Disclaimer: I do not own Erik, daroga, or other references of Leroux's novel. They belong to the author that created them.

A/N: Okay, well… I have come to a decision. I will stop asking you people for reviews. I know how annoying I have become. If you want to review, I would love for you too. Anyhow, this chapter is longer! However, the chapter is rather uneventful… Sigh…. I like drama as much as you guys so… this was a pain to type…. LOL… well not really… But as I said before, not much happens in this chapter… Next chapter is MORE FUN!

In response to my reviewer's inquiries!

ChristianAngel7: First off, I love your story and thanks for your faithful reviews! However I cannot access chapter nine… Am I the only one? Anyhow, to your question of when will there be romance between Stacy and William. I have to say that there is some next chapter… but I feel that it is important that I draw the romance out because I want it to be as believable as can be… I mean I'd kill my husband if he faked his death and left me in debt with four kids on my own… So have no fear, there will be bits and pieces of romance albeit romance with angst! I hope that this will satisfy you and keep you reading… Did this answer your question?

Chapter Eight- It Always Comes in Threes

The daroga did not remember being pulled from the burning car or being taken to the hospital, but when he woke up, Clara was beside him grasping his hand. Her eyes were red and swollen; her black hair was messy from excessive worry. "Hey, darling, I am fine." He spoke in Russian, but she cut him off by scolding him in what sounded like angry Russian. They argued about the accident and his stupidity and even how if Stacy died, her blood would be on him. It only caused Clara to storm out. Jacob sighed and attempted to sleep.

A cold sting on his face jolted him throughout his body. Shock registered on his face as he woke up to William's glaring black mask. He realized then he had been slapped. 'How did he come in without a sound being heard,' Jacob thought silently.

Apparently William was in no mood for games. "Where is she?" His voice was low and casual, but underneath the surface was a boiling anger ready to erupt. Jacob closed his eyes, dreading each passing moment.

"I don't know, William. All I can recall was a pipe hurtling through the back seat and five men smashing the car. I was struck in the head and I blacked out. Stacy was probably kidnapped. And to think, none of this would've happened if you hadn't gotten her arrested. Shoot, I bet she didn't even fight. I mean she was handcuffed. It is hard to fight off people when you're handcuffed."

Jacob turned away and immediately regretted the sarcastic comments he uttered. His emotions got the better of him. William sat there in contemplative silence.

"Jacob, you of all people know I cared about her and I loved her deeply."

"It's a little late for that." Jacob closed his eyes once more and fell asleep, never seeing William leave.

William drove recklessly to Hugo's home. If Stacy had been kidnapped, then the children were at risk, too. A feeling of dread filled him when he pulled into Hugo's driveway to the lush mansion.

He hurried to the door and noticed the lock was busted and the security system was dismantled. A feeling welled up inside of him. It was a feeling he had not felt in years. Fear. Forgetting all common sense, he rushed into the house in search of anyone.

Hugo's body lay in a pool of blood and William felt for a pulse. A weak one. So he pulled out his cell phone and called the paramedics and police. He continued to search the house in search of anymore life. He finally found the kids.

There was only one problem. The kids were Hugo's kids. His children were gone.

-----Back to Stacy and Richard-----

Richard and I sat by a fire in the small, but convenient, safe house. "All right, Stacy. Let me explain what all has transpired. The night I rescued you from that killer, I became determined to free you from that monster. When morning came, I went to the police station and talked to the Chief of Police, Jacob Jackson."

At my gasp of surprise, he smiled and continued, "He heard my story and he told me how he knew you. Together he and I formed a plan. He let me borrow some of his men and the attack on his car was a set-up."

He became silent and I felt he was not asking me a question he had in his mind.

"What is it, Richard?"

"Why did you marry him, Stacy?"

"He was not always like that, Richard. He has had a horrible childhood and has gone through so much, especially for my behalf. In a way, it's my fault."

"You cannot put the blame on you. You are not responsible for what he does.

"I know that, but I have influenced it."

A knock at the door interrupted us. "Mr. Grishold, we have a problem. Look at this."

He handed Richard the newspaper. "I can't read Russian well enough to read this."

"Hear, Richard, maybe I can help." I took the newspaper and read the headline. My heart stopped as I dropped the newspaper from my hands to the floor. "R-richard, it's my kids. They were k-kidnapped. I think it was Franz, the terrorist, who took them. I need to go. I have to find them. My babies!"

"Stacy, be sensible!" Richard cried out. "Sit down. You can't go now. You are also at risk!"

"I can't abandon them!"

"The best thing you can do for your children is stay alive. And that means, stay here." He was right, however my subconscious side raced. 'William will find them. He wouldn't let his children get hurt. Surely Franz is not evil enough to kill children.'

But I knew that this was only my mind's tactic to keep my sanity. However, as I lay in my bed, I knew I could not stay. I needed to be with William and help him find our kids. So when the lights were out and all were asleep, I opened the window and crawled out in the heavy brush. I held my breath in hopes that no one heard my thump when I hit the ground. No one did.

Ignoring the nicks and cuts, I saw a car with its engine running and two men with guns that were conversing. When they walked away, I saw my chance. I squatted on the ground and moved quickly.

