CHAPTER XII

Well, greetings to you, yet again.

I write you so many letters, which are never sent. Soon there won't be enough space for them in my shelter. That's so funny. And so disgusting, when I think of it afterwards.

You don't care for me. You never did. You left me. You throw me away, as if I was your unsuccessful creation. And then, I can imagine, you gave birth to other children, and they all looked beautiful and fair, like you. And you forgot me. Indeed, why would you hold a memory of such a hideous brat, which disgraced you…

But I do remember you. I think of you. And I write you these letters, day after day, page after page. Then I put it all into a giant chest and never read it.

I write you about things that happen here. You know, I do hear every whisper, every word. Everything these worthless people say, and everything my so-called "brothers" talk about… For example, my brother Earl is nursing this loony imbecile called Ram. He is also caring for a new manager girl… Disgusting. They are not my brothers by any terms!

But I do have real brothers, right? I am sure, I do. And beautiful sisters, too. Perfect as you are. And I am sure you love them, though you don't worth a button for them. And I… I would have strangled them, if that could make you remember about me.

I would do anything, if you'd love me in return.

I would give everything in my damned life only to see your face and look into your eyes.

Would you do the same?

Your son, forever gone,

Gary.

Gary pulled the rope from his neck and jumped off the table as soon as he heard the sound of the door opening. He did all this with a lightning speed, but it took Earl even less time to get the idea of what was going on. He froze, staring at his brother in disbelief.

"What are you doing?" Earl asked.

Gary turned away and pretended to pull himself together – he straightened his jacket, lowered the cuffs and put on his mask.

"None of your business" he barked. "Why are you here? I thought, you don't visit anyone but this filthy slut. So what happened? No one is waiting for our lover in the dungeons tonight?"

Even if Earl was offended by this remark, he chose to ignore it. Like it or not, Gary always said sarcastic and rude things in a bad mood. In a good too, actually. The very nature made him gloomy and mean. He was a recluse more than all his brothers. Perhaps that is why Erik made him his main assistant?..

"You know that I'm no lover" Earl said quietly, giving the room a careful look. "And I really hate it, when you speak such things of Mademoiselle Firmin".

Gary smirked sadly.

And then Earl's gaze fell on the scattered clumps of parchment lying around the room, the still wide-open box full of letters. Finally, he noticed the portrait on the table. Small, round gold frame with an ugly crack upon the glass. Earl moved closer, wanting to study the picture. The portrait captured the features of a young woman, blond and aristocratic.

He'd obviously seen this face before, but where?..

Earl saw Gary making his way to the table and grabbing the portrait. Hiding it as fast as he could, Gary looked up on Earl.

"I did not invite you" he spoke by syllables. "Nor did I gave you permission to touch my things. Speak up and leave".

"If my eyes don't betray me" Earl answered dryly. "This things does not belong to you. Anyway, I do not preach".

"We're both adults" Gary agreed.

"That's about right. I just wanted to remind you that Erik asked everyone to meet tomorrow night. The usual way, you know".

Gary thoughtfully shook his head. The mention of the Father pursued him to calm down. Earl thought, with a strange relief, that now all Gary will concentrate on the following meeting. His face was overshadowed with hate too often lately. Earl was terrified by the thought that one day the darkness will consume what's left of good in him.

If Earl had overstepped the coldness between them, he would have had asked Gary about his attempt of hurting himself. But what for? The brother would never bother to answer. He would probably ask him to get lost instead.

"All right" Gary cut the silence. "I'll be there. And you should notify everyone else".

Earl nodded and walked back to the door. Gary followed his every step with his frightening, fogged eyes, which had a glimpse of madness in it. Earl wanted to say something encouraging, but Gary glanced at him with such a cold, humiliating gaze, that no words left the Englishman's mouth. He simply left.

Gary stood very still near the table. He could hear the muffled beating of his own heart, and he hated the disturbance, the shame and the pain he felt. Why can't he lose all the human feelings? Without it, the life wouldn't look like such a nightmare!

Slowly, his heart stopped pondering so nervously. He pulled the picture of the beautiful girl out again, then brushed the branched crack with his fingers and struggled to breath. Earl almost caught him. Almost, but not yet. And Gary – what a fool! – entirely forgot himself while writing another letter. What this horrible woman made of him!

