Part 221 (1/2)

The money's going to research a cure for exactly what Luke died of.”

She paused, letting it sink in. ”I can go with Johnno. Representing

you,” she said quickly.

He looked up from the keys again, his eyes flat. Her heart began to

pound. It was a look she knew, and feared. ”Anxious to get away, are

you, dear?”

”No.” She forced herself to move to him, to touch a hand to his hair.

”I'd much rather you go with me.” She gritted her teeth. ”We could go

on down to the Keys afterward.”

”Dammit, Emma, you know I'm working. Typical of you to think only of

yourself.”

”Of course. I'm sorry.” She backed off in a submission that was only

partly an act. ”It's just that I'd love it if we could get away for a

few days. Just the two of us. I'll call Johnno and tell him I can't

make it.”

Drew considered a moment. The benefit was the break he needed. He

intended to dump Birdcage Walk and strike out solo. He was the star,

after all, and the rest of the group was holding him back.

He needed big exposure, and lots of interested press. If a funeral

could help him along, that was fine. In any case, he wanted nothing

more than to get rid of Emma for a day or two.

”I think you should go.”

Her heart nearly stopped. Be careful, she warned herself. Don't make a

mistake. ”Then you'll come?”

”No. But I think you can manage one day on your own. Especially if

Johnno takes care of you. Make sure to weep copiously and say all the