A/N: Thanks for the reviews! Enjoy this chapter everyone!
And it's fluffy because I need fluff tonight
36: An End to Masquerade
"Last time I checked, the guest list wasn't even approaching fifty."
"The first twenty or so were what Marius and I agreed on; the rest is my mother's insistence."
Eponine sighs sympathetically as she ties off a bow on yet another centrepiece for her friends' wedding reception. "I guess your parents just want you and Marius to have a beautiful church wedding. I heard that theirs was rather simple."
"I remember it. It was raining. The church was mostly empty except for my parents' friends. I was the bridesmaid and flower-girl, and I was ten years old," Cosette says ruefully as she puts a finished centrepiece on one side of the table in the lanai. "I know that it would be nice to have more of Marius' relatives and some old school friends of mine at the wedding, but these are people we haven't been in touch with in years."
"You need to put your foot down on that one. I don't think you and Marius want to be dealing with the reception line all evening," Eponine points out.
Cosette laughs before reaching for some more ribbons and plastic doves for another centrepiece. "Not to mention that problem with Marius' cousin. He may be living with their relatives now but things might remain cool on that front for a while."
"Why, I thought his aunt likes him?"
"She does, but she's not the only relative he has."
Eponine flinches at these words, more so when she recalls Theodule's expression on the first time she and Combeferre interrogated him. "So how are you going to manage your own problem?" she asks Cosette after a moment.
"I'll have to do it without breaking my mother's heart, and you know how difficult that can be."Cosette gives her friend a sly look. "Speaking of which, I heard that you spent some time with Enjolras' mom?"
"Dress shopping for tonight's party," Eponine says with a shrug. It's a very succinct way to describe one of the most chaotic shopping trips she's ever been on; for one thing she did not know that Ari Enjolras was on speaking terms with so many designers. "At least she had some good ideas."
"She seems to like you."
"She likes me because her son does. I doubt we'd get along well if we met in other circumstances."
"Now don't underrate yourself," Cosette chides her. "Maybe she's a stiff society matron but her nose isn't that long for her to trip."
Eponine snorts at this mental image. 'At least she's not trying to fill in for my mother,' she notes silently even as she notices Elodie tiptoeing into the room in an attempt to sneak up on Cosette. She has to fight to keep a straight face up until the moment Elodie whispers "Boo!" before jumping into Cosette's lap. "She's better at this than you were in college," she quips when she sees Cosette's stunned expression.
"Marius is teaching her too well," Cosette says even as she begins combing out Elodie's hair. "Now what are you up to, darling?" she asks the child.
Elodie gives her a toothy grin. "Grandmother is asking something about the band for the party," she says in a stage whisper.
"That's our debate for today," Cosette mutters resignedly. "We'll finish making those centrepieces and favors some other day I guess. Thanks for coming, Eponine."
"No problem. I should be able to pass by here sometime next week," Eponine says.
Elodie gives Eponine a curious look. "Mister Bahorel said that you and Mister Enjolras are going to a big party tonight."
"It's a dinner for very important people," Eponine explains, even though she can feel the urge to cringe at this understatement.
Elodie nods slowly. "So you'll be in a pretty dress?"
"Yes of course."
"Will there be dancing?"
"I don't know."
Elodie shakes her head. "There should be dancing. Mister Enjolras should dance with you."
Eponine blanches at the idea, more so when she sees Cosette about to burst out giggling. "Not all parties go that way, Elodie. Sometimes people just want to talk about things," she manages to say in a level tone.
"That's boring, Doc," Elodie points out. "You don't have to be at a party for that."
Cosette laughs before scooping up Elodie. "Now I shouldn't keep you from your plans. You guys have fun tonight. And stay safe!"
Eponine nods. "Good luck dealing with your mom," she calls as Cosette and Elodie leave the lanai. 'This is even scarier than the time that Zel and I found sharks while swimming,' she can't help thinking. After all, the last time she checked, sharks did not bite unless provoked. This is far more than she can say for the people in the middle of her investigation.