This fury with hair, sparkling like gold ... Witch with eyes transparent like the forest lake...

On the portrait, she waved her gentle, forgiving smile at the Phantom. Not a single face could hold the similar expression.

"I'll write you later", Gary whispered. "I am tired of you for now. I want to walk to the place, where I won't see you".

He put the portrait in the box, where he kept all his letters, and closed the lid. At the moment, he thought that he slams his own heart with it.

.

The only unlocked door in the entire hall was hiding the secret passage. The narrow, cold, pitch-dark and infinitely long ... God knows: if someone now asked Meg, how long she had been following this path, she would not be able to answer.

The journey began to frighten her. She cursed Christine, who took a strange walk around the Opera at night, and herself, for taking the responsibility upon her shoulders. Now Meg was feeling cold and rather sleepy. Only the thought of saving Christine - and, of course, her restless curiosity - led Meg down the aisle.

Finally, she came across a wall. She looked around in bewilderment, illuminating the walls with the dim light of the lamp, trying to find a secret lever or pass on, but ... Obviously, it was necessary to admit that the course led to a dead end. She had to turn back. Meg sighed in frustration and stood for a moment near the ill-fated wall, before slowly walking away.

Now there was no rush, and it was possible for Meg to examine the path more closely - she did not lose a tinny hope that she would at least find some brick, which could be pressed easily - and the walls would crumble around, revealing a new passage. The rumors said there was a whole dungeon hidden underneath the Opera...

Suddenly there was a quiet creaking coming from the dead end she left only minutes ago. Meg stopped, her feet suddenly became cotton. As slowly as she could, Meg turned her face to the wall, unable to believe her own ears. She definitely heard some creaking. Coming from the impenetrable, silent, empty walls.

Meg drew back, and blood in her veins suddenly cooled off. Someone was standing right behind her. She literally slammed into that someone, and the stranger squeezed her shoulders with a very cold arms. It was obviously a man. The girl turned around, trying to illuminate the face of the person, but when she saw who standing in front of her, she dropped the lamp from the shaking hands. The latter broke with a loud clatter, plunging everything into total darkness, but Meg didn't hear anything but her own heart.

.

Gary tried to calm his heart beating, which, he thought, was present in every corner of the dungeons. He wanted to prevent a chorus girl from visiting Destler's lair. These visits already transformed the dungeons into a brothel. Gary was annoyed and wanted to deal with it as quickly as possible, but it all went wrong. He expected to see Deslter, his mistress, Earl, his mistress- but not the girl, who was shaking like a leaf and who looked like a lost child wrapped in a dressing gown over her nightshirt, firmly clutching the lamp with her hands ... she happened to be too close, too warm, too alive ... and did not utter a single sound.

Silent scene lasted a couple of seconds, but it seemed like an eternity. Gary still felt a sense of touch. He could see girl's frightened face in the dark, but she couldn't see him. Why? Why she didn't scream? Usually, all the people behave like this, when they come face to face with the Phantom of the Opera. And she exactly knew that was him. She was scared by him, so why not letting a little scream? Why?!

.

Meg knew that even one little sound would condemn her to a certain death. She remembered all too well the legend of the Phantom of the Opera, she recognized him within a second. And she knew quite will how the Phantom deals with his victims. It was impossible to get out of this trap alive and unharmed. Especially now, Meg thought, when she was in such a helpless state, not even being able to see where the Phantom stood. She had no idea that she was in a much better position than the Phantom: at least she knew whom she was dealing with. But a single thought did not leave Meg's mind from the moment she saw the face in the mask ...

.

Gary pulled away from his reflections and was horrified to find that the stranger was going to say something. At the same time he saw the approaching silhouette behind the girl and instantly recognized the person. Earl. Not him again!

In the following seconds, Gary thought he was watching the whole scene from the different angle, and it seemed even funny to absorb his own facial expression. Meg opened her mouth and...

"You are alive ... You exist ..." Meg murmured hoarsely. She could not resist the words that literally were straining her from the inside.

Her legs weakened suddenly, someone gently put an arm around her and she fell into the icy darkness, sincerely rejoicing the thought: "Perhaps that's how the deadly punishment of the terrible Phantom of the Opera caught me".

.

Caroline looked into the hall where the rehearsal of «Il Muto» took place. During the premiere of the play the troupe figured out a few mistakes and decided to rehearse a new transition between scenes.

