Chapter 15
The Return of the Opera Ghost

"Alec, come along. Your sister needs her rest," Erik whispered to the boy hoping not to wake Corrine.
"No, I'm staying with Cori," Alec said as he gently climbed into the bed.

Erik was taken aback by the boy's determination and disobedience. Alec was usually too polite and obedient. Not like most boys his age. Perhaps it had something to do with his parents not accepting him.

"All right Alec, you may stay with her, but let her sleep."
After he made sure Erik left the room, he leaned over his sleeping sister.
"It's ok Cori, I won't let anyone ever hurt you ever again. I promise," He whispered as he gently patted her.
Corrine sighed in her sleep, and Alec fell asleep with his hand resting on her arm.

A few hours later Corrine woke. Before she could open her eyes, she felt a body pressed close to her own. She struggled to open her eyes, and saw Alec's sleeping face. She never could get enough of the peaceful, innocent, and helpless look on his face whenever he was sleeping deeply. A stray dark curl had fallen over his eye, and she managed to reach over and gently brush it back. The streaks down his cheeks were a telltale sign that he had been crying.

"Poor thing. He probably cried himself to sleep", she thought to herself.
She wasn't sure if she should be angry at Erik for letting the boy see her or not. She finally decided it wasn't worth being angry at Erik.
"After all, what would've happened if Erik wasn't here to take care of Alec?" She pondered to herself.
She managed to get out of bed without waking her brother, and staggered out of the room. She found Erik at his organ writing some music.
"Did you sleep well Corrine?" Erik asked not bothering to look away from his music.
"How did?..."
"I know it was you?" Erik interrupted.
"Yes", Corrine answered.
"I knew it wasn't Alec, because he usually runs up to me. You on the other hand are still timid around me. You have nothing to fear from me Corrine", Erik said as he looked up and into her eyes.
"Yes, I know that now. After all you took care of Alec, and you brought me here. Although I do not remember the journey at all."
"You only opened your eyes for a few moments, and you slept the whole way."
The realization that Erik had carried her was enough to make her blush.
"Now, my dear, no need to blush in my presence; I was only helping you to get out of a terrible situation."

Their conversation was interrupted by Alec.

"Cori, you're awake," Alec said excitedly as he ran to hug his sister.
"Now remember Alec, your sister is sore. Hug her gently," Erik reminded the boy.
Corrine tried to smile, but her split lip was too painful.
"Cori, what happened to you?" Alec asked as she returned his hug.
"Alec, why don't we find your sister a comfortable chair," Erik said as he laid his pen down.They walked to where a few chairs were and sat.
"Cori, tell me now what happened," Alec asked with his patience wearing thin.
"I was beaten for hiding you. There was no way under the sun I was going to tell that witch where you were. I don't care if they had beaten me to death, I'd never tell them. Besides, I really didn't know where you were, did I? All I knew you was that you were safe with Erik," Corrine said as she held her brother tighter.
"They? You mean it was more than one?" Erik asked angrily.
At Corrine's nod, Erik furiously hit the table, making a few candles fall over, and stood up.
"I'll make them pay," Erik promised as he started pacing.
"Who did it Cori?" Alec asked.
"It doesn't matter. All that matters is that I'm here with you, and I refuse to be found."
"It doesn't matter?" Erik said in complete shock, as he spun around to face Corrine.
"Of course it matters. Look at you. You've been beaten severely, and all you can say is it doesn't matter?" Erik stated as he returned to his pacing.
"Calm down Erik. There's no use dwelling on this. It's over, and everything will be all right now."
"All right? ALL RIGHT? Gracious child, someone beats you half to death, and you're willing to forget it ever happened? I DEMAND to know who did this to you." Erik was furious.
"Okay, if you MUST know. I think mother paid three men to beat me. She questioned me, and when I didn't answer, three men came in and beat me. After the beating, I saw her give them money."
"What of your father?"
"I don't think he knows. Mother told the men that if they told anyone what took place, they would have to find new jobs. I believe all three men work somewhere in the opera house.""I'll be back," Erik said to Corrine as he fled his lair.
"Erik, no. It's not worth it," Corrine shouted, but it was too late. He was already gone.

20 minutes later in Corrine's parents' room...

Erik arrived to their bedroom early enough to catch them asleep. He went over to Corrine's mother and put his hand over her mouth. She opened her eyes and tried to scream, but Erik dragged the woman to her feet and forced her out of the room. Once he had her in an empty room away from prying eyes and ears, he started the questioning.
"Who did you pay to beat up your daughter?"
Tears streamed down her frightened face.
"You will answer me. I will not be as patient and gentle as you were with Corrine. I want the names of the three men that beat her."
"Louis and Henry."
"AND?"
"Alfred."

"Your cooperation is most helpful and appreciated. You are lucky; I'm going to let you go THIS TIME. However I will be watching your every move. If you so much as speak to Corrine hatefully, I will not be so kind next time. You better keep your words in check, I can be everywhere at one time. Ask Madame Giry if you don't believe me."
Erik left as quickly as he arrived, and left Corrine's mother shaking.

Erik found the three men sleeping. He wrote in blood red ink the following note:

Dear Sirs,

This note must come as a surprise and a shock to you, as you probably thought I was either dead or a figment of someone's creative imagination. I'm happy to report that I am very much alive and well.

It has recently come to my attention that you have been paid to beat the manager's daughter, Corrine.

I am extremely upset and angered by this news, seeing that Corrine and her brother are dear friends of mine. I request that you stay away from them. Heed this word of caution; if you so much as look in their direction, I will personally see to it that you will be too deep in your grave to ever see anything or anyone ever again.

I do have eyes everywhere, and I know everything that goes on in my opera house. I will be watching you three closely.

Your humble servant or your worst nightmare, (The choice is yours.)

OG