The plan

December 1864

It was about midnight when the Corps de Ballet finished dancing and Mme Murie's stern voice ended the practice.

"We shall practice again tomorrow at precisely 6 o'clock!"

Quade stood against the wall concealed in the shadows gripping the violin tightly against his chest.

The ballerinas scattered out the door and in a matter of seconds Quade recognized the long dark hair with no ribbon passing him.

Quickly but carefully Quade followed her.

He was indeed carrying out this plan.

After hours of convincing himself to let her go he failed and finally gave in.

If this caused her any harm he would stop immediately but he had to proceed with it. He had to know what would happen otherwise he would become mad from the curiosity.

Suddenly Annabel turned around a corner and Quade had to move more quickly. After another moment of moving along corridors Annabel finally stopped in front of her bedroom entrance.