Rekindling the Music of the Night
By: K.C. Vaillancourt
Disclaimer - You know the drill…I do not own anything associated with The Phantom of the Opera or lyrics of any songs I use.
Just as a quick warning I do edit all my work before I post and have people read my work but there still may be some grammar mistakes. I apologize for them in advance.
Author Note – Thank you to those who take the time to review, follow, or favorite my Phanfic especially after I ended the life of such a beloved character.
I have looked up the Surete and France's procedures back then when dealing with a crime scene. I found a lot of different information and some contradicts the other. In the idea of full disclosure I want to warn you that the procedures I wrote may not be entirely accurate to the period but I think it works and does not detract or slow down the story.
Now, on with the story!
Turning the Tide
When Erik heard the feminine scream that pierced the silence of the mansion he turned around to see Rosalie behind him with a grin on her face as she screamed again. "He's here! The Phantom of the Opera has killed again!"
Erik heard the shouts and footsteps of the Surete coming for him. He took one last look at Madame Giry and then looked at Rosalie narrowing his eyes. "Tell the Vicomte that once again it is war between us." He ran past her knowing he could use the darkness of the mansion as a means to cover his escape.
Rosalie tried to tackle him as he ran past her but he pushed her to the floor. He ducked into a doorway when he saw two officers coming in from the back. He was about to follow them to knock them out but stopped himself knowing it would only make him look guilty. He made his way to the kitchen and slipped out of the same door he used to get in. He found the back completely abandoned as the rest of the Surete were making their way to the front. He wondered why there were so few men to apprehend him but brought his mind back to his current situation.
Once again relying on luck he ran through the yard and into the trees. He mounted Cesar and took off into the night.
Javert entered the mansion and found his men gathered in the study. He looked up and saw the slightly swinging body of a woman hanging from a lasso. The amber glow from the fire lit up her battered face but after a few moments of starring he recognized her. "Madame Giry." He whispered. He looked at his men. "Search the mansion and grounds."
"This young woman discovered the body and claims to have seen the phantom." Bailey told him bringing Rosalie into the study to speak with him.
Javert noticed it was the same woman who had come to him earlier in the day. He also took note that it seemed she and his men were the only ones in the mansion. "Where is the Vicomte?"
"He feared for not only his safety but that of his staff. He ordered us all to leave." Rosalie explained shaking from her encounter with the phantom. She couldn't help but glance at the hanging body behind Javert.
He eyed her suspiciously. "If you were told to leave, what are you doing here?"
Before she could answer Bailey reentered the study. "Sir, people passing on the street heard her scream and a crowd is beginning to form. We don't have enough men to hold them back if they try to get in to see the body."
"Vultures." Javert said under his breath. He turned to the two officers in the study with him. "Cut her down and find something to cover her with. The least we can do is offer her a bit of dignity." He looked back at Rosalie. "I will be back to speak with you momentarily." Javert walked with Bailey to the front entrance and saw the forming crowd. "Excuse me." He bellowed and the crowd immediately turned their attention to him shouting various questions.
"Is it true?"
"Has Madame Giry been murdered?"
"Was it the phantom?"
"Has he returned?"
"The Surete will not comment or speculate before having the chance to investigate. I would like it if you would all return to your homes but I know that will not happen so I will only say this once. If anyone not wearing a uniform of the Surete sets foot inside this mansion they will be arrested. Be sure to pass that along to the others that I am sure will join you." Javert walked back inside as one of his officers approached him.
"We have started the search of the mansion but the grounds are too dark. If he got outside we won't find him."
"Contain the search to the mansion then." Javert ordered going back to the study. He got down on one knee pulling back the sheet that covered Madame Giry. He noticed one of her eyes was swollen, both of her cheeks were bruised along with various cuts. What kind of human being would do this to someone? He thought to himself and wondered what other injuries her clothing was hiding. He shook his head and covered her back up returning to Rosalie. "I believe I asked you why you were here if you were ordered to leave."
