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Post by Erik Destler on May 23, 2008 0:38:12 GMT -5
"Of course." The violin stopped and a moment later, the soft click of the case could be heard.
"Do you have everything you need? Is there anything at all you desire me to provide? For your comfort."
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Post by Carlos Castro on May 23, 2008 1:01:41 GMT -5
*Something altogether unexpected came out of Carlos' mouth just then.*
"You must dine, Maestro," *he said suddenly.* "Why not do so with me, once?"
*Carlos did not want for companionship. Why, he had all the fashionable crowd at his beck and call! He went to parties. He hosted them. He had anything he could wish, and often did not have to pay for it. So why the sudden urge to further engage the company of a known madman and murderer?
Carlos has no idea.*
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Post by Erik Destler on May 23, 2008 1:08:39 GMT -5
"A delightful prospect, my boy. But...it must be a location of my choosing. There are very few places I care to go in public."
Curious. What was the tenor hoping to gain by this tactic? Perhaps he simply wished to be eased up on. Well, that certainly wasn't going to happen.
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Post by Carlos Castro on May 23, 2008 1:21:09 GMT -5
Stupid, stupid!
*Warnings sounded in his mind, and he cursed himself for being so susceptible to the lulling effects of the violin. Wearing off now, of course.
But perhaps this could be useful. To Holmes' investigation.*
"Of course," *Carlos said easily.* "Your privacy must, of course, be protected."
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Post by Erik Destler on May 23, 2008 1:26:15 GMT -5
"There is a small cafe on the Rue Saint Pierre, across from a habadasher. They know me there, as I sometimes sit to write. When would you like to go?"
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Post by Carlos Castro on May 23, 2008 1:57:35 GMT -5
*Carlos filed that information away. He could hardly imagine the Maestro just... sitting. Writing. It seemed far too normal, despite the fact that Carlos never fooled himself into thinking he was anything but a man.*
"Whenever is convenient for you; Carlos Castro may make his own social schedule."
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Post by Erik Destler on May 23, 2008 2:08:24 GMT -5
"Tomorrow afternoon, then--before rehearsals start. If you do not feel you can recognize me, simply ask for the Maestro and they will show you to my table." His voice shifted around the room.
"Now, you should be getting back to your hotel for some rest. Good evening, senor."
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Post by Carlos Castro on May 23, 2008 10:43:49 GMT -5
*Carlos was fairly certain he'd recognize the lone genius huddled under a scarf at a small cafe, but he didn't say that. He did wonder about someone who went about only known as "Maestro."
Though he supposed it was better than "Opera Ghost."*
"I shall," *he said.* "Good night, Maestro."
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Post by Carlos Castro on Jul 7, 2008 9:07:39 GMT -5
*NEW DAY*
Carlos, with a slightly anxious feeling in the pit of his stomach, closed the dressing room door behind him. It was all happening, for real.
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Post by Erik Destler on Jul 7, 2008 9:13:12 GMT -5
Erik was already waiting for him, and not hidden away in the shadows, but lounged across the settee that was arranged in the room. He stood when Carlos entered and grinned, stepping around the sofa and reaching out to take the young tenor's hand, bringing it to his lips.
"Your performance was excellent, if a bit nervous, my dear. But I can forgive that on this occasion. I've already taken your things below--and I think Mephisto is quite happy with his selection of rats and mice to hunt. "
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Post by Carlos Castro on Jul 7, 2008 9:28:29 GMT -5
"Thank you," Carlos said. "I was... There are rats?"
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Post by Erik Destler on Jul 7, 2008 9:33:28 GMT -5
"Not in my house, usually. But it is a cellar, after all. Don't worry, my home is very clean."
He had even replaced most of the candles with a few oil lamps, and was considering speaking to Julian about having gas routed to his digs.
"You will even have your own room to do with as you please--not that I wouldn't prefer you remain in mine, but it will be your own private space."
The composer curled his arms around the tenor's waist and pulled him close, his eyes and voice both softening.
"Are you ready, Christopher?"
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Post by Carlos Castro on Jul 7, 2008 9:44:20 GMT -5
Carlos felt that he'd reached a point in his life where he did not have to deal with rats (or luggage, or pretty much anyone he didn't want to) but he allowed himself to be mollified by the look on Erik's face.
"You do take care of me, don't you?"
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Post by Erik Destler on Jul 7, 2008 9:54:48 GMT -5
"And I always will."
And anyway, they would only be staying below until Destler found them something suitable in Paris--or London, or anywhere Christopher wanted to go. They would be help back by nothing, now.
"Come."
He stepped away a bit, keeping his lover's hand and led him to the wardrobe where his very first "gift" to the boy had been left. There was no fancy sliding mirror in this room, just a passage behind the wardrobe and they were through in moments.
"The way is a bit rough, of course, these paths are not mine, I usually travel by shadow, but I do not seem able to do so any longer."
He picked up the lantern he'd left on the road there and kept a firm hold on Carlos' hand as he led him down through the cellars, and along the paths away from the lake that led to the (for some reason) rougher stone that marked his own territory.
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