She heads home shortly after in order to give herself ample time to prepare for the evening's festivities. The very idea of having to put so much work into dressing up for a party makes her feel ridiculous, making her roll her eyes a few times while she dries off after a quick shower. 'I cannot imagine how it would be to always dress up like this,' she muses as she carefully pulls out her attire from where she's hidden it at the back of her part of the closet. This wine red dress falls to her ankles for formality's sake, but also shows a little bit of her cleavage and has a dangerously long slit that draws enough attention to her legs. To add to the effect is a pair of high heeled bronze shoes with a gold motif. It's these cheeky details that have her grinning when she takes a look at herself in the mirror; although it has been some time since she's stepped into anything so elegant the look somehow seems to suit her better than it ever did before.
She has already finished pinning back her hair from her face by the time she hears Enjolras' key in the door. "Cutting it a bit close, aren't we?" she teases as she glances over her shoulder and finds that he is still in the polo shirt and slacks he wore to work that morning.
"It's only research of another sort," Enjolras deadpans as he sets down his briefcase. His eyes go wide and his mouth hangs open as he gets a good look at her. "Eponine..." he breathes.
She laughs before drawing him down for a long kiss. "Is that all you can say, Auguste?"
"No, it's just that..." he trails off as he brushes his thumb across her cheek. "You're amazing."
She blushes at this familiar though heartfelt compliment. "Thanks. You'd better take a shower while there's still hot water."
"Then you complain I'm not romantic," he retorts before kissing her nose. "Give me ten minutes."
She waits for him to go off to the bathroom and then smiles widely to herself as she puts on her makeup, even taking care to use mascara and a slightly darker shade of lipstick than she's accustomed to. As an additional touch she puts on a pair of rose gold earrings, the only piece of fine jewellery she's acquired for herself. She uses the rest of the time to catch up on some reading, until she hears Enjolras opening the bathroom door. She looks up and her mouth goes dry at the sight of him in a new black suit. "Oh damn."
"Should I take that as a compliment?" Enjolras asks as he begins combing out his hair.
"I'd kiss you right now but I don't think you want lipstick on your collar," Eponine says as she goes over to help him straighten his tie. His fingers brush against hers and the sensation sends heat pooling in her stomach. Nevertheless she tugs on his tie smartly and fixes the knot. "There, now you look dashing."
He smiles before lifting her hand to his lips and kissing her knuckles. "Are you ready?"
She nods before getting to her feet and walking with him to the elevator. They don't say anything up until they are in the car and already almost at the freeway. She feels his hand on her knee and she pats his hand reassuringly. "You're more used to formal occasions than I am."
"Usually they are laced with less intrigue and far more ennui," he says, giving her a wry smile.
"If only in vino veritas could hold up in a court testimony," she quips.
Enjolras smirks. "That was what Grantaire used to say whenever Courfeyrac and I reviewed for exams back in pre-law. I believe there's a similar restriction when it comes to those so-called truth sera."
'Those things can end up being more lethal than useful,' Eponine recalls. "How then will you convince any of those military officers to come forward, short of issuing a subpoena?"
"Some discussion with the higher echelons of command might help," Enjolras replies. "Military officers have a code of honor among themselves."
"And a code of silence-which Gillenormand refused to break."
"Conspiracy to murder is grounds for a court martial. I doubt anyone wants to risk that."
She sighs as she taps her fingers on the dashboard. "It won't be enough. It will take more than that to make them come forward."
"Then we'll find out whatever it is," Enjolras says firmly.
Eponine takes a deep breath as she clasps his hand, running her fingers over every callus she can find. These are marks of a man who usually is sure of what he is doing, and is not afraid to face the odds. "You'd better hope they do have some sort of price," she mutters.
"That's a little cynical," he points out.
She shrugs. "It's practical." She falls silent as they arrive at the entrance to the Mycenae Gardens, a sprawling courtyard surrounding a brightly lit gazebo. "There's Bahorel's car. Is he bringing anyone with him?" she asks, pointing to a sleek red convertible parked some paces away.
"I don't believe he mentioned anything along those lines," he replies as he pulls the key out of the ignition and then gets out of the car so he can go over to her side and open the door.
She takes his arm to further this display of gallantry, which becomes more necessary as they make their way through the garden. All along the bridges over the koi-filled ponds and the meandering pebble-lined pathways are guests greeting each other and mingling, and a number of them nod to Enjolras or Eponine by way of recognition.
