Part 194 (1/2)

the parties, on the tours? Give me some credit.”

He had believed it, because he'd needed to. She was, and had always

been, the quiet light of innocence in all the noise and madness. ”I- I'm

tired, Emma.”

”Tired? Need a lift? A little buzz to take the edge off reality? Give

me the name, Stevie. After all, I saved your life. It seems only just

that I should help you lose it.”

”I didn't ask you to save my life, G.o.dd.a.m.n you.” He lifted a hand as if

to push her away, then let it fall limply on the sheet. ”Why didn't you

leave me the h.e.l.l alone, Emma? Why didn't you just leave me alone?”

”My mistake,” she said briskly. ”But we can do our best to fix it right

up.” She leaned closer, bringing him a whiff of soft scent as her voice

and eyes hardened. ”I'll get the tucking drug for you, Stevie. I'll

get it. I'll feed it to you. I'llpush the needle in whatever vein you

might have left. h.e.l.l, maybe I'll even try it myself.”

”No!”

”Why not?” She lifted a brow as if amused. ”You said it was a good

drug. Isn't that what you said to Dad? It's a good drug. If it's good

enough for you, it's good enough for me.”

”No. G.o.dd.a.m.nit. Look what I've done to myself.” He held out his

scarred and scabbed arms.

”I see what you've done to yourself.” She threw the pad and pencil

across the room. ”I see exactly what you've done to yourself. You're

weak and pitiful and sad.”

”Miss!” A nurse came through the door. ”You'll have to-”

”Get out of here.” Emma whirled on her, fists clenched, eyes blazing.