Part 154 (1/2)

She wandered out, then detoured to the bathroom to freshen her makeup.

There had been some talk about winding down at a local club. Tired or

not, she was going to go along, and keep an eye on her father.

When she opened the door, she could only stand in speechless shock. The

pristine white tiles were streaked with blood. The smell of it, cold

and metallic, mixed with the raw stink of vomit, had her throat slamming

shut so that she reached up with her hand, pressing and squeezing to

clear it. She backstepped quickly, nearly tripping before she managed

to turn and race back into the studio.

”Daill

He was finis.h.i.+ng up his drink with one hand while struggling into his

coat. The flush of success was on his face, but the laughter at

something Johnno had said died when he saw Emma.

”What is it? What's wrong?”

”In the loo. Quick.” She grabbed his hand to drag him with her. ”It's

all over the walls. I don't-I can't go in.”

She stood back, gripping Johnno's arm as Brian pushed open the door.

”G.o.dd.a.m.nit.” After one quick glance, he slammed the door again. ”Get

somebody to clean this up,” he snapped to Pete. Taking Emma's arm, he

started to haul her back into the studio.

”Clean it up?” She pulled away from him. ”Dad, for G.o.d's sake, there's

blood all over the walls. Someone's been hurt. We have to-”

”Get your coat, and let's go.”

”Go? We have to call the police, or a doctor, or-”

”Ease down, Emma,” Pete murmured. ”There's no need to call the police.”

”No need?” She spun on him, then her father. ”We have to call them.”