A/N: Oh no… I think I'm losing some of you. Don't go! I still have five chapters and an epilogue after this chapter. We still have lots of drama unfolding and Erik and Christine are not exactly safe in the water anymore… not with this bombshell. Don't forget to review please!

A/N2: Unfortunately, my internet wasn't working yesterday and it had to be postponed. But I didn't forget! Stupid technology…

Chapter 28

All at once everyone was erupting with cries and exclamations.

What Mr. Dutton said… that it was not an accident but intentional changed everything. What we both feared would happen, did in fact, had happened.

Ayesha gasped out loud and Erik was rigid, his face emotionless. Colonel Reyer stood and pounded the gavel on his table repeatedly. "Order! Order!" he shouted but no one was listening. They were chatting incessantly, their voices a loud buzzing in my ear. "Order! Sit down! I said ORDER!"

The Colonel's voice bellowed the command and captured their attention. "In your seats now or I'll have you removed from this room! Mr. Dutton. These are wild accusations you are making. Are you quite certain the holes were not there when you last seen Mrs. de Winter's sailboat?"

"I am Colonel. I bet my life on it that these holes were not there before. They had been put there by a human hand. I can't say whose but they were done by someone."

The volume was getting louder and another stern whack ceased the chatter. Colonel Reyer lowered his gaze at Erik, his expression hard. "Mr. de Winter. Could you please step up here again?"

I had no choice but to let go of my husband's hand as he stood. This was not happening, I thought. This was not happening.

Erik took his seat up there again and the Colonel continued giving him his fixed look. "You heard Mr. Dutton's remarks and assessment of your late wife's boat. Can you tell me if you know anything about these holes in the planking?"

"No, nothing," Erik answered coolly.

"This is the first you heard?"

"Yes."

"What do you make of this then?"

"I'm shock to be honest. First the body and now this. To learn that my late wife's was not an accidental drowning and sinking, but that these holes were made for the purpose for the boat to sink? Who wouldn't be shocked?"

This seemed to pacify the Colonel, but not the Inspector. He whispered in the Colonel's ear and was granted a nod. This did not look well for Erik.

Coming towards my husband, the Inspector folded his arms. "Shock is quite the understatement Mr. de Winter. Of course, that is to be expected with this kind of troubling news. The Colonel and I understand how tragic your loss has been and how this is not the kind of closure you would want. For your sake, I am going to ask you some questions pertaining to the recent discovery. Do remember that we want to get to the bottom of this as much as you do and this is not for our personal amusement."

"I doubt that," Nadir mumbled.

"If you insist," Erik replied but I could see this did not sit well with him.

"Now, Mr. de Winter, we were told by Mr. Dutton that your late wife's body was found in the cabin where three holes were made at the bottom and that the sea-cocks that should have been closed at the time of sailing so not to let in water were in fact turned on. Do you doubt his statement?"

"No. Mr. Dutton is an experienced boat-builder and knows more than I about boats. So if that his statement, then I would have to concur."

"Did Mrs. de Winter have anyone to look after her boat for her?"

"No. Luciana preferred to do things on her own."

"So… she had no one under her employ with the background knowledge of boats?"

"Not that I know of. As boats are not my topic of conversation, I would not engage any of my staff on this subject and I have no recollection of Luciana ever mentioning that we had someone who did."

"And the boat itself. Where was it docked?"

"On our private harbor, this is where her cottage is."

"Could it be possible for a stranger to find this cottage and perhaps tamper with the boat?"

"I suppose. We do not have any guards down there."

"And you have a forest nearby that could allow someone to hide without being seen?"

"Yes there is."

"So there is a slight possibility that a stranger could have put those holes in himself and hid somewhere on the property?"

Erik frowned. "Are you suggesting that someone would have wanted to cause harm to Luciana?"

"Absolutely not. But according to Mr. Dutton, the size of the sailboat combined with the three holes and opened sea-cocks… it would not have been long for the boat to sink. If it had been tampered while docked, then the boat would have been sinking already. Do you agree?"

"Yes."

"Then it is more likely that the damage was done while the boat was already out at sea."

"I would believe that assumption is correct."

"Yes and it has been mentioned already by Captain Lefevre that your wife's body was found on the floor and the port holes were closed and the cabin door was locked. And with this added information about a spike being driven into the planking and the opening of the sea-cocks… do you find this a bit strange?"

"Yes."

"But it has been stated over and over that your late wife was an experienced sailor."

"Yes."

"I would think that someone with that kind of experience would not attempt to do something so risky while at sea. Do you agree?"

"Yes."

Now, Erik's answers were becoming terse with that single word. Dear God, no! I thought. Don't let this happen.

I could see Erik was getting close to losing his temper and he had to keep it in. He had to or the Inspector's suspicion would be aroused more so than what it was. I tried mentally pleading to him to calm down, but Erik's visible cheek was growing flushed and his brow was narrowing into his mask.

"Do you have any theories why your wife would do something like this?"

"No, of course not."

