Page 62 of Angel's Mask

“We all have the same letter,” a man in front declared, pulling a paper from his coat as the chatter subsided. “And in it, we demand assurances that La Carlotta be restored to the stage!”

“Oh, so that’s it,” Antoine said under his breath, understanding something Raoul did not.

“The National Academy of Music is no place for a woman like that Daaé, if that’s even her real name,” another man piped in, and Philippe immediately grabbed Raoul’s arm to hold him back from charging.

“I assure you, sirs, that your support and concerns will be made known! Now if you don’t mind, we do have other work,” the secretary gestured to the exit and the cadre of patrons sighed as one and began to leave.

“Oh, Philippe, I didn’t know you were enlisted,” a man whose name Raoul could not be bothered to remember said as he passed.

“It seems I am, against my will, on the other side of this war,” Philippe replied with a dark look to Raoul. “Alas.”

“Oh, well, good luck then. You’ll need it if Carlotta isn’t placated,” the patron replied with a laugh, tipping his hat before going. At last, it was only the brothers, Antoine, and the secretary left in the office lobby.

“As I said, – Oh! Monsieur de Chagny! I didn’t realize—” The man began, but the door bursting open behind him cut him off.

“Rémy, where are those ledgers? I asked for them an hour ago,” an older man demanded as he stepped from the office. What hair he had left was white, trimmed neatly around his bald head and styled into sideburns. He looked exhausted and annoyed, especially when he saw that he and Rémy were not alone.

“Yes. We’re still looking, Monsieur Richard,” Rémy replied, in clear panic.

“And did we not make it clear that you were to send away the claque,” Richard said with a glare at the men. Rémy looked green.

“Yes, of course, but this is Philippe de Chagny and—”

“ComtePhilippe de Chagny,” Philippe interjected. “And we’re not here on behalf of the Spaniard.”

“The Swede then, is it?” Richard shot back. “Or is she a gypsy? Or a Jew? I’ve heard so many things about the illustrious Mademoiselle Daaé in the last weeks I cannot keep it all straight.”

“Christine is a good Christian woman and anyone who would imply otherwise is a villain!” Raoul burst out. Philippe heaved a sigh as Antoine covered a snigger.

“And who are you?” Richard asked, looking Raoul over.

“This is my brother, Raoul,” Philippe replied. “TheVicomtede Chagny.”

“Don’t worry about me, I’m not half as rich as him,” Antoine added with a smirk. “Though, to hell with it, I prefer Daaé as well. Or at least I have a friend that does.”

“Don’t we all,” Richard growled back, his fist tightening around a letter in his hand.

“Raoul and I both wished to visit in order to commend Mademoiselle Daaé’s glorious performance at the gala,” Philippe went on, smooth as silk despite Richard’s frown. “I don’t know music, not really, but it was quite a relief to hear a soprano that didn’t make me call for more sherry from the concierge. Indeed, Raoul here wished to enquire if you knew where we might send our regards in person.”

“Christ in heaven, I’m not a madam,” Richard balked, and Raoul’s cheeks began to burn once again.

“Monsieur, that is not at all what I meant!” Raoul yelped.

“I do not care,” Richard snapped. “I am concerned only with sorting through the financial mess my predecessor left me and determining if he and Poligny were insane, being swindled, or simply the most incompetent fools to ever set foot in a theater! For now, I bid you good day!”

Richard turned and stormed back into the office, slamming the door behind him, leaving Rémy shaking.

“Why, I’ve never been so disrespected by a manager, anywhere!” Philippe huffed.

“I am so sorry, Monsieur le Comte, they are getting used to things. There’s quite a lot that Debienne and Poligny neglected and they are also dealing with...well, they think it’s a joke now but...” Rémy bit his lips, shaking his head. “I have to go.” Without another word, the man rushed away.

“Well, that was interesting,” Antoine commented. “Shall we go to the club for an early luncheon?”

“I have to find Christine,” Raoul protested. “Especially if people are spreading rumors about her or threatening her!”

“And you think a young patron looking for her high and low will make herlesstalked about?” Philippe asked back.

“Ineedto see her,” said Raoul.

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