Chapter Twenty-One
The sound of the bathing room closing woke Leah the next morning. The other side of the bed was empty and she heard Jim moving around and the sound of water splashing. She closed her eyes again and pulled the blankets higher, not wanting to move just yet.
She felt a weight settle next to her and smiled. "Morning," she said sleepily, still keeping her eyes closed, not wanting to see the light. She felt him lean over and rest his elbow on the other side of her, lying across her stomach.
"Morning," came the familiar voice, but not Jim's familiar voice.
Leah's eyes snapped open and she saw the Phantom, inches from her face. She took a breath to scream, but he clapped his hand over her mouth.
"I will not be here for long, my sweet," he whispered. "I just needed to see you again." He moved, lightning quick, and sat on her torso, keeping her arms pinned to her side with his knees. He kept on hand crushed over her mouth, and used his other hand to stroke her face gently. Leah tried to pull away from his cold fingers, but he held her firm.
She heard him sigh. "You are so warm," he whispered. "So soft, just like I have imagined." His fingers trailed down her cheek, to her neck and shoulder. She was not wearing anything under the blankets, and he traced and icy pattern on the bit of chest showing above the sheets. Leah squeezed her eyes shut, tears sliding across her temples to wet her hair.
"Hush, do not cry. The game will be over soon and we will be together forever." He removed his hand, but before she could yell, he pushed his face down on hers, seizing her lips.
Leah wanted to gag. His lips were ice cold and he smelled damp, exactly like the air smelled down in the lake. He kept his face on hers and Leah struggled futilely.
And then he was gone. The curtains were pulled closed, shutting her in darkness. Warmth returned to her body and she rolled over, gagging. "Jim!" she managed to croak out.
She heard the bathing chamber door burst open and light was restored as he ripped the curtains open. He looked down at her, crying and shivering and up to the room around them, empty of anybody but themselves. "Was he here?" He asked, his voice angry and cold. "Did he touch you?"
She nodded, wiping her face on the sheet, trying to get him off of her. She pulled the blankets high under her chin and wept, feeling filthy. Jim sat next to her and wiped her tears away gently.
"I will kill him," he vowed, suppressed rage behind his words. "He dared to come into our space and touch you. For that I will kill him. For hurting you and making sure you are frightened every minute of your life, I will make his death slow and agonizing."
Leah found her robe on the other side of the bed and wrapped it around her naked body. She practically threw herself from bed and closed herself in the bathing room. She scrubbed her body with a rough sponge and hot water, freeing herself from the Phantom's coldness.
After a few minutes her hands were shaking from the pressure she was using. Jim took the sponge away from her, and she jumped, startled, not hearing him come in.
"You'll hurt yourself," he said softly, his earlier rage gone.
Leah swallowed and straightened her shoulders after pulling her robe back on. "I am fine," she said, her voice trembling. She cleared her throat and continued. "This is my home. I am not going to let them bully me and frighten me away."
Jim looked at her questioningly. "I do not think he is trying to frighten you away Leah. I think it is quite the opposite."
"You know what I mean," she said. "I refuse to let them push me around. I am going to go downstairs and practice like nothing has happened."
"Alright," Jim said reluctantly. "Just be careful, okay? And try not to be alone anywhere for too long."
Leah nodded and went back into their room to get dressed.
Jim walked her downstairs and stayed by her side until they saw Angie. Jim kissed Leah on the top of her head and left, heading towards the managers' offices.
Angie was grinning widely when she reached Leah. "Aw, wasn't that cute?" She said sweetly. Leah smiled at her and they turned towards the kitchens.
Leah sipped at her tea but did not eat, her nerves making her stomach uneasy. Madame Giry arrived shortly to usher the girls to the stage, using her stick to hurry those with dragging feet.
The stage was quiet that day, no stagehands around, making background noise. It was rather spooky, actually, nobody under the stage, nobody up on the catwalks above their heads and nobody else in the theatre itself.
Madame Giry lined the girls up and began striking her staff against the floor, calling out positions for them to do with each beat. The beat grew faster and faster, until the girls began to falter and the ballet mistress called them to a halt. She let them rest for a moment, moving on to individual lessons.
