"Madame? Madame?!"

She snapped back to reality and shakily, began her interrogation. "Ahem...Monsieur...Destler...What will you be doing for us today?"

He replied, "I will be singing "The Point of No Return."

"A fine selection, indeed, but it is difficult. Do you have any vocal experience?"

It was almost an insult. "Yes, I recently finished a job in an opera choir."

"Very well then, only one more question."

He raised his eyebrows and blinked, waiting with baited breath for her query.

"Monsieur Destler, are you...by any chance, related to a Madeleine Destler?" The judges peered at her with questioning looks. Monsieur Destler made a strange gesture that Mme. Giry couldn't tell if it meant yes, or no. She dismissed it and nodded for Monsieur Reyer to start the music.

Gerard gave his cane and hat to a stage hand and began to count the measures, listening for his cue. He began to sing.

Passafarino, go away, for the trap is set and waits for its prey...

Mme. Giry involuntarily closed her eyes to the beautiful notes that came to her ears. His voice wasn't whispery like Erik's, but it was softer, and slightly deeper. (A/N: Think Garou or Andrea Boccelli!) Nevertheless, he still created the seductive illusion of Don Juan, something previous male audits tried to unsuccessfully, replicate. Firmin and Andre felt goose bumps at the realization of how alike Gerard and the Opera Ghosts' voices were.

Before he could get to the lyrics, "What sweet seduction lies before us" , M. Firmin slowly raised his hand to silence him. He had just gotten into the music when he was ordered to stop! The judges were gawking at him and he shifted his weight uncomfortably. He clasped his hands behind his back and waited for his fate to be announced.

Meanwhile, somewhere backstage, stood Jill and Chessie trying to relax each other. They were next, Jill was first. They started to do warm ups when Chessie paused, suddenly interested in the man on stage. She caught his name and gasped.

"Destler..." Jill whispered, "Isn't that-..."

"Erik's last name...?" They whispered in unison.

"Yes, but...he didn't say anything about expecting a family member!" Observed Chessie. Jill nodded in agreement. Suddenly, a trance-like voice rose into the air. It was soft at first, then it rang louder in a smooth crescendo. Instantly, the two girls and several others relaxed and fell under the spell of the tenor. The voice dropped into a diminuendo and then louder again before it stopped abruptly. Everyone violently snapped out of the tranquil state that briefly washed over them.

Chessie looked over at Jill, who was close to hyper-ventilating. She patted Jill's arm reassuringly, smiled, and gave her a guiding push when "Next!" was shouted. Jill looked back at her as if it was the last time. Chessie giggled and whispered, "Go, silly!" She finished her command with an urgent sweeping motion of her hands. Jill put on a smile and more confident, proceeded to walk across the stage. Alone, Chessie's nerves were high-strung, but she started to go over her lines anyway.

Puzzled, Gerard quickly exited the stage with his belongings, contemplating the judges' expressions, trying to decipher them. Not watching where he was going, he plowed into an audit, who lost their balance. With reflexes as quick as a cat, he reached out and grabbed her arm before she could hit the woodwork. His eyes still to the floor, he mumbled a quick, "Excuse me." He let go and began to walk away, when he stopped, held back by the hand that still gripped his arm.

"Wait, Monsieur!"

He looked up, slowly, studying her from toe to head. They briefly locked eyes before he looked away, feeling the heat creep up to his face. She gave him a small tug, forcing him to look her in the eyes again.

"Thank you," she said quietly, shyly.

He didn't know what to say. "I ahhm...right...you're welcome?" He then remembered his manners, bowing low and politely kissing her knuckles, which caused both to blush. "Forgive me, Mademoiselle." He then turned to go, and once more, felt the small tug on his arm.

"You did wonderfully out there, why do you doubt your talents?"

He was surprised by her observation, and had to think before replying cooly, "Well, I assume that when one is gawked at, he fails, was terrible, or is abhorrent in appearance."

She raised her eyebrows in amusement and asking two questions in one, "Assume...Monsieur...?"

He caught it, "Gerard, Gerard Charles Destler. And you are...?"

She extended her hand, which he dutifully kissed, as was the custom. "Chessie Renae Lapierre. Jher-rrarhd. Interesting. You really mustn't assume such things, Gerard."

"And why not? What other things can I assume?" He argued.

"Well, for one thing, you did not fail. That, I am most sure of. And you are quite the opposite of abhorrent!" she added with a grin.

He laughed, shaking his head. "Thank you for your kind words, but I'm afraid they are ineffective as to the truth." He bowed and kissed her hand once more, quickly countering her words, "It is almost your turn, and it is time for me to retire for the night. I bid you farewell and good luck." He finally managed to walk out of her grasp, leaving Chessie to watch after him.

Suddenly she remembered why he looked so familiar and took off after him.

"Wait!" she called to him.

He stopped and turned to face her out of curiosity. She immediately began to blush, knowing what she had to do. "Do you...have time to...stop by my room...for tea? There are things I should like to discuss with you."

"Already? Mademoiselle Lapierre, we hardly know each other! I am a very busy- "

"That's the thing...I think I know who you are." Chessie interrupted.

He took a step towards her, "Impossible! I am merely a man who hides in the crowds, nothing more. I am sorr-"

"Please? As a token of my gratitude? I'll make special tea for you! Please, Monsieur, I need to know something!" She feigned a puppy face and he laughed outright. "I suppose there's an empty space in my schedule this evening. Perhaps, instead of tea, I can treat you to dinner?"

Her eyes widened in delight as he turned the tables. He was rich, he could provide a meal large enough for a week! She would bring some left-overs for the others, she vowed. As soon as she composed herself, she replied, "It would be an honor!"

"Very well then, I will have a hansom pick you up at..." He took out his gold chained pocket watch and looked at it before returning it to his pocket and asked, "Six O'clock?"

She nodded. Perfect! Just enough time to get ready after her tryout! This was going to be interesting!

(A/N: BWAHAHA! I have returned!!! After a two year break! Hope you enjoy! R & R!)