Sneaking into the van unnoticed and I slammed my foot on the gas and took off as shouts and gunfire erupted in the night. They were trying to shoot my tires out, but luckily for me, it failed. I had no idea where I was or how to get back to Moscow.

Fortunately I saw a cell phone in the passenger seat. Grabbing it, I called William while I drove endlessly on the icy streets. "Hello?" For a moment, my breath caught in my throat as I was caught off guard from William's beautiful voice.

"Uh, um… William, it's me Stacy."

"Oh thank God! Where are you?"

"I stole a van and I am driving in circles. All I know is that I'm in Nizhniy Novgorod. William, I know you are m-mad at me, but if I meant anything to you, then come and find me."

"I promise I'll be there within the hour. Listen to me, get rid of the van and hide somewhere. Keep moving until I arrive. I will call you by this number and tell me where you are."

"Oh."

"Okay, Stacy, don't be afraid. I will not let anything happen to you."

"I'll try not to. William?"

"Yes?"

"I still love you."

I heard a sigh and then a click. I came upon the city and stopped the van. I took the key out of the ignition, putting it in my pocket.

It was dark and bone-chilling cold. I observed some homeless men standing by a fire. In what little Russian I knew, I called to them, "Pardon me, but I have this van I need to get rid of. I have a better car. You need this more than me, so here are the keys."

Holding out the keys, I perceived the apprehension in their eyes, but eventually they grabbed the keys and drove off. Huddling by the fire, I looked at my cell phone. 2:30 a.m. It's been forty-five minutes since I spoke with William.

It started to snow lightly, at first, and then it began to pour down heavily. My whole body started to feel numb until I heard a car screech to a stop.

I tensed, getting ready to bolt, but it was William. I ran to the car, relieved to see him, and I got in. The car was warm and I felt more at ease.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes," I lied. "I know about our kids, William. It was Franz, right?"

"Most likely."

Shifting uncomfortably in my seat, I finally let it all out. "William, I am so confused! You say you love me then you make me divorce you. You have me arrested then you save my life. What do you want from me! Do you like toying with my emotions…my heart…my love?

As usual, he remained silent, but I continued, but not before I detected a perplexed look when I said divorce, "I know the only reason you picked me up is out of loyalty to our kids, but I thank you and I do love you."

His hand shot out and covered my mouth, while the other one was still on the steering wheel. "Stop it, Stacy! Just stop it!"

I took his hand and grasped it. Gazing at me, he made no effort to pull back. I began to kiss his palm and traveled to his wrist. I could have sworn I heard him moan. It was then that I became determined.

I began to ardently kiss his wrist, receiving a sharp intake of breath, "Stacy!"

I stopped briefly to look at him. He stopped the car. His eyes were closed and his breaths were shallow. Out of nowhere, he lunged towards me and took me in his arms.

Our lips collided with such force, I cried out in shock. He began to kiss my lips gently then surprisingly, he ran his tongue down my neck. My hand clutched the hair on the back of his head.

"William, I don't unders—"He pulled violently away from me. The warmth left me and I was bitter again.

"Why do you torment me? Either you love me or you don't. It's black or white!"

Receiving no response, I sighed angrily and got out of the car. As I was walking away, I heard the door slam shut and William slide across the hood of the car. He grasped my arm.

"We need to stay together. It will take both of us to get our children back."

Snatching my arm away, I spat, "I thought the 'Phantom of Russia' needed no one!"

"I need you, Stacy."

"Have you forgotten? You divorced me!"

The corners of his mouth twitched and he shook his head in disbelief. "What? Stacy, I would never do such a thing!"

"What? But… ask Jacob!" 'Oh no,' my mind uttered and my knees gave way but William caught me. Clutching his coat lapels, I stared wildly in his golden eyes. "S-someone impersonated you!"

His eyes went wide slightly but then he reflected the possibility in deep thought. "It is very possible. The night you took off my mask, I leapt off the balcony but I got a call to go to Keiv on an alleged report of Franz. It was a fraudulent claim."

Fear edged its way back in my heart. "Then we have to stick together. William, answer me this time. Do you love me?" Touching my face, he smiled his ghost smile. "Yes."

Smiling brightly, I said "Then let's get remarried tonight!" He softly smiled and answered, "Not now. When we get our kids back, that is when I will marry you." However, I detected conflict in his eyes. He was not telling me something, and I am determined to figure out what it was.

A/N: Alrighty that's the end of this chapter… I love those who reviewed my story… My faithful reviewers and if you are a new reviewer… You shall be added in my bio and I will review your stories --haven't I said that enough!-- I do hope you will leave a note… Next chapter shall have some romance between Stacy and William… FINALLY! However, be forewarned that this will be short-lived. Hrmm…. I will give anyone a lollipop and secrets to the story if they can figure out who IMPERSONATED William… For those who do not know, it will be at least till Chapter 16 until you figure out! I love all my reviewers! Hee hee… Obviously there are many who enjoy my story, so PLEASE TELL ME WHO YOU ARE! Hee hee I am pitiful… I am off to type Chapter nine…. FUN STUFF!

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