?" he asked and she looked away. He sighed once more and ate his sandwich. When he finished, she didn't budge from her side. He felt his temper rising at her childishness. "I don't know what you want me to say or do. I'm sorry. I know it's not enough, but that's all I can offer. But this is stupid for you not to eat. C'mon Christine."
She still did not turn around and so Raoul told her, "Put your arms up then."
She did and he clasped the cuffs on once more. He took his plate and hers and left the room, the door slamming behind him.
Van Helsing ran over and started pawing at the door. Raoul turned and yelled, "Get away from there!" The cat had the audacity to glare at him the same way his owner did and he cursed. "I give up."
He marched to the kitchen and threw the plates in the sink. Desperate times calls for a drink. He grabbed the bottle of whiskey he kept for emergencies and deeming this one as such… he poured a shot and swallowed it in one gulp.
Why was life so fucking complicated? Why did Christine have to be so obstinate? He was doing his best, and despite him being the number one asshole of the year, the very least she could do was eat the goddamn sandwich!
He drank another shot and gripped the counter.
She wasn't the only one to blame. He was just as responsible for the current situation and he couldn't fault her for not wanting him in her sight. He didn't want to be in his own sight.
Yet, as he thought about this, he couldn't help but wonder the extent that Erik's hold could have over her. Was he making sure that she ignored Raoul? Was this his way in torturing the young man?
It had to be. It was driving him to drink.
Raoul put the bottle back and walked out of the kitchen.
That had to be right. Erik must be able to communicate a message or an order of some kind to her. Nadir said they the two were bonded. Maybe Erik was keeping her silent and she was helplessly obeying his demand.
Well, Raoul watched enough shows and movies to know that if the puppeteer was killed, then all strings would be detached. Then Christine would be her old self. She would see that all she felt was not real and that he only meant for her well-being and she would return to him…
It was a hope, a dream. But if Erik was dead, then they would be free. She would be free. And they could have the sort of life he had envisioned the moment they first met.
His thoughts were interrupted when his cell was buzzing. He flipped it opened and had to pull it away from his ear.
"WHERE THE HELL IS SHE!?"
"Hi Meg," Raoul said, chuckling rather nervously. "Something wrong?"
"Oh, very funny. Ha ha. I'm very pissed off at the moment and I don't give a flying fig you're a cop because I'm capable of murder right now and I will plead insanity!"
"Who's the poor victim?"
"Who do you think? Christine that's who. She hasn't returned my calls or messages and my wedding is days away and I need my fucking Maid of Honor to help me!"
Unconsciously, Raoul looked at the closed door. "Sounds dire."
"You better believe it," Meg retorted. "I'm Bridezilla now and I will kill her. And anyone else who stands in my way. Even Artie if he doesn't stop fucking laughing!" There was a thud on the other line, which Meg must have thrown something at her fiancé.
"Easy on the domestic disturbance Meg," Raoul said jokingly. "Christine—"
He paused and wondered if he should tell her. But this was Meg and surely he could trust her.
"—she's here with me," he finished.
There was a beat. "Come again?"
"Christine's here… with me," Raoul said. "She needed a place to crash."
"So she decided to stay with her ex-boyfriend and not her best friend? Oh, I'm going to kill her, revive her, and kill her again."
"Take it easy Meg. She's going through a rough patch," he told her. "And if you did kill her, then you will be sorry that you did."
She sighed. "Yeah. I know. But I'm still going to rip her a new one for not coming to me. No offense but best friends always before beaus, even ex ones."
"None taken."
"Good. I'll be over soon." She hung up and Raoul closed his cell. Then it occurred to him. Christine was handcuffed to the bed! How was he going to explain that one? And that was not including that Christine can tell her how they drugged her to stay.
"Shit," he mumbled under his breath and ran a hand through his hair. He could call her back and say that Christine isn't feeling well… but that wasn't going to stop Hurricane Meg by the sound of it. He would have to watch them and make sure Christine doesn't say something. Or… he could talk to Meg about the situation. She certainly wasn't Team Erik when they talked. And if anyone could talk sense into Christine… it would have to be Meg!
