Okay I'm sure people will hate me for this chapter, but I will deeply apologize ahead of time for the events about to take place. And I hope no one is annoyed that this story is going on for too long. I never intended it to go this far, but once I started I got hooked and so many ideas came to my head. I'm glad you guys have continued giving your reviews. Whenever I feel down I remember all the cool (virtual) Phantom things I've received from the reviewers and I get the urge to write again. (Grins at the fact that I have two virtual Erik plushies) But someday soon I hope to make one for real. So yeah stated above don't hate me for this chapter. Time/psycho you wanted action and girl you're getting action. (Attempts a diabolical laugh and ends up coughing) Ow!

Disclaimer: It's about time I mention that I don't own any of the Phantom of the Opera characters, but Lotte, Pierre, Jacqueline, Madeline, and Lyle, are all my original creations. They're names are commonly used, but if their personalities are duplicated without my consent I'll allow Erik to tear you limb from limb. Hey calm down already I'm not that mean.

Also there are some sexual thoughts in this chapter, but it's only Erik reflecting on the past, so I'll keep it family friendly. Also I think I goofed somewhere on which side of Erik's face is the deformity, but from here I will have it right. I will be going back through chapters later to make sure I did it right.

Chapter 52: Buried Secrets

The men that had burned Raoul's house to the ground were on the prowl again. As the family sat down below they searched the upper floors after receiving a tidbit from an unknown source about Erik's whereabouts. Mme. Giry had been disturbed by their presence and approached them.

"Can I ask why you gentlemen are in the Opera House?"

"We are looking for someone named Erik. We're told he resides here as the manager and we wish to speak with him," the leader said turning to her.

"That was the name of our old manager. The new manager's name is Armand. You'll have no luck finding Erik here sir."

"Well then may we speak with the current manager? Maybe he knows where the Erik fellow has relocated."

"Well I'm sorry, but Monsieur Armand is on holiday until the fall season starts. I will inform him that you came looking for him though if you would like?"

"Yes, we would. We'll be back in time for the fall season and hopefully he will be willing to speak with us or there will be horrible consequences to pay Madame."

Mme. Giry watched them leave. Who had told them about Erik and what did they want with him? When she was sure the men were gone she took one of Erik's other passages and arrived in the music room. "Erik come out this instant I have some startling news to share with you," she called out.

Erik looked up from the book and noticed everyone looking up at him. "Sounds like Mme. Giry. I wonder what could be the matter," he said as he handed Jacqueline to Lotte and set the book down on the bed.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Christine asked.

"No, you all stay here. She sounds serious about something and probably wants to discuss it in private. I'll be right back."

Erik came into the music room and found Mme. Giry staring out across the lake. She turned as he approached her and told him about what had happened. "…My guess is they're working for Raoul even in death. They were probably the ones that burned down the house."

"But what caused them to start looking now? They left us alone for quite awhile. Why all of a sudden would they start up again?" Erik asked in bewilderment at the situation

"They want you dead end of story, but seeing as you and Christine escaped the fire trap they have a new reason to track you down. Also seeing as you have the Vicomte's money in your procession my guess is the money was promised to them for your death and they want it. That is what this society has come to; power and greed."

"I wonder Mme. Giry, how come you haven't turned me in? You could easily throw me in jail and end all this by seeing me hang," Erik said causing Mme. Giry to frown.

"Why would I do such a thing? There may be things about you I don't like Erik, but that doesn't mean I would turn you in and say to hell with you. Christine is like a daughter to me and seeing as your married to her if I was to do that she would never forgive me. Besides do you really want the one that took you from behind cold iron bars to be the one that puts you back there? It pained me enough to see you in jail the first time."

"I know," Erik replied.

"If you knew then why did you ask?"

"I like it better when you say it. Just shows what a good friend you are Mme. Giry."

She gave a long sigh before punching Erik's arm. "I don't know how you do it, but you do something that makes me tolerate you."

Erik grinned.

xxxxx

The fall season had reared its ugly head much too soon for Erik and now he was at his wits end trying to get everything together. Every morning he would go up to the manager's office and work almost all day before returning home and allowing himself to fall across the bed and go to sleep. Yet even in sleep his mind was racing at the thought of those men hunting him down. But he did his best to worry about that in secret so as not to frighten his family. He had told Christine about what Mme. Giry said, but then explained that he had everything under control.

Christine understood how busy he was and never questioned his absence. She was just grateful to climb into bed each night after a long rehearsal and curl up next to her husband. She would remove the mask for him and caress his cheeks gently, so that even in sleep he would get that sensation of having her close.

When Erik would awake in the morning he would find Christine lying beside him and he would reach over allowing the smell of roses to hit his nose. She was so beautiful when she slept and there were so many times it pained him to get up and leave her. Especially this morning, because it marked the day that he had first reviled him self as her Angel of Music.

