A/N: I this chapter, you meet the Phantom and daroga. But as I have said before, this story is different from what you have read before. PLEASE REVIEW! YOU JUST HAVE TO TYPE 'LIKE' OR 'HATE' AND I'LL KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.
Chapter Two-Unexpected Events
(Meanwhile in Moscow, Russia)
The daroga walked slowly to his office at the Russian Security Building in Moscow. He had recently retired as Chief of Police but realized he was greatly needed. Needless to say, he was back to work.
He and Clara remarried after old wounds were mended. It was awkward for Russia not to have William around. Though now, it was more accepted. "I'm late, "he whispered harshly.
As he opened the door, the daroga muttered his apologies. Looking around, he noticed that the people at the conference meeting were of American descent. The Head of Office, Vlad Kushoff, made his introduction.
"Yes, well, ahem…As you know, our second new Chief of Investigations was assassinated last month. The Head Coordinator and I have been searching for a replacement."
At this point, Daroga sipped his coffee and began to daydream. These meetings tended to be tedious and a waste of time, but he listened intently as Kushoff got to the point.
"Well, I suppose it is time to meet our new Chief of Investigations…" When the man stepped out, the daroga released a large amount of coffee which was spewed on all his supervisors. Daroga let out an exclamation, "William!"
There stood William, in the flesh, clothed in his traditional tuxedo and the black mask that covered most of his face except his chin and lips. The Phantom of Russia is alive!
Although, three things that were changed about him. One, his eyes were a fiery golden brown. Two, he was much thinner and paler. Three, his hair was a golden brown shade with a hint of gray. A myriad of gasps were echoing the room, as whispers followed. "You're alive!" "He was dead, though." "How?" "Why?"
The Head of Office silenced them and continued, "Yes, our Phantom is indeed alive. William will be the new chief and be once again partnered with our daroga, Jacob." Jacob's eyes were fastened on William through the rest of the meeting; he paid no attention.
'Why would he hurt Stacy?' When the meeting was over, Jacob lit into William in his office. "For a year we all thought you were dead! Why did you play this charade! What about Jack, your children… and Stacy?"
William's distant eyes showed no remorse as he replied, "Daroga, do not lecture me. I had a job to do…to protect my family, you, and myself. It was for the best that I leave and disappear." Jacob, who was totally unconvinced, replied back, "Really, William. It was for the best for whom?"
William remained silent and nothing was said except for the ticking of the clock. Turning to Jacob, William spoke, "Jacob, I kept Stacy safe and that is all I care about." Shaking his head, the daroga sighed. "William, do you know nothing? Stacy ran into financial difficulties after your alleged 'funeral.' She has to work and take care of four children. Nicholas is fourteen and misses you and has beaten Stacy due to his horrible rebellion. Plus, she may be heading into danger."
William's eyes flashed. "What do you mean 'danger'?" "I read somewhere the British investigator, Hugh Blakeman, has been reassigned to the same facility Stacy's working at. There have been several allegations of sexual assault but none were proven." "Stacy is tough." "You know I'm going to tell you are alive, William, right?"
Out of nowhere, William lunged at the daroga and held his throat in a vice-like grip, choking him. "You, my friend, will do no such thing unless you wish to find yourself in heaps of trouble."
Choking from lack of air, the daroga retorted, "You cannot hide forever… She'll find out… one way or another… you'll go to her… because you think… she's going to be in dire trouble." William violently shoved him back and straightened up. His black shadow seemed to glare at him as its keeper loomed over the daroga.
"My friend, you know nothing…"
"Only that you have changed for the worse, William." And as quickly as he came, William vanished. Daroga sat there rigid, pondering all the events. Yes, he would have an 'accident' reveal everything. Pressing the speaker phone, he called his secretary, speaking in Russian, "Anna, get me Nicholas Addams on the phone."
"Yes, sir." "Hello, Nicholas speaking."
"Nicholas, this is Daroga. I have news for you."
(meanwhile below Security headquarters in basement)
William was contemplating all that Jacob said. Stacy, alone, and working a full time job, in financial debt, raising their four kids with one of them beating her? Plus, she is heading into dire trouble and does not even know it yet. He closed his eyes as a flashback occurred to him.
