X.
It was a cold autumn day. Fluffy, grey clouds covered the sky, hinting that soon it would rain. Though the heavy red curtains were tied with tassels to reveal the large, arch-shaped windows, only faint light illuminated the study, creating dark, gloomy atmosphere. Again she was sitting in her expensive, upholstered with black leather arm-chair behind the solid beechen desk. Her glassy eyes were fixed on the small piece of paper in her hand. She was staring for long at the beautifully written words on the paper – the handwriting was a bit italic and swirly, but still readable.
He was standing on the other side of the premise, near the tea-table and was serving her a light breakfast – coffee and lemon cake, prepared from his own, special recipe.
He turned to her. Her pale face was expressionless as usual, but he could sense some sort of inner tension, growing behind her empty, cold gaze. He smiled slightly and picked up the silver platter; then came nearer to her.
"Your meal, my lady" he said and put the platter on the desk, then stepped aside.
She didn't react to his words. Finally, she put the piece of paper back on the desk's smooth surface. With a deep sigh she sank in the big arm-chair, resting her head on her hand.
"This won't get us anywhere" she said. Though her voice was calm, she seemed to be a bit uneasy. "I've read this list countless times and still all those names convey nothing to me. I just don't understand." She took the paper and slowly moved her eyes on him. "I think you should take a better look too, though I'm sure you know them by heart already."
Placing his hand in front of his chin, he leaned slightly towards her to examine the piece of paper again. He stared at it for a while, then started:
"Unfortunately, milady, I'm afraid that I also can't recognize any of these names. As you asked me, I've searched through all types of documents of the Griffin Company in the library back at the mansion. But alas none of these names figured in any of our registers. However, some older files from your father's days were here, so my research isn't completed yet. I'm going to use our stay in London to check those old documents as well."
She said nothing. She put away the paper piece again and threw a surprised look at the served breakfast – obviously, she hadn't noticed it at all few moments ago. She raised her cup of coffee, carried it to her lips and took a sip. Unwillingly she fixed her glassy gaze on a name from the paper.
"John B. Smith…" she mumbled. Her eyes widened, she put back the cup on the table and jumped off the arm-chair. She went to the bookcase, searched for a while through the books. He observed her with surprise – he never expected to see her so energetic. Finally she took out an old, dusty file from around fourteen years ago and sat back in the arm-chair. She opened it, turned over few crumbly pages and put her finger on a certain line. A thin, smug smile appeared on her face. "There it is! Now that's something!" said she in triumph. He looked at the spot her finger was pointing.
"Jonathan Blacksmith?" he asked in astonishment.
"Yes, a man, who used to work for my father long time ago. One of the middle class, I believe. He was the Chief of the Export in the Company. But he was caught doing some foul bargains behind my father's back, so he was dismissed." she paused. "I heard that few years later he got married to Countess Ellington, owner of a wool manufacture in London. Her business was failing at that time, so it was a fair trade between her and Mister Blacksmith. She got the sponsor she needed, and he – the title, he was longing for. As being one of the nobles now and owner of a manufacture, mister Blacksmith decided to change his name to John B. Smith, of vanity of course. He threatened my father few times, but he never carried out his menaces…As far some other names on the list - I think they were Mister Blacksmith's associates. Now I can remember Archibald mentioning them few times after I took on my father's heritage. Back then he spoke of some sort of secret alliance against the Griffin Company and all those people were involved in it. At least he thought so. I never believed in this theory." She took another sip from her coffee. He watched her carefully and smiled lightly.
"But still Count Smith and his allies were potential threat to the Company…and to you." said he.
She turned to him and looked straight into his slightly reddish eyes. Of course, she didn't let any kind of emotion to appear on her beautiful, yet cold face, but he knew he had awakened her curiosity.
"You mean?" asked she.
His smile widened.
"Excuse me, my lady, but back then you were still too young and inexperienced as an entrepreneur. In other words, it was the perfect opportunity for Count Smith and the others like him to take down the Company's monopole over Europe's textile market. Just as Mister Montgomery feared." She observed him with interest.
"You're suggesting that such an alliance against the Griffin Company actually existed?" asked she. He nodded and continued:
"I even believe that its members tried to bring you down already. With the death of your father." She pierced him immediately with her cold glassy eyes. He noticed how her body slightly shivered from his words. "According to what you said, it's most likely that Viscount of Woodsville was part of that secret alliance."
