A/N I apologize to my readers for the long delay between updates. I am planning to update this fic in a more timely manner from now on!

Many thanks to my friends and betas, Mandy the O and Musique et Amour, for their generous assistance.


Leaving Chicago, the journey took on an entirely different feel. Easterners used the train for short commutes, but once the train left Chicago, passengers settled in for a comfortable journey as it would take several days to reach San Francisco.

Erik continued to silently gaze out the window as the train covered mile after mile of open prairie. Nadir, hiding behind his newspaper, took advantage of the opportunity to observe their fellow passengers, most of whom seemed to be single men. There was the occasional family or two; more than likely on vacation. For the most part, when families moved west they traveled by wagon train. Other travelers often noticed furniture and other burdens left behind as the settlers realized they needed to lighten their load in order to survive the arduous journey to California.

Not only were the passengers single men, but by the second day of silently observing them, Nadir made a startling realization. These men, whether taciturn or talkative, outgoing or loners, are all running from something! It's almost as if Antoinette knew, somehow, that Erik would be safe here. Men who have something to hide don't nose around in other people's business... He did not realize he was chuckling until he felt Erik's gaze. With an imperceptible shake of his head, he returned to reading his paper, not looking around until he was sure Erik had resumed watching the passing landscape.

Erik was grateful for the silence. He found himself not truly minding the other men in their car. They seemed to keep to themselves, and did not try to engage him in idle conversation. Unlike Nadir, he did not wonder what life would be like in San Francisco. Although he did not lie to himself – he was grateful that Antoinette had saved his life – he knew that without Christine, he would not be fully alive no matter where he lived.

Nadir had made reservations for them at the Palace Hotel, where the staff was readying an apartment made of several rooms in anticipation of their arrival. He was not certain how long the Palace Hotel would be home, but the accommodations, plus a large and attentive staff, would make it a comfortable way station for the two men.


The train finally arrived at the Oakland Wharf. Remembering the ferry from New York City to New Jersey, Nadir was not confident in his ability to coax Erik off of the train and onto another boat. They were amazed to learn that the entire train would be ferried across the Bay to the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street. The crossing took an hour, but it was spent in the relative comfort of their train compartment. When the ferry docked, the train pulled into the station where a carriage awaited them.
Once they arrived at the hotel, they were given a taste of what life would be like while they called the Palace Hotel "home". Attentive staff anticipated every need. Their satchels were snatched away by the bellhops, waiters served them tea in the luxurious waiting room, and the Concierge was eager to answer their questions.

"We are honored, gentlemen, deeply honored that you have chosen the Palace Hotel to be your home in San Francisco. We offer the finest private dining experiences, where you will have the opportunity to meet the crème de la crème of San Francisco society. Nothing but the best for our guests. If there is anything you need, anything at all, a press of the 'call bell' in your apartment will bring staff immediately to your door."

Erik merely looked impatiently at the man, never one to be tolerant of the overly friendly. Nadir broke the silence before it became uncomfortable: "Thank you very much. We are certain that we will find everything here to be more than satisfactory."

Ignoring the disgruntled twitch of Erik's lips, Nadir continued: "We will, of course, need suggestions of places to visit as we become acquainted here." Leaning closer, he added in a low voice, "...as well as the areas which should be … avoided … by gentlemen such as ourselves."

"Indeed, there are no such places in this grand city!"

At that, Erik did not even try to hide his scoff of disbelief.

"Honestly, my good sirs, you will find San Francisco to be the epitome of civilization! Nothing like those cities back East," he added with a sneer. "Surely you could detect the difference even at the Ferry Building!"

Remembering the trip from New York City to New Jersey, the men nodded. "It is true," Nadir replied, "that the transportation in this city far exceeds what we experienced … back East."

The Concierge smiled at that. Fast learners, they are.

Erik caught both Nadir's reference and the Concierge's approval of the same, and filed that away to examine more closely once they had settled into their apartment. I wonder if he is typical of the common laborers in this city. Overanxious, eager to please, inflated opinion of one's self and one's city.

"Gentlemen, in addition to our exemplary room service, there are private dining rooms located on the second floor of the Hotel. Here you will have the opportunity to meet with others much like yourselves; gentlemen of great wealth and refinement."

Nadir suddenly fell victim to a coughing spell, earning him an amused look from Erik which deepened into a scowl as he reflected on the concierge's words. Gentlemen … of refinement? Here? In this … outpost? If the "gentlemen" we have observed so far are typical of those we'll meet here …

Nadir, recovering quickly, apologized as he took another sip of tea. The Concierge waved an impatient hand."No need to apologize, my good Sir. But, if you will excuse me, I will see to the status of your accommodations." Rising, he all but bowed to them as he took his leave.

"Nadir..." Erik began.

"Now, Erik, do not jump to conclusions. Your Madame Giry must have known what she was doing to send you here. You must remain open-minded. Unless, of course, you wish to live the rest of your life as an outcast."

Erik nearly snapped at Nadir, but catching sight of the Concierge's rapid return, he swallowed his annoyance.

"Gentlemen, I have wonderful news! Your apartment is ready and waiting for you. If you will please follow me. Oh, and you may leave your cups behind. Staff will be along to retrieve the dishes shortly."

They entered a small redwood-paneled room. "Gentlemen, the Palace Hotel has five hydraulic elevators which will take you to whatever floor you wish. They will also take you to the Roof Promenades, should you wish to avail yourselves of the view our beautiful city offers." Reaching their floor, the Concierge waved them enthusiastically off the elevator, then led them to their apartment. "As I may have mentioned before, there is a call bell in each of your bedrooms and also in the parlor. If you should need anything, anything at all, a press of the call bell will bring staff to your door within minutes."

