Page 278 of Edge of Eternity (The Century 3)

Hank looked to Dave for support. "There are some temptations a man can't resist."

Dave thought of Mickie McFee, and nodded.

Evie said angrily: "Dave's a boy. I thought you were a man, Hank."

"Now," he said, suddenly looking aggressive, "watch your mouth."

Evie was incredulous. "Watch my mouth? I've just caught you in bed with another girl, and you're telling me to watch my mouth?"

"I mean it," he said threateningly. "Don't go too far."

Dave was suddenly scared. Hank looked as if he might punch Evie. Was that what working-class Irish people did? And what was Dave supposed to do--protect his sister from her lover? Would Dave be expected to fight the greatest musical genius since Elvis Presley?

"Too far?" Evie said angrily. "I'm going too far now--right out of the fucking door. How's that?" She turned and marched away.

Dave looked at Hank. "Erm . . . about that song . . ."

Hank shook his head silently.

"Okay," said Dave. "Right." He could not think of a way to continue the conversation.

Hank held the door for him and he went out.

Evie cried in the car for five minutes, then dried her eyes. "I'll drive you home," she said.

When they got back to the West End, Dave said: "Come up to the flat. I'll make you a cup of coffee."

"Thanks," she said.

Walli was on the couch, playing the guitar. "Evie's a bit upset," Dave told him. "She broke up with Hank." He went into the kitchen and put the kettle on.

Walli said: "In English, the phrase 'a bit upset' means very unhappy. If you were only a little unhappy, say because I forgot your birthday, you would say you were 'terribly upset,' wouldn't you?"

Evie smiled. "Bless you, Walli, you're so logical."

"Creative, too," said Walli. "I'll cheer you up. Listen to this." He started to play, then he sang: "I miss ya, Alicia."

Dave came in from the kitchen to listen. Walli sang a sad ballad in D minor, with a couple of chords Dave did not recognize.

When it ended, Dave said: "It's a beautiful song. Did you hear it on the radio? Who's it by?"

"It's by me," Walli said. "I made it up."

"Wow," said Dave. "Play it again."

This time, Dave improvised a harmony.

Evie said: "You two are great. You didn't need that bastard Hank."

Dave said: "I want to sing this song to Mark Batchelor." He looked at his watch. It was half past five. He picked up the phone and called International Stars. Batchelor was still at his desk. "We have a song," Dave said. "Can we come to your office and play it to you?"

"I'd love to hear it, but I was just leaving for the day."

"Can you drop in at Henrietta Street on your way home?"

There was a hesitation, then Batchelor said: "Yes, I could, it's near my train station."

"What's your drink?"

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