(Angelina walks out alone holding the signature notebook and waves) Hey
everybody! Since Mysha is in Las Vegas this week *grumbles about lack of
people to talk to* I got to do the editing! Aren't you a lucky audience?
Audience: *Crickets chirp*
A: T_T Oh well – As Mysha would say, on with the show! *throws the notebook up in the air and walks away where a paper falls on the ground showing -
Wandering Children
Chapter 6- Family Tiffs
~*~*~*~*~
Aidan was steaming as he stalked around the backstage. His gray eyes flashed with anger as he searched for his treacherous brother. How stupid was Michael. It was only a matter of time before their father found out. Especially if he kept taking her out.
Everyone noticed Aidan's dark mood and steered away. Jessamine watched him with concern, but Krissy stopped her from going after him. Jessamine looked at the older woman questioningly.
"Don't mess with an anger bull, chère, or he'll charge at you." Krissy stated sagely.
Jessamine nodded as she watched Aidan march up to Michael who was talking to Nadir. Aidan grabbed his brother by his collar and dragged him away. Nadir watched them go away with an amused look on his face before turning and walking away.
Christine finished her turn on stage to see Michael struggling against Aidan's hold. Aidan looked furious and ready to kill. Concerned, Christine walked away from practice to follow them.
In a secluded area, Aidan let go of Michael. The two brothers glared at each other. Christine stood off to the side watching them warily. She could hear them perfectly clear.
"What was that for?" Michael shouted.
"What the zed were you thinking?! Bringing her here?" Aidan yelled back, "You could have been busted if she recognized Papa or if Papa recognized her."
"How was I to know that Father was going to be there?!"
"You should have thought about it! I can't believe you put everyone here in danger like that."
"And you didn't once. What about taking Cosette to the roof that one night when you know Mama and Papa go there together?" Michael shot back, "You shouldn't throw stones."
Aidan didn't answer his face grew darker. Suddenly he jumped at Michael throwing a punch. Christine screamed as her brothers were soon trying to kill each other. Quickly she pulled them apart.
"Stupid boys!" she spat at them as she stood between, "Fighting over some stupid woman. Aidan you should be happy for Michael, not lecturing him. At least he is trying to deter them."
"He isn't scaring her away, Christine. The fool is wooing her." Aidan growled.
"Even so; He has a right." Christine countered, "At least he is doing something and not checking out the new stage hands."
"He's going to get us caught." Aidan grumbled.
"I won't, if anyone gets caught it's me." Michael vowed, "I'll go down alone if that is what you want."
"Michael be reasonable." Christine pleaded, "We are a family. Papa won't let you hang alone. Mama won't either."
"I will." Aidan promised, "If the Yardie catches you, I refuse to help."
Christine knew she wasn't getting through so she settled for the next best thing. She slapped them hard across the face.
"Fine. You both will hang together then. You are too stupid not to. I won't cry at your funerals then." Christine yelled in French, "Merde, how did I get stuck with two brothers like you!"
Christine walked away from her two shocked brothers. Erika softly walked up with an amused grin on her face. Michael and Aidan held their cheeks as they watched their little sister stalk way. Erika cleared her throat. Both boys looked at the ground abashed at what they had done.
"I think your sister is very displeased with your behavior. Now do you mind telling me what has gotten my sons to behave like fighters in my theater?" Erika smirked evilly.
Christine was mad. More mad than she had ever been before. Her blue eyes burned as she stormed away from her fighting brothers. Her fists were clenched tightly, her nails dug into her palms, but she didn't care. She looked back to see her mother talking to them and then smashed into something. Falling backwards and onto the floor she looked up still scowling. She saw Mirielle and John, 'Oh great,' she thought, 'just the person I wanted to see, the object of my brother's affection and misery.'
John rubbed his chest where she had hit him and then stuck out a hand, "I am sorry Mademoiselle. You look upset," he noted as he pulled her up. She brushed herself off and was about to walk away when a sudden impulse made him say, "Would you like to come to the costume store with us?"
Christine thought for several moments and then smiled, "I would be delighted. I need to get out of this stuffy Opera House anyway."
John smiled and Mirielle gave her brother a mischievous glance. The three walked to the car and John climbed in the driver's seat while Mirielle sat in back and Christine joined John in the front.
They arrived at the costume store and Mirielle and John's eyes opened wide. They had never seen a store so large and full of bright colored clothes. Christine, Mirielle, and John began to skim the costumes. John quickly pulled something out and walked over to Christine and Mirielle.
"Do you think this is fine?" he held up the costume for them to see.
Mirielle and Christine broke into fits of laughter. John gave them questioning glances and looked back at the costume. Christine was the first to speak as she regained composure, "John, that's a girl's costume!" John's face turned bright red as he looked at the tag.
He quickly put it back and looked to them, "I was kidding! I swear I was."
The two girls just looked at each other and laughed at John's oblivious behavior. John stalked away to the men's section and pulled out a knight's costume. He looked at the tag and mumbled, "Knight of Templar," he shrugged and looked at the price. It wasn't too bad so he decided on picking that one.
Meanwhile Christine and Mirielle were on the opposite side of the store. Mirielle was picking out random costumes, while Christine was taking her time. Then, Christine gasped and pulled out a nymph costume. "Mirielle come here," she said holding it up. Mirielle walked over and looked at her curiously. "It's perfect!" she exclaimed as she held it out in front of Mirielle.
"What, exactly, is it?" asked Mirielle looking at the costume. It was a blue and silver tunic with a head piece. The head piece was made of water lilies and Mirielle felt the smooth fabric between her fingers.
"It's a nymph costume," she replied coolly. "Trust me, it's perfect. Besides, it matches your hair perfectly. And from what I've heard you like lilies."
"Who told you that?" Mirielle asked taken aback by Christine's straightforwardness, "How did you hear? Speak up."
Christine chuckled and handed her the costume, "I have connections," she smirked. "It's not like I don't know what is happening with my older brother."
Mirielle smiled slightly and played with the fabric in her hands. A slight blush crept across Mirielle's cheeks and then she went straight faced again. "We better pay for these. Now where is John?"
John walked up to them and held up the new costume, a smirk on his lips, "I think I found something that could work." Christine and Mirielle chuckled as they walked up to the cash register and paid for the costumes.
"I know a better café," Christine said, "It's just a little ways away." She led them down the street and onto a small café. "Bonjour Henri," she said to the man answering the door.
"Bonjour Christine," he smiled opening the door for all three of them. He closed it behind them and they were seated at a small table.
