Chapter 17

Raoul had come and gone again twice over the past two days. He spent the first day in discussion with Erik, Claude and Jacques, finalizing plans and then putting what they could into action. His many suggestions ranged from hiding in a hay wagon to a hearse. At almost every turn, Erik grumbled, unhappy with his suggestions and the situation they put Erik in. Raoul watched as he countered one plan after another, pacing the room like an animal caught in a trap. Erik's actions and demeanor made him wonder what could drive a man so menacing to such an argumentative state of mind. When the suggestion of the hearse came up, he got his answer.

"I will not subject Christine to anything so morbid. A hearse may be fine for me, Raoul, and I may very well end up in one by the time all is said and done, but not Christine. Find another way."

"Erik." Though the name had him choking the first few times he'd uttered it, Raoul found it less difficult to pronounce each time he said it. If this was Christine's desire, so be it.

"I have given you several different options, all well thought out and yet you rile at every one. I cannot help you if you cannot see some validity in any idea put forth." He watched as Erik sat at the table taking his pencil to paper and beginning to draw.

"Ah, Raoul. You think it so easy to suddenly lick the hand that saves me, rather than once again attempt to tear it off? Even a dog learns mistrust."

"I cannot force you to trust me. I can only reiterate again, though I do this for Christine, you reap the benefit. I only wish her to be happy and she seems to think you will do that. You cannot stay in Paris and she won't let you leave alone. But I would never put her life at risk therefore; I cannot do that to you. Do you understand this?"

"Oh yes," Erik looked Raoul up and down, trying to discern his sincerity. "I understand your reasoning. But I have never understood your emotions and those cause my mistrust."

Raoul returned Erik's gaze seeing, what? Fear? Could this 'man' who so intimidated, be afraid?

"What will it take to convince you that I will not turn you in?"

"You hide in the back, Raoul, and I'll ride in the open. Perhaps you will then know what it is like to be the hunted rather than the hunter. Oh, but wait! That will never be. How foolish of me to forget something so obvious? That you are free to walk among men, no fear of becoming the prey to someone's revulsion."

Raoul watched as Erik turned back to the drawing he had been working on, and for a moment wondered at the horrendous events that shaped this man's life.

The morning of the second day set their final plan into motion. Raoul brought the clothing they would all need in order to execute their plan. Phillipe, his servant, had removed a uniform from the livery cupboard that would outfit Claude without worry. Jacques had his own uniform as he hired out his carriage from time to time. Raoul had taken several pieces from one of his mother's forgotten trunks. Though the clothing was still fashionable, he knew his mother had moved on to new designs and would never miss it. Both Christine and Antoinette were of the same size as his mother and the clothing would serve perfectly. A mourning dress and veil would cover Christine to the world. With the veil, no one would ever know her real identity. Christine had taken her package somberly and nodded her thanks but gave no other sign of emotion. He turned from her to watch Antoinette's face as he handed her the package of a dress, hat and accessories. Though guarded with fear of the upcoming flight, he could see her delight with what he had brought and realized she had probably never had anything as fine. It pleased him some measure to think he could make her smile though he could not say why.

The remainder of the day he spent with a trusted servant, readying the coaches that would take his beloved and the man she loved to freedom. They had worked out the plan in great detail. Jacques would drive the Berlin Coupe, which would be dressed in full mourning, carrying black harness, reins, lanterns, everything as it should be. Relatively plain, it was boxy in design but sported windows all around. A good traveling carriage for the nobility when it came to medium distance travel. Jacques would be attired in mourning suit as well, to match the occasion. With the DeChagny crest on the side of the coach, the gendarme would have very little reason to stop him other than formalities. Christine would ride inside, the windows covered by black curtains. Should the gendarme dare request a glance, they would see Christine in mourning. She would be a DeChagny cousin, on her way to an aunt's funeral. And if the gendarme had any sense at all, they would not intrude with more than a cursory inspection at best. Raoul would be an hour behind in his Victoria, with Phillipe as the driver and Antoinette by his side, on a leisurely ride in the country. Neither driver nor occupants should raise suspicion.

The real test would be Erik. Claude would leave early in the morning, in the Brougham, on pretense of retrieving goods purchased in an outlying town, along with a newly hired servant for the household. Erik would be secluded under a tarp which had been added to the back. It slanted off the roof and was secured to the luggage rack; protection for any baggage from the elements. Since Claude would appear to be leaving alone, there should be no reason for any inspection at all. If Erik could endure the confinement, Raoul was certain the plan would work without any problems. But, could Erik endure utter helplessness? He'd had a brief glimpse into this man's mind and had begun to gain a new appreciation for Erik's will to survive. He knew it went against Erik's character to submit to anything other than his own will which gave him some small amount of grudging admiration for the man. These thoughts ran over in his mind as he continued readying the coaches for the morning's flight.

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Christine watched with amusement as Antoinette tried on the dress Raoul had brought for her. Because she had worn many fine and beautiful things at the opera house Christine had never really given Antoinette's serviceable attire a second thought. But the look on her friend's face reminded Christine how blessed her life had been. And Antoinette looked lovely in the emerald green velvet. With her blonde hair she made a striking picture and Christine wondered if Raoul had realized how much it would compliment her features.She had noted his look when Antoinette took the package from him. Watching his face, she knew another would eventually take her place in his heart, if only he would allow it.