"But who else would do this, except her? She was alone on the boat?"

"Yes. There was no one else missing so it was believed that she had been alone."

"But the late Mrs. de Winter must have had some reason. As her husband… surely she must have told you something that would hint to a possible reason."

"No. She never confessed anything that was irregular."

"She was so young… Something must have bothered her."

"I assure you there was nothing!" His eyes were blazing now.

"Maybe not to you there was," the Inspector said. "Mr. de Winter, if you don't mind, I am going to ask you a very personal question and I expect you to answer it truthfully. Was there any unrest in your marriage to Luciana de Winter?"

"What do you mean?" Erik asked.

"I mean… was she happy? Was she depressed? Or did it have to do with what is behind that mask of yours?"

Dead silence filled the courtroom and I could see Erik was very white from trying to keep his temper intact, but there was no mistaking the furious gaze as he glared at the Inspector.

No! This was not supposed to happen! Erik was losing his temper and it was what the Inspector wanted all along. To see Erik fall. I couldn't let that happen! I had to do something! I had to—

xxXXxx

"Here she comes. Christine? Can you hear me?"

Ayesha… Why did her voice sound faint?

"Come my dear. Open your eyes, take a deep breath. That's it. Good. Good." Dr. Leroux…

I blinked a few times and looked around. There were so many faces hovering over mine and I wondered did everyone get taller or did I shrink? As I was starting to regain my senses, I realized I was lying on the floor and I was surrounded by curious and worried spectators. Then I found Erik in the sea of faces, his countenance staring at me with unguarded emotions. He was pale and anxiety and fear was warring in his green eyes that I smiled faintly at him to show I was all right.

He relaxed a little, but he was still anxious.

The knocking of the gavel brought order again and the Colonel was looking quite peevish.

"I'm calling for a recess. One hour."

With one last pound, the Colonel dismissed the inquest for the time being and made his exit through the side door from where he came. Inspector Butler quickly followed at his heels.

Then one by one… people were leaving as all the excitement was ended. Finally, Erik was able to come to me as I was being helped up by the doctor and Nadir.

"Just a fainting spell," the doctor told my husband. "It was rather hot in here and with all the excitement that was going on… I believe it was too much for you Mrs. de Winter."

"I-I guess," I said, my legs shaking. "I feel fine though." Then I added, "It was rather silly of me wasn't it?"

"Nonsense!" Ayesha remarked. "The room is stuffy like Dr. Leroux said. In fact, I was feeling a little faintish myself. Let's go get some fresh air."

She already had her arm looped around mine and Erik was there to keep me steady by holding my waist. Together, the three of us made our way out of the courtroom and down to the car where Anthony was waiting for us.

Once Anthony saw me, he appeared quite fretful and hurried to offer his assistance.

"Open the door," Erik told him and he quickly obeyed.

The back door was opened and I was sitting inside, my feet dangling out of the car door. Then Erik was on his knees, not caring he was getting dust and dirt on his pants, his hands holding mine in my lap as he searched my face for any other symptoms that the doctor failed to catch.

"I'm fine," I told him. "Really Erik. I need some air that's all."

"Ayesha, could you find Nadir and tell him I'm going to send my wife home? I'll be back in an hour."

"Right. Come Giles," she said to her husband and they were gone.

"Anthony?" Erik called.

"Yes, sir?"

"Could you fetch Mrs. de Winter some water?"

"Right away Mr. de Winter."

We were alone and Erik was able to exhale deeply. "You gave me such a fright!" he admitted. "One minute you were sitting on the bench and the next you were falling so lifelessly."

"I'm better Erik. See? But Erik… that horrible Inspector! What he was saying… I felt like I was on trial right there next to you!"

"But you're not," he reminded me. "You had nothing to do with this. I guess this was not a good idea after all. You should have stayed in Manderley."

"You… you're not going to send me home are you?"

"Christine…" Erik breathed. "What choice do I have? This is obviously affecting you and I cannot forgive myself if something should happen. When Anthony returns, we will head back to Manderley and I will return alone."

"You cannot blame yourself Erik," I told him. "I told you I was coming to this and I am not going to leave you alone."

"But—"

"Erik," I interrupted, reaching for his cheek. "Listen to me carefully. I am not going to leave you to the wolves. Not when you were so close to being hurt. Someone had to do something."

Then realization began to dawn over his features as a grin broke out. "You… you minx!" he exclaimed.

I had to hold back a giggle. "Well, you were losing your temper Erik. Even after what Nadir and I had warned you… you would not listen to us."

"It… it was so real!"

"I guess I went a little overboard," I admitted sheepishly. "I was warm sitting in there with all those people and I did allow my emotions to get the best of me. But it did the trick though. I was able to stop the Inspector from questioning you and from making you take off your mask. Having the Colonel call for a recess was a bonus."

Erik chuckled, burying his face in my skirt to keep the tears from spilling. "You are something else Christine de Winter. Who would have known that you do have a deceiving bone in that body after all! But… if the Inspector had asked me to remove my mask… I would have refused. He could ask me all the bloody personal questions he wants… my mask is off limits."

