As always, thanks to my beta, Le Chat Noir.
Episode 56: Confessions
By: Elektra
Erik placed the blueprints on the desk before him. "This is what I plan for the property," he said. "I wish for these renovations to be underway as soon as possible."
"You understand we can't give you an exact time frame," Gerry Bartlet answered as he skimmed over the designs, doing everything he could to avoid staring at the man before him.
Bartlet had had several strange clients in the past, but this one took the cake. Not only did the man wear a mask covering all but his mouth, but the skin that Bartlet couldsee was inhumanly pale. Did this man live in a cave?
Not that it mattered, of course. Mr. Erik Garner was putting forth a considerable sum of money for Bartlet's crew to redesign an old house he had bought. He had even created his own designs.
Gerry expected them to be ugly and impossible, but yet Garner seemed to have great skill in the area. His designs were wonderful.
Bartlet thought over the name. He had heard it before in his various elite circles: Erik Garner. Yes, now he remembered. The man had a reputation as a most innovative architect and designer and would often be paid quite well for his work.
Bartlet briefly wondered if the man would work on a few projects freelance for him. He would ask Mr. Garner after the man's house was finished, lest their business dealings go sour.
"I understand such things cannot be done overnight," Erik replied. "But I will be checking on the crew's progress periodically."
Bartlet nodded. "Yes sir." He reached across the table to shake the man's hand, but the gesture was ignored and Bartlet brought his hand back to his side. "Yes... well ... hopefully we'll live up to your expectations."
Erik narrowed his eyes, his next words leaving Gerry cold. "You had better." He then stood up. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have an opera to attend."
Populaire - Box 5
Erik sat in his usual spot as he waited for the curtain to rise on Christine's opening night on stage. Though she had only been meant as a temporary replacement for Carlotta, it seemed the ill-tempered diva had not bothered to return, thus Christine was thrust into the spotlight in her stead.
Christine had been so nervous that her body had threatened the need to spew - as she had so colourfully put it.
Her supper, however, managed to remain in her stomach and she was able to calm herself somewhat after a cup of soothing mint tea and, to Erik's embarrassment an all-encompassing hug that she claimed she needed in the very public dressing room.
If it somehow helped her performance, however, so be it. Erik would be sure to grab the papers tomorrow to see what reviews Christine was given. He expected them to be positive.
If not... well... unsigned letters could be written to shake a few people up. The fact Christine would never want him to take such action was moot.
The audience grew silent as the curtain rose and the opera began.
Erik frowned as he watched what took place before him, appalled with the various talents - or lack thereof - Firmin and André had hired for the production.
Some chorus members truly needed to be sacked as they seemed to lack a little something called pitch. Not to mention that a few members of the ballet corps kept losing step - although Erik was pleased to see Little Giry shining through it all.
And the orchestra truly was no better. The first bassoon needed to be replaced as soon as possible - preferably one who could play in tune - and the third trombone seemed to be tone deaf at times.
Letters would have to be written tonight to be placed upon Firmin and André's desks in the morning.
Perhaps he could demand his first 'paycheck' from the DeChagny boy after he suggested the aforementioned changes - they did have an agreement after all - and there was little doubt that Erik's suggestions would be taken seriously if the managers valued their profits.
As Erik went over in his head how he would word the letters, Christine made her first appearance. All other thoughts fled as he was hypnotized not only by how beautiful she looked onstage, but by how beautiful she sounded.
"Oh, Christine..." he whispered to himself, unable to tear his eyes away.
He could think of nothing else until the performance ended.
Backstage
Christine finally made her way backstage after three curtain calls and a standing ovation. She was greeted with applause from her fellow cast mates and the stage crew, causing her to blush a flattering shade of red at all the attention.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw alone shadow leaning against the wall fiddling uncomfortably with a single red rose and attempting to look as invisible as possible.
Losing all grace she had had while she was on the stage, Christine ran to the shadow and threw herself into his arms.
Though he was startled at the sudden blur of blond, Erik still caught her easily. Christine then gave him a kiss that would have been saved for a private moment had she not been on an adrenaline rush and grateful beyond words for all that he had done to get her this far.
"Christine!" Erik gasped when she finally pulled away, his golden eyes shifting nervously beneath his white mask as he took in the group before him.
"Sorry," she offered sheepishly. "Couldn't be helped." She then smiled. "Did I embarrass you?"
"I... no... it is just..." He glanced around again. "I did not want to draw attention to myself."
Christine brushed off his concern. "If I can perform an entire opera in a theatre full of two-thousand people, you can be kissed in the middle of a dressing room filled with thirty people."
Erik placed Christine back down on her feet. "For you." He handed her the rose and she accepted it gladly before heading into the dressing room to change.
