Lindsey watched from her sprawled out position on their bed as her mother tied her father's bowtie from behind. They were looking into the large mirror on Catherine's vanity. When she was done, she laid her head against his shoulder and they smiled lovingly at each other. It made them remember the last time they got all dressed up for Ecklie's formal dinner... Not exactly the perfect date, but it was a date none the less... THIS evening had better not turn out like that one...

The new production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA was opening tonight at the Venetian and they were excited... Well, Gil was excited. Catherine wasn't quite sure what to think. Opera just wasn't her thing... They loved each other very much, but they were very different people. Yin & Yang she always called them... She adjusted his lapels and then he picked a fuzzy off her lacy 'little black dress.'

"You both look amazing... Now GET GOING!" Lindsey cried, hopping off the bed, her blond hair swinging just below her shoulders and her blue eyes sparkling. Tall and slender, she was a combination of Catherine and Gil. She had their eyes and her mothers hair. But when she smiled, she was her father's daughter. As she grew, she resembled Gil more and more.

She grabbed them each by a hand, dragged them down the hallway and into the tiny living room. She handed Gil his jacket and put Catherine's purse in her hands. "You trying to get rid of us?" she giggled.

"No, I just want you to go and have fun. I have homework to finish..."

Catherine knew better than that and gave her daughter a playfully stern look. "Half an hour on the phone- that's it, OK? Keep the door locked. And no one over."

The new teenager rolled her eyes. "I know." She smiled brightly and hugged them each tightly. She opened the door and waved her arm. "GO!"

They climbed into the Denali and smiled at each other. It was only then that he had the chance to gaze upon her, glowing and illuminated in the full-moonlight. Her reddish-blond hair was loose and shiny. It fell about her bare alabaster shoulders that were generously peppered with freckles. The wispy bangs framed her almond shaped blue-green eyes. The low neckline of her dress left nothing to the imagination- not that it wasn't anything he hadn't seen before- many times in many ways. He was happy and proud to say that she had remained his only fantasy for 23 years, since the moment they met. She was also his reality- a reality many men would kill for.

"You're stunning," he breathed.

"You're not so bad yourself, Methuselah," she smirked, her eyes reflecting love, respect and admiration. His blue eyes held tender passion and worship. Age was greying his brown curls at the temples; it was distinguishing. His close shaven beard only made him more handsome.

They shared a quick kiss and were off.

********************************************************

As they settled into their red velvet seats, she began to muse about the times she had seen Lindsey perform at school: the Moon, Sleeping Beauty... She loved the theatre like her father did.

"Can I get popcorn?"she asked quietly, leaning over, pressing her shoulder to his, keeping her eyes forward.

He chuckled lovingly, glanced at her slightly, then returned his eyes to the stage. "This isn't the movies, Cath. You can't do that here."

"Damn it," she hissed playfully. He smirked. The house lights began to dim. The audience twittered with delight and anticipation. "Nudge me if I fall asleep," she whispered, her lips and breath caressing his ear and stirring his desire.

The sound of a gavel coming down on a podium rattled around them. "Sold!" came the cry.

The stage lights came up to reveal that there was an auction on the stage of the Paris Opera House in 1905. Old opera posters and many covered items were scattered about the stage. There was an older male character in a wheelchair who tried to buy as much as he could. His name was Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny. He seemed particularly interested in "a music box in the shape of a barrel organ. Attached, the figure of a monkey in Persian robes playing the cymbals." He procured the odd toy and reminisced, singing softly to it, "WILL YOU STILL PLAY WHEN ALL THE REST OF US ARE DEAD?"

"Lot 666, then," the auctioneer continued as two stagehands moved to a large covered mass behind him. "A chandelier in pieces. Some of you may recall the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera... A mystery never fully explained... We are told, ladies and gentleman, that THIS is the *very* chandelier which figures in the famous... disaster." He paused to let that sink in. "Our workshops have restored it and fitted up parts of it with wiring for the new electric lights so that we may get a hint of what it may look like when reassembled...." Tremulous music began from the orchestra. "Perhaps we may frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination. Gentleman!"

The stagehands whip of the tarp. The mangled lump of gold, crystal and candles popped and flashed in an enormous pyrotechnic display. Catherine gasped as the shattered chandelier began to slowly rise from the stage floor and repair itself as the orchestra played the most driving, thunderous organ fugue she had ever heard.

Large, beautiful, thick drapes of every pattern and color swept from side to side finally revealing a new set. They had been transported back in time to 1861!

