Lewis and Garret arrived at the Gaiety Theatre in Westminster five minutes before the twenty o'clock show. Emily would perform as one of the corps de ballet. Despite her role, both were still looking forward to her performance.
They walked up to the second level of the theatre, went to their seats on the first row and finally sat down. It would appear that all of the seats beside theirs in the theatre had already been occupied, making the event sold out. Garrett observed it and asked Lewis, "Are people really interested in ballet? I mean I do respect Millie's job..."
"They do, Garrett. And tonight, one of the top ballet dancers in London will perform. Beatrice Thomas."
Garrett was sitting like it was his first time spectating a ballet show but had watched a few times while Lewis had his left thigh sitting atop the right thigh and his right elbow resting atop the armchair.
It was eight o'clock but the show had yet to begin. A man walked on the stage until he positioned himself at the center. The show would have started when the lights were turned off. The audience started to mumble.
"Something's not right," Lewis murmured.
The man on the stage began to make his announcement, "Ladies and gentlemen. The theatre would like to thank you for coming to spectate this wonderful event. We were thrilled about this event as we prepared for it, and we know you still are waiting. However, due to unprecedented circumstances, we have decided to postpone tonight's show."
The whole theatre immediately filled with shock as the mumbling of the audience increased rapidly. Meanwhile, Lewis and Garrett clutched on their armchairs while leaning forward and stood up from their seats.
Lewis and Garrett swiftly got up from their seats and went to the theatre backstage to speak with Emily about the reason for the postponement of tonight's show. As soon as they got to the backstage, the chaotic ambience of the area met them.
"Bloody hell, what's goin' on?" asked Garrett.
Lewis looked around with his eyes and noticed the absence of Beatrice Thomas. He answered Garrett, "I can't give you an answer… I don't see Beatrice Thomas."
Some of the dancers spotted the two and noticed Garrett. They panicked in response given the fact that Garrett barged inside the ballet company's workshop not long ago.
That got the men's attention and Lewis whispered to Garrett's ears, "So sorry to hear your reputation's passing."
"Oi, it ain't dead yet!"
In the chaotic atmosphere, Emily with her costume and coat on was on her seat when she too saw the men. She stood up and approached them. "Lewis! Garrett! What are the both of you doing here?"
Lewis responded, "We want to know why the show has been postponed."
"What's with all the mayhem here, Millie?" Garrett questioned Emily.
Emily answered, "Beatrice has gone missing."
Realizing what she just did, she immediately covered her mouth with her hands. Lewis knew such information was supposed to be confidential.
He also realized the title of the show was taken literally. Presumably, Garrett should have also realized it.
"Why are you coverin' your mouth?" Garrett asked.
A woman in her fifties approached the three and immediately spoke in a condescending manner, "Guests are not allowed in here! Emily, who are these gentlemen?" The three looked at her and Emily instantly put down her hands.
"You must be the ballet master of your company, madam," Lewis deduced.
"I am very sorry gentlemen, but you must leave at this instant," the ballet master responded.
Garrett told her, "But she said Beatrice Thomas went missing."
The ballet master was shocked by Garrett's statement, looked at Emily and scolded her, "Why did you tell them about Beatrice?!"
"I'm very sorry Madam," Emily apologized.
Garrett told the madam, "Don't worry about it. We won't tell anyone." The madam stared at Garrett and asked with doubt, "And why should I trust the both of you?"
"We can help you find her," Lewis suddenly answered.
Garret, Emily, and the madam simultaneously looked at Lewis after he gave his answer.
Garret called out, "Hey are we doin' that? You know what you're doin'?"
"Are you sure you can find her?" Emily asked with uncertainty.
The madam looked around and asked to move to a location with more privacy with her and they agreed as they moved further from the backstage.
"Gentlemen, I'm Eleanor Bates, ballet mistress of London Ballet. And yes, you are correct about my line of work. Emily and her fellow dancers call me Madam Eleanor. And you must be..."
"Lewis Johnson, Madam. And this other gentleman is Garrett Fisher."
"Ah, yes. You said you can help us."
"Well, yes we can help you find Ms. Thomas. I know you do not want the audience and other outsiders to know about her disappearance. It will cause turmoil between them and the company since she is your top dancer."
"That is quite true, Mr. Johnson, but how can you help us find our prima ballerina?"
"This gentleman and I have known the streets of London for a long time and I believe such experience will help us find Ms. Thomas. Consider it an agreement of trust."
"Thank you so much for offering your help, gentlemen. I am in debt to you."
Garrett realized Lewis's reasoning so he stopped thinking about complaining. Instead, he demanded, "Madam, what can we get in exchange?"
"Two hundred pounds," said Madam Eleanor.
"That's a hundred each. Deal," Lewis accepted.
Lewis and Madam Eleanor shook each other's hands as the men agreed to search for Beatrice Thomas in exchange for pennies.
The next morning, Garrett just reached the riverside of Thames in Lambeth, the borough where Beatrice Thomas lived according to Emily. He spotted Lewis at a dock and approached him.
"You're here," said Lewis.
"Shall we begin?"
"Let's."
The two left the dock as they began searching for one of the top ballet dancers in London.