Just as Carolie thought, William Fairfax was here, sitting in the first row.

Everything boiled on stage, actors fussed and complained that rehearsals without the presence of the main performer were incredibly difficult, but still, everyone had much more enthusiasm than usual. This Caroline, of course, saw as her own merit.

She quietly stepped into the hall, went to William – who seemed to notice her appearance, but did not show any interested - and said quietly:

"Listen," she said without preamble. "You are wasting your time in vain. Rehearsal runs wonderfully, and you absolutely don't have to watch it till the end.

William raised one eyebrow, with his eyes still locked on stage. His face remained impenetrable and even cold. Englishman behaved strangely. He did not seem to care for what Caroline just said, what she was wearing, or why did she came to him in the first place. She, meanwhile, looked lovely in a silky gown. How could he ignore her?! Was he unpleasantly shocked with her little trick, performing as the famous Italian singer? But she, Caroline, has done so much to make this possible! Why does he not understand?

Then came the voice of William, colorless, tired and irritated.

"Should I leave?" he asked the manager. "If you dislike my presence that much..."

"No, no," Caroline rolled her eyes. "I'm not talking about this. I do not want to hang around here until noon, that's what I was trying to say".

William turned and gave her such a murderous look that Caroline paused. Something in him changed. Frowning, she continued:

"I'm just looking for a companion. You know, for a short walk. And a breakfast".

She looked up, saying this. She was ashamed, but she could never admit it.

Fairfax blinked. Headmistress's words surprised him. At least, he stopped looking at her with such a terrible expression. In the next moment the Englishman said briskly:

"Are you asking me to join you?"

"Oh yes, that's right!" Caroline exclaimed. "How could I foresee that my sister would run away again, leaving me all alone?"

For a few seconds, the silence lasted. Caroline wondered what he would answer. In the morning, when they faced each other near her dressing room, she really behaved rudely, but who would take offense at such nonsense!

Will replied gravely, almost severely:

"What a nuisance ... Of course, I shall help you".

"You'll come with me!" Caroline immediately smiled. "Nice! Can I run to the office to fetch my cloak?"

The man nodded and, after seeing Caroline's attentive eyes, leaned back in his chair. His ears were ringing from the legit singing. Perhaps he got really tired of this rehearsal. There is nothing wrong in wanting to walk outside a little. But something told William that he too easily forgave Mademoiselle de Blois her insolence.

After all, acting in the same fashion - with the best intentions, forgiving all the antics - he ruined his wife, Effie. Turned her into an insatiable, selfish monster...

He glanced at the ring on his finger. He still did not dare to take off. William thought that he need a little more time to forget about this woman. In the meantime, the ring was kept as a reminder of how easy one can spoil the angelic being.

.

Seated at a table near the window, Simon waited for Marguerite. He felt much bolder when he met her outside the Opera - though he did not realize it. In addition, sponsored meetings were always overshadowed by the Robert Gugot!

Simon feared that if the Robert grabbed a new "victim" he will not let her go until he wins her affection.

These fears had forced Simon to invite Mademoiselle Firmin to the wonderful pastry cafe, which he found no further than yesterday. Confectionery was hidden in a completely inconspicuous building, but looked very nice on the inside: the walls painted in pale blue, and geraniums decorated the windows…

That's his kind of place, and Paris never seemed to own a lot of these. Places which are not endowed with a fake charm. This cafe reminded Simon of Marseilles, the incarnation of rural France. Among the winding streets of Paris with bulky fashionable restaurants it was difficult to find something like that! Simon was very proud of the discovery.

Since Marguerite had already asked him once to tell about Marseilles, where she had never been, Simon decided to take her to this cafe. What could express his longing for the homeland, reflect a pleasant simplicity and clarity of Marseille better?

Simon looked out the window. Many women passed the building, but he couldn't notice a familiar face. He would have recognized Marguerite immediately! This gentle sight - surprising that the capital girl can look so gently! - and tight lips. Her hair, sparkling under the sun, and her thin waist...

Suddenly she appeared in front of a showcase. Charming and, as always, a little shy. Marguerite came just in time, but still nervously checked with the old pocket watch. Thanks to Caroline's stories, Simon couldn't imagine his cousin would be so sweet. "She's pretty, but too closed for Parisian, and a coward too!" This is how Caroline spoke of her sister. She thought these features to be negative, while Simon saw the opposite.

