Read Online Stage Fright (Bit Parts) by Michelle Scott - Free Book Online Page B

course, my reaction had nothing to do with a hangover.  Luquin’s acrylic-on-canvas nightmare had set off a nasty vibration in my head which had triggered another panic attack.
    The worried furrow remained between my sister’s eyes.  After all, who screams because of a hangover?  “Are you sure I shouldn’t be calling the Betty Ford Clinic?”
    I smiled tightly.  “No, I’ve definitely sworn off alcohol.”  I splashed cold water on my face and accepted the paper towel she handed me.  “But I can’t go back in there.”
    She sighed and patted my back.  “Okay, call Andrew to pick you up.  I’ll manage on my own.”
    I struggled not to cry.  “I can meet you at the church after you’re done and help unload the van.  I’ll do the dishes, too.  And you don’t have to pay me for tonight.”
    “We’ll talk about it later.  Right now, I’ve got to serve some food.”  She gave my shoulder a final pat and hurried out of the bathroom.
    I slammed my hands against the sink in frustration.  God!  Screaming, running away, hiding…  If I didn’t tap into that blocked memory, I might be doomed to this for the rest of my life.
    I closed my eyes and envisioned my audition at the Cipher.  I thought of my soaking wet dress, the chilly air conditioning, the man’s voice telling me to begin…but after that, the memories faded to black.  The next thing I recalled was waking up on the couch.  Like always, the locked door in my mind refused to budge.
    Unfortunately, trying to access the memories nearly triggered a second panic attack.  Cold sweat drenched my t-shirt, and my knees trembled.  I dug into my pocket for a tissue, but found Maggie’s pictures instead.  As I studied the balloon-shaped cats, the calming energy slowed my heart rate, and evened out my breathing.  I still couldn’t face the gallery, but at least I could leave the bathroom.
    I intended to call Andrew from the first-floor coffee house, but the sound of voices stopped me before I reached the elevator.
    “Everything’s quiet tonight.”  My heart leapt at my midnight rescuer’s deep voice.  I edged around the corner to get a glimpse of him.  He stood as large and solid as a sequoia, frowning down at the flaming figure of Hedda who was half hidden by a potted fichus.
    “Good.  Keep it that way.”  Hedda lowered her voice so much that I had to strain to hear it.  “I can’t have any interruptions during Luquin’s induction.”
    “You won’t,” he assured her.  “Not unless any of your guests get out of hand.”
    “They’ll be fine, Isaiah.”
    “Does that include Victor?”  When Hedda didn’t answer, he added, “Why would a Stuyvesant come all the way to Detroit?  You and I both know it has nothing to do with a play.”
    “Victor is my concern.”  Hedda’s voice seemed cold enough to burn the tips of my ears.  “You’re to do as you’re told and leave everything else to me.”
    Isaiah’s tone was firm but respectful.  “These rogues showed up after he did, you know.  What if he’s the one who stirred up trouble at the Cipher last spring and came back to try it again?”
    The Cipher last spring ?  My pulse quickened as I edged further out for a better look.
    “I can help you if you tell me what’s going on,” my rescuer said.
    “I don’t need your help,” Hedda said.  “Not with this.”
    Isaiah, however, didn’t back down.  “Fine.  Keep your secrets.  But if I see signs of trouble, I’m going to take action with or without your consent.  I don’t want a repeat of the Cipher.”
    “Nor do I,” Hedda agreed softly.
    It was the first time anyone had even hinted about trouble surrounding the Cipher Theater.  Even Charles believed my fainting was the result of low blood sugar.  These two knew a secret, maybe the same secret locked up behind the door in my mind.  If anyone could help me access those memories, they could.
    Before facing them, I took a moment to gather my courage.