I came to in my dressing room. I opened my eyes to the rather ridiculous sight of Raoul waving one of Genny's wooden fans over my face. I sat up quickly, embarrassed.
"Thank God, she's alright." M. Girard exclaimed.
I pressed a hand to my forehead. I glanced over at the mirror, annoyed and nervous that I had been brought back here. Raoul picked up my other hand and held it tightly.
"Christine, you fainted. You should go home. Let me fetch my carriage." he insisted.
"No...thank you." I spoke softly at first then turned to the other men. I was glad Genny wasn't here as well. I hope that no one had seen me carried back to my room, unconscious. One misconstrued glance from one of the ballet girls or even Camille would result in ten different rumors by tomorrow morning.
"Frederich is...dead..." I barely believed the words as I spoke them.
"Indeed, this is why we came to find you. Not just about the will, but to see if you had any information about what might have happened." Durand said.
Raoul's face went bright red with angry as he shouted at the inspector. "What are you implying, sir? She just found out about this. She fainted for Christ's sake!"
The inspector brought up his hands in a defensive gesture, but he glanced at my out of the corner of his eyes He probably had seen this all before. The benefactor dies and the sole heir is discovered dead by mysterious circumstances shortly after. I could tell he had already made his assumption about me. I was after all an opera singer...an actress.
"Not at all, vitcomte." he apologized. "If anything I am concerned for the safety of Mlle. Daae. The circumstances of the murder were most unusual and...disturbing. We were afraid if the motive for the murder was money; that the murderer might be after her as well."
Anyone else in my situation probably would have gone white as a sheet, but I remained calm and motionless.
"How would you state your relationship was between you and M. Varelius?" he quickly asked.
I glanced over at Raoul. He and I both knew the truth, but if I confessed that Frederich had abused me, it would only taint my innocence. Revenge for rape and the ability to collect an entire estate; it was the perfect motive.
"He lived with Madame and I for about a year. I understood that he had been disowned by his parents and was out on his own." I licked my lips as I was again forced to lie. "He was very busy with his gentlemanly pursuits...so I'm afraid our relationship was no more than a causal acquaintanceship. But I am still very shocked that someone would actually kill him."
"Do you know if he had any enemies?"
He had just made Raoul one. "I figured that he had a gambling problem, but it wasn't my place to speak to him about it."
"Yes, but from the evidence we found at the crime scene, it did not look like the typical slaying done by someone who wanted just money."
"What happened?" I asked.
The inspector lowered his eyes and stroked his mustache. "I'd rather not say. You will find it very upsetting."
"Please?"
"He was found in Montmartre outside a gaming hall. It obvious that his killer wanted him found for he displayed his corpse out so others could see his handiwork. He was robbed and beaten very severely. We aren't sure if these wounds were acquired post mortem. But whoever did this to him, wanted him to suffer. He had several cuts and lacerations across his body, in very precise places. We believe his murderer wanted him to slowly bleed to death."
I looked over at the mirror, thinking about Frederich and his 'enemies' I thought of Raoul's threat only minutes ago. Then it hit me.
Frederich had another person who wouldn't hesitant to label himself an enemy.
"He was finally put out of his misery after his throat was slashed. But not after...his genitals had been removed."
I lurched forward in the chair I had been placed in. Raoul's hands rushed forward, catching me under my breasts.
"Sweet God!" he yelled. "Was it really necessary to tell her that?" he challenged. My lips trembled and I was afraid I was going to be sick again
The inspector only huffed and leaned back in his chair. M. Girard spoke up.
"We didn't mean to be so upsetting. "He apologized. "But we must have the matter of Madame's estate settled without haste."
"You two have some damn nerve. Can't you show some respect! My friend has just discovered that her godmother is dead and then..." Raoul was very eager to speak for me.
"Wait!" I put up my hands to silence them all. I looked around at the anxious faces that starred back at me. That included the attentive face that I was certain was behind the mirror.
I had so much working against me. Even with the support of Raoul, I was sure the inspector would have no problem detaining me under suspicion of murder. Perhaps not as the killer but an accomplice, who stood to gain so much with the loss of Frederich's life. My friendship with the de Chagnys would not make me immune from scrutiny. They would want to know the truth. The actual truth of where I had been for the past fortnight.
I was sick of feeding people lies.
"M. Girard, isn't Madame's sister still alive?"
His eyes under his small spectacles widen in surprise at my question.
"Frederich's mother? Is she still alive? I know the last we spoke, Madame told me Frederich's sister was expecting soon. While his immediate family was estranged from him, I knew that Madame still kept correspondence with them." I spoke rapidly.
"I don't understand mademoiselle..."
