Part 178 (1/2)

mouth. ”I'd love to.”

SHE HMDLY HEARD THE CHEERS. Her brains barely registered the music.

When it was over, and her father, dripping sweat, came off the stage for

the last time, she knew that if a fraction of the dozens of pictures

she'd taken turned out to be worth anything, it would be a miracle.

”Christ, I'm starving.” Mopping his face and hair, he headed for the

dressing room, cheers and screams still ringing in his ears. ”What do

yotA say, Emma? Let's drag the rest of these rock relics out for a

pizza.”

”Oh, well, I'd love to but-” She hesitated, not sure why she felt

uncomfortable. ”I've got some things to do.” Quickly, she reached up to

kiss him. ”You werewonderful.”

”What did you expect?” Johnno asked as he elbowed his way down the

crowded hall. He dropped his voice to a creaky whisper. ”We're

legends.”

His red face streaming, P.M. stopped beside them. ”That Lady

Annabelle-with the hair.” He held his hands out to the side of his own

head to demonstrate.

”The one in the red suede and diamonds?” Emma offered.

”I suppose. She w.a.n.gled a spot backstage.” P.M. swiped a hand over his

brow. Though his voice was aggrieved, laughter sparkled in

his eyes. ”When I went by, she-she-” He cleared his throat, shaking his

head as if he could hardly go on. ”She tried to molest me.”

”Good G.o.d, call the law.” Johnno swung a comforting arm around his

shoulder. ”Women like that should be locked up. I know you must feel

used and dirty, dearie, but don't you worry. Come tell Uncle Johnno all