The Show Must Go On | Randy

10 | Like a Virgin

The first rehearsal back had to be a perfectly executed performance of its own. Jack and I walked together from his apartment the usual way, crossing the square conspicuously, passing through the most public areas of the Sapphire and its surrounding avenues. It was imperative that we were seen by as many people as possible, so that, if necessary, witnesses could testify we were not harbouring Andy along with us. Andy had to sneak along the roofs on his own in the early hours of the morning, avoiding the side of the building where I lived, and the Gothic Tower, meeting with Mikey in the Hippopotamus Suite. It was terrifying for me to let him go on his own, but I had to have faith that Andy was smart and lithe, and fully capable of discreetly climbing his way over the rooftops and crawling back into the building via the Hippo's gigantic gaping jaw. There, Mikey met him with a fresh set of clothes and escorted him back through the building into the auditorium.

Sonny was already waiting for us there, flanked by his two goons, Brook sitting a step behind them, positioned like a hostage being prepared for exchange. When he saw Jack and I his eyes lit up, and I could practically feel him itching to run towards us. Jack grabbed my hand at the sight of him- presumably more out of instinct than anything else as he was still cross with me- and I squeezed his hand in mine, urging him silently to be patient.

"Don't do anything stupid, Jack," I whispered. "He'll be here in a minute."

It was a long minute.

The awkwardness was partially responsible for this during the waiting period, as no greetings were exchanged between us, and the desperation between Jack and Brook was palpable.

Then, an eternity later, the doors opened again.

Mikey guided Andy into the theatre by the arm, my heart sighing in relief as soon as I saw him. He was modestly dressed, sporting a shiny crucifix around his neck, back from his little rendezvous with Christ.

"And so the little birdy flies home," the Duke snarled.

"That's right, he's here," Jack called out. "So let Brooklyn go."

"As you wish." The guards stepped aside, Brooklyn flying up the aisle and straight into Jack's arms. Jack caught him, pulling him tightly against his chest. I wasn't sure it was such a good idea for them to be showing affection so openly in front of people who were clearly willing to use that affection against us, but all the same I was glad to see them back together.

"Hello, Sonny," Andy said, his head bowed low in front of the duke. "I apologise for my disappearance."

"You had us all quite rattled, little one," Sonny said menacingly, tilting Andy's head up by the chin. I suppressed the growl in my throat as the anger boiled up within me when I saw Sonny touch Andy.

"I know," Andy replied. "I wasn't thinking, I just fled. I didn't feel I was worthy of your company until I had repented for my past."

As always, Andy's ego stroking worked a charm on the duke, who smiled poisonously. "We're all just glad you're safe." Again, I held back a scoff. As if he cared.

"Shall we proceed with the rehearsal?" Mikey suggested.

The duke nodded. "On with it," he commanded, taking a seat.

I leant over to whisper in Jack's ear as Andy made his way up to the stage. "Tell him to meet me in the rafters once this is over."

Jack looked worryingly at Brooklyn, but the timid boy gave him a small, encouraging nod.

"Okay," Jack relented.

The rehearsal began, and I took my usual seat at the piano while Andy, Jack, Brooklyn and Mikey took to the stage. During Jack and Andy's love scene, I saw Jack lean in close to Andy's ear, catching Andy's small nod after Jack whispered something to him. His eyes briefly flicked over to me, and I knew he would be in on the plan.