She took a deep breath. She stayed quiet for a while. He looked into her thoughtful, yet empty gaze – she was estimating every single word from their conversation in order to reach her own conclusion. What a clever young woman indeed, she trusts no one, but herself.
"You may have right." said she finally. "At first sight there isn't any particular link between the names, but they wouldn't have shown their relations in public anyway."
"Also if you concentrate on the dates of the murders, you would notice that the first crimes have been committed shortly after you took on your father's duty." he pointed few lines on the piece of paper.
"It makes sense now…" said she and paused. "But still if the Phantom played the role of a guardian angel for the Griffin Company, why did he murder Archibald and my sister? "
"Maybe he will give you the answer to this question himself, my lady." said he. He was holding the tickets for the play Othello, while smiling his serene smile. She pierced him with her icy gaze and took the tickets.
"Which reminds me that I have to prepare myself for tonight's performance." she mumbled with tag of boredom in her voice. Though she was a public figure, she deeply loathed such events.
"If you allow, I shall prepare the carriage for you, my lady." said he. He bowed and headed to the door. Suddenly he turned to her. "Excuse me, my lady, but I wanted to ask you something." She raised her glassy eyes and looked at him with surprise. He smiled. "Why did you agree to be accompanied by Detective Kingsley during your stay in London? Isn't he a threat to your own investigation?"
Her stone face blazed him with a burning glare. With his sarcasm he always managed to awake her anger. It was such an amusement for him.
"I agreed to police escort, because I had to." answer she. Her voice was calm, yet cold. "After being told about the Phantom, my denial would have seemed suspicious to the Chief Inspector, which could endanger my investigation even more. So I chose the well-measured risk, after all."
"Of course you did, Mistress" answered he, still smiling - she noticed a dangerous red glow in his eyes. Then he bowed again and left the room.
The Theatre Royal was an imposing building. Its rich architecture – mixture between Renaissance, Baroques and Gothic style, distinguished it from the local surroundings. At night, while being illuminated by the light of hundred candelabras, it façade arouse both admiration and fear in people's hearts. High columns with Greek motives formed its arch-shaped main entrance. Enormous, right-angled windows revealed the light, luminanced from the crystal chandeliers, placed all over the ceiling in the theatre's foyer .On the rooftop of the theatre, full height statues peeked down to the main stair case, which was covered with thick, red carpet because of tonight's premiere.
Othello was this year's main theatre event, as it was going to open the new season at Theatre Royal. Nobles, from all four quarters of England, had come to see Shakespeare's play tonight – not that they were very interested in dramatic art. For some such event was a strategic move to establish new business relations, for others – a way to be acquainted with the latest gossips in the court and for third it was the perfect opportunity to show off power and wealth. A real parade of the deadly sins, indeed.
The carriage stopped in front of the main entrance. Hundreds of curious gazes waited to see the new arrivals. The door of the carriage opened and a dark-haired man, wearing a black tailcoat and white gloves, hopped down. He turned back and bowed to the beautiful young woman, who got off the carriage after him. Aside from the traveling cape, she was wearing a marvelous long evening dress – it consisted of underskirt of black satin and outer garment made of dark-purple brocade, decorated with black lace on the edges. She was holding a small fan in her hand. A black lace ribbon was tied around her neck, complementing the lady's gown. Her hair was gathered by elegant sliver hair-slides, decorated with amethyst. She took a quick look around; then headed straight to the staircase, followed by her servant.
As they entered the foyer, her arrival provoked whispering among some of the guests. She just ignored it – she had predicted such reaction; and handed her cape to her servant.
"Duchess Griffin! What a nice surprise!" a friendly voice said.
"Good evening, Mister Bowman!" greeted Eileen. "Glad to see you here. You're still a passionate admirer of the dramatic art, I see."
"I can't deny, my lady. In fact I feel the theatre as my second home." answered Bowman laughing. "I see that your young butler accompanies you once again, Duchess. He's sure taking a good care of you."
"Indeed, he's looking well after me. Even sometimes, I have the feeling he's become my shadow." she said, smiling, and looked at Michael with the corner of her eye.
"I do my best to grant milady's wishes." answered Michael and bowed slightly.
"You sure do wonderful job, young man." said Bowman. "To my opinion, you're a great professional!"
In that moment another voice resounded from behind.
"Lady Eileen?" She turned in the voice's direction.
"Henry!" Henry bowed to her, then kissed her hand.
"I can't believe my eyes!" he said. "I didn't expect to see you in London, when did you arrive?"
