A/N: Warning, rather an RC chapter… I'm not saying how it will turn out in the end though, maybe both?

Amber: Hello again, such a faithful reviewer and very much appreciated! But… I do believe there is no movement on the 'Second instalment' situation…

AngelofMusic: Thank you for the review! Fear not… I have a cunning plan, so cunning you could put a tail on it and call it a weasel. (Note, Blackadder)

This chapter is… relatively dull. I call these chapters fillers, just so that things don't get confusing like… 'wouldn't she have told her fiancé where she had gone' etc etc?

This is why I have put two up!

Review either or both… lol up to you.

Chapter 4- Development.

Meg had said nothing for the last hour, allowing Christine to stare vacantly out of the window and attempt to collect her thoughts. A dark curl dangled loosely in front of her eyes and she blew it forward gently, as it dropped back to her face she blew again. The street was quiet in front of the house, the lamps flickering a soft orange glow onto the cobbles but otherwise the night seemed perfectly still. Not a leaf rustled, not a branch swayed, not even the stars twinkled. Christine mused that the night was dead and clenched her teeth at the thought.

It was the sharp knock at the side door which brought her from her trance and she turned to face Meg, who was checking the time on the mantel clock. Meg shrugged and wandered into the hallway, closely followed by Christine. As they reached the top of the stairs a deep voice caused Christine to smile.

'Christine,' called Madame Giry. 'Your escort, I believe.'

Christine skipped down the stairs and into Raoul's arms, who held her tightly, kissed her hair softly and squeezed her to his strong chest. She gazed up into his soft eyes and a smile spread over his lips making her long to kiss them.

'I was worried.' He said, his tone wrapped in concern. 'When I returned I checked your quarters and you weren't there.'

'I'm sorry,' she said with sincerity and he smiled, turning to face Meg.

'Hello Meg,' he said and she smiled at him. 'Have you been looking after my girl?'

'I have,' she said, blushing.

'Good, good,' His eyes shone as he glanced back at his fiancée. 'Are you ready?' He asked and she looked from him to Meg.

'Actually,' she began. 'Could I stay here tonight?' she asked. 'I haven't seen Meg in so long, we have so much to catch up on. I want to speak to her about her part in the wedding.'

Raoul looked for a moment, his arm still tucked behind Christine's slender frame. He pulled her to his body, kissed her cheek and smiled to Madame Giry. It seemed that no one had noticed the utterly confused expression covering Meg's face.

'Of course you can,' he said softly. 'I will have Annette come by in the morning with fresh clothes and the police officer.'

Christine nodded, somehow managing to hide the look of sorrow from Raoul. He simply smiled at her and kissed her once more before politely thanking Madame Giry for her time and bidding them all farewell leaving Christine to explain her plans to a very confused Meg.

'Under strict instructions not to go in there,' said the tall prison guard to the one taking over from him. He looked into the cell at the man huddled in the shadows of the corner.

'Why not?' he asked making sure the door was firmly bolted. Clink. The man didn't move.

'He keeps whispering gibberish.' Said Tall. 'Apparently, he snapped a man's neck with his bare hands.'

'Really?' said the other, 'I heard he could make a lasso out of thin air.'

The stories of the infamous Phantom had spread like wild fire and it was true, no one had touched him since he arrived. Not even to hose him down. So there he was sitting in his own dirt with the thankless task of listening to the imbeciles recount their myths about the Opera Ghost. He smiled wryly and stretched himself out on the floor, closing his eyes to get some sleep. If only they knew.