The next morning, I nervously stood outside of the managers' office, listening carefully. So far, they had not read the letters. I greatly wondered at their reactions when they did.

My thoughts ran back to last night. It all seemed so much like a dream, that I couldn't quite believe it all. But I know I delivered the notes. And I know I felt different this morning. I think my voice sounded better already as well. Could Monsieur change someone's voice that quickly? I didn't know.

Suddenly, on the other the side of the door, I heard an enraged voice exclaim, "What is this!" A servant came rushing to the office as the door opened.

Firmin bellowed, "Get Mme. Giry this instant!" I cringed.

Seeing me standing there, the furious mad grabbed my arm and pulled me into the small room. Andre was sitting on a chair, re-reading a note. Firmin turned me around and said, "You're Mme. Giry's daughter, are you not?"

I tried to keep my voice steady as I replied, "I-I am."

"Then perhaps you will know what this is all about." He threw the note at me.

Pretending to read it, I stammered, "I know nothing about my mother's business, Monsieur. Nor of the Opera Ghost's."

Firmin's lips curled as he replied, "Indeed."

Andre finished the note and flung it away. "Damnable! A perfect finale after the morning's paper." At the questioning look on my face, he continued, "Reviews about La Carlotta's resignation and Miss Daae's disappearance. Scandalous! And it's all over the papers. What next?"

Firmin replied soothingly, "Patience, my dear Andre. It's all publicity! La Carlotta will eturn, and Madmoiselle Daae will pop up in a day or two." His tone changed as he said, "I am rather put out by this Opera Ghost business, however. I will discover the origin of this jest and end it immediately."

I shivered at his manner. Would I be discovered?

Just then the door opened and the servant returned, with my mother in tow. Pulling herself up to her full height, she demanded, "What is the meaning of this? Why do you wish to see me, and in such a fashion?"

"For this reason, Giry!" Firmin practically snarled. He shoved a note under her nose and shook it. "Threatening notes, signed by non other than your infamous Opera Ghost." Dropping his voice, he added, "Now I pride myself on my sense of humor, but I do not find this amusing."

My mother's face turned red as she hissed, "Are you insinuating, Monsieur, that I had anything to do with this prank?" Before he could answer, she went on. "I should hope not. Because if you do, you will find yourself very wrong indeed."

I felt myself blushing. If anyone discovered my involvement, I feared it would not go well at all. Firmin glared at Mama, and he began to say something when the door flew open and in burst the Vicomte. My mother stormed out.

Wildly waving a sheet of paper, Raoul cried breathlessly, "Where is she? What have you done with her?"

Firmin eyed the paper as Andre questioned politely, "Done with who, my good Vicomte?"

Regaining his breath and his dignity, Raoul repeated, "Where is she? I mean Christine Daae!" He brandished the letter under Firmin's nose. "I believe you wrote this, Monsieur? Well, I do not know your objection, but I daresay this is not amusing! Now tell me, what have you done with her?"

Andre stood, his jaw clenched, as he replied, "Monsieur, we are as puzzled as you are by Miss Daae's disappearance."

Raoul narrowed his eyes. "Then you ardently protest you wrote this note?"

He handed the small slip of paper to Firmin, who read:

Do not worry about Miss Daae She is with the Angel of Music Learning her music, and is quite safe Do not attempt to see her again It would not go well for you.

bit my lip nervously as Firmin and Andre glanced at each other. Raoul sank into a chair behind me, his head in his hands.

The climax was yet to come. In barged Carlotta, in a flurry of feathers. She demanded, "Where is your patron?"

Andre ignored the question and smiled, "Ah, La Carlotta, welcome back!"

Carlotta's face turned red as she spotted Raoul. "You!" She pointed her finger at the Vicomte as he rose from his seat. "I received your letter today and I must say I am very put out by it!"

Raoul sounded annoyed as he asked, "What letter is this, Madame?"

Carlotta handed him the note. "Read it, then."

Raoul read aloud: Your days at the Opera Populaire are numbered, There is one who can take your place. Christine Daae will take your part tonight. If you do not agree to this, A great misfortune shall befall you.

I rested my head on my knees. This was getting me into deeper trouble than I had expected.

Firmin mused, "Very strange, most of these mysterious notes mention Christine Daae. In fact, all I have heard since I came to this opera was Miss Daae's name."

Someone knocked on the door. My mother entered, and glanced about the room before announcing, "Christine Daae has returned."