"I came back to retrieve a piece of jewelry." Rosalie lied. "I know it was foolish but I was unsure if we would return and it belonged to my mother."
"I see." Javert said not entirely believing her story. "What did you see?"
"After I got my mother's necklace." She indicated the chain around her neck. "I was coming downstairs and saw a shadow in the study. I thought it might have been the Vicomte so I went in when I saw…" She paused glancing at the sheet. "That poor woman. I screamed and the person turned around. That's when I came face to face with the phantom. He heard your men and began to flee. I tried to stop him but he pushed me down and disappeared."
"Thank you mademoiselle. If you don't mind would you please stay in the mansion?" Javert asked. "We may have more questions for you."
"Of course." Rosalie answered and left the study to sit on the stairs in the foyer.
Javert turned to stare into the fire and didn't notice Bailey walk up beside him. "What do you think sir?"
"I don't know." Javert said rubbing his chin. "Everyone knows the Vicomte De Chagny was offering a reward to find her and double if finding her led to this phantom. There were always rumors that Madame Giry and the phantom were closer then she led on. Why would he send a letter threatening the Vicomte's life only to kill her?"
"Perhaps when he didn't find the Vicomte he used her to send a message." Bailey reasoned.
"I suppose." Javert said not convinced. "Then there is that woman. She is quite calm for someone who not only walked in on a horrific murder scene but was face to face with the phantom and survived. Then there is her account of what happened. It almost seemed, rehearsed. There is something here that doesn't add up." He turned to look at Bailey. "I don't care how long it takes, we're staying until we find out what that is."
Erik slowed their pace as he and Cesar approached the stables. He had to stop part way when he realized in his haste he hadn't put his cloak on. As he got Cesar settled in his stall he stood petting him deep in thought. He felt, numb. He closed his eyes holding back tears. The image of Madame Giry hanging in that study was burned into his mind.
Cesar jumped when Erik punched the side of the stall. He had failed her. The woman who had saved him from death or a life of torture was dead because he wasn't there in time. Then his mind turned to something else when he looked at the door leading to the bedroom. He had failed them. How was he going to tell Meg or Christine?
He sighed as he walked into the tunnel and stopped at the doors as he heard the two women talking and giggling inside. He took a few deep breaths calming himself before he walked in. He knew he was about to break both of their hearts and would need to be strong for them. There would be plenty of time for him to grieve the loss of his best, his first, friend. He slid one of the doors open and walked inside.
Meg and Christine stopped talking when they saw Erik come in. Christine walked toward him and immediately knew something was wrong.
"Where is Maman?" Meg asked as she waited for her mother to walk in behind him.
Erik looked at Meg and his voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm so sorry Meg."
"No." Meg said. She looked in his eyes and saw his unshed tears. She felt her body starting to tremble. "No."
"She can't be..." Christine said looking at Erik her eyes begging him to tell them that all he was sorry about was that she wasn't in the mansion.
Erik decided to spare them the details of what he saw. "It was indeed a set up. The Surete were waiting for me outside. I was able to get inside and search the mansion for her." He stopped trying to banish the image invading his mind. "I found her in the study." He paused as his eyes filled with more tears that he fought harder to hold back. "She was already gone. There was nothing I could do. When I was about to…" He didn't want to say cut her down since that would give both of them the same image of what he walked into. "Pick her up, to return with her. A woman came out of nowhere screaming and I had to leave her to escape as the Surete stormed the mansion."
Meg felt her knees go weak as she fell to the floor in utter shock. Her mother was dead. Christine ran to her and put her arms around her as she began to cry. Christine let her own tears fall at the loss of the woman she had come to think of as her own mother. "I never should have left her." Meg whispered through her tears. "I should have fought them both and made sure she came with me."
"You had no choice…" Christine whispered forcing herself to put her own grief aside. "You needed to go find help. She knew if the worst were to happen to her, she needed her last act on this Earth to be saving her daughter."
