Ascent to Power

Confronting the Past

Katherine did not understand why, but this man Raoul made her feel comfortable. The only other man who made her feel this way was Lone Wolf or rather, Matthew. Since Matthew planned on visiting his mother at some point, he made the decision to be called by his Christian name. Fawn kept her name while White Dove simply dropped the first part of her name. For legal purposes they adopted Matthew's last name Armbruster. It was easy enough to claim them both as his sisters. Who could dispute it assuming anyone was interested?

She had no fears of Martin saying or doing anything to hurt her. She also felt no urge to confide in him. Not in intimate details. He was kind as well as protective but still she could not feel as open with him as she did Lone...Matthew.

When Katherine had continued to voice her concerns Raoul had assured her that not one person would show her disreapect without some sort of retribution. He was after all the majority shareholder in the hotel. What good was that if he could not enjoy a few perks along the way?

Raoul confidently helped Katherine out of the carriage. He told Martin to return in a couple of hours if that was alright with the lady. It certainly was. Raoul took Katherine's elbow guiding her into the hotel lobby. He hoped neither Christine nor Meg had a sudden urge to come to the hotel restaurant for lunch. There was little likelihood of that but the way his luck had been running in his personnal life he should expect anything. When he had left them upstairs in their suite they had been crying buckets. Usually after one of these sessions they ordered some rich chocolatety dessert then took a long refreshing nap.

He noticed right away several people looking in their direction. Several ladies sniffed in disgust as they passed with comments such as "Well I never." "Can you believe she has the audacity to show her face and in here of all places. She has no shame." "How dare she mix with descent people."

Raoul thought it best to nip this in the bud before things got out of hand. One of his first investments after he had arrived over a month ago had been to invest in the very hotel he was staying in. He had purchased fifty-one percent of the shares. He had made his purchases of stock through brokers. He had used several different brokers as he wanted to remain anonynous until he had controlling interest. If the owners had known someone was purchasing all the outstanding stock, they may have made moves to purchase as much stock as needed to keep control of the hotel. Through a second party Raoul bought controlling interest. In the long run it was cheaper than paying by the night. Since he had not made up his mind where he would make his final home either here or return to France the investment worked out well. One of the perks of owning the hotel was living in one of the penthouse suites. All the cleaning, meals and laundry were taken care of by the staff.

Seating Katherine on a chair just inside the lobby Raoul asked her to excuse him for just a few minutes. He needed to speak with the desk clerk concerning a small business matter, then he would return. Approaching the desk he put on his most authouritative expression. The man behind the the black marble counter began to preen sraightening his clothing, smoothing his hair. It paid to impress the ones with power. He didn't want to be a hotel manager all his life even if it was the finest hotel in Norfolk. He had hopes of moving in higher circles as an owner some day.

Reaching the desk Raoul leaned against the marble counter. Casually he removed a flat silver case from his vest pocket. Opening the case he removed a slim cigar. He had no idea just yet why Katherine was being ostrasized in such a vicious manner but in his hotel they would show only respect for her or they could leave the premises. That included the guests. Raoul hoped his show of support would curtail the guests from making further comments. Since most of the guests knew who he was this would add weight to his actions to help Katherine.

"Good afternoon sir. What might I be able to do for you? Everything is up to your standards I trust? Forgive me if I intrude, but, well since you are somewhat new to our country, and do not know about such things, I feel I must inform you that your companion is of, shall we say questionable morals?" He raised his brows meaningfully, hoping Mr. de Chagny would be able to catch his meaning.

Raoul took offence on Katherine's behalf. He knew for a fact she was not of loose morals. If she were she would have taken advantage of him once she had his attention. Anyone who two funcioning brain cells could take one look into her eyes and know she was exactly as she appeared, a beautiful woman who was wonderfully innocent of guile or subterfuge.

Turning his eyes toward the man waiting patiently for him to speak, to make some sort of reply, Raoul remained silent. Raoul took his time. People became nervous when left to speculate what a superior might be going to say to an underling. Raoul wanted the man to know he was the one with the power. Raoul took a match from the ceramic cup filled with matches. Striking the match on the rough surface of a small block beside the cup just for that purpose, Raoul lit his cigar. Tossing the match in the ashtray provided he inhaled then blew the smoke upward in a fragrant grey cloud. It hovered for a moment then disappeared. He leisurely puffed on his cigar.