Madame Giry would call one of them to the middle of the stage and work with her only, as the rest of the girls did general exercises off to the side.
Leah was getting an odd feeling in her gut just as Angie was called to the center. The dancer paused in a beginning position, waiting for her first directions. They began like the rest of the dancers, working on easy positions and gradually moving into more difficult ones, pausing now and then to correct something.
The ballet mistress stepped back and continued her commands, but faltered to a stop. She looked around, hearing a strange noise. Leah saw her looking, and heard it too, a sound like a great wave of water or air.
Or a heavy, rolled up backdrop, swinging towards the stage.
"Angie!" Leah cried and ran towards the middle of the stage. Angie seemed frozen in place, watching the large roll of thick canvas rushing towards her. Leah leapt, crashing into her and sending them both rolling across the floor.
They heard a loud crash behind them, and chorus girls screaming. Leah rolled off of Angie and sat up. The backdrop had thankfully hit nobody, but struck a support beam for a platform above their heads. The beam snapped in two and the platform, along with the string of ropes and boards that made up one of the catwalks, came crashing to the ground.
Dust flew everywhere and the stage shuddered, and everything grew quiet. Leah looked up and peered into the darkness, but could not see anyone up there. Angie was still lying on the ground. Leah crawled over to her and rolled her onto her back.
"Angie, are you all right?" She asked, starting to get angry again.
Angie blinked a few times and looked up at Leah. She sat up and looked at the backdrop tangled in the catwalk ropes. "Oh my," she said weakly and turned back to Leah. "You saved me."
Right away, they heard many people running towards the stage, shouting at each other in the process. The managers were first inside. "Madame Giry!" They shouted. "What in God's name is going on here!"
Madame Giry was standing in the same place as before, a hand pressed to her chest. She pointed at the backdrop. "It fell," she said obviously.
"I can see that," the taller man said. "But how? What happened?"
Madame Giry regained her composure quickly. "If I knew that, Monsieur, I would have told you by now. Send up some of the stagehands to check and see what happened."
Orders were issued and other people sent for to start cleaning up the mess. The managers looked ready to snap at anyone who approached them, their faces matched the red velvet curtains.
Leah and Angie were still on the ground, Leah had her arm protectively around her friend's shoulders. Angie was partly in shock, and shivering uncontrollably. The workers managed to free the beam from the rest of the mess, the great splintered hole in the middle of it did not help Angie's composure.
Leah heard a familiar voice call out and was immensely relieved to see Jim heading towards them. He helped them both to their feet and kept his strong arms around their shoulders. "Come with me," he said quietly. "My office is safe. I was only given in moments before this happened. He will not know about it yet."
He rushed them out of the theatre and down a number of different hallways until they reached a small, unused-looking office. He closed the door behind them and found some clean chairs for the girls to sit in.
"Stay here," he said once they were settled. "I will be right back."
He was gone for not quite fifteen minutes, giving Angie some time to settle down. He came back inside, scaring them both by closing the door.
"Sorry," he said. "They could not find anybody up on the catwalks. The managers are putting it down as an accident."
"It was the Phantom," Leah said quietly.
"I know," Jim told her. "But who was he aiming for? You, or," he said, turning to Angie. "Angie?"
"I was in the middle of the stage," Angie said slowly. "Leah was with the rest of the girls."
"But why?" Leah burst out. "Why would he try and hurt you?"
Jim leaned against his desk and crossed his arms. "He is insane," he said simply. He was silent for a moment, thinking. "What if…" he said slowly, sounding out his thoughts. "What if is trying to get rid of everyone you are close to," he said to Leah. "He is crazy enough to think that if he got rid of your friends, you would go to him."
Leah shuddered. "What do we do?"
Jim shrugged. "There is not much we can do. Just keep an eye out, and do not," he said to both of them. "Do not go anywhere by yourself."