Meg couldn't take it. Her mother and father were the only family she ever knew. He had died when she was five and now she was gone too. She felt like her whole world was crashing in around her and she was alone. She didn't want to be comforted or be with anyone as her tears came faster. She pulled herself out of Christine's arms and ran into the washroom slamming the door behind her. She sunk to the floor pulling her knees up to her chest rocking back and forth as she sobbed.
Christine was about to follow when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "Leave her." Erik whispered. "She needs to be alone."
She turned around and wrapped her arms around Erik's waist burying her head in his chest. "I'm so sorry Erik. I can't imagine how you must be feeling."
"I failed her." He whispered. "I failed…you and Meg."
"No…" Christine said looking up at him not realizing the tears she was shedding until she saw the damp spot on his shirt.
"I did." Erik said and as he looked at the tears falling from Christine's eyes he finally let his own held back tears fall. He didn't realize Christine had removed his mask until he felt her hand on his deformed cheek. She pulled him back into her embrace as they both let their tears flow freely. "Madame Giry did so much for me, for us, and when she needed me most I wasn't there." Erik whispered in her ear.
As they held each other Christine didn't know what to say or how to feel. She was heartbroken by the loss of Madame Giry but felt intense anger overcoming her sadness. She lifted her head so she could look at him. "Erik, this was not your fault. Raoul is to blame. He is a twisted monster who..." She fell quiet as an idea came to her. In trying to trap Erik Raoul may have inadvertently given her an opportunity to extract some measure of vengeance. "He and his companions must be stopped."
"They will be." Erik said in a low threatening tone.
"No, tonight." Christine said. "You said the Surete were waiting for you." Erik nodded. "They are most likely still there." She said mostly to herself. "I need to go to the mansion, tonight." She pulled herself out of his arms but he caught her by the wrist.
"You can't…" Erik began.
Christine shook her head. "Raoul has gotten away with kidnapping, torture, and now he is going to get away with murder." She said with disdain dripping from her voice. "No more. I promise I will return to you but just as you had to try to save her. Please understand, I have to do this, for all of us."
Erik placed a hand on her cheek. "You are going into a situation where I can't follow or protect you. It could be exactly what Raoul wants so he can take you away from me. I…" He swallowed hard. "I can't lose you too."
"You won't lose me. If that is indeed his plan and we were separated do you remember what you said to me earlier?" Erik shook his head. Christine leaned up and whispered in his ear. "You will always find me."
Erik gave her a half smile. "You're right. I will." He knew Christine was determined to go through with whatever plan she was coming up with. "Please be safe."
"I will." Christine said. She grabbed her cloak from the bed and as she was about to leave she stopped when she heard Meg's voice behind her.
"Wait." She said barely above a whisper. "When I escaped yesterday the Surete along with Raoul's men were guarding the opera house. They can't be trusted."
"Raoul told the Surete I had been kidnapped." Christine told her. "They were helping him with false information. Since they were already spread thin with other cases they removed all of their assistance to Raoul. We can trust them."
"I'm going with you." Meg told her trying to keep herself together as she stepped forward. "Whether they can be trusted or not I have to. I can't leave her, not again."
Christine looked at her and nodded. She gave Erik a kiss and Meg walked up to him. She hugged him tightly before they disappeared into the tunnel. They rode Arturo in silence to the De Chagny estate.
A large crowd had formed as news of Madame Giry's murder spread rapidly. Christine tied Arturo to a nearby fence and they pushed their way through the crowd. When they reached the front door they were stopped by one of the Surete. "No one is allowed inside unless they want to be arrested per the orders of M. Chevalier."
"I understand you must enforce control of this crowd. However, I am the Vicomtess De Chagny, the lady of this mansion. My friend and I demand to speak with M. Chevalier." Christine said in a soft but firm voice.