"Antoinette, you look charming."

"Oh, Christine, never have I worn anything so wonderful before. It is beautiful. And it fits!"

"Well, it is very becoming to you, that is true. You will be turning all the young men's eyes with that dress on."

"Oh, never. Not like you do. I have seen them all as they turn to look at you."

"I only want one man's attention. And I no longer doubt that I have it completely."

The girls smiled knowingly at each other as Antoinette began to dance around the grotto, twirling her skirts and laughing.

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Erik paced round the table, as if trying to wear a path in the rock floor. Claude watched him, worry etched on his face.

"Erik, things will go well. You must believe. The plan holds to scrutiny and there is nothing to raise anyone's suspicion in it. We will be fine."

"I have been thrust into the position of trusting my worst enemy and it grates with my every thought. I feel trapped in a cage…at everyone's mercy but my own. I have learned that nothing in life carries a guarantee. And if we clear the checkpoint, what then? What help will I be to Christine once I am well away when she comes through the checkpoint? What then, Claude?"

"You would be no help regardless, Erik. Even if you were at the checkpoint, should something go wrong, there would be too many armed officers for you to subdue. You are only one man."

"But Christine…"

"Erik, please. You must now put your trust in someone other than yourself."

Erik looked at him as if he'd gone mad.

"You must trust that God will see us through this. He is the only one who can."

"How do I trust someone I don't know, Claude? Can you tell me that?"

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The commander set one of his men to following Raoul for the past few days. He wasn't sure why, but his instinct told him all was not right with this entire situation. He felt sure Raoul knew more than he let on. No matter. When I have the Phantom in my hands, the city of Paris will lay at my feet. I will run the Sûreté! He spent a moment in front of the mirror, imagining his new title then moved to his desk. Before he could sit, a knock sounded.

"Entre." In no mood for interruptions, the commander barked the order. The door opened slowly and he saw one of his officers look round the edge.

"Well? What is it, man? Don't stand there peering in like there is an inferno here. Come in and tell me what you want!"

"Commander, we have news of the Vicomte and his activities."

"Well, spit it out man! I have important matters to attend." The commander gave him a glare that would burn wood, making the young officer squirm his way into the office.

"We have followed the Vicomte, as you directed sir. But both days, we have lost him for hours on end."

"Lost him? What do you mean you lost him? You fools! You must have let him see you."

"No, sir, we are certain he did not notice us. Both times he approached the Opera House he seemed to disappear before our eyes. We searched but found no trace of him. Several hours later, we discovered him back at his town home."

"And you have no clue where he had gone?" The officer shook his head. The commander sat at his desk, putting his feet on it, and thought about what this might mean. Suddenly, he had it! The Vicomte must be entering the Opera House, but how? And more importantly, why? What would there be there for him? Except…

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Morning dawned and with it came hope, fear and anticipation for everyone involved. Once they set the plan in motion, they could not turn back. Their fate would be decided the minute Erik's carriage left. He only hoped those he left behind would reach their destination safely. Le Raincy lay roughly 40 kilometers from the point they departed the city. They would need to make good time and pray they would encounter no obstacles.

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Raoul was true to his word and delivered the first carriage during the night, to the stalls M Legard used. Claude was dressed for his part and though he was nervous beyond measure, he was still able to appreciate his appearance as was Antoinette.

"Papa, you look so handsome. Maman would be so pleased."

"Oui, Antoinette, I'm sure she would have." He paused and closed his eyes for a moment before continuing. "But we have much to do today and must all be aware of everything around us. We cannot lose sight of our goal today. Antoinette," again he paused, "I want you to know, that no matter what happens today, your maman would be so proud of you. You are a lovely young woman, both in appearance and temperament, and she would have been so–" He stopped speaking as the tears began to well. Antoinette walked to him, putting her arms around him and hugging him tight.

"Papa, I love you. You are the best Papa I could have ever wanted. We will be fine. Don't worry about me, you will have your hands full today with Erik." He pulled away just in time to see her wink as Erik rounded the corner.

"His hands full with me, Antoinette? I won't be any bother at all. I'll be stuffed in the back like so much luggage."

The thought of seeing Erik stuffed anywhere at all brought laughter to her lips before she could stop herself. Telling them what brought her laughter broke the tension in the room as Claude joined in the laughter and even Erik had to smile.

Christine heard laughter as she entered the room. Looking at each of them, she wondered what could be so funny on this worry-filled morning. Erik watched her enter and strode to her, still smiling as he held out his arms to her. She let him envelope her in his arms.

"Christine, it is all right. None of us has been drinking. Antoinette seems to think I will make quite a sight pretending to be luggage." Christine remained still for a moment, then lowered her head and began to shake. Antoinette and Claude became very quiet.