Mirielle and John looked at each other and nodded. "Christine, you have such a perfect voice, who taught you to sing?" Mirielle asked expertly.
"Madame Noir is a wonderful tutor," she replied, "I'm glad she chose to tutor me."
"Noir isn't a very common last name, are you and Madame Noir related?" John asked leaning forward on the table, his blue eyes taking on a steelier look, although he tried to retain his cheery appearance.
"Why would you say that?" she asked. "Noir is as common as the next name. But if you must know we are related."
"And how would that be?" Mirielle smiled sweetly. "Just out of curiosity."
Christine smirked, "I know where you are going with this, I am sorry Mademoiselle and M'sieur, but I cannot divulge that information for it is much too much to tell," she looked down at her watch, "Look at that, I really must be going. Au revoir," she smiled getting up from the table and leaving to two twins to confusedly sit in their own thoughts.
Jessamine smirked as she saw the piece of paper sticking out of Aidan's back pocket. She laid down her pad and pencil and tip-toed over to him. Krissy raised her eyebrow at Jessamine and shook her head.
Jessamine slipped the paper out of his pocket and stuffed in hers quickly without him noticing. She scurried back over to her pad and acted as though nothing was wrong. Aidan then made his way to the opposite end of the stage and Jessamine quickly unfolded the paper and looked at it.
It was her poem. She smiled as she smoothed out the folds and then looked further down on the paper was written something else. The handwriting was smooth and flowing. Jessamine's eyes ran over the script before murmuring it to herself, "The Star," she raised her brow.
The moment of truth The moon fades The sun rises A distant star twinkles
He reaches for the star It's just out of reach Then he realizes The star is there to see To admire, But not to touch
He turns away The sun is high He looks back The star is gone
He curses himself For not moving fast enough
Then, the sun sets The star returns And he smiles He reaches again And finally reaches it Holding it forever.
Jessamine looked at the paper and tilted her head. She had taken several poetry analysis classes and could only figure out that the person in the poem was striving towards a certain goal but kept missing until finally he reaches it.
Krissy walked up behind her and put her hand on her shoulder and smirked, "What are you reading Jess? You look like a big mouth bass."
Jessamine spun around and quickly tried to stuff the paper in the back of notebook, but Krissy was too fast and grabbed it out of her hand. She skimmed it and then handed it back to her smiling. "Here you go Jess, have fun reading your love poems later, we have work to do now."
She looked up to Krissy and gave her a confused look. Shrugging her shoulders she got up and followed her to the stage after gently laying the notebook on the pile of mats.
As Jessamine walked onto the stage Aidan walked over to the notebook and paged through it, reading the notes and then he found the page that had previously been in his pocket. His cheeks turned bright red as he carefully refolded it and placed it in his pocket.
He felt someone touch his shoulder and looked back. His little sister stood behind him. Her blue eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief, "Salut Aidan," she smirked, "What are you reading?"
"Nothing," he replied, "It's just a few directions I had to study." He was trying to come up with the best cover up he could, although it wasn't as easy as he thought. The paper crumpled in his hands as he nervously fiddled with it.
"Really?" Christine asked eyeing the paper in his hands. "If its nothing then can I see?" she smiled trying to grab the paper. "Come on Aidan. You said yourself it is nothing; well if it isn't anything let me see it!"
"Christine Rose Noir, if you don't stop now I can tell you that you will regret having bothered me!" Aidan said through his teeth. He looked at his sister for a brief moment and as he did she grabbed it. Aidan thought for a moment and then picked her up off the ground and slung her over his back.
"Aidan Byron, if you don't put me down so help me God, Papa will find out about this!" she said hitting his back. "Put me down, Aidan! Aidan!" she screeched laughing at the same time.
"That's it Christine Rose, Mama is going to hear about this. And she's not going to be happy," Aidan smirked walking towards their mother's dressing room, "Mama is going to have so much fun hearing this story," he laughed as they walked down the passage way and into the house. "Oh Mama," he yelled out, "We have a little thief, and it's not Michael, or me, so it must be little Christine Rose."
"Aidan!" Christine continued to scream, "Aidan put me down, put me down!"
He finally set her down and smiled "When Mama gets in here you are busted."
Aidan chuckled and blocked the exit so she couldn't get out. Christine glared at her brother as she formulated an escape plan. After a few minutes, the mirror began to ripple. Aidan smirked confidently while Christine paled. The reactions were reversed when James stepped through at looked at both his children.
"What is going on?" James asked as he looked at his offspring.
"Nothing." Aidan choked out.
"Nothing?!" Christine exclaimed, "You call embarrassing me in front of the company nothing!"
"Well, if you just left me alone like I asked." Aidan shot back.
"Children! I still don't know what you two were doing?" James reminded them.
"He was reading a poem from Jessamine." Christine piped up, "And I wanted to see it. He won't let me so I stole it. Then he picked me up like a sack of potatoes and carted me around the opera."
"It wasn't Jessamine's poem." Aidan defended, "It was mine!"
The room got quiet at Aidan's confession. Aidan blushed as he stared at the ground. Christine sat in shock. Since when did Aidan write poetry? Christine glanced and noticed the very amused look on her father's face.
"Christine, while I must applaud your thievery skills, you really should respect your brother's wishes. Now go back to practice." James chuckled.
Christine nodded and passed her brother. They glared at each other before Christine walked out. Aidan looked up and was surprised to see the amused look on his father's face.
"I'm sorry, Papa." Aidan apologized.
"For what? Writing poetry?" James dismissed, "I wrote a few verses in my day trying to woo your mother. You have nothing to be sorry for. Now what is really on your mind?"
"I can't say. I promised someone."
"You will let me know when you can." James stated, "I'm worried about you and Michael. The two of you have been at each other's throats since you returned."
"I know, Papa. I guess our tempers are short since we picked up that disk. Have you sold it yet?"
James nodded, "But I'm not saying. Now let's go and keep an eye on your sister. I hear Dante has been very aggressive with her lately."
Aidan nodded. The two men left the dressing room. Aidan was explaining what Dante has done to Christine so far.
~*~*~*~
Michael walked down the dark street later that night. He was purposely avoiding his family right now. A cold breeze zipped down the street causing him to wrap his cloak tighter around him. Michael looked up and noticed that he was near the cemetery where his family lay to rest. He stood at the gate, torn whether to walk in and have a talk with Grandfather or not.
Deciding that he didn't want to run into Aidan again, Michael turned and ran into a cloaked man who was going to enter. Michael muttered an apology. He couldn't see the man's face as his piercing green eyes bore a hole into Michael. Michael swallowed as he moved to the side to let the man through. The man didn't move yet.