The officer bowed his head. "My apologizes Vicomtess, please follow me." He led her and Meg into the study. Christine and Meg's eyes immediately fell to the sheet on the floor that covered Madame Giry's body. Meg glanced up and saw the rope still hanging from the ceiling. Her mind immediately put together the scene that Erik had walked in on and fought harder to keep herself in control. She pulled herself out of her thoughts when the officer spoke. "M. Chevalier, the Vicomtess De Chagny has demanded to see you."
Javert turned around with a raised eyebrow. "The Vicom…" He stopped when he saw Christine Daae and Meg Giry. He walked up to them addressing Christine first. "I am fairly certain you're aware that Vicomtess is no longer your title."
"I am." Christine admitted. "I'm sorry for my deceit but there are certain facts about what happened here that I feel must be set right. That is why I have come out of hiding."
"Hiding?" Javert said. "I was told by the Vicomte you were a prisoner of the phantom."
"I was. Which is why when I got the opportunity I disappeared from the De Chagny estate in Dijon and went into hiding." Christine told him.
Javert was silent for a moment as he took in what Christine had said. "You're saying…"
"Vicomte Raoul De Chagny is the opera ghost you have been searching for." Christine announced loud enough for all to hear. She held back a grin when she heard a new uproar from the crowd outside.
"That is quite an accusation." Javert responded becoming increasingly aggravated at this entire situation that ended so tragically. Although his instincts told him he wanted to hear what the ex-Vicomtess had to say and see where it led.
"It's true." Meg spoke up from behind Christine.
"Mademoiselle Giry." Javert said and tried not stare at her battered face. He noted that her injuries looked similar if not identical to her mother's. "I am sincerely sorry for your loss."
"Thank you." Meg said glancing back at the sheet that covered her mother's body then looked at Javert. "Christine is telling the truth. Raoul is the opera ghost."
"Do either of you have any proof of this?" Javert asked.
"Only my word." Christine said then thought of something else. "And this." She undid her cloak and began to lift her blouse when she felt Meg's hand on her arm.
"Christine, no."
"I have to." She said and lifted her blouse. She turned around so Javert could see what was visible of the scars on her back. She turned back to face him. "The worst of it is covered by my undergarment but I will show you…"
"No." Javert said as he saw Christine reaching to unfasten it. "That will not be necessary."
"Thank you." Christine said as she fixed her blouse and refastened her cloak. "I uncovered his secret the morning after I replaced La Carlotta in Hannibal. He threatened me and others I cared about while I was there to keep me silent. Then he forced me into marriage and beat me so I would never reveal his secret. When I was able to escape I found Meg here in Paris. She helped me get to her mother so I would be safe."
"That is quite a tale." Javert said. "However, the opera ghost was a legend long before the Vicomte became involved with the opera house."
"True, but as you just said. He was a legend, a story to keep the people of the opera house inline. No one died until Raoul became the patron. He and Anton Boucher were in the plot together. When Raoul had to be in public Anton would play the part of the phantom."
"Why would they conspire such a plot?" Javert inquired.
Christine shrugged her shoulders. "They never said. I suppose Raoul and Anton wanted to add some excitement to their dull privileged lives. Buquet discovered Anton during Il Muto, it's why he was killed."
"Who was the man we were after then?" Javert wondered. "The man you unmasked the night the opera house was left in ruins."
"His name is Erik Destler. A friend I made during my time at the opera house. I grew to have feelings for him which made Raoul deeply jealous. Erik lived below the opera house and hid himself from the world because of his facial deformity. He is a brilliant musician. He was the one who taught me to sing. We fell in love and his one dream was for us to be able to sing on stage together in an opera he wrote. Raoul wanted him out of the way so he could have me for himself. Raoul and Anton forced me to coerce him into playing the part of Don Juan so that you would think he was the madman. As you can see from what I showed you had I refused to cooperate I would have been punished far worse or even killed." Christine explained. "After six years Meg and Madame Giry helped me to reunite with Erik so he would keep me safe. She and Meg protected not only Erik but myself as well. They put themselves in immense danger to help us flee from Raoul and his companions. Erik would never do this to her. He loved her. It's disgusting that he has been set up for her murder or that Madame Giry's help cost her, her life."
