part 4
Chapter 2: Hidden threat
Before the presentation of the new opera, "Don Giovanni" was only three days, and the usual pre-premiere chaos in the theater was only exacerbated by the mysterious origin of the play. Usually, each rehearsal was held in tension, bringing the actors to hysteria: their views always attracted the reigning darkness above the stage. Nobody - from the dozen working scenes to the most cynical cleaning lady - dared to leave the rooms alone. They lived as if under siege, under the pressure of unknown and invisible force.
And now half of the workers of the theater visited the masquerade, where the Ghost, waving his sword, gave the directors his play. They are extremely unlucky to know that in the walls of the Opera Populer should be afraid of much more than just shadows and draughts, that between the shimmering gas lamps ruled by something more material than a ghost. Now a masked man has entered their nightmares.
The uniqueness of the opera itself did not calm the fear of the actors - but rather only strengthened it. Filled with unconcealed sexual tension and dissatisfaction work frankly shocked all participants, but at the same time caused a sense of breathtaking miracle even in the most unshaken and stale hearts. The fact that the Ghost personally wrote "Don Giovanni" and demanded to distribute the role in a very special way, was the last spark that blew up all the rumors in the theater, like a powder keg.
Now everyone knew that Christina again received the leading part of the soprano, as stated on the front page of the score - a fact that many people were scratching their tongues about. And the fact that a little earlier this year Christine was kidnapped by the Ghost, has long been the main gossip among cleaners. Several reliable witnesses claimed that she was absent all night and half the next day. The disappearance of Christina was all the more striking that when the disappearance was noticed, the door to her dressing room was locked from the outside. How the girl could infiltrate the solid oak and stone walls was inexplicable - unless the Ghost had taken her away. Based on these strange circumstances and most of all on Christina's privileged position, many began to think that the young diva is in collusion with a mysterious man who cares about the entire opera house.
But, of course, those who knew Mademoiselle Daaaé closely ridiculed these ridiculous accusations. They knew that Carlotta was more likely to learn to play in the remaining three days than Christina would intentionally hurt anyone. The girl was too young and too quiet a creature to give ground to these dirty rumors. Her heart was what is called an open book: it was equally easy to read and write - and certainly not in her nature to form vile alliances with madmen. Unlike gossipers, Christina's supporters openly defended their opinions, so that it was not difficult for stakeholders to gather information about the young singer and her recent failures.
- Do you really believe that the ghost not only kidnapped one of your actresses but also wrote an opera? - With a touch of sarcasm, Brill asked.
There was a long pause, during which she shifted her eyes from one randomly encountered chorister to another. When they enthusiastically threw their eyes on the rafters, Brill looked up to the rafters. "It drives me crazy. How can anyone believe a tale like that? It's against all logic.
Not without a thrill returning to the Opera House, now Brill wandered through the maze of behind-the-scenes, trying to find a clue - any lead - to what she was dreaming about. A few days ago, when she returned home, she realized that despite her humiliating meeting with Andre, her conscience would not allow her to stay away, knowing that the directors were putting the entire theater in danger.
She continued thoughtfully:
- And you're going to put on this play in just three days?
The girls nodded again; their smiles slowly faded.
- Yes, madam, we must make it. The new directors made a mistake in challenging him. He has eyes and ears everywhere. When the Ghost goes hunting, there's no hiding from him," the thin blonde chorister whispered, nervously running her eyes through the ceiling.
Brill raised her eyebrow and followed her to the darkness. The darkness answered them with silence. With her fists in her thighs, Brill shook her head, looking at the nervously changed in front of her frightened choristers. She felt obliged to enlighten them about the stupidity of theatrical rumors.
- Listen to me carefully - she started with a firm voice. - There are no ghosts. They are just a figment of imagination or shadows, or grief of some poor guy. Science can prove many amazing things: the existence of microscopic life forms, evolution, the age of the Earth itself - but so far, no scientist has found evidence that there are ghosts or other forms of perfume. Certainly, from these facts it is possible to draw a unique authentic and logic conclusion: there are no ghosts.
to be continued...