Out of the corner of his eye he noticed the man beginning to move about nervously, he was beginning to pull at his shirt sleeves and move from foot to foot. Raoul studied the glowing tip of the man began to shuffle through papers spread out across the desk. He pulled the room registry book toward him jerkily leafing through pages not really seeing anything as the pages were being flipped through rather quickly. Raoul restrained the smile from showing on his face. He thought perhaps he had made the man suffer enough.

Not knowing the names yet of all in his employ Raoul's eyes searched for the day managers plaque. Reading the man's name from the nameplate sitting on the counter Raoul addressed the man causally in a low friendly tone, "Samuel, see that young lady over there sitting in that chair directly in front of us? The one you just insulted with your libelous statements? You know who I am so let there be no mistake, I mean each and every word I am about to say. I want Miss Montgomery to feel as if she were at home. No, on second thought, I want her to feel she is the queen being served by her subjects. Not one person will say or do anything untoward to the young lady. That goes for today or any time she steps foot in the front doors. Anyone who has a problem no longer has employment. I am sure you can make my wishes known to all the staff as well as the consequences for going against my wishes. I want everyone from the bellboys to the cleaning staff to know that to show by word or deed anything other than respect will cause an immediate dismissal. Without references. Have I made myself clear? Oh I know I do not have to give this warning but I will. If one word gets back to me to the effect that she is anything other than a friend I will be less than pleased."

Raoul had been the subject of enough gossip to know how the minds of certain people worked. Some little incident would be taken and embellished until the ending situation in no way resembled what had actually taken place. There was enough real scandal in his life without anyone adding to the fire with false speculations.

Shoving himself away from the counter he said pleasantly, "I know I can leave it in your hands to let it be known in a subtle manner that Miss Montgomery is a personal friend of the Viscomte Raoul de Chagny family. Well thank you so much for your co-operation. I do believe I have kept the lady waiting long enough. Please make sure they have my usual table ready. I'll be waiting with the lady. Please have the maitre d' come for us when it has been prepared." Stubbing his cigar in the ash tray Raoul rejoined Katherine. He sat in the chair at her side.

"Did you get your business settled?"

"Yes I think things went quite nicely. It should not be long before we can be seated. If I had known I was going to meet a beautiful woman, who would be joining me, I would have had the best table reserved." Raoul marvelled at her blush. The only woman he saw blush these days was Meg. She had retained her innocent air despite the harsh realty of what happened to her.

Samuel could only look on in wonder for a moment. The man had two beautiful women in his suite. Now he had the notorious Katherine Montgomery. His trousers tightened when he thought of what the young men about town were saying about her. If it wasn't for Mr. de Chagny he would make a play for her himself, not openly of course, that would be social suicide for him. Mr. de Chagny could get away with it as he was foreign as well a stinking wondered what de Chagny wanted with her. Perhaps he hoped to reap some benefit of her wildness. Samuel thought perhaps he would give her a go himself after all. He sighed knowing he would do no such thing. He needed his job. He strode out from behind the front desk to make his way quickly to find Charles the maitre d'.

Smiling at Katherine Raoul said, "It will only be a few minutes. It is almost lunch time. Instead of drinks how about lunch? I would be honored to have you join me. If you do not I shall have to dine alone. A lonely man at a table with everyone looking on in pity as I eat my solitary meal." He managed to look convincingly soulful. Katherine agreed.

It took a little coaxing but Katherine did tell him all that had happened to her over the last eight years. He gently prodded her into telling him every last detail from eight years ago until she meet him less than an hour ago. Before Katherine realized what had happened she had unburdoned herself of the whole sorry mess. Presently she was trying to explain her finances as best she could, not truly knowing the magnitude of her wealth. When Raoul had heard how much Katherine had actually inherited on top of the realestate property, he did some quick calculations. Katherine had to one of the richest women in the state. Far richer than he was himself.