It looked as if they were in some jungle camp. A rehearsal of the mythical opera HANNIBAL. A life size mechanical elephant stood behind an elaborately dressed woman in gold, red and green and covered in beads. She held a severed head and began to trill. It is revealed she is Carlotta Giudicelli, the opera's leading soprano for 5 years. Two young women dancing in the corps de ballet began to stand out: a brunette with long, flowing ringlets and a perky blonde. It is obvious they are best friends. During the scene, a scrim falls and Carlotta is startled into hysterics. The blonde declared "He's here! The Phantom of the Opera!" We learn she is Meg Giry, daughter of the ballet mistress, Mme. Giry. The managers try to appease their star. Carlotta is every bit the diva and storms off in a cloud of furs, pulling Ubaldo Piangi, her lover and the leading tenor, with her.

"Christine Daae could sing it!" Meg suggests happily. She urges the brunette forward. Christine seems hesitant, but begins to sing- quietly at first, then with growing confidence and quality. Her voice is clear and pure. A coloratura soprano- rare and fresh.

THINK OF ME

THINK OF ME FONDLY WHEN WE'VE SAID GOODBYE...

... THERE WILL NEVER BE A DAY WHEN I WON'T THINK OF YOU!

We see her triumphant debut at the gala. A star is born!

A handsome and obviously rich young man (who we learn is Raoul in his much younger days) comes to visit Christine in her dressing room after the performance. We learn Christine's father is dead. She and Raoul were childhood sweethearts and they are happy to see each other again. When he leaves, she sits at her vanity. An authoritative but gentle tenor voice sings to her.

"INSOLENT BOY! THIS SLAVE OF FASHION, BASKING IN *YOUR* GLORY!

IGNORANT FOOL! THIS BRAVE YOUNG SUITOR, SHARING IN *MY* TRIUMPH!"

She is ecstatic to hear him and smiles. We learn the voice is her friend, her music tutor and he beckons her to join him. "LOOK AT YOUR FACE IN THE MIRROR, I AM THERE INSIDE!" Her full length mirror began to glow! There he stood behind the glass, cloaked in black, a fedora perched on his head. The left side of his face was covered with a white half-mask. She seemed shocked to learn he was a living, breathing man.

"I AM YOUR ANGEL OF MUSIC, COME TO ME ANGEL OF MUSIC."

He takes her hand and she disappears into the large mirror. He leads her down into the cellars of the opera and they duet on a very hard-core, rock and roll style song.

"THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA IS HERE INSIDE MY MIND"

So this is the mysterious Phantom everyone seems so afraid of.

He and Christine are revealed in a boat rowing across a 'lake.' Large, intricately carved wrought iron candelabras rose through the floor of the stage, creating the impression that they are emerging from the water. A smoke machine worked overtime.

...Catherine couldn't help but be totally enthralled. When the actress began to run scales and show off her true vocal talent, she simply melted. She and Gil exchanged an excited look...

Once they reach land, he helps her out of the boat. His home is by the shore of an underground lake far below the stage of the Opera. More candelabras and an organ sit up in a grotto. It is a strange sight indeed. The mood changed drastically as The Phantom took her in his arms and sang one of the most beautiful songs she had ever heard, "THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT."

"FLOATING, FALLING

SWEET INTOXICATION

TOUCH ME, TRUST ME

SAVOR EACH SENSATION...

...YOU ALONE CAN MAKE MY SONG TAKE FLIGHT

HELP ME MAKE THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT"

It was a powerful, complicated seduction scene, full of raw sexual tension and simple, true love. He is not a man to be feared, he is a man in love. Christine faints and he catches her. He lays her lovingly and tenderly in a bed covered with large, fluffy pillows and covers her with his black cloak. He gazes at her as she sleeps. The stage lights fade until there is total darkness.

It was magic.

...Gil glanced at Catherine and saw that tears were streaming down her high cheekbones. He smiled and took her hand. She smiled back, but did not take her eyes off the touching scene before her...