"Can I help you Monsieur?" Michael bit out, unnerved by the man.
"No, it's all right. You just remind me of someone I knew once." The man's baritone voice replied smoothly.
"Au revoir then," Michael stated as he went to walk away. He was brought up short by a cane.
"You seem troubled, young man. Why is that?"
"It's none of your business."
"Maybe, but sometimes talking to a stranger can help since they can't judge you."
"Fine," Michael sighed as he turned to face the man, "My brother and I are fighting. I guess I could say it's over a girl, but it isn't."
"Then what is it over then?"
"I guess I'm having doubts about what I'm meant to do. I never had these doubts until I meet this girl. I think I'm in love with her."
"Love can be a very ugly thing."
"You're telling me. In this case, we are building it up on lies. You see she is a cop and I'm a thief. If she finds out, it will be bad. I know I should walk away but I can't. I die a little each time I lie to her yet, everything about her totally fascinates me."
"I was once like that, young man. I met a girl but figured she couldn't love me, so I told her lies about myself. I spun this huge mystery around me. Finally, she discovered the truth and was very upset with me. So upset that she married another man. It broke my heart to let her go, but that man made her happy. He was honest with her. I tried to be upset but I couldn't since I had lied to her from the first moment we meet." The man explained to Michael who listened to him with great interest, "Eventually, he died and she returned to me with our son. It wasn't a joyous reunion by any means. It took our son's life being in danger for us to put aside our differences. It was then that we fell really in love with each other."
"But I can't come clean with her. My whole family will be in danger."
"It's hard to just come clean, my boy. You are faced with a very hard decision."
"It is. I don't know what to do."
"Here is my advice. Make peace with those you need to. And when you see the girl again, avoid telling her lies. See if she can handle the truth. If she can't, pull away. However if she can, then maybe you still have a chance."
"I'll try it. Merci, Monsieur."
"My pleasure."
On the wind Michael hear an enchanting voice call out the name Erik. The man's eyes glowed with joy and love as he turned to the dark cemetery. Michael didn't want to leave the man's company just yet. The man seemed to know.
"My wife is calling to me." The man sighed, "Don't worry young man. Everything will be fine."
Michael nodded. The man turned walked in the cemetery. Michael watched him go. He didn't hear someone call his name until Aidan punched his shoulder. Michael looked to Aidan briefly.
"Mama sent me to find you. Krissy is altering our costumes." Aidan gruffed. Michael didn't answer as he looked back to where the man was. Only he wasn't there any more. Michael frowned as he turned back to Aidan. The man's words rung in his head.
"I'm sorry, Aidan." Michael stated softly.
Whatever Aidan was expecting it wasn't an apology. He looked at Michael in shock, "I beg your pardon."
"I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier. You were just trying to stop me from making the same mistakes as you did." Michael repeated, "I guess I'm not thinking to clearly."
"Too right you are not. But I guess when I was in your position I was the same way, so I forgive you." Aidan sighed letting go of the last of his anger.
"Brothers?" Michael smiled hopefully.
"Brothers." Aidan nodded as they hugged, "I just hope Papa never finds out."
"I guess I better stick close to Mama for a while huh?"
"Damn straight. I guess we have to make amends with Christine. I should be upset with her. She has an interest in your girlfriend's brother."
"Excuse me, she likes John?!" Michael exclaimed, and then grinned evilly, "Should we be perfect brothers and stand aside or have fun with this?"
Aidan snorted, "Isn't the answer obvious? We are going to have fun with it. I think our sweet little sister makes him nervous, since he runs from her company. From I've seen he is interested in her, just isn't sure how to handle it."
Michael's grin spread. Aidan was reminded of a portrait he had seen in the Music room. It was one with the original Phantom sitting at the piano smiling in his usual devious way. Michael looked like the spitting image of that painting just there was no mask on his face.
"You look like the original Phantom when you grin like that." Aidan observed.
"That's why Mama likes me best." Michael teased.
"Dream on. Let's go home."
The two brothers headed home. Taunting and teasing each other, as they went. Michael glanced back hoping to see the man again. The street was deserted except for the two brothers.
~*~*~*~*~
Mirielle woke up at six in the morning and looked over at her brother in the bed across the room. He made her so mad, but she couldn't help but care for him. She threw on some clothes and sneaked out of the room. She quickly made her way to 14 Rouier Avenue.
She knocked on the door and waited for an answer, "Hello Uncle Etienne," she smiled as he answered the door in his robe with a coffee cup in his hand. Ushering her in he grabbed her a cup of coffee and sat down across from her.
"What's on your mind Tic?" he smiled leaning back, "and where's Tac?"
Mirielle sighed and began, "There are a lot of things on my mind Uncle Etienne. First and foremost is the idea that maybe I should work in Paris. I think that I need to get away from Mum and Dad and make my own name, to be my own person. Instead of being the daughter of the Great Detective, I can be The Great detective. I want the freedom to make my own name, and I think that I could do it in Paris."
Leroux looked at his grandniece and took a deep breath. He pondered for a minute and then tried to answer the best he could, "Have you talked to your parents about this?" She shook her head and he went on, "Well Mirielle, you have to remember you have to start over here, you'll be the equivalent of a constable when you start. But, if you feel that strongly about it then I will put in a good word for you. I've heard your mother tell stories of your heists, however restless they may be you're a good officer."
"Thank you Uncle Etienne," Mirielle blushed at the sudden compliment. "I really do think it's for the better. I can't live underneath them anymore. I need change, I need Paris." Etienne smiled at her and nodded. "Besides there's more here, not just work wise either, there's culture, food, and-" she trailed off.
Leroux nodded and realized what she was getting at, "I'll call your mother and father and tell them. I know it would be hard enough for me to explain to my parents so I'll do it for you. However, I don't know if they'll decide to call you and pepper you with questions. Otherwise, you'll be on the force faster than you can say J'aime beaucoup Oncle Etienne," they both laughed and Mirielle started to get up.
"Merci beaucoup," Mirielle said as she neared the door, "You're an angel Uncle Etienne," she kissed him on the cheek and exited the small home. "I'll see you at the masquerade right?" she asked before climbing into the cruiser.
"Of course," he smiled, "Au revoir," he waved from his front steps as she drove away. "Mirielle is in love, but with whom?" he asked himself smiling. Shrugging he walked back into his house grabbing another cup of coffee.
She quickly reentered the hotel room. Looking at the clock only forty-five minutes had passed and her brother was still asleep. She walked over to a chair and sat down waiting for John to get up. After ten minutes he finally stirred.