He remembered it like it was yesterday. It had been gala night and due to his fantastic act of dropping a backdrop on La Carlotta he gave Christine the chance to grace the stage and marvel the audience with her voice. He had decided that would be the night to finally show him self to her. With the power of his voice he brought her down to the lair and had his first act of love.

Lying besides Christine on the bed Erik was blushing, but then he realized that that night had been what started everything. But why should he feel bad about the whole thing? She had wanted it just as bad. He would never force her to do anything she didn't feel comfortable with.Yet, she was the one who had started it anyway; she had kissed him so deeply and so passionately that he had forgotten all acts of being a gentlemen and next thing he knew they had been on the bed.

He at least had the decency to ask her if that had been what she really wanted before they had become one. Her eyes had seemed as if they were pleading with him and she had nodded.

Erik sat up and sighed. He felt so selfish for having taken that which is special from Christine, but she had loved him. So if that was true it shouldn't matter right? He looked down at his wife. Her gorgeous brown curls were hanging around her and she had a smile on her face. He touched the right side of his own face. She always told him those three little words, but sometimes he doubted them. Why should she love someone as ugly as him?

He shook his head trying to rid him self of the thought. She said she loved him and that was that. No more doubting those words. He pushed back the blanket and crawled out of bed, his head buzzing with his thoughts. He dressed quickly and put on the mask, shuddering as the cold porcelain touched his bare skin.

Then he went over to the vase on his desk and took out the most beautiful rose; one that was in full bloom and clean of its thorns. Then he pulled out a black ribbon and sprayed a small puff of his cologne on it before tying it around the rose's stem. It was only a small token of his love, but he knew Christine appreciated them. He lifted the curtain on his wife's side and placed the rose in her fingers. She would find it when she awoke and maybe remember the day as well.

He kissed her cheek before he left the room and strolled up one of the tunnels towards the back of the lair. Reaching the manager's office Erik gave a sigh of relief and opened the blind letting the sunlight in. As much of a burden the sunlight was, he didn't seem to mind it from time to time. Erik had taken it upon himself to put two-way glass in the door leading into the office, so he had a clear view of who was out in the hall, but they couldn't see him.

Seeing as the hallway was clear and his sixth sense wasn't acting up he assumed everything was well and sat down at the desk anxious to get working on the finances and the payroll.

xxxxx

Christine could remember movement from earlier, but she knew well that it was only Erik getting up and going to work. She went to sit up when she felt something in her fingers. Opening her eyes she saw Erik's rose. "Oh, Erik you remembered," she said sweetly kissing the rose. "I knew you wouldn't forget that first night I saw you."

She smiled at the gift and sat up. How hard could it be to forget such a night? Pushing back the covers she lifted the curtain and climbed out of bed. The smell of Erik's cologne and the perfume of the roses was such a familiar smell that she never grew tired of it. Changing into her ballet clothes she felt so alive and awake that she was ready to tackle any dance Mme. Giry threw at her.

She went into the kitchen and made a light breakfast. Lotte came in later carrying Jacqueline, who still carried her monkey around, but had now given it a name. "Monk want yummy too," she said to her mother.

"Yes, Monk can have some too. Does he like cereal?"

Jacqueline nodded. "Yummy!"

Christine smiled. Soon Jacqueline would be two years old and it was never a big surprise at how much energy a two year old had within them. You give them just an ounce of freedom and they could walk all over you.

Pierre came into the kitchen and made it aware that they should hurry, because Mme. Giry hated when anyone was late for practice. He went to the counter and made up a piece of toast; spreading some jelly on it.

"We'll be ready in just a moment dear. Stop being such a stick in the mud," Lotte said as she wiped some cereal off Jacqueline's face.

"I'm not a stick in the mud, I just don't want to hear Mme. Giry's late lecture again. I've heard it at least three times thanks to you two."

Both of them fell silent and breakfast was finished in silence except for Jacqueline banging her hands against the table.

xxxxx

After some time they finally got up on the stage and stood amongst the other ballet girls. Madeline ran over to Lotte and the girls began giggling about something. Christine was so proud of Lotte making a new friends. Even though her daughter had been without human contact, except from Erik and Pierre, for a good number of years, it wassuch a joy for her to see Lotte talking with girls her own age.

"I can't believe it Lotte," Madeline exclaimed. "Lyle proposed to me last night. Look at the ring he gave me." She held out her hand where a diamond ring twinkled on her ring finger.

"Oh, Madeline it's beautiful. I'm so excited for you," Lotte exclaimed giving Madeline a hug.

"I can't wait. I hope someday to have a daughter as beautiful as Jacqueline. You're so lucky. Speaking of which where is she?"

