Chapter 22

Here is the next chapter. I don't own anything or anyone.

"It's very kind of you to invite me to your office", Pierre said to Firmin. "I was ready to head back to my office".

"I know. I saw you leave and I thought that it would be a good opportunity to drink a cup of coffee together. I hope to not keep you from something important."

"No, not at all. I can go later to the police station. Thank you", he said, taking the cup of coffee Firmin offered him.

"So, what do you think about our composer? How was your conversation?"

"Constructive, I would say", the officer answered drinking a sip of the black liquid. "I welcomed him and we had a little chat. He told me that you will send me a personal invitation to the performance".

"Of course, we will. You will be the first one who will receive an invitation".

"I will be honored, Monsieur", Pierre answered, a bit touched. "Monsieur Destler is not so talkative, isn't he?"

"The truth is that he is not but this is not a problem. He is doing his job and everyone respects him".

"I see. He told me that this is his first time in Paris. Where is he from?"

"He lives in Italy and manages the Opera House there".

"Oh, that's nice. I told him that Paris is a very mysterious city".

Pierre made a pause and asked his next question.

"Does he know about the Phantom? I am not sure that I would come to work here if I knew that story".

"I…dodon't know. I never ask him, actually", Firmin said a little thoughtful.

"Monsieur Firmin, tell me, how were those days?", Pierre asked the manager.

"Tough days my dear officer", Firmin answered. "We couldn't do anything without his permission. The worst part was those letters".

"Letters?"

"Yes, letters. Letters everywhere. When he had a new demand, he was letting letters with threats. If we wouldn't do his request, terrible things were happening. We had many incidents, officer".

"I understand".

"Fortunately, we got out of that nightmare".

"Are you sure my dear Monsieur? I've heard that he never found alive. Not even dead".

Pierre lifted his eyebrow.

"Yes, but he hasn't appeared for years so I believe that he is dead".

That moment the door opened and Andre entered the office.

"Still here, officer?"

Pierre nodded.

"Good. Firmin can you come with me for a minute?"

"Yes, I'm coming. Excuse me for a while officer", Firmin said and followed Andre to the hall.

Pierre was alone. He had learned useful information about his rival. He stood up from his chair and decided to take a better look to Firmin's desk. Pierre was not such a man but now there was a reason to do something like this. He opened the first drawer he saw and he started to fumble for something. Anything. Maybe an old newspaper. The first thing he saw was correspondence papers, that day's newspaper and some sheets of music. Pierre put his hand deeper into the drawer and touch a piece of paper. He pulled it out and…. His hands were holding …. a letter. Its seal was broken and it was depicted…. a skull. Pierre unfolded the letter with trembling hands. He couldn't believe his eyes. The officer was holding a real bomb into his hands. A letter from the Phantom of the Opera himself. With his signature and his demands.

"I don't believe it", he said whispering to himself. "Finally, I have a clue".

He let the paper aside and put his hand again into the drawer, searching like a maniac to find something more. And he did. A second letter was now unfolded in front of him and Pierre absorbed its content with sparkling eyes. He put it into his jacket's pocket after he read it and sat again on his seat. Firmin returned a few minutes later.

"I am so sorry for the delay, officer", Firmin said, "but we have some issues to solve to be ready for the premiere".

"That's quite alright, Monsieur", Pierre answered. "Thank you for the coffee but I have to return back to my office".

The two men exchanged handshaking and Pierre walked towards the exit. He heard music as he was walking outside of the auditorium. They were rehearsing. He walked to the street and he was feeling so happy from his discovery. In a few minutes, Pierre was entering the police station.

"Hello officer", Luigi greeted a very happy Pierre who entered the building whistling his favorite song.

"Good morning to you too, son", Pierre answered cheerfully.

"You are so happy today", Luigi noticed.

"Why not? When you defeat your opponents, you should be cheerful", Pierre said and entered his office.