More 'accidents' began to happen around the Opera House, seemingly targeting everybody, not just the young dancer and those close to her. Tools and buckets and other heavy items fell from great heights upon unsuspecting passers-by. Some hit, many did not, but those unfortunate ones to be struck had to be treated by the doctor for their brutal wounds. Objects were placed half-hidden in hallways, for people to trip over, falling usually onto something sharp. One of the blonde twins was missing for most of the day and found locked inside a wardrobe closet, shivering with fear and stammering about 'his eyes like the devils'.' The doctor stated that she was in shock and she would be fine after a good, medicine induced sleep. Harmful things were happening every few days, and people began to look above their heads and behind their backs more often then watching where they were going.
Leah felt more guilt than she had ever felt in her life. All these people were now frightened every day, some were injured physically or worse, and it was all because of one insane man and his obsession with her. She made sure she stuck next to Angie and Jim as much as possible, for their protection, not hers. Although she could not spend every moment with both of them and it was during one of these rare times that Jim was alone when the Phantom struck.
Leah had been helping the doctor a lot lately, hoping to relieve her guilt a bit. She was in the older man's office, labelling new medicines and cleaning his shelve when they brought Jim in. They carried him through the door and placed him on the tall cot, and left quickly to find the doctor. One man stayed behind and watched Leah rush over to his side.
"Jim!" She cried. He was unconscious and his breathing was strained. Blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth and his clothing was dirty and rumpled. "What happened?" She asked the stagehand, hovering behind her.
"Trampled by a horse," he said, his face white. "We were working on one of the stalls. He brought his horse in and turned to go. And before we knew it, Hades was loose." Hades was one of the House's geldings, but still very irate and hot-tempered. He was named appropriately and a nightmare to those that had to handle him. "You know we keep him locked up good Mademoiselle," the stagehand said, almost pleading. "But somehow he got loose and ran down Monsieur Caviez. Will he be okay?"
"The doctor should be here right away, he will know," Leah said, outwardly calm. Inside she was shaking uncontrollably.
What felt like hours later, the doctor ran in and immediately began issuing orders. Leah was relieved for the directions. They stripped Jim of his jacket and shirt and Leah was horrified to see large, already dark bruises spreading along his chest and stomach. The doctor checked for internal damage and set Leah to making herb poultices.
The doctor sat back after a few moments, looking relieved. Leah felt hope wanting to rise within her chest.
"He will be all right," he said. "It looks like the horse kicked him a few times, but did not actually trample him. A few of his ribs are cracked, but nothing is damaged inside." To Leah he said, "Wrap those poultices on the bruises and bind his ribs tight. Give him the tea when he wakes up. That is all we can do."
The doctor left, taking the stagehand with him. Leah wrapped up most of Jim's torso with the herbs and damp bandages, binding the lump of his head as well. It did not take long and once she was finished, Leah made a strong pot of tea, full of pain medicine and healing aids. She ran out of things to do and sat next to Jim, waiting for him to wake.
He did, eventually, and Leah warmed the tea again. Jim groaned and she was right there when he opened his eyes.
"Hi," she said softly when he focused on her. "How are you feeling?"
"Ugh," he muttered. "I have had better days."
"Here, drink this, it will help." Leah supported his head and helped him drink. He swallowed most of it before grimacing and turning his head.
"That is nauseating," he said darkly.
"I know," she replied brightly. "This is payback for making me drink all that tea."
"You are a cruel woman," he told her, his tone lightening.
"I know," she said softly and brushed his hair away from his forehead. "You had me worried for a moment."
He reached up and took her hand, and held it tightly over his chest. "I will be fine," he said. "I hurt too much to be dying."
Leah chuckled weakly and refilled the mug. She got him to drink a bit more before it started to kick in and he fell asleep. She sat down again and wiped the tears from her face, vowing silently that the next time she saw the Phantom, she would repay him for all the damage he had caused.
Jim was well enough to leave the doctor's office cot the next day, though he went straight to their room and the much more comfortable bed. Leah continued to take care of him, their positions reversed from the last time the Phantom caused problems. Though Jim was well in a matter of days instead of weeks.
