Part 90 (2/2)

swung inward. He was sorry as he drove down the tree-lip,-, drive that

he had nothing but scruffy sandals and his old track jer:,-.

to wear with his bathing trunks.

The house was all pink stone and white marble, four towering stories of

it that took up more than an acre of the trim green lawn. Double arched

doors of etched gla.s.s stood at the entrance. He wasn't sure if he

should be amused or impressed by the peac.o.c.k that strutted across the

gra.s.s.

”Nice place.”

”It's P.M.”s really. Or P.M.”s wife's.” Emma found herself faintly

embarra.s.sed by the life-sized marble lions that flanked the entrance.

”It used to belong to someone in the cinema-I can never remember who-but

Angie did it all over. Anyway, she's in Europe filming so we're staying

a few weeks. Have you got time to come in?”

”Ah, yeah, I got time.” He frowned down at the sand clinging to his

feet. ”If you're sure it's okay.”

”Of course it is.” She stepped out of the car, the same '68 Chevelle

that Lou had once driven to the rehearsal hall. She waited for Michael

to unstrap her board from the roof, then started up the steps. ”I'll

have to tell Dad what happened. The guards will anyhow. I hope you

don't mind if I, well, make it sound minor. You know?”

”Sure.” He grinned at her again, making her young heart flutter.

”Parents always overreact. I guess they can't help it.”

He heard the music the moment she opened the door. A piano, a series of

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