CHAPTER 36

Standing before Madame Giry and Erik, Raoul stood tall and spoke. "Undoubtedly, you know of my friendship with Meg. Well, it appears that my brother seems to think it is much more, regardless of how many times I've told him to the contrary. He threatened me the other night about the company I keep and I fear he has done what I hoped he would not. The piece of evidence Monsieur Khan collected only confirms it for me. I am sorry about being the cause of Meg and Christine's disappearance and I would like to aid in their safe return, not only for their sake, but because I believe my brother to be unwell."

Ignoring Raoul, Erik turned his head in Madame Giry's direction and addressed her. "Annette? Am I supposed to feel sympathy for this man whose brother is the cause of my distress and of yours? And he pities his brother for this act of abduction? There is no excuse!"

Turning his attention back on Raoul, he warned, "I will not hesitate to kill le Comte or you, boy!"

Raoul countered, "I will have you know that I do not condone his actions, but he is still my brother. He is not above the law and I am prepared to take him in myself. I do not wish him harm. He needs doctors."

"He needs to be at the end of my lasso, along with you for taking his actions lightly!" Erik threatened.

Taking in a deep breath, Raoul looked at Erik and spoke stoically. "Everyone deserves a second chance. That includes you, or have you so soon forgotten this?

Erik hated the man before him, yet he couldn't deny that what he last spoke of was the truth. He would never admit to it though. "He is much wiser than I gave him credit for. A true rival indeed," he thought, strangely amused.

Noticing the young Vicomte had Erik at a loss for words, Nadir cut in, hoping to save his friend from embarrassment. "Gentlemen, might I suggest we gather what information we can and see about getting the girls back to us as soon as possible? The longer we delay, I fear we will lose whatever leads we may have available to us."

"Tell us what you know, Daroga," Erik suggested, waking from his deep thoughts.

Nicolas and Victor came into the sitting room both carrying tea trays, setting them down onto the long table in front of the fireplace.

Madame Giry instructed Nadir to start a fire as she poured tea for the men.

They all gathered around the table as Nadir recalled his findings. The blood he had found concerned Erik and Madame Giry. The need to bring the girls home was now a matter of urgency. They would not know for certain the condition of the owner of such an injury.

"Does anyone have anything more to add? May it be of importance or not, speak up!" Erik said strongly.

Victor scratched at his head and looked up as if trying to gather his thoughts from the ceiling.

"Victor!" Erik said, startling his driver.

"Oui, Monsieur?" Victor said attentively.

"You have something for us?" Erik eyed him questioningly.

"I am not sure if it is something, but as I waited for Madame to return to me, there was a rather large man coming from inside the opera house. He addressed his driver and then ran back into the Opera Populaire as his driver drove off. I did not think anything of it, Monsieur. Do you think it's a clue?" Victor asked.

Before Erik could respond, Raoul spoke up and addressed Victor. "Exactly what did this man look like?"

"Well, Vicomte, he was tall, burly around the shoulders, sharply dressed, with a dark moustache."

"And the driver?" Raoul inquired.

"He looked to be tall as well, but thin, no facial hair. As the carriage pulled around the corner, I noticed it had a symbol of sorts, designed in gold. I am not exactly sure of what."

"The de Chagny family crest." Raoul lowered his head in disappointment. From the description Victor gave of the two men and the gloves found by the Persian, there was no doubt in his mind that it was his brother Philippe.

Erik noticed immediately the guilt that was evident across the Vicomte's face. "Where did he take them, BOY?" Erik demanded.

Madame Giry squeezed Erik's hand and shook her head at him as he continued.

"We must act now, if we hope to gain the advantage. So, if you would be so kind as to give us an idea where we may find your brother," Erik rephrased.

"He owns several properties across France as well as having access to the de Chagny holiday homes. I fear it will be like trying to find a needle in the haystack," Raoul said, clearly frustrated.

"Then perhaps we should start with what is closest," Erik said sensibly.

"The family property in Fontainebleau would be closest. It is not far from here," Raoul pointed out.

"Then we shall go at first light," Erik finalized.

Turning to Nicolas, Erik ordered, "Nicolas, you will keep watch at the Opera Populaire for anything suspicious and you are to report to me immediately, should something arise." Changing his focus from Nicolas, Erik addressed his driver, "Victor, your orders are the same, but you will overlook the Comte's estate in Paris." Glaring at Raoul, Erik toned, "Vicomte, you will give me a written account of all the de Chagny properties so that Nadir and I can survey each one until we find them." Facing Madame Giry and taking her hands into his, Erik said pointedly, "Annette, you will remain here with the Vicomte."

"Erik, you do not expect me to stand idly by while my daughter is out there in harms way?" Madame Giry questioned.

"Annette, please! I need you here, to be safe and if something should happen to me, you are to meet with my associate Monsieur Reinard and he will entrust everything to you along with instructions."

"But Erik, I…" Madame Giry paused as Erik spoke to her in a serious tone.

"Annette, you will do this for me, do you hear me? I will do everything within my power to see Meg and Christine home safely," Erik stated, leaving no room for her to argue.

"Bring my daughter back to me, Erik." Madame Giry said, gripping Erik's shoulders.

"I promise, Annette. It shall be done." Erik looked into her eyes confidently.

Raoul stood and addressed Erik. "You will not dismiss me so lightly, Monsieur."

"I can and I will!" Erik said sharply.

"Might I point out that I can get you both into all the properties with ease." Raoul explained.

"Do you think we are incapable of doing so?" Erik gestured to himself and Nadir.

"I don't put it past the both of you, but, should we find them, I will be able to convince my brother of letting them go, much easier than either of you could. If nothing more, I will give you an advantage."

"He has a point, Erik," Nadir spoke up.

Erik turned his head and smirked at the Daroga, then focused back on Raoul. "I still don't trust you, Vicomte. Be advised that I will end your life if I feel for one moment that you intend to betray me."

"I have no intention of betraying you, Monsieur. If that were the case, I would have done so that night below the opera house. I only wish to right the wrong my brother has caused and bring Christine and Meg back safely. I do not ask for your trust. I only ask that you allow my assistance and nothing more," Raoul said simply.

Erik glared at the resolute Vicomte. Once again, he was rendered speechless.

Nadir cued in once more, upon viewing Erik's distress. "Let's get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us."

Nicolas showed Madame Giry and Raoul to the guest rooms in the West Wing as Erik and Nadir made their way to the East Wing.

Erik knew he would not get any sleep tonight. Everything in the master suite reminded him of Christine. It hadn't been long since they spent their time together in the very bed he laid upon. He could still smell her within the sheets, a dizzying bouquet of roses and lavender.

"God, I am no saint or one for words of praise, but if you truly exist, I pray that you hear me now. Keep Christine and Meg safe. I would gladly trade my life for theirs should you see fit, but if anything should happen to them…"

Erik paused trying to clear his thoughts of negative images.

"…then you truly are no merciful God and I shall spend eternity in the fires of Hell, aiding the devil to bring an end to your reign!"