"Opponents? Did we take a new case, officer?", the young man asked without hiding his curiosity.

"No Luigi, not at all. I take care of some personal issues these days. But, enough with this. Let's return to our job. What do we have today?"

"Nothing new, officer. We arrested two men last night who fought with each other at the camparet not far away from here. Also, a woman came an hour ago and told us that her husband has disappeared. He never appeared home last night. Ordinary things".

"I suspect that her husband is drunk, somewhere. Possibly into a bar", Pierre said with a chirpy tone.

"Maybe you are right, officer".

"Alright. Now, please close the door and sit. I want to ask you something".

Luigi looked Pierre surprised because his boss would change his mood from happy to serious, in a few seconds. Now, he was the strict chief he always knew.

"What do you about that new composer of the Opera Populaire?", Pierre asked Luigi with a serious tone.

"Not much. I know that he is a famous composer and that he does not live here. Why do you ask?"

"I met him today and we had a little chat".

"I see. What kind of person he is?"

"Serious person and on task. He told me that I will receive an invitation to the premiere".

"I am looking forward to it, officer", Luigi said very excitedly. "It would be a big event for our city. It would be the first big performance that Opera House would present to the Parisians and with the signature of a great composer".

"I see. You love theatre, Luigi".

"Oui Monsieur Reneau, very much. Especially now. After that incident with the Phantom of the Opera, Opera House needs an assertive start.

"I am sure that you will be the first one who will purchase a ticket", Pierre said with a smile, filling in some papers.

"Definitely yes, officer. My cousin, Claire, is in the ballet, you know. So, this is another reason to watch the performance", Luigi said very proudly.

"Really? I didn't know that", Pierre responded.

"Yes, and she told me that she is very excited about the job and very pleased with her colleagues as well".

"That's very good news, Luigi. Congratulations", Pierre said keeping his attention to the papers in front of him.

"Merci Monsieur. Oh, Claire told me that she met Christine Daae".

"Who"?

"Christine Daae, Monsieur Reneau. The Opera House's star, years ago. The girl who was kidnapped by the Phantom that night, when the chandelier fell".

That sentence caught Pierre's attention.

"Really?", the officer asked with interest, forgetting his work. "I thought that she was married to a very wealthy man".

"Yes, she was married to the Vicomte DeChagny, but Claire heard from the other girls that they got a divorce".

"Hmmm, very interesting information Luigi, very interesting", Pierre said with his two eyes glowing with happiness.

"Maybe they are rumors, maybe not", Luigi said to his boss. "However, Claire told me that all the team make amazing job and Monsieur Destler is a very good conductor".

"That's nice", Pierre said with a fake innocent. "Alright Luigi, thank you for your information. You can return to your duties".

"Yes, officer", Luigi said and went towards his office.

"Christine Daae, huh? Maybe she knows something more about our dear composer. I will find out, soon", Pierre said to himself, preparing his next step.

He was banging on the door for about fifteen minutes but he couldn't hear anything from inside the house. He got worried that maybe she wasn't inside and now he was needed her more than never. Erik was ready to abandon the effort when the door opened and a very nervous Antoinette appeared on the threshold.

"What's happening Erik? Why are you banging so loud?", she asked obviously annoyed as Erik passed beside her like a whirlwind.

"I need help Antoinette. It is very urgent".

Antoinette got more nervous. She had never seen him like that before.

"Please, have a seat and tell me what happened".

"Are we alone?" he asked looking around the house.

"Yes".

"I was looking for you in the Opera House but I was told that you have rehearsals in the afternoon. I couldn't wait till then and I came here. I am sorry if I scared you".

"That's alright. I just thought that something really bad happened. I have never seen you like this. What is going on?", Antoinette asked really worried.

Erik told her everything that happened a few hours ago. When he finished, Antoinette was dumbfounded.

"Are you serious?", she asked almost whispering.

"I was never been more serious in my life", Erik answered.

