How's one week instead of two:) I managed to find some time here and there to write. I don't have too much to say about this chapter. It's slightly more of a filler but does develop the atmosphere a little more. The next couple of chapters shouldn't be quite as tense. I'm anticipating around 35 to 40 chapters altogether, but we'll see as things progress. As always, thank you for your amazing support. Every review has been wonderful.

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As they stood there helplessly trapped against the cold, concrete wall, various horrific scenarios passed through Christine's mind. If it were Erik, would either of them make it out? Should she scream and try to run away from his wrath? Should she stay and attempt to keep Erik calm-convince him that she hadn't been trying to leave? She couldn't bear to think about the anguish and fury in those yellow eyes. That sight alone would destroy her.

"Get back," Christine shakily whispered, noticing that Raoul was starting to come forward again. "Get behind me."

Raoul shook his head and clutched the broom, watching as the door continued to open. "No, Christine. Run as soon as you can."

"What? No! I don't want to-" She quickly became silent as the door opened all the way, revealing the person standing on the other side. "Oh..." Christine practically slouched onto Raoul in a heap of relief. An unfamiliar older man stood behind the door, neatly dressed in a navy three piece suit and a red tie. He glanced into the room over a pair of glasses, appearing a little embarrassed to be walking in on the couple.

"I'm sorry to bother you both," he stated after an awkward moment. "I wanted to speak with Ms. Daae. I saw her rush in here and waited a couple of minutes, but my next appointment is in a half hour. I'm very sorry for intruding. It will only take a minute."

Still trembling, Christine pulled herself upright and took a deep breath. She nervously glanced toward the half-open door and attempted to hide herself from the view of the people on the outside of the room. Raoul set down the broom with a thud and placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. "That's...fine," she replied. "How can I help you?"

The man cleared his throat and held out a hand. "My name is Carl Piane. I'm the producer of many well-known performances throughout this city. I was witness to your singing at the banquet this evening, Ms. Daae, and I was absolutely astounded. How have you not already entered the industry?"

Christine kept an eye on the door as she shook the man's wrinkled hand. "I...thank you," she stuttered, beginning to feel a little claustrophobic.

He smiled, obviously a little confused by her hesitance. "The pleasure is mine. Anyway, I'm very interested in having you audition for an upcoming show. I haven't heard a voice like yours in a long time. Would you be interested? I could give you my card."

"Wow," said Raoul from behind her. "That's great. Congratulations, Christine."

"Yeah," she murmured. "Thank you. Um...I'm kind of in a hurry. You'd have to talk to my...You'd have to talk to someone."

"Do you have a manager?" Mr. Piane enquired with a frown. "I was told you didn't."

"No. Well, yes. Actually, I do. You'd have to talk to him somehow." Her heart continued to pound, as she knew Erik was likely searching for her. At any moment, he could walk through that door.

"Oh. Could you give him my card? I'm still very interested. "

Christine quickly nodded and took the card from him, folding both it and the napkin into her shawl. "Yes. That's fine. I'll ask him. Anyway, I need to go now. Thank you." She quickly turned to Raoul and gave him a one-armed hug. "I'll call you when I can. Have fun in Aspen! Don't forget about me."

"But..."

Although they both protested as she raced out the door, Christine ignored their bewildered looks and entered into the crowded lobby, knowing that she might be saving all three of their lives. Feeling flustered, she turned around in a circle, searching for a lingering shadow or shifting shape. Occasionally, someone congratulated her on her performance, and she distractedly nodded her head in thanks. Faces mingled together as people passed on all sides. Even in her thin dress, the building seemed too warm, and she could feel a layer of perspiration gather on her brow.

Wiping her clammy hands over her face in frustration, Christine continued to search. Desperately needing fresh air, she made her way to the glass doors that marked the exit. "Erik..." she murmured, noticing how dry her throat had become. "Where are you?"

As she placed her fingers on the cold handle to go outside, a hand came down firmly upon her shoulder. "I am here, Christine," Erik softly stated, slowly guiding her through the shadows and out into the night. The other people seemed oblivious to them both, as if she had blended in with Erik's dark figure. As they stepped outside, she inhaled the cold air gratefully. "I am afraid I lost sight of you at some point. You must forgive me, as I became caught up in my rounds through the many conversations, particularly when you were the topic."