John sat up and yawned. Rubbing his eyes he looked to his sister, "What are you doing up already?" he asked groggily.
She shrugged, "Couldn't sleep." He nodded and got out of the bed. "I think we should do a little bit more investigation before the masquerade tonight," she added as he walked to the bathroom.
After he got dressed they left for the Opera House. Mirielle smiled to herself as she recalled the previous evening. 'It was so perfect,' she thought, 'that's something I could get used to if I work in Paris.' They pushed the doors open and stepped in. The light was dimmer and softer, unlike the fresh sunlight outside.
People scurried to and fro around the lobby getting things ready. John sneered, 'How am I supposed to get any work done with these people underfoot?' he asked himself. Peering around he decided to go backstage today, "Mir, you stay out in the auditorium and in the lobby, I'll go backstage," he said already making his way back.
Mirielle looked at her brother and then started her own investigation. John was on the stage when Dante shoved into him, "Watch it," Dante growled. John raised an eyebrow but minded his own business. As Dante passed John noticed a glint of silver, he decided to follow him. Quietly in the shadows John watched Dante make his way towards the dressing rooms.
Their footsteps in perfect rhythm, when Dante stopped, John stopped, when Dante sped up, John sped up. Tap, tap, tap, tap, went their footsteps as they walked along. Dante rapped on a door and someone opened, although John couldn't distinguish who it was. The shadow in the room handed Dante an envelope while Dante handed the figure a silver key. John wished he could investigate further but stayed his distance, not wanting to aggravate the obviously agitated Dante more than he already was.
John crept back to the stage while Mirielle was in the lobby. She walked up the grand staircase and looked down onto the lobby. She smiled as she looked over the entire lobby. She saw Akeem walking towards her and smiled, "Bonjour Akeem."
"Bonjour Mirielle, did you enjoy the opera the other night?" he asked leaning against the railing of the staircase.
"It was nice," she smiled and nodded, "It was really nice and Madame Noir was excellent." Mirielle grinned happily joining Akeem by leaning on the rail next to him.
"I've known the Noir's most my life," Akeem said, "Our families have known each other for years. Our ties are very close," Akeem smiled to the obviously love struck girl and then frowned, "However no one is what they appear to be Mademoiselle Mirielle, watch out, you don't want to get hurt."
"What do you mean?" she asked suddenly, "Michael is everything I thought he was from the beginning."
Akeem wanted to tell her the truth but couldn't betray his friend. "I just don't want you to have the same problem as an old friend of mine," although he hardly knew Cosette he just referred to her as one for the purpose. "She was distraught and a mess for weeks, I don't want the same to happen to you."
Mirielle looked at Akeem in confusion. She didn't know what he was getting at but decided to go along with it, "Well Akeem, I am sure I won't get hurt. Michael wouldn't do that, would he?" she suddenly turned very nervous.
"You can never be sure of anything Mademoiselle, nothing is ever certain," Akeem replied cryptically. "I just advise you, to be careful. I know you don't want to think the worst, but you have to be able to love and let go Mirielle, remember that." He pushed off of the rail and started down the stairs. "Remember that Mirielle, it could save you a lot of pain."
Akeem grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the middle of the stairs, just as Krissy and Buquet came running down them. The two of them were cursing at each other in French as they ran by. Mirielle blinked at such language that early in the morning while Akeem just smiled. Akeem turned to Mirielle and the two began to laugh.
Mirielle smiled at Akeem as they walked. She found Akeem to be a good listener as they lazily questioned each other. They two were engrossed in their conversation that neither saw Dante stalking towards them. Before anyone realized what had happened, Dante and Mirielle had crashed into each other.
"Watch where you are going!" Dante snapped, then smiled when he saw who it was, "Ah, my angel. I'm sorry for my manners."
Mirielle rolled her eyes at the dramatics, "Don't give me that, Monsieur."
"I must make it up to you." Dante oozed much to Mirielle's obvious disgust and Akeem's concern.
"No. I'm still busy with my investigation." Mirielle excused stiffly.
"At least allow me to escort you to the Masquerade tonight." Dante insisted as he moved closer to her.
Mirielle took a step away and put up a hand to ward off her pursuer, "I don't think so. I already have an escort."
Dante snagged her hand and kissed it, "Then I'll be your secret rendezvous."
Mirielle tried to yank her hand back, but Dante held on tight. Mirielle glanced up and sneered at the leer in his eyes. Quietly she began to struggle to get her hand back. Dante held on tight. A playful smile curled at the corners of his mouth.
"Let go of me!" Mirielle growled as she tried in vain to free her hand.
"No, mademoiselle, not until you promise me a kiss tonight." Dante grinned eagerly.
Mirielle was about to refuse when the blade of a sword appeared under Dante's jaws. Mirielle turned to see a furious Erika holding the hilt of the sword. Her blue eyes flashed with outrage. Dante seemed to be paler.
"Let the lady go." Erika stated softly yet firmly.
Dante dropped his hold on Mirielle. Mirielle rubbed her wrists and she glared at Dante. Erika walked around until she stood by Mirielle's side. Mirielle looked at the aging prima donna with surprise. Erika motioned with her sword that Dante needed to move and quick or Buquet was going to have a large mess to clean up. Mirielle smirked as Dante ran off.
"I hope you have permission to carry that thing." Mirielle remarked.
Erika smiled as she sheathed the sword and handed it to Akeem, "It's a prop from Buquet's table."
"You got away with touching that crazy old man's table?" Mirielle said amazed.
"I grew up knowing Buquet. I was his favorite 'niece' and can do no wrong." Erika grinned at the memory of all the trouble they got into then sobered up, "You need to be careful who you give the time of day around here."
"I didn't ask for him to touch me. Great, now I have to disinfect myself from his germs." Mirielle moaned.
"A nice long soak will help with that. Now, Mademoiselle Holmes or should I call you Watson." Erika teased.
Mirielle blushed, "I didn't ask Michael to lie to your husband."
"I just found it to be an interesting choice of names." Erika grinned, "You will be at the masquerade tonight?"
"I was planning on it. Christine Noir helped us pick out costumes."
"I'm glad. Are you any closer to having your answers?"
"No. No one wants to give me a straight answer around here."
"They don't need to. You have all the clues you need. Just put them together, my child. You can do it. I know you can, after all you are the result of two of the greatest minds that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Some day you will stand on your own." Erika informed her.
