Chapter 18. A Bet.

Raoul wasn't looking for Erica; she ran off all the time and would be found at that lousy piano playing those darn songs he hated so much later, so instead he just sat a bar drinking his cares away, when Nadir walked in.

"Aren't you Viscount Raoul de Chagny?"

"Why yes I am. Who the hell are you?"

"Nadir Najafi."

"Didn't you own the Paris Garnier?"

"I did until I went bankrupt after the chandelier and the fire it caused."

"That monster caused a lot of trouble."

"Eric lived there because I bought it. And he owes me money for all that as well."

"Oh god another one who thinks he's…"

"Careful with your words Boy. He's still alive."

"Oh really?"

Nadir nodded then walked out saying. "And he's closer than you think."

"I'm not afraid of him Najafi! I won the game once and I would again if I saw him!"

Nadir shook his head and left the building.

Raoul turned back to the bar to see Eric there, glaring at him with a mischievous smile.

"Oh god, you are still alive."

"Not scared of me you say? Well sir, like time, I have changed."

"You are lucky we are in a public place…"

"As are you. And about that comment, about how you beat me once and could beat me again, well foolish boy that was a different game then. Now let me ask you this, on your wedding night, did you see red?"

"You raped her…"

"Oh no, I could never harm Christine. Now another question, this time about Erica, adorable little Erica, dose she like hair brushes and crowns that shine in the light like you do? Or dose she prefer music and illusions like me?"

"What are you getting at?"

"Sir, I hear you like to gamble a little too much. Well I have a bet for you."

Raoul straightened up and asked. "What sort of bet?"

"A little bet about if Christine sings or not."

"My win?"

"If she doesn't sing, you go home with her and Erica, and all your gambling debts are paid off."

"And if you win?"

"If she sings, you go home and leave the two girls behind. And you can't tell them about this."

"I would never make such a foolish…"

"Oh I understand if you're scared and don't want…"

Raoul shot up and said. "I am not scared! It's a bet!"

"Devil take the hindmost." Eric said and they shook hands, then Eric left.