Part 126 (1/2)

”Let's lie down, Emma.” Brian kept his voice soothing as he set her on

the bed. ”I'll stay right here.”

”I'm okay.” Her worlds had separated again. She didn't know whether to

feel grief or embarra.s.sment. ”I don't know what set that off. Something

just clicked and I was six years old again. I'm sorry, Dad.”

”Ssh.” He pressed his lips to her temple. ”It doesn't matter.”

”It was the music,” Johnno said, then settled beside her. ”The music

upset you.”

”Yes.” She moistened her dry lips. ”Yes, it was the music. It was

playing that night. When I woke up and heard Darren. It was playing

when I started down the hall. I'd forgotten. I've never been able to

listen to that cut, but I didn't know why. Tonight, I guess with the

party, it all rushed back.”

”Why don't I start clearing people out?”

”No.” She took Johnno's hand before he could rise. ”I don't want to

spoil it for Marianne. I'm all right now, really. It was so strange.

Almost as if I were there again. I wonder if I'd gotten to the door, if

I'd have seen-”

”No.” Brian's hand clamped down on hers. ”It's over and done with.

Behind us. I don't want you to think about it, Emma.”

She was too weary to argue. ”I think I'll just rest awhile. No one's

going to miss me.”

”I'll stay with you,” Brian told her.

”No. I'm fine now. I'm just going to sleep. Christmas is only a few

weeks away. I'll come to London, like I promised. We'll have a whole

week.”