"Gamm has kept the trust intact for me. She has even added to the amount. I know it is a lot of money I just do not know exactly if it is a fortune or merely an adequate amount. Ha! I'll have to remember to tell Gamm I used one of my words for this week." At his enquirig look she contined, "I of course could speak English when I left I just did not know all the words a woman of the age I am now. A lot of words I have forgotten. I can think of the word in Apache but the English words have flown away. It feels as if my mind had been frozen when I was twelve. Now I must learn to fit in. It is hard when no one will allow me to try. I think I understand a little why they would not like me but I did not choose to be taken. I did not raid or kill anyone. I have never taken a scalp."

"Of course you did none of those things. Katherine there are always going to be small minded people. For all the ones you meet that are prejudiced against you there will be equal numbers who will be willing to get to know you. What about your friends you had before? Have any been so see you?"

"I do not think anyone has been to the house. Father would not allow anyone to visit. I have not been brave enough to face anyone I knew before outside the estate staff. And now there is you of course." Looking at the clock on the wall she sighed. She needed to leave soon. She was planning on stopping by her fathers office after she stopped off at the law office of Mr. Roger Hartford.

"I really should be going. I have enjoyed our talk. Other than Martin, yours is the first friendly face I have seen since I came to town. Ouch! Damn it." Covering her mouth with her hand she looked at Raoul with shocked eyes. Of all the words she could remember that had been one of them. She had been saying it in private quite frequently as of late.

Raoul chuckled. She looked like a little girl who feared having her mouth washed for having spoken a curse word out loud. The more time he spent with her the more he realized although an adult in years and in most cases able to fit into that roll, there were some areas of her life she would remain a little girl until time in this new environment caught up with her. It would be better for her when she learned everything but Raoul thought it would be a shame for her to lose that childish innocence.

"Ah a flagrant abuse of profanity. Be careful or someone might accuse you of witchery or perhaps being a worshiper of Beelzebub himself. Do not worry Katherine I believe we are out of the dark age where a woman would be burned at the stake for uttering an improper word. Some situations just warrant a good cussing. Let me guess. One of those pins in the hem of your dress stuck in your ankle?"

Katherine had been going to ask him what half the words he said meant when his question refocused her attention as she asked, "How did you know about the pins?" Her embarrassment showed at yet another thing to prove she did not belong in a day filled with evidence of her unsuitability.

"I caught a glimpse of them as you grabbed your skirt earlier to get in the carriage. No need for embarrassment. If anyone should feel uncomfortable it should be me for ogling your ankles. I have a suggestion. The ladies in the hotel laundry do repairs for the guests. We can simply retrieve your dress from Martin that you wore to town, then let the ladies work their magic on the presently unfinished garment. I happen to know the owner would not mind if you used the managers office to change. Does that sound acceptable? When you finish I have a propostion for you."

If it were anyone other than Katherine, a lady could be forgiven for mistaking his offer for more than just assistance with a minor difficulty. She accepted the help he offered as readily as she accepted his friendship. She was not aware that one could misinterpret his offer as a proposition for more intimate exchanges.

Mabel the manageress of the laundry room told Katherine it would only take a about half an hour to finish the hemming that had already been strarted. Katherine put her old dress on while she waited. They ate their lunch of salad, a ham and cheese sandwich, washed down with iced lemonade. Raoul would have ordered wine, but he thought Katherine would not be used to it and its affects on her might be more potent. He could drink a glass of lemonade if it meant making Katherine feel more comfortable.

After lunch the dress still had a bit to be done so Raoul began to give her a short tour of his hotel. Raoul took her through the interior garden or atrium as Raoul said it was called. So much beauty contained within the walls of a modern structure. Some things in this new age of progress Katherine had to admit were worth the time it took to discover their wonders. As they strolled along she told him of her impending visit to her father's office after first making the recommended stop to the lawyers. Gamm had given her the address and the man's name to ask for at the law offices.

Reading was another thing Katherine had trouble with the first few weeks. Her father was under the impression she could not read at all. How could he forget how she used to read every night just before she went to bed? Her skills were lacking when she returned but she had doggedly plowed through several books so that by now she was quite good. She could not understand all she read but she could read quite well.