Feeling slightly better, he knew what he had to say and when Meg was knocking at the door, he opened it while she was in mid-knock.
"Hi," he greeted.
"Hi," she said back and stormed past him. "So where is she?"
Closing the door, Raoul motioned for her to sit down. Frowning, the blonde did and raised a brow at the sleeping bag and blankets on the floor.
"Did you guys have a sleepover party or something? And what's this stuff on the walls? Redecorating?"
"Meg, there's something I need to talk to you about. And I need to know that what I say stays in this room."
"Sounds serious. Okay."
Raoul crossed his arms and sighed. "Here it goes."
So he told her about Christine's late night visit and how she knows that Erik is a vampire. He told her about Nadir and how he was staying with them and the lengths they took to protect her. With shame, he told her about the drugging and keeping her locked in the room and how Erik tried coming into the apartment last night.
Meg listened intently and covered her mouth when he told her about the drugging. There was anger in her eyes but also he saw a trace of understanding. Then with Erik… she gasped and looked over at the window. When he was done, she was shaking her head.
"I can't believe it. Well, I do, but you know what I mean."
"Yeah."
"I get why you and Nadir? Okay, you and Nadir… did what you did. Christine had to be stopped all right, but I don't know if I would have gone with the drugging route. But it kept her here, right? So, she's safe. Do you think he would try again?"
"Yes," Raoul said with a strong conviction. "If not him, then he would send Buquet."
She nodded. "What do you want me to do?"
"Talk to her. She'll listen to you."
"I don't know about that. The girl has a mind of her own. You know that."
"Yes but this is different. She's talking about going back to this dangerous creature. He can kill her and she doesn't seem to understand."
"I'll do my best. But you do owe me."
"I figured an extra couple hundred dollars for your wedding present."
"A couple extra hundred more? Or that's it?"
"More," he replied with a grin.
"All right. Let me go see her."
"She's in the bedroom." He pointed to the closed door.
"Here we go," Meg said and strode over. She placed her hand on the knob and yelped, pulling her hand back.
"What's wrong?" Raoul asked, running to her.
"Nothing," she quickly said, but he grabbed her hand and saw a bright red blistering spot on her palm. As if the handle burned her…
Raoul's eyes widened and before he could grab her, Meg ripped her hand from him and her other fist came racing towards him. He jumped away from her punch and leapt forward to restrain the blonde woman.
Yet, Meg was quick… the dancer in her moving away from his hands. The last thing Raoul wanted to do was use force or a weapon, but the fire that was dancing in her eyes was not Meg. No… this was Erik.
The startling discovery caught Raoul off guard and Meg flung herself at him, knocking him to the ground. Her hands immediately wrapped his neck and she began to choke him. Raoul bucked and reached up to push her away, but it seemed she developed supernatural strength as she applied more pressure to his throat, his attempts to fight her not even fazing her.
Slowly dots were appearing in front of his eyes and his arms fell as he lost consciousness.
xxXXxx
Christine tried to sit up from her spot when she heard what sounded like Meg's voice. She had her mouth open to shout for help, but then she heard Raoul and Meg talking about her and she closed it, knowing it would be pointless.
Raoul was dead-set on keeping her away from Erik and her best friend was willing to go along as well. Was there anyone she could trust?
But then the talking turned to a cry of pain. And then a scuffle of some kind.
Christine began to twist and pull on the cuffs, the links banging against the metal frame.
The door opened and she saw Meg standing in the doorway.
"Meg? What's going on?" she asked her voice hesitant as she did not see Raoul.
"It's all right Christine. I'm getting you out of here." Her friend ran to her and snatched the key off the nightstand.
"Raoul?" Christine questioned.
Meg ignored her and proceeded to unlock the handcuffs. The blonde grabbed her arm and pulled her from the bed.
"C'mon! We don't have much time!"
Christine was too dazed as she followed Meg out of the apartment. Raoul was nowhere to be found.
TBC…
Just curious… anyone out there feeling bad for Raoul? Anyone? I kind of feel bad, but he needs to let go. So we'll see how Raoul fares, especially since he got beat up by a girl.
