Chapter 4
Maddie was sitting in her living room reading all the newspapers and what they had to say about last nights performance and Sam's later disappearance.
"Mystery after gala night." she said, turning to another newspaper, "Mystery of soprano's flight. Oh, hi Jack." Jack walked throught the room to reach the kitchen, oblivious to his wife's words.
"In all the newspapers it's the same thing. 'We are mystified and suspect foul play' says Casper Monthly. But there is a bad news on the soprano thing. First Paulina, now Sam. And Still, the seats get sold. Hmph, what a way to run a business." she said
"This STINKS!" Jazz yelled, coming from downstairs.
"Jazz, please don't shout. have you seen the publicity Sam's disappearence has given the theatre?" Maddie said
"But mom, we have no cast. Oh, and I found this note last night on my pillow before I went to bed." Jazz said, pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. Soon, she began reading it aloud.
"Dear Jazz what a charming gala! Sam was in a word sublime. We were hardly bereft when Paulina left. On that note, that diva's a disaster cann't you see she's past her prime ten year old years?" she read. Maddie pulled out a similar note and began reading it out loud.
"Dear Maddie, just a brief reminder. My salary has not been paid. Send it care of the ghost, by return of post. P. T. O. No one likes a debtor so it's better that my orders are obeyed." Maddie said, "Who would have the gall to send this?"
"Someone with a puerile brain." Jazz said, "Hey, these are both signed T. G. Who's he?"
"Theatre ghost!" They both said simultaneously.
"Hey! Do any of you know where she is?" Danny said, coming down the stairs.
"Who? Paulina?" Jazz said
"I mean Sam. Did either of you give me this note?" Danny said, holding a letter that looked similar to Maddie and Jazz's. "Umm. I didn't. Did you mom?" Jazz said
"Of course not. I'm in the dark about where Sam is." Maddie said
"Mom lets not argue. It says, 'Do not fear for Miss Manson. The angel of music has her under his wing. Make no attempt to see her again.' What does it mean?" Danny said after reading the note. They were surprised when their doorbell rang.
"I'll get it." said and annoyed Jazz. When she opened the door, a furious Paulina followed by Dash came bursting inside.
"Where is he?" she all but yelled.
"Paulina! Didn't expect to see you here." Danny said getting up and brushing himself off.
"Can it Fen-toad! We're here because of the letter you sent her." Dash said pulling Danny in front of him by the shirt.
"I.. I didn't send any letter!" Danny stammered. Dash put him down.
"Well it's a letter I really resent." Paulina said, giving Danny a note.
"'Your days at the theatre are numbered. Sam Manson will be singing on your behalf tonight. Be prepared for a great misfortune should you take her place.'" Danny said, reading the note out loud. Suddenly, Meg burst into their room, panting.
"Sam.. has returned." she said
"Where is she?" Danny asked
"I thought it would be best that she went home. She needed rest." Meg said "Will she sing?" Dash and Paulina asked at the same time.
"I have a note." she replied, holding the familiar letter."
"Let me see it!" everybody said. She pulled it back and raised her eyebrow.
"Please?" Danny said. Meg smiled and then gave him the note to read aloud.
"'Ladies and gantlemen, I have now sent you several notes of the most amiable nature, detailing how my theatre is to be run. You have not followed my instructions. I shall give you one last chance. Sam Manson has returned to you, and I am anxiouse her career should progress. In the new production of Il Muto you will therefore cast Paulina as the pageboy, and put Miss Manson in the role of countess. The role for Miss Manson calls for charm and appeal. The role of the pageboy is silent, which make my casting, ina word, ideal. I shall watch the performance from my usual seat in Box Five, which will be kept empty for me. Should these orders be disobeyed,a disaster beyond your imagination will occur. I remain, as always, your humble servant. T. G.'" Danny read. Everyone looked surprised at the threatening note, and there was a long silence.
"Sam, Sam, Sam, Sam! This is all a ploy to help that goth geek!" Paulina all but yelled. She stormed over to Danny.
"I know you sent this note, because you love that goth girl!" she yelled again
"No, Idon't..I mean...I didn't..." Danny said
"Paulina calm down." Jazz said
"Sam will be playing the pageboy, the silent role. You will still be playing the lead." Maddie said
"Wouldn't you rather have that ingenue?" Paulina said
"No. We, Amity Park , and the world want you." Maddie said. Maddie and Jazz were smiling when they led Paulina out the fron door with Dash behind them.
"Where are you going?" Danny asked
"To rehearse, silly." Maddie said
"I'll come!" Danny said. He followed a fair distance behind Dash and closed the door behind them, forgeting the little girl in the house.
"Who scorn his word, beware to those. The angel sees, the angel knows." she said. She went back throught the doorway to reach the car just when it was starting up and heading to rehearse.
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Danny: You better not mean me
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