Chapter 18 – Exposure

It had taken Carlotta a day or so to get over her shock at having been rejected and thwarted – yet again. Contacting and scheming with Marcus had taken two more days, but finally they were ready to make their stand. The two plotters had sent intriguing letters to several newspaper offices stating that if they wanted to get the story of the year they would be rewarded by amassing outside the Opera Populaire on Sunday at high noon.

That is where Sunday found them. Carlotta and Marcus were waiting patiently as the front steps of the theatre as all of the expected reporters crowded around them. Most of the passing public were drawn in by the sight of so many people, just standing outside the theatre, that they drifted over in curiosity. Merchants and businessmen from the surrounding buildings saw the commotion and went to inspect it themselves.

When Carlotta thought the crowd was large enough, she began to speak, "Ladies and gentlemen, you have all been deceived! The man you all know as Nicolas Leroux is – a WOMAN!" Several gasps met this exclamation and reporters began scribbling furiously in their notes while cameras they had lugged with them – just in case – pinged and burst with light as they captured the mournful pleading face of the rejected opera star. Marcus stepped forward to relate his sordid tale which created even more of a uproar. By this time, the constabulary had appeared and were trying to determine if this news was cause for a riot and mob outbreak, which they hoped their presence would quell.

As the people became more agitated they started a chant, demanding to speak to Leroux to clear the matter up. The police – seeing an opportunity to lend their services – mounted the stairs and entered the Opera Populaire. Nearly five minutes had passed in which the crowd became even more emotionally unstable and the reporters were chomping at the bit to get to the bottom of the story. They needn't have waited a moment later, for Nicolas Leroux, escorted by the police with Erik by his side, had made his appearance feet from Carlotta and her accomplice.

Leroux tilted his head to the side in polite confusion as the reporters struggled to out-shout one another with their questions as to the validity of Carlotta's and M. Wood's statements.

Leroux's eyes narrowed when he heard that he was a woman in disguise and widened in shock when he was told that he was carrying on a sexual relationship with Erik. Leroux thought for a moment and held up his hands for silence, which was instantly given.

As Leroux's hands dropped to his sides, his mouth opened. "I find myself quite bewildered by these strange accusations." He looked over at Marcus and Carlotta. "I cannot think how these stories were created. In response to them, however, I will say that this is as intimate as I have ever gotten with my associate." Leroux leaned over to Erik, resting his hands on the other man's shoulders, and gave a kiss to Erik's cheek on either side. He then turned to the crowd, "Now, if that is a sign of sexual indulgence than I hate to be the one to point out that all of Paris is involved in this activity!" This statement was met with a few surprised chuckles and applause here and there. "As to the second accusation, allow me to dispel any doubts that might be plaguing you." Leroux unbuttoned his coat, which he handed to a nearby officer. Next came his waistcoat, then his shirt. He felt all eyes glued to his chest as he stripped and revealed a very finely toned, well-muscled, masculine chest. He turned in a circle, displaying himself and shouted "Would you like me to remove my pants too?" A few women catcalled to that statement and he flashed the audience a wide grin; the grin grew in maliciousness as he turned to look at the flabbergasted faces of Carlotta and M. Wood. To the crowd he said, "I'm afraid that I must cut this display a little short. You see, I have a rather large theatre to run and the work refuses to do itself!"

With that last statement, Leroux and Erik made their way inside leaving Carlotta and Marcus alone to face the wrath of the public and explain to the police that they hadn't committed slander – despite all evidence to the contrary.

A woman, standing across the street could barely move from laughter as she witnessed the scene, but managed to move into the shadows as the police took Carlotta and Marcus Wood into custody for their senseless accusations of slander.

XXX

Nicole was still roaring with laughter as Erik, Pierre, and herself told their own versions of the event. The three were sitting at a table in Erik's lair enjoying a nice bottle of champagne as an after-dinner/celebratory drink.

Pierre cracked a smile, "I must say, Nic. I had a few doubts about your plan."

Nicole stuck her tongue out at him and replied, "Like what?"

"Well, I didn't think grumpy over here – " He jerked his thumb at Erik, "would let anyone greet him with such liberal use of lips…except you, of course."

Nicole blushed at this and met Erik's warm eyes across the table. Erik liked Pierre the moment Nicole said she loved him and Pierre's reaction to that was to sling his arm around Erik's shoulders and say mournfully, "You're stuck with her now, old boy."

Because Carlotta had taken so long to make her stand, Nicole had plenty of time to wait, (and then prepare) Pierre for his role as manager for a day. Now, they were celebrating their unparalleled success in the scheme of Carlotta's final stage exit: social outcast from the most prestigious city in the world.

Pierre leaned inward, "Seriously, though. You are brilliant…but, of course you learned from the master."

Nicole took the teasing in stride, "Yeah, well I think the student surpassed the master."

Erik was happy watching the siblings banter playfully through half-lidded eyes. He would admit to feelings of jealously, however; jealousy towards Nicole for having such a loving family and jealousy towards Pierre for having such a close relationship with Nicole. There was one thing Erik hadn't learned from his relationship with Christine: How to control his emotions of possessiveness. Despite this, Erik was able to keep them in check and the three had a wonderful dinner. Erik even allowed Pierre to stay in the lair to keep up appearances while he visited and the two managers gave him tours of the city and the theatre when work could be put aside.

Soon, Pierre had to leave and promised to paint Erik in a good light when he went back home to visit their parents. Nicole and Erik bid him a warm farewell. While they had been happy to have him, the two managers were also happy to see him leave – now they could finally be alone, and their hearts were lighter than ever knowing that Carlotta would never be bothering them again and that, if Pierre was any indication, Erik had passed the Leroux-family inspection. Their lives were perfect.

There was only one person who could make it fall to pieces around them.

Author's Note: Virtual chocolate-chip cookies for anyone who can guess the person!