Chapter 3: Shaken Up

By: PittsBurghFuzz

The next morning, Erik took Jacob to the Royal Opera House to practice with some members of the orchestra.

"How many of them will be there sir?" Jacob asked Erik.

"Not many at this hour Jacob," Erik told him, "I have very few men who are willing to come to the opera so early theses days. Its rather sad. However, if I know him well, then my dear friend Paul will be there."

"Who's Paul?"

"One of the greatest violinists I've ever known. He is planning on retiring soon, but he is going to stay with us for another few months."

Erik and Jacob finally reached the Royal Opera House, and got off the carriage.

"Pick us up before dinner, alright Gordon?" Erik said.

Gordon nodded, and the carriage went away. Erik and Jacob entered the opera house's interior, and Jacob was impressed at the architecture inside.

"This is amazing! I've never seen anything so spectacular!" Jacob raved.

Not like Garnier, however. Erik thought.

"Yes, it is nice. I had some workers do some renovations, that would fit my personal taste."

"You mean to say that you designed this place?"

Erik nodded. "Ah, its Paul!"

Paul was an old bearded man who was on the larger side in weight. His clothes were nice, but seemed worn out, almost lived in. Erik shook hands with Paul.

"This is Jacob, an amazing discovery a made yesterday." Erik said, patting Jacob on the back.

"Nice to meet you, sir." Jacob said, putting his hand out for a handshake.

Paul looked at the hand, then at Jacob. "You as well, Jacob." The two shook hands.

"Well, I have to go, and let you two get to know each other. I have some things to do in my office." Erik told them.

"Alright then Erik, I'll show him around." Paul told him.

"Thanks Paul. I'll see you later Jacob." Erik went to his office, and locked the door.

"Alright, I have to take a look at these letters then."

Erik threw his top hat to the corner, as well as his cloak. Erik sat down at his desk, looking at the stack of letters he got. Erik was examining his letters, but heard a knock at the door.

"Hang on." Erik got up from his seat to unlock the door.

In front of the door was a girl, around her mid-twenties, in a black dress. Her hair was very dark, and her skin was extremely pale. The girl's eyes were brown, and her lips were thin.

"Hello Abbey, come in." Erik directed Abbey to come in. "What requires my services now?"

"Well, I have this letter from someone, and-" Abbey began to say.

"Oh not again. I don't want personally delivered letters. They must be sent with the regular mail. Please return to sender."

"But there is not return address, Erik."

"I don't want it!"

"But its from a v-."

"I have no use for it!" Erik roared. Abbey shriveled back.

"I, I'm sorry Abbey. It wasn't right for me to do that. You have enough on your plate anyway. Take the rest of the day off." Erik gently patted her on the back.

"But Erik, I can't. I don't mean to sound greedy, but-"

"I know Abbey. I'm gonna pay you for a full day anyway. Just do me a favor and tell this man to shove off next time you meet him, alright?"

"Okay. Thank you Erik!"

"No, thank you. I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Okay, bye!"

Abbey left the room and Erik went back to work. He breathed heavily and sorted through letters.

"What a nice young lady." Erik said to himself.

Abbey was walking outside, when all of a sudden, a mad man attacked her.

Erik heard a scream and ran outside. Erik ripped the mad man off Abbey, and started to wrestle him. Erik threw the mad mad to the street.

"She didn't give you the letter, Erik?" the mad man asked.

"I don't even know who you are, and if I knew you, then you barely look like someone I would associate with." Erik told him.

"Well maybe this would help!" the mad man threw a small box to Erik. The police cuffed the mad man, and took him to the jail.

Abbey got up from the ground, and Erik went to her side.

"Are you alright?" Erik asked.

She nodded. "Just a little shaken up, but I'm fine."

"I'll walk you home."

"No Erik. I mean, thank you, but I'll be fine. I'll see you tomorrow."

Erik's head lowered slightly. He opened the little box. It was a golden ring.