The Heart Never Lies

Chapter 8

We had been walking for a bit, I decided we should head home. It was getting dark. So, we started our way there. We were at the entrance of the living quarters for the employees of Phantasma we saw a figure shrouded in black. I squinted and cocked my head. It had a small frail looking frame. As we got closer I could make out Madame Giry's figure.
"Ah, hello Madame."
I called to her. She bolted toward me and grabbed the collar of my coat
"M-Madame Giry? What is it?
Meg! Have you seen her?
No, not since the accident! Why What's happened?"
She dug through the small black bag she carried with her and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper.
She shoved it into my chest. I took it and read it.
"Mother,
I'm so sorry to do this to you. This is a bit clique, but by the time you receive this note I'll be gone. I hurt my sister, my best friend. I killed her. Her son will be without a mother, all because of me. As I've said before, I'm so sorry to do this to you, I just can't live with myself. Goodbye. I love you so much.
Yours,
Meg."
I looked up at her. Her eyes had glazed over with tears. I pulled in a warm embrace, she sobbed into my chest.
"E-erik? What is it?"
Christine looked up and asked with her big doe-like eyes. I gently handed her the note. She read it and silently tears fell from her eyes.
"Mother? Father? What's going on?"
Gustave asked innocently.
"I think we should get inside. Madame Giry needs to sit down."
I looked down at my tear-stained shirt.
"And perhaps a cup of tea."
I gave him a warm smile. Gustave took hold of his mother's hand and I his, I guided all of them to our little home in Phantasma.
When we got inside I sat Christine and Madame Giry down on the sofa. Gustave went to his room to play. I made a pot of tea. As I waited for the water to boil I sat on the floor in front of Christine and Giry. They were quietly hugging each other chatting.
"E-everything is going to be we'll find her.
You t-think so?"
Madame Giry sniffled.
"I know so."
I interjected with a soft smile. I placed my hand on hers reassuringly. The kettle whistled and Christine jumped. I got up to make us our tea. As everyone else sipped at their drinks I made a phone call in the other room.
"Squelch? Yes hello it's Erik.
Ah, hello! What can I do for you this time Erik?
You remember Meg?
Yes! The 'Ohlala Girl' Why?
I know I said I want her arrested, but Squelch, she's gone missing. I need to find her. I think she might be dead.
D-dead? How do you know?"
I quietly read him the note Giry had given me.
"Oh-oh dear. Erik. I'm sorry.
It's not your fault, just send a search party. P-please? For Christine's sake...
Of course.
Thank you. For everything."
I hung up and went back to Christine and Madame Giry. They both looked up at me with red noses and bloodshot eyes. I sat on the floor between then and rested my head in Christine's lap.
"Everything will be fine. I promise. Mr. Squelch is on top of things."
This seemed to calm Madame Giry, she had known him almost as long as I had. Christine kissed my temple and sighed.
"I hope you're right."
She whispered.