"I'm saying I don't want the estate. If Frederich indeed has other family members who can be contacted, let them know what has happened. And let them inherit the estate." I suggested. More surprised looks greeted me. "Can it be done sir? Can I sign away my right to the inheritance?"
"Mademoiselle...are you sure you want to do...this?" M. Girard stammered. "You would be giving up the house, the investments and an allowance of 15,000 francs a year. These are the benefits Madame stated in her will."
I would be lying if the possibility of financial security did not appeal to me. But I had to do this. I felt it was the only way to cast suspicions away from me.
Sirs, until a few days ago I was only a costume girl. I have no means. I have no assets besides my earnings from the opera. I wouldn't know the first thing to do with my own house or investments. I know that may sound strange to you, but I prefer my arrangements as they are."
Girard put a hand to his forehead, still staring with disbelief. "So you don't want anything?"
"Not quite. I would very much like to collect my possessions from the house as well as some books that belonged to the professor." I admitted. "That is if I'm allowed to?"
"As far as I'm concerned, the estate is yours to do what you see fit with it, until you sign it over. You could empty the whole house if you like." Girard explained.
I forced a grin on my face. "No. What kind of woman do you think I am?" I asked in jest.
Girard drummed his fingers against his satchel. "Are you sure there isn't anything else you would want. You could claim some of the available cash that is certainly in the bank if you like. I admire your determination, but you also must realize there are things that a lady in your position might need. Monetary things that you may regret not having later."
He had a point. Briefly I thought of what I could use. I was wearing an old costume, and my wardrobe at home only contained a few dresses, all very outdated. I could use some new clothes. Or I could buy myself more books instead.
"No monsieur. The more you ask the more you will tempt me to take what isn't rightfully mine. I am grateful for Madame for even thinking to include me in her will. However she looked after me and my father for many years, without asking for so much as a sou in return. It would be wrong for me to take any money. So I feel in returning it to her family, I have repaid my debt to her and her husband." I started to feel a lump in my throat. This talk of inheritances, wills, murders and suspicion had almost made me forget the most important matter.
My godmother, my mamma Varelius was dead. And I hadn't even gotten the chance to say good bye.
"Very well then." Girard rose to stand. "I don't think I want to try and convince you otherwise then. I shall collect the proper papers to change the will by tomorrow. Where shall I send my correspondence to you, mademoiselle?"
"Here at the opera." I said "And when…when is the funeral?"
He sighed. "Tomorrow evening. There will just be a mass and then a burial. There were no requests made for her final arrangements. But I've been her lawyer and friend for many years. I felt I at least deserve to give her a proper send off." By now he was at the door. "I'll send you word when the papers are ready. If you like you can sign them before the funeral." He paused and nodded at me. "I could escort you to the church if you'd like."
I thought this gesture very kind for he and I both knew I would have to use my own money to hire a cab.
"I would like that. Thank you."
"My pleasure, mademoiselle. Good day." He said exiting. Inspector Durand trailed behind him.
"I hope what ever your decision is, that you make sure that above all else…you stay safe." He warned. "I'm afraid to say we still have no idea who the killer might be."
Oh, but I do…Inspector…
"Please, if you feel that you are in any danger or you remember something that might help us, please call on me." He withdrew a calling card from his pocket and handed it to me. "My precinct is actually very close to the opera house."
"Thank you inspector."
He turned a suspicious glance over at Raoul before leaving, letting the door remain wide open behind him. Raoul seemed just as annoyed with the inspector, as a disgruntle look marred his face.
"Christine…." He started
"Raoul, I think you should leave too." I pointed out. "I know you probably have a lot to say to me, but I don't think now is the time." I looked up into his eyes that soften when he saw me. "Don't you agree?"
"I do." He said dryly, pulling at the lapel of his jacket. "I think this is yet another hint that I take your earlier advice to heart."
"And that was?" After all that had happen in the last few minutes, I found myself at a lost of memory to what I must have said.
"To be careful where I am seen and whose company I am seen with." I could hear the pain in his voice as he spoke. My cold attitude had been nothing short of a rejection.
"Yes, you should."
"I shall try…" then a smile graced his lips. "But I assure you, as long as you are here at the opera, I will fail." He added joking
I too had to smile as his true boyish nature revealed itself.
"Au revior Christine."
I closed the door behind him, sparing myself the pleasure of watching him saunter down the hall and then out of sight. However as soon I heard the click of the lock, my mood changed.
I marched over to the mirror and stood there in silence, afraid to speak for long moment.
"Erik…show yourself!" I called loudly then cursed myself. What if someone heard me? "Please, I know your there." I informed him.
My echo and reflection were my only answer.
"Do you insist on treating me like a child"I muttered. "I know you're hiding there."I challenged.
