Disclaimer: Me? Own this? –bursts out in hysterical laughter-
Erik finished his story and waited. If he knew Christine, she would—
-fling her arms around him, gripping him so tightly that he almost couldn't breathe. Yep, right again. This girl is like a wonderful book…
"Erik, why didn't you tell me?" she demanded, sounding horrified.
He shrugged. "Didn't want to bother you."
"Oh, you have got to be screwing with me!" she cried shrilly. "Didn't want to bother me? I'm your friend, Erik; little matters of bodily harm are of a rather high level of concern for me!"
Another shrug. This was exactly what he's been hoping to avoid.
"Son, how long has this been going on?" the male cop asked seriously.
"As long as I can remember," Erik admitted.
"And when were you planning on telling somebody about it?"
"Never," Erik snapped. "Okay? Never."
The woman frowned. "Why not?"
"Because I deserved it," he snapped. "I always deserve it, all right?"
Christine's hands grasped his shoulders. "Why would you say that?"
"Because…look, never mind, all right?" He frowned. "It isn't—"
"Erik, I swear to God, if you say 'it isn't important' one more time—"
"Hey, can we refrain from threats until after I've questioned the suspect, please?" the woman asked, making frantic notes on her pad of paper. Christine glanced at her sharply.
"Suspect? Are you kidding? He just told you—"
"He told me that his father beat him and that he did indeed leave the house last night around the time Joseph Buquet was pounded into a coma. That doesn't do much to attest to innocence, does it?" The woman stared Christine down with an annoyingly superior expression.
"It's fine," Erik muttered. "Ask away, I have nothing to hide."
"You don't? That's lovely. Where were you last night? Exactly."
"I was walking near the park," he answered truthfully, trying to ignore the gentle stroke of Christine's fingers against the back of his neck for fear that he'd lose his grip on sanity. "I took a lap or two around near the beach, by the playground, then went home. I was out for probably an hour or so."
The male cop snorted and shook his head. Christine frowned.
"What?" she asked.
He shook his head again. "That's a pretty bad story your boyfriend's giving us."
"Bad how?" she pressed, ignoring the way Erik jerked at the term 'boyfriend'.
The woman smirked. "Why don't you leave us alone for a few minutes, Miss? It's difficult to interrogate someone with his girl standing by."
"That's exactly what you're doing!" Christine argued. "Interrogating him! Hasn't he been through enough?"
"Joseph Buquet was found in the park, on the beach, bleeding from a dozen wounds, his eyes swollen shut. He looked like they'd stuck him in a box and beat the crap out of said box with baseball bats. He's currently in intensive care. Has he been through enough?" The woman's eyes were bulging unhealthily. Her partner restrained her with a commanding hand.
"Trish," he murmured. "Maybe we should talk to the chief about taking you off this case…"
"My nephew was beaten nearly to death!" she shrilled. "I am going to find out who did it!"
Erik lowered his eyes. This was the last thing he needed, to hear the rantings of a woman whose loved one had just been almost killed.
"Perhaps it would be best for you and Meg to go wait in the hall," Madame Giry was telling Christine tactfully. "Better yet, go get some ice cream or something. I'll come and fetch you when this is all over, all right?"
Christine looked like she desperately wanted to argue, but something in Madame's eyes left no room for dispute. Grudgingly, she nodded, gave Erik's hand one last comforting squeeze, and left with Meg.
"Now, Erik, if you don't mind," the male officer said, seating himself and positioning his own notepad. "Would you start from the beginning?"
A/N: Oh, God I hate this chapter. So sorry. I don't update all day and when I do, it's a craptastic two-pager. –hangs head in shame- I'll try to do better tomorrow.
Review Replies:
musicgirl141- Ah, not a devoted fan, I see. Well, this chapter probably won't do much to win you over; I'll just have to try harder next time.
Maeve Of the Nile- Falling in love with a fictional character? Would you like to join our little support group? –grins-
PotOFan- Good questions. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to disclose such information at this time. Please call back later. –beep-
Nade-Naberrie- Wow, a new person. Hi! –waves madly- Yeah, I know I made Raoul a bit too mean. I didn't originally intend to massacre his character like that, it just sort of…happened.
AFireInside-xx-offers the Erik- Enjoy.
La Foamy- Ah, mush. Don't we all love it so? –evil grin- Oh, it's coming. FEAR THE MUSH!...I mean…
Christie- SUGAR! –cheery expression- I love chocolate and happy reviews, thanks for both!
SALLYMAETHEHICK- Yes, well, sanity has never been my strongest of points. –embarrassed expression-
Angel-of-Music1331- Oh, sorry! I'll try to stick that in my disclaimer next time…
Maglenan Princess- All these people seem to know Erik-like people. That's kind of weird.
ENTR'ACTE- I'm sorry! I'm fine; just had a mite of writer's block. As you can see from this hellish addition…-sigh- I'll try to do better tomorrow, to feed your addiction.
SmileVampy- Yeah, it is a horrible thing. I can't understand how it hasn't been eradicated yet…
Chibi Hime- I'll explain eventually, no worries.
Awoman-sleepily updates-
Phantom of the Past- An, another enthusiast! Welcome to the support—er, club. Cookie?
Christine-hugs Erik plushie-
erik'sangel527- Aww…-blushes modestly- I don't this I'm the best…
Sorry again about this one, guys, it really sucks. I'll try to do better next time!