Gazing up at me adoringly, Erik smiled. "You are an angel, my dear. I don't know how else to thank you."

"Tell me you love me and that's all the thank you I need," I said.

"I love you Christine."

Our moment was disturbed when Nadir and Anthony were running back. Anthony had a glass of water from a local pub and handed it to me.

For appearances, I accepted it and took small sips of the cold water before handing it back to Anthony.

Nadir was distressed from everything. "How are you feeling Mrs. de Winter?"

"Better thank you," I told him with a smile. "In fact, I feel completely refreshed. The air and water did the trick. I told my husband that there is no point in me having to return to Manderley after all."

"I'm glad to hear that Mrs. de Winter, but do you not think that is a rash decision? Erik, you should tell her that she should go home."

"Now, now Nadir," Erik said as he rose from his spot. "I believe my wife can speak for herself and make the decisions she seems fit. If she deems herself well enough to stay, then I cannot argue with that."

Nadir's jaw dropped. "Are you mad? Erik! Your wife fainted back there when you were being interrogated quite intensely I might add… What do you think is going to happen once this recess is over? The questions from the Inspector are going to get worse, and trust me, when I say they will not go easy on you even if your wife is present. It is better that she stays at Manderley."

"Christine?" Erik turned to me.

"Nadir," I began. "I appreciate your concern, my friend. But I cannot do that. I already spoke to my husband that I will not leave him, and there is nothing you can say or do that will persuade me. I understand that the next round of questions will be fierce, and I am prepared to sit through it as long as I know my husband is all right."

"The both of you…" Nadir shook his head in disbelief. "So stubborn for your own good."

"Do not fret Nadir," I said teasingly. "Erik and I have to keep you on your toes or else we are not doing our jobs properly."

Despite himself, Nadir started to laugh. "I see you are completely corrupted Mrs. de Winter. My friend has rubbed off on you."

"Well, she did marry me," Erik said.

"If I may…" Anthony interjected. "Mrs. de Winter, do you really wish to stay?"

"Yes I do Anthony," I answered. "Although, I am famished."

"Yes. The Lacys told me they were going to head home for a quick lunch," Nadir said.

"Home? They won't be back in time," Erik commented.

"Yes I know and that's what I said… but you know your sister Erik. She will come late and no one will stop her from entering."

"Very well. I think lunch is a good idea. Anthony… where did you get the water?"

Anthony told him and Erik nodded. "We will dine there. Anthony, do you mind staying with the car? If you are hungry, then you may go back to Manderley. Just make sure that you come straight back."

"I will Mr. de Winter."

"Here Anthony," Nadir said. "Let me take that glass from you. No point in you walking with us and having to walk back to the car."

"Thank you sir. I will be back as soon as possible."

"Goodbye Anthony. Tell Meg and Robert that everything is going to be fine," I said.

The butler nodded and hopped into the driver's side and was on his way. The three of us started our trek to the pub that Anthony mentioned and when we got inside… it was pretty packed.

But that was taken care of immediately when Erik told the barkeep who he was and right away we were ushered into a private room. In there, we were able to hear ourselves speak while the patrons outside were loud and rowdy.

The barista came to take our drink orders and left us to peruse the menu. In minutes she came back with our drinks and took our meal orders, and then we were alone again. While I was trying to decide what to have, I kept thinking about how I saw Mrs. Danvers and Raoul. I knew they were there for Luciana, but I had to wonder what they were thinking with this sudden change of events. Mr. Dutton clearly implied that foul play had took place on that sailboat with Luciana inside and while no one else knew the truth saved Nadir, Erik, and I; I did fear what those two would think, especially Raoul and his hatred towards my husband.

Knowing I could not keep this matter silent any longer, I told Erik and Nadir who I saw before I had fainted.

The look on Erik's face was not pleasant and even Nadir looked agitated.

"Of course, de Chagny had to make an appearance. But Mrs. Danvers… I thought she was ill."

"So did I," I agreed. "But she must have been feeling well enough to come down here. Still… the news must be severely shocking to her now. More so than when the body was found."

"Well, I wouldn't worry about her," Erik said. "She loved Luciana and saw only perfection within her mistress. And she didn't know anything about Luciana's affairs. If she were to call to testify… she will be on my side and insist that our marriage was the happy fairy tale that Luciana wanted."

"That is true but do not forget de Chagny," Nadir warned.

Erik huffed. "Like I could ever forget him."

"Do you think he would speak against you?" I asked Erik. "He has plenty of reasons to despise you."

"Maybe… maybe not. He is not a friend of mine and he has no reason to protect me, but to speak out would also hurt Luciana. I'm confident he will keep his tongue to himself."

We stopped talking when there was a knock on the door and Erik permitted the person to enter.

"Why the barista is knocking I don't know…" my husband muttered.

But it wasn't the barista who entered. It was the devil himself…

Raoul de Chagny.

TBC…