Javert was silent for a moment taking in what Christine had told him. "That is all well in good but when it comes down to it, it is your word against…"
"It is the truth." Two male voices said from the entry to the study.
Christine turned around and was surprised to see M. Firmin alongside Gerald. Bailey was in front of them. "I tried to stop them sir but they claim to have proof that what Miss Daae is saying is true."
"Let them in." Javert said. "M. Firmin." He greeted him with a nod. Then he looked at Gerald. "I'm sorry sir, I don't know your name."
"My name is Gerald Foss. I am the head butler in the De Chagny household, I have been since the Vicomte was a young boy."
"What proof do you have to offer?"
"Go up to the attic." Gerald told him. "There you will find all the proof you need. There are lassoes, costumes, masks, and other various items. Along with restraints and blood from the torture he put this young woman and her mother through. Three nights past Anton and two other men returned here with Madame and Mademoiselle Giry as their prisoners. They were held in the attic and tortured for information as you can see from Meg Giry's visible injuries. Then earlier today I overheard Raoul and Anton speaking about a plan to trap a man named Erik. That way he would be rid of him and take Christine back. The Vicomte is an unstable man monsieur. He is obsessed with having Miss Daae return to his side. He thinks of her as his property and only his."
As Javert listened he could finally see the pieces of this puzzle falling into place. "M. Firmin do you have anything to add?"
"No, sir. I know I'm not supposed to be here but I needed to see for myself if the gossip on the street was true." He walked up to Meg and pulled her into a hug. "Your mother was a dear friend of mine and I am sorry for your loss."
"Thank you." Meg whispered knowing that she would be hearing these same words numerous times over the next few days.
"Bailey." Javert said. "Have our men reached the attic yet?"
"We are still on the second floor sir." Bailey told him. "It's taking more time due to having to light all the rooms."
"Move them all to the attic." Javert ordered and addressed another officer. "Thomas, go back to headquarters and send more officers here. Also begin getting the word out to the rest of the Surete around the city. The Vicomte De Chagny, Anton Boucher, and anyone else associated with them are wanted for questioning in the murder of Madame Giry and the events that occurred at the Opera Populaire six years ago."
Christine was about to say something when she heard a familiar female voice. She turned around and narrowed her eyes when she saw Rosalie by the stairs in the Foyer speaking with one of the officers. She knew Rosalie always held a torch for her ex-husband. She was the woman in the mansion waiting for Erik. She thought to herself and walked toward her. She heard her giving her account of what happened. Without a second thought Christine grabbed her by the shoulder turned her around and slapped her across the face. "You shut your traitorous mouth."
Rosalie glared at Christine holding her cheek. "I am only telling the officer what I saw."
"You're lying." Christine accused her and laughed. "Raoul always knew you wanted him. He took advantage of you to take part in this plot." She turned around and saw Javert with Meg coming up behind her. She turned back to Rosalie. "Tell M. Chevalier the truth."
Javert looked at Rosalie and could see fear entering her eyes. "Mademoiselle, if you have lied to me or are part of a plot to trap an innocent man you better tell me now. If you do the magistrate may be lenient on you."
Rosalie didn't know what to do. She wanted to be loyal to the Vicomte but her need for self-preservation took over. She looked down at the floor. "Miss Daae is right. I was indeed part of the plot to trap Erik…"
"M. Destler to you." Christine demanded.
Rosalie nodded. "The Vicomte summoned me earlier today and told me to take the letter he wrote to you. I was to convince you to come to the estate by any means necessary. Once I did I wasn't supposed to return until night fell and wait for M. Destler to show himself. However I was curious as to what the rest of the plan was and snuck inside the mansion after I left your office. I hid in a doorway and saw the Vicomte with Anton carrying the body of Madame Giry into the study. They closed the door and I can only assume they set the stage to set up M. Destler." Christine gasped. Erik hadn't told them but she knew what Raoul would have done to set him up. She forced herself to listen as Rosalie continued. "I hid until they left and waited as instructed. I saw a man enter the study and could tell by his reaction he was shocked at what he saw. I snuck up behind him and, you know what happened after that." Rosalie admitted. "The Vicomte was obsessed with getting Miss Daae back and rid the world of Er…M. Destler."
