Chapter Forty-One

In Which Erik Behaves Honourably in the Eyes of the Daroga


When Erik was shown into the study, he found the Daroga fuming with righteous anger.

"Erik! What do you have to say for yourself?" There was a newspaper on his desk, and he stabbed at it with an accusing finger.

"Nothing at all. I did not come to talk about that." Erik's voice was very tired.

In a tone that was slightly softer, but only slightly, the Daroga said, "You look terrible."

"Good. That's good." Erik let himself drop onto the couch and stare up at the ceiling. "Perhaps it won't be long, then. Until I am dead."

"Where is Mademoiselle Éponine?"

Erik sighed dismally. "That is why I am here."

"Erik, what have you done?"

Erik sighed again.

"If you come to my flat, I expect you to answer my questions."

"I did not come to be interrogated." Erik sat up, facing the Daroga. "I came because I need you to do something."

"You need me to do something for you? You forget that I owe you nothing."

"If you do this for me, I promise no more murders."

"You promised me that before, and you did not keep that promise."

"I am not lying, Daroga. Nothing has ever been so important as this, so I will keep my word." He rubbed his brow wearily. "You must help me."

They looked at each other's eyes for a moment, and because the Daroga did not speak, but seemed to wait for him, Erik continued.

"Listen to me. As far as I know, she has nowhere to go. No one to help her. She has some money, but... I only wish to know that she is safe. Find her."

"Mademoiselle Éponine has left?"

"I upset her terribly. That is all you need to know."

"If she left, then she won't want to be found."

Erik hung his head. "No, she won't," he said sadly. Then, in a decisive tone: "And that is why you must not tell me where she is."

"I don't understand."

"I want you to find her, see that she is safe, and tell me so. Or, if there is anything that can be done for her, you must tell me that, so that it can be arranged. But you must not tell me where she is. She would not want you to."

The Daroga was quiet for a long moment, which caused Erik to hazard a look at his face. He was studying Erik thoughtfully with his incisive green eyes. Finally, he said, "This is very honourable, Erik."

Erik let his head fall again.

The Daroga continued, "I am afraid, however, it is not possible."

Erik was on his feet, his eyes flashing fire. The Daroga appeared unintimidated.

"This is a big city, and she is not a person who would be so easy to find. She is too ordinary."

"Ordinary?" Erik roared. "Never has anyone been more alive, or faced life more dauntlessly, or spoken more freely."

"Perhaps to you, Erik. But to most people, she would not make much of an impression." There was something almost fond in the Daroga's tone, but it did nothing to soften Erik's outrage.

Erik struggled to calm himself. This was far too important. "In any case, if anyone can find her, it is the Daroga of Mazandaran. I shall be good forever, if you find her, and tell me whether she is safe—if she needs anything. Only promise that you will not tell me where she is." Despite the best of intentions, Erik could not guarantee that, were he to find out where she was, he would be able to resist going to her and making a pathetic scene, begging her to return, making promises, probably sobbing a fair bit. It would only be unpleasant and embarrassing for both of them. Surely they deserved more dignity than that.

The Daroga studied him for another long moment, and his face was all pity, but there was also a hint of admiration. "It is unlikely. However, you have my word that I shall try."


A/N: Shout out to Erik for getting off the floor. I'm proud of our boy. 10/10.