More silence. I ran my fingers down the length of the mirror from top to bottom, and then I reached around the frame. I traced every curve trying to find a notch or indentation that seemed out of place, but I came away empty. So I reached against the wall, palms pressed flat against the pretty pastel wallpaper. Knowing my luck, this would be the moment Genny returned from her coffee to see me talking to a mirror like a lunatic.
After no response came I left the room and started to make my way down into the passages that lead towards the cellars. My stomach churned at the thought of seeing Erik…and confronting him.
A hand reached out and touched my shoulder and I jumped. I turned and briefly saw Erik, outlined in black as he reached to pull us both into the shadowed part of the hallway. He kept a finger to his lips in a gesture of silence and within few short moments we were in one of the many hidden passages between the walls. I remembered what he had eluded to earlier about the passages and the design of the opera, but it still amazed and frightened me to see that Erik knew them so well. I supposed it was to be expected for a man to maintain the appearance of a ghost.
A ghost that kills.
The horrifying thought crossed my mind and I jerked my shoulder away from his grip. I turned to face him trying to look angry.
"Christine, your face is white. Are you frightened?" he asked. I obviously failed to appear hostile to him.
"No…I mean yes. Yes, I am frightened…"
Frighten of you. I wanted to say it but the words died on my tongue. He took a few steps towards me and I drew into myself, wrapping my arms around my chest and lowering my head.
"I found out that….Madame… is" I struggled to say the words and admit the reality of it all. "Dead." And I myself felt dead as I spoke the word out loud.
"Christine…" his voice sounded sincere. That genuine kind voice that had guide me through my lessons. The voice that frequently haunted my waking moments as I heard in echo in my head. How could he possess such a voice and do such terrible things?
"A lawyer came to see me, and told me that I was to inherit her estate." I pressed my back against the wall. I should have been seeking the comfort of his embrace. He would have welcomed it, but I dared not. "Do you know why?" I asked my voice shaking.
He inclined his head in a gesture of disinterest. "No…why?" he asked in annoyed tone.
"Because Frederich was suppose to inherit the estate! And they found him dead this morning." I blurted out, my words spilling over each other as they rushed out of me. I raised my voice. "He was murdered!" I shouted.
Erik's fingers were at my mouth in an instant trying to silence me. I turned away. "Erik you said you would never again lie to me. "I reminded him. "I believe despite everything else you are truthful. Please tell me…" I wanted to hear him profess his innocence. Despite everything he had done to me, I wanted to believe he was not capable of such a hideous act. In the face of my fears and discomfort, there was still part of me that cared for him. A part of him I still loved.
"Yes. I killed him." His voice was flat and dull and my churning stomach doubled over at the sound of his confession. My hand flew to my mouth to stop the stream of fluid from exiting. But instead when my fingers touched my face, I found that I was already shedding a river of tears.
The golden eyes beneath the mask blazed in anger as he focused my tears. "You're crying? Oh you don't weep for me, but you will for him!" he said accusingly. "Is that it Christine! How heartless of you…." He added in a mocking tone.
"No!" I cried. "I weep for you. For what you have done!" My hands balled into fists and I held them out in front of me, trembling.
He only scoffed. "How quaint…"
"Murder is a sin Erik! A sin!" I challenged
"Spare me your religious lectures! I learned to drown out such ignorant attempts long ago." His words were like acid. He was terribly angry at me. I had seen his temper flare before, but his body shook in suppressed rage and his eyes burned. I was the same reaction when I had removed his mask.
One of his hands caught mine and I was too upset to shake him off. He brought it beneath his chin, cradling it. "Is it so wrong what I did? I did it for you. I did it to make sure he never had the chance to harm you again." His words were fierce, his temper on the point of boiling over, yet his touch against my skin was so gentle.
"But why…" I stammered.
"Because he deserved it!" His voice was adamant. "You should be thanking me. Can you honestly say you're sorry that he is dead? I did what I had to do so that he wouldn't hurt you or anyone else in that way again. Remember I saw what he did to you."
I felt my back slide against the wall. My legs no longer willing to support my weight.
"Killing him was a small mercy." He added. "I could have done much worst. Believe me I wanted to."
Frederich would never touch me again. I would never have to endure the shame of his eyes or hands upon me. Erik had made certain of that.
"Remember Christine you came to me when you ran. You trusted me."
The fingers of the hand he held curled at his words. Erik had professed that everything he did for me he did out of love. He offered to train my voice for nothing because he loved me.
"And you agreed to stay with me."
He abducted me and brought me to his home to keep me out of love.
Silence pasted between us. He never let go of my hand and I in turn did not try to pull it from him.
"Come Christine…let me take you home."
And now…he had murdered for me and all in the name of love.
AN: Sorry for the delay. Editing is a pain in the butt...Don't mess with Erik!