distinguished" tone, one that rings of angelic proportions. Therefore, we would like to speak to you about your eminent "replacement" in this performance of Faust.

   Sincerely,

   Kaltag Moncharmin

   Kaltag was completely baffled by what the poodle had read, and for the most part, he hadn't been drinking, so there was no way he could have written anything to the singer.

   "May I see the note, Madame?" He asked, to which the poodle gladly handed it over. He looked over the note, and noticed that the paw-writing was scarily similar to his; even the signature was exactly the same as the way he would write it. Who wrote this? He thought, I didn't write this. Is this some kind of a joke?

   "Madame, I didn't write this letter, nor did I send this."

   "Well, if you didn't write it," The poodle replied, clearly annoyed by this ordeal, "Then who did? Who dares address my great voice as not being'à la hauteur'?"

   "We don't know, but-" The door to the office opened again, as Inspector Jean-Claude entered, also carrying a note.

   "Monsieur Managers," He said, "What is the meaning of this?" It was clear with his tone that he wasn't all too pleased by the letter he received.

   Not again…Kaltag thought groaning, "What's wrong, Monsieur?"

   "I received a threatening letter from some anonymous source, which came from the Opera Canine." He then opened the letter and read the contents:

   Monsieur Inspector of Police,

   So, is it to be war between us? You have been meddling in affairs that are not to be meddled with. You are not welcome here at the Opera Canine, and you must never return, on behalf of the Managers, the staff, and the Canine itself.

   O.G.

   "O.G.?" Madame Aurelia said, "The Opera Ghost sent you that letter, Monsieur."

   "Well, I thought as much," He replied, "What with the similar initials, but why would he send me a note?"

   "Maybe because you are investigating, Monsieur," Madame Aurelia said cautiously, "I told you that the ghost wouldn't like it."

   "Oh, come on, Aurelia," Kaltag added, "It's perfectly harmless, and besides, he hasn't really done much. Also, why are you here?

   "I have another note, Monsieur, from the Opera Ghost." The three groaned in unison, but Kaltag took it anyway, and read it aloud:

   To the Managers,

   Whilst I have sent you several notes already, this one will be the most crucial for tomorrow's performance. The following are a brief list of instructions that you must follow:

   1. La Carlotta will not be present at the performance, nor will she play the role of Marguerite. The role belongs to Mademoiselle Daae, whose voice shines far greater than any singer, especially La Carlotta's. Therefore, she will play the lead role for tomorrow's performance.

   2. Just a brief reminder, I demand my monthly salary of exactly 20,000 francs. Please disclose the payment in check form, and give it to Madame Aurelia, who will deliver it to me.

   3. Box Five will not be sold. It is an important performance, and I will be sat in that Box, as I always am. Don't think about spying again, Monsieur Star and Nikki, I don't like being watched.

   4. Madame Aurelia, I would most appreciate it if you could send me a box of chocolates for the performance. Think of it as a special occasion treat. I will gladly pay you in full along with my program.

   5. These are the instructions that must be followed in order to make this night, and Mademoiselle Daae's night, a success. Failure to follow these orders will resort in disaster.

   You're friend,

   O.G.

   La Carlotta almost fainted when she heard that she really was being replaced, and let's just say, she wasn't all to happy about that, "I can't believe it!" She cried, "I will not be replaced! That role belongs to me!"

   "Mademoiselle, calm yourself," Kaltag said assuredly, "I'm not sure why this ghost wants you out of the performance. Do not worry; we will make sure it doesn't happen."

   "Sorry, Monsieur, but I disagree." Monsieur Jean-Claude interjected. Everyone looked his way, as he placed a paw on his chin. He too was confused as to why this ghost would want Jenna to be in the lead role instead of Carlotta, as this didn't seem to prompt any sort of threat to the Canine.

   La Carlotta gasped, "What? What do you mean, Monsieur?"

   "It seems to me that this ghost had rather odd rules from what I've been told. He has a private Box; he demands such strange orders, almost like he runs this Opera House. However, I don't exactly like the sound of disaster happening, so, I believe it is fit to do as he says."

   "What?" Carlotta and the managers exclaimed together. Jean-Claude was taken sort of aback by this.

   "Now, now, there's no need to shout in unison," He said, lifting a paw, "Let me explain. From what I know, this ghost is still a mystery to me, and it's unknown what kind of disaster he is referring to. If this phantom has the ability to harm others, and cause accidents, I know for a fact that if something like this does happen, it might cost important property damage, and more importantly, canine lives." He sighed, "I know you might not agree, I'm saying this as the voice of reason here, Messieurs, and I just want to see what happens when the ghost's orders are obeyed."

   "You mean you will only obey him today, but not any other day?" Madame Aurelia inquired.

   "Madame, you seem nervous," Jean-Claude raised a brow, "is everything alright?"

   "Monsieur," The collie replied, "I don't like the idea of anyone challenging the ghost. I know I told you I saw him, and spoke to him, but you're right; neither of us knows what he could be capable of, real or not."

   "I understand your worry, Mademoiselle, and your disappointment, Madame Carlotta, but this is probably for the best. I won't let anyone get hurt tonight, no matter what."

   "But, what about me Monsieur?" Carlotta asked, "Don't I have any say in this?"

   "Madame, I suggest you try to understand the situation we are in. I'm afraid we don't have a choice."

   "But, you're the Inspector of Police! You should be able to fix this problem!"

   "Mademoiselle," The Shepard said in a sudden stern tone, "My job is to protect and serve the animals of Paris, not solve everyone's minor problems. Either follow these orders, or risk your well-being at the Canine."

   La Carlotta was angry, and it almost looked like she was about to burst, but she took a deep breath, "Fine, if that's how it is, that's how it is. I don't need this! Come Jacques, we're leaving." She walked over to the door, and turned back, "I don't think you understand that this is about my well-being, and my reputation. You'll see tomorrow, messieurs, who's truly belongs on that stage." She then slammed the door behind her.

   Jean-Claude placed his hat on his head, "Now then, Messieurs, I hope that you do what is right, for yourselves, and for the Canine. Before I leave, may I see the letters you've received from the ghost thus far?" Kaltag quickly opened a drawer in his desk, and pulled out the first 2 letters from the ghost, and handed them over along with the notes they gave that same day." Thank you, and good day to you Messieurs, and you too Mademoiselle." Everyone nodded their heads, and the Inspector left them as well.

   "I completely agree with Monsieur Inspector, Messieurs, and I hope you do the right thing." The collie then followed suit and left the managers by themselves.

   The three then walked over to the desk, as they had some thinking to do. Whilst it was true that Monsieur Jean-Claude was right, it seemed to go against everything that the manager's had agreed on; that the ghost was fake, and his orders were false. Yet with their current situation, they seemed somewhat conflicted. Despite their previous determination to refuse the ghost's presence and requests, it seemed to the managers that this ghost was indeed a threat, even if they still didn't believe in him. Yet, the idea of the ghost being a masked criminal did give them chills, so they knew for a fact that they had to make a decision fast.

   "What do you think, Kal?" Star asked, sitting in one of the chairs, "Should we follow them?"

   "And what? Risk looking like idiots?" Kaltag replied, "Ha, I don't think so."

   "Um, Kal, maybe Jean-Claude's right," Nikki added, "Maybe we really don't know too much about the ghost to really see if what he says is true."

   "Yeah and what if he does something bad?" Star said with a nervous look.

   "Guys, I thought we agreed that the ghost's orders and