When they were once again in the carriage Raoul offered, "Katherine I was a student of law in France. I know laws are different here but I should be able to decipher the legal ins and outs. I offer my services. I hope I am not being too immodest when I say I do have a knack for financing as well. So what do you think? Shall I don my knightly armor or tuck my tail between my legs whimpering like a whipped dog all the way home?"

"I would appreciate any help you could offer. I know nothing of business. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on. Gamm has a few files she has let me look over. She has explained what she can. All I know is Gamm said I should begin to learn. She also warned me not to sign any papers before I have someone outside the city look them over. At one time I would have bet my life that my father would never do anything dishonest or shady. Especially if it was something that would hurt me. I have learned he is a very different man than he was before. Either that or he was always this way but never had reason to show what he was truly like. I am learning since my return that very few people can be trusted and even fewer can except others who are different."

"That reminds me, " Raoul suddenly sat to lean forward in his seat. He tapped on Martin's shoulder. He informed him they would be making a slight detour. He asked Martin to return them to the shop, Elegance by Helene, where he met Katherine.

When the carriage stopped Raoul stepped down to the pavement. Holding his hand out he waited for Katherine to place her hand in his.

She nervously looked at the shop. Her earlier embarassment was still very fresh in her mind. "Why have we come back here?"

"Did you not say you needed new dresses? Well, you shall have new dresses." When she hesitated he gently commanded, "Trust me. My accounts with this establishment will quarantee service." He held his hand out giving her a encouaging smile.

Placing her hand trustingly in his, she allowed him to lead her into the interior of the shop. Her recent humiliation she had suffered here returned as the women all looked up to see who had come into the shop. She heard a few inelegant sniffs from upturned noses.

Raoul strode with confidence to the counter. He tapped the bell a couple of times. Straightening to his full height he squared his shoulders arranging his face in his most huaghty, noble countenance.

"Oh Mr. de Chagny. How delightful to see you. Is...is your wife or Miss Giry with you? I did not have them down for an appointment." Her eyes nervously flicked to Katherine. She was beginning to regret her earlier treatment of her. Mr. de Chagny's wife and Mrs. Giry were two of her more profitable customers.

"No, Madame Helene, they have no need for anything. For a few days anyway. You know how women are. Any excuse is cause for a new dress. The change in the time of day requires a change of clothing. No I am here with my dear friend Katherine Montgomery. She told me a most distressing tale. One I am sure you can explain then correct your mistake. It seems she was made to feel unwelcome. She was refused service. I am sure it is all a misunderstanding. I would hate to think Mrs. de Chagny and Mrs. Giry could no longer patronize this shop. You have such talented designers and seamstresses. As much as we would like to continue I am afraid we must take our business elsewhere if this problem cannot be resolved."

"Oh, no, no, no. Please don't do anything hasty. Of course it must have been a mistake. I will personally attend to the young lady myself. If you would care to come with me? There are a few dresses I am sure would suit your taste." Helene was a widow with three children. She could not afford to lose such a large account.

From that moment on Katherine could have been mistaken for royalty. She paraded in gown after gown seeking Raoul's approval. He only turned away a few. She couldn't say she disagreed with him. She was assured they would be altered and ready in a couple of days. Katherine also picked out several dresses for Fawn and Dove. She hestitated to ask but Raoul standing beside her boosted her courage so she asked if someone could be sent along with the gowns to make any alterations to the other women's dresses. Of course, anything Miss Montgomery desired. Nothing was to much trouble for her new best customer. In fact Katherine had bought more in one afternoon than most women buy in months unless buying for a special occasion. Katherine left the shop with a little more confidence and a spring in her step.

The visit to the law offices of Hartford and Hartford got off to a rocky start. At first they refused to cooperate with Katherine. Assuring her she need not worry her pretty little head about such things. Her father would take care of everything as he always had before. Once they realized Raoul could not be bullied or misled with false praise they sobered their overly jovial faces then proceeded to state the facts of Katherine's inheritance. Raoul made sure they gave Katherine the documents giving her access to her accounts. He instructed them to make copies of all the documents he had set to the side. The father and son exchanged uneasy glances. What they had done was not illegal but some might consider it unethical, a conflict of interest as well as a breach of etiquette.

