Stranger Than You Dreamt It
Chapter 9 – Shattering Glass
Moriarty growled at the man that held Erika. He'd been coming down the hallway when he saw her get yanked back into her room. What alerted him that she was in trouble was her yelling. Fury whipped through him as he walked towards the room. Seeing Erika being squeezed into submission by this ogre only incensed him more. Murder was foremost on his mind as he blocked the goon's only exit.
"Put her down!" Moriarty barked at the man.
"There is a pretty price on this pretty head," the goon laughed. "Why should I?"
"Simple; because I'll make you," Moriarty growled as he sucker punched the goon.
Erika was jostled with the goon at the impact of the punch. She felt the goon shove her away. Erika smashed into her bed. Wincing, she sat down and tried to get her bearings. Looking up, she watched as Moriarty and the goon exchanged blows. Erika looked around for something she could use as a weapon.
Spotting an ugly vase she received once, she grabbed it and approached the brawling boys. She shuddered at the look of rage on the Professor's face. It surprised her enough she nearly dropped the vase. Instead she looked away and tightened her grip. The goon began to fight back and Moriarty took a few hits.
The goon pulled his fist back to punch Moriarty's face, "Any last words?"
"Oui," Erika growled, "Good night."
With that said, Erika swung the vase as hard as she could. The goon was turning when it connected with his temple. He fell forward where he was greeted by Moriarty's fist. Soon an inky blackness took over the goon's senses. Moriarty pushed the goon's limp body to the side as he stared at Erika.
Erika felt her heart speed up under his gaze. Erika stepped back as he stood up. She was grateful but wary of him. Moriarty looked away as he hefted the goon up. Unceremoniously he flung him into the hallway and shut the door. Taking a deep breath, he turned toward him and felt the punch in his gut.
Erika stood, uncertain of what he was staring at. Absently she played with a golden ring that hung around her neck from a gold chain. Moriarty's eyes swept over her. She was definitely tousled from the attack. Her robe was hanging off one of her creamy white shoulders. Moriarty stared at her face as he walked towards her. Erika remained frozen until he was right in front of her.
"Who was he?" Moriarty asked firmly.
"One of the Count's men."
"So you are Erika Noir."
"I was her once. She died six years ago."
Moriarty just nodded before he scooped her up into a kiss. Erika stiffened for a moment before relaxing into it. Her fingers gripped his hair as she held on for dear life. Moriarty's hands did the same to her hips. Her perfume swarmed his sense as he forgot everything in her embrace. Neither one wanted to let go as they stole each other's breath.
"Erika, are you all right?" Nadir shouted as he entered the room and gaped at the sight in front of him.
Smirking, he cleared his throat causing the two to surface. Reluctantly, they let go of each other at the same time. Moriarty growled at Nadir as he stalked out. Erika however, collapsed on the bed. She couldn't believe how defenseless she felt just then. Undecided whether she loved it or hated it, she looked up at Nadir.
"I'm not going to ask," Nadir stated gently. Never had he ever seen his best friend like this. Still smirking, he walked over. It was possible that she was in love.
"He found me, Nadir," Erika groaned as she looked at him, "And it scares me."
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Lestrade looked out over Paris at night as the hover cab zipped along. She sighed to herself. That was a close call the other day. She wasn't sure who her savior was, but she owed them. It took a lot of pleading and arguing to talk Holmes out of paying the Count a visit. When those didn't work, she point blank threatened him.
Lestrade worried about this lead Holmes had. Granted she hardly looked like herself but one of the many prostitutes that she was use to deal with in New London. Holmes definitely looked like a thug trying to look like a something else. However it was necessary, considering they were walking right into the lion's den of Underground elite. It was mind numbing about how many masks these people had. First the Count, then Erika, and now Leroux. She only hoped Leroux wouldn't expose them, if he was there tonight. Some much was changing in this case and for the first time she wondered if they were over their heads.
As the cab landed, Holmes straightened in his seat. He gave her one of his patented smiles that seemed to make her breath catch. Lestrade beamed back to let him know she was fine. Holmes gracefully exited and helped Lestrade out. Lestrade hoped they found out a few things about Erika here.
Holmes kept a grip on Lestrade's hand as they entered the De Chagny Estate home. It was stately manor filled to the brim with revelers and party goers. Holmes recognized a few infamous criminals as he and Lestrade made their way through the rough and rowdy crowd. Holmes felt Lestrade grip his arm tighter as they were jostled around. Holmes mouthed to her to stay in her role. Lestrade nodded nervously as she looked around the crowd and ran right into Leroux.
