Chapter Fifty-two
The plane isn't away yet…
Erik slid his hand into his pocket and took a step towards Jacques.
I must give them time to get away…for her to get away…
"Put down that telephone, Jacques," he said with a deadly edge to his voice.
"Your bride was generous, Monsieur Erik, but I think dealing with the Germans will be equally rewarding."
Before the operator could respond to Jacques' call, the policeman sagged to the floor as Erik struck his temple with the handle of the revolver.
He pushed the man's unconscious body into the corner. He set down the revolver on the table and, taking off his overcoat, tossed it down over the gun. Finding a coil of rope in a cabinet, he tied the main securely.
It seemed as if the hammering of his heart would drown out the whipping drone of the propeller.
Christine…
He wanted to touch her one last time…to hear her voice calling for him…to press her into his arms and bury his face in those soft curls.
Christine…
Behind him, he heard the door flung open so violently that the small window was smashed as it struck the wall.
Turning, he saw the Nazi officer in the entrance.
"Good evening, Major Hetzner," he said quietly.
He saw the revolver in the Major's hands and knew there was no way to reach his own weapon hidden so carelessly by his coat.
The Major saw the handle of Erik's gun beneath the limp sleeve of the coat. He removed his cap and set it down over the revolver, moving to stand between Erik and the table.
"I believe we've met before, Herr Erik," he said with a smile.
"In Paris," Erik replied, remembering for the first time the iron clawing into his skin.
"Ah, selbstverständlich," the Major laughed, "I never forget a face. I daresay that's my handiwork."
The Major's amiable tone vanished abruptly as he realized the sound of the plane had faded away in the distance.
Erik's body sagged with relief. Christine was safe from Hetzner and his men.
"They were on that plane, weren't they? Herr de Chagny and his wife?"
Erik did not answer him. He had nothing to lose, nothing to gain.
He felt the sting of leather against his skin as the Major's palm struck his cheek.
"And that little songbird wife of his? What was she to you?"
Erik remained silent. Christine was beyond the Major's reach now.
The Major's revolver was leveled at his heart. At this range, he could not miss.
What does it matter…Christine is lost to you forever…let it come….let it end.