"Shhh, Christine. It will go smoothly, do not worry. Everything will be all right. Truly." Erik began to become concerned as she shook even harder, her face pressed against his chest. "Christine, please. I'm sure–" Christine pulled away from Erik to reveal tearstained cheeks and a delighted smile.

"Erik, I am sorry, but what a picture that made for me. You! As luggage. The fearsome Opera Ghost reduced to a leather satchel." Before he could react to her mention of his former self, she began to laugh again, harder this time, Antoinette and Claude joining in again. Rather than feel affronted by the comment, he too began to chuckle, realizing the absurdity of the situation. When they had poured out their mirth, Erik once again brought them back to the gravity of their situation.

"Though I would love to enjoy this moment, Claude and I must be leaving. It's time." He watched as Claude hugged Antoinette close. Pulling Christine to him again, he held her tight, lacing his fingers in her hair and pressing her cheek to his chest once again. Nestling his face at her ear, he spoke softly.

"Christine. Always remember how very much I love you. I will always love you, no matter what happens. You are my music, Christine, my life." Looking up at him, she smiled.

"Erik, my love, nothing will ever separate us again. I will meet you at our rendezvous point. Just be careful and be there when I arrive. And I will arrive. I love you, Erik. Always…" Reaching up with both hands, she cradled his masked face in them, gazing into his eyes. She saw his raw emotion, something she knew he never showed in front of others. Pulling his face to hers, she met his lips lightly, tentatively, then could not hold back. Pressing her mouth to him, she poured all the passion she felt for this man into her kiss. She felt him respond but was helpless to stop. She felt his arms tighten around her and for a moment, everything disappeared for her but the two of them. She wanted this moment to last a lifetime, but knew it could not. Finally she broke the kiss, her pulse racing, breathing ragged. She heard Claude as he cleared his throat and remembered where they were. Smiling up at Erik once again, she rested her fingers lightly on his cheek. She wanted to remember this moment, every piece of him because this day brought no guarantees and in her heart of hearts, she knew there was a chance someone might not survive.

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Raoul paced his study awaiting his time to leave. He'd risen early after a fitful night's sleep. Nervousness mixed with a strange sense of exhilaration as things began to fall into place. He had led a typical nobleman's life. The finest clothes, the fanciest soirees, the richest wines and the best bred horses. Everything a man could want for a life of luxury. But this! This feeling of subterfuge, the excitement. Nothing had prepared him for this. This was a game he could appreciate. For a brief moment, he pictured his Victoria, sweeping lines, gleaming body, velvet lining, always with a matched pair to pull the rig. And Antoinette beside him in the dark emerald velvet he'd brought her. Blonde hair shining, she would be stunning. Confusion and anger overtook his thoughts as he realized his traitorous turn from Christine. She is the love of my life! But he could not deny the feelings that aroused him as he returned to his room to dress for the day's adventure.

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The Brougham approached the checkpoint looking every bit the serviceable vehicle it was intended to. Claude sat straight-backed in the driver's seat, reins in hand and whip at the ready. The papers were in order, signed by Raoul DeChagny himself, and should pass inspection with no more than a glance. The additional officers milling about the area worried Claude. Shouldn't be this many gendarme here. Something must be up. He awaited his place in line behind two other vehicles, which also looked to be about the same business this morning. The officer in charge approached each driver as two others inspected the carriages for anything suspicious. Claude's breathing became shallow, his heart raced as his time neared. He fought the nervousness in an attempt to appear as nonchalant as possible. As the coach in front of him left the checkpoint, he pulled forward and prayed.

"Your papers." The gendarme barked at him and he held out the papers with a hand much steadier than he was. He refrained from speaking; only watched what the two inspecting officers were doing.

"Picking up goods and a new servant for the household, oui? Male servant? Or female?"

"Female, sir." Claude wondered what had prompted him to answer with that and was sorry the minute he had.

"Aha, female. And what do you know of her? Young? Old? Fat? Skinny? Someone you may want to 'introduce' to the ways of the household before your return trip?" The officer found his insinuation funny, laughing at his own wit. Claude looked at him with a bland expression though his instinct was to pound the man into the ground.

"I do not know, sir. I was only told to meet her at the boarding house in Le Raincy."

"And what do you carry in the luggage area?"

"Nothing, sir. It is empty."

"Curious as to why you would have it enclosed then. Is there something there you wish us not to see?"

"No, sir, it was never raised after its last use." He made a sudden decision, playing his hand. "Shall I raise it for you now, sir?"

Erik bit his tongue when he hear Claude's question to the captain. Claude, what in God's name? Steeling himself for the inevitable, he heard the officers near the back of the carriage. He could see the edge of the tarp moving and knew the officers must be trying to untie it. Wondering how many would surround him and whether he could take the lot, he braced himself as he waited for the tarp to be raised.

"No, never mind. You may go. Let him pass."

Claude didn't hesitate. Clicking the horses into action, the Brougham lurched forward, bouncing Erik into the tarp that covered him. I don't have to worry about the officers finding me. You'll kill me with your driving, Claude, before we can get away!

One of the officers watched something bump against the inside of the tarp as the Brougham drove off.

'Odd, I thought the driver said the luggage area was empty…'