"Aren't you two just the cutest!" an old lady croons. "I'm not sure you remember me, Doc. I'm-"
"Yvonne Dunn," Eponine finishes, now remembering this patient recently discharged from the surgery ward. "How are you doing?"
"Very well. Say, is that Doctor Navet still single? Because one of my granddaughters really needs to find a good man," Yvonne says, touching Eponine's arm. "She was dumped by this cad, the poor thing, and now she's convinced that there are no good men in this world."
Eponine laughs a little uneasily. "I'll have to check on that," she says. As far as she knows Navet is still dating casually and she has yet to hear of anyone particularly significant in his life.
Yvonne nods before giving Enjolras a warm smile. "Your wife is one of the best doctors I've ever met. You're a very lucky man."
Eponine nearly starts but when she glances at Enjolras she sees him flush for the briefest moment. "We're not yet married," Enjolras replies in an even tone.
"Oh dear, my mistake," Yvonne says apologetically, wringing her hands. "I do hope it will be soon, you two look so adorable together. "
"Enjolras!" a deep voice calls. Everyone turns to see a tall man with reddish hair walking up to them, wearing a simple suit with a single military decoration pinned to the lapel. Oddly enough he is carrying a red cape. "It's good that you and Doctor Thenardier could come to the party."
Enjolras nods by way of acknowledgement. "It's good to see you, de Chagny." He touches Eponine's elbow to call her attention. "Eponine, I'd like to introduce Raoul de Chagny, my former classmate. De Chagny, meet my partner Doctor Eponine Thenardier."
Raoul shakes Eponine's hand. "A pleasure. I've heard a lot of good things from mutual friends, and your brother-in-law most especially."
"Thank you too for helping them out," Eponine says. It's as gracious as she can be without going into too much detail especially in this company. "My family appreciates it."
Raoul smiles warmly before catching the eye of a petite brunette walking up with two glasses of champagne. She is dressed in a pastel pink and purple gown with a billowing skirt. "Christine darling, I'm sure you remember-"
"Yes I remember Enjolras, and this must be Florence's friend Doctor Thenardier," the woman named Christine chirps cheerily as she hands one of the glasses to Raoul. "She called me to catch up a few days ago, Raoul," she explains before smiling at Enjolras and Eponine. "You can call me Christine."
Raoul grins before kissing Christine's cheek and handing the cape back to her. "You dropped this again, Lotte," he says. "Enjolras, I'm sure you still remember Christine too, from that pol-sci class. Eponine, meet my wife Christine."
"It seems as if everyone met in university," Eponine quips.
"I wish I'd met you in university too," Christine answers as she ties the cape around her shoulders. "Florence told me you do great work as a surgeon and as a sort of counsellor," she whispers.
"I'm not really a counsellor; I just coordinate a lot of social services for our patients," Eponine explains. "So how do you know Florence?"
"We used to take ballet together when we were kids," Christine says before sipping some champagne. "It's too bad she quit performing before high school because of a knee injury."
Eponine nods as she tries to imagine Florence at least twenty years younger, dressed in a frilly tutu. "She teaches drama, so I guess you could say she never really quit the stage."
"It's different when one is up there," Christine says with a wistful sigh as they begin crossing the garden.
"You still perform on stage?" Eponine asks.
Christine shakes her head. "I can't go on tour nowadays. I've got a son to take care of. His name is Pierre." She opens her tiny purse and brings out her phone to show a photo of a handsome raven haired boy who appears to be about ten years old "So I run my own studio and choreograph productions. We have a ballet coming up by summer. Maybe you and Enjolras would want to watch?"
"That would be nice," Eponine agrees. 'I ought to pass that on too for Cosette, Elodie, and Marius. I think they'd like that too,' she decides quietly.
In the meantime Christine looks towards where Enjolras and Raoul are conversing. "I remember Enjolras being always into his books and projects. No one thought he would ever look elsewhere."
"He's still very much into those things, by the way," Eponine informs her.
"At least he's not all alone dealing with everything," Christine points out with a gleeful grin. She frowns at the sight of a burly and balding man in full military dress uniform, talking boisterously a few paces away. "That's General Fersen, the leader of this city's regiment. He's not very polite to my Raoul or any of our people when they have to work with him."