Armed with information Katherine was ready to confront her father. Well with Raoul, her new friend and confidante she was ready. A new determination began to build with each passing second. Some part of the brave woman Katherine had become began to make its way to the surface. She had allowed herself to slink into passive docialty over the month she had been home. She had allowed herself to be cowelled by so called civilization. Each new thing she conquered lifted the woman she had been closer to the surface. A new proud confindent woman was emerging. At least on the surface. Underneath she was still somewhat intimidated by her lack of knowledge of this world.

Her fathers office was located in an annex building to The Richmond Royal Theatre. Katherine was in awe of the majestic building. She had never seen anything so beautiful. Its stark white facade glistened in the bright afternoon sun. She counted no less than ten tall columns supporting the ornate roof that hung out over the grand marble steps and entryway. She had never seen statues before. The ones that facinated her the most as well as brought a flush to her cheeks were the ones depicting men of Greek mythology. The men were carved in stone without a stitch of clothing. Katherine who had never seen a naked man was in awe of what her eyes were seeing. Did all men look the same. She cast a culvert look in Raoul's direction speculating how much he and the statue had in common. She quickly drew her wayward thoughts back to the purpose of her visit.

Martin dropped them off in front of the four story building containing her fathers office as well as various offices for the upper management of the opera house. Raoul opened the front door into the building giving her a reassuring smile. Katherine would rather face a grizzly with a thorn in its paw than have to discuss the financial ruin her father faced. He had run everything deeply into debt. Since she was partial owner now the debt was also hers. She had the financing to save everything if she wished to draw from her trust. If not her father would be totally bankrupt within a month. If she chose to push for control, the new investor, Mr Fontaine would no doubt withdraw his support. Katherine would prefer to own everything without the added annoyance of having to feel she had to meet someone else's expectations.

The lawyers had told her there was an invester by the name of Fontaine who had been interested in purchasing shares in several business she and her father owned. In fact he had already poured a considerable amount of money into several of the bussinesses in trade for Katherine's portion of the businesses. Her father had received money by selling off a portion of the stock in the theare as well. Again Katherine's portion had been sacrificed. Of course now that sale was null and void since she had now returned. Owning fifty percent, Katherine was the major stock holder. The saleof the businesses had been concluded shortly after Katherine's return which made the sale illegal without her consent since she was now tweny-one. She had reached the age where she could control all her assets if she wished. The lawyers had then mentioned that the money from the sale had already been spent to cover another loan. She could either give Mr. Fontaine his money back or let her father go to prison. Even with the return of the money Mr. Fontaine could choose to file charges. Even if nothing came of them her father would be ruined. He could never get a line of credit anywhere again without the backing of Katherine's trust fund.

Katherine asked the young man at the information desk which floor her fathers office was on. He told her Mr. Montgomery had the whole of the top floor along with his new partner Mr. Fontaine. She could take the newly installed elevator or walk up four flights of stairs.

Kathrine had reservations about stepping into a little box that would be pulled up by ropes and pulleys. At least that was how she understood the explantion when Raoul had told her what an elevator was. She also did not wish to greet her father or his employees looking sweaty and out of breath. She had walked and climbed further distances over the last few years. That wouldn't be the problem. With all these layers women were forced to wear she would start to perspire after the first flight of stairs. Pushing her reservatons aside she opted for the elevator.

Katherine stepped out of the elevator with the feeling of having left her insides on the ground floor. Perhaps the return trip could be made taking the stairs. Stepping out of the elevator ahead of Raoul she looked to the loft and then to the right. A man sitting at a desk clicking little buttons with his fingers on some little machine, sat behind a desk. Later Katherine would learn the man was using a typewritter.

Hearing the rustle of her skirts the man looked up inquiring, "May I help you?"

Although he addressed Raoul, Katherine stiffened her spine then answered, "I wish to see my father. I am Katherine Montgomery. Please tell him I am here." She looked around searching for someplace to wait. She did not wish to have their conversation out in the open for all to hear. Everyone already had enough to say about her.

"Is there a room where we might wait for him? An empty office perhaps?" She continued to hold his eyes even after seeing his shocked reaction first to her speaking in such a forward manner then further shock registered when she gave her name. No doubt he had heard of her return from the wild savages and their savage ways.