Marguerite quickly walked into cafe and went to the table. Simon got up to move the chair for the girl, but she did it herself - still terribly embarrassed.

"Please, forgive me!" she said, looking around. "It's so lovely! Believe, I wanted to come earlier. Caroline troubled me with a search for her opera glasses…"

"My cousin always loses her things" Simon smiled. "And makes other look for it. Once I even had to decline the hunting with friends, because I was too busy searching for a pair of silky gloves".

Marguerite gave a slight chuckle. He was right, that sounded like something Caroline would do!

Simon forced himself to look her in the eye.

"Let's see the menu. I am already thinking about something very sweet".

"You must know the sweets very well" Margo said gently. "Would you advise me something? I'm sure you have a great taste".

"So strange" Simon said, shaking his head. "I wanted to see what would you order to figure out your taste. I can make a mistake, you see".

He examined her face for a little more. Marguerite blushed.

"Don't be afraid of mistakes".

Simon hesitated, but her voice was so gentle that he soon decided not to worry. Every time she spoke with him in such a quiet and confident tone, the young man felt his heart melting. He was too amorous to figure out his feelings weren't strong. It wasn't love or lust, but he had no experience and couldn't tell.

But he knew for sure he liked Marguerite much more than all these pompous Parisians! She didn't had their dry manners, their coldness.

"Try this one" he said. "Bakery here is very tasty!"

"Have you tried it already?"

"I couldn't restrain"

"Oh, I do understand it"

They fell silent again, not knowing what else to say. The conversation flagged.

Soon the waiter brought their order, and there was a sudden change in Marguerite's expression. She blinked several times and then glanced up on Simon.

"Do you know what Caroline and I find out yesterday?" she asked mysteriously, as if she was going to tell the greatest secret on earth.

"Tell me".

Simon felt so nervous he already finished the first portion of pancakes with jam, and now started the second one. Marguerite hardly ate her dessert. Her thoughts were elsewhere.

"You see…"

She told him about the new will, repeating Madame Giry's words.

"The will certainly exists. There's no doubt in Madame Giry's tale. She's always truthful. But it appears she suffered some great shock, why else she would open the secret to you and Caroine, after all the time she was silent? Who knows what's on this old woman's mind".

Marguerite giggled.

"You talk just like your sister. When she first saw Madame Giry, she.."

But the laughter was immediately replaced by a surprised sigh. Tracing the eyes of Mademoiselle Firmin, Simon involuntarily smiled. Tthrough the glass windows they could see a couple, stopped on a street corner. Caroline - and it definitely was his sister - chattered with someone in a very flirting way.

"Such an early morning, and she's on date already!" Simon murmured. "Who's with her?"

A man in a suit of dark green fabric listened to her attentively. For Simon it has always been a mystery how all these poor fools do not run away from his sister from the first sight. Perhaps Caroline was able to lure them with her beauty, but the way she talked couldn't deceive anyone. When she was asked about something - for example, about politics - Caroline lied recklessly and did it remarkably smoothly, but still there must have been at least one man seeing the truth!

The man pointed to the door of a small cafe, where Simon and Marguerite sat, and both instantly recognized him as one of the sponsors - William Fairfax, with his light brown hair and clear eyes.

Marguerite raised an eyebrow.

"Goodness" She murmured dejectedly, while crossing her hands. "Just look, she started to…"

She stopped, feeling uneasy because Simon was Caroline's brother.

"Romance him?" He admitted. "She knows her way around, for sure! She had tons of suitors in our homeland. She took flowers, chocolate and other pointless gifts, and then kicked them out. Not a single one ever received a kiss".

"It turns out that for her, it's like a game" Marguerite chewed her lips. "I do not understand this kind of amusement".

"She only makes it for the raising of self-importance! While she is loved, she is confident and fearless".

At this time, the couple walked into the cafe. A shiver ran down Marguerite's spine when she figured out her appointment with Simon must look exactly the same – as a date. But was she romancing him? Right after the scandal with her fiancé? She felt as if all eyes were turned on her, burning with displeasure.

"What an unexpected encounter!" Caroline said dispassionately. "Simon, you and I think alike. I also noticed this cafe when strolling here last time".

"Great" Simon pursed his lips angrily.