Mirielle blushed and looked away. She turned to say something only to find that Erika was gone. Mirielle looked around only to find no sign of her presence. Mirielle sighed, how the hell does she do it?
Audience: *Crickets chirp*
A: T_T Oh well – As Mysha would say, on with the show! *throws the notebook up in the air and walks away where a paper falls on the ground showing -
Wandering Children
Chapter 6- Family Tiffs
~*~*~*~*~
Aidan was steaming as he stalked around the backstage. His gray eyes flashed with anger as he searched for his treacherous brother. How stupid was Michael. It was only a matter of time before their father found out. Especially if he kept taking her out.
Everyone noticed Aidan's dark mood and steered away. Jessamine watched him with concern, but Krissy stopped her from going after him. Jessamine looked at the older woman questioningly.
"Don't mess with an anger bull, chère, or he'll charge at you." Krissy stated sagely.
Jessamine nodded as she watched Aidan march up to Michael who was talking to Nadir. Aidan grabbed his brother by his collar and dragged him away. Nadir watched them go away with an amused look on his face before turning and walking away.
Christine finished her turn on stage to see Michael struggling against Aidan's hold. Aidan looked furious and ready to kill. Concerned, Christine walked away from practice to follow them.
In a secluded area, Aidan let go of Michael. The two brothers glared at each other. Christine stood off to the side watching them warily. She could hear them perfectly clear.
"What was that for?" Michael shouted.
"What the zed were you thinking?! Bringing her here?" Aidan yelled back, "You could have been busted if she recognized Papa or if Papa recognized her."
"How was I to know that Father was going to be there?!"
"You should have thought about it! I can't believe you put everyone here in danger like that."
"And you didn't once. What about taking Cosette to the roof that one night when you know Mama and Papa go there together?" Michael shot back, "You shouldn't throw stones."
Aidan didn't answer his face grew darker. Suddenly he jumped at Michael throwing a punch. Christine screamed as her brothers were soon trying to kill each other. Quickly she pulled them apart.
"Stupid boys!" she spat at them as she stood between, "Fighting over some stupid woman. Aidan you should be happy for Michael, not lecturing him. At least he is trying to deter them."
"He isn't scaring her away, Christine. The fool is wooing her." Aidan growled.
"Even so; He has a right." Christine countered, "At least he is doing something and not checking out the new stage hands."
"He's going to get us caught." Aidan grumbled.
"I won't, if anyone gets caught it's me." Michael vowed, "I'll go down alone if that is what you want."
"Michael be reasonable." Christine pleaded, "We are a family. Papa won't let you hang alone. Mama won't either."
"I will." Aidan promised, "If the Yardie catches you, I refuse to help."
Christine knew she wasn't getting through so she settled for the next best thing. She slapped them hard across the face.
"Fine. You both will hang together then. You are too stupid not to. I won't cry at your funerals then." Christine yelled in French, "Merde, how did I get stuck with two brothers like you!"
Christine walked away from her two shocked brothers. Erika softly walked up with an amused grin on her face. Michael and Aidan held their cheeks as they watched their little sister stalk way. Erika cleared her throat. Both boys looked at the ground abashed at what they had done.
"I think your sister is very displeased with your behavior. Now do you mind telling me what has gotten my sons to behave like fighters in my theater?" Erika smirked evilly.
Christine was mad. More mad than she had ever been before. Her blue eyes burned as she stormed away from her fighting brothers. Her fists were clenched tightly, her nails dug into her palms, but she didn't care. She looked back to see her mother talking to them and then smashed into something. Falling backwards and onto the floor she looked up still scowling. She saw Mirielle and John, 'Oh great,' she thought, 'just the person I wanted to see, the object of my brother's affection and misery.'
John rubbed his chest where she had hit him and then stuck out a hand, "I am sorry Mademoiselle. You look upset," he noted as he pulled her up. She brushed herself off and was about to walk away when a sudden impulse made him say, "Would you like to come to the costume store with us?"
Christine thought for several moments and then smiled, "I would be delighted. I need to get out of this stuffy Opera House anyway."
John smiled and Mirielle gave her brother a mischievous glance. The three walked to the car and John climbed in the driver's seat while Mirielle sat in back and Christine joined John in the front.
They arrived at the costume store and Mirielle and John's eyes opened wide. They had never seen a store so large and full of bright colored clothes. Christine, Mirielle, and John began to skim the costumes. John quickly pulled something out and walked over to Christine and Mirielle.
"Do you think this is fine?" he held up the costume for them to see.
Mirielle and Christine broke into fits of laughter. John gave them questioning glances and looked back at the costume. Christine was the first to speak as she regained composure, "John, that's a girl's costume!" John's face turned bright red as he looked at the tag.
He quickly put it back and looked to them, "I was kidding! I swear I was."
The two girls just looked at each other and laughed at John's oblivious behavior. John stalked away to the men's section and pulled out a knight's costume. He looked at the tag and mumbled, "Knight of Templar," he shrugged and looked at the price. It wasn't too bad so he decided on picking that one.
Meanwhile Christine and Mirielle were on the opposite side of the store. Mirielle was picking out random costumes, while Christine was taking her time. Then, Christine gasped and pulled out a nymph costume. "Mirielle come here," she said holding it up. Mirielle walked over and looked at her curiously. "It's perfect!" she exclaimed as she held it out in front of Mirielle.
"What, exactly, is it?" asked Mirielle looking at the costume. It was a blue and silver tunic with a head piece. The head piece was made of water lilies and Mirielle felt the smooth fabric between her fingers.
"It's a nymph costume," she replied coolly. "Trust me, it's perfect. Besides, it matches your hair perfectly. And from what I've heard you like lilies."
"Who told you that?" Mirielle asked taken aback by Christine's straightforwardness, "How did you hear? Speak up."
Christine chuckled and handed her the costume, "I have connections," she smirked. "It's not like I don't know what is happening with my older brother."
Mirielle smiled slightly and played with the fabric in her hands. A slight blush crept across Mirielle's cheeks and then she went straight faced again. "We better pay for these. Now where is John?"
John walked up to them and held up the new costume, a smirk on his lips, "I think I found something that could work." Christine and Mirielle chuckled as they walked up to the cash register and paid for the costumes.
"I know a better café," Christine said, "It's just a little ways away." She led them down the street and onto a small café. "Bonjour Henri," she said to the man answering the door.
"Bonjour Christine," he smiled opening the door for all three of them. He closed it behind them and they were seated at a small table.
Mirielle and John looked at each other and nodded. "Christine, you have such a perfect voice, who taught you to sing?" Mirielle asked expertly.
