CHAPTER 17
Being summoned to an emergency meeting at the master's residence was not a normal occurrence and it made Antoinette tense with anxiety wondering why. Since their missed meeting of a few weeks ago the man had resumed his normal schedule as if there'd never been any interruption, but there was a notable change to how he was behaving.
She'd managed to gain some interesting information on the goings on of the last few months in the Long Island residence. Gustave had managed to make some new friends, ones that were in no way acquainted with Coney Island or Phantasma. And these weren't other children as one might expect, but a group of shut-ins living in a mansion in one of city boroughs.
The master himself had gone to their home to investigate them the very day he'd been absent from his appointment. And these women, witless in Antoinette's opinion, had actually accepted him. It baffled her mind, so Antoinette had to finally conclude that there had to be something sinister going on.
Perhaps this Lisa had discovered the truth and found some way to black mail the master? Or maybe Mr. Y was up to his old games again and found another target for his obsession? Both possibilities seemed farfetched to Antoinette, but knowing the strange past they shared she knew anything was possible.
It was mid-day when a ruffled looking Squelch arrived at the theatre to collect her. Mr. Arrows, the man in charge of park operations and the head carny was already seated in the carriage waiting for her.
"Do you know what this is all about? We still have 3 more shows to do today and without me someone will probably fall off stage. These chorus girls are so pitiful; they have no grace or style." She complained, trying to conceal her true concerns.
"Not a clue." He responded. "Maybe he's going to tell us he's sold the lot and is moving to Canada, or retiring to the south. Who knows with that man?" he finished with a displeased chuckle.
Antoinette turned a disapproving eye on the man. He was about as helpful as an infection. From then on they rode silently to the master's home. When they disembarked the carriage they saw that he was loading bags to the motorized coach he normally used. Madam Giry felt her stomach drop.
"What's going on?" she demanded.
Mr. Y didn't respond or even acknowledge them until he'd finished his task. He then turned sharply and stalked towards them. The effect was just we he'd intended. Mr. Arrows unconsciously took a step back, and although Madam Giry was able to stand her ground she visibly stiffened.
"I have an urgent matter to attend to in the city and will not be available unless for emergencies, for which you would need to notify me through Squelch. Mr. Dangle will be with me and have limited availability." Erik expertly shifted his expression and straightened in a manner to make himself more menacing for the rest of his speech. Arrows shrunk away, but Giry still stood firm.
"I expect the same quality of work I always do in my absence. The updates to the fun house are scheduled for completion within the week Mr. Arrows. I know you understand I have no patience for those incapable of heeding my orders." He finished.
Mr. Arrows tried to open his mouth to ask a question, but one sharp look from the master stopped him. Understanding he'd been dismissed, the carny retreated and went back to the carriage for his return to Phantasma.
Erik then turned his attention to Madam Giry. Although his demeanor was no less intense, the words were less hard.
"I trust you to continue directing the daily production to my standards. I expect to see the final rehearsals for the fall show to be completed by my return. Keep the company in check. Remind them I won't be far away and might always be watching." He moved to turn away, but Antoinette called out to him.
"And what of the child?" she asked daringly, "Will he be staying with his friends?" Erik stopped in his tracks, and there was notable tremor that ran through his frame.
He'd lost his trust and faith in the Giry's the moment Meg had run off with Gustave, and when her stray bullet had struck Christine it cemented a level of resentment that could never be cured and bordered on hate. But this woman had been the closest thing to a friend and companion Erik had had for all his life.
Antoinette Giry had been the one to give him shelter from the Gypsy mob that had wanted him dead. Then she'd provided for him as a child until he'd become self-sufficient. And again when another horde sought his ruin for the murder of Piangi, kidnapping Christine and setting the Garnier ablaze she'd rescued him.
Erik told himself he kept her around because she knew too much, or as an alibi if ever he needed one, but the truth was that he was always comforted in a small way by knowing there was someone in this rancid world that knew him, if only superficially. He turned back slowly and met her imposing stare with his own commanding one.
"He… tried to run away last night. He went into the city and was caught in the storm and… was injured." He struggled to keep his composure. Every word reminded him of his guilt. "He is there with them, and the physician says that he can't be moved, so I will be staying there until he can be brought home."
Antoinette noted that he didn't question how she knew about them, but she was relieved that he didn't. So the boy had tried to leave, inevitable she thought to herself.
"And these people, these women, you trust them to care for him?" she asked.
"Gustave trusts them, so I… well, I will be there and keep a careful watch. I should be going." He turned again to leave.
"Do they know about you?" she called to him.
"What exactly are you referring too?" he stopped and asked over his shoulder.
"The kind of man you are, your history. It wouldn't be difficult if someone took the time to investigate you." She said.
"What they think they know of me is of no concern to me. If I feel they are a threat I will take care of them. And I am sure that no one close to me would be stupid enough to betray me." He said finally and continued to walk away and enter the motorized carriage.
"Of course." She said, even though he was already out of ear-shot. The woman watched suspiciously as the vehicle started up and disappeared down the gravel drive. There was an opportunity here, for what she wasn't sure yet, but Antoinette was not the kind of person to miss playing even a supporting role.