The 'accidents' continued, happening more and more often so that horrible things were occurring daily now. Dancers, targeted more often than any others, were breaking into tears at random times during the day. Stress levels were rising everywhere and already two girls were sent home to their parents after having breakdowns. Jim tried to warn the managers about who was causing these disasters, but nothing came of it. After these meetings, Jim always came back to their room angry and very frustrated.
One morning, Leah woke to find the other side of the bed empty and cold. She shrugged it off, Jim had been leaving early and getting back late at night the past few days. The managers wanted to begin work on a new opera, one they had never played before. It called for brand new sets and backgrounds, along with new costumes and props. Practically everything they needed had to be newly made. Madame Giry was even busier than the men, trying to organize everything their wishes demanded.
Leah, Angie and the remaining chorus girls were at work on new costumes. Leah was sitting cross-legged on the stage near the edge, with Angie on one side. They were talking about the new opera and wishing the managers would tell them which one they were to be performing.
Leah heard a muffled noise off to one side and looked behind her. She saw Victor, crouched and half hidden by the curtain. He held up a finger to his mouth, keeping her quiet.
"Is Jim around?" He whispered, barely loud enough for her. She shook her head and he sighed in relief. "I needed to speak with you, I could not just leave things as they were."
Leah shifted a bit so that she could see him without craning her neck. "What do you mean?" She asked.
Victor looked uncomfortable and did not meet her eyes. He coughed and said quietly, "Is it true? What Jim said?" He paused and looked up at her. "That you do not love me?"
Leah sighed and closed her eyes. She did not want to see the hope in his eyes. "Victor," she said reluctantly. "There was a time when I could have said that I cared for you a great deal. But after all that has happened, I cannot say that I love you. You hurt me to 'save your career'. I realize that it was Carlotta who wanted you to do that, but it is still no excuse. And there is Jim," she said and gained the courage to look in his eyes. "I love him," she said simply. "And he loves me. He has never hurt me," she whispered.
Victor winced and turned away.
"I am sorry Victor," Leah told him and left it at that.
Victor nodded. "I am sorry too," he said bitterly before standing slowly and walking away.
The next day was a repeat of the day before, though minus the talk with Victor. Leah was worried about Jim, the man was looking very pale and tired lately. She barely spoke to him anymore. He spent his days with the managers, she had seen the three of them occasionally, in different areas of the House each time. At night, she was usually asleep before he even got in, but those nights she was still awake, he wanted nothing more than to fall into bed and let sleep take over. The next morning she would wake up to find him gone again. She hoped he was remembering to eat during the day.
Leah and Angie were again sewing with the chorus on the stage, the theatre being the biggest room other that the ballroom, and it had enough space for everything they needed to do. It was nearing lunch when the Prima Donna wandered onto the stage. Leah thought she was also looking pale and a bit nervous. Good, she thought maliciously, I hope the Phantom is causing her as much trouble as he as the rest of us.
Carlotta looked over and caught Leah looking at her. The Soprano stared for a moment, then smiled, slowly, hatefully. Leah narrowed her eyes and Carlotta stuck her nose in the air. She smiled once more at Leah, looking happier than she had in days and walked away. Leah bit her lip, wondering what Carlotta was planning this time.
Leah spent the rest of the day looking over her shoulder, thinking the Phantom was going to jump out at her any moment. She picked at her supper, her anxiety upsetting her stomach. She wanted to see Jim, she wanted him to hold her and reassure her that things were going to be okay.
Leah went back to their room once supper was over, as the girls were not given anything more to do. She unlocked the door and sighed. The room was dark, which meant that once again, Jim was not here. She lit the lamp and carried it further into the room. She stopped near the door to the bathing chamber and looked around, confused.
She had been the last to leave the room this morning, yet it looked as if somebody had been there in her absence. A couple small tables were pushed closer to walls and a chair was knocked over. Leah set down the lamp and walked over to the chair, righting it. Nothing else seemed to have been moved, and nobody was in the room now.
Maybe Jim had come back to get something, and had to leave in a rush? Leah shook her head and something caught her eye. A note was pinned to the back of the chair. She pulled it off, wary of the sharp end, and unfolded the note.
