50

Katrina was indeed the one to explain where they had been and what had happened. As she guessed he was upset, but he refrained from comment.

When she told him about Jamison as a possible patron, he seemed to lose himself in a stray thought, and then returned to face her. "Has he made up his mind?"

"I'm not sure. This event may have given him second thoughts." The words came out wryly.

He ordered her to keep a better watch on Sarah, though the reminder was unnecessary. The scare had done the enforcing.

That night, he went above for the monthly meeting he had arranged with Jacques. The manager set down a contract before him, looking exhausted.

"He signed on as a patron. I was afraid he wouldn't after the scene, today but he did. It's a handsome sum my friend. Write me an opera and I will give you a bonus."

"He was that generous?"

"More than."

"There is something you should know."

Jacques leaned back and sighed. "With you, Erik, there is always something I should know. Last season it was Don Juan Triumphant and the extra costs, rotation of cast, lighting, etc. The season before it was the arrangement of the tables backstage. The season before it was the dancers. The season before that it was the chorus. What this present season?"

"I will refrain from pointing out that I have raised the quality of your house and that not only the wealthy but the common public flock to us for their music. It concerns Fergus Jamison."

Jacques sat up a little, willing to listen, so Erik continued.

"Last summer, it was his nephew that Katrina went to help."

"The same? How did I miss the name? Am I so dense?"

"Perhaps, but she had little time with him, so it is doubtful he would have figured greatly in her letters to you and Marie."

"Something happened between them, I remember that." He looked concerned. "Should I not have allowed him to sign?"

Erik waved his hand. "It is done, and we did need the money after last year's patron moved away. I am not entirely impractical. No, I wanted to warn you that from what Katrina said he is particularly cynical and harsh in his outlook. This also influences his behavior. If there are problems with him, I insist that you refer them to me."

"Not once have you shown your face to my patrons or supporters. Why now?"

"Because he will listen to me."

The manager shook his head. It was clear that he didn't understand, but he was willing to take his brother-in-law at his word. "Very well, I will. How can I reach you without raising questions?"

"I will be nearby on days you know he is coming. If he arrives unannounced, find one of my children, Katrina or Madame Giry if you must. I am suspicious that he knew perfectly well which opera Katrina worked at, and invested accordingly."

"Why would he do that?"

Erik smiled; a terrible, sad smile. "He is looking for answers, my friend. He knows they are here."

Wow, 50 chapters! I had no idea that this would last this long. Thanks for reading! More soon.