Laramie Drive
Martine sat before Shay as she handed him a sheet of paper. "You wanted to know what your son's been up to lately, here you go. I wrote a list."
Shay read through the list, commenting on everything he read. "Boring... boring... glad he's getting some again... boring... oh, what's this now?" He read the information closer. "So, he's curious about the Executioners? No doubt he wants to be a good boy still, despite the fact he killed someone a little less than two months ago. He's like a ping pong ball, my son - back and forth."
"You could just tell him what you know," Martine pointed out.
"And what could I possibly know about the Guild and their Executioners, Ms. Robichaux?" Shay asked.
"Don't play innocent. We both know better."
Shay leaned back and sighed. "Perhaps I should do something about his curiosity, hmm?"
Martine raised an eyebrow. "I don't expect you intend to kill him."
"No. Of course not. But as of late, he's begun to fear death. Perhaps he just needs to be frightened a little..."
Clark and Orian - a week later
"What's the deal here, officer?" Lt. Samuels asked as he walked towards the man currently kneeling beside an unmoving form.
"Waiting for the medical examiner, sir," he replied. "This guy looks like he's been gone for a while... except he doesn't smell like it. I can't figure it out."
"Any noticeable injuries?"
"Gunshot wound to the shoulder, through and through." The officer seemed perplexed for a moment. "I don't see how he would have lost enough blood to kill him, but..." He indicated the skeletal face, the skin so pale that it appeared almost blue from the veins beneath the epidermis, and the noticeable lack of a proper nose. "He's not in about to get up and walk either."
Lt. Samuels looked at the body and furrowed his brow until the realization hit him. He had seen something similar several years ago - a fifteen year old boy that looked like a living corpse.
That boy would be the same age as this man by now.
"Check his pulse."
"Sir?" the officer asked. "He's dead. I mean... look at him."
"Check his pulse!" Samuels ordered again.
Wincing at the thought of touching a corpse, the officer did as he was ordered. "Geez! He IS alive! But..."
"Get an ambulance here asap. And check for a wallet or some form of ID."
The officer nodded and did so. An ambulance came a few minutes later.
McNeil Memorial Hospital - two hours later
Christine ran to the nurses' station the moment she arrived. "Could you please tell me what room Erik Garner is in?"
"Sorry, ma'am," Lt. Samuels stepped forward and took in the girl before him. "Are you Christine? I'm the one who called you." He held his hand out. "Lt. Samuels. Your name was at the top of Mr. Garner's cell phone list."
"Is Erik ok?" she asked nervously as she shook the man's hand.
"Yes, he seems to be doing well, though he's frightening my officers."
"Yeah ... he does that." Christine offered a small smile. "Can I see him now?"
The Lieutenant took out a paper and pen. "May I ask about the nature of your relationship with Mr. Garner?"
"He's my boyfriend," Christine offered.
Samuels studied the beautiful blond girl. "You're kidding me."
Christine frowned, growing annoyed. "No. Can I see him, please!"
Samuels blinked. "Uh...right... sure... it's just..." He shook his head and scratched down the information. "Room 4636."
Saying nothing more, Christine rushed off.
Room 4636
"Erik!" Christine ran to the man sitting on his bed, currently flanked by two officers. She bit her lip when she saw his right arm and shoulder wrapped up in a sling. "What happened?"
Before he spoke, he reached out and slid his uninjured arm around Christine's waist, pulling her closer and burying his face against her neck. She was surprised by his public display of affection, until he spoke.
"I don't suppose you have a mask in your purse?" he asked.
"Ummm... well, no."
"Do you mind if I stay like this then? I seem to have lost mine."
Christine smiled and ran a hand through his ebony hair. "Not a problem." The two officers seemed relieved as well.
"Now sir, you were saying your assailant came out of the alley as you were making your way home?" One of the officers asked.
"Yes. I did not get a good look at him." Erik replied, his voice muffled against Christine's neck. "As you can tell, I wear a mask for a reason. He took it from me, along with my wallet."
"Are you ok!" Christine worried.
"As well as I ever am."
Christine looked at the officers. "Can we be alone for a bit?"
The two officers glanced back and forth, then shrugged and headed out. Left alone with Erik,
Christine turned her attention to him. "Ok, since when do you let a mugger get the best of you?"
"It was not a mugger, of course. It was a creature I sensed. When I went to confront it, it had a weapon."
"Wait, it was out in the daytime?"
"Oh, they can go out in the day, they just choose not to because they cannot take direct sunlight. It was hiding in the shadows. And of all things, I did not think it would have a gun."
"I'm guessing that's really unusual," Christine replied.