No malice was hidden within his words, and Christine felt her shoulders relax. He knew nothing. "I was looking around the lobby," she replied, keeping her eyes to the ground. "I was getting something to eat. Then, I was waiting for you."

"It is no matter," he softly replied as the black vehicle pulled up.

She didn't realize that his hand had remained upon her shoulder until he lifted it to open her car door. The frigid air had masked his cold skin. Climbing inside the heated backseat, Christine found herself peacefully awaiting the words of praise that she hoped would come. The events of the night were over, and everything was in one piece. There was nothing more to fear.

She released a long sigh of relief.

Raoul had stared out the closet door for several moments, trying to make sense of everything that had occurred. From what he could see, Christine was aimlessly looking around the lobby, practically spinning around and around with no set direction. Her brow was furrowed in frustration, and her mouth was contorted with worry.

"She's a little jumpy," commented Mr. Piane, also gazing at her disappearing figure. "Strange girl. But a lot of people in show business are like that, I suppose. She's got a damn good voice, though."

"Yeah," he murmured. "Excuse me, sir." Raoul pushed passed the older man and into the crowded lobby, searching the masses of people for Christine. She had disappeared several seconds ago, blending into the dozens of other faces. Finally, he caught sight of her shiny blonde hair and white dress near the exit. Making his way forward, Raoul started to call out to her but stopped as her attention suddenly went elsewhere.

As she began to briskly walk forward, he realized that she was in the company of a tall, dark figure. The man stayed within the shadows, almost disappearing at some points. Raoul took a quick glance around before silently following them out the glass doors. A twinge of jealousy raced through him as he saw that the man kept a hand on Christine's shoulder, and she made no move to shrug it off. He continued to make his way forward, keeping hidden behind other groups of people. A woman gave him an annoyed glance as he brushed against her shoulder, and Raoul felt slightly ridiculous slinking his way through the crowds. Still, he was desperate to discover who Christine's mysterious companion was. Over the din of the conversations, he could barely hear her say something.

"I was waiting for you," she said in a timid voice. It was very different from the tone that Christine had used with him, and Raoul could easily tell the man held some kind of power over her.

"It is no matter," her companion replied, continuing to lead her toward the street. Raoul blinked in surprise at the sound of the man's strange voice. Only once before had he heard that beautifully frightening timbre. The cemetery...when he had been attacked.

Before he could get any closer, a black vehicle pulled up to the sidewalk. Christine willingly got into the backseat, and her companion walked to the other side. Raoul was only able to stand there as the doors closed, and the car quickly began to drive away. Not once had he been able to get a good look at the man's face.

With his hands tucked into his coat pockets for warmth, he attempted to unravel the details in his mind. Who the heck was this guy? What did he want with Christine? Was she really frightened, or was this all some sort of game? Why didn't she call the police? She'd had the opportunity several times.

Raoul was suddenly startled by someone approaching him on the right. Whirling around, he blinked several times in the dim streetlights as a feeling of recognition overtook him. It was the Middle Eastern man he had seen in Vermont weeks ago, the one who had been harassing Christine in the corridor.

"Excuse me," he began, very out of breath. "You...you are Ms. Daae's friend, right? Christine Daae? You know her? Correct?"

"Uh, yeah," Raoul replied, slightly taken aback. "Why? Who are you?"

"I do not have time to explain," he sharply replied. "Was she here tonight? Is she here right now? I heard she was singing."

"Yeah. I mean, she left about a minute ago. But why? What's going on? Who are you?"

"A minute ago?" the older man replied, ignoring Raoul's questions and taking several steps backward. A new look of hope gleamed in his dark eyes. "Did you happen so see which way they went?"

"Yeah." He pointed to the left parking lot exit. "But what—"

"Thank you. Thank you very much." The man began to race back in the opposite direction, nearly sliding over a patch of ice.

"Wait! What the heck is going on? Do you know where Christine is?"

The man briefly turned and shook his head. "I can't speak right now. Maybe later. It is very dangerous!"

Without another word, he raced off into the shadows of the parking lot. Raoul stood on the curb in complete confusion, beginning to wonder if he would ever understand any of this. From inside his pocket, he heard his cell phone beep with a new text message. Sighing, he took it out and squinted down to see that it was Brian with a flight schedule. They were leaving in about two weeks.

