Part 314 (2/2)

loved Darren.”

”We all loved him.” As she had more than twenty years ago, she laid a

hand on Bev's stomach. ”I already love this one. He's going to be

beautiful, and strong, and safe.”

As she finished speaking, the lights went out. The instant fear clicked

in, making her grope for Bev's hand.

”It's all right,” Bev said. ”They'll have it fixed in a minute. I'm

right here.”

”I'm okay.” She was going to beat this too, she told herself This

hideous, hateful fear of the dark. ”Maybe it's just the backstage

lights. I'll go see what's going on.”

”I'll go with you.”

”No.” She took a step toward the door. She could barely see the outline

of it. Only a shadow in the dark. A rustling noise had her jolting.

The baby was stirring, she told herself as her mouth went dry. There

were no monsters, and she wasn't afraid of the dark.

She found the k.n.o.b, but instead of relief, she was struck by a wild,

unreasonable fear. She could see herself opening it. Opening it and

looking in. The baby was crying. Dizzy, she tried to understand if it

was the baby behind her, or the one in her mind.

Instinctively she s.n.a.t.c.hed her hand away. She wasn't to open it. She

didn't want to see. Inside her head the echo of her heart pounded like

a musical rhythm. An old song-mne she couldn't forget.

Not a dream, Emma reminded herself She was wide awake. And she had

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