Chapter Forty-eight
"What time is it, Sam?"
Reyer flipped open his pocket watch and informed Erik that it was ten minutes before seven.
"She will be here soon," Erik said, turning towards the window again.
"And what about our friend, the good Inspector," he added as an afterthought, his eyes fixed on the hotel across the square.
"I checked on him like you told me to and brought him something to eat."
"Let him out once we've left for the airport. Even if he goes scurrying straight to Hetzner, we'll have enough of a head start."
Tearing his gaze from the window, he picked up his overcoat and made certain the revolver was in the pocket.
"I suppose you are going to tell me what you're planning, Erik?"
Erik shook his head. More than once, he'd trusted Sam with his life…he would willingly trust Christine's life to him.
It was his own heart that he could not trust.
Downstairs, the club was empty and filled with the shadows of evening.
Erik laid the club's keys on the polished wood of the bar. He ran one hand slowly and lovingly along the smooth edge.
Le Belle Reve…the beautiful dream…it had been his sanctuary…it had brought Christine back to him.
For a few moments, at least…
His hand curled tightly around the rail.
This is the way it must be…
There was a heavy knock at the door.
He looked up and saw Sam at the foot of the stairs.
"Let them in."
He heard their steps in the entrance and let go of the rail.
He saw Raoul de Chagny quickly avert his eyes from the horror of the unmasked face before him.
Yes, Monsieur…this is the monster your wife loves…the demon she gave her soul to last night.
He let the bitter satisfaction ease out him as Christine slipped her hand into his.
"Erik, I don't understand. Raoul says you're giving him two letters of transit…he thinks I am going with him."
He let himself forget the others in the room for a moment as he gently skimmed his fingers across the soft curve of her lower lips.
"You are going with him, Christine," he said.