"Sorry, mademoiselle." Leroux smiled.
Lestrade stared at Leroux unsure of what to say. Unfortunately in that time, Leroux stared at her and began to recognize her. Lestrade saw the look in his eyes as they widened. She suppressed a groan as Holmes walked up to her side. Both worried if the Surete member would expose them. To their relief Leroux lowered his voice when he addressed them.
"Are you two crazy? You are dead meat if anyone recognizes you." Leroux informed them.
Holmes smirked humorlessly, "You will be a good man and not inform anyone of our real identity, won't you?"
Leroux shook his head, "And Incur the Phantom's wrath? No thank you. I like my head where it is."
Lestrade seized on that, "You work for the Phantom?"
Leroux shrugged, "Most of Paris is on one side or another of the feud. Now keep your voices down. This isn't Phantom friendly territory. The only reason everyone is minding their manners is James Moriarty is watching over everything. For right now you will be my cousin M'sieur Holmes with your girlfriend. That will gain you some confidence around here."
Holmes nodded, "I see. Why are you helping us?"
"Despite what the Phantom told you, you need to trust someone. Better us than the Count. And keep a close eye on Mademoiselle Lestrade. The Count still has designs on her."
With that said Leroux dove back into the crowd. Lestrade watched him go. Leroux had a point but she still wasn't ready to trust any of the players in this game. One look at Holmes told her he felt the same way. Looking around the crowded ballroom, she noticed many famous criminals circulating about. In the middle of the highest ranking group of villains was the Count, enjoying himself. Soon his eyes locked with hers. Lestrade quickly glanced away and continued to survey the room. She spotted Moriarty up in the balconies away from the action. It seemed like he wasn't too impressed with the Count as well. He had some intelligence it seemed.
Moriarty watched from the highest balcony. He couldn't believe he'd listened to Fenwick about coming here. He hated events like this. It was The Count's way of holding Court. Moriarty hated things like this. It allowed for conspiracies and back stabbing taking place. Silently Moriarty noted who to look out for and to come down on. People were trying to take him down all the time. It was best to strike first.
Moriarty gazed over the crowd. His eyes spotted Holmes and Lestrade circulating talking with different people. Scowling, he moved back when Holmes looked up. Moriarty returned when he was sure Holmes had looked away. He looked over to see the Count de Chagny standing on the far side of the ballroom. He was talking with several well-known corrupt officials and crime lords. Moriarty frowned at this. The man was too ambitious by half. With the death of his younger brother, one would think he would go into hiding to protect himself. Instead he was out and about bold as one could be. It was as if he was flaunting himself, daring any one to challenge him. And that was dangerous to Moriarty. He would have to bring him down a few notches. Moriarty smirked maybe use the Phantom, De Chagny's sworn enemy to do so. Which meant Moriarty would have to see Erika again.
He wouldn't mind this party if he didn't have to do it alone. He could have his pick of all these women in the crowd below, yet the one that he wanted was in a dingy club across town. His mind began to wander back to Erika standing in her dressing room in an unguarded moment. It was then that they both tasted what they could be together. It terrified Moriarty and yet it tempted him. Here was a woman, he could rule with. After all, one only had to look at the merry little chase she lead not only him but all of Paris on to see she was cunning and devious. The Perfect Josephine to his Napoleon. This thought entertained Moriarty enough that he didn't hear someone step beside him.
"Good evening, Professor Moriarty." a husky voice called to him.
Moriarty was pulled from his little daydream by the voice. Scowling he growled, "I left strict orders not to be bothered."
"Oh yes, your goons definitely mentioned that. But I persuaded them otherwise." the voice stated.
Moriarty turned to glare at his visitor. Standing in the entranceway of the balcony was a trim and fit young woman in a red and gold can-can dress. The dress tastefully showed off her body and accented her legs. Moriarty had seen many can-can girls at the party but none looked as elegant or as graceful at the one in his way. Red and gold ribbons were scattered through out the chocolate curls of her hair. Her mask was painted like that of a skeleton with bright blue orbs glowing underneath. Moriarty looked her over slowly as he couldn't believe she was here.
Moriarty glance down to see if The Count had spotted her yet. Ruelle was currently occupied by another target as he made his way through the crowds. Moriarty frowned as he noticed him walking towards Lestrade. Lestrade didn't see the danger as she spoke with a group of very well known courtesans. Moriarty glanced to where Holmes was talked to three very well known dons in the Italian Underworld. None of the three seem to recognize the Detective. Moriarty growled to himself. Obviously he needed to have a talking to his men about not talking with the obvious enemy. He was about to storm down when he felt Erika put a hand on his arm.
