Chapter 18: Locked

Erik had a trio of of employees that had his complete trust; There was Doctor Gangle, Miss Fleck and last but not least, Squelch.

Squelch was known to most for his strength; When he was not working a show entitled 'The World's Strongest Man'. He would instead be working for Erik within the concert hall or enjoying a day off with a good book and a small glass of brandy. It was not common knowledge that Squelch in fact had photographic memory so you can probably understand his surprise when he saw a woman whom was the spitting image of the one in the portrait hanging in Mister Y's office; Purchasing a ticket for the show in the concert hall that night... A woman he and Erik's other two trusted employees knew to be dead!

Squelch sprung into action and rushed over to the ticket booth where Miss Fleck was working but had not noticed the same shocking revelation about the woman she had just sold a ticket too!,

"What was the seat number on that woman's ticket?" Squelch asked urgently causing Fleck to frown before checking the seat number on the next ticket in her pile,

"Urrrrr... Seat 15 Row D... Wh..." Fleck replied but Squelch rushed off towards the auditorium, not allowing Fleck to finish asking him why he had wanted to know.

Claire had just gotten comfortable in her seat when Squelch came rushing over to her and smiled brightly,

"My apologies, Miss. It seems due to the crowd outside that the audience will be very crowded tonight so if you please follow me. I will be happy to provide you with your own private box" Squelch fibbed causing Claire to become surprised,

"Oh... Why... Thank you. That's very kind of you" she told him with a kind smile before standing and following him.

Squelch lead Claire to box five... A name that made Claire frown due to unpleasant memories and a name that Squelch knew to be Mister Y's private box,

"I hope you enjoy the performance, Miss. If you need anything please don't hesitate to ask" Squelch told her politely as she took her seat and smiled at him,

"Thank you again" she told him as he left, closing the door behind him before quietly locking it and rushed off to find Mister Y.

1 hour and 25 minutes... It does not seem like a long time for most but for Squelch whom was desperately searching for his employer and Erik along with Madame Giry whom were searching the mainland streets for a sign of Claire; It was a very long time indeed It was also the duration of the performance being shown in Phantasma's concert hall... The performance ended with a standing ovation before the audience dispersed, making their way to the exits... Claire had intended to do the same but frowned when she found the box's door locked from the outside; She knocked on the door,

"Hello?... Hello, is anyone there? I'm stuck" she called before trying the door again to know avail.

By now Erik and Antoinette returned to Phantasma's concert hall with sad expressions,

"I'm sorry we didn't find her... We can try again tomorrow" the ballet mistress encouraged but Erik frowned to find Miss Fleck and Squelch arguing,

"What on earth is going on?" he demanded firmly causing Squelch to look at him relieved,

"There you are, Sir. I've been looking for you every where" he told him as Miss Fleck rolled her eyes,

"Squelch seems to think that he has a phantom locked in your private box" she explained sarcastically,

"No, sir. She doesn't understand. It's the woman who from the portrait in your office. I locked her in your box I am sorry to say. I only meant to keep her in there until I found you which unfortunately took longer than expected" Squelch told him causing Erik's eyes to widen and he quickly snatched the key to his box from him before rushing off up the stairs.

Claire once again banged on the box door with impatience,

"Hello?... Anyone there?... I'm rather thirsty now! Just so you know!" she called with a bored tone but took a step back when she heard someone on the other side of the door... She felt herself grow numb when she discovered Erik standing in front of her after unlocking the door,

"... Erik..." she whispered, taking a shaky step forward before touching a trembling hand to his cheek causing him to close his eyes in bliss, placing his hand over her own as he one again opened his eyes to look at her,

"Claire..." he whispered in reply, watching as she smiled brightly whilst tears fell down her cheeks before she launched at him and hugged him tightly and the former phantom was only too happy to return her gesture.

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Kind Regards,

TheAuthor1996