"Madame Noir is a wonderful tutor," she replied, "I'm glad she chose to tutor me."
"Noir isn't a very common last name, are you and Madame Noir related?" John asked leaning forward on the table, his blue eyes taking on a steelier look, although he tried to retain his cheery appearance.
"Why would you say that?" she asked. "Noir is as common as the next name. But if you must know we are related."
"And how would that be?" Mirielle smiled sweetly. "Just out of curiosity."
Christine smirked, "I know where you are going with this, I am sorry Mademoiselle and M'sieur, but I cannot divulge that information for it is much too much to tell," she looked down at her watch, "Look at that, I really must be going. Au revoir," she smiled getting up from the table and leaving to two twins to confusedly sit in their own thoughts.
Jessamine smirked as she saw the piece of paper sticking out of Aidan's back pocket. She laid down her pad and pencil and tip-toed over to him. Krissy raised her eyebrow at Jessamine and shook her head.
Jessamine slipped the paper out of his pocket and stuffed in hers quickly without him noticing. She scurried back over to her pad and acted as though nothing was wrong. Aidan then made his way to the opposite end of the stage and Jessamine quickly unfolded the paper and looked at it.
It was her poem. She smiled as she smoothed out the folds and then looked further down on the paper was written something else. The handwriting was smooth and flowing. Jessamine's eyes ran over the script before murmuring it to herself, "The Star," she raised her brow.
The moment of truth The moon fades The sun rises A distant star twinkles
He reaches for the star It's just out of reach Then he realizes The star is there to see To admire, But not to touch
He turns away The sun is high He looks back The star is gone
He curses himself For not moving fast enough
Then, the sun sets The star returns And he smiles He reaches again And finally reaches it Holding it forever.
Jessamine looked at the paper and tilted her head. She had taken several poetry analysis classes and could only figure out that the person in the poem was striving towards a certain goal but kept missing until finally he reaches it.
Krissy walked up behind her and put her hand on her shoulder and smirked, "What are you reading Jess? You look like a big mouth bass."
Jessamine spun around and quickly tried to stuff the paper in the back of notebook, but Krissy was too fast and grabbed it out of her hand. She skimmed it and then handed it back to her smiling. "Here you go Jess, have fun reading your love poems later, we have work to do now."
She looked up to Krissy and gave her a confused look. Shrugging her shoulders she got up and followed her to the stage after gently laying the notebook on the pile of mats.
As Jessamine walked onto the stage Aidan walked over to the notebook and paged through it, reading the notes and then he found the page that had previously been in his pocket. His cheeks turned bright red as he carefully refolded it and placed it in his pocket.
He felt someone touch his shoulder and looked back. His little sister stood behind him. Her blue eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief, "Salut Aidan," she smirked, "What are you reading?"
"Nothing," he replied, "It's just a few directions I had to study." He was trying to come up with the best cover up he could, although it wasn't as easy as he thought. The paper crumpled in his hands as he nervously fiddled with it.
"Really?" Christine asked eyeing the paper in his hands. "If its nothing then can I see?" she smiled trying to grab the paper. "Come on Aidan. You said yourself it is nothing; well if it isn't anything let me see it!"
"Christine Rose Noir, if you don't stop now I can tell you that you will regret having bothered me!" Aidan said through his teeth. He looked at his sister for a brief moment and as he did she grabbed it. Aidan thought for a moment and then picked her up off the ground and slung her over his back.
"Aidan Byron, if you don't put me down so help me God, Papa will find out about this!" she said hitting his back. "Put me down, Aidan! Aidan!" she screeched laughing at the same time.
"That's it Christine Rose, Mama is going to hear about this. And she's not going to be happy," Aidan smirked walking towards their mother's dressing room, "Mama is going to have so much fun hearing this story," he laughed as they walked down the passage way and into the house. "Oh Mama," he yelled out, "We have a little thief, and it's not Michael, or me, so it must be little Christine Rose."
"Aidan!" Christine continued to scream, "Aidan put me down, put me down!"
He finally set her down and smiled "When Mama gets in here you are busted."
Aidan chuckled and blocked the exit so she couldn't get out. Christine glared at her brother as she formulated an escape plan. After a few minutes, the mirror began to ripple. Aidan smirked confidently while Christine paled. The reactions were reversed when James stepped through at looked at both his children.
"What is going on?" James asked as he looked at his offspring.
"Nothing." Aidan choked out.
"Nothing?!" Christine exclaimed, "You call embarrassing me in front of the company nothing!"
"Well, if you just left me alone like I asked." Aidan shot back.
"Children! I still don't know what you two were doing?" James reminded them.
"He was reading a poem from Jessamine." Christine piped up, "And I wanted to see it. He won't let me so I stole it. Then he picked me up like a sack of potatoes and carted me around the opera."
"It wasn't Jessamine's poem." Aidan defended, "It was mine!"
The room got quiet at Aidan's confession. Aidan blushed as he stared at the ground. Christine sat in shock. Since when did Aidan write poetry? Christine glanced and noticed the very amused look on her father's face.
"Christine, while I must applaud your thievery skills, you really should respect your brother's wishes. Now go back to practice." James chuckled.
Christine nodded and passed her brother. They glared at each other before Christine walked out. Aidan looked up and was surprised to see the amused look on his father's face.
"I'm sorry, Papa." Aidan apologized.
"For what? Writing poetry?" James dismissed, "I wrote a few verses in my day trying to woo your mother. You have nothing to be sorry for. Now what is really on your mind?"
"I can't say. I promised someone."
"You will let me know when you can." James stated, "I'm worried about you and Michael. The two of you have been at each other's throats since you returned."
"I know, Papa. I guess our tempers are short since we picked up that disk. Have you sold it yet?"
James nodded, "But I'm not saying. Now let's go and keep an eye on your sister. I hear Dante has been very aggressive with her lately."
Aidan nodded. The two men left the dressing room. Aidan was explaining what Dante has done to Christine so far.
~*~*~*~
Michael walked down the dark street later that night. He was purposely avoiding his family right now. A cold breeze zipped down the street causing him to wrap his cloak tighter around him. Michael looked up and noticed that he was near the cemetery where his family lay to rest. He stood at the gate, torn whether to walk in and have a talk with Grandfather or not.
Deciding that he didn't want to run into Aidan again, Michael turned and ran into a cloaked man who was going to enter. Michael muttered an apology. He couldn't see the man's face as his piercing green eyes bore a hole into Michael. Michael swallowed as he moved to the side to let the man through. The man didn't move yet.
