Odd that the master had been gone for days, and hadn't told anyone - especially not his Christine. Composing, apparently, was an all-consuming thing. Perhaps that was only true with Erik. Michael could see that. As demanding as he was, Erik had never seen him be less than patient with the cast he selected. That said, Michael doubted the master was as forgiving with himself.
Hesitating, he dropped his hands to his side. Should he warn her about how Erik seemed? There was of course no danger to her, but she might be a little shocked... Pressing his lips together, he decided that it was better to let them deal with each other than to put his oar into it.
"Driven," he answered, with a frown at his hands. "Intense -- well," and Mike laughed a little as he turned. "More intense than usual, that is. Come along, then."
And like the gentleman he was, he offered her his arm and led her through the Opera House to the manager's office. The door was open, so as Christine hurried in, he stepped to the side. Erik gestured at the door, and at the corridor, in that order - and Mike followed the silent instruction. After closing the door, he headed downstairs to see to the car.