Marcus stood surrounded by guests, sharp in a black suit. Sophia clung to his arm, smiling.
When he saw me, his gaze darkened, but he didn't lash out.
Sophia released him and walked over.
"Alex, you made it. Sit down—the performance is about to start." She lowered her voice and leaned close to my ear. "Look around. Everyone here thinks I'm Mrs. Abbott. And what are you? A stray dog with nowhere to go. You really think you can fight me?"
I glanced at her makeup. "How's your piano practice going? Try not to butcher your scales."
Her expression stiffened, then twisted into a sneer. "Don't worry about me. You'll see soon enough."
The emcee took the stage. "Next, please welcome the renowned pianist Ms. Sophia Pruitt, performing Liszt's 'La Campanella'!"
Applause rose.
Sophia lifted her skirt hem, climbed the stage, bowed, and sat down.
The music began.
At first it was smooth enough, but when she hit the midsection with its big leaps, she started struggling. Notes scattered. The rhythm dragged.
Someone in the audience frowned.
Sophia suddenly stopped, stood up, and took the microphone.