"Will you join us?" Margo asked. "We were just discussing the news about the testament".

"The testament?" William repeated, looking at Caroline curiously. "I do not know anything about it"

"Margo!" Caroline exclaimed. "You promised that as long as we don't get more details, you won't tell anybody!"

Marguerite had no choice but to shrug and a smile. She had only wanted to share with Simon, but sooner or later she had to talk with the sponsors ... And the best thing was to start with a sensible William.

"You see," she continued. "We think that there is yet another testament. And this means that there is ... Suppose, there is a certain amount of money that can go to our use after its announcement"

"Money always make a good use!" Caroline nodded.

"And of course, we will use it with cleverness," Marguerite stated. "For example, for charity..."

William had no time to say anything; Caroline interrupted him. Her lips parted.

"Not again! You're talking about a charity! As if we can pour the money to help others while we ourselves are in need. You act absolutely unreasonable. Opera requires investment, and you know it"

"But you did not offer anything suitable" Marguerite replied, despite irritation. "So I thought, we can raise the charity. This will enhance our status. Light us in the eyes of the society".

"Us? Or you?" Caroline lowered her voice. "Tell me honestly: do you just want your name cleared. Earn their approval by patronage - not the wisest of your decisions"

Marguerite turned pale and said that the cousin is very much mistake. Somehow, her conscience, on the contrary, rebelled. In some ways, Caroline is right. You want to restore your family name, that's all.

Caroline shook her head.

"Money is not for you" She repeated. "But this does not mean I don't need it. Why do you take the decision so soon, without consulting me? After all, we are business partners!"

"Now you remembered we're partners, lovely Cara" Margo said through almost-closed lips. "It is no secret that you wouldn't give a sou for charity"

"Exactly. Are you too honest to put the money into another production?"

"With you in as the main singer? Forget it"

"What's wrong with it? I can sing! You don't!"

Finally, William winced and raised his voice, wanting to calm the girls on the verge of a quarrel.

"Ladies, you divide the money, which, in fact, you don't have yet!"

They are, as if on cue, stared at the Englishman. Stunned by his words, they were frozen in silence. Caroline leaned back in the chair and looked down. Marguerite noticed with slight horror that she could not suppress the anger.

"You do not even know what kind of amount is involved" Simon agreed. "First, find a will, and then share it"

"Haven't you noticed, dear brother?" Caroline began to nervously shake a fan, her face was grim. "We do not share. Nothing"

"What a vile lie!" Margo broke. "I've had enough. I perfectly see that you intend to bring the matter to a mutual resentment. But I won't let you, Cara. One of us has to be smarter".

Caroline shook her head. Her deadpan gaze remained solid, like that of the Empress.

The de Blois family had extra money, but rarely. A couple of months ago, when Caroline and her cousin just got control over the Opera, she jumped with joy at her room and started dancing in the street, imagining the new, luxury life.

Marguerite, on the contrary, never that money is the only value in the world.

Trembling with rage, Margo got up from her seat and, not bothering to wait for Simon, withdrew from the cafe. Caroline watched her leave – and then exhaled loudly. Her shoulders relaxed, and the desperate expression appeared on her face.

"Don't you see how disgusting she is?" Caroline asked.

The reproachful glances of Simon and William were the most unwanted answer. Of course, Caroline immediately felt very upset, but at the same time she felt the cruel pleasure from the fact that she was finally able to reveal the "truth" of the world to her hyper-innocent sister.

"Excuse me" Simon said. "It's too much. Marguerite, wait a minute!"

"Loving fool!" Caroline gasped. "She did not even cry, this Mademoiselle Perfect!"

William was flipping through the menu, as if nothing had happened, but he did it with a feigned calmness.

"If you allow, I can hint that you behaved wrong" He began dryly. "But your cousin doesn't acted any better. As a sponsor, I am surprised and disappointed"

Caroline slammed her menu and threw it on the table.

"You know," She hissed. "I am very much obliged to you for your silence at the moment when my nerves are strained to the limit".

William chuckled. It is, perhaps, the first time Cara heard him making some kind of laughter.

"Keep yourself under control, and others won't have to comment your actions"

"You're not the one who has that right, sir!"

Fairfax looked at her with pain, then squeezed his eyes shut, trying to keep calm.

"Very good. This is the last time I interfere in your personal affairs".