"Yes. No doubt it had a purpose. It did not kill me, but it knew what it was doing."
"And... it took your wallet?" she asked.
"I passed out briefly. I'm guessing a beggar took the wallet, as well as the mask." He took a deep breath, and winced. "Of course, a mugging is a far more plausible excuse for the police."
"Is the hospital going to let you go tonight?" she asked.
"I am being kept over for observation," he replied.
"I'll stay too then. Day off tomorrow."
"As you wish, beloved. Though could you do me a favour? Ask the nurse for some extra gauze. I have no way of getting hold of a mask right now." He looked up at her, "I would like to grab something to eat in the cafeteria without fear of causing some seriously ill person a heart attack."
"You're ok to get up and walk around?"
"I am on some lovely pills at the moment that make my shoulder feel quite numb. I shall be fine."
Christine gave him a quick kiss on the forehead and headed out to get what he needed.
The next morning
Erik woke up slowly, his eyes falling upon the girl who was using his good shoulder as a pillow. "Christine..." he whispered, nudging her a little. "Wake up, beloved."
Christine winced as she sat up, "This bed was not made for two people."
"It is barely big enough for one," Erik muttered as he pushed himself upright.
Christine rubbed her stiff neck. "You get to go home today. Or rather, you get to go home with me."
Erik rolled his good shoulder to work out the tightness, then reached up to check the gauze covering all of his face save his mouth. "Why would I need to go home with you?"
"So I can take care of you," she replied simply. "I mean, your shoulder is going to be out of action for a bit, so..." She shrugged. "I'll help you out."
"And you thought of this as you were sleeping?" he asked.
"Yeah... well... no, about two seconds ago," she answered sheepishly.
"I do not think Little Giry would want my company for an extended period again." He then frowned. "And the thought of sleeping on that pull-out bed does not agree with my back."
"Well, I have a double bed... and it's pretty comfy... and that one is made for two. We used to sleep together all the time." She then blushed. "I mean, sleep sleep... you know, when we actually sleep."
Erik chuckled at her uncomfortable phrasing. "Yes, but again, would Little Giry want me there constantly?"
Christine looked up and met his eyes. "I'll call her and check, but you DID save her life. I know she's grateful." She hugged his good arm. "Let me take care of you until your shoulder is better, ok? Then you can go back to your cave."
Erik lowered his head to brush his lips over hers, the kiss lingering for several moments before he pulled away.
She blinked up at him. "What was that for?"
He rested his forehead against hers, his fingers playing with a lone golden curl. "For caring so much. I have never had that before." He slid his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a hug, mindful of his injured shoulder as he rested his chin atop her head.
"Erik?" another voice spoke.
Erik immediately let goof Christine and turned to glare at the two who had entered the room. "What do you want?" he growled as Nadir and Madeline walked in hesitantly.
Christine furrowed her brow when she saw the two of them holding hands. She then glanced back at Erik and realized the reason he was now as frigid as ice.
"I thought you might need a lift," Nadir answered.
Before Erik could protest, Christine spoke up. "He's coming to my place for a bit. We should get some of his stuff and drop it off before we come back for him."
Erik turned back to her, "Chris-"
She silenced him with a quick kiss. "We'll be back! Your mom can stay here and keep you company."
She quickly headed over to Nadir and led him out of the room before Erik could stop either of them, leaving Madeline alone with her son.
As the two hurried down the hall, Nadir glanced back at her. "I will never know how you can get away with angering him like that."
She chuckled. "Let's just say I'm good at the kissing and making up part."
"No doubt," Nadir replied with a smile. "So, did he tell you what happened to his shoulder? Because I doubt he's going to tell me."
Christine reiterated what Erik had told her.
Nadir nodded in response, surprised as Erik was that one of Them would think to carry a weapon. Surely someone had told it to do so.
It was a matter better left for later as a more immediate concern came to mind. "Do you think it was wise to leave Madeline alone with him?"
"I guess we'll find out when we come back."
Room 4636
"How are you feeling?" Madeline asked softly as she took the guest chair in Erik's room and brought it closer to his bed.
He would not look at her.
"Erik? Please, don't be angry." Erik remained silent. "You have your lover, don't deny me mine."
"You've had many lovers, Madeline." Erik replied coldly. "Though I give you credit this time - at least Nadir will not impregnate you with some demon spawn."
She winced noticeably at the comment. "You were the best and worst thing that ever happened to me," Madeline replied.
He scoffed at that.
She glanced down at her hands. "Worst because I didn't know what to do with you. I didn't know how to be a mother, especially to a little boy who was... well... not exactly normal." She swallowed hard, "And the best because...because you kept me alive."