"Yesterday, in the evening. I thought it was about time to visit London not because of Company's matters, but for few days rest. Besides I heard that Othello is going to be played tonight, and this was my another motivation to come here."
Michael watched them quietly. He was always astounded by the capability of humans to adjust to the situation. And the Duchess was no exception to this rule. With the time she had become a magnificent actress – sociable, yet still distant enough in order not to reveal her intentions. He had to confess, she was a clever woman with enigmatic aura and strange charm. That's what made her such an interesting object to observe.
"Good for you, my dear Duchess! I've started to worry about you. I was afraid, that you've become a complete workaholic and you've forgotten the meaning of "having fun"" said Henry laughing.
"And you always put "having fun" in front of family matters, dear Sir." answered Eileen with a smile. "You never change, Baron!"
"Now, now, Eileen, enough with the scolding! My father lectures me at each opportunity!" said Henry. "Oh, which reminds me to ask you, have you received my invitation?" Eileen looked at him questioning. "By your look, I guess you didn't. Ok, so now I have the chance to tell you personally…" Henry paused for few moments.
"Well, Henry, what it is?" Eileen's voice appeared to be calm as usual though. She noticed a slight smile on Bowman's face. "Mister Bowman, do you know what he's talking about?"
"Eileen, leave Alexander be. I will tell you" laughed Henry. "I'm moving. To Devonshire. I've recently bought a house near the main town. And in one week time I'll be hosting a masquerade ball for 'le grand' opening. You'll come, right? In fact I won't accept no as an answer!"
The Duchess remained silent and simply observed Henry. She didn't hide her surprise, but Michael sensed something else. A set of emotions arose behind her glassy eyes – she was tensed. Obviously she wasn't pleased by the news. On the other hand, the Baron beamed with joy. He was smiling charmingly at Eileen, waiting patiently for her answer.
"Henry, these are wonderful news, but I'm not sure, I'll be able to come. Please give me sometime to think."
"Alright, I'll consider the fact, that you weren't informed." Eileen sighed quietly. "But at one condition! You'll help me with the preparations for the ball!" Michael chuckled. He loved the way the young Baron cornered the Duchess. She couldn't deny at his proposal – she was helpless. But for his surprise she answered laughing:
"If that is the only way, then I'll accept your offer. At least, I'll be sure you won't ruin your own party."
"Aren't you a bit harsh, Duchess? I'm not an inexperienced young boy anymore."
"Who says you are, Baron Carpenter?" a male voice said. Eileen and the others turned around. "Good evening Lord Henry, Mister Bowman. Oh and what an unexpected guest, Lady Eileen Griffin and her talented butler Michael. It's been a while since we last met."
"Good to see you again, Count De Ville. I see that you are doing quite well, though the fact that one of your textile factories was closed two weeks ago." on Eileen's face has appeared a thin evil smile.
"Dear Duchess, I don't believe it's appropriate to discuss business matters in a theatre. We should enjoy a few pleasant hours with our friends, watching such a marvelous play like Othello." said the Count.
"Speaking of good manners," interrupted Henry, "don't you think it's proper to introduce your companions to us, dear Count?"
"Oh, but of course, of course." De Ville turned to the four men, who stood behind him. "Please, meet Baron Clifford, Viscount Hudson, Captain Williams from the Royal Guard and Count Ivanovitch, representative of the Russian embassy in London." The men bowed.
"I never knew you and your friends were such worshippers of the theatre, Count De Ville." added Bowman. "It's rare to see you at events like these."
"Alexander, my old friend," started De Ville, "you will be surprised how little you know about me. Don't believe what those corrupt journalists writings – their articles are just fiction." At that moment the sounds of bells resounded in the foyer. It was a sign that the performance was about to begin and the guests should take their seats. "It seems the play will start soon." said De Ville. "Excuse me, but we shall take our leave. I wish you to enjoy yourself tonight! Goodbye!" He turned around and disappeared along with his companions in the crowd.
"Where is your seat, Duchess?" asked Bowman.
"I'm in the box, on the left side of the scene." answered Eileen.
"The single-seated one?" said Henry. "You assured your 'few pleasant hours' to watch the play peacefully, I see. I'm on the fifth row somewhere in the middle. Unfortunately, I won't be able to see you, since you're in the box. What about you Mister Bowman?"
"Unfortunately the last seat available in the front was the one near the left aisle in the sixth row." The bells rang once again.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, but I'll head to my seat." said Eileen. "I hope, I'll see you later, during the interval between the play's parts."