"Now, now Professor, this is a night of deception. Don't ruin it with business." Erika smiled as looked out over everything with him.
"What are you doing here?" Moriarty asked as he gazed at her.
"Scouting. Why are you hiding from your adoring public?"
"Because I really don't feel like dealing with them. Besides I don't trust The Count De Chagny."
"A wise move. He is very devious. Smiles at you one moment, plunges a knife in your back the next."
"Experience talking, chère?"
"Oui, I learned my lesson very well. Trust no one except those who know you best. No one tried to defend Papa or myself afterwards. They ran to the Count begging for his favor. A few even tried to bring me to him so he could finish the job. They used their police and officials connections to make me vulnerable in the months following the murder. But they failed."
"You disappeared from Paris with The Phantom's help and then he disappeared as well."
Erika stiffened, "One could say that. But I never forgot Paris's betrayal. I decided to make them pay in the worst way possible, by sabotaging every operation these fools planned. And soon they will be begging for my favors with the Phantom's help. You must know by now that The Phantom wants nothing more than complete control of the Parisian Underground."
Moriarty stared at Erika's profile as she gazed heatedly at the floor below. This confession was a deadly gamble on her part. He had destroyed his underlings for less. Here was this young woman who tormented and teased him telling him she had designs on a portion of his Criminal Empire. Her only motivation for it was revenge on a world that helped destroyed her father. Moriarty could respect her reasons. At times he missed his family greatly. Nowadays, his only family was Fenwick and that wasn't saying much. Sure he thought of Fenwick like a father but he would never avenge him like Erika was doing with her own father.
As he gazed at the dark beauty beside him, Moriarty wondered what Erik would have wanted for his daughter. From what he heard it wasn't this life. Erik seemed to want a secure and peaceful life for his daughter and seemingly only child. Moriarty wondered about that. There was no birth record for Erika Noir in the Interpol database and the one for Erika Daae held a DNA sample that didn't match the one he got off of Erika. It was like she was a ghost, not really here. A sad and lonely existence Moriarty imagined. Maybe that's why she fell for The Count's mask of love and acceptance.
However she was risking her neck by challenge him and the Count. Several of his underlings demanded a chance to catch the Phantom. Moriarty delayed them saying he would prefer dealing with this threat himself, which was the truth since he didn't want Erika batting her eyes at anyone else but him. So he decided to do this the hard way by pursuing her himself and pray she would lead him to the Phantom. However he was seeing she wasn't about to do that. The Phantom could give her the vengeance she craved. Moriarty could do that as well.
"Erika, I can give you all that and more." Moriarty spoke after the long silence.
Erika looked at him, "What are you saying?"
"Become my queen, Erika." Moriarty smiled warming up to the idea, pressed a kiss to her hand, "You can rule over this world with me. Everything you ever wanted will be yours."
Erika smiled amused, "Even you?"
"Yes, even me." Moriarty grinned, definitely liking this idea now, "You will be my Josephine of Crime."
Erika's smile went sad, "You deserve better than me. I have no pedigree or dowry to give you like all the debutantes out there can."
Moriarty caught her chin with his hand gently, "But none of them are like you, Erika. I have no pedigree either in the way you mean. I'm a ghost from the past much like you."
Before Erika could protest further, Moriarty gently laid a kiss on her lips. It was soft and gentle, a complete opposite of the one that they shared in her dressing room the night before. Moriarty loosely held her to him. He didn't even hear the murmurs from below as several people noticed their fearless leader kissing a young woman. For it was the first time Moriarty had ever showed an outgoing interest in a woman before.
The Count paused and gritted his teeth as he watched. That was Erika in the Professor's arms. He was almost sure of it. So his henchman was right, The Napoleon of Crime did have designs on her. He would have to turn up the heat on Erika before she turned Moriarty against him. It was time to up the bounty on Erika's head. The Count turned to where Lestrade was standing ignoring the display going on high in the balcony. She was alone it seemed. The Count grinned as he made his way to her.
Erika gently eased away from Moriarty's kiss. Who was this man who turned her emotions all around? She gazed into his gray eyes as if to divine the truth. They truly were alike in many ways. Erika smiled gently. She couldn't accept, couldn't put him in the middle of this fight. He had a job to do and so did she. Feeling brave she touched his jaw softly. Moriarty smiled brightly thinking he had triumphed finally.
"I can't accept, Professor." Erika informed him, "I must prove myself my way."