"Is that so?" he asked unemotionally.
"Erik - I may not have treated you right, but I could never bring myself to abandon you either." She took a deep breath and continued. "I wanted to kill myself. Did you know that? But every time I thought about it, there was always that one question lingering that stopped me - who's going to take care of Erik if I'm gone? I saw that as a burden, but looking back on it, I realized it was a blessing."
He let out a snort. "So when you told me I was a freak... God's greatest joke... you meant that as a blessing?"
"No, Erik. It..." he ran a shaking hand through her hair. "Listen, when they took me off to jail, all I could think of was where you were. If someone was taking care of you. And when I finally got out, I wanted to find you, but no one would tell me. No one at social services wanted a convicted felon to be anywhere near a child."
She shook her head. "I wanted my baby back. I missed you. I didn't realize... I didn't KNOW how much I loved you. Yes, I was scared of you, but I loved you, Erik. And I STILL love you."
Erik's eyes grew dark, anger simmering beneath the surface. "You tell me this NOW, Madeline? Over twenty years later?"
"I know!" Madeline replied. "You think I don't regret it every day? It's MY fault it took three decades for you to realize that someone could love you. That a girl, after knowing you for only two years, could admit what I never could." She closed her eyes. "I don't blame you for hating me."
The room was silent for several moments, until Erik finally replied. "I don't hate you."
"What?" Madeline asked.
"You are my mother." Erik explained. "And I am not a monster who feels nothing for that." He glanced away. "I may not like you, Madeline... but that does not mean I don't love you."
Madeline put a hand to her chest, trying to swallow the lump in her throat. "Erik..."
"Why would I have carried the anger with me all these years?" Erik continued, still unable to look at her. "I loved you unconditionally. No matter what you did, no matter how you treated me, I still loved you."
"I... I don't know what to say..." Madeline sobbed.
Erik met her eyes. "I would not have been so upset to see you with Nadir if you had meant nothing to me, mother."
He then studied the wall across from him. "I will not deny you your happiness. But do not think I can so easily accept the situation. To see how you openly care for Nadir when you could never openly care for me leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. If that is immature and selfish, so be it. Perhaps, in time, things will change. I make no promises."
Madeline slowly reached forward, desperately wanting to hug her son... until a high pitched ring stopped her in her tracks.
Erik, not realizing what she had meant to do, quickly grabbed his cell phone off the table. "Yes?" He waited. "Ah, the masks are in the top drawer of my dresser along with my socks. Pack a plain white one, and two of the decorated ones... yes... the one you made with the black and red, that is fine. And Christine... can you bring Isis and her family? They should be no trouble to transport, they are used to it... thank you, beloved. I will see you later."
Erik hung up the phone and placed it by his bedside again. Madeline simply sat back and placed her hands in her lap nervously. The moment was gone.
She could hug him now...but she couldn't find the courage again.
The two sat in uncomfortable silence for several minutes, until Madeline spoke again. "So, Christine made you a mask?"
"Several, actually," Erik answered. "Very nice ones, in fact."
She glanced down at her lap, wringing her hands in her skirt. "That's one of the things you condemn ME for."
Erik let out a harsh laugh. "Christine made the masksfor my comfort, not for hers. She thought soft cotton would be far more bearable than stiff leather."
There was silence a Madeline considered his words, then a growing concern when she finally spoke. "Does she expect you to wear one when you're in bed?"
Erik glared at her. "How DARE you?"
"I'm not asking to be vulgar. I just wonder if there was an ulterior motive. I would hate to think-"
"Suspicious woman, aren't you?" Erik interrupted angrily. "To accuse her of such a thing?" He leaned towards Madeline, his golden eyes flashing with rage. "We are NOT having this conversation! You would do well not to speak so flippantly about Christine in my presence. You are the last person to question a woman's motives!"
"Oh look! You two are talking... really loudly..." a voice spoke up from the doorway. Madeline and Erik turned to see Christine standing there staring at them.
"You... heard?" Erik asked.
Christine shrugged. "Your voice carries. Especially when you're pissed. I think the nurses at the station even heard."
Erik turned away ashamed. "Forgive me... I... did not realize..."
Christine shrugged. "I've got nothing to hide." She walked in and sat on Erik's bed, taking his hand. "Masks aren't allowed when we're alone, Madeline. It's my one and only rule. No need to worry about my intentions."
Erik scoffed. "She was not worried. She was curious."
"No. She was worried." Christine replied. Erik opened his mouth to deny it once again, but Christine quickly put a finger to his lips. Nadir is waiting for us in the car with your stuff - and your cats. Let's get you out of here and go home."
Erik saw no need to protest.
END OF EPISODE 56