Fighting is too risky, but maybe there's another way?

William's first instinct was to fight, but he thought better of it. Stamping out the animalistic urge, he threw his hands up. "I am your prisoner, sir. But if you spare my life, you may find that this meeting can profit us both."

The Phantom paused and William's adrenaline surged as he waited to see what the other man might do. Then the knife went down and the chord became slack. "I am intrigued. Welcome, then. It's been a long time since the Opera Ghost entertained a willing guest. Step into my chambers."

Up ahead, a narrow bridge with no rails led across the murky depths of an underground lake, and on the other side was a cave filled with the most fantastic things: embroidered curtains and fine rugs and baroque furniture of fine mahogany, plates of gold and tableware of silver, and mirrors framed with precious stones, and in the midst of it all an enormous pipe organ with polished ivory keys that gleamed even in the dark. William whistled, impressed. "Have a seat," the Phantom said. "Have a drink." He removed his hat and cape but kept the mask on.

"My employer's informants in the city tell me you have something I'm looking for, an ancient relic. It would probably look like a piece of papyrus, painted with symbol writing--"

"The Scroll of Thoth. I admit that it's in my collection. I won't ask what your employer wants with it. It's a curious thing but not so dear to me that I wouldn't entertain a trade. What are you offering?"

"What do you want?"

The Phantom's eyes flicked over to a corner of the lair, where silken curtains covered a canopied bed. "There is a certain singer in tonight's performance. She shows great promise, and I think she's in need of my special tutelage..."

So it's going to be that kind of job, William thought. He weighed his options.