At that moment, Raoul decided that he was definitely making the trip to Aspen. Worry and doubts over Christine had kept him from committing to going. If she really needed his help, though, she could call him. If this whole thing was nothing but a game...well...he was tired of playing. He was tired, and there was nothing else he could do. As a wave of melancholy swept over him, Raoul began the slow trek back to his car.

They had been traveling for at least ten minutes before Erik finally spoke. He had quietly stared straight ahead for some time, only requesting the driver to turn up the heat at one point. Christine had calmly stared out the window, feeling relieved that the dreaded night was over. Her muscles relaxed, and her heart resumed a normal rhythm.

She thought back to her moment on stage and smiled a little. A feeling of pure exhilaration had swept through her as she stood in the spotlight with the undivided attention of the audience. There was no sensation comparable. Still, Christine found herself awaiting Erik's critique. Even after all of the congratulations she had received that night, his opinion somehow mattered the most. She sharply turned her head as he finally began to speak.

"Your performance tonight surpassed all expectations, as I told you that it would. Not one negative word was uttered about you in any of the conversations I happened to overhear. Every opportunity is now yours to possess, should you want it."

"It was amazing to be up there. I can't believe I really did it...but...I loved it."

"Whatever you want, I will give it to you."

Christine shifted in her seat. "I...thank you."

"What is it that you want most? Tell me."

She looked down at her folded hands. "I..." It was an odd question. What did he want her to say? And what did she want? Fame? Freedom? Christine only knew what she didn't want. She didn't want that hollow feeling of loneliness that had often consumed her since her father had died.

It was strange. Over the last several weeks, Christine had experienced more terror and anxiety than she had ever felt. She had even feared for her very life on several occasions. Her freedom was still an uncertainty that she didn't like to dwell on. At the same time, she had experienced elation when she was on the stage that night. Then, there was that warm feeling of peace she often felt during practices or while she quietly read in Erik's home. Even now, riding along in the warm car, she somehow felt safe and content.

In all the turmoil of emotions, though, Christine never felt that awful feeling of being alone. With Erik, she was never alone. She was never empty and passionless.

Finally, she answered him. "I don't know. I want...whatever you think is best, Erik."

He tilted his head. "Surely you have some opinion, my dear. Would you like to pursue acting as well? Or would you simply prefer to sing?"

She realized that the question was only referring to her career. "Oh. I'll think about that. I'm a little tired tonight."

"Of course. You have plenty of time to make your decision. As I said, as long as you continue to sing for me, I will be satisfied."

"I will," she softly replied. Christine stared outside for a while, happy to see that her window was not opaque with fog. Dark buildings continued to pass on all sides, many of them still dotted with yellow rectangles of light. Other cars came up next to them for several seconds, some of the drivers singing along with the radio or talking to the person beside them. People walked down the sidewalks with their hands in their pockets and their heads turned downward, searching for relief from the cold. The city really did never sleep.

"Have you always lived here?" she absentmindedly asked, surprised when the question left her mouth. She had never pried any information from him.

Erik sharply glanced up. "No," he stated after a moment's hesitation. "This city has been one of many residences throughout the world. I rarely stay in one place for a significant amount of time."

"Really!" she exclaimed, turning around. "The world? You've been to other countries?"

A wry chuckle came from his hidden lips. "Many countries, Christine. Most of which I prefer to forget."

"I'm sorry," she replied, looking away. "I haven't been to many places."

"Consider yourself lucky that you have not seen some of the horrors outside of this nation. Such things are not for your eyes. The world is not out of your grasp, though, my dear. Perhaps you will see it someday. As I said, I never stay in one place for very long."

Her heart jumped. "You're leaving here someday? And I...I'm coming...or I..." She stuttered for a moment, not knowing what to say.

"Do you want to?"

Christine answered honestly. "I don't know. I never considered it."

Erik nodded. "Indeed. Even I am hesitant to leave this metropolis. I believe it is the most pleasing of all the places I have ever taken residence." His eyes beamed down upon her with nothing less than happiness. "Yes. I have enjoyed my stay here profoundly, Christine."

"Then we don't have to leave," she quickly replied, not wanting to make any regrettable decisions that night. Everything was happening so fast that she often found it difficult to think. "It doesn't matter."

