Erik and Christine were in each other's arms as the sun came up. They didn't sleep much, but they took comfort feeling the other close at hand. They spoke throughout the night, with memories of happier times with their son by their side. They spoke of the future of how they will have him back again and how influential he will be when their other little blessing arrived. Positive thoughts were needed between them now.

Erik would have been out of bed hours ago, but he wanted to make sure Christine at least had an opportunity to rest and after their discussion the night before, there was no way he was going to leave her side. When they saw the sun rise, they smiled at one another and both got out of bed. They changed and made their way to Erik's office together.

When they arrived, Dr. Gangle, Nadir and Mr. Walker were looking intently at a letter that was addressed to Erik.

"Mr. Y, this just came for you." Gangle eyed both Erik and Christine. "It's from…."

Erik yanked it out of his hand. "How did it get here? Did anyone see them?"

"It was mailed, Mr. Y." Walker felt utterly useless.

Erik nodded. "Of course. I knew that, I…." He looked at Christine. "This ends now." He ripped the envelope and began reading it out loud."

"Dear Erik,

I knew the last time you threw me out of my home, you'd hear from me again. Did I get your attention? Are you noticing me, now? I told you once that people matter, not just the ones you think do. You should have remembered that, because now all that matters should be me and my Meg, for only we know where your precious little boy is."

Erik's voice trailed off…. "How did she know?" His eyes met Christine's and they each read the terror in their faces. He continued to read.

"We don't want to hurt Gustave, and we won't. We are not animals. We only wanted to make you listen and it seems we succeeded. We want what is rightfully ours. We want our share of your empire, for which you wouldn't have if not for us. I am only holding you to your promise. Deliver our money and we will return your son, safe and sound.

I will send details to you soon but be aware, you are to come alone. Follow my instructions and all will be well. But I warn you, Erik. You dare cross me or send your goons to do your job and I promise you, there will be no mistaking that Gustave is your son. He will be the spitting image of his father.

Antoinette."

"Dear God, she wouldn't! We have to stop her!" Christine suppressed her tears.

Erik grasped Christine's hand. "She's a monster…."

Nadir went to them. "Erik, we will get him back. She doesn't want the child, she just wants money."

Erik shook his head, "No, she wants to hurt me, but she didn't think things through when she took Gustave. She needs money. Her greed led her to this ransom and it will be her greed that will cause her demise." He handed the letter to Nadir. "From now on, any post that arrives at Phantasma will be inspected by Mr. Khan."

"Of course, Mr. Y. I'll make sure all parcels and letters arrive through him." Walker said with obedience.

"How much money does she expect, Erik?" Gangle asked.

"I have it. That's not the issue." Erik then took Christine's arm. "We need to talk."

Nadir looked at the men and spoke, as if on cue, "We will leave you two alone, but Erik if a second letter arrives, we will all need to…."

"Nadir, I'm not going against the letter. I refuse to put anyone else at risk."

"Erik…"

"Nadir, please. Just go and watch for the post. I need to speak with Christine."

The men left in silence but Gangle kept his eyes on Erik, as he walked out of the room.

"Erik, please tell me you have a plan and don't start by saying you are going to meet this crazy woman alone!" Christine pleaded.

"Angel…. I do have the money but…. It will break the park, not to mention our future."

"I don't give a damn about money. I just want our son back and you alive!"

"Gustave comes first."

She stared at him blankly. "What are you saying?"

"If I hand over the money, the park will go bankrupt and so will the jobs and lives of hundreds of people. Not to mention what will become of you and the children afterwards."

She was going to protest but he placed his hand up. "You say you don't care about your reputation but if the park is gone, you will need it to work and provide for the children."

"Answer me. What do you mean?"

"Christine, I am going to bring Gustave back to you and I promise I will not face Giry alone. I'm going to tell the police who I really am. I'm going to make a deal. Their cooperation in getting our son back in exchange for my life."

She stared at him incredibly. "Why would you do that?! The authorities here do not know who you are. They won't care what happened in France, 10 years ago!"

"They will when they receive the reward money still out there for anyone who has information, leading to the Phantom of the Opera." He saw her face. "Angel, you lived in France all these years, I know you knew of the reward for my head. If Giry were smart she would have contacted them herself, but her greed turned her hand. The money she believes she is owed, is far greater than what the French police can give, but it's a different matter to the authorities here."