"I don't know what to say", she said bringing her hand on her chest. "Are you sure that he meant… you?"

"I think, yes. He was looking into my eyes and it was like he was telling me 'I know your secret'".

"Have you warned Nadir yet?"

"No. I went to the rehearsals for only an hour today and after that, I came here. I panicked Antoinette".

"Of course, you did. It's absolutely logical. But how does he know?"

"No clue", Erik responded. "How many years you know him?"

"The last five years. But he is a good and kind man. He never showed a bad behavior before".

"Of course, he didn't because I wasn't shown up yet. I remember that the first time we met; he was looking at me a little weird but I thought that maybe his character is like this".

"I don't know what to think", the woman said rubbing her temples. "The only way is to ignore the whole thing. We should focus on the performance. After that, you can return to Italy. Let's hope that nothing bad will happen until then".

"I am so worried Antoinette. I am afraid that the next time he will not come to my office alone but with the police van. He told me that if someone could find the Phantom, he would be the first who would lead him to the gallows".

"You should keep calm yourself, Erik. First of all, go to the hotel, talk to Nadir, and get some rest. You need it. We will find a way to help you. There is always the possibility that we concern without a reason".

"Oh, Antoinette, thank you, thank you so much", Erik said and kissed her hands.

"You are a true friend".

She was right. He had to warn Nadir and find a solution. He left and went towards the hotel.

"Christine, look", Meg told her friend as she went in front of a showcase. "It's a fantastic dress, isn't it?"

"Meg you have already dress for the big night", Christine responded.

"It doesn't matter, a second dress is always useful, right Rosalie?", Meg said again and winked to the little girl. Rosalie giggled.

"Hey, what is going here? What did you pledge to my daughter?", Christine asked pretended the angry mom.

"Nothing", Meg answered and the three of them burst into laughs.

Christine loved to go for shopping with Meg. She knew that her friend would definitely buy that dress, no matter what.

"You know what? I will buy it".

"I knew it, but we are gonna be late".

"I won't be long, I promise. I will catch up with you".

Christine sighed but she agreed. As mother and daughter walked, Rosalie turned to her mother.

"Mama, can we buy candies?"

"If you want", Christine answered.

They entered the nearest shop and came out with two big bags of candies and chocolates for Auntie Nettie as Rosalie had requested. They walked again among the crowd.

"Mama, can I ask you something?"

"Sure".

"Who was that man who talked to you the other day in the Opera House?"

"I told you honey, Monsieur Destler is one of the managers of the theatre".

"And what is his job?"

"Good question. Well, a manager manages the employees to do their job, he schedules the program of the performances, stuff like that".

"He was very kind", Rosalie answered.

"Yes, he was", she murmured to herself. She had never seen the Phantom with kids before, so she didn't see his reaction around them. That moment she realized that his reaction was completely normal.

"Mama?", Rosalie asked.

"Yes?", Christine answered coming out of her thoughts.

"That man over there is Monsieur Destler, right?"

Christine looked to the direction that Rosalie pointed. Her daughter was right. There he was, among the people, a tall figure walking in rush. His eyes crossed with hers. Erik was coming towards them.

"Good morning", Christine said when he came closer.

"Good morning", he answered simply. "I am sorry but I am in hurry".

"You are pale. Are you sure that you are alright?"

"No…. I mean… yes. I am fine just a little nervous".

"Monsieur Destler? Do you want a candy? Mama always give me one candy when I am sad", Rosalie asked extending her small hand with the bag of candies towards him.

Erik bend down in front of her and took one candy.

"Thank you, but are you sure that it will help me?", he asked the little girl with a playful tone in his voice.

She nodded. Erik unfolded the candy and ate it.

"I feel so much better already. Thank you so much", he said to Rosalie with a big smile on his lips.

He liked that girl very much. She was so much like her mother. Innocent, kind and adorable.

"So, this trick is working with everyone, right?", Christine asked, looking at him.

