A/N: apologies that this is so short… but I felt it had to end here. Not as if you can't go on and read the next chapter anyhow -)

I own this not. Again.

Chapter VI: Jaqueline

He watched the contractors enter the Opera with a darkling green stare. Apparently this manager—Gerard, the Phantom had heard him called—did indeed intent to refurbish and reopen the Opera Populaire. As a few days passed without incident, the carpenters began to loosen up, more and more certain that the legendary "Opera Ghost" was dead, or had left—if, indeed, he had ever been more than fable.

For his own part the Phantom was content to watch the construction and weigh his interference. In time he would need to make clear to his Monsieur Gerard what he expected in his opera house, but there was no need for any hurry. He smiled coldly behind his mask, pacing his way through the maze of passages that wound through the walls and empty rooms of the place. Ah, but it would be strange indeed to have those rooms filled again…

"Make yourself at home, dear sister." A contemptuous voice interrupted his thoughts and he paused at the conjoining of two passages, turning aside to listen more carefully. Only as he reached its end did he realize, with a sudden flash of anger, where he stood. The Phantom looked down through the mirror into Christine's re-occupied dressing room.

He recognized the tall manager immediately, though not the delicate girl with him. Still, there was something familiar about her candid gray eyes…

"I hope you find the accommodations to your liking," the manager was sneering with obvious sarcasm, an unknowing copy to the Phantom. "Father always did love your sweet voice, Jaqueline. Wouldn't he be proud to have you the new prima donna?"

Her chin lifted defiantly. "I won't sing."

His slap cracked across the room and left her cheek stinging. "You'll do as I say, little witch," he spat at her. "Your precious Father isn't here to protect you now." Her hand rose tentatively to the red mark on her face. Behind the mirror, the Phantom watched dispassionately. "You will sing, if I have to strange it out of you!" the manager growled, glaring at her a moment then stalking out, the door rattling as it slammed behind him.

The girl—Jaqueline—stared ahead silently for a moment, then slowly lowered her face into her hands. After a moment her soft sobs reached the Phantom. "Raian," she gasped quietly, "first Father, now you…" The Phantom watched for a moment, then unceremoniously turned away.