'I have him. If you do not want me to kill him, come to me.'
"What?" Leah whispered, breathless. She looked around quickly, but saw nothing. "Oh Jim," she cried, her voice wobbly. Her mind wanted to sink into despair, the monster had Jim at his mercy. How was she supposed to find him? Jim might even be dead right this moment. She had no idea how to get down to his lair. From her crouched position, she saw one of Jim's boots lying half-under the vanity. When she got closer, she saw a pile of off-white notes lying scattered around it.
Leah pushed them into a pile and picked them up, trying to calm herself enough to read them.
'Stay away from my angel, or I will kill you in front of her.'
'I have no patience to speak of. You will move out of her room immediately or I will be forced to help you move.'
'This is your last warning. I am a dangerous man when I am angry and you are making me very angry.'
There were more, all in the same vein. Leah dropped them and put her hand to her mouth. Oh Jim, no wonder you have been stressed out lately. How long have you been getting these? And why did you not tell me? Leah thought about her own hidden stash of threatening notes. "Oh," she said softly. For the same reason she hid hers. He did not want her to be worried further. She looked down at the again-scattered notes and narrowed her eyes. One of them was slowly turning red.
She bent down to look closer. The note had fallen on a small patch of blood and was slowly soaking it up. Leah frowned when she saw another patch, and then another. They had been spilled in a line, leading away from the vanity. She stood and followed them. They stopped abruptly and she looked up, quickly jumping away and crying out in surprise. She put her hand to her chest, breathing fast. She laughed shakily, her reflection in the mirror doing the same. "Stupid mirror," Leah muttered and walked close to it again. The last drop of blood was on the mirror's frame.
Leah crouched down and stared at the frame, trying to figure out what to do. This was probably the way down, but how does it open? She started to feel around the carved wood, avoiding the bright, still-wet spot. Reaching under the frame, she felt along the bottom, careful of anything sharp. She felt something sticking out, but it was not jagged. She pushed on it and wiggled it with her finger. She pushed up and the wooden bit clicked. The mirror slid over a hand's width, the frame remaining in place.
Leah stood up and looked around. Slowly, she stepped closer to the mirror and looked through the opening. She saw a stone wall and a damp floor, cool air hit her face and she shivered. She pushed the mirror open further, but it stopped quickly and moved no more. The opening was just big enough for her to fit through. She put her foot into the opening and stepped though the mirror, sliding her back along the wall, trying to give herself enough room.
She was about halfway through when she heard another click. The mirror shivered once and slid back towards her. Leah scrambled to push herself through, but was not quick enough.
The heavy mirror slammed into her, catching her ankle and her shoulder and pinning them to the wall. Leah cried out in pain. She could not move her arm or her foot and hoped that they were not broken. She used her other hand and tried to push the mirror away. It was very heavy, and she could not move it far, but she pushed it enough to slide the rest of her limbs through.
Blood flowed back into her arm and foot and pain followed it. She could move both, so nothing was broken, but she could not bear much weight on her foot. She leaned against the cold wall and caught her breath. Her arm throbbed painfully, but she tried to ignore it, gritting her teeth and standing up straight. She limped down the stone hallway, keeping her good hand on the wall for balance.
The passageway went on for a long time, curving gently, but with no ending or doorway in sight. Coldness seeped through her thin clothing and soon she was shivering, though she did not notice. Her mind was fixed on her goal and she ignored the fear in her heart and pushed away the urge to scream for Jim, she was very afraid of what she would find when she reached him.
Minutes passed by quickly, and Leah had no idea how long she had been following this path. It was growing darker, the candles were grouped together near the beginning of the passage, but the further she went, there was more space between the candles.
The dark patches grew bigger and Leah looked ahead to the next candle like it was a life-line. At one point she turned around a wide corner to see – nothing. It was pitch black with no candles or any kind of light as far as she could see. Leah swallowed and clamped down on her growing fear. She kept one hand on the wall and hesitantly stepped into the darkness.