"As it seems", he answered as he stood up. Erik looked at her. How many years he had passed without see those eyes? How long he had to hear that voice to sing again.

Christine looked him back. She hadn't noticed that his eyed were green. He hadn't changed a lot outside but inside…. His behavior was showing that he had changed inside. For the better. Rosalie had lifted her head and looked the two adults.

"Mama?"

Suddenly, both of them, returned to reality. It was like they were in trance and somebody woke them up.

"Can we go to Auntie Nettie?"

"Yes of course", Christine responded. "We have to leave", she said to Erik.

Erik nodded and walked away. Christine and Rosalie continued their way to home.

"He is a good man and he likes you", Rosalie said, catching her mother out of guard.

"Why are you saying this?"

"He was looking at you for a long time. If he didn't like you, he wouldn't talk to you".

The young woman frowned.

"He was just kind, honey".

In a few minutes, Meg did her appearance and all of them walked towards home. A few hours later, Christine and Meg were getting ready for rehearsals. Meg noticed that her friend was very quiet. When she asked what happened, Christine told her everything about her earlier meeting.

"So, you looked each other with a…different way", Meg said to her as she was fixing her hair.

"Yes, and the truth is that I felt a little…mesmerized", Christine admitted. "He has green eyes, did you know that he has green eyes?", she continued looking like she was enjoying that thought.

"I…. don't think so. How could I know?", Meg asked watching her friend's gaze.

"Right", Christine said returning back from her daydream. "Rosalie told me that he maybe…. likes me because he looked at me. I believe that he was just nice with me".

"What can I say? Kids have an instinct".

"I don't know Meg. I didn't expect him to be so nice and kind with Rosalie. She always smiles when she sees him. I thought that he would be abrupt with us and that he wouldn't talk to us at all. I didn't see that side of him before", Christine said as she was putting on her shoes.

"You did believe that he would hurt her, right? It was your first thought when you saw him here".

"Yes, I admit it, I felt fear first and then rage because I was convinced that he would hurt me or worse, her. But, the last days, I feel that, that fear…fades out, you know. Of course, I am always with Rosalie and I don't know if he would harm her if she was alone, without me beside her".

"I don't believe it Christine. He is nice with everyone. Yes, he is strict and sometimes abrupt I don't think so that he would harm anyone again. The only thing Monsieur Destler wants is to do his job and return to Italy as soon as possible", Meg said to Christine.

"I started to believe the same thing as you but I still have some doubts".

Meg could understand her friend. She had never had the opportunity to know him better. She had seen more his bad side and less the good one. That Phantom was an entirely different man. Her mother was trusting him. Maybe she was right and Monsieur Destler had changed. For good.

Nadir was speechless. He couldn't believe what he had just heard.

"Really? He told you something like this?", he asked covering his mouth with his hand.

"I was never more serious", Erik answered.

They both were in Nadir's room, near the fireplace. When Erik arrived at the hotel, went straight to his friend's room. When the Phantom finished his narration, Nadir couldn't believe in his ears.

"Antoinette is right", he finally said. "Let's pretend apathy. With this way we can have an eye on him. I can't think anything else right now".

"I don't know if I can do this, Nadir. It's not easy at all. He had already seen me… lost. I feel that he was aware that I was vulnerable. And I don't like to be vulnerable".

"No wonder you felt like this, Erik. He ambushed you. Anyone in your position, would be worried and confused.

"Our premiere is in three weeks from now. What if something will happen until then?"

"First and last rule: we never think negative. You will do your job and then we will return back home. After all, if he'll do something against you, we will tell everyone that he is crazy".

Erik sighed. The only thing he was hoping for was fewer surprises for the rest of the month.

The next morning, he returned to the Opera House for rehearsals.

"Ready people?", Erik asked putting his music sheets on the music stand in front of him. Robert and Isabelle nodded.

