"Erik, what's wrong?" Christine asked putting a hand on his back.
"Can't you read?" Erik snapped back.
"What? The corset? What's so bad about that? That corset has nothing to do with the murder."
"They don't know that! They're going to start thinking other things now. Not only me being a murderer, but a rapist."
"Because they found a corset on the property?"
"It was buried Christine! The police use any clue they can find. That is a clue!"
"Erik, why did you bury the corset anyway?"
"Because Christine, it was giving me nightmares. When I went to Nadir's that one day it was because I needed council about that bloody corset! Christine I still can't get over the fact that I took your vir—." Erik noticed Anne Marie was still in the room. "Erm, excuse me Anne Marie, but my wife and me need to talk about some things privately."
"Oh, of course sir. I think I hear Valerie crying anyway." She replied.
Anne Marie hustled up the stairs. When they were alone Erik continued his sentence.
"I still can't forgive myself for taking your virginity."
"Oh Erik! I thought you were over that! It was over two years ago!"
"Do you still miss your father?"
"Yes, of course. But what does that have to do with it?"
"That was over twelve years ago and you still remember that! There are things that one never forgets."
"Erik. I understand you feel…"
"No you don't! Christine you have never done anything wrong!"
"That's not true."
"Have you ever murdered someone? No! Christine you have no idea what my life was like!"
"That's only because you've never told me!"
"I don't want to re-live it!"
"Then don't you dare blame me for not knowing!"
Erik cursed and walked off to his bedroom. He slammed the door and flopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. Christine sat down and cried. How could he be so cruel? She thought sadly. Is there something he's hiding?
"Oh Christine…. why? Why Christine?" Erik muttered to the ceiling.
He felt like kicking himself for being so cruel to his Angel. He cursed again at himself. Then sat up. No use moping. He slowly opened the door and slipped into the shadows of the hallway. He knocked lightly on Valerie's door.
"Come in." Anne Marie said.
Erik opened the door. He slowly walked in, shutting the door behind him.
"I'm sorry you had to hear that Anne Marie." He said.
"Don't worry Sir. No harm done."
"I came in to tell you that we will not be in need of your service any longer. Christine and I are taking Valerie to Bolton while Christine performs."
"All right Sir. I understand. It has been a pleasure working here. Even though it was only for a day."
"Thank you for understanding."
"Just one thing before I leave. Will you take off that mask?"
Erik sighed. He didn't really want to, but she had been such a good maid to Valerie. And she hadn't run away when she saw her face, so it should be the same with him. Erik reached up and pulled off his mask. Anne Marie only smiled and said,
"That's exactly what I thought." She then left the room.
Erik smiled. At least some people don't mind. He thought. Erik then decided it would be best to patch up things with his wife. He walked down the stairs, to see Christine crying.
"Oh Christine, you know I hate it when you cry." Erik said to her.
"What does it matter to you?"
"It matters very much. I love you and you are my wife."
"Then why did you get so angry at me?"
"Because I'm afraid."
"Of what?"
"Of then police finding us. They will no doubt take me away from you and Valerie."
"But I'll tell them I love you! I'll tell them the truth! Then they can't take you."
"Oh Christine I wish it were that simple. But if you tell them that they will think that I brainwashed you to say it."
Christine just looked at the floor. "Oh." She said softly. "Then what will we do Erik?"
"Hush my dear, let's not worry of that now. For now let's pack, so we can get to Bolton and make you a star again!"
Christine smiled. "That sounds good to me."
So what did y'all think? That's Chapter 17. Chapter 18 coming soon to a computer near you! Ha ha. Anyway thank you for the reviews. I always look forward to them.