"No. You are right. It doesn't matter where we go. With you, I could go anywhere and be content." The yellow dots bore into her. "You are happy, Christine?"

Tucking a strand of blond hair behind her ear, she looked back up. His eyes pled for the answer that he wanted to hear, and so she quickly gave it to him. "Yes. I'm happy here. You've done a lot for me, more than most people. I...I'm very happy." The words left her mouth easily, and she did not once break eye contact. Either she was becoming a skillful liar, or….

A look of peace entered his eyes. "Very good." Erik lightly brushed his fingers against the back of her idle hand. Although Christine remained frozen in her seat, she did not flinch at the cold sensation. As he withdrew his fingers and turned to face forward, a pleasant warmth entered her cheeks.

She turned to look back out the damp window, pondering the question until her head ached. Was she happy? At that moment, well...she was. It wasn't completely understandable, but she was warm and content and happy. That's not to say there wasn't an ever-present fear floating around. She knew that if she tried to escape, horrible consequences would follow. But she wasn't trying to escape anymore. If she was happy, why would she run away? Didn't that mean everything was okay?

Allowing herself to relax with this knowledge, Christine tilted her head back onto the seat. Her eyelids soon became heavy, and the warm air was lulling her into a light doze. Everything was okay...her mind told her repeatedly. Everything would be fine.

"Sir?"

The gruff voice boomed out from the side speakers. Christine sat up straight with a gasp and nearly jumped out of her seat, gazing around in utter confusion.

Erik straightened up as well but seemed unalarmed. "It is fine, Christine," he gently stated, noticing her distraught expression. "It is only the driver." He turned toward the front and took on an icier tone. "What?" he asked loudly. "I told you to refrain from speaking unless absolutely necessary."

"Yes. I know, sir," the man replied with more caution. "We're being followed, though. I've even taken some unusual turns. The guy won't let up."

Erik's hand clenched into a fist as he whirled around in the seat. His eyes narrowed and focused upon an oncoming grey vehicle. "Ah...my friend," she heard him mutter. "You know not what games you play." He faced forward again. "Stop the car immediately. I will not have him following me to my home."

The driver said nothing in reply, but the vehicle came to a steady halt on the side of the street. Christine looked out to see smaller and older buildings scattered beside the road. Few other people were around, and many of the streetlights were out. Feeling her stomach tighten with anxiety, she looked up as Erik opened his door. "What...?"

"Stay here, Christine," he softly commanded. "I will return shortly."

Christine merely nodded as Erik closed the door. After he was gone, she turned her head to look out the back window but was dismayed to see that it had fogged up with a light drizzle. Wringing her hands in her lap, Christine could do nothing but wait and wonder. Minutes continued to pass, and the knot in her stomach grew tighter. What was going on? Who was following them? Was Erik okay?

She jumped in surprise as her own car door opened, shivering from the onrush of chilly, damp air. Erik stood on the other side and gestured for her to come out. Christine started to wrap her shawl around her shoulders, but stopped when she felt the napkin and business card inside the folds. Bare-shouldered, she quickly closed her door and stepped outside, looking up at Erik with unasked questions. "Someone wishes to ensure your well-being," he stated. "I will oblige this once." Although his words to her were kind, a dangerous glow was in his eyes.

"All right." Christine nodded and began walking away from the black car, noticing the close distance Erik was keeping between them. In the distance, she could make out a man standing next to a grey car with his arms folded. Erik lightly touched her back to keep her moving forward.

"Do nothing that he tells you," he whispered. "Simply show him that you are in good health...that you are content where you are. Because we are fine, Christine. Aren't we?"

She quickly nodded, hearing a slight tone of panic in his voice. Was he afraid she would somehow betray him?

Looking up, Christine was now able to see the man's face more clearly in the streetlights. She quietly gasped in recognition. Erik moved right up beside her, so that their arms were nearly touching. The darkly-toned man stared directly at her, and she saw what looked like relief pass over his tired face. He started to reach out a hand toward her, but Erik flinched forward, causing the man to quickly draw back. All was silent for several moments, and a dangerous tension hung in the air.

Finally, Erik spoke, his voice calm but deadly.

"Here is Ms. Daae, Nadir, as you requested. Alive and well. Are you satisfied? For your sake, my friend, I certainly hope so."