"Good. Now, Robert, you are looking at Isabella and you confess your love to her. And you, Isabelle, you tell him that you love him but you can't be together because your brother hates him and wants to kill him. Do you remember what I told you about the song?", Erik asked her and she nodded. Isabelle had made remarkable progress. When they started the rehearsals, her voice was not so powerful and stable as now. No more screams. She was singing the song as she had to. Erik couldn't deny it. The girl was stubborn. She was always following his instructions and now she was the lead singer with Robert. Robert. He had learned how to breathe properly and his singing was… sublime. Erik was so proud of them. He was proud of everyone who worked in that performance.

"I want passion from both of you", Erik continued strictly. "Don't forget that you are in love. Now, Jack", he looked at the first violin in the orchestra, who would play that beautiful song in that scene, "don't play loud at all. It's a sweet song and you should play dolce and low. I want a romantic atmosphere around the couple. And don't forget the diminuendo in the end of the song".

"Of course, Monsieur Destler", Jack answered and put his bow on the violin strings.

He was ready. Erik raised the baton and the music started.

Music everywhere. Rehearsals were on. Papers and instrument's cases were all around the hall. That would be easy. A gloved hand slipped between the music sheets. Yes, the perfect hiding place. The disaster would occur soon. A laugh was heard. The gloved hand disappeared.

"Well done everyone", Erik said, "you did an amazing job. Take a fifteen minutes break and will continue our program".

The auditorium emptied out and some of the actors and musicians went out to the hall. Erik went to a corner and looked the music sheets for the next scenes. He was so satisfied with everyone's job that he was sure that they would be ready for the big premiere. Erik looked around him. Some of the musicians were tuning their instruments. The dancers were stretching their legs. His gaze searched for Christine. She was doing her exercises with the other girls under Madame Giry's guidance. Erik realized that she was the same beautiful woman as he remembered, if not more. That moment Christine noticed him look at her and she smiled to him. Erik smiled back at her but the moment gone when he felt a hand upon his shoulder. He turned around scared and saw Andre and Firmin look at him.

"You scared me, gentlemen", Erik said, taking a deep breath.

"That was not our intention, I assure you Monsieur Destler", Andre said to the composer. "We just wanted to watch the rehearsals. Can we?"

"Of course, you can. We will start again in a few minutes".

Andre and Firmin, very contented, walked towards the closest seats.

"The break is over people", Erik called the cast. "We will rehearse the next scene. Take your places, please".

"The actors and actresses climbed up on the stage and the musicians got ready. Erik took his place as well. He lifted his baton but no sound heard.

"Excuse me Monsieur Destler", Michael, the violinist next to Jack said to Erik. "You have to see this".

"What is it, Michael?", Erik asked curiously looking the young man.

"I found this between my music sheets, Monsieur", he said and gave Erik a piece of paper. Erik took it and looked at it. In few seconds he got white, his hands trembled and his eyes were glued upon paper's surface. Antoinette got very worried and went towards him. Christine had the same worried expression on her face.

"Erik, your face is white. Don't you feel well?", Antoinette asked him trying to figure out what was happening. She nudged him on his arm but Erik didn't react. Then Antoinette directed her attention to the paper. Upon the paper was written the following:

Dear Managers,

I am so happy for the opening of the Opera House and I can say that I am quite satisfied with your program. A big welcome to our new composer Monsieur Erik Destler. Well done for the great job you have done. Your opera is a masterpiece. I am sure that we will have a nice cooperation. If you follow my instructions, of course. Otherwise, you will feel my rage. And no one of you want that. With hearty greetings,

Your obedient servant

O.G

Antoinette knew that something was terribly wrong when she read the letter. Phantom's letter.

"What has happened already, Madame? What is this paper?", Firmin asked and with Andre got closer to a speechless Erik and to a more speechless Madame Giry. The managers went behind Erik's shoulders and read the letter. They couldn't believe in their eyes.

