Monsieur Andre was not a coward. He was many things, but he was not a coward. It was this thought that ran through his mind as he paced around, waiting for the police.

A knock interrupted his patterned thoughts and he waved his hand, letting the maid know to answer the door.

The Constables arrived in his office a few minutes later, being directed by a rather frightened looking maid.

"Merci d'être venu ici. Nous avons une situation assez grave. Vous vous souvenez du Fantôme de l'Opéra?" Andre asked, lacing his fingers nervously.

One of the younger constables held back a snort. "Yes, the one we failed to capture?"

Andre gave him an icy look. "This is serious, there is a child-possibly two children- being tortured by this same madman."

"Monsieur si vous me le permettez-" A blonde officer asked, receiving a nod. "Pourquoi les enfants de l'Opéra?"

"A foolish tradition," Andre remarked bitterly, causing all the men to look a bit confused. "Miss Eklund and Monsieur Baylor were both apprenticed to the Opera House." He added. Getting up, the maid passed him his cane. "Now, I have a few matters to attend to, Gentlemen."

With that, the Constables left, and Monsieur Andre got a fresh basket with a few biscuits and a note.

Sarah hummed merrily as she swept the front hall. How it got so dirty without anyone using it, she didn't know. But as she started to sweep the dust out, she noticed a basket on the steps.

She mentally recounted the days in her head. No, it wasn't Wednesday. Had Monsieur Andre gotten confused?

Picking up the basket, she dropped by Richard's room to continue her sweeping. Once Richard finished his share of the chores (washing floors) he stopped by his room and looked at the basket.

Sarah must have dropped it here, he thought, examining the contents. Some biscuits and a note. It had his name on it, so he read it.

Monsieur Baylor and Miss Eklund

I have told the authorities of you plight, and they will be sending hope soon to end the reign of the madman haunting your lives. Do not lose hope.

Monsieur G. Andre

Richard did what any other boy would have done.

He tattled.

"Monsieur Phantom!" he called. "Monsieur Erik!"

Erik did arrive, with distaste at seeing Richard.

"Here, Monsieur," he said, daring no longer to use the name. "You are in terrible danger."

Erik read the note, fury boiling in his veins. "How dare they!" he turned to Richard, his eyes flashing. "Who did you tell?" he demanded.

Richard backed away. "No one! I told no one!"

Sarah heard the commotion, running to find Richard and Erik. "I told!" she screamed, and Erik stopped his approach towards Richard. "I told Monsieur Andre!" she cried, tears flowing down her cheeks, wetting her veil. "I… I…"

She was cut off as Erik grabbed her wrist, dragging her through the mirror.

Richard attempted to follow, but he hit hard glass instead of the portal that Sarah and Erik had traveled through. He sunk to his knees, sobbing against the mirror.

When the Constable arrived just seconds later, they found the stagehand in a fit of hysterics.

"Are you Richard Baylor?" The blonde officer asked. Richard answered with a pitiful nod. "Where is Sarah Eklund?"

Richard's words were muffled by his hands. "Elle est partie. Le fantôme lui a."

Author's Note

Ohhh so much fun to write. *ignores sobs from audience*

Anyway, thanks to my new reviewer! *hugs*

Baylor is Richard's last name, in case the several references didn't point that out.

I intend to finish this, and the end is soon!

TRANSLATIONS:

1: (French) "Thank you for coming here. We have a pretty serious situation. Do you remember the Phantom of the Opera? "

2: (French) "Sir, if I may, why are there children at the Opera?

3: (French) She is gone. The Phantom has her!

Review, favorite, follow and send oreos, my lovely friendly friends!

-ATLK