Here is the second half of chapter 18. Sorry to have left everyone hanging, but thanks for sticking with me. Of course, I am leaving you hanging again…don't ya love me…

Thanks for the review everyone, and to all my new readers, thanks for tuning in…you're makin' my day.

CHAPTER 18(b)

A young man, no more than twenty-two, halted her reply. He stalked up to the table with his eyes never leaving Erik; he carried a small writing pad and had an inquisitive look on his face.

He stood about two feet from the table and acted as though he were about to burst with excitement. Erik was trying to ignore him, but Karlie was intrigued by his obvious interest in Erik.

"Can we help you with something, young man?" Karlie asked, ignoring Erik's grunt of disapproval.

The young man nodded at Karlie, but immediately turned his attentions back to Erik, "I'm Bobby Inscoe, reporter for the City Tribune…" his smile was huge, "…aren't you Erik Clairvaux, the new financier of the French Opera House?"

Although Roland had warned Erik that his life would of great interest to the public, he had hoped he could escape the scrutiny; but now, it was looming down on him in the irritating form of Bobby Inscoe.

Erik leaned forward in his chair, crossed his legs, and nodded affirmatively at the young man.

With a huge grin on his face, up-and-coming reporter, Bobby Inscoe, directed his questions at Erik. He flipped through the pages of his notebook while promising, "I won't take up much of your time, sir; I just have a few questions."

Erik tried to look relaxed and calm, but his nerves were on alert…this was a new experience for him. He was still getting used to being accepted in public and respected for being who he was…not what he was.

The first question broke the ice, "Your tragic history with your father and the gypsies, and the amazing life you have lived have already made the front page; what the public wants to know now, is more on how you became such a genius and what your plans are for the future."

Erik did not know what to think of this line of questioning. He had expected some questions pertaining to his scars and mask, maybe even his abuse; but people wanted to know about him?

Erik delved into his self-taught abilities and the training he had put himself through as a young man. He told of his trips overseas to learn talents of self-defense and other skills, and how he had used some of what he had learned when he lived in the Opera Populaire as the Phantom of the Opera.

"My future is being determined by my present, I plan to revitalize the French Opera House and provide the people of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana with quality entertainment in the form of operas, plays and musicals." Erik stated, pointedly.

Bobby nodded in approval and finished writing, "Have the effects of your past dealings at the Opera Populaire in any way influenced your generous and numerous changes at the French Opera House?" He asked.

Erik smiled at fond memories, "Yes, most of the patrons of the Opera Populaire were pig-headed and narrow-minded Bureaucrats whose only interest was making themselves wealthier."

Erik paused for a moment, reflecting on what else to say, "My goal is to search out and find the needs of the opera house staff and players and meet these needs; which in turn, will meet the needs of New Orleans' elite theater goers."

The young man kept writing for a few minutes after Erik finished speaking and finally looked up, "It has come to our attention at the City Tribune, that you have a magnificent voice and a gift for singing. Will New Orleans get the opportunity to hear you sing and see you perform…perhaps in one of your own productions?

Erik laughed; this boy had done his homework, "That is not likely, young man. I have used my voice as a weapon in the past; it has a hypnotic quality that tends to cause people, especially women, to do things they are not aware of nor have any desire to do."

Erik glanced at Karlie, who was most captivated by this admission.

The boy laughed; "Well, with you being the most sought after bachelor in town, I doubt there wouldn't be many women who would turn you down for anything." He stated light-heartedly.

Erik looked unconvinced, but glanced at Karlie whose face was lit up with amusement. The boy interrupted his thoughts, "Speaking of young ladies, is there a special lady in your life Mr. Clairvaux? Someone who has, perhaps, captured your heart?" He eyed Karlie as he spoke, assuming there was a relationship brewing between them.

"Young man…" Erik began, but Karlie's voice interrupted him as she got up from her seat and went over to stand behind him.

She placed her warm hands on his shoulders and leaned into him as she spoke, "Mr. Clairvaux is a very attractive and very gifted man. He had many women that are interested in him. When the time comes that he decides on just one, I am sure the fine people of New Orleans will be kept informed."

Karlie held her head up high, letting the young man know that this particular subject of conversation was closed. The young man gave a confident smile and closed his notebook; he gave a low bow and exited.

Every eye was on Erik and Karlie and whispering voices were heard from every table. Erik was growing more and more uncomfortable as each moment passed. He pushed back from the table, stood up, walked around to where Karlie was seated, and took pulled her chair out for her to stand.

She took his arm as he spoke, "Can we please leave…I detest being the center of attention." Erik stated, helping her with her coat.

Karlie walked beside him as they exited the restaurant. After paying the bill, they stepped out into the cool December air. Erik tried to let go of her hand, but she not only squeezed it harder, but took her other hand and put it on the two joined hands, indicating that she had no intention of letting go.

Erik hailed a cab and helped Karlie into her seat, he instructed the driver to take the long way back to the opera house, and then took a seat across from her. The carriage had curtains, but Erik pulled them back to watch the passing scenery as they rode.

Erik had been avoiding the issue of his nightmare, he knew what lay underneath his mask and now, so did she. Just the fact that she was willing to be seen with him meant she had not allowed it to influence her; Erik respected her for that.

Erik looked poignantly at her and spoke in a reserved tone, "Thank you, Karlie…for tending to me that night. I am sorry you had to see me like that…it must have been very unsettling for you."

Karlie smiled at his coy mannerisms, "I would do it again, if need be." She looked out into the passing horizon, "It was a little terrifying, but I made it through without any permanent damage." She did not see the look of disgust that passed over Erik's features; by the time she turned to him, it had passed, "I am thankful you seem to have recovered quickly."

Erik gave a hesitant smile, "I know that my visage is a horrible thing to have thrown on you, I am deeply sorry that you were terrified. I hope you never have to endure it again." He looked away, not wanting to see her eyes.

Karlie realized that he had misunderstood her words, "Erik, it was not your face that terrified me…it was your nightmares…I have never heard such horrible things before…what you endured, no human being should have to go through." She said earnestly.

"I had a good time tonight, Erik. Thank you for a lovely dinner and the stimulating conversation…that is one thing I truly enjoyed." She smiled brightly.

The carriage came to a halt in front of the opera house and Erik moved to open the door. He got out first and helped Karlie to the ground. A slow, cold rain had started to fall and Karlie started toward the opera house. Erik paid the driver and ran into the building.

Once inside, Karlie turned toward him and said a brief word about getting out of her wet clothes and taking a bath. Erik watched her walk away, smiling sadly as she left. He committed her form to memory and headed for his room to pack.

To be continued…