"She's with Pierre. He's busy working on the posters for the show, so she shouldn't be too much trouble."

"Why didn't you have your father watch her today?"

"He's working on financial things today, so he prefers to work in silence. It wouldn't be right to leave her with him all the time, as much as he enjoys watching her."

Madeline nodded.

Meg appeared around the corner of the backdrop and ran over to Christine. "Good morning Christine. I assume you slept well."

"Oh, as soon as I hit the pillow I was out like a light. Besides every night next to Erik is like a wonderful dream."

Meg giggled. "I can only imagine. You're so lucky to have the man of your dreams. I still can't seem to find any worthy of me."

"Don't give up hope Meg. He's out there waiting for you to grace him with your presence and then sweep you off your feet. Trust me he's there."

"You sound so sure."

"I am."

Before either could speak a loud clatter came from behind the drop and there was a sound of raised voices. Everyone raced to the sides of the backdrop to see Mme. Giry thrown to the ground by three large men. They were cursing loudly and they each had a pistol in their hands.

"Now tell us where the manager is hiding or we'll shot you in the head," the leader shouted.

"I already told you that Monsieur Armand is not to be bothered today. He has a lot of work, but you may come back tomorrow," Mme. Giry shouted back.

"You're hiding something we know you are. With all these excuses I wouldn't be surprised that Erik is hiding here in the theatre at this exact moment. Now out with it."

"I will tell you nothing."

"Then I have no choice," the man said holding up his pistol.

"NOOOOOOO!" Meg shouted as she ran forward. Startled by the scream the leader looked up and smiled. He turned to one of the other men and gave a slight nod. The man on his right smiled and came up grabbing Meg around the waist and lifting her off the ground.

"What do you want me to do with her boss?" the man asked as Meg pounded him on the back

"Take her out back to the wagon. She'll be a nice ransom to this Erik person."

Christine wasn't about to let them take Meg away. She ran over despite Lotte's cry of terror. "Let her go!" she pleaded with them. The other man reached down and grabbed her.

"Look boss we have two lovely ladies. Should we grab any others?"

The ballet girls whimpered and a bunch of them disappeared from view. Lotte turned to Madeline. "Run to my father's office as fast as you can. It's right next to the manager's box."

"Come with me. I'm scared," Madeline exclaimed biting her lip.

"You can do it Madeline. If anyone can get there fast enough it's you. Please do this for me."

Madeline swallowed and with a blink of tears she raced off down the stairs into the house and into the lobby. Lotte turned back to the scene developing. The man holding his pistol held out a letter to Mme. Giry, who took it willingly. Her mother and Meg were struggling with their captors as they hurried towards the back doors. Lotte wanted badly to go and help them, but she knew she wasn't strong enough to take them on by herself.

"Give the Phantom this letter. Even though you'll be dead." He cocked the pistol and the most horrifying sound of a bullet digging itself into flesh hit the ears of the ballet girls. All of them covered their ears in disgust, but couldn't pull their eyes away from the sight. The man looked up at them and smiled before following his men out into the back alley.

Lotte was the first to move. She raised her hand motioning for the other girls to stay back and crept towards Mme. Giry. The old woman's was grasping the letter in one hand while her other was over the wound in the right side of her chest. Blood flowed freely from the wound over the black fabric of her dress.

"Mme. Giry can you hear me?" Lotte asked quietly kneeling down besides her.

"Lotte, dear where is Meg? I heard her, but I can not see her. Where is she?"

Lotte's eyes filled with tears. She didn't want to tell her the truth about Meg, fearing it would crush the woman's heart. "She's…well she's…" Lotte just couldn't push herself to say it.

"I won't get to see her one last time. Here child make sure your father gets this and tell him that I always kept his secret. That even in death I'll keep his identity secret," Mme. Giry said.

Lotte took the letter and looked at it. But she placed it aside and took Mme. Giry's hand. "Don't worry Mme. My father is coming and he can help you like you helped him. Please just hang on just a little bit longer."

"I can't my dear. The pain is too much for my body to handle anymore. I must go. I am being called by the angels to take my place among them and dance once again." Mme. Giry closed her eyes and Lotte felt her hand go limp in her own.

"Mme. Giry? Mme. Giry!" she cried.

The other ballet girls looked up from where they had been standing and crying at Lotte's shout. The ballet teacher had been killed by the acts of cruelty. Erik and Madeline soon appeared through the house doors and raced up to the stage. As soon as his foot hit the top of the stage the ballet girls raced over to him talking all at once about what had happened.

"Girls, calm down and speak one at a time," Erik said putting his hands up to silence them.