The stage lights came back up. Christine stirs gently in the bed as our eyes and ears focus on a music box that is playing beside the bed... a music box with a monkey perched atop it playing his cymbals. She sits up and stretches. She immediately sees the Phantom who is seated at his organ, making notes and working on his music. He has a beautiful silk robe on and a beret. He is intent on his task, but when she stands and starts down the steps that lead to the grotto, he looks up. They exchange warm, loving smiles. She comes to his side. She touches his face. He responds deeply to her gentle hands. He closes his eyes. Curiosity gets the better of her. "WHO WAS THAT SHAPE IN THE SHADOWS? WHOSE IS THE FACE IN THE MASK?" she asks. He is so preoccupied by having her pressed to him and her hands on his face, he does not realize she is reaching to take off his mask. When she pulls it free, he rounds on her fiercely, growling. She is more afraid of his reaction than what she sees and stares in disbelief as he paces back and forth, his hands always guarding his face from view... Christine falls to her knees, shaking. It is a moment that surprises everyone.

"DAMN YOU! YOU LITTLE PRYING PANDORA! YOU LITTLE DEMON!

IS *THIS * WHAT YOU WANTED TO SEE?!

CURSE YOU! YOU LITTLE LYING DELILAH!

YOU LITTLE VIPER! NOW YOU CAN NOT EVER BE FREE!

DAMN YOU! ... CURSE YOU!"

He calms and she ceases her trembling. He tells her that "fear can turn to love..." and that she can learn "to see, to find the man behind the monster..." ... He is terrified she will leave him...

Christine tenderly hands his mask back to him. It is evident she has more compassion and curiosity than fear now after her initial shock. He puts his back to her, replaces his mask and returns his attention to her. They simply look at each other softly for a moment and he takes her hand. "Come. We must return. Those two fools who run my theatre will be missing you."

The play progresses and we reach a climax: a performance of the fictional comic opera IL MUTO. The costumes are over the top and the music is light, bouncy and fun. Carlotta has agreed to return if Christine is demoted and she is playing the lead. Christine is humiliated by being made to play a young man. It is a silent role. The Phantom is unhappy about this. Not to mention Raoul has defied his orders and is sitting in Box 5! His angry voice fills the theatre:

"DID I NOT INSTRUCT THAT BOX 5 WAS TO BE KEPT EMPTY?!"

The cast and managers gasp in horror and look fearfully about. After a few moments, they settle down and begin the scene again. However, Carlotta's voice cracks and she croaks like a toad. The Phantom howls in laughter, starting the panic all over again.

Carlotta starts again, but is unable to go on. She is helped off the stage by Piangi who holds her tight. The managers announce that "the performance will begin again in 10 minutes time, when the role of the Countess will be sung... by Miss Christine Daae."

The ballet girls perform a dance from Act III of the opera. During the dance, however, the body of flies operator Joseph Bouquet falls from the catwalk and dangles from a rope. He has been hung! Pandemonium.

It only took a few seconds to realize that this was supposed to happen... but not like this. It was not normal. The actors were screaming and crying. It started real panic in the real audience.

Catherine and Gil looked at each other in horror. What had happened?

**************************************************

Half an hour later, the audience had been cleared out. Police captain Jim Brass was talking to the head security man at the theatre. When the guard left, Catherine and Gil walked up to their good friend. Jim took in their appearance.

"You guys look spiffy. Yet another wonderful end to an evening, huh?"

He watched as the man he thought of as his blood brother and his lovely companion rolled their eyes. They made a beautiful, perfect couple. He knew they were upset about their ruined evening together.

"You get anything from the security guard?" Gil asked, ignoring the situation and focusing on business. It was bad enough as it was. There was nothing to be done.

Jim shrugged. "Just that it was most likely and inside job because no one came in or out any of the entrances after the show began. The mannequin that was supposed to be hanging from that rope was found over there, propped up against the support beam," he said, pointing to the left.

The trio looked around for anything immediately noticeable. Jim excused himself to check on his uniforms.

"As they say in the theatre: Nothing is as it seems," Gil said proudly.

Lucky for them, they had a field kit in the SUV and set to work. They took prints off the mannequin and then moved out onto the stage where the body hung. Gil consulted his PLAYBILL then sat it aside.

"His name is Richard Warren Pugh."

"Wicked knot. Someone knew what they were doing. This was no accident," Catherine mused, looking up at their latest victim. She slid her elegant hands into a pair of latex gloves. He smirked, recalling the last time they observed a hanging victim. That case ended with them going to the movies together on a date, happy... He sighed, sliding his own hands into a pair of latex gloves. He moved to her side and stood as close as possible. A few quiet moments as they made some notes and observations.

"We need to get him down... NOW," came a voice. With a start, they turned. "I'm the stage manager, Keith Benson," he said coming towards them. He was short and round. He was also used to being the one giving directions. This man was not going to be easy to deal with.

