Chapter 4: A Walk in the Park

Nikki stood so very still in the vacant room; engrossed deep thought. Did this creeper have some kind of obsession with her? How could she not have seen this? Who was it? It was definitely real and whoever it was was definitely dangerous. He had been in her room. He had stroked her hair and kissed her. He had killed for her. He had killed someone who had a life - a beating heart. He killed someone who she talked to, which meant that this voice was no longer from her imagination. This murderer was real.

What should she do? Should she report it to the police? What would she say? Excuse me, but I have a crazed person with a mysterious voice that was responsible for Officer Eriq Leroux's death. Nikki shook her head; that would not go over well. She knew that she would be questioned about the officer and her involvement. But what involvement? He gave her boyfriend a ticket? They might think that it was Troy. That he sought revenge or something. No. It was best to keep this to herself until she could get a better handle on the situation.

Nikki was so entangled in thought that she did not realize someone was behind her. She jumped when she felt a soft tap on her shoulder. Spinning around with a start, she was relieved to see Troy.

"Nikki? Are you all right? I called you twice."

"Oh," Nikki blinked her thoughts to the back of her mind. "I'm sorry."

"What happened? Mademoiselle Sellie left with a crazed look on her face."

Nikki sighed, feeling helpless, "Someone wrote her a note warning her to stay away from me. She then promised any chances I have of becoming a singer would be ruined."

Troy huffed, "What?! Can she do that?"

"I guess so."

"But you're not fired or anything, right?"

"I don't know. We'll continue on like normal and see what happens," Nikki was afraid of what would happen. She was no longer angry at the prima donna. She now feared for Mademoiselle Sellie. Nikki lifted up a silent prayer that an angel would protect the soprano from any disaster.

A week went by and rehearsals were steady and everything seemed status quo. Besides from the occasional stares she received from the cast, Nikki was able to continue on like normal. But every day at rehearsal, she dreaded that Messieurs Vanois and Shante would call her aside and fire her. But that never happened.

Several of the cast quietly asked Nikki what happened. Apparently her conversation with the soprano had not gone unnoticed among them and they wanted the latest gossip. Nikki would just shrug and explain the lighter points to satisfy their curiosity.

Nikki was also surprised that she had not heard from the mysterious stalker. Actually, everything was normal and dull. No creepy voices or no eerie feelings. She hoped that that was the last of her stalker. Even though the soprano was dripping with her ego, Nikki was relieved that no attempts had been made on the leading lady's life. The two had occasionally caught each other's glances, but quickly darted their eyes away.

Nikki grew closer to her friend, Jennie, who was one of the best dancers in the company. She had to be, her mother was the ballet mistress at the Opera Populaire, so there were no exceptions for Jennie. Sometimes Nikki felt bad for Jennie when her mother would always challenge her to do better. But Nikki quickly saw that Jennie was tough and could take her mother's criticism.

As the rehearsal was coming to an end, Nikki had noticed Troy had slipped in and was sitting in the back with Monsieur Gerard. He must have finished his lessons and was planning on taking her home.

The conductor, Monsieur Dubree, dismissed everyone. Nikki bid farewell to her friends and joined Troy in the back of the auditorium.

"Hi, Gerard," Nikki smiled.

"Good evening. Rehearsals are shaping up very nicely."

Nikki chuckled and gestured toward Troy, "You keeping him out of trouble, Gerard?"

"It's tough, but yes," Gerard grinned then bid them goodnight.

Nikki looked up at Troy, "So? You taking me home?"

"I thought we could swing by Les Café for a drink first."

"Oh," Nikki sighed, that was just what she needed, "Sounds great," and both walked hand and hand out.

Moments later they were cozied up in their favorite booth, waiting for their tea. Troy leaned forward at one point, "That Mademoiselle Sellie, has a strong, powerful voice, but it's nothing compared to your voice. Your's is so light. Definitely more fitted for those arias."

"Is that your professional opinion or are you just biased?" Nikki teased.

"Both. I happen to know a little about music and singing," he nodded.

"Well, biased or not, she is a professional and I am just a chorus girl."