"Can I help you Monsieur?" Michael bit out, unnerved by the man.
"No, it's all right. You just remind me of someone I knew once." The man's baritone voice replied smoothly.
"Au revoir then," Michael stated as he went to walk away. He was brought up short by a cane.
"You seem troubled, young man. Why is that?"
"It's none of your business."
"Maybe, but sometimes talking to a stranger can help since they can't judge you."
"Fine," Michael sighed as he turned to face the man, "My brother and I are fighting. I guess I could say it's over a girl, but it isn't."
"Then what is it over then?"
"I guess I'm having doubts about what I'm meant to do. I never had these doubts until I meet this girl. I think I'm in love with her."
"Love can be a very ugly thing."
"You're telling me. In this case, we are building it up on lies. You see she is a cop and I'm a thief. If she finds out, it will be bad. I know I should walk away but I can't. I die a little each time I lie to her yet, everything about her totally fascinates me."
"I was once like that, young man. I met a girl but figured she couldn't love me, so I told her lies about myself. I spun this huge mystery around me. Finally, she discovered the truth and was very upset with me. So upset that she married another man. It broke my heart to let her go, but that man made her happy. He was honest with her. I tried to be upset but I couldn't since I had lied to her from the first moment we meet." The man explained to Michael who listened to him with great interest, "Eventually, he died and she returned to me with our son. It wasn't a joyous reunion by any means. It took our son's life being in danger for us to put aside our differences. It was then that we fell really in love with each other."
"But I can't come clean with her. My whole family will be in danger."
"It's hard to just come clean, my boy. You are faced with a very hard decision."
"It is. I don't know what to do."
"Here is my advice. Make peace with those you need to. And when you see the girl again, avoid telling her lies. See if she can handle the truth. If she can't, pull away. However if she can, then maybe you still have a chance."
"I'll try it. Merci, Monsieur."
"My pleasure."
On the wind Michael hear an enchanting voice call out the name Erik. The man's eyes glowed with joy and love as he turned to the dark cemetery. Michael didn't want to leave the man's company just yet. The man seemed to know.
"My wife is calling to me." The man sighed, "Don't worry young man. Everything will be fine."
Michael nodded. The man turned walked in the cemetery. Michael watched him go. He didn't hear someone call his name until Aidan punched his shoulder. Michael looked to Aidan briefly.
"Mama sent me to find you. Krissy is altering our costumes." Aidan gruffed. Michael didn't answer as he looked back to where the man was. Only he wasn't there any more. Michael frowned as he turned back to Aidan. The man's words rung in his head.
"I'm sorry, Aidan." Michael stated softly.
Whatever Aidan was expecting it wasn't an apology. He looked at Michael in shock, "I beg your pardon."
"I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier. You were just trying to stop me from making the same mistakes as you did." Michael repeated, "I guess I'm not thinking to clearly."
"Too right you are not. But I guess when I was in your position I was the same way, so I forgive you." Aidan sighed letting go of the last of his anger.
"Brothers?" Michael smiled hopefully.
"Brothers." Aidan nodded as they hugged, "I just hope Papa never finds out."
"I guess I better stick close to Mama for a while huh?"
"Damn straight. I guess we have to make amends with Christine. I should be upset with her. She has an interest in your girlfriend's brother."
"Excuse me, she likes John?!" Michael exclaimed, and then grinned evilly, "Should we be perfect brothers and stand aside or have fun with this?"
Aidan snorted, "Isn't the answer obvious? We are going to have fun with it. I think our sweet little sister makes him nervous, since he runs from her company. From I've seen he is interested in her, just isn't sure how to handle it."
Michael's grin spread. Aidan was reminded of a portrait he had seen in the Music room. It was one with the original Phantom sitting at the piano smiling in his usual devious way. Michael looked like the spitting image of that painting just there was no mask on his face.
"You look like the original Phantom when you grin like that." Aidan observed.
"That's why Mama likes me best." Michael teased.
"Dream on. Let's go home."
The two brothers headed home. Taunting and teasing each other, as they went. Michael glanced back hoping to see the man again. The street was deserted except for the two brothers.
~*~*~*~*~
Mirielle woke up at six in the morning and looked over at her brother in the bed across the room. He made her so mad, but she couldn't help but care for him. She threw on some clothes and sneaked out of the room. She quickly made her way to 14 Rouier Avenue.
She knocked on the door and waited for an answer, "Hello Uncle Etienne," she smiled as he answered the door in his robe with a coffee cup in his hand. Ushering her in he grabbed her a cup of coffee and sat down across from her.
"What's on your mind Tic?" he smiled leaning back, "and where's Tac?"
Mirielle sighed and began, "There are a lot of things on my mind Uncle Etienne. First and foremost is the idea that maybe I should work in Paris. I think that I need to get away from Mum and Dad and make my own name, to be my own person. Instead of being the daughter of the Great Detective, I can be The Great detective. I want the freedom to make my own name, and I think that I could do it in Paris."
Leroux looked at his grandniece and took a deep breath. He pondered for a minute and then tried to answer the best he could, "Have you talked to your parents about this?" She shook her head and he went on, "Well Mirielle, you have to remember you have to start over here, you'll be the equivalent of a constable when you start. But, if you feel that strongly about it then I will put in a good word for you. I've heard your mother tell stories of your heists, however restless they may be you're a good officer."
"Thank you Uncle Etienne," Mirielle blushed at the sudden compliment. "I really do think it's for the better. I can't live underneath them anymore. I need change, I need Paris." Etienne smiled at her and nodded. "Besides there's more here, not just work wise either, there's culture, food, and-" she trailed off.
Leroux nodded and realized what she was getting at, "I'll call your mother and father and tell them. I know it would be hard enough for me to explain to my parents so I'll do it for you. However, I don't know if they'll decide to call you and pepper you with questions. Otherwise, you'll be on the force faster than you can say J'aime beaucoup Oncle Etienne," they both laughed and Mirielle started to get up.
"Merci beaucoup," Mirielle said as she neared the door, "You're an angel Uncle Etienne," she kissed him on the cheek and exited the small home. "I'll see you at the masquerade right?" she asked before climbing into the cruiser.
"Of course," he smiled, "Au revoir," he waved from his front steps as she drove away. "Mirielle is in love, but with whom?" he asked himself smiling. Shrugging he walked back into his house grabbing another cup of coffee.
She quickly reentered the hotel room. Looking at the clock only forty-five minutes had passed and her brother was still asleep. She walked over to a chair and sat down waiting for John to get up. After ten minutes he finally stirred.
