Part 36 (2/2)

handling it.”

”She just wants more money.”

With a grim smile, Brian nodded. ”She won't get more out of Pete. Or

out of me. Let's have a sound check here.”

”h.e.l.lo there, Enmy luy.” Stevie stopped beside her to poke a finger into

her belly. ”You auditioning for the band?”

”I'm going to watch.” She stared up at him, fascinated by the gold hoop

he now wore in his ear.

”That's fine, then. We always do better with an audience. Tell me

something, Emmy.” He bent down close, whispering. ”Truth and nothing

but. Who's the best of thig lot here?”

It had become a standard game by this time. Knowing the rules, Emma

looked up, then down, then side to side. Hunching her shoulders, she

bellowed, ”Dad!”

It earned her a snort of disgust and a lot of tickled ribs. Struggling

not to wet her pants, she squirmed to the back of the chair.

”It's illegal in this country to brainwash children,” Stevie said as he

joined Brian.

”The kid has taste.”

”Right, all bad.” He took his Martin out of its case and ran loving

fingers down the neck. ”What's on first?”

”We'll lay down the instrumentals o. ”Outcry.”$

”Saving the best for first.” With a nod, Stevie sped through some

experimental chords. ”Let's get to work, mates.”

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