Chapter Twenty-Two: A Question

Therese

I have reached Poitiers. I have a number of days to await for the hoped for arrival of Michael and Thomas.

After spending a night in another Inn, I took a walk through part of the town that skirted the train station. Many monuments appear to Charles Martel who halted the invasion of the Saracens. If the battle had turned, we might have all been raised in the faith of the Muslims.

My money has been spent carefully. I don't eat much, and require only the Inn for shelter. But today, I noticed the shop of a seamstress. Going in I found she had cloth for sale, and bought enough for a blouse. I also purchased some lace. Sewing will occupy my hands while I wait, and it cheers my heart to think I will have something lovely to welcome my husband with.

Thomas

I am called to Victor's study by Frau Radmacher. The constable from the village came in the morning to investigate the occurrences here last night. A magistrate has arrived to examine the case and Victor's future.

Each of us takes our turn, presenting what we know of the occurrences as we saw them unfold. I pass Herr Dirnegg who has been called next. He gives me a subdued greeting. Astrid's specter will be with him always. He blames himself for her rash actions. I do not understand why. None of us could have predicted her response to Elisabeth's death. I wonder if Victor even cares that she is dead by his hand.

A servant showed the Frau the remains of a book in the fireplace. I believe Victor burned his journals.

Michael

Once again a tray of food was delivered for me. It is a luxury to have hot food provided for me. Someone has cooked the eggs so the centers are soft and the whites have a crisp brown edge. I like them that way, and make quick work of my breakfast. I set the tray once more next to the door of the room.

One of the servants approaches with an armful of things. I glance at the floor, my hair falling forward, my dark glasses in place. I cringe in anticipation of the screams I expect, but she merely passes by as I stay to one side of the hall.

I still am greatly discomfited by people, but if I am to be with Therese, there will be times when I must forebear their presence. Frau Radmacher appears. "Please join us."

She leads me to a room that is the sort of place that I delight in. There are shelves of books and a desk and leather bound chairs. Herr Dirnegg sits in one, Thomas in his wheelchair, and the Frau sits next to him.

Behind the desk sits a man who I understand is a visiting Magistrate. Before him on the desk are papers.

Sitting near the desk is Victor. He is still an imposing figure, although I can see by his eyes how his actions have finally settled upon him. He does not look at me, but waits until I am in the room and the door is closed.

Thomas

Victor and Michael seem equally bound to ignore the presence of the other. Stolid and grim, they look so alike; two men of intelligence who will not bow to the other.

One man has lost the woman he loves while the other has found his. I believe each one saw themselves as flawed. Victor attempted to hide what was inside, while Michael met with Therese in the darkness of the abbey, hoping to hide his exterior.

What happened the night of Michael's birth? A bolt of lightning set into motion a wheel which has made its complete revolution. The creator has now traded places with his creation. From an intelligent man to murderer, Victor now suffers the fate he would have given Michel.

Victor

The meeting goes on. I am told that papers will arrive that I will have to sign. It has been agreed that I will not be taken into custody in the village as long as I am cooperative. The truth is I am too valuable as a doctor for anyone to lose. The gift of my intelligence, that set into motion all of this horror, is the very thing that will save my neck.

A Doctor will be found to come and take over the operation of the Sanitarium for me. As such, I will be staying here under his care. The death of Bretelle was blamed on Astrid; her death was due to my state of delirium over my wife's death.

I slept last night under the influence of a drug, but it was one of the first complete nights I have passed without dreams that wake me. I have sawed open skulls, fascinated by the grey lump that is a human brain. I once despaired that I would only know peace if I found the center of that mass that held my memories of the demon's creation and excise it.

I was maddened by my preoccupation with the fiend. The years of restlessness turned me into a phantom that wandered the hallways while other men slept.

Thomas

Herr Dirnegg testifies that a number of Doctors would apply for the position at the sanitarium. For all his flaws, Victor is a brilliant man. It is his genius that will attract others to watch over him, and study with him.

He was allowed to stay with the children last night. An orderly stayed by the door in case he decided to escape, but with Michael still here he would not have gotten far.

Although we cannot be sure of his mental state, we know he isn't bound to take his life. Since Michael spoke to him, I think he has something else to concentrate on besides himself.

Victor does have three children to raise. Children who will look at their Father one day and wonder what happened the night their Mother died. Victor will be left to listen to the echoes of that night forever.

The Magistrate brings the meeting to an end. Herr Dirnegg signs papers, and a schedule for a guard to watch over Victor is set. Until someone comes to take over, the authorities will be watching. The Doctor has now become the patient.

Victor

I have hated every moment that I am forced into the presence of the demon. But now, in my heart, there is one question of such enormity that I must rely upon him to answer.

I turn to him. They call him Michael, and I wonder why.

"What will it be like?" My voice breaks as I speak.

He takes off the dark glasses and turns those pale yellow eyes at me. Previously they have always seemed blank and searching, but now there is something alive in them.

I ask again. "I wish to know…Elisabeth is not…"

"No," he answers quietly. "She will be happy there Victor. It is warm and bright and there are many others waiting with her."

Thomas

My God. I had never given a thought to asking what Michael had seen on the other side of the veil that separates the living from the dead. Therese never spoke of it. Perhaps some heavenly agent warned them that those secrets are to be found by each man who makes the journey.

I leave the study with the Frau's assistance. Michael and Victor stay behind.

Michael

I sit in a leather chair in Victor's study; my creator and the man who caused my murderous rage. After our years of struggle, we have left nothing unsaid.

When I found him and challenged him the first time, I remember asking what I was. People shunned me, and I did not understand until I saw my reflection that I was something ugly. As the years progressed I asked him why. As I began to remember my wife and her death, I had to ask myself what it was that destroyed the man I was in a fit of rage.

I will never be able to answer that question. The capacity for it or my previous temperament has been expunged by my death. I can only feel saddened for Constanza and Henry Clerval.

I am Michael. And right at this moment I am the man who wants to leave this all behind and join the woman I wish to make my wife. I rise from my chair as Victor casts a nervous eye towards me.

"Our struggle is finished, Victor."

I turn and leave him. This is the only absolution I have in my heart to give him.

Therese

It is the 18th of December, and I go to the train station to purchase a ticket for Nantes. I pace for a while. I tire of sitting and turning to examine everyone who walks out onto the platform. With every tick of the clock, my hope wanes. Another day to wait in vain and another night of laying awake and wondering what is happening in Switzerland.

I purchase a cup of hot tea from a vendor, walking carefully with it back to my bench.

"Excuse me, Mademoiselle. Do you think you could assist me with this annoying lump?"

I turn quickly, and the tea sloshes over my fingers. Thomas Wetherden sits grinning like a fool and standing behind the chair is Michael.

"I'm not going to England to suffer your wit am I?" Michael asks.

"My good man, I am appalled! I'll have you know I am renowned for entertaining…"

I set the tea down quickly and silence Thomas with a kiss and brief hug. I then step around him and fling my arms around Michael, who hugs me so hard I despair of having my ribs break. Breathless as I am, I endure it and the deep kiss he gives me.