'What can I expect from the fellow known as Patch?' Eponine thinks, but she bites her lip before she can make any untoward remarks. She does take note of the two black-clad and formidable looking bodyguards standing close to this general, never quite out of arms reach even when he's exchanging anecdotes with one of his fellow generals.
It is at that moment that the general breaks away from his conversation and throws a look of scrutiny towards Enjolras and the rest of their party. "It is an honor to have you here with us, Attorney Enjolras," he says with a slight nod. "I'm General Fersen, of the 112th Marines Regiment."
"A pleasure to meet you, General," Enjolras replies cordially as he shakes this man's hand.
General Fersen's smile turns into a knowing smirk. "The pleasure is mine, Attorney. I have heard much about your commission's work."
"I am sure," Enjolras says coolly. "I hope your assignation in this city continues to agree with you?"
The general is silent for a moment as he looks Enjolras over from head to toe. "It is tolerable." He nods to Raoul. "Good to see you here Mr. De Chagny and with Mrs. De Chagny too."
"As always, it's only business," Raoul says stiffly even as he pulls Christine closer to him.
Fersen nods curtly but his sullen expression turns into a leer when he catches sight of Eponine. "Now who is this fine young lady?"
Eponine looks Fersen straight in the eye. "Doctor Eponine Thenardier."
"Ah yes, I should have known," Fersen says, reaching out as if to shake her hand but he catches her by her wrist and closes the distance between them. "Your reputation as an excellent trauma surgeon precedes you."
"So does your regiment's reputation, Sir," Eponine retorts as she swats away his hand.
Fersen chuckles as he touches his own wrist. "How spirited. I hope you will continue to enjoy the party, Miss Thenardier," he says with a grin before sauntering off to meet some other comrades on the other side of the pond.
Eponine takes a deep breath if only to suppress the shiver coursing through her body. She nods as she meets Christine's worried gaze. "I see what you mean."
"He certainly does his homework," Enjolras remarks. "Though the same can't be said for policing where his eyes go," he adds in an undertone.
Eponine nudges Enjolras' side lightly. "He'll be back."
"Yes and we'd better not make it a one on one encounter," Enjolras says firmly as he clasps her hand.
She laughs, knowing full well what he is doing even as they follow the de Chagnys to the gazebo at the center of the gathering. There are even more people here than there are in the garden, all converging around the buffet spreads and cocktail tables on the sides of the room. The middle of the gazebo, which is located under a skylight, is bare save for a very large area of parquet fronting a stage with a live band playing a lively jazz beat. No one is dancing yet but everyone is milling about and socializing, thus giving Raoul ample opportunity to make more introductions to various military officials.
At length they catch sight of Bahorel at one of the cocktail tables, dressed in a bright maroon suit. In front of him is a heaping plate of various tapenades and canapés. "Get here you guys. Chatter is no substitute for sustenance!" he calls to them.
"Have you met General Fersen yet?" Enjolras asks.
Bahorel shakes his head. "While you were dealing with that cobra, I got a good listen from the other vipers. Turns out that there was some party on New Year's Eve, and the regiment was part of it."
"Was Gillenormand there?"
"Seems as if he was followed out by some drunken comrades of his, but one person there wasn't exactly soused," Bahorel looks around before speaking again. "Designated driver packs a gun and they make it look like a drunken mishap if everyone else was packing too."
Christine's eyes widen with alarm. "For what reason?"
"They were worrying that Gillenormand was going to talk," Eponine chimes in before grabbing an olive from the plate.
"He was closest to actually getting any answers about the Rock Lobster incident," Enjolras explains. "It is only one point in the entire constellation."
"This is another constellation too," Raoul remarks as he gestures to the rest of the room "Loyalties shift in the military all the time, but you will need the support of at least one of the persons I have introduced you to."
"For a court martial?" Bahorel asks querulously.
"It is clear to me that a civil trial will be necessary," Enjolras answers. "After all the regiment and the private armies have to account for their offenses outside of the abuse of their military office."
Christine looks at Raoul and shakes her head. "Don't get too involved. Please don't. This is just as bad as that thing so long ago-"
"That was different, Christine," Raoul points out.