While Erik wondered laconically if the man repeated that in his sleep, Nadir was tiring of his obeisance. Neither man wished for deferential treatment, just the basic respect one should show for a fellow human being. It is always one extreme or the other Nadir mused. I must admit though. This is better than being treated like dirt beneath their feet.

Both breathed a sigh of relief when they were finally alone in their apartment. They unpacked their satchels and turned down their beds for the night.


The men found their accommodations at the Palace Hotel to be more than suitable. The Hotel was eager to serve as the home base for the two wealthy men, and thus made sure they were satisfied with the accommodations. Erik and Nadir were both relieved to have separate bedrooms at last and they quickly discovered that the Hotel lived up to its reputation of being the "grandest hotel west of Chicago". Living there, the men enjoyed the seclusion each craved, with an attentive staff to see to their every need.

Erik was bemused at the hum of activity that surrounded San Francisco. It was much more genteel than he had hoped, more closely resembling a European capital, in contrast to the brashness of New York City. They explored the city for hours on end, and both of them silently congratulated Antoinette on her choice of location for Erik's exile from Paris.

It did not take long for the men to discover the waterfront was indeed an area which they would be wise to avoid, so naturally it was an area Erik frequented. Pacific Street was nicknamed "Barbary Coast" after the Barbary pirates in North Africa. To some, the name signified the exoticnature of the area; to others, it was a warning. The primary choice of victim was a sailor on shore leave. Residents of the city who did not earn their living on Pacific Street generally avoided the area.

As the weeks passed, Erik grew more comfortable with his surroundings. Although he never completely relaxed, he was finding it easier to go to the private dining room on the hotel's second floor. He began meeting San Francisco's elite; bankers, railroad barons and other industrialists; judges and congressmen, including the senator who had been the partner of the man who designed the Palace Hotel and was now living in his deceased partner's mansion.

Nadir did not attract untoward attention in this cosmopolitan city. Single Muslim men began arriving in San Francisco in the 1870's, and while the inhabitants did not openly accept them, they were not maligned. In the years before Henry Ford articulated his "melting pot" philosophy, San Francisco was more tolerant of its immigrants than most American cities.

Although Erik did not seem to encourage familiarity, the highest echelon of San Francisco society was drawn to him. His attitude of aloof indifference proved to be irresistible to those who were accustomed to having others openly court them. Always a student of human nature, Erik learned a great deal from his observations in both the hotel's private dining rooms and in the homes he was subsequently invited to.


At one such visit, Erik could not believe his eyes, and was amazed that he could hide his shock and distaste from his host. The U.S. Senator was hosting a dinner party, and insisted on his presence. As it was Erik's first visit, he was treated to a tour of the grand mansion.

At over 55,000 square feet, Ralston Hall was an odd conglomeration of styles. "Officially" it was a modified Italian villa. The area surrounding the grand staircase to the second floor, however, was modeled on the Paris Opera House. The mirrored ballroom echoed the Versailles tradition. The remainder of the public area, however, was done in the popular "steamboat Gothic" style; the doors either slid into or folded flat upon the wall to allow guests easy access to the public areas. Even the "double sun-parlor" was designed to replicate the promenade deck of a riverboat.

Erik was stupefied. It was just as well he had a reputation for reticence as he could not find anything polite to say about the monstrosity he was touring.


Although neither complained about the accommodations or service at the hotel, Nadir wanted Erik to think of San Francisco as his new home. He began to encourage Erik to think about building a house of his own. Erik knew that Nob Hill was truly the safest place for him to live as the city's wealthiest residents had readily accepted him. He set about designing a home that would serve both of their needs. The U-shaped house he designed had an imposing facade.

He designed a wing for each of them, giving Nadir carte blanche on the interior designs of his rooms. He did not realize it until it was finished that his own wing was suitable for a growing family. The first floor of the base of the "U" housed the grand entrance, foyer, a sweeping staircase to the second floor ballroom, a parlor, a dining room, and a library. The third floor was designed for servant quarters. The first floor of Erik's wing had a conservatory with a piano, a library, a parlor, and a sunroom. Several suites were on the second floor.

Looking at the floor plans, Erik was slightly appalled at what he had drawn. Oh, Christine, we could have been so happy here. I would have happily given you anything you wanted. A dark cloud stole over his features at the thought that perhaps she would have wanted children. Well, not anything – not children, ever! He cringed at the thought of another person bearing the face he was born with. Understanding the sorrow on his friend's face, Nadir pointed out that designing the house for a large family would add to its resale value, and so Erik's wing remained as it was.

Nadir's wing resembled the Persian Court. The first floor sunroom opened onto the interior courtyard. There was a simple unfurnished room to which he could retire to pray five times a day in keeping with his religious tradition. His bedroom and parlor also occupied the first floor. The second floor was fashioned into suites much like Erik's wing. Although there were not many marriageable Muslim women in San Francisco, Nadir was prepared to follow Allah's will.


Once the floor plans met with the necessary approval, the two men set outlooking for a piece of property that would support such a house. They found a suitable address near the top of Nob Hill and set about purchasing it. That completed, Erik hired a general contractor to build their home. Being no stranger to construction, he was a frequent visitor to the job site. He had exacting standards, and expected the contractors to do superior work. He rewarded handsomely for a job well done, and the contractors became fiercely loyal to him.

Over a year later, the house was completed and the domestic staff hired. The men moved out of the Palace Hotel in 1883. Sorry to see the two wealthy, undemanding men leave, the Hotel issued a standing invitation: they would always be welcome in the private dining rooms.