17.THE FIRST SOUND Black heard was a deafening pop, followed by glass shattering and a ringing in his ear. A cloud of smog coated the air and the smell of smoke swept across his face. People were screaming and coughing and running about the auditorium. Lying on the stage, Black peered in Ashley’s direction. She staggered to her feet, looking over at him. He scanned the room and, through a gap in the fog, he saw the dark-haired woman who was supposed to be Julie. She was near the top of the stairs and leaving the auditorium before she looked back at the stage. She stared into Black’s eyes, smiled, and removed her wig, exposing her long red hair.
“Johana,” Black grumbled as he looked to Ashley and pointed at Johana. “That’s her!” he shouted.
Ashley followed his gesture and raced up the sta