Javert stood looking at Rosalie while both Christine and Meg held themselves back from attacking her. Javert could see the women were ready to pounce and stepped in front of them. "I knew something was off about this situation from the beginning but I never thought it would be this twisted. Alex, take this young woman into custody and bring her to headquarters to get her admission on the record." The officer that was taking her statement was now putting her under arrest. He shackled her arms in front of her and led her out of the mansion through the crowd into one of the Surete's carriages.
Meg watched the carriage ride off as more officers arrived and Javert ordered them to search the mansion from top to bottom. She was shocked at this turn of events and didn't know what to think of what Christine had been able to do. Her mind was whirling with so many different emotions that she felt herself beginning to go numb. She shook her head when she heard her name being spoken. She turned to face Javert. "I'm sorry did you say something."
"Please you have no need to apologize to me Mademoiselle Giry…"
"Call me Meg." She requested in a whisper.
"Of course. First I want to offer you my deepest condolences over the loss of your mother. Secondly, I know it will be hard but I need your statement about what happened to you and, your mother." Javert told her. She responded with a nod. "Paul." Javert called and an officer walked over to them. "Would you please take Madem...Meg's statement?"
"Yes sir." He said and went back into the study to gather paper, a pen, and ink from Raoul's desk. "If you would please come with me." Meg nodded and followed him into the dining room.
Christine was about to go with them but felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around and saw it was Javert. He brought her into a secluded corner of the study where they could have some privacy. "M. Chevalier is there something more you need?"
"Is it alright if I call you Christine?" Javert asked.
"Of course."
"Christine, things happened fast earlier but did you say that your friend's sur name was Destler?"
"I did." Christine replied. "Does that mean something to you?"
"It is not a common last name in France." He said a bit distant. "I met a young woman from Calais a long time ago. Her name was Celine Destler. She was a struggling woman making a living the only way she knew how." Christine immediately knew what he meant remembering what Erik had told her about how his own mother made a living. "I took her up on her, services, one night. She figured I would want her to go immediately after but I found myself intrigued by her and asked her about her life. It turned out she was the youngest child of a wealthy family here in Paris. She ran away but never told me why. I looked them up only to find out her entire family had left France to journey to America. Some years later I returned to Calais hoping to see her again but was unable to find her. I asked around and found out she had had a child. However he was born with a facial deformity so she kept him and herself hidden."
"Are you saying you think you knew Erik's mother?" Christine asked.
"For a short time I am fairly certain I did." Javert answered and Christine could see a glimmer of hope in his eyes as he continued. "Do you know what happened to her? Is she here with him?"
"No. She hated Erik from the day he was born. She sold him to a band of gypsies and never looked back. He has no knowledge of what happened to her."
"I'm…I'm sorry to hear that." Javert said not knowing what else to say. "If he is interested he could go to city hall to see what he can find out about the rest of his family. I know from experience how important it is to know where you come from. Also, you can tell him from me he is no longer a wanted man."
"He's free." Christine whispered and couldn't hold back a smile when Javert nodded. "Thank you." She surprised him by pulling him into a hug. "I'm sorry. I should go check on Meg."
"Yes and I have a search to continue." Javert said.
Christine walked toward the dining room. Before she opened the door she saw M. Firmin in the hall. When he saw her he immediately stopped talking with the officer he was speaking with and embraced her.
"I am so sorry Miss Daae." He said.
Christine wiped away a few tears. "Thank you. I'm glad you're still here. It gives me the opportunity to thank you for what you did."
"No gratitude is required." M. Firmin told her.
"I thought you left Paris."