"Do you want me to escort you, my lady?" asked Henry.
"No need for that, Lord Henry. Then it will be difficult for you to reach your own seat." she turned to Michael. "Let's go, Michael. See you later, Baron Carpenter, Mister Bowman"
They headed to the staircase. It leaded to the second floor of the theatre, where the boxes where placed. As they were moving through the crowd, Eileen took a good look around. She recognized some of her business associates along with some of her family's acquaintances. There was nothing suspicious, but then again the Duchess knew, there wouldn't be at first sight. She had done her part; from now on all she needed to do was to wait patiently.
"Michael," she started. The butler looked at her, "have you seen Detective Kingsley?"
"Come to think of it, my lady, I haven't noticed the Detective's presence since our arrival."
"Strange, I thought he would have arrived by now." mumbled Eileen.
They finally reached the stairs and started climbing up to the second floor. On the top of the staircase, there was a man, wearing glasses and a red uniform with the golden initials of Theatre Royal. He bowed to the Duchess.
"Duchess Griffin, allow me to escort you to your seat." he said.
For Eileen's and Michael's surprise this was no other than Detective Edward Kingsley. He led them down the narrow hallway, which leaded to the boxes. When they walked away from the staircase, Eileen turned to the Detective:
"Detective Kingsley, your disguise is perfect. I almost couldn't recognize you."
"Thank you, my lady. I tried my best." They stopped in front of a blue door. Kingsley lightly pushed the golden handle to open it. "Here your seat, Duchess. If you need anything, I'll be close by. I wish you to have a good time during the performance. Now, if you excuse me, I'll continue with my duty as a staff of the theatre."
"Thank you Detective." Eileen traced him with her eyes, as he went back the narrow corridor to the staircase; then turned to Michael. "I want you to stay on your guard. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, inform me immediately."
"As you wish, my lady." answered Michael. "And what about the Detective?"
"I leave him to you. He must not interfere by any means!"
Michael smiled, then bowed slightly to her and left the box.
Eileen turned around and took a good look at the auditorium. It's been a while since she last visited Theatre Royal. Once again she got astonished by the theatre's splendour. The hall was illuminated by the light of golden candelabras and a crystal chandelier. The wall's paintings were representing scenes from famous dramas and comedies, in the ceiling were whittled down the images of the Greek god Apollo and the nine Muses. Around two hundred and fifty seats were placed in semicircle around the scene. Heavy red curtains were covering the stage, waiting to be pulled off by complicated mechanisms.
Eileen sat on her seat and leaned on its back. She had a full-view to the scene, but she couldn't observe the rest of the auditorium. For her this meant just one thing – the Phantom would be present during the performance and he didn't want her to spot him in the public. Obviously he was a man of vision.
Suddenly the light fainted and the curtains were drawn away, revealing the décor and the actors. The sound of claps filled the theatre and the performance began.
Since there was nothing left to do, the Duchess concentrated on the play. She had read the plot very carefully in advice. She knew the characters and their stories by heart. Her glassy eyes were fixed on the actors, memorizing each gesture or word. Eileen was sure, the Phantom didn't choose exactly this play randomly and she was trying to find hidden links, which could guide her to the criminal's true identity.
While the Duchess was absorbed by the play's action, Michael kept a sharp eye on the public from the backstage. How did he sneak in there? Pretty simple. He decided to take advantage of Kingsley's disguise and asked him to watch the performance from behind the curtains. In other words, he had taken the perfect observation spot and besides, in his hands he was holding a small, fluffy cat. (He found her on the way to the backstage and decided to keep it for a while). Surprisingly, these creatures had a soothing effect on him – their elegance, their mysterious charm, their independent character; qualities that weren't inherent in many of the other beings. Michael stroked the cat's soft fur and looked at the public. His slightly reddish eyes passed on face to face. He smiled evilly. Yes, he could peer through their pompous masks straight into their dark souls and almost taste every single sin, they've committed. Everyone of the present was worthy enough to be the Phantom, but who was he really? It could be the man with the chick black velveteen jacket on the third row in the middle, or maybe the man with the strange new haircut on the last row near the exit. Even the actors could be potential suspects. But whoever the Phantom was, he surely had blended with the crowd well and Michael was on the alert more then ever. He turned to the small box on the left side of the scene. The Duchess had rested her head on her hand, obviously occupied with the performance. Under the faint light of the candles she looked more like a wax figure than like a human being. Elegant and mysterious… just like the cat. Her glassy eyes reflected the scenes one after another, as if they were some kind of strange mirrors. Those eyes – they, were cold, empty, lifeless, but he knew in there, deep inside smouldered the spark of long forgotten emotions, waiting patiently to unleash the blazing fire of hatred and sorrow, the fire of her own feelings, in which she'd perish. That was the Duchess' dual personality – she was cold and determined, yet passionate and fragile… And that's what made her such an attractive prey for him. Michael smiled again and continued with the fulfillment of tonight's duty.