Moriarty stared at her in disbelief, "Excuse me?"
"It is a generous offer and if you gave it to me shortly after my father died I would have accepted. However, I am much older now. I would be your lackey, Professor, not your equal. If I give my heart again I want it to be with a man who sees me as an equal no more and no less."
"Women would have killed for such an offer."
Erika smirked as she backed away, "Ah but Professor, I'm not like the other women down there. You know that or you would never have bothered with me. Again, it is a very generous offer, but I must decline for now. This game is too dangerous to risk yourself. As you have stated, you are too important to the Criminal world to lose."
Erika smiled and hurried out before Moriarty could make rebuttal. Moriarty blinked for a moment trying to register her words. She wasn't about to do what he thought she was going to do. He hurried out into the hallway only to be greeted with nothing more than empty space. Moriarty fully stepped out to find his two best goons out cold in the hallway. He smirked, as he surveyed the damage that Erika must have done. Equal ground eh? Somehow that wasn't going to be a problem.
Lestrade heard the murmurs around her about The Napoleon of Crime and his unknown sweetheart. She snorted to herself and decided not even give the spectacle a glance. After all she on a case and the current young women she was talking to were being very helpful. Courtesans were very observant about things around them. Some of her best information came from these ladies on the night. Lestrade just had to keep her mask in place as she talked with them.
Lestrade continued the flow of conversation with the girls and learned many things. First that De Chagny and the Phantom have always struggled for dominance in The Underground, a feud that each generation resulted in the death of either a Noir woman or a De Chagny male. Many in the Underground believed that the younger De Chagny was the most recent victim of the feud. However no one could for sure say if Erika was even alive. The poor thing went crazy with grief and guilt that many believed that she killed herself. After all she virtually disappeared that not even The Count could find her.
Lestrade had a few theories about where Erika went during that time. However she kept those opinions to herself. She didn't want to tip her hand to either the Count or Moriarty. She had been hearing rumors all over the place that Moriarty was searching for the missing Noir Girl as well. It seems she was the key to this whole mystery. If only Lestrade and Holmes could find her long enough to get to talk with them.
Lestrade's thoughts were interrupted when a hand fell on her shoulder. Smiling she turned expecting to see an impatient Holmes. Instead a charming matador was standing there. Lestrade scowled at the Count as she shrugged his hand off of her. Frantically she glanced around looking for Holmes. She didn't want to deal with this madman alone, especially not after what he tried to pull in the cemetery with her. Suddenly a horrible thought struck her. He could unmask her easily and then there would be serious trouble then.
"Ah Beth, There you are." The Count purred motioning the others away which the ladies obeyed immediately, "I must apologize for my behavior earlier. I simply lose my head."
Lestrade shoved away, "You'll lose more than that if you touch me again."
"Ah, But chère you must know how beautiful you are. I meant no harm."
Lestrade whirled on him, "Like Hell you didn't. Drugging a woman isn't the way to do things. Is that how you did to Erika Noir! Drug her so you could break her?"
The Count looked uneasy as several eyes fell on them. Lestrade had a feeling she hit a nerve with everyone and for a moment worried if she revealed her identity. However when she looked around, she noticed the stares were on the Count. Lestrade glared at him, feeling empowered by the support. Granted it wasn't the best but it seemed as if everyone knew what had happened to Erika.
The Count tried to continue his façade, "You don't know the whole story. She was threatening me."
"With what? It wasn't like you had the power to stop it. Instead you commit murder." Lestrade flung back.
The Count went from shock to disbelief to anger in very little time. Lestrade stood her ground. She said what everyone else was thinking. Steely eyed and strong she waited for the Count to do his worse. Then she felt a hand touch her shoulder. It was warm and familiar. Lestrade knew it was Holmes coming to her aid. Holmes stood next to Lestrade as they both stared down the Count. The Count merely sneered before stalking away. Holmes knew in that moment that they had made a dangerous enemy.
"We need to leave before he exposes us." Holmes whispered.
"Agreed. Let's go." Lestrade nodded.
They started for the door when The Count whirled back around. An insane gleam was in his eyes. Lestrade's throat went dry. He was going to expose them and they were still far from the door. Slowly she went for her ionser. She could feel Holmes stiffen next to her. How were they going to get out of this one?
The Count shouted loudly, "They are Imposters. They are none other than…"
A deep baritone spoke up in that instant, "My guests, Ruelle. I do trust you wouldn't be so rude to them. But then again Scum is scum."