"I was on my way but realized there were a few things I left behind that I wanted. When I heard of Madame Giry's death I had to come and I am glad I did." M. Firmin told her. "I plan on sticking around after what has happened. The Vicomte has committed such an atrocity and if he is apprehended I want to be here if they need my testimony."
Christine nodded. "I don't mean to be rude but if you'll excuse me I need to go check on Meg." M. Firmin nodded and Christine walked away from him. She found Meg in the dining room, alone. She walked up to her putting a hand on her shoulder. "How are you holding up?"
"As well as can be expected." Meg said in a robotic tone. Christine sat down next to her and took her hand in her own. They sat in silence as the mansion was searched. They each wanted to know if Javert and the Surete found anything else.
After a while Javert came into the room. Meg and Christine both stood up and saw he was carrying two satchels. "We found these in the attic." He said as he put them on the table.
He was about to leave the room when Meg found her voice. "M. Chevalier, when can I…" Her eyes filled with tears she refused to allow fall. "Give my mother a proper burial?"
"The coroner has already taken her body to be examined. She will be released to you in a day or two. In the meantime please feel free to make whatever arrangements you need to and we will be sure to coordinate with you." Javert said and left the room.
Christine turned to Meg with unshed tears of her own. "I didn't want to say anything earlier but I would like to offer you a place in the Daae mausoleum as your mother's final resting place. It is up to you of course but…"
"My mother told me awhile back that when her time came she would like to be laid to rest with your father. That was if you agreed." Meg told her. "I'm glad I can honor that wish for her."
"Erik and I will also pay for whatever arrangements you make…"
"That's not necessary." Meg said and began to go through the satchels that Javert had brought in. She stopped when she found her mother's journal. Christine noticed it looked identical to Erik's. Meg began to go through it and couldn't hold in her tears as she looked at her mother's handwriting. As she flipped through the pages two envelopes fell to the floor. She picked them up and saw that one was addressed to her while the other was for Christine. "This is for you." Meg told her and Christine took the envelope but waited to open it. Meg unfolded the paper inside and tears flowed faster down her cheeks as she read her mother's final words.
My dearest Meg,
If you are reading this letter then I regret that am no longer with you. With the path we had chosen to take I knew death was possible for any of us and needed to write down my final words if I did not get the chance to tell you in person.
I want you to know that I am proud of the young woman you have become. You are beautiful, confident and strong, stronger than I ever was. Even though at times I was harsh with you while teaching, you are a wonderful dancer. I dare say better than myself. My hope for you is that one day you will return to the stage. It is of course up to you. All I want, all I have ever wanted for you is a happy life.
I beg you please do not blame yourself for my passing. As I told you when your father passed death is another part of life that must come to us all. Some sooner than others, it was simply my time. I remember what you were like when your father died. Please let others support you in your time of grief and take some measure of comfort that I am in a better place. I love you my darling daughter with all my heart and will be watching over you.
Love Always,
Maman
Meg reread the letter and couldn't stop her tears. She closed her eyes and held it close to her heart. She felt Christine's arms wrap around her. She returned her embrace holding on to her best friend like a life preserver as she cried.
Christine let her own tears fall as she held Meg. "I can't believe she's gone." She whispered.
"I know." Christine replied. "Neither can I. I am so…"
"Don't." Meg said a bit harshly as she pulled away from her wiping away her tears. "Open yours."
Christine did as Meg asked and found a piece of paper along with two other envelopes. She read the letter smiling as she could hear Madame Giry's voice in her head.
Christine,
I know when you read these words I will be gone. Please do not blame yourself or allow yourself to carry any guilt over my death. I knew the risk I was taking reuniting you with Erik and I will never regret that I did. Seeing you both together and in love makes my heart swell with joy.
I wish you and Erik the same happiness I found in Meg's father. You both deserve it and neither of you should dwell on your pasts. Always treat each day as a gift and cherish the time you have together. You never know when it will come to an end.