As the time for the first interval between the actions drew near, the butler became even more cautious. Some of the guests had already started to leave their seats, which increased the chances of the appearance of the Phantom. Finally the curtain fell after the last bow and the public headed to the exit. Michael's first thought was to check on Eileen's seat. He threw a quick look at the box. The Duchess had stood up and had also set her eyes on him. Then he noticed another figure behind her, but he quickly recognized Kingsley's silhouette. Obviously the Detective had hurried up to escort safely the Duchess to the foyer. After the last guest had left the auditorium, Michael also headed back to the main entrance. When he arrived at the staircase, he faced an ocean of hats, dresses, trousers, haircuts and fans. There was no way to pass through the crowd. Were there indeed so many people in such a small hall? All Michael could do was to wait patiently until the bells' ring. And he didn't wait for too long.
Around fifteen minutes later the guests were announced, that the second part of the performance was going to start soon. Eileen slowly approached the staircase, where the butler was standing. She looked at him with her cold gaze and spoke quietly:
"You've found good observation position, but I noticed that the cat got you carried away."
"Excuse me, my lady" answered Michael and bowed slightly.
"It doesn't matter." said she indulgently. "Well, have you noticed something suspicious?"
"Unfortunately I haven't, milady"
"So, he is bit of an actor too." she mumbled. "We have no other choice, but to wait then." They reached the blue door of the box. Michael bowed and was about to leave when she said "Michael…keep an eye on the Detective, please."
"As you wish, my lady" he bowed again and closed the door.
Eileen sighed and sank in her seat. She took a good look around the stage, but once again everything seemed to be in order. There was little time left before the start of the second part of the performance, which meant that around one hour later the play would end. As the minutes were passing by, she began to think, that all of this was some kind of joke, a test, she had failed. The thought of being deceived absorbed her and though she didn't show it, she was nervous because of that. Suddenly Eileen heard the door's creak, but before she could face the one, who entered, a gloved hand gagged her with a handkerchief. She tried to stay calm and was about to turn her head against her attacker, when she felt her body going numb. She struggled to preserve control over her muscles, but she lost conscious.
In the next moment she woke up in some kind of an attic. Eileen quickly regained her self-control and tried to locate, where exactly she was. First of all she noticed that she wasn't tied up, she was just sitting a big chair in the middle of the room. Then she listened carefully in the sounds around her. The Duchess heard clearly the voices of the actors somewhere beneath; then saw a moving rope-tackle block above her seat. Obviously she was somewhere above the stage. Around her were lying old decors and costumes, covered with dust and cobwebs.
"Good evening, Duchess Griffin" a voice said.
She recognized this voice – voice she would prefer not to remember at all. She slowly turned her head to the left. On one of the laths, which built up the standing of the roof, there was a cloaked figure with a top hat. His face was covered with white mask, which had no mouth, just an openings for the eyes.
"You are the one they call the Phantom, I presume" Eileen said and smiled slightly.
The man hopped off his seat, took off his hat and gallantly bowed to her.
"You know my name, I'm flattered" he said with deep voice. "I'm glad, you've accepted my invitation. I'm sorry for treating you so rudely few moments ago, but you see a man with my reputation must be cautious when he appears in public."
"I see" started the Duchess. "Let me ask you this: Though your own security is endangered, you insisted to meet me. Why? Forgive me, but you've awaken my curiosity." She sounded calm and cold as usual.
"Going straight to the point, I see. That's what I like about you, Duchess" said he. In his voice there was a tag of satisfaction. "Don't worry, I won't keep you under pressure" He walked nearer "I just wanted to thank you; that's all."
"To thank me?" Eileen looked at him questioning. "For what?"
"Come on, Duchess, I'm sure you know." he started. He took out a playing card –and threw it towards her. The Jack of Spades. Eileen looked at the card without a shiver. "Thank you for eliminating him. You saved me up a lot of time that could have been wasted."
