To anyone who didn't know any better, it was business as usual at the park. The rides, the games, and cafes/restaurants were still opened for business but behind closed doors, everyone was worried for Gustave and fearing the pent-up rage that Mr. Y could display at any minute. They were in a panic and most were trying to recant their day, going over every second in case something came back in their memories.
Mr. Walker tried to keep everyone calm. "Quiet! We can't think if we are all talking at the same time. Now we need to keep our heads. I want to speak with each and every one of you personally. I want you to tell me everything that you know, no matter how big or small."
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Christine motioned to Erik, "Angel, we should notify the authorities. We need all the help we possibly can get."
"I already had Gangle contact them and we have Nadir, a former Chief of Police to be able to ensure that things gets as much attention as possible. I'm also going to…." He hesitated.
"Going to what?"
"I am going to hold a press conference at the concert hall and offer a reward to anyone who has any information leading to Gustave's return."
"You don't seem sure. What is it?"
"I… I wasn't going to do it. I mean I wanted Gangle and Walker to handle it but, they insisted that it should come from me. I was afraid the press wouldn't take it seriously, with my mask and all." He seemed distant.
"I will stand beside you. We will face them together." She grasped his hand to show him he wouldn't be alone.
Earlier that night…
When they arrived back at Phantasma, Erik and Christine charged into Meg's quarters, but they found her and all her things gone.
The look on Christine's face when she realized Meg was gone and Gustave was still nowhere to be found, haunted Erik. He traced her cheek. Erik shook his head. "I can't believe I thought she would be still be here. What a fool I am."
"You wanted to see the good in her, as I did."
"I knew she hated me but to have her vengeance span so deep that she felt she had to take our son?" He moved away from Christine and lowered his head. "I can't help but think back to when you first arrived at the park and I threatened Gustave. How could I have done something like that? All to get you to sing for me?"
She placed her hand on his heart. "Don't torment yourself with that. You more than made up for it, long before we ever became close again. Besides, we both know you would never have really harmed him."
"I'm just like them!" Erik was disgusted with himself.
Christine yanked him by the arm. "Don't you ever think such vile thoughts again! You are nothing like them. Nothing!"
Erik looked deep into Christine's eyes and although he knew she believed in what she was saying, he did not.
"We better get back to my office and start questioning everyone."
Back to the present…
Mr. Walker spoke with Molly, then Sally, Gangle, Squelch and Ms. Fleck. He didn't receive any information he didn't already know. He was looking over his notes and then looked around the room.
"Where is Nancy?"
Erik turned around. "Who?"
"Nancy. We need to question her."
Ms. Fleck stood. "I'll get her."
Erik went up to Walker. "Who's Nancy?"
Walker looked at Erik funny. "She's the one who has been giving Gustave swimming lessons, Mr. Y." He then looked at Christine. "Ma'am, you didn't know either?"
Before Erik and Christine could respond, Ms. Fleck returned with the girl in tow.
"What is all this about?" Nancy looked at Mr. Walker and then flinched when she saw Erik coming towards her.
"You were giving my son swimming lessons?"
Nancy begun to realize that she was in big trouble. "Mr. Y, I can explain. I…."
"Why didn't anyone tell me or his mother?"
"Erik, just let the girl talk." Christine turned to her. "Nancy, is it? I am Gustave's mother. Did you see him today? Please, any information you can give us will help."
"He's missing?" Nancy looked as if she was going to faint.
"Mr. Y, Ms. Daae, I am very sorry. I thought you both knew…... I only gave Gustave one lesson, then Meg started to come with us."
Walker's mouth gapped open. "Meg? Since when?"
"It's been going on for a few months now. She told me she was a better swimmer than I am, which she is, and she wanted to teach the boy."
Christine placed her hand over her chest. "Oh, my poor Gustave."
Erik motioned for the girl to get out of his sight. He then took Mr. Walker by the lapels. "How could you have not known about this?"