"Firmin?", Andre asked and looked shocked his colleague.

"No, it can't be. This is impossible", Firmnin whispered, not being able to believe to his eyes. "But…. he is dead".

"His body never found, remember?", Andre answered to him.

"Quick, someone go and tell the police. They must come here immediately. The Opera Ghost is back", Firmin said to Andre with a whisper.

"What? The Opera Ghost is back?", a fifty-year-old flutist asked, who was working in the Opera House the last years.

"Really? Oh no, no, no. We are in danger", his wife said and stood up ready to abandon the auditorium. In few minutes all the auditorium knew from whom the letter was. The most of them were in panic.

"Christine, what's happening?", Meg asked touching her friend's arm. Their eyes got wide when they heard the name. "Were they discovered him?"

"I don't know, Meg", Christine said looking at Erik's direction. The most of the people who knew about the Phantom, were terrified and ready to abandon their jobs for good.

"QUIET!", Andre shouted. "SIT DOWN, EVERYONE, NOW!"

Everyone obeyed.

"It's important to stay here. All of us", Andre continued. "We are going to call the police".

"Monsieur Firmin", Antoinette said to the manager, "maybe this is not a good idea. I mean, maybe it's a farse".

"No, Madame, I won't hear anything. If he is really alive, we will defeat him with the police by our side. The last time he tried everything to his power to destroy us because we didn't want to listen to him. I won't allow it again. Let's go, Andre".

Andre nodded and the two men left. Antoinette turned to Erik. The color on his face was normal again but he seemed still upset.

"Are you alright, Erik? How do you feel?", she asked him a little worried.

"Tell me that all of this is a joke and nothing more. This can't be happening", he answered making air to himself with a sheet of music.

"I am sorry Erik. I feel exactly as you do but I can't find any logical explanation".

"It's simple, Antoinette. Someone knows and wants to catch me. And I suspect who this 'someone' be", Erik responded touching his hand to his forehead.

"You mean, the officer?", she asked him whispering not wanting someone hear them.

"I think so".

That moment, Christine and Meg approached them.

"What is happening, Mama?"

"A very bad farse, my dear, nothing more".

"But who can do such a thing?", Christine asked the woman before her.

"Something has happened but I can't tell you right now because it's not the right place. Erik, is better to stand up. Someone will suspect you if you continue to sit like this".

Erik nodded and stood up from the chair. After a few minutes the managers with Pierre and two other policemen appeared in the auditorium.

"Quiet, please", Andre said. "The officer Reneau wants to make to us some questions".

Pierre climbed on the stage along with the managers.

"Good evening. I would like to know who found the letter?"

"Me", Michael said rising his hand. "I found it between my music sheets".

"How the Phantom's letter was found into the sheets?", Firmin asked a bit angry.

"Calm down Firmin", Andre answered to his colleague.

"Tell me Monsieur", Pierre said ignoring the managers, "did you notice something…. weird in your way here, to the auditorium?"

"No officer, nothing at all. We rehearsed the first part of the opera, we took a break and when we returned to for the second part, I found the letter".

"You didn't have all the sheets with you from the start?"

"No officer. The play is big enough so when we rehearsed the first part, we leave the other sheets outside of the auditorium along with our instruments cases. Our maestro is alright with this".

"Is that true, Monsieur Destler?", Pierre asked Erik.

"Yes, officer, it is. I tell them which part we are going to rehearse and some of the musicians leave the other pages outside. It doesn't bother me", Erik said trying to seem calm.

"I see", Pierre answered looking intensely the Phantom. "Monsieur Firmin, are you advocating that the letter is from that madman?"

"Definitely, Monsieur. I am sure that this is his handwriting".

"Then we have a difficult case in front of us. I would like to ask you all to not leave the city, even after the performance, until we catch that man. The case has reopened".

Erik wanted to scream. He couldn't leave Paris. He couldn't return to Italy. What would happen next?