"I'm sorry, but this is a crime scene. Once we're finished, the coroner will be able to take him down," Gil explained.

"And YOU are...?" the man sneered, folding his arms.

"The best CSIs in Vegas," Jim said sternly. Catherine and Gil swallowed a lump of pride.

The man whirled around to face him. "You again, Captain Brass?"

"I see you've met," Catherine said dryly.

"Yeah, we had a nice chat. Says he didn't see anything or anyone unusual," Jim said. The tone of his voice told them he didn't believe his story. His eyes met Gil's.

"I find that a little hard to believe, Mr. Benson. You are the production stage manager. You have to know where everyone and everything is at all times," Gil said, his eyes leaving his friends to meet Mr. Benson's.

Their attitude was not lost on the man and he frowned.

"You saying I wasn't doing my job, Mrrrrr...?"

"Gil Grissom," Gil said, getting the meaning of the exaggerated way he spoke. Gil walked the few steps to stand in front of him. Catherine continued her examination of the scene, keeping her eyes on the task and her ears tuned to the conversation taking place to her left.

"Like I told him, I saw nothing, heard nothing out of the ordinary," he said, starting to relax, running his right hand through his thin black hair. "Rick is... well...WAS a problem. Odd ball, that one. I'd speak to the entire cast if I were you. Trust me, there won't be much love lost."

***********************************************************

They finished canvassing the scene and gathering the evidence. The body was taken down and Hodges brought him to the lab where Doc Robbins would examine him. Death by asphyxiation from strangling/hanging seemed to be the cause of death without a doubt.

Catherine headed to the ladies dressing rooms and Gil headed to the men's. She timidly knocked on the door marked Lisa Vroman. She was the actress who played Christine. She waited until she heard a muffled "Come in" before turning the knob and slowly opening the door.

"Ms. Vroman? My name is Catherine Grissom... I'm with the crime lab," she called quietly. She had her badge visible.

"Yes, ma'am. I'm here," she said, her voice indicating she was ready and expecting this.

Catherine moved with more confidence into the room after that. She softly closed the door behind her. Lisa was sitting on the small but posh sofa clad only in a warm white robe. Her long legs were drawn up under her. It almost shocked Catherine to see that her hair was very short and dark brown, still damp from a shower. The long brown tresses were placed safely on the head of a mannequin. She thought about what Gil had said: In the theatre, nothing is as it seems. Her big brown eyes were red and it was apparent she had been quite upset. She had an oblong face and was quite attractive.

"I'm sorry this is how your opening night turned out," she said sincerely.

Lisa motioned for her to sit in the chair opposite her as she pulled her legs out from under her. Catherine took her suggestion and settled into the comfy seat.

"Thank you. There isn't much I haven't seen being in the theatre," she said softly. "But now I guess I can say I really HAVE seen it all."

"I can imagine," Catherine smiled encouragingly. This girl was sweet and talented.

They began to talk about Richard and what she might know that could help them find the killer.

*********************************************************

Gil found himself fascinated with all the props and set items that lined the hallways. It took him an extra minute or two to get to Ted Keegan's dressing room. The door was wide open and the man sat at his mirror, wiping moisturizer on his handsome face. Ted's shiny blue eyes met Gil's in the mirror.

"Don't get the wrong impression. The makeup is brutal and if I didn't do this, my face really WOULD look like the Phantom's!"

Gil smirked. This man was pleasant and talented. Surely he could shed some light on what might have taken place. He stood up from the chair. He was lean, strong... and tall. His head of light brown hair was perfectly coifed and still wet from a shower. He had very sharp, angular features, but they were soft. He wore a black tee shirt and a pair of jeans. Although he was obviously shaken by the events, his mind was clear and he was willing to help. He extended his hand to Gil and Gil accepted.

"Ted Keegan. Wish we could have met under better circumstances."

"Gil Grissom. I agree," he nodded. He presented Ted his badge as a matter of protocol. "Is there anything you can tell me that might help us figure this out?"

************************************************************

The two men began walking. Just two doors down, Catherine and Lisa, now dressed in a purple sweater and black jeans, emerged from her room as well. Lisa smiled and so did Ted.

"Hey! You OK?" Ted asked her as the quartet met in the center of the wide hallway.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she assured him. He smiled, relieved.

Ted turned on his playful, harmless charm. "And who, may I ask, is this lovely vision?" he smirked, turning to Catherine.