There was something I was hoping to be able to tell you and now know I should have before you left. Along with this letter you will find two others. One is for Erik. The other is for you. It is from your father. He wrote it to you just before he passed. I must ask for your forgiveness in being remiss in giving it to you when you were of age. I am proud of the woman you have become and feel privileged to have been a part of your life.
I must make one last request of you, please watch over Meg and try to keep her from doing anything reckless. I will be watching over all of you.
Love,
Antoinette Giry
I promise you Madame Giry I will watch over Meg. Christine silently vowed. She is like a sister me. She looked at the other two envelopes. She felt her hands beginning to shake as she saw her father's handwriting on one of them. She quickly opened it and began to read her father's words.
My Dearest Daughter,
I cannot express the sadness I feel that I will be leaving you. The only thing I find comfort in is knowing you will be in the care of Madame Antoinette Giry. You are young now but will be a woman when you read this. When I last saw you I promised you that I would send you an angel of music. I feared this was a promise I would never be able to fulfill.
However, Madame Giry has helped ease my fear. She has told me of a young man she rescued years back that lives below the opera house. I have asked her to introduce you to him after I am gone. She should have explained to you beforehand that he has a unique facial deformity which is why he hides from the world.
I have faith that with your kind heart you will be able to see past it and show him compassion in a world that has shown him none. He also shares your passion for music and even though I have never met him my heart tells me that he is your other half.
By the time you read this you both may have already discovered that you complete each other. You may even have fallen in love. My hope is that he was able to ease your grief through music. I feel he could be the angel I have promised you.
I love you with every fiber of my being my darling daughter and hope you have the happy life I have always wanted for you.
Love Always,
Pappa
Christine was shocked as she reread the letter and past words floated across her mind. Her father promised her that he would send her an angel of music. Her father promised her. Her father promised her. She was shaken out of her thoughts by Meg and realized tears were streaming down her cheeks.
"What is it?" Meg asked when she knew she had Christine's attention.
Christine looked at Meg and decided now was not the time. "It's nothing." She said while putting the letters away and into the waistline of her pants.
As Meg looked at Christine she suddenly felt like she couldn't breathe. She needed to get out this place. "I need to go." Meg whispered and quickly walked out of the room. She had to get away from all these people. Her mother had asked her to let people help her but she couldn't. She felt like her heart was shattered and she needed to be alone. She heard Christine's footsteps following her and quickened her pace.
"Wait." Christine said as she followed her.
"Christine please." Meg said as she turned around. "There are arrangements I have to make."
"I'll come with you and help." Christine offered.
Meg shook her head. "I need to…I want to do this alone."
"I know you are feeling immense pain. I don't think you should go alone. It's still dangerous out there. You could return with me for the night and in the morning…"
"Christine please…" Meg began but was interrupted.
"I hate to intrude but Miss Daae is right about the danger of going out onto the streets alone with what has been revealed here" Javert said. "I can offer you both a Surete escort to make sure you get to your destinations safely."
"Thank you." Meg said as M. Firmin approached her.
"My home is not far from here, if you like you can join me there so you have a place to rest. M. Chevalier has offered me Surete protection as well." He offered.
Meg nodded accepting his offer and turned to Christine pulling her into a brief hug. "I will tell you about my mother's arrangements when they are made."
"You don't have to do this alone."
"Yes I do." Meg told her and walked out of the mansion with M. Firmin and a Surete officer behind them.
Christine watched her go and wiped a tear from her cheek. She turned to Javert. "Am I free to leave or do you need a statement from me as well?"
"If you and Erik are willing to come down to Surete headquarters in the next day or so we can take your statement then. I will get an officer to escort you…"
"That's not necessary." Christine said not wanting to reveal the secrets of the opera house to anyone. "I will be safe."
Javert was about to argue but before he could Christine walked out of the mansion. The crowd had gotten smaller and she quickly made her way to Arturo ignoring anyone who spoke her name. She mounted him and rode off toward the opera house.
