Passion at the Opera by Diane Thorne

Chapter One
    Gwenevere stood across the street from the Vienna State Opera House with her eyes wide and jaw lowered. She stared at the incredible architecture. The tall concrete structure had large arches on two levels. On the second floor, bronze statues stood in the centre of the five open curves. A huge figurine of a horse and rider occupied the front corners at the very top. The green roof stood out above the concrete. Gigantic water fountains took up space on the sides. The entire edifice looked well preserved and rich in history. Famous, world-renowned composers and singers had once shared their talents within its walls. Gwen couldn’t wait to see a performance in the grand building.
    Gripping the handle of her purse, she waited for the traffic light to change. It finally did and the vehicles halted. She strode across the street with the heels of her shoes clacking on the pavement. She’d dressed in a knee-length dark skirt decorated with baby blue flowers. The colour of the floral design matched her short-sleeved button down blouse. Since her top was sheer, she’d worn a white camisole underneath. A slight breeze cooled her heated flesh. After spending most of the day exploring Vienna, she was ready for a long bath and a relaxing evening in her hotel where she could prop her feet up. First, she needed to check for tickets to tomorrow’s show. She hopped onto the sidewalk and headed for the Opera House.
    The strain on her eyes from the bright sun lessened once she’d passed under one of the tall archways. She crossed a small delivery lane in front of the entrance and continued towards the open doors.
    After a few steps inside the building, Gwen came to an immediate stop. She gasped quietly and covered her mouth. She stood on marble floors. Exquisite artwork covered the walls and tall ceilings. Ornate paintings and sculptures surrounded her, even looked down at her. A wide staircase ascended farther ahead. Gwen suspected it led to the auditorium—or heaven. A chill ran through her as she marvelled at every elaborate detail throughout the House. How could someone create such beauty so high above her head? How could all of it survive through time? What an incredible sight.
    She lowered her hand and headed for the hall on her left. Visitors roamed and studied the surroundings. The clack clack of her shoes on the hard floor echoed in the hall of the grand building. Gwen slowly approached the gift shop. A man and woman, dressed in similar shirts, stood behind the counters. The man was busy conversing with a couple while the woman appeared to be doing nothing as she sat on a stool near the register.
    “Where’s the ticket office?” Gwen asked.
    The employee lifted her arm and pointed at the exit. “Down hall. To the right.” She had a thick accent.
    Gwen smiled. “Thank you.”
    She left the shop and proceeded back down the hall. Two men dressed in expensive suits stood chatting to one side. The younger looking one had short black hair while the other appeared older with longer brown and grey wavy locks. He had a trimmed beard and brilliant blue eyes, which gave him a sexy and sophisticated appearance. Smiling, Gwen passed them. Two steps later, she spotted barred glass windows with signs. Only one of the booths appeared open with a female worker visible behind the transparent barrier.
    Gwen stopped. “Hi. I’m here to pick up my ticket for tomorrow night’s show.”
    The attendant flicked a button on the counter then leant forward towards a microphone. “Your name?” The round silver speaker in the centre of the barrier magnified her voice.
    “Gwenevere Stratten.” She stared at the young woman who typed on the keyboard and faced a computer screen. The lady had dirty blonde hair pinned back in a ponytail. A book lay open in front of her. Gwen couldn’t see much of anything else beyond the glass.
    “I don’t show that name in our system.”
    “Are you sure? I placed my order a few weeks ago.”
    Blondie