"They'll kill you." She sobbed. "You promised, you would never leave me." She grabbed the lapels of his jacket for dear life.

"I promise you I will not go down without a fight. I have no intention of ever going away but it's a risk I am willing to take for our son. What kind of father would I be, if I didn't do this?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hours later, there was still no word from Giry. Erik asked Gangle to meet him privately. He opened the safe and pulled out two envelopes.

"Erik, this is not the way. It is too dangerous. You may not get out alive or the police will send you back to France to face jail for the rest of your life."

"Can you tell me of a better way, because I am open to suggestions, Gangle? If I make it out alive, I want you to give this to Christine and when it's safe, arrange for her passage to meet me. In time, we will all return. If I die or must go back to France, then you give her this." He gave the second envelope to Gangle. "Phantasma will go on and she will receive all the profits, along with the club and a few of my other side projects. There is also enough money for her to establish herself somewhere and start working when she is ready. I included a list of possible Opera Houses, and I listed Oscar as an alternative, if she wishes to work for him."

"Didn't she already turn him down?"

"Circumstances would be different and besides, it was his suggestion."

"What if she wants to run the park, herself?"

Erik looked at him as if he were mad. "Then that is her decision, but she would soon realize that managing the day to day is not her calling. Besides…."

"Besides what?"

He took out another document from the safe. "This is a legal document stating that, unless Christine says otherwise, you will run the park at full salary, in the event I am no longer…." He didn't finish his sentence.

Gangle didn't want to take the document from him. "I can't do that."

"You must. They need you. Everyone can trust you. I trust you."

"Erik, let us help you get Gustave back. We can do this."

"Just like all of us were able to stop her from taking him?"

Gangle felt as if he had been shot in the chest. "Erik…."

"You owe me. I did a favor once for you and you son, remember? Now I need you to do one for me and my family." He grabbed his arm, in friendship. "It is too dangerous. Giry will expect all of you. She won't expect my bringing the police."

Gangle took the documents. "As you wish Mr. Y." But I will do all I can to find another way and I know who is going to help me.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Christine was at the house with Walker, Nadir and Gangle.

"Have you called the police, Nadir?"

"They are awaiting our instructions. Although, I am a bit nervous. If they even start to think that Erik really is the Phantom…."

Christine was about to speak when a knock was heard at the door.

"Excuse me for a moment."

She opened the door and saw Raoul in front of her.

"Thank you for sending for me, Christine. I was afraid you and Erik wouldn't."

"Come in, Raoul."

He followed her inside and the others were on their feet.

"What is this?" Walker exclaimed.

"Nadir, to answer your question..." She looked at Raoul. "Raoul, would you care to explain?"

He took off his hat. "I wired the police in France. I told them that the Phantom was indeed dead. They might get word stating that he is alive and operating a freak show, but I assured them that the joke was not only false, but in exceptional bad taste. Americans and their idiotic sense of humor." He smirked.

Walker couldn't believe it. "I don't know what to say."

Nadir laughed. "It's brilliant. Did you think of that all by yourself, Vicomte?"

Raoul made a faint smile. "It was actually Christine's idea."

Gangle kissed the lady's hand. "My dear, it appears that Erik has become a bad influence on you."

She smiled. "Lord, I hope so!"

She then got back down to business. "Now then, let's go over this step by step."

Walker interjected. "Ms. Daae, shouldn't we let Mr. Y know?"

She eyed Gangle."No, he has to think he is following Madame Giry's instructions, other than having the police close by. He is right, Madame is expecting Erik's staff, not law enforcement. She would never think him to do such a thing. Which proves she doesn't know the kind of man he really is." Her eyes began to water, but she wiped them and continued. "Thus, when Erik sees the police, he won't think anything is a miss."

Walker still looked concerned. "I'll admit this is thought out well, but there is still a degree of risk involved."

Raoul spoke. "Whatever the risk, Erik and Gustave come home tonight, alive and safe."

A/N: Erik should realize he is not alone. But I wonder if this new plan without his knowledge will work for or against them. And Raoul…. Who knew? Stay tuned….