"It's still about trying to catch murderers. Who knows what they'll do to you if they find out your part in trapping them?" Christine whispers.
In the meantime Eponine touches her partner's shoulder. "They have a family. Can we keep them off the subpoena list?" she asks.
Enjolras' eyes are deep with a thoughtful look. "We will need to find stronger evidence then."
"We will. We have to," Eponine insists. The memories of her own deposition years ago, for her parents' case, swirl in front of her mind and prompt her to grab another olive if only to draw attention away from her turmoil.
In the meantime Bahorel chews on a canapé noisily, nearly drowning out the first strains of music. "Now allow me to turn this doubles plus one into a proper sextet," he says as he wipes his mouth and straightens out his coat. "See you all on the dance floor."
Raoul coughs and meets Christine's still petulant gaze. "Shall we dance?"
She sighs but an affectionate light brightens up her eyes at this query. "You didn't have to ask," she says before kissing him and then going with him to the dance floor.
Eponine grasps Enjolras' hand. "Shouldn't we dance too?" she asks. "Everyone is there."
Enjolras raises an eyebrow. "Just for the sake of blending in?"
"It could be fun. When was the last time you danced like this?"
"Eight, maybe nine years ago, at a cotillion for Joly's younger sister."
"Sounds better than college physical ed, which was my last go at it," Eponine mutters. She tightens her grip on his hand as she catches sight of more officials entering the room. "We have to move around."
"Point taken," Enjolras says as they quit the cocktail table and find a place towards the side of the dance floor. "Whatever you do, don't look down," he whispers in her ear.
Eponine bites her lip and nods even as she takes both of his hands. 'At least it's not a tango,' she realizes as she hears the band start up a fast swing tune. She takes a deep breath before Enjolras leads her into a spin and then catches her hands again. As they dance, she manages to catch sight of where Bahorel is sweeping his partner over his shoulder, and just further off, where Raoul and Christine are leading the dance in the middle of the floor. Suddenly she feels some sharp pressure on her toes, making her swear under her breath. "Auguste!"
"Sorry about that," Enjolras mutters as he takes a step back and lets go of her left hand. "Take a look to that side," he says before pushing her into another spin.
She nods imperceptibly as she catches sight of Fersen and his retinue entering the gazebo alongside some other cronies. "He seems to have a chip on his shoulder," she remarks when she sees him arguing with another official.
"Indeed," Enjolras concurs as he catches Eponine again. "And the bodyguards?"
"All over the place," Eponine replies before sneaking a kiss to his neck. She laughs when she sees him go red, only to gasp when he pulls her closer again. The music is faster now and she can feel her heartbeat speeding up in time with it, more so when Enjolras's hand goes to her back and she can practically feel his fingers tracing her spine through her dress. The urge to kiss him properly is nearly overwhelming but she wills herself to keep her composure and just look at him. Her breath catches when she meets his eyes and sees all the intense concentration and desire in his gaze. It's enough for her to get lost in him, just this once, regardless of whoever might be watching them on the floor. As the song ends in a crescendo of drums and trumpets, she makes one last spin but this time she ends up snugly in his arms, practically nose to nose with him. "Oh wow..." she murmurs.
Enjolras smirks before brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face. "Table again, in five minutes," he says before letting go of her.
"Be careful," she whispers. 'He'll probably try to find out what that argument with General Fersen is all about,' she notes. As for her, the need to get a drink far outweighs her curiosity and so she heads towards the buffet table in search of a glass of water.
Bahorel meets her there, already halfway through consuming a tall glass of iced tea. "That was hot. You and Enjolras have everyone in the room jealous now."
"You and your friend were dancing well too," Eponine reminds him.
Bahorel laughs heartily. "Technique can be learned, fire cannot." He drains his glass and then nods to another woman hoisting her drink across the room. "Now for a more personal mission-"
Eponine nods approvingly. "Good luck." She finds a tall glass of four seasons juice and drinks it down slowly, relishing the coolness of the concoction. A slower tune has started now on the dance floor, thus allowing for some of the oldest couples present to dance more sedately. She leans back against a table to watch, but when she looks around she sees Enjolras being accosted by two of Fersen's bodyguards. She slams down her glass and moves to go to him but suddenly another black clad figure steps in front of her. "Excuse me, I was just leaving," she says firmly.