The wind rustled around the giant oak tree. The grass was green, which reflected the springtime blissfulness. Bright rays of orange sun spread across the ground, stopping near the hammock tied between two of the large oak trees.
William lay on it, eyes closed in a peaceful state. "Beloved, dinner is almost ready… The kids have spent all afternoon cooking."
William's eyes opened to a blurry image, then, replaced by his wife. He absorbed her smile, the way it suited her face… perfectly. Her green eyes sparkled in the sunlight as breezes seem to caress her face and long brown hair.
She sat down beside him, gently rubbing his left hand, twisting the gold band on his wedding finger. "William, what is wrong? You have been greatly withdrawn. Please don't be angry with me about curiosity. I am tired of fighting. I just care about you. I love you so much."
His long, slender, white hand melted against her warm velvet skin. "Stacy, I am tired of fighting. Just trust me. I love you and would never do anything to intentionally hurt you. She smiled and showed her agreement with a quick kiss.
As the flashback faded, William touched his lips. Perhaps the daroga was right. Perhaps he should go check on her. 'NO! NO,' his mind screamed. 'You are much stronger than that, William! Do you not know what will happen if you go? You'll fall in love with her all over again and will not be able to leave, putting her in even more danger,' his inner voice reasoned. William exhaled sharply, "But I already love her."
Daroga strutted down the hallway uttering in Russian to himself. He failed to catch Nicholas. That was Jantol on the phone trying 'to be funny'. Nicholas, previously, was exiled by the Russian Embassy to Hawaii. Now it appears he has fled.
So, his plate had just gotten fuller. He became concerned with Stacy. He would have to fly over to the United States and tell Stacy William is alive. This may put his own life at risk since William and his new-found attitude is more hideous than his face.
Driving as cautiously as he can through the sleet, the daroga pondered through memories of the past. His cell phone buzzed, startling him slightly. "Hullo?" His Russian accent was heavy. "Hey, my love." "Clara? I love you, darling, but I have to work later. It turns out that the Chief of Investigations is someone I know and the President wants me to go to America. I should be back this weekend."
"Stay safe, dear. And I will hopefully see you soon." Clara, his wife, is now accustomed to his comings and goings.
Walking as a ghost, William made his way to his apartment. His thoughts were plagued by Stacy. He still wore his wedding ring which only made him ache for her. 'That's it! I must see her,' he exclaimed mentally. Donning his fedora and cloak, he turned back and went on his way to Colorado.
(Meanwhile back in Colorado, Hours Later)
"Mom, oh my goodness! Thank the Lord you're okay!" Smiling faintly, I hugged my daughter, Serene after I bluntly told her what happened when she inquired about my bloody nose.
It was around two 'o'clock and I did not have to pick up the twins until five. Shocked when my cell phone rang, I answered it. "Stacy Addams here." "Stacy, this is Hugh. I think I may have a lead on the case. Come to 1304 Lancaster Avenue around 6:00. Is that okay?" "Hold on."
I turned to Serene, "Honey do you mind watching the twins for me tonight?" "Sure, Mom. I don't mind." "Okay Hugh."
All of the sudden a man darted in front of my car. I slammed on the brakes emitting a horrendous screech. As I got out of my car, I ordered, "Serene, stay here. I'll be right back." She nodded, obviously shaken.
"Sir, excuse me? Are you okay?" The man turned around to face me. "Oh my! Daroga!" I threw my arms around him in a tight embrace. He took my arms and whispered earnestly. "Stacy, William is alive!"
My heart fell to the ground and anger replaced my initial shock. "No… how cruel of you to play with me like that! Go away! I do not believe you!" I spun around and retreated back into my car ignoring his protests. He came to the car door and tried to speak through my open car window.
"Jacob, I am still trying to get over his death. Please do not toy with me. Call me later, okay? Here is my number." With that said, I drove away in silence and did not answer Serene's questions.
A/N: on hands and knees, begging Please REVIEW! Hopefully since the Daroga and Phantom have appeared in it, you will be more inclined to review. I love you guys, and did I forget to mention, I add my reviewers on my bio and I also REVIEW YOUR STORIES IF YOU REVIEW MINE! SO, my kindness stems both ways, lol. I hope you liked this chapter. -MORE drama and romantic angst ahead-
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