A/N- Thanks again to all of you who have stuck by the slow (and sometimes too short) progression of this tale. Now that life has gotten back on a more even keel, I hope to keep the updates regular and lengthy. There's still a good deal of story to tell. Thanks again!

Meg awoke with a start, the damp feel of the room evident now that her blanket had slid to the floor. Looking at the clock she was more than surprised to see that it was nearly noon. She scooted to the edge of the bed and stretched in an effort to relieve the tension in her muscles.

The room looked no different than it had when she had fallen asleep, yet the sense of unease coursing through her pushed her to check the door anyway. Finding it securely locked; Meg turned to straighten the bed.

A harsh groan from behind the panel startled her. The pain in the sound was evident even as the wall muted it.

Maman must be cleaning his wound. Meg sat down on the edge of the chaise, unsure whether to offer help or simply stay out of the way. Help...Christine, Erik. I wish I had a magic wand to make everything all right for you both.

A soft tap on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Madame Giry?"

Meg instantly recognized Nadir's voice and unlocked the door. "Monsieur?"

"Your mother?"

"She is here." Moving to allow Nadir entrance into her mother's room, Meg checked the hallway before closing and relocking the door.

Meg motioned to the hidden chamber as Nadir removed his gloves and coat. "With Erik. Is there news, Monsieur?"

"Not good, little one, not good at all." He opened the panel and ducked into the room. Meg followed, crowding the small chamber to the point of discomfort but unwilling to miss the update.

Madame Giry stopped mid-bandage as both she and Erik immediately focused upon them. "Nadir?" Her voice held many questions as she continued wrapping Erik's shoulder.

"Antoinette...Erik." He gave them both a nod, a courtesy seemingly bred into him and completely unaffected by the sight of Erik's bare face. "The hunt for you has not stopped. The cellars, your home...torn apart. They now plan to search the Opera room to room."

Erik grimaced as Madame Giry tied the strip of linen tightly. "Well that should keep them busy until Christmas with as many rooms as there are here."

"No Erik." Nadir's voice turned grave. "The Vicomte has sent for hired men, several hundred in fact, to comb this place through. The reward is high for the man who finds you...dead or alive."

"I can imagine which one he prefers." Erik replied dryly. "So the plan is now?"

"It is simple Erik," Antoinette rose and dusted her black skirt off. "We have to move you out of the Opera...now."

"How Maman?" Meg interjected. "The Vicomte has so many guards posted, it was almost impossible to get in the opera last night."

"Ma petite, you think you know many things, but your mother has been around much longer. There are ways in and out of this place that a guard would never dream of. We simply have to get from here to there."

Madame Giry moved to the door. " And I think I know a way that can be accomplished as well. Come along Meg, you need to report to the dormitories." She took hold of her daughter's arm and gently led her out the door. "The less you know of what's happening the safer you will be."

With a knowing look to Nadir, Madame Giry made her exit and closed the door. Erik caught the exchange immediately. "There's already a plan, isn't there Daroga?"

Nadir bit his lip before nodding solemnly. "Indeed there is Erik, though I disagree with it. The risk to Antoinette and even to Meg is to high for my liking. She has had the idea since we brought you here."

Erik stood slowly, testing his strength and limitations as he walked carefully around the room. His movements, graceful even in pain, reminded Nadir of a lion stalking the barrier of a cage. "I am afraid, Nadir that you will have to explain my absence to Antoinette. I cannot participate in this plan, for as long as Christine remains here...so do I"

"Oh of course Erik...I shall be glad to tell her of that! Pray tell what good you plan to be to Mademoiselle Daae at the end of a noose? " Nadir chose to ignore the icy glare bestowed upon him. "Because that's exactly where you will end up. You may still have all the magic, stealth and cunning you had in the shah's court, but there are some different factors now."

"And I am certain you will enlighten me Daroga?"

"They do not believe in the Opera ghost. They are hunting flesh and blood. The Vicomte was there in your home with the gendarmes. He could not see me Erik, but I saw the rage in him as he helped to destroy what belonged to you, particularly when it came to anything about Christine. He will not stop."

Erik leaned back, allowing the wall to support his already tired frame. "Then what do you suggest Nadir? That I leave Christine in the protection of a man so willing to fire a gun at her while I run to whatever temporary safety is available? I have been called many things in my life Daroga, from bastard to devil, but coward is not a label I plan to wear."

"Erik, there's a difference between cowardice and intelligent planning." He motioned to the man leaning heavily upon the wall. "You are not strong enough to confront any of them. What good will it do Mademoiselle Daae to wake up and hear of your quick trial, conviction, and execution? If you love her..."

"DO NOT presume to understand my feelings for her! And don't try to use them to convince me of what to do or not to..." Erik sat down heavily upon the floor, clutching his arm tightly in an effort to immobilize the shoulder. "I will hear this plan, but if I don't agree with it then I will take care of matters... myself."

TBC