"Mr. Y. I am so sorry. I…."
"I could kill you for what you have done!" He gripped Walker tighter but then let him go and told everyone to leave but Nadir and Gangle."
The act of self-control did not go unnoticed by Christine or Nadir.
"Erik, you're fine. You didn't lose control. Stay calm."
He ignored Nadir. "Gangle, I…. want that him and that girl gone from the park."
"Mr. Y, if you would forgive me but, I do think Walker is a man to be trusted."
Erik roared back. "His incompetency caused my son to be missing by some mad woman and her mother! He is lucky I am not the man I used to be." Although I can't tell you how much I wish I was.
Gangle remained calm. He only reminded Erik that he should rest and change for when he meets the press in the morning.
"I have a change of clothes here."
"Erik." Christine's voice washed over him. "Some time at home, will do us both good. We'll change and come back refreshed."
He looked at her with concern. "Angel, you need to go home and rest for the baby. I'll be fine. I'll…"
She took his hands. "We either leave together or not at all."
He rolled his eyes. "Christine, you can't act that way. You know you need to rest. This stress is terrible for you and I can…."
"My stress will not decrease, if I am at home and you are here, festering." She took his hand and placed it on her stomach. "All of us need this."
He swallowed hard. He then relented. "Okay." He mouthed I'm sorry to her and she just kissed his hand.
As they were about to leave, Mr. Walker appeared at the door.
"Sir, my resignation letter. I'm leaving now. I cannot convey how sorry I am to you both."
Erik took the letter and ripped it up. "Neither one of us are fit to make such a decision. I have not decided one way or the other. Until I can be sure, Nadir is going to be your constant companion." He looked over at Nadir.
Nadir walked up to Mr. Walker, knowing that his height and complexion could make him a bit intimidating to those who did not know him well. He smiled. "Show me to your quarters."
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When Erik and Christine arrived home, they collapsed in a tired embrace. Although he didn't want to leave her side, he thought it best to check the post, just in case something was sent regarding Gustave. He slowly got up and retrieved the mail. Christine woke up as soon as she felt his side of the bed become empty. She got up and found him by the door with the envelope in his hand.
"Erik, what is it? Is it from Meg?"
He opened it and then paused. He then placed the envelope in her hand.
"It's from Raoul. He signed the annulment papers."
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"Please Meg, I am scared. Where are we? Talk to me!"
Meg ignored Gustave. She couldn't fight Tom or her mother's actions too much for fear they would think she was turning against them. Tom had tied Gustave's hands together and placed a bag over his head, so he couldn't see where they were going. At least he had the good sense of providing airholes, so Gustave could breathe but beyond that, Meg hated how they regarded the boy.
"Can't have the little brat dying on us so soon."
After a few more attempts from Gustave to get Meg to talk to him, he knew he wasn't going to get the answers he was seeking and so he began to cry.
"Shut up, kid!" Tom punched Gustave on his side.
Meg yanked his arm. "No violence! We agreed."
"Well maybe you can deal with his yapping, but I can't."
Madame Giry turned from the front of the carriage. "Quiet all of you. We will be there soon. Until then, I want complete silence."
"Mother, we have been traveling for hours cooped up like this. We need a break."
"We'll get a break, once we have arrived where we are going."
Tom huffed. "Fine, but I'm coming up front with you and driving for a while. I can't stand to be near these two for much longer."
When Tom moved up front, Meg just looked over at Gustave, completely helpless. His tears subsided but she knew he was still awake. She moved closer to him and whispered, "Gustave, it will be alright. We will let you go as soon as we get what we want from Erik. Don't worry. I'll make sure Tom doesn't hit you again, I promise." She placed her hand on his side, but Gustave jerked away.
"Don't touch me. I was wrong about you. Mother and Father were right to hate you. You are an evil, liar. You are not my friend. I hate you!"
Meg let her silent tears fall. I hate myself too.