John sat up and yawned. Rubbing his eyes he looked to his sister, "What are you doing up already?" he asked groggily.
She shrugged, "Couldn't sleep." He nodded and got out of the bed. "I think we should do a little bit more investigation before the masquerade tonight," she added as he walked to the bathroom.
After he got dressed they left for the Opera House. Mirielle smiled to herself as she recalled the previous evening. 'It was so perfect,' she thought, 'that's something I could get used to if I work in Paris.' They pushed the doors open and stepped in. The light was dimmer and softer, unlike the fresh sunlight outside.
People scurried to and fro around the lobby getting things ready. John sneered, 'How am I supposed to get any work done with these people underfoot?' he asked himself. Peering around he decided to go backstage today, "Mir, you stay out in the auditorium and in the lobby, I'll go backstage," he said already making his way back.
Mirielle looked at her brother and then started her own investigation. John was on the stage when Dante shoved into him, "Watch it," Dante growled. John raised an eyebrow but minded his own business. As Dante passed John noticed a glint of silver, he decided to follow him. Quietly in the shadows John watched Dante make his way towards the dressing rooms.
Their footsteps in perfect rhythm, when Dante stopped, John stopped, when Dante sped up, John sped up. Tap, tap, tap, tap, went their footsteps as they walked along. Dante rapped on a door and someone opened, although John couldn't distinguish who it was. The shadow in the room handed Dante an envelope while Dante handed the figure a silver key. John wished he could investigate further but stayed his distance, not wanting to aggravate the obviously agitated Dante more than he already was.
John crept back to the stage while Mirielle was in the lobby. She walked up the grand staircase and looked down onto the lobby. She smiled as she looked over the entire lobby. She saw Akeem walking towards her and smiled, "Bonjour Akeem."
"Bonjour Mirielle, did you enjoy the opera the other night?" he asked leaning against the railing of the staircase.
"It was nice," she smiled and nodded, "It was really nice and Madame Noir was excellent." Mirielle grinned happily joining Akeem by leaning on the rail next to him.
"I've known the Noir's most my life," Akeem said, "Our families have known each other for years. Our ties are very close," Akeem smiled to the obviously love struck girl and then frowned, "However no one is what they appear to be Mademoiselle Mirielle, watch out, you don't want to get hurt."
"What do you mean?" she asked suddenly, "Michael is everything I thought he was from the beginning."
Akeem wanted to tell her the truth but couldn't betray his friend. "I just don't want you to have the same problem as an old friend of mine," although he hardly knew Cosette he just referred to her as one for the purpose. "She was distraught and a mess for weeks, I don't want the same to happen to you."
Mirielle looked at Akeem in confusion. She didn't know what he was getting at but decided to go along with it, "Well Akeem, I am sure I won't get hurt. Michael wouldn't do that, would he?" she suddenly turned very nervous.
"You can never be sure of anything Mademoiselle, nothing is ever certain," Akeem replied cryptically. "I just advise you, to be careful. I know you don't want to think the worst, but you have to be able to love and let go Mirielle, remember that." He pushed off of the rail and started down the stairs. "Remember that Mirielle, it could save you a lot of pain."
Akeem grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the middle of the stairs, just as Krissy and Buquet came running down them. The two of them were cursing at each other in French as they ran by. Mirielle blinked at such language that early in the morning while Akeem just smiled. Akeem turned to Mirielle and the two began to laugh.
Mirielle smiled at Akeem as they walked. She found Akeem to be a good listener as they lazily questioned each other. They two were engrossed in their conversation that neither saw Dante stalking towards them. Before anyone realized what had happened, Dante and Mirielle had crashed into each other.
"Watch where you are going!" Dante snapped, then smiled when he saw who it was, "Ah, my angel. I'm sorry for my manners."
Mirielle rolled her eyes at the dramatics, "Don't give me that, Monsieur."
"I must make it up to you." Dante oozed much to Mirielle's obvious disgust and Akeem's concern.
"No. I'm still busy with my investigation." Mirielle excused stiffly.
"At least allow me to escort you to the Masquerade tonight." Dante insisted as he moved closer to her.
Mirielle took a step away and put up a hand to ward off her pursuer, "I don't think so. I already have an escort."
Dante snagged her hand and kissed it, "Then I'll be your secret rendezvous."
Mirielle tried to yank her hand back, but Dante held on tight. Mirielle glanced up and sneered at the leer in his eyes. Quietly she began to struggle to get her hand back. Dante held on tight. A playful smile curled at the corners of his mouth.
"Let go of me!" Mirielle growled as she tried in vain to free her hand.
"No, mademoiselle, not until you promise me a kiss tonight." Dante grinned eagerly.
Mirielle was about to refuse when the blade of a sword appeared under Dante's jaws. Mirielle turned to see a furious Erika holding the hilt of the sword. Her blue eyes flashed with outrage. Dante seemed to be paler.
"Let the lady go." Erika stated softly yet firmly.
Dante dropped his hold on Mirielle. Mirielle rubbed her wrists and she glared at Dante. Erika walked around until she stood by Mirielle's side. Mirielle looked at the aging prima donna with surprise. Erika motioned with her sword that Dante needed to move and quick or Buquet was going to have a large mess to clean up. Mirielle smirked as Dante ran off.
"I hope you have permission to carry that thing." Mirielle remarked.
Erika smiled as she sheathed the sword and handed it to Akeem, "It's a prop from Buquet's table."
"You got away with touching that crazy old man's table?" Mirielle said amazed.
"I grew up knowing Buquet. I was his favorite 'niece' and can do no wrong." Erika grinned at the memory of all the trouble they got into then sobered up, "You need to be careful who you give the time of day around here."
"I didn't ask for him to touch me. Great, now I have to disinfect myself from his germs." Mirielle moaned.
"A nice long soak will help with that. Now, Mademoiselle Holmes or should I call you Watson." Erika teased.
Mirielle blushed, "I didn't ask Michael to lie to your husband."
"I just found it to be an interesting choice of names." Erika grinned, "You will be at the masquerade tonight?"
"I was planning on it. Christine Noir helped us pick out costumes."
"I'm glad. Are you any closer to having your answers?"
"No. No one wants to give me a straight answer around here."
"They don't need to. You have all the clues you need. Just put them together, my child. You can do it. I know you can, after all you are the result of two of the greatest minds that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Some day you will stand on your own." Erika informed her.
Mirielle blushed and looked away. She turned to say something only to find that Erika was gone. Mirielle looked around only to find no sign of her presence. Mirielle sighed, how the hell does she do it?