Part 152 (2/2)

She managed to smile and kiss his thin, bony cheek. ”Dad.”

”Nothing but coal in your stocking, pet.”

”I thought you'd still be here.” Because Stevie's arm was still around

her, she walked with him to the mike. She could feel him vibrate like a

tightly strung wire. ”Is it all right if I listen for a while?”

”Tickets are five pence and two.” Noting her distress, Johnno gently

disengaged Stevie. ”But seeing it's Christmas, we'll forget the

s.h.i.+llings.”

”We won't be much longer,” Brian stated.

”He said the same thing two hours ago.” Johnno gave her a quick,

rea.s.suring squeeze. ”The man's a maniac. We're turning him in right

after the audition.”

Brian put out his cigarette then cleared his throat with plain water.

”Just the vocals on Lost the Sun.”

”The twentieth take of the vocals,” P.M. put in. He was pleased when

Emma brushed her lips over his cheek.

”Sorry to take you away from your dip into literature,” Brian snapped.

Automatically, Emma s.h.i.+fted to stand between them as she shrugged out of

her coat. ”'Lost the Sun'?” she repeated. ”I'm in luck then, that's my

favorite of this lot.”

”Good. You can sing back-up.”

She laughed at Johnno then started to take her seat.

”No, wait.” Brian grabbed her arm, grinning. ”That's it. That's what

we need.” He was already signaling for another set of headphones. ”You

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