Lisa smirked, having been her observant self and taken in the name on the badge of the man who stood next to her friend. She bit her bottom lip and decided to let Ted get himself into hot water.

Catherine smiled. "Catherine Grissom," came the amused reply.

Ted froze. He cleared his throat ceremoniously. "Oh... Well, then... I guess she belongs to you," he smiled, turning to Gil. Then he leaned close and added quietly, "Lucky man." He winked as this comment had been meant for he and Gil only. "This is Lisa Vroman," Ted announced to Gil after a beat. "She plays Christine," he said proudly.

"Hi," she said to Gil with a faint smile. He nodded.

"Ms. Vroman."

"Lisa... Please," the woman corrected.

"Let's see if four heads are better than one. I've always wanted to play a detective," Ted grinned.

*************************************************************

When Gil opened the door to the auditorium, they were greeted by the sounds of hushed voices. The cast and crew were assembled, settled in the seats closest to the stage. Jim was standing on the stage. Gil and Catherine couldn't help but giggle at that sight.

As Ted and Lisa followed them onto the stage, Patrick Wilson joined them from the wings. He was the actor who played Raoul. Many only knew him from the movie version of the show, but he was a Broadway veteran. Now he had the opportunity to play the role on stage. He was tall, dark blonde and handsome. He wore a plain white tee shirt and his black costume trousers. There was a white terry cloth towel around his neck that he had obviously used to take off his make up. There was a pleasant air about him. "Hey. You guys alright?"

"Yeah, we're OK, Pat," Ted answered. "You?"

"I'm good," he nodded. He smiled at Lisa.

"This is Catherine and Gil Grissom. They're with the crime lab and heading the investigation,"

Lisa told him, gesturing to the stunning couple.

"Patrick Wilson," the younger man said, extending his hand. Gil accepted the offer. "Must be neat to do this together. Judging by the way you're dressed, you were here for the show and ended up at work," he smiled. "Bummer. Sorry about that."

Catherine's cell phone rang and got their attention. "Excuse me," she smiled, reaching into her small purse and pulling out the offending accessory. She flipped it open and saw the number. "It's Lindsey," she said, turning to Gil. He smiled.

"Uh oh. Better see what's up. I can handle this for a minute."

She placed the sleek silver phone to her ear with an admiring, loving smile meant for him alone. He heard her say "You're back..." to him somewhere in his heart. She turned and walked a few steps away to have some privacy with her daughter.

Jim pulled three chairs centre stage for the stars and they took their places.

Catherine re-joined the group a few minutes later, leaning close to Gil. "She's fine. Nancy made it over and will get her off to school if we can't in the morning," she whispered. Jim looked to them and they nodded that they were ready to move on.

"Ok, gang," Jim called loudly. The chatter died down and he had their attention. "Thank you all for staying and we'll try to make this as short as possible," he announced.

They spent the next hour listening to various testimonies of how Richard was the trouble maker and ruffian of the production. A rouge, but nothing terrible.

As they questioned and noted the entire thing, Gil removed his bowtie and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt. He rested his left foot on the seat of his chair and crossed his arms to rest them on his knee. Catherine made sure she kept her eyes focused on the crowd in front of her. She knew seeing him like that would distract her.

Nicole Fosse, one of the dancers, was inconsolable. She and Richard had been seeing each other. Catherine found herself watching Jim Walker, the real stage flies operator, as she spoke. She noted his agitation and nervousness. Once Nicole finished her story, Catherine zeroed in on him, her instincts and experience kicking in.

"You have a problem with Ms. Fosse's story?" she asked, making sure he knew she meant him.

"No..."

"Answer the question," she said sternly. "We can hold you for obstruction of justice."

"YOU got the problem, lady... What? Is it your time of the month?" he snapped.

"No it's NOT her time of the month," Gil growled. Catherine had to stifle a giggle. Bringing his leg down, he faced him, his eyes boring into the man. He meant business. "Show her some respect or you'll find yourself in a situation you won't like," he hissed.

Gil Grissom was a calm, kind man- until you threatened Catherine and/or Lindsey. Then no force on earth could hold him back, nothing or no one defeat him. "I suggest you heed his warning, Mr. Walker," Jim said. He had nonchalantly poised himself to take action should it come to that.

The two men relaxed. Catherine and Gil exchanged a look as he ran his fingers though his hair. The tenure and direction of the investigation had just changed dramatically.

TBC...