The man just sat with his mouth open not making a move to comply or deny her request. He was confused as to how he should treat her. Her father when he spoke of her was less than flattering. Raoul was afronted on Katherine's behalf as the man did not even stand when she approached the desk. He was beginning to think American men had lost the ability to show proper respect to women. This attitude that everyone showed Katherine was becoming rather tiresome. If this man was in the employ of Mr. Montgomery did that also not make him Katherine's employee as well?

"Sir, if you would please make haste we do not have all day. I might remind you that Miss Montgomery holds controlling interest in all of this? Perhaps we should look for ourselves if you cannot do the job for which you receive a salary." Raoul's implication was not lost on the man.

Hearing the repremanding censure in Raoul's voice the man jumped to his feet stiffly exclaiming, "No, no. That will not be necessary. If you will follow me please? I will show you to the boardroom. It is empty at this moment. There are no meetings scheduled so you should have privacy."

He indicated for them to follow him. He lead them to a room with ornate moldings around the ceilings and walls. Thick blue carpeting covred the floor. A long table sat in the middle surrounded by at least twenty chairs. A sideboard held bottles containing different types of liquor along with glasses as well a bucket for ice.

"My name is Arthur Pendleton should you need anything further you have only to ask." Bowing slightly he left them to take seats to await her father's appearance.

Katherine sat nervously with her hands clasped in front of her on the glossy surface of the table. Why should she be nervous? She was perfectly within her rights to inquire about businesses she had a financial interest in, even if society deemed women less than capable of any sound business sense. In fact it was greatly discouraged for women to show knowledge of anything as important as financial matters or politics. Women were beginning to protest against such theories but until times changed women were thought best left tending to matters of home and family. They should not overtax their capabilities with such vulgar matters. It was quite unseemly. Katherine had begun to think she cared not a smidgeon for the others opinions. Men in particular were pigheaded and judgemental. Except for Matthew, Martin and of course now Raoul. He had proven to be very supportive, willing to give advice if asked for instead of forcing his opinions on her. Captain Richards had been kind to her as well.

In a room down the hall Erik was deep in discussion with Daniel Montgomery not knowing his onetime rival was just down the hall from him. The next few minutes would be the crtical turning point for everyone. A course would be set in motion changing everyones lives. For good or ill was left to the individuals.

Arthur knocked on the door. This used to be Mr. Montomery's office, but now it had been taken over by the new partner, Mr. Fontaine. Receiving permission from Mr. Fontaine to enter he did so with trepidation. The man, Mr. Fontaine gave Arthur the jitters. One look from his cold, hard eyes sent women and men alike scattering. Well perhaps not all the women reacted in this manner if all the gossip was to be believed about the man. Where there was smoke there was fire as the old saying went. Arthur had found it to be true in most cases.

"Sir, I hate to interrupt, but your daughter is just down the hall waiting in the boardroom. She has a gentleman with her. Forgive me sir, I neglected to get his name."

"Damn it I told her not to ever come to town. Forgive this intrusion Erik. I will deal with her quickly, then send her on her way." Daneil got angrily to his feet. Why did Katherine have to choose today of all days to grow a backbone? He much preferred her obedient to his demands.

"Should I not meet her? I would be meeting her eventually as we have now settled our financial arrangements concerning the opera house." Erik had heard many rumors concerning Daniel's daughter. Daniel himself had not expressed any emotions other than irritation for the complication his daughter presented in his life. He had told Erik of his wife, Lydia's desertion. Erik could not say he would miss that judgemental woman much. As far as he was concerned it was good riddance. Now if he could charm the young woman out of her shares in his opera house. Everyone was always reminding him it was a theatre and named such. That would be changing soon.

"Yes, I suppose you are correct. A meeting here would be better than someplace more public. As to the theatre, I am glad we have finally reached an agreement. You may change it into an opera house or anything else for that matter now that you have purchased half interest in the building. Let me assure you I shall not interfere. I have no artistic talents. I simply enjoy the entertainment."

"I am pleased to hear that reassurance." Erik had eveery intention of running it as he saw fit regardless of what Daniel said. He would also be changing the name as soon as he could order the sign to be made. His dream, The Richmond Royal Opera House, was close at hand.

