Part 154 (2/2)

”NW're not calling anyone, and you're to forget it.”

”But-”

”It's Stevie.” Furious, Brian took her by the shoulders, and turned her

to where Stevie had nodded out in a corner. ”He's using heavy again.

You can't jam a needle into any available vein and not lose some blood.”

”My G.o.d.” A horrible afterimage of the red-streaked walls flashed into

her mind. ”He's doing that to himself? He's killing himself”

”Very likely.”

”Why aren't you doing something about it?”

”What the h.e.l.l am I supposed to do?” s.n.a.t.c.hing up her coat, he dragged

it over her arms. ”It's his life.”

”That's a despicable thing to say,” she whispered.

Stepping in as peacemaker, Pete touched her shoulder. ”You can't blame

Brian, Emma. He's tried, I promise you. We've all tried. As soon as

the alb.u.m is finished, we'll convince him to go into detox again.”

”As soon as the alb.u.m's finished,” she repeated. ”The b.l.o.o.d.y alb.u.m.”

Revolted, she swung back to her father. ”He's your friend.”

”Yes, he's my friend.” He didn't bother to tell her of the times he'd

begged Stevie to get help, of the times he'd covered up the problem by

disposing of needles and mopping up blood. ”You don't understand,

Emma.”

”No, I don't.” After one last look, she turned away. ”I'm going home.”

”Emma-” Torn, he turned back to stare helplessly at Stevie.

”Go on along,” P.M. told him and half lifted Stevie to his feet. ”I'll

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