The Duchess sighed and turned to him:
"I guess, I've just returned the favor. You've been playing the role of a secret guardian angel for me and my company for so long. This is the least I could do."
"But please, my lady. It's my duty to protect good entrepreneurs, such as yourself, at any costs."
"Even if it means to murder my sister and my most trusted servant?" she pierced him with her icy glare. He flinched.
"They were an unnecessary obstacle, so they were removed." With hops approached her slowly. "Your butler was inexperienced. He was a bad advisor for you. You saw what happened to your mother and father. How did came to this, what do you think? Thanks to Mister Montgomery's ill judgments, your father couldn't preserve the Viscount's true intentions. If that man continued to consult you, your company would have gotten closed by now. And as far about your sister. Well, she wasn't standing in your way intentionally, but she slowed up your professional growth. You were in two minds back then, weren't you? You had to choose between your work and your sister. She needed you badly, I know, and you wanted to fill the emptiness in that little heart of hers, which the death of your parents had left .Well, I made the choice easier for you." He leaned to her ear and whispered smiling "Am I not right?"
Eileen surprisingly stood up, pushing the chair on the ground. A set of emotions arose in her chest, though she her pale face was expressionless as usual. She faced him fearlessly and her glassy eyes met his. He shuddered. Those eyes were the ones from few seconds ago, yet somehow different. Yes, they were still cold and empty, but her icy gaze had turned into a blazing fire, which burned his soul. Obviously she had heard enough.
"Who are you working for" she said slowly. There was a slight tag of anger in her voice.
"Who am I working for" he laughed. Then his voice changed – he sounded serious. "I am working for you, dear Duchess. I'm here to ensure your survival in this world of cruelty and lies. I'm created by your inexperience." he paused. "Look at yourself now: You are a respected public figure, a household name in the textile branch. And that's all thanks to us, to our unsigned union! Please, don't ruin it."
"Don't get too ahead of yourself." she said simply. "You claim to know me so well, then it must be clear to you, that I'll avenge my sister at all costs. Because she was my most precious thing and you've taken her away. You should be afraid. After all I'm the one who killed your minion."
"But of course I am." answered the Phantom. "You've become a powerful and determinate woman. But, dear Duchess, aren't you forgetting something? This time I am the one holding the gun."
Eileen felt the cold touch of metal on her chest. She lowered her eyes. A silver gun, with elegant wooden butt with craved floral motives and inlayed gems, was pointed against her. She tried not to loose self-control.
In this moment the wooden floor creaked. They both turned to direction of the sound. In front of them was standing a handsome young man, who was wearing a black tailcoat and white gloves. His slightly reddish eyes almost glowed under the faint candle light.
"Excuse me for interrupting, milady, but Mister Kingsley is worried about you. He found your absence disturbing and in around…" he took out his golden watch" ten minutes will arrive in front of your empty seat in the box. I know you asked me not to interfere, but I think it's time for you to return in the auditorium."
"You must be the Duchess' present butler, Michael, right?" asked the Phantom.
"That is correct, dear Sir." answered Michael with a serene smile and bowed.
"I don't know how you managed to find her, but if you make just another step forward I'll…"
"Shoot her?" The Phantom turned with surprise. The man, who was standing right in front of him just now, had moved between him and the Duchess, blocking the gun's muzzle with his gloved hand. "We both know you won't do such a grave mistake, Sir. Under us there is a hall, full of English nobles. Among them there are representatives of the police and the Royal guard. There are two exists from the theatre and tonight they are well-guarded by sentries. There is simply no escape."
The Phantom chuckled and pulled away the gun.
"Indeed, you are an interesting person, Michael. Well done. You sure know how to protect your master."
"After all it's my duty as a butler of the Griffin family." Michael smiled slightly.
"Then if you excuse me, I shall take my leave for now. I shall be seeing you again, Duchess."
The Phantom bowed and disappeared in the darkness. Eileen remained silent for few moments.
"You didn't kill him for the exactly same reason – the ruckus, it would cause, right?" said she finally.
"You're indeed a far-seeing person, my lady." Michael answered. Then he looked at her with his glowing red eyes and added with an evil smile: "Besides, I prefer to wait for my prize a little bit more."
"Just as I thought" she mumbled. "Let's go back to my seat before Kingsley appears."
Michael bowed to her.. Just before they left suddenly she leaned and took something from the floor.
"What is it?" asked Michael.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just dropped one of my hair-slides."
Then they headed back to the theatre hall.