"As for as Katherine is concerned, let me assure you she will pose no problems in any of our arrangements. I can control her. She will not be recending any deal we have made." Daniel could only hope he could get Katherine out of the office without Erik speaking with her.

Erik looked at Daniel suspiciously as he asked, "What do you mean?"

Daniel had hoped to avoid all of this. It would seem fate had caught up with him. He eyed Erik with trepidation. The man had a temper black as a winter's night and twice as cold. "Well technically all of this belongs to Katherine and I equally. Well of course there is that three percent I sold to Hayden, but he only comes to listen to the new talent. He supports them you know?" Daniel was trying to stall so he could give himself time to think of some way out of this. Seeing the determination in Erik's face he knew his time had run out. "Katherine owns fifty percent of everything. I assure you I can control her. Today's defiance is an exception. One that will not be repeated."

The damn man had sold Erik his daughter's fifty percent without her permission. Daniel would make good on this deal or suffer the consequences. Erik's anger was on the rise just as the volumn of his voice rose to coincide with the opening of the door to the hallway. "You damn well better keep her under control. I want that theatre. One way or another." The threat of dire consequences for anyone who stood in his way were not idle threats.

Daniel waved Erik out ahead of him. Once in the hallway he answered Erik, "I have everything under control. She was not supposed to even come to town. I can not imagine what she thought she was doing defying me. She has been compliant until now."

They had reached the boardroom door before Erik replied to Daniel. He had no idea on the other side of that door was the man he had fought for the love of Christine. A man he had hated for so long. In the last year his hatred had lessoned somewhat, but then he had not come face to face with his old adversary in three years.

Hearing male voices raised in arguement Katherine and Raoul both rose to their feet. Something about the tone of one of the voices set off alarms in the back of Raoul's mind. He knew very few people other than his own business contacts. Instinctively his hand went to his side to grab a sword he no longer carried at his side. His unease began to grow as the voices grew nearer. He took a protective step toward Katherine placing a hand on her shoulder.

The door opened. Two men deep in discussion did not see the other two individuals in the room. They continued their convrsation as they stepped into the room.

"Daniel it is no concern of mine if you cannot control the women in your life. I paid you money in good faith now I expect the contract to be honored." Erik not seeing Raoul standing just to the left of him, entered the room, Daniel following closely on his heels.

Raoul would know that cold melodic voice anywhere even without seeing the face, he knew he had unwittingly found Christine's Angel. Erik. The bastard who had ruined his life. Without his knowledge, but he had ruined it all the same. All the old animosity, anger and humiliation surged to the forefront of his mind as if it had only been waiting to be brought back into the light. Raoul clenched his teeth and hands with equal ferver.

"Son of a bitch." The curse left Raoul's mouth before his brain reminded him there was a lady present. He sent Katherine an apologetic glance.

Erik looked up when he heard a male voice curse. His head jerked to his left. His whole body stiffened in shock. He knew at some point he would have to face his old adversary. He had hoped it would be in a place and time of his own chosing. Anger had his hands clenching the papers in his hands wadding them into a ball. Remembered humiliation,despair and hatred washed over Erik from the last time he had seen this man. Anger took hold bringing forth the dark forces he had been trying to bury or at least control the last three years. Both men would have been surprised to know they shared humiliating memories concerning Christine, the woman they had both loved passionately. In fact if one looked at the parallels they ran side by side as far as the emotions were concerned.

"You!" both men growled with equal hatred. Unlike Raoul, Erik always carried a weapon. Instinct fueled by his almost forgotten memories took hold of him. His hand brought out his Punjab even before the thought fully registered to do so. Erik had been aware for some time Christine was in search of him. That was one of his reasons for moving to Virginia. The Virginia Royal Theatre was in fiancial trouble. He planned to take advantage of that fact. He wanted Christine to sing for him again. To sing something he had written. To have her give voice to his music in front of others would be one of his most glorious moments. For a while he had been able to let go of the dream of Christine. When he had come across the letters among Nadirs things concerning her search for him his dream had been reborn like the phoenix from the ashes.

The two old adversaries faced off. Who would be the victor this time? Would anyone be victorious?