Lestrade and Holmes watched the whole room fall silent at the man at the top of the staircase. A skeleton mask graced its face and a red plumed hat sat at a rakish tilt on his head. Holmes noted the great red overcoat cover at he thought looked like a gold waist coat. But by the gleaming gold it was a hard call. A huge red and gold cape flowed behind him. Lestrade caw the shocked look on The Count's face as he stared at the intruder. Slowly the figure descended the stair case silently like a ghost. Was this the Legendary Phantom?
Holmes studied the figure closely trying to discern certain facts about them. So The Phantom was a live and well. Holmes glanced up to see Moriarty watching the man fascinated. Surely this was quite a gamble to come here and face its two enemies. Holmes gripped Lestrade's hand and slowly pulled her through the crowd. If hostilities broke out, they need to be in a better position to make a strategic retreat. No one dared to stop them as The Phantom addressed the room.
"Why so silent, Good M'sieurs? Did you think I had you left for good? Have you missed me Good M'sieurs?" the Phantom questioned the room at large, "I certainly haven't forgotten you. I remember Paris's betrayal quite well."
The Count spoke up first, "I killed you."
"I was born in darkness little fool. You can't kill darkness. Enjoy your freedom, M'sieurs. It won't last long. The Phantom's memory is quite long and my revenge is even longer."
"I'll make sure you stay dead this time." The Count roared as he pulled out an ionser.
Suddenly the whole crowd seemed frozen as The Count took aim. The Phantom merely drew his sword and waited patiently. Holmes and Lestrade watched in horror as the two stared each other down. Neither combatant would give any ground. Holmes jumped when he heard a barked order from above.
"Ruelle De Chagny, Don't you dare harm him. He is off limits to you." Moriarty roared just as the Count fired.
The Phantom moved quickly. He brought his swords up. The mirrored blade met the blast and sent it hurling back at the Count, who dived out of the way. The Phantom content to have won this round twirled around and walked back up the stairs. At the top he turned around and stared down every face. There was neither humor nor mercy in his gaze. All of the Paris Underground froze in fear of what was next. They too remembered their neglect in keeping honor among themselves.
The Phantom smirked evilly, "Remember and pray for mercy. You have driven the last of it out of me."
With that said, The Phantom disappeared in a fury of smoke and fire. Soon it cleared and the physical form of the Phantom was gone. However his presence still lingered and several criminal for the first time began to question their decision. The Count stood up and glared as several associates began to back away. The Count glared around. So the silly fool thought it could ruin him so easily. They'll see what he was capable of.
"A million credits to the man who brings me either The Phantom's head or Erika Noir's." The Count declared.
Moriarty growled loudly drawing every eye to his balcony. The Count looked at him defiantly. The Count knew Erika was set on bedding The Napoleon of Crime, but Ruelle will teach her the folly of crossing him. He will make her pay. Regardless of what her lover said.
"I forbid anyone from trying. The Phantom is mine to deal with. Anyone who touched either him or the Noir girl will die." Moriarty declared.
The whole room was a buzzed with the new of their leader's proclamation. Holmes watched as the steaming Count turned and exited the room. He only paused long enough to order his men about. Holmes watched as several thugs moved quickly. There were only two possibilities; he was going to expose them or he was going after the Phantom. Holmes turned to Lestrade urgently.
"Lestrade did you ever tell The Count about our suspicions about the singer at the Club? About her possibly being Erika Noir?" Holmes questioned her quickly.
"I might have. Why?" Lestrade stated.
Holmes gripped her hand and pulled her out, "The Count is in quite a hurry."
"He is going to the Club to confront her." Lestrade realized.
"Or harm her. I don't know exactly who the enemy in this game is, Lestrade, but if he does confront her, she will disappear again. She is the key to everything."
Lestrade nodded as they hurried away from the De Chagny Estate. Everything seemed to point to Erika. Holmes was right about that. Lestrade only hoped they weren't making the miscalculation of trusting her too soon. After all it seemed Erika was just as guilty as the other parties involved. Indeed if she did kill the younger brother, she was more dangerous than she seemed. Lestrade prayed they weren't in over their heads as they stepped into the cab.
Meanwhile, Moriarty noticed The Count leaving. The fool wasn't going to defy him was he? Moriarty Snarled again as he turned and exited the balcony. For once he wanted flunkies who actually listened to an order. He casually trailed behind the Count. If he went to the Club, Moriarty was really going to kill him. It wasn't like he felt protective towards Erika. He just hated it when his underlings refused to listen to a direct command. Or at least that's what he kept telling himself.