"Even Mademoiselle Sellie started out as a chorus girl," Troy nudged her. They leaned back as the waitress, Lilly-Rose, distributed their teas and the creamer, smiled then went back to the kitchen.

"Mademoiselle Sellie or not, it is going to be the most incredible night in Paris. I am excited for the opera, the ball afterwards, and the fireworks," Nikki smiled and looked out at the sky which had turned an eerie black. The stars shined brightly. Two in particular caught her attention. Two stars that seemed to be looking down at her; like two eyes watching over her. She quickly turned back to the cozy café and the conversation.

"I can't wait for the performance. The rehearsals look great and when you combine it with the sets, the light and costumes," Troy flashed a dashing grin, "I've already got my ticket!"

"I forgot to pick up those tickets from Gerard. I'll have to do that tomorrow," Nikki tsked.

After a while of pleasant conversation, they slowly got into Troy's car and drove to the park. It was such a beautiful night that they wanted to spend a little more time together. The silent and peaceful park, even in the glow of the moonlight, still displayed its green luster. A few other couples had the same idea and Troy and Nikki passed them leisurely, smiling a greeting before continuing on their way.

The breeze was soft and free, sweeping the flowers and trees into a dance. The botanical gardens, hushed a soft melody for their visitors. Troy and Nikki laughed as they told jokes and funny stories. It was such a pleasant night. Nikki jumped with a gasp from a sudden rustle in the bushes.

Troy grinned and squeezed her shoulder, "Relax, it was probably a squirrel."

"Troy, do you think you could get my jacket from the car. There is a little brook up ahead I wanted to see. Meet me there,"

"Sure, twenty more minutes then we should head back," Troy disappeared down the path.

She followed the path to the brook with a little wooden bridge. She closed her eyes at the sound of the trickling water. The gentle breeze carried the flower's aroma to her nose and she grinned at the sweet smell. So perfect. She suddenly snapped open her eyes when she heard a crunching of leaves. Without Troy to reassure her it was an animal, Nikki's thoughts began to run rampant. Soon this perfect night turned into a creepy night. Every sound began to amplify. Maybe staying was not such a good idea. She quickly turned to meet up with Troy but stopped when she heard a voice whisper over the water.

"Come to me, my Angel."

She slowly turned her head in the direction she thought she heard the voice, "Who's there?" her voice was quiet and wavered.

"Your Angel of Music. I have come for you, to take you with me," the voice was no longer a ghostly whisper, but clearer and closer.

Nikki thought she saw a shadowy figure behind a near tree and her heart began to pound so loud that she put her hand over her sternum to try and quiet it. "I don't know who you are, so why should I go with you?" She whispered weakly.

There was silence, Nikki was afraid that she said the wrong thing, which made her more frightened. Then the voice sounded like it was crying, "You love me. Don't you remember? You love me."

"I don't know who you are? How can I love you?" Her voice was a little stronger.

"You will come with me," the voice said quietly but firmly.

Just then, a hand covered her mouth and another around her waist. Nikki tried to scream from under the hand, but it was only muffled. She tried to push away, tried to fight but the hands were too strong. The hands began to pull her backwards. She tried to scream again, frantically fighting. As she was pulled along she felt a sharp pain prick her arm. What happened? Was she being kidnapped!?

"Nikki?" a sweet, familiar voice called out. It was Troy!

Suddenly, her arm shook and she blinked. When she opened them, Troy was bending over her.

"Nikki, are you all right!?"

Nikki frowned. She was so confused. She found herself lying on the ground. She sat up quickly. "He's gone!"

"Who? What happened?" Troy shook her shoulders to snap her back to the present.

Nikki blinked a couple more times. "I'm fine," she reassured him, but she questioned her answer. What happened to her? Was it her creepy stalker or was it just her imagination?

Troy helped her up, "You were laying on the ground. I thought—I didn't know what to think," he sighed in relief, "And you are sure you all right?"

Nikki nodded as Troy draped her jacket over her shoulder. "Let's get out of here," and they walked back to Troy's car, Troy holding her close.


Up Next...Chapter 5: Another Visit