Thank you so much to all that review! It always makes my day when I see the Review Notices. I'd take you all out to dinner and buy you a big cookie if I could.

Chapter XI Lucy and Ethel

While the two partners in crime skunked in the costumes department backstage, Erik took up post and watched. You didn't think he'd up and let her take Ayesha without knowing what was going on right? As the scene unfolded before his very eyes, he couldn't help but laugh. It was so…so immature. But when he thought of his list of reasons he liked, no, tolerated her; maturity wasn't tops on the list. He knew her well enough to know when the occasion called for it, she would be an adult and take everything in, but she was much more comfortable like this. Being able to let loose and have fun, even if it meant destroying the enemies dressing room. Perhaps she was right after all, it's more fun to play with the little devil rather then just kill her off. There will be no living with princess smarty pants after this.. He did catch every word to her speech to his cat though. So she liked him eh? Well he would have some fun with-

Ayesha clawed her way out of Sophie's arms and walked around with her ears perked. She knew when her master was around. "What's up kiddo?" Sophie asked the cat. I'm talking to a cat.. This just has to be the first sign of insanity she admitted to herself. "Ayesha get back here, your pops will shoot me in the head if I come back without you" she pleaded getting off her butt and trailing behind the crazy animal.

"Hello? Is anyone in here?"

Kaitlyn!

"Yes, right back here. Don't worry it's nobody to be afraid of" Sophie tried to laugh off the fact she was wandering about like a nut all alone in the costume room. Grabbing the cat, not caring if she received any battle wounds, she made an appearance.

"Amazing! How did you do that so fast? I was just talking to a voice before. I didn't see anyone. Oh what a pretty kitty. Is she yours? Can I pet her?"

"I was right here the whole time, I guess you just didn't see me, but it's no problem. And I don't know if you should pet this cat, she's not really much of a people person…cat, and no she's not mine. She belongs to a friend of mine."

"Poo" Kaitlyn said reaching out her hand to rub Ayesha's head. Erik stayed put keeping an eye on these two. He was convinced they could be dangerous together. Sophie could come up with the daring stunts and on a good day, could sell a ketchup Popsicle to a woman in white gloves. Kaitlyn with the wide eyed innocence, well you would never think of her to be an accomplice in the crimes. God help anyone who went up against these two.

Kaitlyn went on petting Ayesha, and to both Sophie and Erik's surprise, the cat didn't mind. She sat there like King Tut and enjoyed the attention. Eventually Kaitlyn put her hand down by her side and looked around the room, avoiding any and all eye contact. She opened her mouth to say something, made a few random noises and closed it again.

"Something on your mind hun?"

"No…Yes"

"Well that covers the territory pretty well"

"Look Sophie, word is Melanie's dressing room was ransacked after a meeting with you and she threw a big fit. Now I know you're not too crazy about her but you wouldn't really…would you?"

Sophie sighed and wished Erik was here to explain for her. Well maybe not him exactly, but just someone else to talk. Hell, she'd even take Ayesha. "Yes, it was me. And I'd do it again too if I had the chance and you see this little lady" Sophie asked holding Ayesha up higher, "she helped me out. We did it together. Now if anyone asks I had nothing to do with it and you didn't see me."

"What are you talking about I didn't see you? I'm looking right at you aren't I?"

"No, I mean You didn't see me"

"I have no idea what any of that meant, but I want to help you. I want to do something to her too. Please let me in. Please please pleaseee"

"Aww Katie I'd love to, I really really would, but I can't be responsible for you too as well as myself. I'm a big mouth so it's very hard for me to not go and claim victory for upsetting the devil. I can't take the chance of adding you on, no matter how much I want to." Sophie said apologetically sitting down on a pile of material one might say resembles a modern bean bag.

"I don't think you're in any position to turn down help Sophie Deveroux, now I know whatever risks you take and I'm perfectly willing to risk them. I'm not a baby, I know what can happen if we get caught and I'm ready, willing, and able to help you out. Please let me." Sophie flopped back down on her "bean bag" and stared at the ceiling. "I don't see what's so wrong with letting the girl help you," Erik's voice came into her ear. "Now don't respond to me, she'll think your nuts but think about it. It's always good to have someone on your side to help"

"Ughh"

"What's wrong?" Kaitlyn came out of her angry state only enough to see something wasn't right.

"I uh, I, well we decided to let you help. The more brains we have to work on it, the better we'll all end up being" A ear to ear grin appeared on Kaitlyn's face and she jumped on Sophie grabbing the shocked girl into a hug. "For real? You mean it? I'm in?"

"You're in."

"One thing though.. Who's 'we'"

"Oh I thought you'd never ask." This is going to be funnn Sophie laughed to herself. Well, it serves him right. "Erik can you come down here please?" Erik froze on the spot. Oh no she did not!

"Erik now please, it's time to come out of hiding"

"Who's Erik?"

"He's the one who let me borrow this cat, Ayesha. He's an ally, don't worry. That is if he would ever come down!"

"I am warning you TANIA if she gets scared and screams you'll be the one to pay for it" he hissed into her ear. She stopped in shock. She couldn't remember the last time he used her real name, and assumed it was in the same mood as when a parent used their child's full name… Anger. Fully against his will, Erik moved from his hiding spot in front of the girls. Ayesha darted towards her master grateful for someone she recognized and climbed her way onto his shoulder. Sophie stood still praying he wasn't going to kill her, and Kaitlyn's eyes opened so wide it looked like she was being choked. "Y-you, it's…him…exists…real" was all she managed to utter. Sophie tried not to laugh, it reminded her of her mother who always talked in 'code' like that. "You school store butter home now." Kaitlyn continued to stare at Erik, the famous Opera Ghost standing right in front of her eyes. "I have to go tell-" Sophie grabbed her arm, "No, no telling. This is a partners secret. Nobody is to know alright?"

"Yes my dear, and might I add that if anyone were to find out, I know exactly who is responsible and where to find her" Erik threatened making things worse. "Erik, stop you aren't helping things."

"Well you brought me here." Sophie smacked him upside the head and continued back to Kaitlyn. "Now, as much as I hate to admit it, he's 100 right. You keep quiet, and you'll be safe. Do you still want in?"

"Are you kidding? I wouldn't leave this group for all the gold in China!"

"Good, so we're all in together! Lucy, Ethel and Fred!" They all stared at her. "Umm, ok what else.. Laverne, Shirley, and… Pick, Lenny or Squiggy." No, that won't work either.. What else is there "Ahh, got it, got it. The Three Musketeers." That rang a bell and the group smiled at each other, they now had a bond. 'Now that we're a team, I have a few ideas you might want to use" Kaitlyn announced. Sophie and Erik leaned forward , obviously perky.

"My idea is…"