A girl by the name of Lily stepped forward, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Some men just shot Mme. Giry." She gasped and took a deep breath. "They also took Meg and Madame Daae away with them."

"Where did they take them?"

"We don't know Monsieur," Katharine spoke up.

"Where are Mme. Giry and Lotte?"

Katharine pointed to the backdrop and Erik hurried behind it. He stopped dead in his tracks as he saw Lotte kneeling beside the fallen form of Mme. Giry. Slowly he moved forward cursing to himself for not being here sooner. Lotte heard him and looked up her eyes full of tears.

There was no sign of life in the old woman's body and Erik knew there was no hope in saving his one true friend. The only person who had ever shown real pity for him and brought him here to hide away from the cruelties of the outside world. Madeline had told him that the men had asked for him, but because Mme. Giry wasn't about to spill the beans on Erik's behalf had lost her own life.

Lotte stood and came over to him. "She's gone," she whispered. "And they took Mother with them along with Meg." She bit her lip as more tears trickled down her cheeks. For a moment she only stood there tears beginning to fall harder before she fell into him and sobbed into his waistcoat.

He held her tightly. "Lotte, we'll get them back."

"Mme. Giry never told them. She took your secret to the grave!" she cried out. "They threatened her and Meg went to stop them, but they grabbed her. Mother wasn't about to let them do that, so when she tried to stop it they grabbed her to. I wanted to help, but I was so scared. Oh, Father I was so scared."

Erik was too angry with himself to answer. He had been busy working and at first ignored the knocks at the door. When they had become stronger and he heard Madeline shouting did he react. The poor girl was exhausted from crying, but had managed to tell him of the three men and Mme. Giry getting shot.

Having heard that Erik took off towards the stage hoping he wasn't too late. But now he realized he was and what was worse was that his beloved had been taken captive by the mob along with Meg. It had been his fault and tears ran down his face at the thought.

Madeline had joined them and was looking Mme. Giry over. But then she saw the letter on the floor. She reached down and picked it up. "Sir, this note is addressed to you."

"Let me see it," Erik said as he pulled away from Lotte and reached out for the note.

As he ripped it open Pierre and Jacqueline appeared from one of the back rooms. "I heard a shot. What happened?"

"Pierre, get Jacqueline out of here. This isn't for her eyes."

It was too late. Jacqueline's eyes gazed upon Mme. Giry. "Why is Lady Giry sleeping?" she asked.

Lotte took Jacqueline into her arms and leaned into Pierre. "Hold me," she squeaked sadly. "Hold me and don't let go."

Pierre wrapped his arms around her and held her as Erik fished out the note and began to read it:

Monsieur,

So you and your lady friend managed to escape the burning house. How you accomplished the feat is a real mystery to me and my men, but it doesn't matter that much to us anymore. All that matters is your still running free in Paris and we can't allow that. Plus you have some thing we truly want. We were promised graciously by Raoul de Changy for your death and we would like the money along with your dead carcass. I think The Phantom of the Opera would be a nice addition to my collection.

But yet again you managed to slip past me and because of it your ballet teacher has suffered a terrible fate indeed and I can not say what is in store for the other two women we managed to take with us. Such beauty they possess. If you want them both back alive then you must do as I command. One of my men will be back at midnight to get your answer. Agree to hand yourself and the money over to us and the women will go free, but if you say no they will both die and you will have no one to blame, but yourself.

Once we receive your answer, I will send the man back with directions to our warehouse. Bring whoever you want with you, but it won't do much good I'm afraid. If you try and fight us I'm afraid we'll outnumber you, but who knows we may allow you to see your wife one last time.

We await your answer

Signed,

Fletcher

Erik was now furious and was about to rip the letter in two, but stopped. There was information within the note that he needed. But he was so worried about Christine. Was she all right? What were they doing to her? Releasing an anguished cry he fell to his knees in despair. Tears streamed down his face at the thought that he had forgotten to say those three little words to her this morning and may never get the chance to say them to her again.

Hurray the next chapter is finished. I hope to end this story around 60 chapters so I have 8 more chapters to wrap things up and leave everyone with a decent ending. The last 8 updates may be spaced out a bit seeing as because of my love to write I neglected my homework a bit and need to get my grades up so if I have long breaks in between my chapters don't be mad. It will probably be harder for me then for any of you so if you could throw me a little boost of confidence in getting school work done I'll appreciate it.

I may add at the end a long thank you page and other things like that for fun, so if you want to be recognized and haven't made a review get it in. I want to make sure I get everyone. Also all the members of the Raoul Haters United Club will be recognized, which it isn't too late to join. If you hate the foppish Raoul then join by reviewing my story and making me aware that you want to join. It's not that hard trust me. Erik and I became members why shouldn't you?

All right that's enough babbling from me. Love you all and have a good night.