Chapter 31: A New Revenge.
Erik watched silently from the shadows as Tangae gently brought Meg across the field to the house. The tiger was smart and agile and could even open the doors to the house without anyone. He watched until the two of them disappeared into the darkness of the entrance hall and knew that she was once again safe. He then turned quickly and, following yet another path, made his way back up into the living areas of the theatre.
As he passed the back stage area he heard the movers in the small dressing room that had belonged to Christine. He hardly glanced in as he passed through the shadows of the back stage. That place only held negative feelings for him now. The brightness that had once resided inside now lived down deep in the darkness of his world. A love that he had never dreamed he could feel. He felt calmer and no longer ruled by his passion. His mind was clear in his love for Meg and he had long ago put Christine far from his thoughts. She was not who he once believed her to be. Her new countenance was disgusting to him and he regretted even looking on her again.
From the entrance hall, of the theatre, he could hear the gossip starting. Men and women, who had witnessed what had happened, whispered over exaggerated accounts of the events but the fear of the Phantom was not with them. Instead their whispers were of sympathy for him and his masterpiece. He grinned to himself as he carried on his way. Up further and further he traveled, until he stood outside of the managers office. The door was open only a crack but Erik could see that Andre was the only one inside. He paced in the shadows, before the door, waiting for something. Erik knew that he was waiting for Firmin to return from overseeing the transfer of the new Diva to her new Living quarters.
Soon enough Firmin returned to the office. As he stepped into the office and began to close the door behind him Erik stepped out of his hiding place and placed his foot in the door to stop it. Firmin spun around only to come face to face with the Opera Ghost.
"Good god, man," Firmin hissed still breathing hard from the fright, "you should learn to knock."
"I'm not one for formalities, Gentlemen, nor am I one for face to face meeting but because of today's developments I have decided that we should have a chat. There are things we need to discuss that I could not have demanded in notes," Erik said as he motioned for Firmin to sit down and he took a see himself before the two desks.
"It has been quiet an eventful day, hasn't it," Andre said ruffling through the account books and trying to break the unbearable silence that had developed.
"That would be the polite way of putting it," Firmin grunted.
"Too true, gentlemen, I can see you are as unhappy with the developments as I am," Erik said as he made himself comfortable, "I can't say that I am entirely pleased with the events but I am trying to suppress my temper as I know you cannot afford another chandelier."
"Thank god," Andre seemed extremely worried.
"I suppose the events of today will be the publicity that you have been waiting for," Erik stated
"Yes, well people do like a good mystery," Andre smiled.
"Its more of a tragedy, isn't it?" Firmin asked.
"It is unfortunate, but nothing more than that," Erik said confidently, "I believe that our little Mademoiselle Fillande will be able to sing the role. She had a beautiful young voice, she was a good choice by our beloved ballet mistress. She will work hard, I will meet with her shortly to arrange a few emergency lessons. You may also publish that information when you give your interviews to the press," Erik said seriously looking from one to the other, "you may speculate about my relationship with the young diva, as well as Mademoiselle Giry but it must be known that I am unhappy with Madame Daae. I am disgusted with her behaviour and you can quote me on that," Erik stated.
"You are willing to be acknowledged in the press?" Andre asked, stunned at the Phantom's words.
"Yes, you can tell your public that I am indeed returned, and that yes the drama is my greatest work to date. You may say that I fancy the leading ballerina, and that I am coaching the new soprano, whom I wish keep secret until opening night, do not give out her name," Erik stated.
Firmin frantically wrote notes on a long sheet of paper as Andre stared wide eyes at the Phantom.
"You are good," Firmin said after Erik had paused and re read what he had written, "is there anything else?"
"Well, I am sure you can embellish what happened today, leave me out of it but be sure to mention the brutality of Christine's behaviour," Erik said and sighed a little, "it is unfortunate to take revenge in this way but I feel that Madame Daae needs the humiliation to calm her down. Nothing else is working so we'll have to send her out like La Carlotta."
"It pleases me greatly to know that death isn't an option," Andre smiled weekly as he listened to the Phantom.
"I am not willing to risk that anymore," Erik said with a frown, "I do hope that nothing drastic will have to happen."
"Oh praise the lord," Andre said, "our budget just couldn't handle drastic measures anymore."
Firmin read and reread everything that he had written down, it seemed to good to be true to have an interview with the Opera Ghost, would people believe it? "Do you really believe this will have your desired effect?" her asked handing Erik what he had captured on paper.
"Oh yes," Erik smiled after he had reread what he had just been handed, "you make add or subtract whatever you feel is necessary. However I would like to be left as far out of the controversy as possible, I've done nothing wrong this time around, you have to agree with that."
"You've been nothing but a pleasure to work with," Andre smiled fearfully.
"Thank you," Erik smiled, bowed and left the office.
"Can you believe this Andre," Firmin nearly jumped for joy as he waved the paper over his head, "its is the scandal that we needed."
"And with the permission to print we'll keep everyone happy," Andre smiled from his seat.
"Well, all except Madame Daae," Firmin chuckled.
"She deserves what she gets for nearly ruining the show!" Andre said angrily.
"I agree," Firmin smiled and went back to scripting exactly what he would say to the press the following day.