"Now young lady, there's no reason to be alarmed-"the bodyguard says, holding up his hands.
"Sir, you are in my way," Eponine retorts as she tries to sidestep past this man. She grits her teeth when this stranger moves directly in front of her. "Let me pass, won't you?"
"The buffet table is right here," the guard begins again. "You may get in line on that side."
Eponine shakes her head as she begins to look around for her friends, and at last catches sight of Bahorel still sharing a drink with the woman he had been eyeing. Eponine whistles and Bahorel looks in her direction, only to nearly go livid at what he sees. This distraction also has the bodyguard looking away for a split second, giving Eponine the opportunity to shove him and then bolt for the other side of the room. A shout comes from where Enjolras has just decked one of his attackers, sending this bodyguard crumpling to the floor even as more rush to the scene.
"Get the police!" Eponine calls to Christine, who has now noticed this chase. 'That should get her out of harm's way,' she decides as she runs as fast as she could to evade Fersen, who is striding in her direction. She sprints to where Enjolras has managed to take the fight out to an adjoining terrace but before she can get there she catches sight of a flash of gunmetal. With a burst of speed she tackles Enjolras, sending them both to the tiled floor just as a bullet buries itself in the nearby masonry.
Enjolras winces in pain for a moment before moving to put himself between Eponine and the man pointing a gun at them. "Drop the pistol, General," he orders.
"You assaulted my men," Fersen growls. "Now get up, or I'll shoot her while I make you watch. I doubt she'd like it if you took the bullet for her."
Enjolras slowly gets to his feet, all the while keeping his gaze fixed on Fersen. "Let her go. She's not the one you want."
"Either you've gone soft or you must really think I'm stupid," Fersen mutters.
The younger man smirks at him. "You're right about one thing." In a swift motion he grabs Fersen's wrist and twists the gun out of his grip. Fersen howls and tries to kick out but Enjolras swiftly forces him to the floor and pins him down. "You don't have a permit to carry this weapon. Or rather, you had."
Eponine immediately confiscates the weapon and unloads the bullets. "How did you know about that?" she asks Enjolras.
"I've seen that particular gun, a whole year ago," he replies, his eyes hooded as he regards their would-be-assailant.
"Enjolras! Eponine!" Bahorel shouts as he rushes up with Raoul and several other generals and colonels. "Okay, we're late to the party. Looks like you got him."
"The precinct superintendent himself should be here in a few minutes, "Raoul informs them. "You're being taken into custody for assault and illegal possession of a weapon. That's not your service firearm."
"How would you know that?" Fersen sneers as he tries to get out of Enjolras' grip.
"Because I sold you your service pistol three months ago," Raoul retorts even over the footsteps of more spectators and the approaching wail of police sirens.
It is only then that Eponine lets out a breath that she did not even know she was holding. 'It's over,' she realizes, and although part of her brain still reasons that there are many legal trials to overcome before justice can be said to be truly served, the feeling of having seen a nemesis in the flesh and living to tell the tale is too good to be denied. "You got him," she tells Enjolras just as Fersen and his retinue are being led away.
"We all did," Enjolras says, looking also to Bahorel, Raoul, and Christine. "Thank you for all your assistance. This was far more than what was supposed to happen."
"He was teetering on an edge for a while. This night just accelerated events," Raoul points out. "It looks like the celebration is breaking up and that award is going to be given another time."
"Just as well; this is going to be hell to pay in the morning," Bahorel concurs. "We'd all better scoot before the paparazzi get here."
Christine nods eagerly. "I did tell Pierre we wouldn't be out late," she reminds Raoul. "It was good to meet you two," she tells Eponine and Enjolras.
"Yeah, we'll contact you if we're watching the ballet," Eponine says. She cautiously looks Enjolras over. "You didn't get hurt, I hope?'
"I'm pretty much unscathed," Enjolras replies gratefully. "Thank you for saving my life. Again."
"Anytime." She hugs him tightly, reveling in the feel of his heartbeat against hers. "So where to?"
Enjolras lifts her chin and turns to meet her lips in a searing kiss. "Home sounds like a good idea."
"It's the best idea we've had all evening," she whispers mischievously before standing on tiptoe to kiss him back.